The Sun. — 1827-09-17 (London, England)

EXECUTION OF MARY WITTENBACK, FOR THE MURDER OF HER HUSBAND.  At an early hour this morning every spot that could command a view of the platform erected at the usual place in front of Newgate, was crowded to the greatest excess, to witness the execution of this wretched woman, who was on Friday convicted of poisoning her husband. Yesterday afternoon she took leave of her three daughters and grand-daughter, and earnestly requested them to avoid jealousy, and giving way to passion, adding, (while convulsive sobs broke from her agonised bosom) " that alone has brought your unfortunate mother to her untimely fate." She also dictated three letters which were written by a fellow-prisoner, and left in the hands of the Rev. Mr. Baker, for her daughters, with a request that he would occasionally look to the religious instruction of her infant grand-daughter. At six o'clock, this morning, she was visited by the Rev. Ordinary of Newgate, and Mr. Baker, who continued in prayer with the wretched woman, until within a few minutes of eight o'clock, when the Sheriffs having arrived, and the necessary preparations being completed, she was led into the turnkey's room (not as is customary, into the press-room), when her arms were pinioned in dead silence. She was then placed on a sort of sledge or chair, and drawn through the passages to the foot of the scaffold. No portion of the burial service was read, and the silence was only ' broken by the frequent and fervent appeals of the miserable culprit to Heaven for mercy and forgiveness, she continually exclaiming, " Lord have mercy oa me—Christ forgive me—Lord hear me, miserable wretch that I am." On arriving at the foot of the scaffold she appeared nearly bereft of life, and unable to move a limb. The perspiration poured in streams down her face, and a convulsive tremor shook every limb. She was at length assisted up the steps by Dr. Cotton and the Rev. Mr. Baker, and with the greatest difficulty was kept from falling, while the executioner performed the last duties of his office. She threw an hasty glance at the immense crowd by which she was surrounded, and then closed her eyes, which she did not re-open before the fatal cap was drawn over them. The moment she appeared on the platform a most profound silence pervaded the dense mass of anxious spectators, who exhibited an extraordinary degree of interest and curiosity. At a few minutes past eight the drop fell, and the victim of the most baneful passion that can influence the human mind almost instantly ceased to exist. In the same instant that the signal was given by the Reverend Ordinary, a temporary stand, erected at the corner of a court nearly opposite, and on which were several well-dressed females, gave way, and the most terrific screams for a moment followed the accident. Fortunately the extent of the injuries received were confined to a few bruises. The crowd assembled on this occasion was immense, and a great number of females were close to the rails which surround the platform, none of whom appeared to feel the slightest regret at the fate of the wretched woman. Several robberies were committed in the crowd, and amongst the rest a butcher, who had come to Smithfield market, was hustled and robbed of between 20/. and 30/., with which the thieves escaped.