The Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle. — 1864-11-19 (Stourbridge, West Midlands, England)

CAPPEI:£I LETTER ON MULLER'S EXECUTION.  The Rev. Louie Capps!, D D., Minister of the German Lutheran etnuch, Alie-street, Goodman's.tlelds, has sent the following letter to the Ti for publication : Your report in to - day's paper of the execution of Franz Muller is entirely correct, with the one exception that the unhappy man declared he was innocent not while, hut before, the Sacrament was being administered to him. Hum after entering his cell on the last morning I asked Muller Lain whether he was gabty of this murder. Ile denied it. I then said, Mulltr, the moments are precious: we must turn our nimbi wholly to God, I shall question on no more shout this, but my last words to you will be, 'Are you innocent l"' He 'retained silent for a minute or two, but presently exclaimed, his eyes full of tears, and clasping his arms round my neck, "Gu not forsake me stay with me to the last:' I was so struck with this that I consulted with Mr. Jonas, the Governor, whether the final question should be put in the pinioning-room or on the scaffold. We dedded for the latter.  The manner in which that crime was committed will never be known. My own firm cuiviction, derived from the closest personal intercourse with the prisoner, is that murder was not premeditated , but that Muller, in want of money, and yielding to a sudden temptation, attacked his victim for the sake of robbery, and finished, in the despair of the moment, by killing him either with his own hands, or by causing his fall from the railway carriage. I recollect particularly on one occasion, when I represented to him the crime as likely to have taken place in that way. he answered not, but gazed at Inc intently, and imprworeoi me at the time with the belief of the correctness of ray supposition. I have generally observed that Muller was most earnest in protesting his innocenee when d.rectly charged with murder. Statements such as never having been in a North London Railway train he made only in answer to pointed gnestions, and, it seems, In order not to contradict previous similar assertions.  Ilia manor, simple, gentle, and apparently open and truthful—was such as etnily to deceive even experienced observer., ahil the wonderful self possession of this most remarkable ciniracter was never more strikingly manifested than by bin fencing with word., the rope round hi. neck &TA the white cup over hin lace, when about to confess his guilt at the very last moment.  His lut two hours were all peace and prayer. He repeated what he had said before, • • lii bad died six months ago I should have been lost, but now I entirely rely en God's mercy; I have done with the world and am ready to leave It." He stated all recent events had at times appeared to him like a vision or • dream, adding that he had passed In solitude through many terrible hours since his arrest in America. He was toil of meekness and resignation, forgave freely all his enemies, requested me to write to his lather that he should dies happy and repentant man, and spoke in terms of affection and gratitude of the prison officials, particularly of the Rev. Mr. Davis and Mr. Jonas, the Governor. And I desire to confirm his sentiments towards all the rffi.ers of the prison, and cannot sufficiently express my admiration of the firtnisese, combined with touching Medium and tenderness of heart, with which Mr. Jonas fulfilled hi, moat trying functions. It Ii a blessing Indeed to have tuck officers in such& prison. In conclusion, I feel constrained respect'ully to call the attention of the proper authorities to what seems to me a cruel and crying evil in Newgate. Again and again on Monday morning In th se last solemn moment, our prayore were Interrupted by the savage yells of the multitude assembled to saltness the execution. Cruet the condemned cell. be   Placed in a position where the noise of hammering and the shouts of the mob do not reach the ears of the miserable culprit