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Northern Star (1837-1852), 17th November 1849, Edition 2 of 3, Page 7, devise of timjf / , asg. I, A N devise ^...

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      Hwmhwi 17, 1849. Thg N0rthern Star

      HwMHwi 17 , 1849 . THg N 0 RTHERN STAR

      The Bermondsey Mubder. * The C05demned S...

      THE BERMONDSEY MUBDER . * THE C 05 DEMNED SERilOS . TJ The wretched convicts ; Mannin ? " and hk wife , attest tended divine service in the chapel of Horsemongerlane lane Gaol on Sunday , for the last time , ' when the Kev Kev . W . Sloman Rowe , chaplain of the prison , pre preached an eloquent aud most impressive sermon , in t 3 in the course of which he made frequent and pointed aUc allttiions to the unhappy criminals , and exhorted the them , by all their hopes of mercy hereafter , to nnhui burden their consciences , and truth uHy confess the en < enormity of the crime for which they have been so rig righteously coademned . The usual service of the pri p rison chapel commences at nine o ' clock in the mi morning , and there was no deviation from the rale

      on this occasion . The other felon oris mers and the debtors confined in the gaol having entered the chapel and taken their respective place ? , the con demnedprisonei s were introduced in charge of the respective male and female officers appointed to attend optm them . The culprits were so placed that the one could not oberve the other ; Manning being seated on the ma ' e prisoners ' side , and his wife on the opposite side , where the female prisoners sit . The visitors gallery was exclusively confined to the visiting justices , o ? whom th ? re were several present . Mr . Keene , the governor , occupied his usual pew . Hr . Moore , the deputy governor , aud all the other officers of the pri-oo , were also in attendance . Ths convicts , on entering the chapeltook-

      iheh-, seats TOthont betraying any extraordinary emotion ; hut as the service proceeded they became much distressed , and during portions of the reverend chaplain s sermon they both wept bitterl y . The usual morning service was read by the reverend chaplain , who took occasion to de * ire the pravers of the congregation on behalf of the two convicts . The prayers having been concluded , and a hvnra sum * the rev . cbaplaiu entered the pulpit , ' and commenced his sermon , selecting as his text for illustration , the second verse of the 65 th Pwdm : — " O thon that hearest prayer , unto Thee shall all flesh come . " The rev . eentleman opened his discourse hy remarking that if all his hearers knew how short a period existed between them and eternity they would each

      feel the necessity of so living as to be able to assist each other , and thus entertaining a well-grounded hope of assistance hereafter , through tbe heavenl y and divine grace which the blessed ' Redeemer had graciously tarown in tbe way and placed at the disposal of all who chose to . embrace it . How . much more forcibly did this apply to their unhappy brother and sister ,, whose days were numbered , and who had but a few hours to live . He implored them well to consider this , and so to conform themselves that they might hope to he assisted and - strengthened to meet their approaching end ; and above all , he beseeched them to banish every thought of this world , and confine them selves tothe consideration of that which would so

      shortly open upon them . The reverend preacher then proceeded to dilate npon the importance of repentance to all sinners , after which he addressed the two convicts especially , expressing an earnest hope that they would , both by contrite repentance and an undisguised confession of their sins , prefer the only claim they could have to be forgiven the : r transgresaons , and made fit partakers of that heavenly place where none bat truly repentsnt sinners could enter , the reverend gentleman then proceeded , in a very impressive manner , to point out the resessity of an energetic repentance , in which the whole heart should be laid bare—contrasting ; this , the only proper course for the Christian , with that adopted by

      hypocrites and dissemblers , whose punishment hereafter would be everlasting misery . The reverend gentleman , after farther illustrating the text in a general manner , again addressed the convicts , asroring them that their hope of salvation depended solely npon their repentance , and beseeching them to embrace tbe opportunity without delay of faying their hearts open before God , who then invited them , and not to lose one moment of the short period allotted to them for existence in this world . The reverend preacher concluded an eloquent discourse in " these words , "God be merciful to yon both , and to all of as shiners , teach re to look to Jesus , the sinnsr ' s friend , a-sthsonly true somce of absolation for our transgressioEs . "

      The two convicts , as before stated , were deeply affected during the delivery «> f thesermon , and occasionally when the rev . preacher addressed them per sonally , they gave utterance to the intensity of- their sufferings fey sobbing audibly . Even after their removal from the chapel they remained exceedingly depressed , and hopes are entertained that the rev . chaplain ' s forcible address * vill not be without its effect on tie consciences of both the criminals . We should mention also , that not-only the two convicts , bnt also the other prisoners , and the magistrates present wfre verv much affected bv tbe sermon .

      ATEEMPran suicide or ans . maxwixg . Mrs . Manning attempted suicide on Sunday morning by forcing her nails into her throat . Her convulsions startled the watchers , who hastened to her bedside , and found her almost black in the - face . On finding- the wntchers by her side , she -seemed to rally , and put her head under the clothes .

      siaxxixo s last apt-em . to his wife . The reverend chaplain ofthe gaol visited Masming at an-early hour on tbe morning of Friday week for the purpose of offering thewretched man all the consolation in his power . Manning received the reverend gentleman ' s exhortations in a very becoming manner , and during the interview added much to ihe statement he had before made to Mr . Howe on Ihe subject of the murder . This stateraen t covers twenty-five pages of foolscap paper . Ttaring the convict's interview with the chaplain he again urged the reverend gentleisan to use his utUrOSS-cn deavnurs to induce his -wffe to see him , which Mr . Rowe promised to do . At a later hour he addressed the following letter to the chaplain , reiterating his

      request -on this subject : — Friday Evenfcg . JIv raafi Sat , —Feelinir an earnest desire to be * t peace with all men . and with niy wife in particular , before ^ the close of oar ¦ ear thlv course , whichis so rapidly approaeJimgv may Ias 3 cSt « f « ia as an act of loudness , to learn Jnanaier Whetherininlerrieiv may not -take place , as it is-truly awful to coatemnlale the wickedness of any one who shM enter tlie presence—the awful presence—of God wifiwut l ^ nsat pease-with an men . As « ach interrieiv would , I think , 1 *> cafcslateil to bring pease and comfort to us oath in the nest wcrld , do . in the name « f God , let me imploreof tou to ask her to grant tills last request for the sake of ber pocr souL Sr , if yon could venture to do this forme I hope yon « iH promote it _ dear Sir obedien

      I remain , my , yours tly . FnEnEMCK George JIasxbg . The Bev . w " . S . Kowe , Chaplain . This letter was handed to the female convict <» a Tridav night ; but it had no effect , as she persists in he * refusal to ffranfc her husband an interview unless he first commits himself to the version of the circumstances set forth in her reply to a previous ° Mr Binns had an interview with Manning on Saturda y morning , and communicated the result of his endeavours to obtain a commutation of the capital sentence on Ms behalf . Manning bad entertained » reat hopes of Lis success , and -when he learnt that all the means which had been tried had failed he anneared greatly dispirited . maxsixgVwst ixtebview with his otothhu At four o ' clock on Saturday afternoon last the briefs brother , Edmund Manning , had an

      interview to take his final leave of the wrctcnea roan . He was introduced to the condemned ced by the clap lain and Mr . Keane , the governor . OooIbot ^ it-rhis brother enter tbeconvict arose andadvancmg twardshim , said , " Howdo you do , fdmund ? I an "lad to see you . " In reply to h is brother Mn-Srles , he said that he felt perfectly happy *»* KdiHMl to his fate . He added that he slept well , aodms notst all disturbed during the night , m iHoofof which he appealed to ihe turnkeys in atiendanee upon him . Be asked his brother if he had -mm Mr . Binns , and whether he was aware ofthe SvoukiMc result which had attendedtheapp hea-AMwimde in his favour to the Home Secretary . Sefto Is wife , soliciting an interns * , tat he S she was as hardened as ever , and . wouldI not * £ ? £ Keferringtothe . subieet ofthe murder , i

      Spurednceda pencil sketch ot tne nac * >« u , 10 es P ""* . ;" . t jsfY lam that he was notaparti-^ Tthe aS 3 y murder . After some other ^ JLiin on Serai matters he requested his S ^ o rive h ? s loveand last Wessingto his rek-^ JSfv the sister who visited him on Tuesf ^ Scr whoin he mqnired most particularly . 8 ? -S 2 ideated his respects to his former master , 5 i ? Lv % a coach builder , of Taunton , and re-^ J 2 K wSert thanks should beg iven to that qU ^ fJS for all bis kindness to him when a boy a ? S ^ £ S ^ tto I « T ^ M ^ hig « querted M ' « l ^ o ^ fi & upa praver before they parted , S rJZSS h » tlm ™ did in a very impres-• , L raH present kneeling and joiningin this sive nv . uiuei ,. aapi ^ « i- = j ^ concluded act rf ^^ Sf JSESw 3 K be should come the prater , hb bwtg ^ J hfi th ht ? " hS of no uS for h im to do so ; in fact he ! t would be « n 0 "" £ , . t The final separation 3 ? S ?? f . » » £ ssaW BSKauff- * rahettcr world

      . „ 4 rc « TV . VARIA MAVMSG ' S APFEAL TO HER MAJESTT . . On Monfovt the 5 th instant , the female . convict v ? wnn a memorial to the Queen , imploring her K £ to save her to the sraffold , and reiterated ^^^ SSof O'Connor ' s death . Thismemorial f mB Sta a letter addressed to the Duchess of ^ Sftff fo wlicbhergrace wasasked to lay it ntherlancl , w ^^ duly ^ f lt ^ t LtS ' g unpaid it was rejected on presenppears , bnt being ^ on gund Jfc ation at StafordI Boa ^ , ^^ ^^ offi ^ rasoinmed indne coiu ^ wretched woman , 1 st- >^ 3 fw « i «« *» ^ y «> S ~

      The Bermondsey Mubder. * The C05demned S...

      ATIEUPI 8-I 0 SAVE MAXXlSC . Among the fdlfemm ' vto take steps to appeal to the Throne for mer ' cy ^ br the unfortunate man , and who at the same time , fee deeply impressed with the belief that Manning . tfas only accessory to the mtirder and is , therefore , ihiiocent of the actual crime we may mention the benevolent family of the Gurn ' eys of Lombard-street , the bankers ; Mr . Sudlow , ofthe eminent legal firm of Sudlow , Sons , and Torr , of Bedford-row ; and Mr . Sergeant Wilkins , who have been unremitting in their exertions to save , the unhappy convict . ' ^ Horsemonger-lane presented the appearancetof a fair on Sunday , and the housekeepers in the neighbourhood , netted a large sum by letting seats , business in this particular not being suspended on the Sabbath .

      On Saturday afternoon , Mr . Rowe , the chaplain of Horsemonger-lanc Gaol , waited upon Mr . Seeker at the Southwark Police-court , and informed him oi the disgusting state of Horsemonger-lane , especially that partfacin » the gaol . He stated to the magistrate that nearl y all the inhabitants in that locality had raised a number of slender scaffold poles in front of their houses , to which they tied side pieces , and placed planks over them for the purpose of accommodating persons to witness the " awful spectacle on Tuesday morning . He was certain , from the manner in which these platforms were erected , that some serious accident would occur , unless tbe magistrate at that court interfered . So great was the curiosity of the public that many persons had paid as much as a guinea to witness the execution ; and other places were publicly let

      so low as half-a-crown . In fact , the state of Horsemonger-lane was of so disgusting a nature that he hoped the magistrate would exercise his * authority and order tne stands to be pulled down—Mr . Seeker asked the rev . gentleman whether thestands wore erected on public property ?—Mr . Rowe replied in the negative . r-Mr . Seeker said that if such was the case he could not interfere . He was , however , sorry to hear that people should act in such a disgusting manner . He hoped the people would have more regard for their morals , and not patronise such people . —Mr . Rowe inquired that if accidents of a fatal nature occurred in any of those places , - would not the owners be liable , to bo indicted for manslaughter ?—Mr . Seeker replied that he had no doubt but they would . He , however , hoped the public would not endanger their lives to witness the execution of their fellow ^ creatures .

      APWJCATIOJJ FOR MASXIXO ' S rlSTOL , ; Daring the afternoon of Saturday , Mr . Adams , the pawnbroker of Bermondsey , attended at tbe Southwark police court , to demand from Mr . Seeker , the pistol used by Mrs . Manniagin shooting O'Connor . —Mr . Seeker told the applicant that the pistols were pledged at his shop after one of . them had heen USod to commit murder . ; consequently they became the property of the Crown . In fact all property , belonging to convicts is forfeited to the Crown . —Mr . Adams : But not before conviction . I advanced money upon them in a fair way , not knowing that one of them bad been used to commit murder ; consequently I ought to have them returned to me . —Mr . Seeker : I really cannot

      assist yon . Ihe property is iu the hands " of the Government , and if you particularly wish the pistols , I should advise you to apply to the Treasury . —Mr . Adams : . There is no proof that either of them were used by the . murderers . —Mr . Seeker : The male convict has confessed that they were the actual pistols , and that he pledged them at your shop on the 14 th of August . It has also been proved where they were purchased , therefore it is quite clear that the Crown has a right to detain them . —Mr . Adams . - . I shall take your advice , then , and apply to the Treasury immediately . Monday . — The vicinity of Horsemonger-lane prison , and all the streets in the neighbourhood , presented aver ? extraOTduaryscene . A . tan early hour

      in tbe morning crowds of spectators ' , from all parts ofthe metropolis , began to assemble in the locality , and before noon upwards of 10 , 000 persons had con gregated in front ofand near to the gaol . The morbid curiosity , which had attracted them found little , however , wherewith to gratify itself until after twelve o ' clock , when the black timbers forming the dismal apparatus of death became visible on the summit of the prison roof . —A number of workmen were employed at an early hoar in erecting strong barricades along the front of the prison , leaving a . space of about twelve feet , to lie kept clear for the . officers on duty . Barricades were also thrown up at _ short intervals across tbe main thoroughfare , and in several of the streets leading thereto , in order to lessen the pressnre ofthe crowd , and prevent the occurrence of accidents . —The sale and hire of seats was carried on

      with great activity hy the occupants ofthe houses in Winter-terrace , a row of small tenements facin ? the ffaoh 'I he prices rose as the demand increased , and daring the afternoon large premiums were offered for places in favourable situations overlooking the gallows Mr . € feaawick is the owner ef this property , andthroush his agent be has informed the tenantry tbnthewUnot allow anyscaftbHingnr seats to be thrown upon the roofs of the houses . The prospect of present gaims , however , appears to have-destroyed ah fear of future consequences among Mr . Chadwick' s tenants , and there is scarcely a house in tbe row against-which a ladder has not been placedto afford the means of access to parties < who may wish to occupy places on the roof . The systematic ^ and business-like manner in which the whole affair is carried out hy these Winter-ten ace householders is m ost repulsive to all good feeling .

      Mr . A . Beckett , the sitting magistrate at the Sonthwark Police Court , was engaged nearly the whole of the day in hearing complaints from the parish authorities respecting the stages erected in front of norsemonger-lane gaol , « nd the great nuisance they <» nsed to the inhabitants . Theelerk to the commissieners of pavements fer the Borough and Dover-rond districts was in attendance , with the respective surveyors . —The worthy magistrate , after consulting the several acts of parliament supposed to confer the power of procuring an abatement of these nni « anoes , said that , after a matore consideration , he was of cpinion that the New Building Act could hi put in force He should , therefore , recommend the authorities to serve notices on the owners

      of those buildings , and inform them that unless they immediately pulled them down they would be fined £ 200 . He tuoagbt the parties would soon clear the ground of such disgusting places . —Tlie surveyors , assisted by Mr . Saperintendent Hayaes , left the court with a number ol officers ; and in a short time all the staces were rased to the ground . A meeting of tlie visiting justices was held at the ga < d at ten o ' clock on Monday , in order to make the final arrangements for the execution . Mr . . Keene , the governor ofthe gaol , ^ as present , aud explained to the magistrates Ihe steps he had taken , ah of

      which were approved . The erection of the scaffold was ordered to be eommeiiceJ at once , and all the necessary preparations were directed to be completed before nig htfall . At tbe meeting it was resolved to apply for a very large additional force of police , several of the justices expressing an opinion that from the excitement at that time prevailing out-Side the walls of the prison , unless a very strong body of officers were in attendance , great mischief , and probably some loss of life , would take place . Mr . Superintendent Haynes ofthe M division wassent for soon sfcerwards and remained in consultation with tbe mag istrates for some time .

      The " drop" was finally completed before four o ' clock in lbe afternoon , and the noiss of its erection must have been plainly heard by the female convict , whose cell is situated almost opposite . We may add that it was found absolutely necessary to barricade the windows of her apartment iij order to prevent the possibility of her seeing the men at work—The noise of the multitude which crowded tbe vicinity of the gaol was also distinctly audible in the cell , and from a remark which she made to one ofthe turnkeys during the afternoon , it was quite evident that she was perfectly certain as to her fate . She observed that when she was brought out she would not let the mob see her face , for she would cover it over with a handkerchief . -The reverend chaplain had several

      interviews with the convicts . Manning is stated to be perfectly resigned to his fate , and he say ' s his only regret is that his wife should be so hardened . The female culp rit , on the contrary , is greatly excited at her impending doom . —On Sunday evening she retired to bed early , and did not rise nntillateonthe followicg morning , but she slept for a short time only . She expressed great indignation at having several women watching over her bed all night , and said thev should not do so again , for on tbe next night ( her last ) she would not go to bed at ail . It was hoped that the impressive address delivered by the chaplain on Sunday would have brought her to something like penitence , especially as daring- its delivery she exhibited an appearance cf contrition ; but within an hour after she left the chapel she resumed her former ah of indifference . In tbe afternoon the rev . chap lain had an interview with her , but she declined his spiritual assistance , and as obstinately refused to

      have any interview with ber miserable husband . She continued 10 manifest tbe same hitler feeling tonards him , but inquired how he was and how he looked ; and on being told that he was greatly emaciated and cast down , she jocosely remarked that she supposed his " fat old jowl" wasthinner . _ Up to Monday she was not cognisant of the confession he had made to t ' ne cbiplain . ^ he has often alluded to the railway robberies , with which he is supposed to have been connected , and has declared that she was the means of saving him from transportation , at the same time expressing her regreat that she did so , for she insists that if he had been sent out ofthe country at the time she would now be a happy woman , enjoying her liberty instead of a prisoner in gaol under sentence of death . She refuses all spiritual consolation , but has written several letters which she desires shall be forwarded to her friends . It has been ascertained beyond a doubt that tbe wretched woman made an attempt on her life in the early part of Sunday

      morning . At eight o ' clock on Monday evening the neighbour hood ofthe prison was densely crowded by parties whoiad evidently taken up their positWU for the n- ' gbt , to await the dreadful exhibition .

      The Bermondsey Mubder. * The C05demned S...

      DISCOVERY OF THE MISSING CrtOWBAU . A crowbar has been found , and there is very little doubt , from the appearances , that it was the instrument by which O'Connor ' s death was finally effected . Manning ' s statement that it would be lound at a railway station turns out to be perfectl y correct , for the instrument was discovered on Monday at the Lewes station , . on the Brighton Railway , where a parcel had been lying for some considerable time addressed " Mrs . Smith , Lewes , " and hid been put aside amongst other things which were expected to ; be called for . The parcel was carefully wrapped in . brown paper , and when opened it proved to contain a - . crowbar , with human hair and ' spots of blood plainly discernable upon it . Mr . Weatherhead , a clerk en the Bricht'in Railway , lelt Brighton on Monday with the crowbar in his possession , which he deposited "with the authorities in London

      THE EXECUTION . The last scone of this horrible tragedy , which , during the past three months , has occasioned so much painful excitement in the public mind , closed on Tuesday , with the ignominious death on the scaffold of Frederick George Manning , and Maria , his wife ; two pulprits whose atrocities may truly be described to have been rarely , if ever equalled in the criminal annals of Great Britain . The vicinity of the gaol presented a SCCPO of great uproar and confusion throughout the whole of Monday night . The mob , which was chiefly composed of parties of the lowest class , bore with some degree of patience and good humour the first few hours before midnight , and beyond ah occasional outburst of laughter at some casualty among the crowd , there ivas little calculated to disgust tbe observer .

      Occasionally the roar of voices which always accompanies the assemblage of large numbers of people , swelled into a chorus to the burden of some vulvar doggerel-a sort of " gallows Marseillaise "—which the depraved multitude caught up rith avidity ; but there were exceptions to the rule , and the behaviour ofthe crowd altogether was rather move decorous than is usual on similar occasions . The same remark , we regret to add , will not apply to the more favoured sightseers whose purses had enabled them to secure places in the adjoining houses , In many of these habitations the boisterous mirth of revelry , was heard throughout the night , and large parties—including men whose position in society might have induced them to avoid appcarine : in such a character , were constantly observed parading the gardens in front of Winter-terrace .

      . As the day dawned , the dark timbers of the scaffold , which had been partly hidden during the night , loomed drearily , over the prison walls , a bright starry sky forming the back-ground . As the morning advanced the crowd increased in an alarming degree , and hut for tbe excellent arrangement ' s of the police several dreadful accidents must have occurred . Passing from the exterior of the prison we now proceed to record the incidents attending the last moments ofthe wretched culprits within its walls . The reverend chaplain , who has been unremitting in his endeavours to bring tho convicts to a due sense of their awful position , visited tbe female prisoner at eight O ' ClOCk OH . Monday night , and

      remained closeted with her for more than two hours . During this long period Mr . Rowe impressed upon the wretched woman the importance of making her peace with God , and as the only means of doing this effectually he urged upon her ' the necessity of relieving her conscience of any guilt that might affect it . The convict received the reverend gentleman ' s . exhortations in a becoming manner , but instead of making any admission of her guilt , she repeated a statement so utterly inconsistent with any reasonable hypothesis , that Mr . Rowe found it quite impossible to attach any credence to what she said . The gist ofthe statement was , that the murder had been committed by a young manjrom Guernsey , whom her husband knew , and that she herself was

      wholly ignorant of the circumstances . She gave no description of the individual she referred to , nor did she attempt to account for her possession of O * Conner ' s keys and property after his death . It must be manifest , therefore , that no credibility could attach to her statement , and Mr . Rowe left her for the night without having effectedany favourable change in her conduct . ' Before taking leave the chaplain again mentioned the desire o her husband to have an interview with her , and Manning ' s great anxiety to know that she bore him ho ill-will . She replied , that she thoroughly forgave him for all that he had done , but that she must decline to see him unless he relieved her from the charges he had made against her . After the chaplain had left she

      undressed herself and retired to bed , but - slept very little , rising up occasionally and exhibiting great uneasiness . After leaving the female culprit , Mr . Rowe proceeded to Manning ' s cell for the purpose of offering him spiritual consolation . Manning , in reply , to the chaplain , expressed himself quite resigned , but at the same time said he had a great desire to know whether his wife had confessed . Mr . Rowe , not feeling it his duty to satisfy him on this point , Manning became very petulant , and complained of the reserve exhibited towards him in this matter . The chaplain very kindly pointed out to him that , whatever his companion in guilt might have said , could not concern him in his position , that he had only One ail important duty to perforin , " and that was to make his peace with God . After passing nearly two hours with the convict , Mr . Rowe retired for the night , Manning : remarking as he left

      the ceh ^ that he hoped to see him at five . o ' clock in the mornin * --li . The . wretched man exhibited great uneasiness after the cl ' ap 1 ain 'hadieft ; "anicould neither be prevailed upon to retire to rest , or to sit down and read . After some time , he did attempt to do the latter , and opening the Bible , read aloud a portion ofthe olst Psalm , which ho said he considered very applicable to his case . He still manifested great disinclination to go to bed , and taking up a pen , wrote several little memorials for presentation to the officers of the prison , in acknowledgement of their kindness to him since his incarceration . One of these , addressed to Mr . Moore , the chief Officer of the prison , ran thus : — ¦ " Frederick George Manning , born at Taunton , iu the county of Somersetshire , in the year 1821 , April 16 . Died at Horsemonger-lane prison , on Tuesday , 2 Tov . 13 , 1849 . May the lord have mercy on his poor soul , amen . With Frederick George Manning ' s compliments to Mr , Moore .

      To Mr . Taylor , one of the turnkeys of the prison , who has been very constantly iu attendance upon him , the convict presented a small Bible , on which he inscribed his name and the date of its presentation ; and to Mr . Maynard , another of the officers , he gave a memento in his handwriting as follows : — "Frederick George Manning died at Horsemonger-lane prison on Tuesday , November 13 , I 8 i 9 . I have now only three hours more to live in this world . " Tbe wretched man threw himself down on the bed two or three times , but would not undress , and his attendants state that they believe he did not close his eyes during the night . He made frequent inquiries as io the decree of bodily suffoiing

      occasioned by the death he was doomed to die , and appeared to dread it very much . At seven o clock the visiting magistrates , Sir T . Xewby Reeve , Knt ., Mr . T . Puckle , Mr . Frcshficld , Mi * . Ledger , and Mr . Francis , with Mr . Abbott , the under-sheriff , arrived at the prison ( which they entered by the Sessions House ) , for the purpose of attending to their official duties . The reverend chaplain was early in his attendance upon the male convict , visiting his cell at half-past six o ' clock . Manning appeared pleased to sec Mr . Howe , and remarked , in reference to what had passed on the previous night , that he feared he had been very petulant , but he hoped the chaplain would forgive him , and make some allowance for the situation in which

      he was placed . Mr . Rowe assured the wretched man that he freely forgave him , and regretted that the sacred and awful duty he had to perform rendered it necessary that he should be firm as well as kind in his monitions and instructions . After joining in prayer the chaplain left Manning to visit the female prisoner , the male convict meantime eating sparingly of breakfast , consisting of tea and bread and butter , and subsequently taking walking exercise in the yard . While doing this he for the first time heard the distant roar of tho populace assembled outside the walls . He made no remark to his attendants on the subject , but appeared faint , and very soon , at his own request , retired into the chanel . where he sat down until the period

      arrived for him to receive the sacrament . The rev . chaplain , on entering the female convict ' s cell , found her in a very depressed state , arising from the irregular rest she had had during the night . His first act was to importune her solemnly , as she was now so soon to appear before a God , when no falsehood could avail her , and when the opinions of mankind would ho no longer of any importance , that if she had any tiling to say or to unsay , or any request to make , that she would at once do so . She replied that she had nothing to add to her former statements , the truth of which she asseverated , but she had one reqnc & t to make , namely , that the chaplain would write a letter to two noble ladies , whose names she mentioned , conveying to them her earnest and heartfelt thanks for their kind consideration and exertions on her

      behalf , though , unhappily , they had not .-ivailed her . The chaplain promised to accede to her wishes , and having offered up a prayer , left the cell , while the convict partook of breakfast . At half-past seven o ' clock , the prison officials appeared on the roof of the gaol and tested the security ofthe scaffold by letting the drop fall two 01 ' three times , a proceeding which appeared to excite great interest among the mob . Having assured themselves of its completeness , the officers retired . The interval between this period and the appearance ofthe culprits on the roof of the prison was one of continued uproar and excitement , the crowd at soiile points being so dense that parties fell down in afaihting state , and were only rescued by the extraordinary exertions of the police . - Manning , while in the chapel , expressed to the turnkeys in attendance a very strong desire to see

      The Bermondsey Mubder. * The C05demned S...

      his wife , and at twenty minutes past eight o clock , bya previous arrangement , the wretched woman was introduced and took her seat on the same bench with her husband , one male and one female turnkey being seated between them . While in this position , and before the reveren d chaplain had entered , the first friendly recognition between the convicts took place . Manning , apparently unable to control his teelmgs longer , leaned forward towards his wife , and , in the most imploring accent Said , "Ihope you are not going to depart this life with feelings of animosity towards me ? " Tho appeal was too much for his guilty partner ; and , leaning towards him , she said , "I have no animosity towards you . " He said , "Will you not kiss methen V The

      , female convict said , " y es ; " and , both parties having arisen , they shook hands , and kissed each other several times . The reverend chaplain here entered in his robes , and having taken Ms plaucat thealtiiv , he administered the-snera ' ment to both the convicts . This sacred rite occupied nearly half au hour , and at its close tlie wretched pair were permitted to meet again . Manning embraced his witc with great fervour , and said , " God bless you ! I hope we shall meet in Heaven . " His wife returned his embrace , and sobbed . audibl y . As the prison bell had now pealed forth its solemn tones for some minutes , Mr . Keene , the governor ofthe prison , was under the painful necessit y of reminding Manning that the

      time naa amvea . Having taken a parting embrace the male prisoner was conducted to an adjoining room , in order to undergo the process of pinioning . On entering he observed two or three persons in the apartment , upon which he inquired of the turnkev who was the hangman . Calcraft at once stepped forward , and Manning resigned himself into his hands . While undergoing the dreadful process . Manning asked Calcraft if he should suffer much pain ? Calcraft said if he would keep himself still he would suffer no pain at all , an assurance which appeared to give the culprit considerable satisfaction . The convict was now conducted to the chapel yard , where he awaited the arrival of bis wife .

      The female prisoner had retired when Manning left , and was conducted to a room on the opposite side ofthe chapel , where it was arranged she should undergo the process of pinioning . When Calcraft entered this room , and her eye first rested upon him , the wretched woman nearly fainted , and it was found necessary to administer some brandy to her . On recovering herself she took out of her pocket a small black silk handkerchief , which she requested mi ht'bc placed over her eyes before she left the room . " Mr . Harris , the surgeon ofthe prison , who was in attendance , took thehandkerchief from her , and bound it carefully over her eyes , after which , at her request , he threw over her head a black lace veil , which was tied tightly under her chin .

      Calcraft then approached and performed his painful office , which the wretched woman bore with great fortitude . The hangman suggested that the convict should wear a cloak over her shoulders , in order to hide the ropes with which her arms were pinioned , but she objected strongly to do this , and , at her earnest entreaty , it was dispensed with . At this awfnl juncture , the scene was so affecting that one of the female turnkeys wept audibly , upon which the convict remarked , with great coolness , " Do not cry , but pray for me ! " Everything being in readiness , the unhappy woman was led out into the chapel-yard , where her husband had awaited her . The procession now moved towards the scaffold , headed by Mr . Keene , the governor of

      the prison , Mr . Moore , the chief officer , and Mr . Garland , the high-constable of the district . The chaplain walked immediately in advance of Manning , who was supported by Taylor and Hallett , two of the turnkeys ; and about two paces behind him came the female convict , supported on ono side by Mr . Harris , the surgeon , and upon the other by Mr . Wheatley , an officer of the gaol . The wretched creature ' s strength somewhat failed her as she walked along the passages of the prison , and Mr . Harris was more than once compelled to support her . She walked with some hesitation from being blindfolded , and more than once requested Air . Harris to be careful that she did not come in contact with anything . She complained also during her

      progress to the scaffold that the cords with which her hands were tied , hurt her wrists . In the progress ofthe wretched pair through tho chapel corridor they passed over the spot where only twelve hours after there bodies lay mouldering in a coating of lime—an awful instance of retributivejusticefor the crimo of which : tlicy had been 80 righteously convicted . Tlie . ascent of the narrow staircase to the roof of . the prison was a dreadful undertaking , but it was accomplished with far less difficulty than was anticip ated . . On reaehingtho top of the staircaise , a momentary delay took place while Calcraft removed Manning ' s ncck-hiindkerchicf—tho next instant the pale face and emaciated figure of tho miserable man . were observed by the crowd , from

      whom , though there could not have been less than 50 , 000 spectators , within view of tlie prison , not a murmur arose . The culprit was assisted on to the scaffold aiid placed immediately under- the fatal beam by the- turnkeys , > Calcraft ; then advanced , and pulling the . nightcitp over his . facc , ; ad ) usted the rope round the neck ofthe convict , and secured the other ' end totho . beam . "While thus engaged the female culprit was brought upon tho scaffold . Her appearance ,.. contrary to . expectation , excited no outburst of feeling ; and , in truth , they must have adamontiue hearts who could have witnessed unmoved the , dreadful scene presented at this moment . Manning ; whose head was enveloped in a nightcap , finding that his wife was also on the scaffold , leant over as far as the rope would allow , and whispering : 1 sometbing ^ to her ,, held out his pinioned hands to bid her a last farewell . 'Oheof the turnkeys brought them into contact with those

      ot the wretched woman , and the dying pair took leave for the last time . ; Calcraft having now completed his attepdance . upon Manning , turned to the female . -and pulled a cap over her head , but ,: we regretted to observe , ; with considerable difficulty , in consequence of the handkerchief and veil in which it was already enveloped . The chaplain all this time , was standing on the scaffold , and reading the service for the burial ofthe dead , which he had commenced when the procession left the chapel . When Calcraft . had completed his dreadful office , Mr . Rowe leaned forward and asked the female convict if she b : \ dany thing to say . The wretched woman , then on the brink of eternity , replied firmly , " Nothing , except to thank you for all your kindness . " The next moment the drop fell heavily , and both the convicts appeared to die without a struggle—at any rate , there was far less muscular action than is usual .

      The , male convict wore a dress of plain black , similar to that in which . he appeared at the trial . Mrs . Manning was attired in a handsome black satin dress , and even the distortion consequent upon the mode of death she suffered could not . destroy thei'emarkably fine contour of her figure as it swayed to and fro by the action of the wind . After hanging an hour the bodies were taken down , and , casts having been taken of the heads , the remains of both were interred during the afternoon in the corridor leading to the chapel . The sincerity of the female convict ' s forgiveness of her wretched partner in guilt may be estimated from this fact , that at a late hour on the nig ht previous she addressed a letter to her guard / an , in which , reiterating her innocence , she says that he will have to answer to God for her blood .

      CONFESSION OP MANNING . After the execution , the chaplain of the gaol , the Rev . Mr . Rowe , read to the representatives of the press the following document , which had been prepared by Manning before his execution , and left by him for publication after his death IOn or about the 15 th of March , in this present year , I left my residence , 15 , Castle-street , Regentitteet , for Guernsey , where I remained three weeks . During my absence , my wife took possession of the house , No . 3 , Minver-place . I returned from Guernsey on or about the 5 th of April , landing at Southampton from the Despatch steam-packet .: Mr . John Coleman ,-the owner of No . 3 , Minver-place , required a reference , and my wife referred him to

      the deceased . On tbe Sunday after entering No . 3 , Minver-place , O'Connor slept there , and he promised to return on the following ni g ht with hiboxes , but did not keep his ' promise . On the fol lowing Thursday he returned , and told my wife he could not keep his promise , as he did not think that he and 1 could agree , as he said I might return home drunk and make a disturbance with him . She rep lied that he ( O'Connor ) was no man , or worthy of the name ; that this was not the first time that he had served ber in this manner ; that he was the sole cause of her taking the King John ' s Head , by which £ 100 was lost ; that he bad once before induced ber to take a house , and he mi g ht depend on it that be should abide the consequences , stating that she was the same as her o * n pocr father , who despised a man on whom he could not depend , and that she herself would as soon see the devil as a man

      upon whom she could not rely . Shortly after the three wesks from the 31 st of March , my wife made a chum upon O Connor for the payment of what she c msidered due now him fur three wseks' lodgings , and summoned him to the County Court for the same . The day previous to the time for appearing to the summons , O'Connor paid to my wife 30 s- for the three weeks , in my presence , and apologised for not taking the hd gi » gS | and trusted that we shou d not be bad friends in consequence . I replied that it was a matter of indifference , as the object of his lodging there was of little moment ; I then said I had been informed that he had spoken disrespectfully of me , and that if I could be certified of it I would bring an action for defamation . He almost shed tears , and said he had always spoken of me in the highest terras , and shook hands with me . He begged of me to take a glass of porter and saiokeapipe . I then said , O'Connor , I owe youi

      The Bermondsey Mubder. * The C05demned S...

      not the slightest animosity , I never did . He frequentl y asked who told me he had spoken dtstes * pectfull y of me , but to this question I gave no reply ; it was , however , my wife * 'ho had said it to me , but begged me not to name it to O'Connor that such had been the case . O'Connor left , and we parted good friends . When he left , my wife said , 1 That old villain bas been the cause of my losing much money , and I am determined to have my revenge ; I will shoot him , if 1 am hanged for it . " I then expo & tukted . with her on tbe impropriety of her conduct . She said there was no more harm shooting him than a dog—that he was a perfect brute . I said , " In the name of God , banish such

      thoughts from your mind . " The answer was , " 1 will now inform you of the plan I shall adopt . I shall frequentl y ask blra here to dinner , and go to his house to ascertain the amount of money be has , and also tbe railway shares—that she was quite certain he had foreign bonds to the amount of £ 6 , 000 , and that she could dispose of them , as there was no name . " O'Connor came frequently to dinner , and she went to the house about twice a week , and she found O'Connor on one occasion quite drunki behaving taken brandy at the docks as a remedy for cholera ; she said he went into his bed-room , and brought out all his script and bonds , and showed them to her , solemnly declaring to her that he had

      made a will , leaving to her £ 1 , 300 , and that it was so left that I should not have anything to do with it after his death . She said what the old villain had said to her was a great lie , as she believed 1 ) 6 would never leave her a shilling ; that she was contented , having seen the amount of money be pes sessed , and now , she said , I shall begin to get things ready . At this time I was promised a situation at Messrs . Gover , the stationers , at Holbornbats , at a salary of £ 2 per week , and five per cent , on the property sold . I then said to her , banish aU thoughts from your mind with regard to O'Connor , as this is a very excellent situation , and I shall be enabled to save money . She said , you fool , you will never be able to save as much money as I shall get by murdering O'Connor , and I had better let her carry out her plans , as she was determined to have

      her revenge on that old vagabond , I insisted on going to see Mr . Gover . She said I shall now prepare his grave . 'She purchased a shovel at a shop in Tooley-street , and began next day to dig his grave , which was completed three , weeks before the murder . O'Connor had been in the kitchen three or four times before the grave was finished , and on passing over frequently made observations as to what was being done . She told him the landlord was having the drain altered , and O'Connor observed that it was a long time in action . She said there was a great deal to do , and tbe men were not constantly at it . The reason of his going to the kitchen waa to wash his bands previous to Ws taking dinner or tea in the house . On the 26 th or 27 th of July my wife got Mr . William Massey to write a letter to O'Connor , which was to the following effect : —

      Dear O'Connor , —I shall be-happy to see you to dine with me and my sister , as she has come from Derbyshire to remain a few weeks with me . She will be most happy to be introduced to you . Dinner will be ready at half-past five . Ifyou are engaged drop me a line . —I am , Mr . O'Connor , yours faithfully , Wm . Massev . 3 , Jliavef-place , New Weston-street , Bermondsey . O'Connor came on Thursday , the 26 tb , the time specified , in the note . When he came into the house he ashed for Miss Massey and the brother i my wife said they had just gone out , but that she expected them to return in time for dinner . I was sitting in the parlour , relating my intention to bring an action against two men of Taunton for

      defamation of character . During the time my wife called me out and asked me why I did not leave the room , as she wished to get him into the kitchen to cook his goose . I said I would not have anything of the kind done . While this conversation was going on O'Connor left the house . She ran after him and said , " Patrick , what made yoa leave in such a mean way ? " He said he did not like my observation about bringing an action , as he believed it was ray intentieh to entrap him in the same manner , and therefore he declined returning to the house . She urged him repeatedly to do so , but he would not . When she came back she said to me , " You coldhearted villain , you have prevented me from carrying out my plan , " and she cried bitterly . She said ,

      " You will stand for it , for it never will be found out . I am now quite certain he will never come here again . '' I then asked her what would become of her soul if she committed an act of murder ? To which she said " We have no soul ; after we are dead we are like lumps of clay , and there is no mote thought ol us , and I shall never have to suffer hereafter lor murdering that man . " The next rooming ( Friday ) she said to Massey , '' O'Connor was here last evening , and I informed him that you were out with your sister . 1 wish you would write me a note to O'Connor . " He said , " Certainly ; but you must dictate . it . ' Massey then sat down , and said , "Now , Mrs . Manning , let me know what you wish me to say , " upon which be wrote as follows : —

      DbaH O'CoKNon , —After arriving homo late last evening and bciiiR informed that you had been at my house , lam truly sorry that my sister and myself were not able to come home to dinner . We went to our uncle ' s in the afternoon , and during the time we were there he was taken dangerously ill . and niy sister was compelled to stay all night . I hope'I shall see you next week . Trusting ' you are quite well , I am ,- yours faithfully , W . Massev . 3 , Minver place . On Monday , about ten days afterwards , my wife wrote to him to come to dine . He never came until ten o ' clock that evening , as he did not receive

      the note before seven . He was accompanied by a person named Walsh , and appeared to be quit drunk * He lay upon the sofa , and appeared like in a fainting state . She got a bottle of eau de cologue and applied it to his nose , and washed his face , and implored Mr . Walsh to go straig ht home with him . We all shook hands and parted as tho best of friends . The next day , Thursday , the 0 th of August , at nine o ' clock , a . m ., ahe wrote a note to O'Connor , and took it to the post-office herself , tellin g me that there was a certainty of his getting it . The note was as follows .-

      Beau O'Connor , —I shall be happy to see you to dino with us this day , at half-past five . I trust you are quite well . Yours truly , Mabia Manning . He came at ten minutes past five , previous to which she had laid the table for five , with the dishcovers down , but nothing had betn prepared in the way of food . When he entered the house , he asked , where are Mr . and Miss Massey . My wife said , dressing for dinner . He inquired how long they had been up stairs . My wife replied " They are only just gone up ; they saw you come to the door . " At this time Massey was not in the house , nor «» as his sister in London , nor , do I believe she has ever

      seen London . My wife asked O'Connor to go down and wash his hands ; he declined , and she said "Patrick , Miss Massey is a very particular lady ; do comedown and , wash your hands" I heard him go down stairs , being at that time in my bed-room , washing . In about a minute after I heard the report of a pistol . She then came up stairs to me , and said " Thank God ! I have made him all ri ght at last . As we are on such extraordinary good terras , no one dare ever have the least suspicion of my murdering him , " I replied that ' I felt certain she would be hanged •; and she replied , »» It will not be you that will have to suffer ; it will be me . I think no more of what I have done than if I had shot the

      oat on the wail . '' She insisted upon my going down stairs . Upon my reaching the kitchen , I found O'Connor resting on the grave . He moaned ; mi , as I never liked him well , I battered in his skull with a ripping chisel . She took from his trousers pocket the keys of his cash-box , and at twenty minutes to six she put on her bonnet and mantle and proceeded to his house . I said , it will be impossible for me to stay in this house , and 1 went out and smoked my pipe on the wall , and conversed with the landlord of the next house . My wife returned from O'Connor's , letting herself in , at about twenty minutes to eight p . nv . She appeared much excited . She said I have the whole of the

      shares and bonds with me . I knocked at his door , and Miss Armes let me in . I then asked if O'Connor were in . Miss Armes siid no , he has not come from the docks yet . My wife said , 1 will go up stairs , as 1 lave come on business . After she had been up stairs about fifteen minutes , she went from the drawing room to the bed toom , and took all ihe shares she could see , and iwo gold wafehfs an ' chains . She suw ihe banker ' s book , by which n appeared there were £ 3 , 000 in the banker ' s bands , hut aa the hook was useless she left it . She atald

      at Miss Armes' about an hour ; when she returned she said she had not the foreign bond , which was worth £ 2 , 000 or a > 3 , 000 , that she would go back and get it ; she was quite sure he had it ; as she had seen it before she knew me . She went the next day again , and then « he said to Miss Armes , / ' It is very strange that O'Connor has not been home , " On the following Saturday she said to me " I want you to go to a sharebroker with these Eastern Counties shares . " I asked the use of my doing so , as I should have to commit a forgery . She said tbe man is dead , and there will be no wit-

      The Bermondsey Mubder. * The C05demned S...

      ness agaii , 8 t you . 1 said , '• It wi . l be inij . oosiule to sell these shares , as fifteen days notice of sale is required . " I , however , went to Messrs . Killick and Co ., and said I wanted to borrow £ 120 upon those shares . They asked me by whom I had been referred . I said a gentleman who had been in the habit of doing , business with thero . The party asked me my name * I replied , " Patrick O'Connor , No . 21 , Grrenwoodr street , Mile-Bnd . road . " I was told that £ 120 could not be advanced , but that I mi g ht have £ 110 ; that their rate of interest was £ 5 for six months . I said I should not want it for more than a month . They produced a document , which I signed Patrick O'Connor , 21 , Greenwood-street . They gave me a £ 100 went to the

      note and ten sovereigns . I left and Bank , had the note changed for fifty sovereigns and a £ 50 note . I returned home and gave the money to my wife . There were other shares with O'Connor ' s name . My wife said I had better take those shares , go to another broker , and turn them into money . The last named shares were six of the Leicester and Birmingham , an India bond for £ 5 and about six scrip of the Bordeaux Railway . I declinftd 10 comply she declared there was not the least danger , 88 the man was dead . I put on my bat and went out , as if going to a broker . I relumed in two hours ,, said I had been to a broker , though I had not , who would advance money on Thursday . She remarked

      that it was very strange that he would not no so then , and she had her doubts about my going there . On Monday , the 13 th , I went out ; when I returned ray wife said two persons had been there inquiring for O'Connor and myself , I said I thought they were policemen in plain c ! othes , and I further said , " As sure as you are a woman , both you and myself will be apprehended for this crime . " She said , "Don ' t tell me that ; I shall faint . " After dinner she said to me " Yon had better go to Bahibridge ' s , and pet him to take the furniture , so thn * we may gO Off bV the mail train to night for Liverpool , and take the ' packet for New York . " I went to

      Bainbridge ' s , ami alter waiting two hours I went home and knocked , but could not make any person hear . I inquired of a person opposite , and was told that my wife had left with her boxes . I then went throug h the nouse rlo , 4 , and found everything , except the furniture , taken away , and was therefore left penniless . In about half an hour I returned to Bainbridge ' s , and observed to Mis . Bainbridge , "My wife has staffed for the sea-side , and I think I shall remain with you a fortnight . " I remained there till the Wednesday morning , rose at six , and declared my intention of going into tbe country for a month or so .-1 sent Bainbridge ' s girl for a cab , and quitted the house at half-past seven . I did not g ive the

      man any order where I was to be taken to , until be had driven me a quarter of a mile do wn tlie street , I then told him to drive me to the South Western railway . I took a ticket for Southampton . I left there by the Dispatch the same night . I went to the Navy Arms Tavern Jersey . I then removed to Prospect Villa , where , after remaining five days , I was visited by Langley and others . The rest ofthe statement , which was very voluminous , detailed at great length his ptoceeauiss at Jersey until his arrest . In consequence of information givv . n to the police it appeared that the ripping chisel was left at the Dover station , to be called for , in the name of Mrs . Smith , it having been sent from Brig hton ,

      having been sent there to avoid suspicion . The confession then went on to state that on the day of the murder , about half-past nine , Mrs . Manning went down stairs into the back-kitchen , after par . taking of some bread and cheese and ale . She took a large pair of scissors with her , and cut the clothes from off the body . She lit a large fire and burnt them , an operation which was not completed until the next day . The Albert slippers which the murdered man wore were also burned . Some strong pieces of chord were then procured hy his wife , and between them they tied the legs back to the haunches , They then put lime over the body , making it wet . They were engaged

      In treading down the grave for a considerable time , and it was close upon midnight before they retired . Indeed the burial was not completed until the next morning . Rose between five and six , and comp leted it between ten and eleven , his wife remarking at the close , " It is all right ; no one will ever think of looking for him . The lime will destroy the body in afortnigbt . " A pint of vitriol which had been purchased at au oil merchant ' s opposite Bermondsey Church was poured over the body after it was buried . His wife exilaimed that she wasnow happy , as she had put away one of the greatest villains that ever lived . She said she should live twelve months in the house , put the money out to interest in railway rents , and advised him to \ ake the situation at Messrs . Grover ' s , as that , and

      residing in the house , would lull suspicion . She said , " If any one inquires after O'Connor , I wiU answer them , for I have a nerve like a horse . " She assured him that if the murder was found out he would be served the same as her . She spoke at times of tbe French revolution , and of the fine fellows who had been destroyed , and asked him , what he had to live for if he had no money , for to live in the world without money was miserable . After the murder she said , " I regret I did not read the prayers over the body . " He said , " What is the use of the murderer reading prayers o ? er a murdered body—you should ask God to forgive you . " She said , " I should not have liked to " have seen bis face after I shot him . "

      After some other ( acts , Mr . Rowe , the chaplain , said he did not feel at liberty to giv ? , the statement , for it cannot he called a confession , closed as follows : — " I do hereby solemnly dec ' . aie that the foregoing account , as written hy the Rev . W . S . Rowe the chaplain , at my dictation , is correct and true . Frederick Geouoe Manning . Condemned Cell , Horsemonger-lane Gaol , Nov . 9 , 1849 , Signed in the presence of . W . S . Rows , G . Haixett , S . Deal . LETTER Ol ? Mr . CHARLES DICKENS Off THE

      Execution. To The Eniton Op The Times. S...

      EXECUTION . TO THE EniTOn OP THE TIMES . Sir , —I was . i witness of tho execution at Horse * monger-lane on Tuesday morning . I went there with the intention of observing tho cro'vd / rathercd to behold it , and I had excellent opportunities , Of doing so at intervals all through the night , and continuously from daybreak until after tho spectacle was over . I do not address you on tho subject with any intention of discussing the abstract question of capital punishment , or any of the arguments of its opponents or advocates . I simply wish to turn this dreadful experience to some account for the general

      good , by taking the readiest and most public means of adverting to an intimation given by SirG . Grey in the last session of Parliament , that the government might be induced to give its support to a measure making the infliction of capital punishment a private solemnity -within the prison walls ( with SUCh gtMratttCOS fol * tho last sentence of law being inexorably and surely administcrea as should he satisfactory to the public at large , ) and of most earnestly beseeching Sir G . Grey , as a solemn duty which he owes to society , and a responsibility which ., he cannot for ever put away , to originate such a legislative change himself . I believe that a sight so inconceivably awful as

      the wickedness and levity of the immense crowd collected at that execution on Tuesday morning could be imagnied by no man , and could be presented in no heathen land ucdef the sun . The horrors of the gibbet and of the crime which brought the wretched murderers to it , faded in my mind before the atrocious bearing , looks and language , ofthe assembled spectators . When I came up on the scene at midnight , thosMfomofthe cries and howls that weveraisedfromtimeto timc . denoting that they came from a concourse of boys and girls already assembled in the best places , made my blood run cold . As the night went on , screeching , and yelling in strong chorus of parodies on Negro melodies .

      with substitution of 'Mrs . Manning" for "Susannah , and the like , were added to these . When the day dawned , thieves , low prostitutes , ruffians and vagabonds of every kind , flocked on tho ground , -with every variety of offensive and foul behaviour .. Fightings , faintings , whistlings , imitations of Punch , brutal jokes , tumultuous demonstrations of indecent delight when swooning women wore dragged out of the crowd by the police with theirdresses disordered , gave a now zest to the general ; entertainment . When the sun rose brightly—as it did—it gilded thousands upon thousands of

      upturned faces , so inexpressively odious in their Irutaf mirth or callousness , that a man bad cause to feel ashamed of the shape he wore , and to shrink from himself as fashioned in the image of tho Devil . When tho two miserable creatures who attracted all ' this ghastly sight about them , were turned quivering into the air , there was no more emotion , no more pity , no more thought that two immortal souls had gone to judgment , no more restraint in any of th « previous obscenities , than if the name of Christ had never been heard in this world , and there were nc belief among men but that they perished like the beasts .

      I have seen , habitually , some of the worst BOUrcefl ; of general contamination and corruption in thiscountry , and I think there are not many phases of London life that could surprise me . I am solemnly convinced that nothing that ingenuity could to be done in this city—in the same compass —could work Bueu vuia as one public execution

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  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Nov. 17, 1849, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_17111849/page/7/