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NEW YORK HERALD New York 14 July 1860 |
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NEW YORK HERALD New York 14 July 1860 |
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HIS EXECUTION AT BEDLOE'S ISLAND TEN THOUSAND PERSONS PRESENT. EXClTING SCENES AT THE GALLOWS The Bay Covered With Steamers and Boats. CONDUCT OF THE CULPRIT. HIS EXTRAORDINARY INDIFFERENCE 
Albert W. Hicks, the murderer of Captain Burr and crew of the oyster sloop E. A. Johnson, suffered the extreme penalty of the law yesterday forenoon, at Bedloe's Island, in the presence of fully ten thousand persons '"'The execution was public, so that all who approached the island in boats were afforded a full and unobstructed view of the horrid spectacle. In chronicling this last act In the oyster sloop tragedy, we think it would not be out of place to give a brief sketch of the pirate's career on board the E. A. Johnson, together with his arrest, trial and conviction befrore the United States Court in this city, as follows:
THE MURDER ON THE OYSTER SLOOP On the morning of Wednesday, March 21, the cyty was startled by the particulars of a mysterious and bloody tragedy that had evidently taken place on board the oyster sloop E. A. Johnson, which was found abandoned and dismantled in the lower bay. She was picked up about six o'clock on the morning above mentioned by the schooner Telegraph, of New London. and was subseqentiy towed to Fulton market slip by the steam tug Ceres. Here she was boarded by Captain Weed, of the Second Precinct Police, and Coroner Schirmer, who proceeded to make an examination. .The sloop had evidently come in collision with some other vessel, judging from the damaged condition of her bowsprit and cutwater. Her sails were Iying loose upon the deck, and everything denoted confusion and violence. The cabin was first examined, and the floor, ceiling, benches and furniture were fouud stained with blood, the cabin had evidently been ransacked, as upon the floor were strewn articles of clothing, papers, bedding, &c. A coffee pot, covered with blood and human hair was found in a corner near the stove. A broom, which had apparently been used in sweeping the blood from the fioor, and a hammer smeared with blood, were found in the companion way. Marks of blood wer found upon the ladder leading to the deck, and upon the lockers. A pair of pantaloons were found wrapped up in a piece of blood-stained paper. The runs were found to be filled with blood which had leaked down from the floor. All the closets, the stove, and even the cooking utensils, were smeared or stained with blood. "Marks of blood were also traceable near the berths on either side of the cabin. Search was made for the captain's money and papers, but without success, although the vessel was thoroughly examined. Upon the floor was a large quantity of blood, and near the stove it was mixed with water, as if an attempt had been made to wash it away. Marks, as if produced by the dragging of some bloody substance, were observable from the cabin door to the side of the. vessel. The rail and the side of the vessel were also smeared with blood, showing that the assassin had concluded his work by throwing his victims overboard. Amidships, on the starboard side, was found a large pool of blood, from which traces led to the vessel's side. Forward was another pool of blood, connccting with a fourth pool around the foremast. In this latter was found a lock of brown hair, which had evidently been torn from the head of one of the victims in the struggle. Upon an examination of the stern of the sloop it was discovered that the small boat usually hanging there had been lowered away. When these facts had become known, the police went earnestly to work to obtain information regarding the sloop, and soon ascertained that she had left New York on the 16th of March for Deep Creek, Va., to procure a cargo of oysters, having on board Captain Burr, a man named William Johnson, two boys named Smith and Oliver Watts, and a large sum of money. Subsequently John Burke and Andrew KeIly, two men residing at No. 129 Cedar street, stated at the Second precinct station house that Johnson, one of the crew of the sloop had arrived home the previous day with a considerable quantity of money in his possession and started East with his wife and child. Some other circumstances soon after transpired that seemed to stamp this Johnson as being the assassin. Capt. Nickerson of tne schooner John B. Mathew, stated that his vessel had been run into by the E. A. Johnson early on the morning of the 21st and that only one man who was steering appeared to be on board. This man subsequently went ashore at StatenIsland, in a small boat. Officer Nevins, upon this informatIon, believIng that Johnson was the guilty party, immediately started in pursuit of him. After considerable trouble, he finally got upon his track, and on the following Friday nightt discovered him in a house situated on tbe outskirts of Providence, R. I., where, under the name of Hicks, he had taken lodgings with his wife and ehild. The arrest was made about 2 o'clock on Saturday morning. The prisoner strenuously denied that his name was Johnson, that he had ever been on board the E. A. Johnson, but the ofIicers conveyed him to the city,where he was fully recognized by several as having belonged to the crew of the ill-fated sloop. A yawl, which was picked up off Staten Island, was identified by Mr. Selah Howell, of Islip, L.I. one of the owners of the E. A. Johnson, as belonging to the sloop. It was also ascertained that a deck hand on the seven o'clock boat from Staten Island had been accosted by a man answering the description of Johnson, and had helped him count a quantity of money which he carried in two small bags. On being conveyed to the station house, Johnson, or Hicks, as he insisted on calling himself. was fully recognized by the man Burke, who lived in the same house with him at 129 Cedar street as well as by several otbers. Notwithstanding all tbis, Hicks maintained tbe utmost coolness, and declared that he hd never been on board the SIoop, and that those who had identified him were mistaken in the person. On the foIlowing Monday, Hicks was transferred to the custody of United States Marshal Rynders and committed for examination. The trial commenced on Monday, the 18th of May, before the Hon. Judge Smalley, at the United States Circuit Court. The prosecution showed that the prisoner, Hicks, was the man who had been seen to leave the sloop on the morning when she was discovered in her dismantled condition. The watch round upon him, and which was identified as the property of Captain Burr, was oftered in evidence, as also a daguerreotype belonging to Oliver Watts, one of the crew. The trial was concluded on the fifth day and on the following day Saturday, the verdict of guilty was found by the jury. Subsequently a motion for a new trial was argued and denied; and after some further objections raised on the score of tbe Judge's authority, Hicks was sentenced to be hanged, on one of tbe Islands in tbe bay, on Friday, July 13. HIS CONFESSION. Soon after his sentence, and while confined in the Tombs; he made a confession to one of the attaches of the prison, of which the following is the substance:
CULPRIT'S CONDUCT IN PRISON. On the aftertoon of the arrival of the Great Eastern at this port, Hicks contemplaled seine desperate deed. Calling Mr.Finley (one of the keepers), to his cell door, he anxiously inquired if he had a knife about him. The keeper, who had always watched the prisoner's movements with suspicion, asked Hicks what he wanted the weapon for. Hicks replied that he wanted it to cut off a look of his hair for his wife, and seemed exceedingly desirous that the keeper would procure him as sharp a knife as possible. Finley declined furnishing the culprit the weapon, for fear he would commit soicide, or murder someone, at which Hicks showed evident signs of chagrin and disappointment. On Monday last the culprit talked quite freely with Finley; confessed to him that he had committed the murder on board the oyster sloop, and that it would surprIse the public if they only knew of half the murders he had commilted. At the same time that be admitted his guilt, he claimed that he had been unfairly tried and convicted. He denied tbe jurisdiction of the New York court in the matter, and said that Rhode lsland would have been the proper place for the trial. Ever since his conviction he hsa had little deslre to converse upon the subject of the murders, and for whole days he would remain shut up In his cell and refuse to taIk wIth the keepers or visitors. THE DAY BEFORE THE EXECUTION. High Mass was celebrated in the cell of the condemned man on Thursday morning, Father Duranquet officiating. The Sisters of Mercy were also present during the day, ad were untiring In their attentions to the culprit. About six o'clock in the evening, Mrs. Hicks took her last farewell of her husband in the presence of the keepers and the clergy. The scene, as described by those who witneseed it, was entirely devoid or interest, the parting between the culprit and his wife being quite common place, and not characterized by much feeling on elther side. It was more like parting for a few days than for life; and certainly neither Hicks nor his wife could have realized for the moment the awful solemnity of the occasion. The jailors had seen many partings at executlons, but none that compared with this in point of sadness and general lack of interest. When Mrs. Hicks had taken her leave, Father Duranquet entered tbe condemned pen and prayed with the culprit until about cleven o'clock. At that hour Mr. Finley brought, Hicks a cup of tea and some slight refreshments; after partaking of which the culprit retired for the nigbt. It was about 12 o'clock probably when the cuiprit fell into a sleep so sound that even the entrance of the keepers during the night did awake him. THE MORNING OF THE EXECUTION. About four o'clock Hicks was awakened from the deep slumber into which he had fallen by one of his keepers, and told to dress himself. On bemg asked how he passed the night, he replied that he had never slept better in all his life. He further stated that he never felt better than he did that morning, and assured hls keepers that he would keep up his spirits even to the last moment. He seemed entirely unconcerned at his fate, and manifested no signs of grief or penitence as his last moments on earth sped swiftly by. When engaged in prayer with Father Duranquet his face bore a meek and sorrowful expression, but as soon as the religious ceremonies were concluded his countenance resumed his natural expression of indifference. Abuut five o'clock Mr. Finley, who bad been very attentive to the culprit suring his incarceration at the Tombs took his leave of the prisoner and urged him to keep up his spirits to the last. Hicks shook him warmly by the hand, and thanking him for the many acts of kindness he had received at his hands bode him a last farewell. The culprit then remained closeted with his father confessor for an hour or so, and declined seeinlg any person other than his spiritual adviser. READIING OF THE DEATH WARRANT. At nine o'clock yesterday morning, Marshal Rynders, accompanied by Sheriff Kelly and other city officials, entered the cell of the culprit, Hicks was reclining on his bed at the time, and quietly arose as the officers entered the apartment. The Marshal informed the prisoner that the duty devolving upon him was very unpleasant. Hicks said he had no doubt it was, and knew the Marshal would treat him as kindly as he could under the circumstances. The Marshal then read the death warrant to the prisoner, and at its conclusion told, the condemned to prepare himself for the approaching execution. Hicks immediately proceeded to allay himself in a suit of blue cottonade, got up for the occasion. His coat was rather fancy, being ornamented with two rows of gilt navy buttons, and a couple of anchors in needlework. A white shirt, a pair of blue pants, a pair of light pmnps, and the old Kossuth hat he wore when he was arrested, completed the attire. Hicks was exceedingly cool while engaged in arraying himself in this fancy suit, and seemed as unconcerned about his approaching doom as though the idea of death had never crossed his mind. After shaking hands with Mr. Sutton, the warden of the prison, and thanking him for his kindness while under his charge, Hicks intimated his readiness to proceed on the long and dreary journey that was before him. In thus taking his leave of those in the prison with whom he had been associated for four months, he manifested no concern or feeling of any kind, and none could witness his peculiar sang froid without an ejaculation of surprise. STARTING FROM THE TOMBS. A large crowd of persons assembled outside of the prison door, on Franklin street, for the purpose of catching a glimpse of the notorious pirate as he passed into the carriage which was waiting in readiness. The culprit marched out of prison attended by Father Duranquet, Marshal Rynders, Deputy Marshal Thompson and Sheriff Kelly, and took his seat in the first carriage. The second carriage was filled with deputy sheriffs, and the third and fourth ones by the police and representatives of the press. As the culprit was passing into the carriage he shook the hands of one of tlie detectives who arrested him, and saying he freely forgave him, bade him a last adieu. In reply to this, the olficer said he was glad to see that Hicks had no ill feeling towards him, and returning the pressure of the hand, took his leave. The journey from the Tombs to the pier, at the foot of Canal Street, occupied but a few minutes. Nothing worthy of attention occurred on the route. The cortege silently but quickly along, and none in the streets knew the character of the procession until the carriages were actually on the wharf. THE SCENE ON BOARD THE RED JACKET On the arrival of the prisoner, baffIes description. A crowd of some 1,000 persons, perhaps, had assembled on board, and the most intense excitement prevailed. Gamblers, lighting men, ward politicians, 'reformed' drunkards, actors, medical men, city olficials, and bogus reporters without number, formed the great bulk of the motley crew. On the lower deck were a barroom and refreshment saloon, which did a brisk business, and contributed in no small degree to the comfort of such of the passengers as had come off without their breakfast. Besides, the day was warm, and lager beer proved an excellent and cooling beverage. At half past nine o'clock the cry of "Here he comes", referring to the arrrival of the carriage containing Hisks and the United States officials, produced great commotion on board, and a general rush was made for the gangway next the wharf. The arrival of Deputy Marshal O'Keefe with the sword, belt, cocked hat, and other paraphernalia of office, showed that Hicks was not far behind and the excitement rose to fever heat. In a moment afterwards Marshal Rynders sprang from a carriage, followed by the culprit, Deputy Marshall Thompson and Sheriff Kelly. Hicks, who was securely pinioned, was attended to the boat by two of the Roman Catholic clergy, and Mr. Isaacs, one of the Deputy Marshals. He seemed entirely unmoved by the exciting scene around him, and never quailed once beneath the stare of the thousands who greeted him as he passed over the gangway. The anxiety of the crowd to get near the prisoner as he came on board was intense, and nothing but the utmost determination on the part of the Marshal and his assistants, sucseedcd in preserving order. At last, with considerable pushing and squeezing, the officers managed to convey their prisoner to the saloon in the after part of the boat, where he was free for a time from tho gaze of the rabble. Father Duranquet was at the culprit's side, on the way from the carriage to the boat, and on entering the cabin, at once commenced to offer up a prayer. Hicks seated himself on a settee near the cabin window and burying his face in his hands, apprently became engaged in deep meditation. Having expressed a desire to be left alone with the priest for a few moments, the officers and representatives of the press retired from the apartment and proceeded to the saloon above. During all this time Hicks maintained his usual self possession. No change came over his features except on one occasion, when rising from a kneeling position after being engaged in prayer, it was observed by some of the bystanders that he looked a little fIushed. This was the first time that his face showed any sign of excitement, and it was inferred from that that he would not die so firmly after all. His features soon regained their natural expression, however, and Hicks was himself again. After remaining closeted with the clergyman for about ten minutes, the prisoner signified his desire to speak with Marshal Rynders upon the subject of the approaching execution. The Marshal was promptly in attendance, when the culprit informed him that It was his intentlon not to make any remarks when he arrived at the scaffold. He did not wish, he said, to talk to anyone or to be talked to by the priest, the Marshal or anybody else. He hoped, he said, the executicn would be conducted with as much despatch as possible, and that everything would pass off quietly and silently. The Marshal assured him that his wishes would be gratified and that nothing would be left undone to ease the mind or the prisoner in his last moments. THE TRIP TO BEDLOE'S ISLAND Was not attended by any very important incidents. The Red Jacket, which had taken the place of the United States (the steamboat originally chartered for the occasion) , started for the island about a quarter-past ten o'clock. As the boat passed down the North river the passengers were afforded an excellent view of the Great Eastern, and so great was the curiosity of those on board to see the "big ship" that for the moment Hicks was forgetten, and the crowd imagined themselves on some pleasure excursion. Indeed, most of those who were on board looked upon the affair in the light of an excursion throughout. Among those who were most conspicuous in the crowd were Tom Hyer, Bob Willis, John Enright, A.W. fol Gardiner, Pat Daly, Jordon, the actor, Florence, do., Coroner O'Keefe, Theodore Hynders, with a deputy sheriff's badge on, ex. Alderman Compton, and host of city ofllciala including members of the Common Council, the Police Departroent ,and City Inspector's 0ffice. Notwitbstanding tne motley character of the assemblage, remarkable order prevailed on board, and to the credit of the police be It said, none of tbe passengers suffered at the hands of any pickpockets. The saloon was occupied by tbe representatives of the press, the physicians and the Marshal's deputies, while the forward deck, upper saloon and promenade deck were taken up by outsiders. During the passage down to the island, which only occupied a few minutes, Hicks remained by the side of the priest, listening attentively as it were to the words of consolation which were poured into his ear by the father confessor, but at no time did he betray any inward struggle in anticipation of the fearful death which was so close at hand. Just before the arrival of the boat he ascended to the saloon for the purpose of getting a drink of water, and as he descended the cabin stairs again, his face wore rather a cheerful expression than otherwise. He was determined to act the "game man" even up to the very last moment, and nothing seemed to break his spirit or excite him in Ine least. ARRIVAL AT THE ISLAND. As the boat neared tbe pier Marshal Rynders, in a few remarks, impressed upon the crowd the necessity of preserving order and obeying the instructions of his officers. The police, he stated, were to go ashore first and take up their position at the scaffold, and then the crowd were to follow four abreast. About five minutes were occupied in arranging the order of Procession, preparing the culprit, &c. Finally, at ten minutes past eleven o'clock, all being in readiness, the procession started from the boat in the following order:
As the procession passed from the side of the boat to the pier Major John R. Hall, who had charge of the military arrangements, advanced with a platoon of marines, and, forming a line on each side of the pier, allowed the procession to pass up to the shore. Here the cortege was flanked on each side by troops which had been sent from Fort Hamilton and Governor's lsland for the purpose; and as the tail end of the proceession passed over the side of the boat the military closed in behind and formed a hollow square all the way up to the foot of the scaffold. The scene was a most imposing one indeed and will long be remembered by those who witnessed it. The presenceof the military in such large force, the perfect discipline of the soldiers, the appearance of the culprit as he passed on his way to the gallows, the fleet of steamers, sailing vessels and small boats laden to the water's edge with a breathless multitude, all contributed to make the scene intensely exciting and unusually interesting. Of all those assembled, Hicks himself, perhaps, was the least excited and unmoved. He viewed tbe scene with the most wonderful indifterence, though it was any every dau occurrence, and walked through the long line of military as unconcerned as though nothing unusuaI was going on. The path from the steamboat wharf to the spot selected for the execution lay along the water's edge, so that Hicks had a full and unobstructed view of althat was going on around him; yet he was as stoical as an Indian, and passed on without apparently noticing the military display or the multitude that had assembled to witness his execution. His extraordinary coolness under such circumstances excited the wonderment of all. Nobody had ever soon anything like it before. THE SCENE IN THE BAY. The scaffold was erected within fifteen or twenty feet of the water, and was in a position so as to be seen by all. This was taken advantage of by hundreds of boats large and small; and for eighty or one hundred feet from the shore the small boats formed an almost solid mass while the large ones, most of them being excursion boats, kept moving about outside. Every available point from which the execution could be viewed was instantly seized upon - masts, bowsprits, rigging, everything that the men and boys could cling to was black with human beings. It was estimated that the number of people couldn't have been less than ten thousand. The excursion boats were densely crowded, and they must have reaped a large profit. We saw the following named boats, some of them having barges in tow: Fulton, Saturn, Chicopee, Comet, Islaud Belle, Sattelite, C.P. Smith, Only Son, R. L. Maby, C.L. Schultze, J. A. Stevens, Telegraph, J. L. Lockwood, and some others whese names we were unable to get. There was also, a great number of sail boats, yachts, &c., containing parties of from five to twenty. Some were too timid to approach the island, and viewed the execution from a distance, with the aid of telescopes. The conduct of the people in the boat was, remarked by many as, being very exemplary. There was noise, no confusion, and no expression of either hatred or pity. Once or twice, when some of the soldiers or oficers got before the scaffold so as to intercept the view, there would be a shout to get out of he way, but, even this emanated from the boys and notI from the grown portion of the audience. In front of the island, and not morethan a few hundred feet from the scaffold, wasthe sloop E.A. Johnson, on board of which, the murder was commltted. It attracted universal attention, an many were the comments made upon it, standing as it did, a sort of silent witness of the deed for which Hicks was so shortly to atone for with his life. THE EXECUTION The procession reached the foot of the scaffold at ten minutes past eleven o'clock. The culprit, immediately knelt on the grass, and for a moment or two was engaged in prayer. He then rose slowly, and facing the fleet of vessels which were anchored within a few feet of the shore, gazed intently on the vast throng. While thus engaged in surveying the exciting scene, his eye caught the burgee of the identical oyster sloop E.A. Johnson. He gazed at the nag for a moment as if in recognition, and then, lowering his eyes, looked long and earnestly upon the vessel and its crew. The sight did not seem to shake him in the least, however. for he remained firm and indifferent to the very last. At length the fatal moment arrived, the executioner is observed to place the rope around the culprit's neck, the black cap is drawn over the unfortunate wretch's face. the Marshal takes his position beside the criminal, sword in hand, the fatal signal, the waving pf the handkerchief, is given, the axe descends, and the next moment the body of the pitate is seen dangling betwe earth and heaven. The execution took place at quarter past eleven o'clock precisely. For the first three minutes the culprit struggled severely, but after that he appeared to suffer little or no pain, and died comparatlvely an easy death. At eighteen minutes past eleven his limbs began to relax and the absence of any muscular contraction denoted that the executioner's work was well nigh over. A moment afterwards there was a short convulsive twitch of the shoulders and all was still as death itself. Now the hands of the culprit begin to grow dark under the influence of the pinionings, and the neck above the noose assumes a similar hue, and the body becomes perfectly motionless, except when moved to and fro by the wind. Eleven minutes after the rope had been cut the body was lowered severaI feet, so as to give the physicians an opportunity of examining the heart and pulse of the criminal. A slight muscular contraction of the heart was the only remaining sign of life, but in a few minutes even this had fled, and the doctors pronounced life to be extinct. However, it was deemed advisable to Iet the body remain suspended for some time longer, so the corpse was raised againto its' original position, and allowed to remain there until quarter to twelve o'clock LOWERING THE BODY. The body having been suspended half an hour, the Marshal ordered it to be lowered and placed in a colfin which was in readiness to receive it. A large piece of canvas was spread under the scaffold, and on this was placed the coffin. Upon removing the black cap which enveloped the head of deceased, his features were found to be quite natura!., His face bore a calm expression and nothing but a slight protrusion of the tongue, denoted that death had been produced by any other than a natural cause,. The neck of the culprit had been dislocated by the jerk, which accounted for the remarkably easy manner in whicb he died. Of the numerous criminals whom it has been our lot to see executed, none other suffered so little as the pirate Hicks. THE RETURN TO THE CITY. After the corpse had been deposited In the coffin, a procession was formed at the foot of the gallows and the party proceeded back to the boat. The coffin was borne on board by the Marshal and hls assistants, and from the deck of the steamer it was lowered into a smaIl boat and sent to the barge office at the.foot of Whitehall Street. Here the friends of the deceased were in readiness to receive the corpse, and in a few hours afterwards the body was forwarded to Its last resting place at Calvary cemetery. The wife of the deceased, through some misunderstanding was not there to receive the body as it came ashore, but later in the day she was apprised of its whereabouts and took charge of it until the preparations for the funeral were completed. The coffin In which the culprit was buried was a plain one, bearing no inscription whatever. On the way up to the city a meeting was organized on board the Red Jacket, ex-Alderman Compton in the chair, and resolutions complimentary to Marshal Rynders and his assistants were passed by the unanimous vote of the company. The following document was then drawn up by one or the deputy marshals, and handed to the reporters to copy: CERTIFICATE OF DEATH.
THE DISPOSITION OF THE CULPRIT'S CLOTHING.
BLOOD FOR GOLD; on THE CONFESSION OF HICKS, THE PIRATE
EXECUTIONS IN NEW YORK FOR THE LAST NINE YEARS.
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