The New Hampshire Gazette

IRELAND.

Strabane, Dec. 21. There was no small difficulty on the Sheriff, in getting the sentence passed on M'Naghten executed; for there was not a man to be found in Strabane who would take off his bolts. The executioner, an old man, was brought from Cavan. M'Naghten's design was, as he called it, to have broke his own neck by a sudden jerk; for which purpose, he went up to the top of the ladder, and taking the rope from the old hangman, put it about his own neck; then letting himself fall suddenly, broke the rope. In the interval, between breaking his own rope, and being accommodated with one from the neck of his own companion, he said, that Lord Ferrers's observation was true That there was more in the terrors of death, than death itself. He was dressed in a very slovenly manner, and (for what reason it is not known) would wear no other coat but that in which he committed the murder. He told the Sheriff, that it was expected he should make a speech, but that he never intended it; and desired he would make that declaration in his name. He inquired of him, Whether his head was ordered to be put on the gaol? and seemed much comforted when the Sheriff told him it was not. He sent for some of his prosecutors, and told them he forgave them; but it did not appear that he asked forgiveness of any.

Enniskilling, Dec. 22. M'Naghten, as soon as he was condemned turned to the jury, and said, they behaved like honest men, as considering what the evidences swore, they could not, without perjuring themselves, acquit him; but he declared to the last, that he died with a clear conscience, as he had not the least intention to murder any one, much less Miss Knox; but that he brought a large party with him on purpose to run off with her, as he looked on her as his wife; he solemnly declared he was wounded first, and that with the agony of his wound he neither knew, nor cared what he did: As soon as he heard she was killed he attempted suicide, but was prevented by the ball falling luckily out of his pistol. It would amaze you to hear how he pleaded, tho' not for life, as he declared had he a wish it would be to die, but his intention was to clear his character, and make some excuse for his proceeding. Mr. Knox and his son were at the execution, the father in a post chaise, and the son standing at the foot of the gallows, which I think had been better let alone, &c.