The New York Journal, And Daily Patriotic Register

On Friday last was executed at Lincoln, Wilson, for the wilful murder of William Mason. About twelve o'clock, the solemn procession began, the prisoner walking from the castle to the gallows: when they arrived at the tree, some time was spent in prayer, after which the culprit ascended the steps without any signs of fear: the executioner (who was but a boy) found some difficulty in putting the rope about his neck, owing to Wilson being very tall. After the cap had been drawn over his face, the unfortunate man threw it up again, declaring he had something to say to the spectators; upon which silence being demanded, he addressed himself nearly in the following words:

"Friends,

I think you are all strangers to me: I am as innocent as the child unborn; and I wish the person that did the murder may be the next that suffers on this gallows.

I look upon this to be one of the happiest moments of my life, for in a few minutes I shall be in heaven. I think I see it open to receive me; and I call God to be witness to my innocence. Had I been guilty, I should have been as ready to have confessed it, as I am now to declare my innocence.

Many a one has been taken off by accident unprepared, but I am happy in being prepared. I never swore an oath but once in my life, and I was very uneasy for it."