Richmond Enquirer

EXECUTION.

Saratoga Springs, July 26.--On Friday last, the execution of Benjamin Bennett, for the murder of Seth Haskins, took place at Ballston Spa. The prisoner had been visited during his confinement by many of the clergymen in the county; who often admonished him of the consequences attending the dissolution of the finally impenitent, and urged him, in the most friendly manner, to a speedy repentance. But their advice appeared to be either disregarded, or treated with contempt. He expressed at no time contrition, but a resolution to leave this world without preparation, and to enter the abyss of eternity, "with all his sins and imperfections on his head." He was taken from the prison at 12 o'clock, and walked to the gallows, a distance of about a mile. On ascending the scaffold he displayed a stupid indifference, from which the succeeding services were unable to arouse him. The throne of Grace was pathetically addressed, and some remarks made by the Rev. Mr. Parsons of Greenfield, which was followed by a short but eloquent discourse from the Rev. Mr. Chase, of New York. The Rev. Mr. Otis, of Lebanon, then closed the services with an impressive prayer; after which the ceremony of taking leave of the unfortunate prisoner took place. He was then conducted by the sheriff to the platform, and asked if he had any remarks to make. He simply replied, that he thought his sentence unjust. The cap was then drawn over his eyes, and a few minutes before 2 o'clock, he was launched into eternity. His struggles were severe, and continued about ten minutes. After hanging 30 or 40 minutes, his body was taken down, and humanely presented by the sheriff to his friends for interment. The concourse of people that witnessed the execution was immense. The number has been variously estimated from 15 to 30 thousand. The ground on which they stood was admirably calculated to afford a fair prospect; and the vast assemblage, the variegated shades of dress, the stillness of the scene, and the solemnity of the occasion, were calculated to produce emotions of no ordinary nature.