The Virginia Gazette

May 21. Friday last James Powell was executed at the Gallows near this City, pursuant to his Sentence at our last Provincial Court, for a Burglary and Robbery committed some Time ago in Somerset County. He was born in this Province, about 39 Years of Age, of a strong Make and Constitution, and had the Character of being an old Offender. Before his Conviction he appear'd bold and unconcern'd, saying, that in all the Scripture he ever read, he never found that God required the Death of a Sinner, and such he was; but if he must die, he thought thirty nine Years was long enough to live. At the Place of Execution, when Death stared him in the Face, he seem'd concern'd, Owned the Fact for which he was to die, and said, it had been rumour'd about that he was one of Perkins's Gang; but he denied that ever to his Knowledge he had seen the Man, or been within a hundred Miles of his Haunts. After the Minister had done talking and praying with him, he went to rise up on his Feet, but fainted away in the Cart, and lay senseless for some Time, which was thought to be partly occasioned by his Hands being so hard tied that the Blood seem'd almost stagnated. On his coming to himself, he desired the Executioner to make Haste, and amidst some private Ejaculations was turned off.