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EXTRAORDINARY
EXECUTION
9th January 1813
The Execution of these unhappy men took place yesterday, at nine o'clock, at the usual place behind the Castle
wall, every precaution had been taken to make a rescue impracticable. Two troops of Cavalry were drawn up at the front of the drop, and the entrances to the Castle were guarded by Infantry. At five
minutes before nine o' clock, the prisoners were upon the fatal platform. After the ordinary had read the accustomed forms of prayer on these occasions, George Mellor prayed for about ten
minutes; he spoke with great apparent fervency and devotion, confessing in general, the greatness of his sins, but without any admission to the crime for which he suffered. He prayed earnestly for
mercy, and with apathos that was affecting. The surrounding multitude were evidently affected. William Thorpe also prayed, but his voice was not so well heard. Smith said little, but seemed to join
in the devotion with great seriousness. The prisoners were then moved to the front of the platform, and Mellor said: "Some of my enemies may be here, if there be, I freely forgive them, and all
the world, and I hope the world will forgive me." William Thorpe said, "I hope none of those who are now before me, will ever come to this place." The executioner then proceeded to
perform his fatal office, and the drop fell. Some alteration had been made to the drop, so that all the whole body was visible when they were suspended; in former executions only the feet and head
could be seen by the spectators. They were executed in their irons. They appeared slightly convulsed for a few moments.
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