Transcription
EXECUTION. Account of the Behaviour since his condemnation, and on the Scaffold, of JOHN M'CREEVIE, who was Executed at Glasgow, on Wednesday the 2d of June, 1824, for House- breaking and Theft at Springvale, with a solemn warning to his companions, and those who, like him, are running a course, which leads to an awful death. Glasgow, 2d June, l824.?This day,John M'Creevie, who was respited 14 days, underwent the awful sentence of the law, for the crime of House breaking and Theft, a few months ago, in the house of Mr Shephard, Springvale; the prisoner entered the house in the middle of the night while the family were at rest, and aggravated the case, by threatening them with personal violence if they offered to resist and protect their own property, which he actually put in force, by striking Mr Shepherd with an iron bar, which greatly injured his arm, to the terror of his family, and of all who wish to sit peaceably under their own vine and fig tree ; he likewise carried off a quantity of articles, and for all of which he was found Guilty. Since the time of sentence he has, behaved himself in a very becoming and com- posed manner; reading frequently ; hearing instuctions attentively; weighing his past days and crimes seriously, and looking forward to his future prospects with a hope, that after his sufferings are over here, he will through the merits of his Saviour, be a candidate for enjoying true felicity hereafter. When the respite of 14 days was announced to him, (in order to investigate some reports which had been spread concerning his case, and which proved without foundation), no doubt hope Cast a glimmering ray into his sorrowful heart, and animated him with the thought that he would escape the ignominy of a public execution ; but how delusive are the most sanguine hopes which even the best of men entertain ; they are blasted in a moment, and are succeeded by the most horrid views the imagination can conceive.What were the feelings of this unfortunate man, on receiving the secon'd summons to prepare for death, baffles description ; a man at the highest pinnacle of hope, thrown down to the lowest depth of despair ; we would consider It enough to alter the mind of many a rational being in regard to his worldly affairs, and what must have been its effect upon the man who this day suffered, we leave humanity to judge. The contest was severe, but he supported himself for the few rem aining days, with uncommon fortitude and perfect resignation. Several Ministers of the city attended him during his confinement,and aided him in his devotional exercises, and,gave him every comfort which lay in their power; to them, and to the super- intendents of the prison, he expressed his warmest gratitude, for the kind treament he had received from them. About two o'clock he entered the Hall, where the Magistrates,.and Ministers were in attendance; they then proceeded.to the last solemnities of praying for him, reading portions of scripture for his comfort at that trying hour, and singing praises to Him, who alone could unsting Death of his terrors, and lead him in safety thro' the dark valley and shadow of death. He then proceeded to the fatal drop, in a very composed manner, and decently attired, and after spending. a few minutes in servent prayer on the confines of eternity, he gave the signal, and after a few con- yulsive throws, his connexion with this world ceased. He was about 30 years of age, and has left a wife and two children. He was born in the north of the city, where he wrought at various, employments ; some time as a weaver ; at another, at the Monkland Basin, and in the boats which ply with coals and lime on the Monkland Canal; 'he was also a short time in the army. The case here narrated, ought to be viewed by the idle and profligate with due attention; they should keep continually in mind that the next example may be some of themselves, if they continue their present course of iniquity and crime.? We must here observe, that a most numerous class of young and old are now often deprived of gaining an honest livelihood by selling various commodities upon the streets ; the young cannot get trades ; the aged are unfit Tor employment ; and the blind cannot see, nor the lame walk; upon their industry, several thousands depend for support, when we include their children. Deprived of the means of gaining subsistence, what are we to expect, but that they and their children must Steal ,to prevent starvation ; and were it fairly considered, we doubt not, but every person would be allowed to gain an honest livelihood; were this the case, it would prevent a number of crimes. W. Carse, Printer.
View Commentary | Download PDF Facsimile
|
|
Date of publication:
1824 shelfmark: L.C.Fol.73(071)
View larger image
|