Transcription
EXECUTION. A full, true and particular account of BARNEY M'GUIRE, the bosom companion of the late well known David Haggart, who was executed at Stafford, on Monday the 7th June 1830, for murder, and his Body given for Dissection. STAFFORD, 7th June 1830.....This day, Barney M'Guire of whom mention is repeatedly made, in the life of the cele- brated David Haggart, who was executed in Edinburgh, in Scot- land, a few years ago, for the murder of the Dumfries Jailor there, underwent the last sentence of the law here, for murder and rob- bery. M'Guire may be well remembered by the public, to have been transported for a limited term of years, for highway robbery in a public fair at Appleby, which period was not expired ; but, at the loss of the Hulk Dolphin, on board of which he was confined as a convict, in the river Medwey in November last, he made his escape, and afterwards arrived in London, where he commenced operations in his old line. He entered into several shops, on pretence of pur- chasing some articles of clothing, trinkets, jewellery, &c., and al- ways contrived to secrete about his person, and carry off, various articles of goods, money, &c., when he came away. Barney watched his opportunity, on one occasion, and entered the shop of a wealthy Jew in Rosemary Lane, where lay, in a window, a great variety of gold coin of various countries and reigns, as also several silver articles, all of which Barney contrived to carry off at his departure. He declared this to be the masterpiece of his performances since his escape from the Dolphin. He left London early the next morning for Newcastle, under the ficticious name of James Williamson, where he met with several of his old companions, who were heartily glad to see him once more at liberty, and from whom he met with a very warm and affection- ate reception. He immediately commenced operations, and boldly took to the highway, the very next day after his arrival at New- castle. He robbed one gentleman of his pocket book, containing upwards of £60, and several bills, and took a purse from another, the same day, containing ten or twelve sovereigns, and some silver, declaring he had nothing in his hands at the time but a snuffbox, shaped somewhat like a pistol. He then returned to his haunt in Newcastle, where he divided his spoil with his merry companions, and ate and drank with them while it lasted. He next robbed a gentleman of a gold watch, chain and seals, in Sandgate, in open day, of which he soon disposed. After this he went to Kendal, where he purchased a brace of pistols, and a prad, (horse) being determined to be prepared for a glorious campaign. While he re- mained in Kendal, he broke into the shop of Messrs G. Watson and Son, clothiers and general merchants ; but, being taken in the act, he turned round and shot Mr Watson, who he killed on the spot. He was pursued by the son, and was taken near Stafford, where he was committed to prison to await his trial at the Assizes. Being tried at the last assizes for this county, he was convicted of the murder of Mr Watson, and was sentenced to be executed on the first market day, and his body to be given for dissection. Since his condemnation, he made the above confessions and declarations to the reverend ordinary of our jail. Accordingly, on this fatal day, this celebrated ill-fated man was brought out to the scaffold, about eight o'clock in the morning. He stept to the front of the platform, and addressed the multitude very fervently for several minutes ; exhorting them to refrain from drinking?from the company of lewd and bad women?and from profane swearing. He said he richly deserved death for the many crimes he had committed; and, indeed, says he,' I have been even teacher and a father to wickedness and wicked men ;' alluding to the connection subsisting between him and that extraordinary character, the late well known and celebrated David Haggart, as well as to two other companions he had. After which he mounted the fatal drop firmly, where he spent a few minutes in fervent prayer, and then dropt the signal and was instantly launched into eternity, amidst a vast concourse of spectators. Printed for William Robertson....Price One Penny.
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Date of publication:
1830 shelfmark: Ry.III.a.2(98)
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