EXECUTED THIS DAY -November 26, 1858 EDWARD HITCHCOCK MELBOURNE ANOTHER DREADFUL SCENE ON THE SCAFFOLD AT MELBOURNE. The extreme penalty of the law was carried into effect yesterday morning on the person of Edward Hitchcock, who was convicted at the last Castlemaine circuit of the wilful murder of his wife, Ann. The execution took place at eight oclock within the precincts of Her Majestys gaol, Melbourne, in presence of about a dozen persons exclusive of the officers of police. To recapitulate here the circumstances of the dreadful crime for which the unhappy wretch forfeited his life, were almost needless, as our readers must, long ere this, have become fully acquainted with them. It is enough to say that, actuated by the most fiendish passions of which human nature is susceptible, jealousy and revenge, and stimulated to his fell purpose by drink, Hitchcock stabbed to the heart her whom he should have cherished. Apprehended almost immediately after he had committed the murder, he never attempted to deny his guilt. And, from the time of his conviction, he devoted himself with every appearance of resignation and repentance to the directions of his spiritual advisers. When called forth from his cell yesterday morning by the Sheriff, he was perfectly calm and collected; and did not betray by a single glance that he had one thought of the world he was so soon and (judging from outward signs) so well prepared to leave. His last hours had been spent in communion with the Rev. George Stoddart, Church of England minister, who accompanied him to the scaffold. In appearance Hitchcock was rather below the middle height, thick-set, and a man of great muscular power; his physiognomy indicated a nature in which the animal propensities preponderated; yet, one would say he was possessed of an intelligence and a resoluteness of character which, under more favoured social circumstances than he was placed in, would prevent his passions getting the better of his reason. Subdued, and even mild, was his demeanour during the terrible moments occupied by the executioner in pinioning his arms and adjusting the cap, and he walked with a firm step to the foot of gallows. When ascending the ladder he faltered once, and grasped the handrail; he proceeded, however, without availing himself of the proffered assistance of those near him. It seemed that sufficient time had not elapsed for the adjustment of the fatal cord, ere the bolt was drawn and Hitchcock was hanging. He struggled convulsively for nearly three minutes, and not till the executioner brought his own weight to bear, by grasping the feet of the dying man, did the convulsions cease. In reply to an interrogation concerning this terrible prolongation of misery, it was added that the rope was rather short, (having been shortened as a precaution against a recurrence of the shocking catastrophe that occurred a few weeks back), and that the executioner, through nervousness or timidity, had not drawn the noose sufficiently tight round the criminals neck. The body hung for the prescribed time, one hour; and, at ten oclock, an inquest was held upon it, and the usual verdict in such cases recorded. It appears that an infant daughter of the deceased is alive, and, at present, well provided for by some philanthropic individual. Hitchcock, when speaking of her to those who had access to his cell, expressed himself as averse to his childs whereabouts being made public. The executioner himself ought to be suspended.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 23:30:01 +0000