The Execution of John Devine, in Front of Newgate, for the Murder of Joseph Duck, at Marylebone
The Execution
On Monday morning, at Eight o’clock, John Devine suffered the extreme penalty of the law, in front of Newgate. Not so much excitement was created as we have noticed on similar occasions, although a very large concourse of persons had assembled to witness the shocking spectacle. In fact, we might say every available spot was occupied by both male and female, all of whom were anxious to get a “good place,” to see the wretched culprit on the drop. Precisely at the appointed time the sheriffs, with their usual attendants, arrived at the prison, and, after the necessary ceremonies had been observed, of demanding the body of the prisoner to be delivered into their custody, they were conducted to the waiting room. The executioner then commenced pinioning the arms, which operation he quickly dispatched. During the awful preparations the unhappy prisoner appeared to feel his sad position deeply.
At length the arrangements having been completed, the bell of the prison commenced tolling and the chaplain read in a distinct tone the burial service for the dead. When the bell commenced tolling, a movement was heard from without, and the words “Hats off” and “Silence” were distinctly heard, from which time no sound, excepting the sighs of the unhappy prisoner, interrupted the chaplain as the procession moved along the subterranean passage. The prisoner, on arriving at the scaffold, hastily glanced around at the immense concourse of persons assembled. After which he was placed in the proper position for Calcraft to adjust the ropes. The executioner having drawn the cap over his face retired from the scaffold, and the signal having been given the bolt was withdrawn, and the unhappy criminal was launched into eternity.
Confession of the Culprit
On Thursday the unhappy criminal was visited by the worthy chaplain, to whom he made a confession, and fully admitted the justice of his sentence.
Copy of Verses
Young Devine was a graceless youth,
And bold in every sin,
In early years with petty thefts,
His life he did begin.
But God whose vengeance never sleeps,
Though he delays the blow,
Can in a single moment lay
The prosperous villain low.
One night was in the King’s Head,
Joseph Duck he did meet,
Whom he then robbed of all he had,
And cruelly did him beat.
Suspicion fell on young Devine,
So well they knew his face,
Imprisoned, tried, condemned to die,
So he now has run his race.
Of gambling and theft pray beware,
Let me beseech you in time,
Lest you like me should be cut off,
Whilst you are in your prime.
It was these that caused me to run,
From virtuous paths astray,
Deaf to advice and every good,
I sought destruction’s way.
The 10th day of March last,
I went to the King’s Head,
And there I met an aged man,
Joseph Duck he was named.
I cruelly did him use,
And on the ground him cast,
He cried for help, but no one came,
So now he has breathed his last.
Those deeds I mournfully repent,
But now it is too late,
The day is past, the die is cast,
And fixed is my fate.
Young men be taught by this dreadful fate,
Avoid the paths I have trod,
And teach yourselves in early years,
To love and fear your God.