|
THE EXECUTION
OF
MERCER
NO CONFESSION MADE
An execution is so rare a thing in this innocent province that when such an event is about to take place the utmost excitement and interest evinced in it.
In the case of Mercer, the victim, place, and surrounding circumstances, all conspired to heighten the general indignation, consequently everyone did not feel a sense of satisfaction till the news of his execution was definitely confirmed.
Judging from past experience, it was feared that he might escape at the last moment.
It is not often in any place that such an aggravated crime as his is perpetrated; moreover, the horror and detestation aroused by the deed itself have been supplemented by the indignation evinced at his callousness and apparent indifference.
Not even when it was made known to him that no hope of pardon could be held out, was his hardened heart touched.
We were told then that he only uttered a grim attempt at a joke, and now fresh proofs of the innate depravity implanted in him can be given.
He asked last night that he might be allowed to take a walk for an hour to indulge in a nip, for it was very cold hanging at 8 o'clock in the morning.
The Rev. J. D. Fergusson attended the convict, and earnestly and often he entreated him to confess, but to no purpose.
He wrote down on a piece of paper the following words: "John Mercer, I beseech you, as you have to answer to God within one hour of this time, to solemnly say whether or not you have been found guilty of this crime laid to your charge, that is, the murder of Isabella Thompson in January last."
In answer to this appeal, Mercer wrote at the bottom of the paper: "I have not done this crime. - John Mercer."
The italics are our own.
The answer is very guarded and characteristic of his whole proceedings.
It is written in a firm hand; there are no signs of trembling about it
This was at seven o'clock in the morning.
Nothing else could be extracted from him, despite the frequent and earnest endeavours of the reverend gentleman who attended him.
Indeed he repulsed the efforts of the Rev. J. Wills, and refused to allow him to speak to him.
Precisely as the clock struck eight the sheriff led the way to the yard in which the scaffold was erected, accompanied by the reporters of the various papers and several other gentlemen who were accorded the privilege of entrance.
|
| |
|
Mercer was then led along the corridor from the condemned cell, bound as usual, and he mounted the scaffold with firm step.
The rope was adjusted over his neck, an operation to which he submitted with perfect indifference.
From the time he stepped on to the scaffold to the fall of the drop his face wore a kind of smirk - which we believe however, was habitual with him.
The rope was a thick, ugly, well greased article, very awkward for the purpose it had to serve.
After the noose was round his neck, Mercer expressed a wish to say a word or two to the persons present.
Leave was granted, and he said, "Farewell gentlemen; and may God have mercy on my soul"
Then a pause.
The black cap was drawn over his face, and partially muffled the words, "An innocent man." which he uttered directly afterwards.
A prayer was offered up for him, and a dead silence reigned.
Every hat was lifted, as the hangman finished his work and went behind the screen.
Meanwhile the pinioned man stood on the drop without quivering or trembling a single limb.
Then the bolt was drawn, a dull wrenching was heard as Mercer disappeared, and the black cap could just be seen quivering above the floor of the scaffold.
A few nervous twitches of the hands, a spasmodic hitch of the legs, and all was over
After the fall efforts to breath continued for two minutes; his body was not heavy enough to break the neck
The heart beat for three minutes and a half, and then the pulse ceased.
The body hung for about twenty minutes, at the end of which it was taken down.
The medical examination showed that his neck was not broken, and dearth resulted from asphyxia, or strangulation.
After death, the lower part of the face was pale and bloodless, the forehead was suffused with the blood which had naturally rushed thither.
The lips were close set, and the face generally presented a livid appearance.
A jury was empaneled immediately afterwards, and in view of the evidence returned a verdict that deceased had met his death according to law.
We are informed that he left a written statement behind him for the sheriff, which however, is not likely to be a confession.
He slept well last night, as might be judged from his previous conduct.
Long before the time appointed for the execution, groups of expectant people might be seen along the paths, and at the corners near the gaol.
A detachment of police were sent down from Christchurch, and stationed at intervals round the interior of the gaol.
The scaffold was perfectly invisible from the outside, and the arrangements in this respect were very perfect.
It was stated that the hangman was the same as he who hung Simon Cedeno [ 5 April 1871].
|
|