EXECUTION OF QUINN

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 47, 30 November 1871, Page 3

EXECUTION OF QUINN

The Ovens Spectator of 10th Nov. thus writes : —“ Quinn’s appearance on tho day of execution -was so altered, from tho agony of the previous night, and the long strain upon his nerves that lie was barely recognisable. He walked with difficulty, dragging his feet after him, and moaning. The face and lips were as white as tho cap which was presently to hide his features. On standing on the drop ha seemed utterly prostrated, his shoulders stooping, his knees bent, the picture of hopeless despair, and yet when he spoke, although his voice was low and weak, ho said what he had to say in an evidently premediated manner. As our reporter was standing close to his front, the unhappy man, seeing the book and pencil in his hands, addressed himself chiefly to him, the sheriff being next him on tho opposite side. His words were, “Gentlemen, I want to make a statement (pause). lam going to die an innocent man.” Ho then turned to our reporter, and deliberately repeated this statement in thoso terms : —“ I want to say a few words ; 1 am an innocent man. I blame my wife for all I have come to. She got me from Tasmania to Victoria, and robbed me of £SO. Her brother-in-law helped to take the money.” The man here stopped, and his feet were being adjusted in the centre of the drop by Bamford, when the sheriff leaned forward and said. “ Quinn have you any more to say?” Ho simply answered, “ No, sir.” When Bamford shook hands with him, in a quick and horribly business-like manner, and pulled the cap over his face, even then, and while Bamford’s hand was upon the lever by which he draws the fatal bolt, the unhappy man, while his hands were convulsively twitching and catching at his trousers, said in a low but perfectly distinct voice, “ Lord help me ! 1 am an innocent man.”