Page:Life of David Haggart, who was executed at Edinburgh, 18th July, 1821, for the murder of the Dumfries jailor (1).pdf/21

21 me, made me read my Bible, and gave me of mercy in Heaven—at least such  as a poor miserable wretch like me  have, for my sins stick close to me.

I have no thought now but death, and is coming so near, that I must forget  world, and think only of the next.— have told all I remember of my life truly. -I hope the tale will shew my old comrades, if they ever see it, that their wicked ways will bring them to untimely ends.”

EXECUTION.

Early on the morning of his execution, David Haggart joined earnestly in devotional exercise with his ministerial attendant. After the Chaplain of the Jail had given a prayer, one of the officers of justice appeared, and requested all the persons present to retire, as he had something to communicate to the unhappy prisoner. Haggart immediately exclaimed in a hurried tone, "Oh! I suppose it is the executioner.” His firmness for a moment abandoned him, and he walked rapidly across the cell, with his arms folded, and