Page:Particular account of the murder of Mr Thos. Weare, the trial of John Thurtell and Joseph Hunt and the execution of J. Thurtell.pdf/20

 with a most deliberate pace, and with the most becoming manner he gave his hand to the Under Sheriff who was at the extreme end of the drop. The executioner now placed him on the spot assigned for him, proceeded to take of his hat and his neckcloth; at this moment he looked at the crowd, and made a slight inclination to a bow—a motion that had not been uncommon with him in Court. Instantly every head was uncovered, and many among the crowd muttered, “What a gentleman!” His appearance at this moment was interesting and affecting beyond the power of description.

He was dressed in a brown surtout, which appeared nearly new, light breeches and gaiters, and a fashionable waistcoat, with gilt buttons. The executioner next produced a very thin night-cap, with which he covered his head; but it evidently did not obstruct his view. The Under Sheriff, the gaoler, and the turnkey shook him by the hand. There seemed to be great affection in his manner of parting with them. Indeed, the feeling to be reciprocal. In the course of his defence, on Wednesday, Mr Wilson had shed tears, and the