My Experiences as an Executioner

ame an Ex

upport their theories, that I was fond, even as a boy, of revelling in the revolting details of crime, and that I was a reader of all the police literature that I could obtain. Such statements are absolutely false. A

hat I could make some better provision for my wife and family, but I never so much a

which his office was regarded by the public, and aimed, by performing his duties in a satisfactory manner, and by conducting his private life respectably, at removing the stigma which he felt was undeserved. At times the attitude of the public towards him was very keenly felt, and I well remember one time when this subject was the topic of conversation at the supper table, that he remarked to a gentleman present, "my position is not a pleas

-stricken condition of my family, which I was unable to keep in reasonable comfort upon my earnings (I was then engaged as a boot-salesman, at a small salary). I knew that in the line on which I was then working there was no prospect of a material improvement in my position; I knew that I was a man of no extraordinary ability, so that my chances of rising were few, and I looked upon the

lly considered the matter, in the few days before sending in my application, I was convinced that I could do the work as well as anyone, and that I cou

ome 1400 applicants for the post, but after waiting some time I received the following lett

nd

n Monday next, the 24th instant, at 2 o'clock p.m., for the purp

are disposed to attend at the above time and place

ptember

. J.

ed, amongst some nineteen others, and was told tha

graced. I believe that it was mainly in consequence of these representations that I was passed over, and the post given to Mr. Bartholomew Binns. Upon myself the opposition had an effect that was not intended. It made me devote considerable thought and care to the details of the work of an executioner, and made me determine that if ever the opportunity again offered I should do my best to secure the work. During the four months that Mr. Binns held

13th

Street, S

rd, Yo

Magis

ity of E

r S

of his which I bought from him at Horncastle, and have had two made from it. I have also two Pinioning straps made from his, also two leg straps. I have seen Mr. Calcraft execute three convicts at Manchester 13 years ago, and should you think fit to give me the appointment I would endeavour to merit your patronage. I have served 8 years in Bradford & West Riding Police Force, and resigned without a stain on my character, and could satisfy you as t

Obedient

s Be

hief Mag

of Edi

tla

reatly oblige as I sho

on March 21st I received the followin

mbers, E

March

i

services to act as Executioner here on Monday, the 31st March current, on condition (1) that you bring your Assistant with you, and (2) that you and your Assis

d 20s. for each person executed to your Assistant, with second-class railway f

m,

edient

amp

City

ames

orpe S

rbri

ord,

ge receipt of this le

and although I felt many misgivings between that time and the day ap

l, from Ca

g

g