The public anxiety had been, as we have already stated, more than usually excited during the trials of the conspirators, and much curiosity was, of course, felt as what would be the final result, and on what particular day the unhappy, deluded wretches, would suffer the last dreadful sentence of the law. The public suspense was, however, terminated on Saturday, the day after the passing sentence of death, when his Majesty held a Privy Council, at which Newman Knowles, Esq., the Common-Serjeant of London, (in the absence of the Recorder through indisposition,) was admitted into the presence of the King, to make a Report of the persons convicted of the crime of High Treason before the Special Commissioners, in which the Learned Serjeant was assisted by the Judges present, who tried the prisoners. The Council, at which his Majesty was present, assembled at two o’clock, and continued in deliberation till near four; and, after the Report had been received, the Council proceeded to deliberate upon the fate of the prisoners, and upon the period when it might be proper the execution should take place.
It was at length determined, with a view to render the example more imposing, and to mark the sense which was entertained of the atrocious offence of which the wretched culprits were found guilty, to order them for execution on the following Monday; and that Thistlewood, Brunt, Ings, Davidson, and Tidd, should be the sufferers. But that part of the sentence which directed that their bodies should be quartered was remitted.
The sentence of death on Harrison, Wilson, Cooper, Strange, and Bradburn, was commuted to transportation for life, in conformity with the implied pledge which they received when they agreed to plead Guilty to the indictments; and Gilchrist was respited, without mention of the commutation of punishment.
Mr. Brown, the Governor of Newgate, received the warrant at seven o’clock in the evening, and, accompanied by the Under-Sheriff, immediately went to the condemned room, in which were sitting those who were ordered for execution, attended by eight officers.
When he entered, they rose in the most respectful manner. He held in his hand the Recorder’s warrant, of the contents of which they appeared conscious. A dead silence prevailed; but there was not the slightest agitation observable in the countenances or manner of any one of the prisoners.
Mr. Brown addressed them in the following words:—“It is my painful duty to communicate to you, that I hold the Recorder’s warrant for the execution of you, Thistlewood, Ings, Brunt, Davidson, and Tidd, on Monday morning. I hope and trust that the short time you have to remain in this world will be employed by you in making preparation for that to which you are going.”
Thistlewood immediately, and in the calmest manner, said—“The sooner we go, Sir, the better. Our wish is to die as soon as possible.” The others expressed the same sentiments.
Mr. Brown.—“If any of you wish to have the assistance of a clergyman of any persuasion, during your preparation, let me know it, and I shall apply to the authority by which I am convinced you will not be refused.”
Not a word was uttered by any one of the prisoners.