previous next


The execution of Dr. Wright at Norfolk — further particulars.

A correspondent of the Philadelphia Inquirer furnishes that paper with a detailed account of the execution of Dr. D. M. Wright, of Norfolk, Va., on the 23d ult. It appears that at one time Dr. W. had nearly effected his escape from prison.--The letter says:

‘ On Wednesday Dr. Wright made a request that a light should be furnished him in his cell that evening. Strange as the request was, no one regarded it with any suspicion. Late that evening he was visited, as usual, by a portion of his family, which on this occasion consisted of his wife, two daughters, and small son. They all entered their father's cell, and after remaining a short time, the whole party, apparently, retired. To gain the street they had to pass through a little anteroom in the prison, which is occupied by its officers for the transaction of business. Here, one of the party, entering through a door, slightly stumbled. This was noticed by one of the turnkeys, who, after they had just cleverly reached the street, exclaimed, "By--,I believe that was Dr. Wright in disguise." Lieut. Cook, who was sitting among those present in the room, rushed out and intercepted the party before they had gotten many steps. Walking up to one of them he exclaimed, "That's played out; I know you, Dr. Wright," at the same time lifting up two heavy veils that concealed the face.

It proved to be as the Lieutenant had asserted. It was Dr. Wright, and he appeared to be but little surprised or embarrassed at the detection, and on being conducted inside the jail remarked that "desperate means were pardonable under desperate circumstances," and then walked back to his cell as unconcernedly as if nothing had occurred. The sequel of how he was disguised can how be most readily shown. When he left the place of his confinement he was clad in the garments of one or his daughters, who remained behind. As her father was re-entering his cell, she was found reclining upon the bed, fully equipped in her father's clothes, the boots peering beneath the covering. She was much chagrined at being found in this position, but was more deeply surprised and pained to find that her scheme for her father's escape had been frustrated. For her imprudent act no restraint was placed upon her, but she was escorted home by one of the officers of the prison. It is asserted, but we know not with what truth, that the doctor had everything in readiness to facilitate his escape, and that his friends were not slow to aid him in it. It was through a mere accident that he was recognized. Being taller than the women, he stooped as much as he dare to make himself appear small, and in doing this he stumbled while passing through a door. This caused his detection, as it more clearly revealed the shape and size of his body, which the keen eye of the turnkey was quick to detect.

It having been rumored pretty freely throughout the city for several days past that an attempt would be made to rescue the prisoner, the Eighth and Fifteenth Connecticut and Fourth Rhode Island regiments were brought across the river to prevent any such demonstration. One regiment was stationed around the prison, while the other two were in good supporting distance. No surprise or rescue was attempted, and the night passed quietly by.

The Doctor throughout yesterday appeared as cheerful as usual. In the afternoon the Lord's sacrament was administered to him by the Rev Mr. Rodman, of Christ's Church. His family remained with him all night and up to four o'clock this morning. A portion of the time was spent in conversation, and the rest was devoted to religions services. Upon their departure they took their last farewell. They all appeared to be deeply moved, and it was truly a solemn and touching scene. Almost up to the hour of execution there lingered a ray of hope. Yesterday, and even this morning, telegrams were sent to the President asking for a further reprieve. All that friends could do for him was done. His counsel even used personal influence in his behalf, but all this was of no avail.

Early this morning the exterior of the prison was surrounded by glistening bayonets, and the interior filled by officials who were preparing everything for the execution. At 9 o'clock, Dr. Wright was taken from his cell and conducted through the prison to the street. To those who were present he bowed, and several he addressed with a few words. He was supported on either side by a clergyman. After viewing the procession, which was drawn up into line, he advanced towards the hearse and requested that the lid of his coffin might be removed, so that he could take a last view of his family, whose portraits were arranged all along the sides just above the head.

He seemed to realize his awful position, though he seemed to be little dejected, and marched with a firm step. He entered his carriage in company with Capt. Sheppard. Assistant Provost Marshal, Rev. Messrs. Rodman and Overson. The procession, under command of Col. Keese, moved forwad in the following order: A small detachment of mounted men, martial corps and infantry guard, hearse, carriage containing Dr. Wright and clergymen, carriage containing other clergymen. The 118th New York, and 21st Connecticut regiments brought up the rear.

There were few to be seen on the thoroughfares through which the procession passed, except negroes. But the solemn line was viewed from the houses by many. In a number of instances women were observed crying.

The spot selected for the site of execution was the old Fair Grounds. In the centre of them the gallows was erected.

At a few minutes before ten o'clock the procession reached here. Already the Eighth and Fifteenth Connecticut regiments, the Fourth Rhode Island regiment and Regan's battery, were drawn up in a hollow square around the gallows. The procession passing inside of it, Dr. Wright's carriage was halted before the scaffold, which he mounted without any apparent nervousness, assisted by Dr. Rodman and another clergyman.--From the scaffold Captain Sheppard now read the charges, finding and sentence of the court by which the condemned was tried. The order for execution was also read. The Doctor listened to them calmly, and without evincing any emotion.

Dr. Rodman now offered up a prayer, at the conclusion of which Dr. Wright advanced a few steps forward, and in a tremulous voice said, "Gentlemen, the act which I committed was done without the slightest malice." His hands were now tied. Rending on his knees, he prayed most fervently for a few minutes. Upon arising, the cap was adjusted over his face, and the executioner, Mr. John Armstrong, of Co. B, 21st Connecticut regiment, stepped from the platform and pulled the rope attached to the bar which supported the drop.

All this time a breathless stillness prevailed, and as the doctor descended through the trap a shudder appeared to run through every one present.--He fell without a struggle. His death must have been instantaneous, as not a motion was perceived. It was a few minutes after 10 when the signal to lower the trap was given. The body after hanging a half hour, was examined by Dr. Conover, the Medical Director, Dr. J. H. Lee, of the 21st Connecticut, and several other surgeons, who pronounced life extinct. The body was then cut down and placed in the coffin, to be delivered to his family.

Thus has Dr. David M. Wright paid the forfeit of his life for shooting, in cold blood, Lieut. Sanborn, of the United States colored troops, in the early part of July last. Since the commission of the deed he has endeavored to justify himself in it. He was a man of strong Southern feelings, and this, in a measure, may have prompted him to commit the act. He came to the city from Edenton, N. C., about twenty-five years ago, and commenced the practice of medicine, in which he was very successful until the occupation of this city by our troops. In appearance he may be described as being rather tall, slightly bent in the shoulders, with a large frame, though somewhat lean; his eyes dark, with heavy brows, long hair, which extended to the shoulders, of the same color as his moustache and goatee, which were iron gray, but evidently in his younger days very black. The family which he leaves is large, but in affluent circumstances.

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.

An XML version of this text is available for download, with the additional restriction that you offer Perseus any modifications you make. Perseus provides credit for all accepted changes, storing new additions in a versioning system.

hide Places (automatically extracted)

View a map of the most frequently mentioned places in this document.

Sort places alphabetically, as they appear on the page, by frequency
Click on a place to search for it in this document.
Edenton (North Carolina, United States) (1)
hide People (automatically extracted)
Sort people alphabetically, as they appear on the page, by frequency
Click on a person to search for him/her in this document.
D. M. Wright (9)
Rodman (4)
David M. Wright (2)
Sheppard (2)
Sanborn (1)
Regan (1)
Overson (1)
J. H. Lee (1)
Keese (1)
Cook (1)
Conover (1)
John Armstrong (1)
hide Dates (automatically extracted)
Sort dates alphabetically, as they appear on the page, by frequency
Click on a date to search for it in this document.
July (1)
23rd (1)
hide Display Preferences
Greek Display:
Arabic Display:
View by Default:
Browse Bar: