"
When conducted to the place of execution, and on coming near to the
scaffold, he made a sudden halt, and momentarily shrunk at the sight;
because he had, to the last, entertained hopes that his life would have
been taken by the musket, and not by the halter. This apparent want of
resolution quickly passed away, and the disappointment he felt told more
against the uncompromising spirit of the times than against himself.
Rejecting assistance, he approached and ascended the platform with a
steady pace and lofty demeanour, and submitted to his fate with the
pious resignation of a great and good man. A large concourse of
spectators, among whom were several well dressed females, had assembled
on this sorrowful occasion; and it is reported that scarcely a dry cheek
could be found throughout the whole multitude. Andre was then seen as
he always had been, and moved by that which had through life presided
over all his actions, resolved beyond presumption, and firm without
ostentation.
The person and appearance of Major Andre were prepossessing; he was
well proportioned, and above the common size of men; the lines of his
face were regular, well marked, and beautifully symmetrical, which gave
him an expression of countenance at once dignified and commanding.
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