Execution of Greenbury O. Mullinix 'Horrid Spectacle at an Execution' --
Greenbury O. Mullinix was executed at Greencastle, Ind., on Friday last, for the murder of his wife. There was a large attendance from the country, although the execution took place within the walls of the prison, and was only witnessed by a few. The prisoner manifested the utmost indifference and levity while preparations for his execution were in progress. While the Sheriff was adjusting the rope about the prisoner's neck, he laughed and exclaimed,"It's getting pretty tight, Bill!" As the drop fell, the rope broke! Blindfolded and choked, the prisoner still appeared to have reason and presence of mind, and walked in the direction of the steps, as if to reascend the scaffold. A horrid sound, like the death-rattle, escaped from his mouth, which made many of the immediate spectators sicken and turn pale. In a moment, Mullinix was in the arms of men who held him while the Sheriff tied the rope and then drew him up from the ground, and thus this object of the law's vengeance soon passed from time into eternity."
from THE NEW YORK TIMES, Dec 29, 1857, p.2
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