A CALLOUS CRIMINAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2556, 17 July 1909, Page 4 (Supplement)

A CALLOUS CRIMINAL.

SMOKED AT EXECUTION. William Joseph Foy’s astonishing selfpossession on the gallows at Swansea on Saturday, May 8, was in keeping with the cold-bloodedness of the crime for which he suffered the extreme penalty. He was executed for the murder of Mary Ann llees, with whom he had lived at Merthyr, by throwing her down a disused furnace. After the terrible deed he told the. police what he had done, and offered to throw a bucket of live coal down the shaft to show them where the body lay. At the trial the judge severely commented upon his behaviour. The condemned man was visited in the week' by his father and sister, who on Saturday received the following farewell letter from him: “I am perfectly happy, having taken Holy Communion and made my peace vyit-li God. Therefore, I beg you not to grieve for me, but to rejoice, for I shall be- in heaven above, waiting for you, my dear sister. Give my best and iast wishes to Con and father, and tell them that it is my wish that you 3nd they should seek the peace of God, as I have done.

I wish to remind you that I have been treated with great kindness by the officers that have been looking after me. I am quite happy, and will meet my fate, like a man. So I, therefore, wish, dear sister, that you will not grieve, but try to live a good life for my sake. -Anything further you would like to know you will get it from) tlio chaplain, and you will -also get the silver cross which I have had from him. M3' dear sister, give my best respects to Jenkin and Annie Lloyd. May God bless you all, from your penitent brother, . JOE. p.S.—Just a few lines for the children. It is my earnest wish that you should teach them to- grow up in God’s ways, and worship Him always, fo r His name’s sake. Amen. Rest on the Lord, and be of good courage.” Foy on'Saturday made a breakfast of beef steak -and onions, and walked unassisted to the. gallows. While he was being pinioned lie lit a cigarette, at which he was puffing .the moment before he Avas launched into- eternity. The cigarette was bent but unbroken by the adjustment of the white cap. In liis brown coat he actually wore a buttonhole, a single green leaf. His limbs never trembled for one instant before the drop, .his coolness being astounding.