SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 233 



cular bolt round their necks, which passed 

 through the stake behind them, when the at- 

 tendant priest requested the multitude to join 

 in supplication to the throne of mercy for the 

 unfortunate beings. The bolts were drawn 

 tight by screws from behind, which in a few 

 seconds terminated their sufferings, without the 

 public witnessing the horrible contortions so 

 often seen in our executions. They were re- 

 moved, and a rope being put round their necks, 

 they were drawn up on the gibbet, and their 

 bodies exposed for a short time, during which 

 one of the officiating clergymen delivered an 

 impressive sermon suitable to the occasion ; he 

 was listened to with great attention, and at 

 his conclusion the multitude quietly dispersed 

 in the greatest order possible. The bodies 

 were then put into coffins and delivered to 

 their friends. 



I must observe, to the credit of the popu- 

 lace, that the whole was conducted in the most 



