<h2><SPAN name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</SPAN><br/> <span class="smaller">How I became an Executioner.</span></h2>
<div class="drop">
<ANTIMG src="images/dropi.png" width-obs="73" height-obs="76" alt="I" /></div>
<p class="afterdrop"><span class="fstwd"><span class="hidden">I</span>t</span> has been said by some of those goody-goody
moralists who are always anxious to point out
sad examples of the depravity of man, and
who are not very particular about the genuineness of
the “facts” with which they support their theories,
that I was fond, even as a boy, of revelling in the
revolting details of crime, and that I was a reader of all
the police literature that I could obtain. Such statements
are absolutely false. As a boy I was not a great
reader on any subject, and the proceedings of the courts
and the careers of criminals were in no wise interesting
to me until I became a member of the Bradford Borough
Police Force, in 1874.</p>
<p>When a policeman I strove to do my duty as well
as any man could, and often wished that I could make
some better provision for my wife and family, but I
never so much as dreamed of becoming an executioner,
or took any interest in the subject of hanging.</p>
<p>One day, when I called at a friend’s house that was
on my beat, it happened that Mr. Marwood was staying
there, and I was introduced to him, and a few days later
I again met him and spent an evening in his company.
He was a quiet, unassuming man, kindly and almost
benevolent in his manner, who was in no way ashamed
of his calling, though very reticent about speaking of it,
excepting to those whom he knew well. He keenly felt
the odium with which his office was regarded by the
public, and aimed, by performing his duties in a satisfactory
manner, and by conducting his private life
respectably, at removing the stigma which he felt was
undeserved. At times the attitude of the public towards
him was very keenly felt, and I well remember one time
when this subject was the topic of conversation at the<span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</SPAN></span>
supper table, that he remarked to a gentleman present,
“my position is not a pleasant one,” and turning to me,
repeated with emphasis, “no! it is <i>not</i> a pleasant one.”
The words seemed to come from the depths of a full
heart, and I shall never forget their pathos and feeling.
Altogether, Mr. Marwood never encouraged me in any
way to think of his calling with feelings of envy, and
though he did give me all particulars of his methods
and apparatus, it was merely because I asked all sorts
of questions from natural curiosity.</p>
<p>It was only when in company with Mr. Marwood,
with whom I became quite friendly, that I ever contemplated
the question of capital punishment. At other
times it was far from my thoughts. My application for
the post, which was left vacant at his death, was, therefore,
in no way the result of a personal desire for the
work or of a pre-conceived plan. I was simply driven to
it by the poverty-stricken condition of my family, which
I was unable to keep in reasonable comfort upon my
earnings (I was then engaged as a boot-salesman, at a
small salary). I knew that in the line on which I was
then working there was no prospect of a material
improvement in my position; I knew that I was a man of
no extraordinary ability, so that my chances of rising
were few, and I looked upon the vacancy of the executioner’s
post as being probably my one chance in life,
my “tide in the affairs of men.” Personally I had a
great distaste for the work, though I did not consider it
in any way dishonourable or degrading, and I had to
weigh my family’s wants against my personal inclination.
It seemed to me at the time that my duty was clear, so
I made application for the vacant position.</p>
<p>It may be said that I decided to better myself without
any regard to the means of that betterment, or to
my fitness for the position; but when I carefully considered
the matter, in the few days before sending in
my application, I was convinced that I could do the
work as well as anyone, and that I could make practical
improvements in some of the methods and somewhat
improve the lot of those appointed to die. This last
consideration finally decided me.</p>
<p>I made application to the Sheriffs of London and<span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</SPAN></span>
Middlesex in September, 1883. There were some 1400
applicants for the post, but after waiting some time I
received the following letter intimating that I was one
of the few from amongst whom the final choice was to
be made:——</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="right">London.</p>
<p>The Sheriffs of London and Middlesex will be at
the Old Bailey on Monday next, the 24th instant, at
2 o’clock p.m., for the purpose of seeing the selected
applicants for the post of Executioner.</p>
<p>If you (as one of those selected for consideration)
are disposed to attend at the above time and place
you are at liberty, at your own expense, to do so.</p>
<div>
<p class="ilb center">19th September, 1883.<br/>
To Mr. J. Berry.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Of course, I kept the appointment, was duly examined,
amongst some nineteen others, and was told that the
chosen executioner would be communicated with.</p>
<p>My action in applying for the post was not at all
in accordance with the wishes of my relatives, who did
everything they possibly could to prevent my obtaining
it. Some of my friends and neighbours wrote, either
through solicitors or personally, to the sheriffs. Certain
members of my own family petitioned the Home Secretary
to dismiss the application, on the ground that if
the appointment was given to me, a hitherto respectable
family would be disgraced. I believe that it was mainly
in consequence of these representations that I was
passed over, and the post given to Mr. Bartholomew
Binns. Upon myself the opposition had an effect that
was not intended. It made me devote considerable
thought and care to the details of the work of an executioner,
and made me determine that if ever the
opportunity again offered I should do my best to secure
the work. During the four months that Mr. Binns held
the appointment I had consultations with some eminent
medical men, and when, much earlier than I expected,
a new executioner was wanted, I was very well grounded
in the theory of the subject. It was in March, 1884,
that the magistrates of the city of Edinburgh wanted
a man to execute Vickers and Innes, two poachers.<span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</SPAN></span>
The Sheriffs of London and Middlesex gave me a recommendation,
and I addressed the following letter to the
Magistrates of Edinburgh:—</p>
<blockquote>
<div class="right">
<p class="ilb center">
<i>March</i> 13<i>th</i>, 1884.<br/>
52, Thorpe Street, Shearbridge,<br/>
Bradford, Yorkshire.</p>
</div>
<p>To the Magistrates<br/>
<span class="i2">of the City of Edinburgh.</span></p>
<p>Dear Sirs,</p>
<p>I beg most respectfully to apply to you, to ask
if you will permit me to conduct the execution of the
two Convicts now lying under sentence of death at
Edinburgh. I was very intimate with the late Mr.
Marwood, and he made me thoroughly acquainted
with his system of carrying out his work, and also the
information which he learnt from the Doctors of
different Prisons which he had to visit to carry out
the last sentence of the law. I have now one rope
of his which I bought from him at Horncastle, and
have had two made from it. I have also two Pinioning
straps made from his, also two leg straps. I have
seen Mr. Calcraft execute three convicts at Manchester
13 years ago, and should you think fit to give me the
appointment I would endeavour to merit your patronage.
I have served 8 years in Bradford & West
Riding Police Force, and resigned without a stain on
my character, and could satisfy you as to my abilities
and fitness for the appointment. You can apply to
Mr. Jas. Withers, Chief Constable, Bradford, also to
the High Sheriff for the City of London, Mr. Clarence
Smith, Mansion House Buildings, 4, Queen Victoria
Street, London, E.C., who will testify as to my
character and fitness to carry out the Law. Should
you require me I could be at your command at 24
hours’ notice. Hoping these few lines will meet with
your approval. I remain, Sirs,</p>
<p class="right">
Your Most Obedient Servant,<br/>
<span class="smcap">James Berry</span>.</p>
<div>
<p class="ilb">
To The Chief Magistrates,<br/>
<span class="i2">Borough of Edinburgh,</span><br/>
<span class="i4">Scotland.</span></p>
</div>
<p class="hanging">P.S. An answer would greatly oblige as I should
take it as a favour.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</SPAN></span></p>
<p>A brief correspondence followed, and on March 21st I
received the following letter from the Magistrates’ Clerk:</p>
<blockquote>
<div class="right">
<p class="ilb center">
City Chambers, Edinburgh,<br/>
<i>21st March, 1884.</i></p>
</div>
<p>Sir,</p>
<p>With reference to your letters of the 13th and
15th instant, I am now directed by the Magistrates
to inform you that they accept the offer you have
made of your services to act as Executioner here on
Monday, the 31st March current, on condition (1)
that you bring your Assistant with you, and (2) that
you and your Assistant arrive in Edinburgh on the
morning of Friday the 28th instant, and reside within
the Prison (at the Magistrates’ expense) till after the
Executions are over.</p>
<p>The Magistrates agree to your terms of ten
guineas for each person executed and 20s. for each
person executed to your Assistant, with second-class
railway fares for both of you, you finding all necessary
requisites for the Executions.</p>
<div class="aspara">
<div class="center"><div class="ilb left">I am, Sir,<br/>
<span class="i2">Your obedient servant,</span></div>
</div>
<div class="right"><div class="ilb center"><span class="smcap">A Campbell</span>,<br/>
Deputy City Clerk.</div>
</div></div>
<p>Mr. James Berry,<br/>
<span class="i2">52, Thorpe Street,</span><br/>
<span class="i4">Shearbridge,</span><br/>
<span class="i6">Bradford, Yorks.</span></p>
<p class="hanging">P.S. Please acknowledge receipt of this letter immediately.—A. C.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Of course, my reply was to the effect that I accepted
the engagement, and although I felt many misgivings
between that time and the day appointed for the execution,
the work was carried through satisfactorily.</p>
<div class="enddeco">
<ANTIMG src="images/end3.png" width-obs="215" height-obs="41" alt="" /></div>
<p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</SPAN></span></p>
<div class="center">
<ANTIMG src="images/i_021.png" width-obs="600" height-obs="347" alt="" />
<p class="caption">Calton Gaol, from Calton Hill.</p>
</div>
<p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</SPAN><br/><SPAN name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</SPAN></span></p>
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