Paterson: Book Four, Chapter III, p. 202

The Trial, Conviction, and Execution of the Murderer John Johnson

John Johnson, from Liverpool, England, was convicted after 20 minutes conference by the Jury. On April 30th, 1850, he was hung in full view of thousands who had gathered on Garrett Mountain and adjacent house tops to witness the spectacle.

I

John Johnson son of son of John hanged for his hatchet work.
Johnson, John, son of son of John hanged for his hatchet work.
John Johnson son of son of a grandfather hanged for his hatchet work.

His hatchet work was among the best in the business.
His best work was his hatchet business.

II

After twenty minutes it was his head for which they called.
The passive voice removes responsibility.

After twenty minutes they called for his head.
The jury has decided the active voice is best.

III

Some hinges are terrifying.
John Johnson's hatchet work was killer, but some hinges are truly terrifying.

Verily.

IV

They gathered (like they would some years later at Wrigley) to see just how terrifying two simple hinges can be.

And they all said, "Verily, verily. Terrifyingly true."

V

A wild chant rose up
while he rose up
the crowd rose up:

"Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country!"

And to its aid they came.

Spectacle of spectacles!
Look at how those hinges glint!

VI

There comes a time in every executioner's career that he removes the hood or hopes he isn't shooting blanks.

VII

"Any last words?"

"No"

VIII

But blanks will be shot.

IX



X

I would like to think (I would like to
think to you I am thankful I think.

Such thoughts are fruitless; I really ought to forget
all this fruitless thinking.

But perhaps I should have said something. (I would like to think for just a little longer, though.)

XI

Late that evening in Liverpool, England, John Johnson’s brother another John Johnson was seen entering his home. He was seen lurching at the sound of the hinges on his front door. And with a sickening snap and a gurgle he was seen felled at the feet of his two excited young daughters who had run to greet him when they heard the sound of the hinges. They looked at him—curiously—and asked in unison, “Any last words?” His snapped neck was seen lolling around in reply. The coroner listed his cause of death as a blank hanging. The first such case to be seen in Liverpool in many years.

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John Johnson from Liverpool was convicted after 20 minutes conference by the Jury. He was hung on April 30th, 1850 in the Jail Yard in full view of thousands who gathered on Garrett Mountain and on the house tops to witness the spectacle.

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