The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 207: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

184 THE COURT OF LONDON Thus speaking, he tossed the paper across the table; and the individuals to whom he had last addressed himself hastened to make themselves acquainted with its con- tents. It ran as follows: HomE OFFICE, Saturday evening, Oct. 20. ‘“‘ Str: — I am desired by the secretary of state to direct your attention to the demoralizing effect of capital criminals addressing observations from the scaffold to the assembled crowd; and it is requisite that this display, which has been much too common of late, should be prevented. I have therefore to request that henceforth the scene outside the gaol of Newgate, on the occasion of a public execution, shall be abbreviated as much as possible; and I have further to desire that you will have the goodness to communicate this letter to the reverend ordinary of Newgate. ‘““T have the honour to remain, etc. “ To the Sheriff of London.” This despatch was duly signed by the under-secretary of state for the Home Department. The governor, on reading it, exchanged significant glances with the chaplain, as much as to imply their regret at having been led by circum- stances to buoy up Dysart with the hope of a reprieve until nearly the last minute; but they nevertheless kept the matter scrupulously secret in their own breasts. Nor did the governor entertain the slightest suspicion that he had all along been made a tool in the hands of Lady Ernestina Dysart, in thus lulling her husband into a false security. GOMIGHOOKS () (E(0)