Existing comment:
On December 12, 1859, Shields Green and John Copeland sat on their own coffins as they rode to the gallows. Just before Green was readied for execution and his arms were tied, he extended a hand toward his comrade as in a final goodbye. The trap door opened and the former slave died five minutes later. Copeland, however, struggled for twelve minutes as his body writhed in violent contortions. |