Execution of Andrews

James Andrews on the way to his execution.

Drawing by Wilbur G. Kurtz.

Click on picture to see a larger version.

The Southern Confederacy on June 8, 1862, recorded the event as follows:

EXECUTION OF ANDREWS, THE ENGINE THIEF

Yesterday evening's train from Chattanooga brought to this place, to be executed, Andrews, the leader of the Engine Thieves, under sentence of death, convicted by court-martial of being a spy. He was carried out Peachtree Street road, accompanied by three clergymen, and escorted by a guard. A considerable crowd followed to witness the execution.

He was a native of Hancock County, Virginia, born in 1829, brought up by pious Presbyterian parents, who now reside in South-west Missouri. A good portion of his life had been spent in Fleming County, Kentucky. He had no family, but was engaged to be married this month.

He said he was induced to attempt stealing of the engine under promise of a large reward by the fed'ls, and the privilege of smuggling through from the north, $5,000 worth of goods per month; that he did not intend to burn the bridges, but to take the engine to the federals; and that he was not an enemy to the Confederate government or people.

He seemed very penitent – was composed till he came on to the scaffold, when a slight tremor was perceptible.

These statements were made by Reverend W.J. Scott, at his request. Reverend Mr. Conyers offered up a feeling prayer. Reverend Mr. Connor administered a few seasonable words of counsel. The three men then took leave of him and he was launched into eternity.

Thus ended the life of this daring adventurer, who, according to his own confession, was playing the hands of both parties in this war to make gain – always, however, in the confidence of the enemy; but he was convicted of being a spy.

Mr. Scott believes he was not a man of much ability – had but little cultivation, and was victimized by shrewder men than himself.

Following the execution of Andrews, the jailed party was removed to the Fulton County jail, located at the corner of Fraser and Fair streets (now Memorial Drive). Several days later, the twelve who had been taken to Knoxville for court-martial were removed to Atlanta and confined with the others. Because of exigencies of the service, courts-martial for only seven of the group had been completed. The Confederate authorities now felt it best to remove them from the area of Knoxville and get them deeper behind Confederate lines.

Fulton County's first jail erected in 1855 and destroyed by General Sherman's forces in 1864. the building stood at the corner of Fraser and Fair Streets (now Memorial Drive). All of the Andrews Raiders, except Andrews, were confined in this jail from June to October, 1862.

Drawing by Wilbur G. Kurtz