SALEM, Dec. 23.  Thursday last, being the day appointed for the execution of Isaac Coombs, an Indian, with whose crime and sentence the publick have before been made acquainted, the unfortunate criminal was in the forenoon conducted to the Tabernacle, where a Sermon, which we are told was well adapted to the melancholy occasion, was preached by the Rev. Mr. Spalding, from Luke xviii. 13,—­“God be merciful to me a sinner!” After which he was returned to the prison.  Between the hours of 2 and 3 in the afternoon, he was guarded to the place of execution by a company of 40 volunteers (consisting principally of the members of the Artillery Company lately formed in this town, and commanded by Captain Zadock Buffinton) under the direction of the proper civil officers.  The Rev. Mr. Hopkins prayed at the gallows; and at 3 o’clock the cart was led off, and the unhappy sufferer made the expiation which the law required for his horrid and unnatural crime.

    His behaviour, through the whole, was firm, but decent, penitent
    and devotional.

This is the only execution which has taken place in the county of Essex for near 15 years, and but the second since about the close of the last century.  The concourse of people was consequently great; and the general decorum which was observed, evinced their sympathy for a suffering individual of the species.

    The conduct of the military corps was highly applauded.

On the way to execution the following paper was delivered to the Rev. Mr. BENTLEY, by one of the officers, with a request from Isaac, that he would read it publickly at the place of execution, at the time he should signify to him; accordingly, when the sheriff told the criminal his time was expired, as the last thing, he made the motion, and it was read to the people.  As it is so contradictory to the declaration he made before of himself, we have printed it verbatim as it is written, to avoid the charge of any alteration.

“I Who has ben Called by the name of Isaac Cumbs Being Now Called to the place of Execution in the 39th year of my age, I Declare I was born at South hampton Long Island and am a Native of the said South hampton and my Right Name is John Peters and Leaving the said South hampton about 14 years ago, and comeing to St. Mertains Vineyard am Ben a traveller Eversince till I have Now arrived to this unhappy Place of Execution My advice is to all Spectators to Refrain from lying Stealing and all suchlike things But in particular Not to Break the Sabbath of the Lord or Game at Cerds or get Drunk as I have Don. this is My advice and more in particular to mixt coulard people and youths of Every Kind.  May the Blessing of god Desend upon you all Amen.”

In the “Essex Gazette,” Jan. 15, 1771, is an advertisement of a poem upon an execution.

    To be sold at the Printing-Office, Salem.