August 6, 891, in Auburn, New York, marked a significant event as twenty attendees gathered at the local police station to witness a groundbreaking form of execution: electrocution. This method aimed to replace the traditional hanging of convicts with a more technologically advanced approach.
Among the attendees were Jonathan Axelsen, Poul Nielsen, and Caroline Dupont, who had all come to witness the execution of William Kemmler, a man convicted of murdering his common-law wife.
As the group assembled, Russell, a familiar acquaintance, greeted the four with a casual demeanor. "Fancy meeting you here, Mr. Nielsen, Mr. Axelsen, Mr. Morgan... and Ms. Dupont," he remarked. "I didn't expect that you would ask for attendance at this execution."
In response, Axelsen replied coolly, "Well, we wanted to ensure that the execution process goes smoothly. After all, it is our current that is being used for this purpose. We cannot afford any mistakes."
Reflecting on the situation, Poul added, "We could have appealed to the Supreme Court, you know. We could have argued that the use of electricity as a means of execution is cruel and inhumane, thus violating the Eighth Amendment. However, we've seen numerous instances of botched hangings throughout the country, and perhaps this new method will prove to be more efficient and humane."
"I see, well just so you know, this isn't my idea to begin with. I was approached by Alfred Porter Southwick from the Capital Punishment Commission. I simply suggested that your current would be more effective than mine and he built the electric chair. This is nothing personal."
"Is that so, Mr. Russell?" Caroline interjected. "Since you are here, are you going to watch the execution?"
Russell shook his head. "I'm afraid not. I can't watch a human being go through such a fate, regardless of the method. It's just not something I can stomach."
Caroline glanced at Russell, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "Then why did you get involved in this endeavor if you find it so abhorrent? Truly this isn't a smear campaign right?"
"How many times do I have to tell you? This is not a smear campaign…now that you are involved with the creation of the electric chair, you are taking full responsibility for what's going to happen from this moment forward. If execution through electricity is successful, it would definitely improve the methods of capital punishment and potentially bring about a more humane approach. If it fails, well..." Russell's voice trailed off, a subtle smirk spreading on his lip.
"If it fails, this is going to be a PR opportunity for you, am I right?" Poul said, smiling.
"Good day to you four," Russell dodged the question and made his way towards the exit, leaving the four.
One of the guards of the police station approached the four and escorted them to the room where they would witness the execution. The atmosphere grew increasingly solemn as they entered the chamber. The room was small, with cold stone walls and a sense of foreboding that hung in the air.
They took their seats, their eyes fixed on the ominous sight before them—the electric chair, a macabre contraption of metal and leather, waiting to fulfill its purpose. Jonathan, Poul, Caroline, and Ms. Dupont exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the gravity of the moment.
Finally, the sound of footsteps reverberated through the room, marking the arrival of William Kemmler. He was led into the chamber by two guards, yet despite knowing his fate, he remained composed and stoic. His eyes met those of the witnesses, and back to the electric chair.
"Gentlemen, I wish you all good luck. I believe I am going to a good place, and I am ready to go," William said before sitting down on the chair. He was strapped to the chair, his face was covered and the metal restraint was put on his bare head.
While the guards were taking all the necessary steps, he spoke.
"Take it easy and do it properly, I'm in no hurry."
Poul and Jonathan were quite amused at the composed demeanor of William Kemmler. It was as if he already accepted his fate and had made peace with it. However, their amusement was tinged with a somber realization that they were witnessing a man's last moments on Earth.
The guard then covered his head with a black hood, obscuring William Kemmler's face from view. The room fell into an eerie silence as the guards completed their preparations.
"William Kemmler, electricity shall now be passed through your body until you are dead in accordance with state law. May God have mercy on your soul. Do you have any last words?"
"I accept my fate," he uttered, his voice steady but laced with a touch of resignation. "I have made mistakes, and I am ready to face the consequences of my actions."
After hearing his last words, the guard then signaled his fellow to activate the electricity. The air crackled with anticipation as the executioner, standing by a switchboard, prepared to unleash the power that would course through William Kemmler's body.
With a swift motion, the executioner pulled the lever, and the room was instantly filled with a blinding flash of light. The witnesses instinctively shielded their eyes, their hearts pounding in their chests. The intense surge of electricity surged through the metal restraints, coursing into William Kemmler's body.
Jonathan, Poul, Morgan, and Caroline watched with a mix of morbid fascination and a sense of unease. They felt the weight of responsibility resting upon them, knowing that their work had contributed to this method of execution.
The room filled with a faint smell of burnt flesh as the electricity continued to surge through William Kemmler's body. The intensity of the current caused his muscles to convulse uncontrollably, his body tensing and jerking against the restraints.
Twenty seconds later, they deactivated the electricity. The sudden cessation of the electric current plunged the room into a deafening silence, broken only by the heavy panting of the witnesses and the lingering echoes of the execution. The stench of charred flesh hung in the air, a chilling reminder of the brutality that had just unfolded before their eyes.
Slowly, the doctor on standby approached the electric chair with a stethoscope and carefully placed it on William Kemmler's chest, listening intently for any signs of life. The room held its collective breath, waiting for the doctor's verdict.
After a tense moment, the doctor sighed and removed the stethoscope. "He's gone," he announced solemnly. "William Kemmler has passed."
With that, the first execution by electrocution had come to an end and was a success. A figure approached the four from behind and spoke.
"Thank you, for making this a possibility, Mr. Axelsen, Mr. Nielsen," Southwick said, extending his hand, offering a handshake.
Poul and Jonathan shook Southwick's hand.
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