Man Sentenced to Death after Drunkenly Slaying NYC Officer

Early morning at New York City Hall, crowds anxiously gathered awaiting the sentencing of Joseph Clark, convicted of murdering an officer in a drunken fit.

Calculated Execution or Unfortunate Accident

According to testimony from Michael Sullivan, at about 1 a.m. of Jul. 10, 1851, George Gillespie, as well as two other fourth ward New York City officers on patrol, overheard a disturbance on Oliver Street. Upon further investigation, it was discovered over eight sailors were being disorderly, two of which were about to brawl.

In an attempt to break up the conflict, officers approached the sailors. All dispersed except two, Joseph Clark and John Brown. When Gillespie tried to reason with the sailors, Clark struck the officer with a four foot long, heavy metal object to the back of the head. After Gillespie collapsed to the sidewalk, Clark struck the officer three more times.

Afterward, Gillespie was taken to a hospital, where he later died due to fracture wounds to his skull.

Clark Sentenced to Hang

During sentencing, Clark said in his defense that the death of officer Gillespie was an accident and he had no other comment.

In response, Judge J. Mitchel addressed Clark and rendered his verdict. Clark was to be hanged Nov. 21, 1851.

“The person whom you slew was a public officer, engaged in preserving the peace. The deadly assault which you put upon him was not only unprovoked by him, but was conducted by you with a cruelty beyond measure,” said Mitchel. “It is under these circumstances that you have no hope of pardon except in your God. The sentence of the Court is you be hung by your neck until you be dead, and may God have mercy upon you.”

Clark was repulsed by his fate and continued to reiterate that the death of Gillespie was an accident.

“I don’t care so much for being hung as I do about eating a bad breakfast,” said Clark, “for I had no intention of killing the man when I struck him.”