From the "New-York Daily Tribune"
June 13, 1845

EXECUTION OF MRS. ELIZABETH REED.- She was hanged at St. Lawrenceville, (III.) on the 23d ult. She stated upon the gallows that she-felt an interest in the redeeming blood of the Prince of Peace, and died, but to live forever in a state of bliss made perfect to the glory of God the Father. She was very unwell on the morning of the execution, and with a weak and feeble step, she was conducted to the scaffold, and hung in the presence of eight thousand spectators. After her spirit had taken its flight to another world, her body was taken down and dissected by the physicians. Her stomach, upon examination, was found to contain a number of pieces of brick as large as a pea, and pulverized glass, by which she had in vain attempted to save herself from an ignominious and public death, It is justly presumed that she could have lived but a few days longer. She has made her confession, which, with the trial, speech of Mr. Linder (her counsel) and the sentence of the Court (pronounced by Judge Wilson) is published at Charleston. In it are related the circumstances attending the murder of her husband, consummated by administering poison by the wife. The story is said to be one of thrilling interest and deep horror.