Nathaniel Gordon Article Index for
Nathaniel
Website Links For
Nathaniel
 

Information About

Nathaniel Gordon




Gordon was born in Portland , Maine . He loaded 897 slaves aboard his ship ''Erie'' at Sharks Point , Congo River , West Africa on August 7 , 1860 and was captured by the USS ''Mohican'' 50 miles from port on August 8 , 1860 . After one Hung Jury and a new trial, Gordon was convicted November 9 , 1861 in the Circuit Court in New York City and Sentenced To Death by Hanging on February 7 , 1862 .

President Abraham Lincoln issued a stay of Gordon's execution setting the new date for February 21 , 1862 . Lincoln made clear that the respite was only temporary to allow Gordon time for his final preparations. The evening before the execution, Gordon unsuccessfully attempted Suicide with Strychnine poison prompting the local authorities to move back the execution to noon from 2:30 p.m. due to Gordon's health. Gordon was survived by his wife, son and mother.


EXTERNAL LINKS