From the Richmond Examiner, 4/20/1866, p. 3, c. 3

THE EXECUTION OF THOMAS SHIELDS TODAY. – To-day, between the hours of 12 M. and 1 o’clock, Thomas Shields, a soldier of the United states artillery service, will be launched into eternity for the murder, most diabolical, of one Taylor, on the Williamsburg road, about two months ago. Shields was convicted with a man names Clarke by a military commission. Shields was sentenced to death, and Clarke to imprisonment in the penitentiary for life. Bishop McGill, of the Catholick Church of this city, has been in daily attendance upon Shields since his sentence but he mocks at the religious teachings of the good Prelate. He has shown himself the most hardened villain that ever coarted the halter, and he deserves it above all villains who ever came before a military commission or civil court. The execution will take place through the hatchway of the Libby, where Shields is securely continued. The rope was procured yesterday. The execution will be strictly private, only the representatives of the city press and a few officials being admitted upon the pass of the General commanding this department.

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