This document is incredibly helpful. It gives us an amazing glimpse into the life of someone living in Lancaster city in 1822. The document mentions, "it is believed a great exposure of people of all descriptions will resort to the place of executions to witness the awful and melancholy scene, the execution whereof ought to be conducted amongst civilized, moral, and religious people." The mayor goes on to say that he mandates "this proclamation thereby forbidding and prohibiting every person and persons from taking in, and vending any liquor stronger than small beer on that day, at or near the place of execution."

This informs us that a significant number of people must attend public executions if the mayor must publish a proclamation banning strong liquor from being used at the execution.

The proclamation goes on to inform all constables to be on the lookout for people breaking the law on the day of the execution as well as the two days following it. It also urges tavern-keepers to "prevent drunkenness, gambling, dancing, and all immoral transactions."

While this document does not specify the location of the execution or any of the details pertaining to it, it does tell us about the cultural component of public executions. The proclamation doesn't provide much detail as to the events of the execution or the past behavior of people during executions. Instead, it leaves us only to infer that people must thoroughly celebrate executions in Lancaster. This proclamation also doesn't tell us anything about John Lechler or what he did to get sentenced to death.