Democratic Sentinel, Volume 6, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 July 1882 — HANGED. [ARTICLE]

HANGED.

Garfield’s Murderer Dies an IpcmiDioDs Death. How the Wretch Met His FateScenes and Incidents. Before the Fatal Day. Although the behavior of the assassin the last three or four days of his life was generally quiet and composed, it was marked by occasional outbursts of the same fierce spirit which possessed him, during his trial, to denounce by turns everybody who took any part therein. Three days before his execution he seemed for a short time to be moved by a feeling of un-usually-violent hatred for all who had boon concerned in his trial or were to be instrumental in carrying the sentence into effect “Arthur will go to hell,” he exclaimed, “ the Cabinet will go to holl; Judge Bradley will go to hell; tho Supreme Court of this District will go to hell; Gen. Crocker will go to hell, and” (turning to the death-watcher) “you, too, will go to helL” With each repetition of the word “hell ” he brought his fist violently down upon the table to give to it additional emphasis. As Deputy Warden Ross passed the door of his cell, Guiteau said to him, in a snarling tone : “If you have anything to do with my hanging, you will be damned. You will have to take the responsibility.” During tho greater part of the tho time, however, tne prisoner seemed tranquil. When Rev. Dr. Hicks visited him in the evening, Guiteau was in an undemonstrative mood, and, in reply to the minister’s inquiries, said : “My mind is free from all worldly affairs, and lam ready to go. I have no enmity now against any one. The matter is now between the President’s conscience and his God. I hope that Friday there will be no bungling, and that Gen. Crocker will do his work welL Prolongation of my life now will not contribute to my happiness, although it would be for the good of tho American people.” After some conversation upon religious topics, the minister and the condemned knelt together and prayed, tho latter being apparently more siucero and devout than at any previous time. As Dr. Hicks was loaviug the cell Guiteau said : “lam counting the hours till I shall bo released. I have no fear of punishment hereafter, for I feel the act of which I have been convicted was God’s act, that I was God’s man, and that I shall bo welcomed to paradise.” On Wednesday preceding the fatal day Dr. Hicits handed President Arthur a long letter from Mrs. Scoville, in which she said : “ Because a crazy man makes a crazy claim that tho President is his friend, thereby throwing possible suspicion in the minds of the ignorant few upon the President’s motives, shall the honored President of those United States, the chief magistrate of a great, free people, even though raised to that place as a result of a terrible calamity brought about in the inscrutable wisdom of God by the hand of an irros ponsible lunatic, refuse to stand boldly up for justioe and mercy V It is not so much my brother’s life for which I plead as for justice. Ali men know he was and is a lunatic. All men know, and none better than those who tried him, that he did not have a fair, unprejudiced trial. How could he, with alrthe pressure that was brought to bear from every source upon everybody? Even Judge Porter said immediately after his wonderful cross-examination of this most wonderful witness : ‘The man is as crazy as a loon. I never examined such a witness. I could not mix' him up a particle, his delusion is so strong.’ He said this to H. E. Stone, editor and publisher of Chicago, who will give hi* deposition or make affidavit to the fact. May the Lord of hosts strengthen the President of the United States to do right and extend mercy when mercy is justice.” The President declined to enter into correspondence with Mrs. Scoville. John W. Guiteau was admitted to the presence of tho President, on Wednesday, and produced a letter written by his father, March 30, 1873, in which the writer declares that he has been ready to believe the assassin “capable of almost any folly, stupidity, or rascality,” and that the ouly possible excuse I cau render for him is that ho is insane.” f The President listened patiently to the man’s in behalf of his brother, but remained firm in his determination not to interfere with the execution. On Thursday morning he told his friends that he had no idea that ho would be hanged. A colored woman called at tho jail to collect CO cents which she said Guiteau owed her for washing. One of tho jail attendants passed into the corridor, and communicated tho message to Guiteau, who handed out 50 cents, with the remark : “All right. Please give her that, and tell her I will pay her the balance Monday.” Thursday afternoon Rev. Dr. Hicks and Charles EL Reed were admitted to the condemned man’s cell. John W. Guiteau, Mrs. Scoville aud her little daughter called about the same time. When told by the Warden that his sister wished to see him, Guiteau remarked that he did not want any “crazy talk,” but if she could restrain herself he would be Elea sed to see her and would bid er an affectionate, brotherly farewell. An attendant came in and presented Guitoau with a large aud beautiful bouquet. “Where did that come from?” asked the prisoner. “From your sister,” the guard replied. Guiteau pressed it to his lips and wept bitterly for a few minutes. Then he suddenly exclaimed : “ This does not become a man who is about to meet his God for doing God’s will.” This was the only exhibition of tenderness he had given. At his request and dictation, Reed then drew up his will as follows Washington, June 29, 1882. 'Jo Rev. Wm. W. Hicks—l, Charles Guiteau, of the City of Washington, in the District of Columbia, now under sentence of death, which is to bo carried into effect between the hours of 12 and 2 o’clock on tho 30th day of June, A. D. 1882, in the United States jail, in said District, do hereby give and grant you my body after such execution ; provided, however, it shall not bo used for any mercenary purpose. Aud I hereby, for good and sufficient consideration, give, deliver and transfer to said Hicks my book entitled, “ The Truth and Removal,” and Ihe copyright thereof, to be UEed by him in writing a truthful history of my life and execution, and I direct that such history be entitled “ Tho Life and Work of Charles J. Guiteau.” And I hereby solemnly proclaim and announce to all the world that no person or persons shall ever in any manner use my body for any mercenary purpose whatsoever. And if at any time hereafter any person or persons shall desire to honor my remains, they can do it by erecting a monument whereon shall be inscribed these words: “ Here lies the body of Charles J. Guiteau, patriot and Christian. His boul is in glory.” Charles J. Guiteau. Witnesses: Charles H. Reed, James Woodwakd. Reed also drew up the following paper at Guiteau’s request, which was presented to Gen. Crocker: Washington, June 29? Gen. John 8. Crocker, Warden United States Jail: We, Frances M. Scoville and John W. Guiteau, sister and brother and tho only heirs of Charles J. Guiteau, to be executed on the 30th day of June, 1882, in the United States Jail, in the District of Columbia, hereby request you to deliver the body of said Charles J. Guiteau to Rev. William W. Hicks, after such execution. Franc fs M. Scoville, John W. Guiteau. Witness: Charles H. Reed, Alseire A. Chevalliere, W. W. Goddino. Guiteau thanked Reed for his efforts in his behalf, aud theu, becoming greatly excited, he exclaimed : “As for President Arthur, he is a coward and ingrate, and ho will be punished hereafter.” Reed started to go, when Guiteau said: “ Wait one moment; I wish to say somothmg more.” He then sat "flown at the table, and, in a firm, bold hand, wrote thp following and handed it to Reed, who came from the cell deeply affected: To My Dear Friend Charles H. Reed: I am only too glad to express to you my unbounded appreciation of your services in my behalf. Yo. did splendidly. May God reward you for it. Meet me in heaven. Charles J. Guiteau. United States Jail, Washington, June 29, 1882. After Reed retired, Dr. Hicks remained some time with the culprit, but was unable to turn his thoughts away from consideration of his immediate surroundings. When he retired from the cell, Mrs. Scoville and her little daughter and John W. Guiteau were admitted. Their interview with the prisoner lasted fifteen minutes, the Warden and a deputy being presoot. Guiteau wm at first much exoited, am}

roundly abused the President and “ thos9 wretches,” as he termed those who had hounded him to the scaffold. “And yon, too,” he cried out, pointing bis finger at Gen. Crocker and the deputy, “you will be both sent to bell.” In a few minutes he calmed down, and said he was ready to die, and wanted to be hanged at 12 o'clock sharp. At parting he said: “Let me kiss my sister through the grated bars, and let it so go on record.” After kissing liis sister and little niece, he turned to his brother, and, handing him a dime, said: “ Here is the 10 cents due the washerwoman. I guess you had better settle that balance to-day. ' There were a number of “queer people” at the White House on Thursday, to see the President in Guiteau’s behalf. None were accorded an interview. They were all referred to W. H. Crook, one of the Executive clerks, who received them in an ante-room and heard their requests. Three women and one Qian wanted to have him persuade the President to see them, but to no purpose. They came separately*- but were all on the same errand, to ask that Guiteau be respited because of his insanity. The man was a Frenchman, and wanted Guiteau -pardoned outright. When Crook told one woman of the visitors that it was useless tor her to trouble herself further about the cose, as the President had decided not to interfere with the execution of the sentence, she was-very much overcome with grief, and burst into tears and had to be led out of the building. She sadly bemoaned her unhappy lot, and said it was a shame for the conntry to allow “poor Brother Guiteau” to be hanged. The culprit’s appetite was good, and he ate three hearty meals a day up to the last day. Thursday evening he partook of a supper of broiled steak, toast, potatoes and raspberries, after which he had his face shaved. Laying down, he slept about fifteen minutes, when he awoke and requested Dr. McWilliams to see that the “machine” was in working order, so that that he might* “go off” promptly. Rev. Dr. Hicks and John W. Guiteau called. He refused to see the brother. When Dr. Hicks announced his failure to see the President Guiteau replied: “ That is all right; that settles it. I want yon to examine the scaffold and see that it is all right, so that there may be no bungling. I want to be hung at 12 o’clock sharp.” Last Niglit on Earth. The last night of the prisoner’s life Wa3 not marked by many features of special interest. During the first half of the ’ night, or until 1 o’clock Friday morning, Guiteau was greatly disturbed by the insane cries of a colored crank who had been convioted of larceny, aud by mistake had been sentenced to the jail instead of the .asylum. Her demoniacal yells rang through the jail, serving to keep Guiteau awake nearly the entire night. He was very restless hud slept hut little. Rev. Dr. Hicks, his spiritual adviser, was with him from 11 o’clock to midnight. At that time ho reported that the prisoner had had no sleep, and that he was peevish and fretful. At about 4 o’clock in the morning the crazy, woman subsided through sheer exhaustion. Guiteau was then able to sleep a little. Dr. Hicks paid a visit to tho cell, but found that tho prisoner had fallen asleep, and he was not disturbed. Guiteau kept the cell darkened so as to keep the flics from bothering him. Shortly alter he awoke and was visited by Deputy -Warden Ross and Dr. McWilliams. They found that his short nap had made hint better-natured and more tractable. He bade Dr. McWilliams good-by, aud thanked him for all his kindness, aud after thoy left he again dropped asleep, and did not awßko until about 6 o’clock’, when he began to get hungry and called for his breakfast. He ordered the various dishes of which he -is so fond —an omelette, slices of toast, beefsteak, fried potatoes and coffee. He also gave directions that his dinner should be ready for him promptly at 11 o’clock, evidently determined not to be started oq his long journey an an empty stomach. Tlic Fateful morning. At precisely half-past 7 o’clock Friday morning, the guard brought in the felon’s breakfast, which he devoured with a keen relish. Dr. Hicks, who remained at the jail all night was called into the prisoner’s cell an d held a conversation on religious subjects with him. At 8 o’clock Dr. Hicks saw the prisoner agaiu, when he made a request to have a bath, and asked Hicks to go out and examine the scaffold. Guiteau desired him to arrange with the Warden to have the trap sprung as soon after 12 o'clock as possible. He also expressed considerable anxiety lest some accident should occur, and insisted that Hicks should seo that the scaffold and its appurtenances were all in proper condition. After Guiteau had disposed of these matters he read a poem, composed by himself, which he calls “Simplicity; or Religious Baby Talk.” After reading it he attempted to sing it; but broke down in the effort. Guiteau then talked for some time about the future. ' He remarked that his heart was tender. “ I don’t think,” he said, “ that I can go through this ordeal without weeping—not because of any great weakness, for principle in me is strong, but because lam nearer the other world. I hold to the idea that God inspired me.” Guiteau subsequently asked that in his books all complimentary remarks about President Arthur and his administration be eliminated. Then he presented Hicks the books that have been tho companions of his lonely hours. Ho told Hicks that he wanted him to offer the first prayer on the scaffold, saying he (Guitoau) would then road his favorite'scnpturai passage, the tenth chapter of John, and offer prayer on his own account. Then he intended, he said, to read his poem, “Simplicity.” He desired to have the execution so arranged that just as he uttered the last word the drop should be sprung. * John W. Guiteau arrived at the jail at 9 o’clock, and was followed in a few minutes by Warden Crocker. These two gentlemen, with Hicks, had a consultation as to the disposal of the body. At 9:15 the prisoner camo out in the corridor j and exercised for fifteen minutes. Ho walked 1 very briskly, making it rather difficult for the i guards to keep up with him. ; At 9 o’clock thero was a constant stream of persons coming into the jail. The scene outside was like that of some great gala occasion. Some enterprising colored men had erected booths from which they dispensed lemonade, cakes and other refreshments to the weary and thirsty people, who began before 9 o’clock to assemble in the roid in front of the jail. At 10 o’clock Guiteau expressed a desire to take a bath, and a large tub'was taken into his cell. At this hour no one but the death watch j was with him. Guiteau nervously disrobed and bathed. It was quite apparent to i who was cloeoly watching his every j movement, that his object in asking , for " a bath was simply to obtain . some employment which might distract his ! thoughts from the dread contemplation of his approaching death. He evidenced increased i nervousness, and his uncertain movements, dis- | trait manner, and the marked tremor in his | tones, when he attempted to speak, impressed ! tho guard with tlitT belief that he is rapidly j weakening. i At a few minutes after 10 o’clock Dr. Hicks j and John W. Guiteau went with Gen. Crocker 1 to the scaffold, together with a number of j guards. John W. Guitd&u ascended the steps ' and carefully examined the structure, handling j the lopo and carefully inspecting all the fixtures | both above aud below tho platform. Shortly before 11 o’clock Guiteau called for ! paper, and for twenty minutes busied himself j in making a copy of what he termed “his j prayer on scaffold.” After he had finished his j Prayer Upon the Scaffold,” he began to ar- j range’ his dress, putting on a pair of navy-blue j trousers. At 11 o’clook, contrary to general expecta- j tion and the purpose as expressed on the pre- i vious day, Mrs. Scoville arrived at the* ail and | besought admission. She appeared to bo labor- j iug under great excitement. Gen. Crocker declined to admit her, unless the prisoner specially requested it. After a short conference with Warden Crocker, John W. Guiteau went outside tho jail to see his sisier. He found her in great excitement, bordering upon hysteria, but after a short time he succeeded in calming her, and dissuading her from any attempt to gain admission. She acknowledged the propriety of such a course, but said she could not possibly remain in the city during all the wretched hours of the morning. She brought with her the flowers which Guiteau asked for, and they were taken to the prisoner. Mrs. Scoville also brought two handsome flower pieces, a cross and anchor, which she will place upon her brother’s coffin with her own hands. Dr. Hicks, when he caihe out of the cell, shortly after 11 o’clock, said the prisoner had not the slightest “ We have had a pleasant religious talk. He feels now that he is ready for the last formality. He-oommits himself to God with the utmost confidence. I think he will show some emotion, because the nervous Btrain is so great. Nobody.” Dr. Hicks said, “had seen the prisoner at that time except himself and the jail offioers.” 1

Shortly before 12 o’clock Guiteau seemed to break down completely, and burst into tears and sobbed hysterically. Dr. Hicks sat by his side, fanning him, and vainly trying to calm him. About half-past 11 preparations began to be made for the execution. At 11-A0 a detachment of artillery was formed on the east side of the rotunda—and brought their muskets to parade rest At that tune about 250 people were on the rotunda. Dr. Hicks was with the prisoner engaged in prayer. Guiteau showed great nervousness, and appeared greatly startled when be heard the rattle of muskets on tßfe stone floor of the rotunda. From that moment, Gnitean appeared to be thoroughly overcome with emotion. He wept freely, and seemed to be in great anguish. The scene in the rotund*, while waiting for the prisoner, was one long to be remembered. The soldiers’ were drawn up on one side, a long line of Spectators facing them on the other. It was understood that Guiteau was very much depressed, and it was expected his passage to the gallows would present a very distressing sight The movement of the officers around the jail door was watched with eager attention. After the death warrant was read by the Warden, the prisoner became more composed, and, turning away, began to brush his hair. The fflarch to the Scaffold. At 12:25 a loud steam whistle was blown at tho work-house, near the jaiL This whistle usually blows at 12 o’clock, and by it Guiteau was in the habit of gauging his time. Tbe delay to-day was by special arrangement, so that its startling summons might not come before the officers were ready. Two minutes later the iron gates at the end of the corridor clicked; then Warden Crocker made his appearance, and a moment later the familiar figure of Guitoau was seen. His face was pallid and the muscles about his mouth moved nervously; other than this there were no signs of faltering. The procession moved quickly to the scaffold, and Guiteau ascended the somewhat steep steps with as much steadiness as could be expected from a man whose arms were tightly pinioned. At the last step he faltered for a moment, but was assisted by the officers who walked upon cither side. Upon reaching the platform, Guiteau was placed immediately behind the drop facing to tho front of the scaffold. Capt. Coleman stood upon his right, Robert Strong upon his left, and Woodward directly behind him. Jones took a position on the north side, near the upright of the beam. Tfarden Crocker took, his position at- the southeast comer of the structure. There was a slight delay, while the spectators were pushing and jostling through the door leading from the rotunda to the corridor, at the lower end of which tho gallows was placed. Guiteau meanwhile gazed upon the crowd, looked up at the beam over his head, and quickly made a survey of all the dread paraphernalia. As soon as the crowd had gained access, Gen. Crocker waved to them to uncover, and all heads were bared. Dr. Hicks theu prayed in these words : Father, out of the depths, we cry to Thee. Hear Thou our supplication for the sake of Jesus Christ, the Savior, Who has made fuil propitiation for us. Behold this, Thy servant. We humbly pray Thou wilt deliver him at this supreme moment of his life. Let Thy light descend upon him; liberate his soul from prison; may he appear before You absolved, by Thy great mercy, from blood guiltiness ; deliver him and us. God have mercy on us. Christ have mercy on us. Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Amen, an 1 amen. During the prayer Guiteau stood with bowed near). At rs conclusion Dr. Hicks opened tbe Bible, and Guiteau, in firm tones, said : “I will read a selection from the tenth chapter of M t.hew, from twenty-eighth to forty-first ve se, inelusivo.” He then read in a clear, strong voice, and with good intonation, showing little if any nervousness. Dr. Hicks then produced the manuscript which was prepared by tie piiiontr in the morning, and hold it before him while Guitoau read. While Dr. Hicks was arranging tho manuscript, Guiteau exhitited a right nervousness, and moved several times from one foot to the other. He sooff recovered his composure, looked over the Bea of upturned faces, aud said : “lam now going to read to you my last dying prayer.” v He then read, in a loud tone and with distinct and deliberative emphasis, the following : MY DYING PRAYER ON THE GALLOWS. “Father, now I go to Thee aud the Savior. I have finished the work Thou gavest me to do, aud I am ouly 100 happy to go to Thee. The world does not yet appreciate my mission, but Thou knowest it. Thou knowest Tiiou didst inspire Garfield’s removal, and only good has come from it. This is the best evidence that the inspiration came from Thee, and I have set it forth in my book that all men may read and may know that Thou, Father, didst inspire the act for which I am murdered. This Government and nation, I know, will incur Thy eternal enmily, as did the Jews by killing Thy man, my Savior. The retribution in that case came quick and sharp, and I know Thy divine law of retribution will strike this nation aud my murderers in the same way. The diabolical spirit of this nation, its Government and its newspapers, toward me will justify Thee in cursing them, and I know that the divine law of retribution is inexorable. I therefore predict that this nation will go down in blood, and my murderers, from the Executive to the hangman, will go to helL Thy laws are inexorable, oh ! Thou Supreme Judge 1 Woe unto men that violate Thy laws! Only weepmg and gnashing of teeth await them. The American press has a large bill to settle with Thee, Righteous Father, lor their vindictiveness in this matter. Nothit g but blood ni 1 satisfy them, a id now my biood be u ion them sn 1 this nation aud its officials. Attuur, the President, is a coward and an ingrate. His ingratitude to the man that made him and saved his party from overthrow has no parallel in history, but Thou, Righteous Father, wilt judge him. Father,Thou knowest me,but the world hath not known me, and now I go to Theo and the Savior without the slightest ill will toward a human being. Farewell, ye men of earth.” At several points he paused and endeavored to impart increased emphasis to his words by the peculiar facial expression so often observed during the trial, when he was angered at something wh'ch was said or done. This was peculiarly noticeable when he alluded to President Arthur, and when he declared that this option would “go down in blood.” When he had finished reading his prayer, he again surveyed the crowd, and said, still with a firm voice: “I am now going to read some verses which are intended to indicate my feelings at the moment of leaving this world. If set to music they may be rendered effective. The idea is that the child is babbling to bis mamma and his papa. 1 wrote it thiff morning about 10 o’clock.” He then commenced to chant these verses in a sad, doleful style : I am going to the Lordy, I am so glad. lam going to the Lordy. lam so glad. lam going to the Lordy. Glory hallelujah. Glory* hallelujah. lam going to the Lordy. X love the Lordy with ali my soul. Glory hallelujah; and that is the reason I am going to the Lordy. Glory hallelujah. Glory hallelujah. lam going to the lord. Here Guiteau’s voice failed, and ho bowed his head and broke into sobs, but he rallied a little, and went on with his chant: I saved my party and my land; Glory hallelujah. But they have murdered me, for that’s the reason I am'gomg to the lordy. Glory hallelujah I Glory hallelujah! lam going to the Lordy. Here again his feelings overcame him, and he leaned his head on the shoulder of Dr. Hicks, and sobbed pitifully. Still he went on: I woDder what I will do when I get to the Lordy. X guess that I will weep no more when I get to the lordy. Glory hallelujah. Here there was another interruption, cansed by sobs and emotions which.he was unable to repress. He wept bitterly, and then, with quivering lips and mournful tones, he went op to fiuish his ditty: I wonder wliat I wiil see when I get to the Lordy 7 I expect to see most splendid things, Beyond all earthly conception, When I am with the Lordy. Glory hallelujah. (raising his voice to the highest pitch that he could command), __ Glory hallelujah I I am with the Lord I The Fatal Drop. There were strong ■ indications before he got through that he would break himself all up. but he rallied at tbe close of his sing-3ong recital, and bowed his head in silence. The Rev. Dr. Hicks placed his hands gently, very gently, on the man’s brow and gave him the final benediction: “ God the Father be with thee and give thee peace for evermore.” The side attendants then stepped nimbly forward and pinioned his legs and the black cap was placed over his head by Mr. Strong. The condemned never flinched, merely tossing his head a bit to drive a fly from his nose. His eyes closed as the cap went over them. He uttered the words, “ Glory, Glory, Glory,” and his tongue was stilled forever. The Warden had raised big handkerchief, the drop fell with §

sharp, quick thud, and the body of Charles J. Gnitean was dangling beneath the platform, while his soul had passed into the great beyond. There was scarcely a distinct movement of the limbs, only a slight shiver. The neck was broken, and the man died in. stantaneoUsly as the drop fell. The prisoners in the other part of the jail heard tne sound, of which they knew the import so well, and sent np a shout of joy. This was taken-np outside, and the multitude on the hill*, and down the road, and under the maples and elms, re-echoed back the shouts of gladness that at lalt the assassin of James A. Garfield was dead, dead, dead. After the body had hong motionless for two or three minutes it was lowered until the man’s toes came within two feet of tbe floor, and the physician felt of the poise and heart-beat. The heart beat violently for a few moments. At the end of two minutes the poise had become quite weak. After fifteen minutes the heart-beat was scarcely perceptible, and after seventeen minntee Dr. Lamb pronounoed the " man doad. * Twenty-eight minutes after the man dropped the body was lowered into a neat, silver-mounted coffin, and Warden Crocker gave all a chance to view it. John W. Gnitean, who had witnessed the execution, fanned the face to keep away the flies, and was apparently the coolest man in the crowd. He declared it a fitting end to a worthless career. Mrs. Scoville, the sister, remained outside the jail during the execution, and went away without viewing the remains. Tlte Autopsy—No Evidences of lusanIty. * When the remains of Guiteau had been taken up-stairs into tho room which is over the kitchen of the jail, the coffin-lid was taken off and the body lifted out and stretched upon a table. The clothing was removed after a consultation as to how the operation should be performed and what examination should be made. Dr. Lamb held the knife and took the initiative all through the autopsy. Tne first thing that was done was to make an ncision from the chest down the median lino, and uother at right-angle to it, and the outer inegument of the body was thrown back, exposing the viscera. The heart and lungs were especially examined, as well, indeed, as the other parts, with a view to detecting the presence of any evidence of disease. The heart was or normal size, and perfectly healthy in every particular. The lungs were of normal proportions also, and healthy, with tbo exception of a few small tubercles upon one of them. Nothing of a serious character, however, was found. The brain was then taken out *and carefully weighed. It weighed exactly forty-nine and a half ounces, which Ip normal weight. There was not the slightest indication of physical disease in the brain, but it was entirely regular and normal in all its parts and proportions, except that there was a slight thickening in one place of the dura mata. This, however, the physicians agree did not indicate any disease such as would affect the mind of the individual, because it is a thing that is frequently found in cases where perfect health has been enjoyed up to the very time of the last illness of tho person, and where the mental status of the individual in question has never been doubted. Indeed,, it is said that tho head of Daniel Webster showed a quite remarkable thickening of the dura mata, much more so than in the caso of Guiteau, which it was known resulted from a fall he suffered in youth. At least, this passed by way of comment among the doctors when making the examination. The brain, after being removed, was closely observed and examined, as far as could be done with the naked eye, and, having been weighed, was. placed in a square tin box upon a bed of soft curled hair. Dr. Godding and Dr. Lamb were chosen by the physicians present to tako the brain to the Medical Museum and have it photographed. The doctors remarked that tho skull was rather more than usually thick. Otherwise there was nothing unusual in any part of the head. The autopsy revealed the fact that the stories to the effect that the culprit had eaten heartilv the last few hours preceding the execution were pure inventions. The stomach and intestines were almost empty, showing that he had partaken of no food for at least twentyfour hours. Addenda. It will be remembered that it was stated that the assassin, on the day before his execution, wept over a bouquet of roses bronght by his sister, and on Friday he sent a guard to the door for flowers. It is now charged that the white roses in the center had been saturated with poison to a degree that would have given Guiteau immunity from the gallows had he known it, or dared to eat them. The assassin was hanged in effigy at hundreds of places throughout the couniry at about the same time tho real strangling was going on in Washington. John W. Guiteau is more firmly convinced than tvor of his brother’s insanity. The hangman did & most artistio job, and the execution, so far as the mechanical part of it was concerned, was faultless. Death was almost instantaneous, there being no struggle. Two hundred people witnessed the affair. The jail officers secreted the gallows rope as soon as the noose was removed from the assassin’s neck. Twenty-two physicians, including -the Surgeon General of the army, were present at the autopsy. Yery soon after the hanging Dr. Hicks and John W. Guitoau made & thorough examination of the cells occupied by Guiteau. Dr. Hicks took possession of tho books and other effects of the deceased. A great many of those at the jail visited the cells to see the place where Guiteau passed his last hours. There was a disposition on the part of some present to get mementoes of the occasion at any cost. The news of the execution-was received with expressions of satisfaction throughout the country, and there was almost a universal feeling of relief that the curtain had gone down upon the last act and scene in this great national tragedy.