Rensselaer Republican, Volume 14, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 July 1882 — EXECUTED. [ARTICLE]

EXECUTED.

*Vbe of President fiarwd Launched into y Eternity. We Breaks Down Complete!) on the Scaffold and Weeps Bitterly. mix Last Prayer D voten Ui the Abase of Those Who Convicted Him. £Life Pronounced Extinct Al ter Hanging Fourteen Hinutes, - .Interesting Description or the Jail in Which Guiteau Was Con Hued. “REMOVED.” "arhe Alimin Launched. not''An a Wet Sibert and a Flowing Sea,” but With a Strong Hope and a Broken Meek. Washington, June 30.—This day has been looked forward to with so much solicitude ' y all law abiding tcitizens, that although a mere wretch is executed, yet it has attracted so much attention that it will be long remembered. Tne feeling against Booth was intense, but the long and patient suffering of Garfield aroused the sympathies of the whole world, and the bitterness against Guiteau was intensified in the same degree that Garfield was mourned for. Some say that he was insane, and for that reason ought not be hung; but he might as well die on the scaffold as to toe torn to pieces by an infuriated mob—he could not have gone one hundred yards t and lived—die he must. The people ail over the country had willed it. But the officers at the jail, where they have watched him say he was not insane, but on Uhe contrary was a very smart man, sand they had one year of observation. A jury of twelve good men decided the same after hearing all the evi<denee possible that could be produced in bis favor.

The jail is situated near the eastern boundary of the city close to the east•em branch of the Potomac. It faces weston the farthest street running north and south, and is on a line with the eastern part of the congressional ■ cemetery. To the south of it and between that and the cemetery, is the work house and grounds. To the southeast of it are a number of neit brick dwellings, once occupied by those who had charge of a large powder magazine during the war that was several years ago abandoned. It is an inyiting place,for lovely willows hinge the river edge and add a majestic view to it. Guiteau could look in that direction when he occupied the large cell in the southeast corner of the prison. In front is a large open space dotted with a few small frame houses occupied by colored people. But the ground is pretty well occupied to-day, for the attraction centert in the execution of the vile assassin who is despised as no one else in the laud ever was. Strangers of course desire to see the building if they cannot witness the execution, while many of the citizens are eager with eutiosity to see the great crowd and witness the excitement. The jail is built of a yellowish brown s’one, and is as strong as a fort. It would be hard to force an entrance even with a heavy and superioi force. The first room you enter is the general office or waiting room. It is some seventy feet long from north to south, and perhaps twenty-five wide. A corridor running east leads to the large rotunda, which is seventy-six feat east and west, and some sixty feel north and south. On the south of the rotunda is the place designated for those who have Committed sonffit jrave crime. There, are two rows of cells running * south from the rotunda. Each one is bounded by a corridor in front and rear. Gui- • teau in the first place occupied the first cell in the west row, but was changed immediately after Sergeanl Mason’s attempt to shoot him, and was placed in the cell in front on tht other side, which was bricked up foi his safety. And that is the plac where he bad to march from to th' scaffold. He had about fifteen feet t< gain the rotunda, aud from there t< the scaffold is about one hundred anr sixty feet. The scaflold stands in th< -extreme northeast corner of th< prison, in a corridor about sixteer feet wide, one hundred feet long, and fifty feet high. It has a brick floor, and iaonly used for executions. The scaffold, although a portable one, has not been taken down for two or three „ years: it was made about four years ago of Georgia pine. It is considered wne of the best in the country. It is twelve feet square, supported, by cornier posts six Inches square, with two

in tne center opposite the trap, ano on which rests the heavy beam above from which the Prisoner wasfounched into eternity. It is supported by six diagonal braces, six inches by two on three is six by twelve, and tapers to#bout eight by Mx. The beim- standi eigijt feet in the clear above the platform, which is gained from the south by a flight of fourteen steps. The prisoner faced south. The trap door on which he stood was sprung by a rope, in a box perhaps four inches square, that was attached to the spring under the trap, and extended in the ceil on the west side, which was darkened to the public by a curtin. At 12:27 the procession to the scaffold started, General Crocker first appearing, accompanied by an offijer, followed by Dr. Hicks, the prisoner, accompanied by guards on either side and four prison officials, following in the rear. The prisoner’s face was of a deathly palor, but his step was firm and no outward sign of nervousness was at this time apparent. The scaffold reached, t e ascent of the steep steps was quickly made—the prisoner pausing only an instant as the top was reached. At this instant a "motion from the warden caused all to uncover and Dr. Hicks offered an impressive prayer, during which Guitfeau stood unmoved. The p ayer concluded Guiteau read a selection from the 10th chapter of Matthew, also his last dying prayer, and commenced to chant some verses which he had himself composed, but ere he had sang a compfete verse his voice failed him and hebrok**into a wild sort of grief. He rallied, however, and continued his song. It was a masterly effort on his part tut he proved unequal to the task and gave way to a burst of grief which for a time completely overcome him. At the conclusion of the chant his legs were pinioned, the noose carefully adjusted, Dr. Hicks gave his final benediction, and the black cap was quickly drawn over his face. Realizing that the fatal second of time had arrived, Guiteau began shouting “glory! glory! glory!” and at a given signal the officer stationed in the cell pulled the rope, and the assassin of our martyred president was hurled into eternity, there to render final account to his maker.

Washington, June 30.—9:45 a. m., Guiteau was very restless during most of the latter part of the night, not sleeping more than twenty minutes at a time. Towards morning he fell into a sounder sleep from sheer exhaustion. He rose a few minutes after 5, and breakfasted heartily. When the cook took his breakfast into the cell Guiteau told him to bring his dinner in at 11 o’clock promptly. Dr. Hicks, who remained at the jail all night, was called into the prisoner’s cell soon after he rose, and had a conversation on religious subjects with him. At 8 o’clock Hicks saw the prisoner again, when he made request to have Hicks go out and sie 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 see that the scaffold and its appurtenances was 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 alone he attempted to sing It, but broke down in the effort. Guiteau then talked for some time about his future. He remarked that his heart was tender. “I don’t think,” he said, “I can go through this ordeal without weeping. Not because of any great weakne-s, for the principle in me is strong, but because I am nearer the other world. I hold to the idea that God inspired me.”

Guiteau, when he eameout into the rotunda, looked calm and collected, but very pale. His arms were pinioned behind him and he held his head without flinching. He wore a black suit of clothes, and instead of a collar had a handkerchief thrown loosely around his neck. Those who expected sickening or distressing scenes were di ippointel. Guiteau walked firmly through the rotunda and court. He stumbled at one of the steep steps leading up to the scaffold, but recovered himselt immediately. When he began to read his voice w r as low and firm. He gave the words now and then a sort of sinking tone. Guiteau showed great nervousness an 1 appeared gre uly startled when he heard the rattle of musketry on the stone floor of the rotunda. From that moment Guiteau appeared to be thoroughly overcome with emotion. He wept freely and seemed to be in great anguish. The scene in the rotunda while waiting for the prisoner was one long to be remembered. The soldiers were drawn up along one side, the spectators facing them on the other. It was understood that Guiteau was very much depres e 1 and it was expected that hie passage to the gallows would present a very distressing eight. The movements of the officers about the jail door were watched with eager attention. After the death warrant was read by the warden, the prisoner become much composed and turning away began to brush bis hair. At 12 25 a loud steam whistle was blown at the workhouse, which is near the jail. This whistle usually blows at 12 o’clock, and by it Guiteau was in tht> hahit of gauging the time. The 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, and then Warden Crocker made his appearance, and a moment later the familiar figure of Guiteau was seen. His face was pallia and the muscles about his mouth moved nervously. Other than this, there were no signs of faltering. The procession moved quickly to the scat-

fold, and Guiteau ascended the somewhat steep steps with as much steadiness as could be expected from a man whose arms were lightly pinioned At the last •tep ftp flittered for a moment, but was MSi«bd by the officer* who Walked Mpon either Upon reaching the platform Guiteau was placed Immediately behind the drop, facing the front of the scaffold. Captain Coleman stood on his right, Robert Strong, upon his le r t, and Woodward directly behind him. Jones t6ok position on the north side near the upright beam. Warden Crocker took his position at the southeast corner 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 the gallows was placed. Guiteau meanwhile gazed upon the crowd, looked up at the beam oyer his heads and quickly made a survey of all the dread paraphernalia. As soon as the crowd had gained access General Crocker waved to them to uncover and all heads were bared. Dr. H'cks then prayed in these words: “Father, out of the depths we cry to Thee. Hear thou, our supplication for the sake of Jusus .Christ, the Savior, who has made full'preparation for us. Behold this, Thy servant. We humbly pray Thou will deliver him at this supreme moment of his life. Let Thy bands be upon him, iberate his soul from prison. May he appear before you absolved by Thy great mercy. From the blood of guiltiness deliver him and us. God have mercy on us, Christ have mercy on us, Lamo of Gad, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Amen and amen.” During the prayer Guiteau stood with bowed head. At its conclusion Dr. Hicks opened the Bible and Guiteau, in firm tones said: “I will read a selection from the tenth chapter of Matthew, from the 28th to the 41st verse inclusive.” He then read in a clear, strong voice and with good intonation, showing little if any nervousness. Or. Hicks then produced the manuscript which was prepared by the prisoner this morning, and held it before him, while Guiteau read. While Dr. Hicks was arranging the manuscript Guiteau exhibited a slight nervousness and moved several times from one foot to the other. He soon recovered his composure, and looked over the sea of upturned faces, and said: “I am now going to read to you my last dying prayer.” He then read in a loud tone and with distinct and with deliberate emphasis the following: “Father, now I go to Thee and the Savior. I have finished the work Thou gavest me to do, and I am only too happy to go to Thee. The wor d does not yet appreciate my mission, but Thou knowest Thou 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 b >ok that all men may read and may know, that Tnou, Father, didst in3 ire the act, for which lam murder- . This government and nation by this act, I know will incur Thy eternal enmity, as did the Jews by the killing of Thy son, my Savior. The retr button in that oase came quick and sharp, and I know Thy divine law of retribution will strike this nation and my mtudssers in the same way. The dtsbolleel spirit of thiN unite*, Its pwtrwm t and its newspapers toward me will justify Thee in cnning them, and I Know that the divtee 6* *1 nmmf tiou is inex<»raiile. I ttoirwfcei prettbt that this nation wMI A*w« to blood, and my ■wdseem. hmm executive U> the hfltoflttMM, ttMtt» •» hell. Thy laws am MMtottk <k Thou Supreme JwMk w>* ore esea that violate Toy hie •***> and gnaauiag «f ftMto MMi The American psoas ha» a mass MB t<» settle with TtMb ] tor their vitt< ;< tlvuißMOi ttMftqpk* 1 Nothing but Mead MMy wwA and now my blend he *e» Ms. a*J. this nation, and Hasdßrmia flMflm* the president, la a oweesd amd aw grate. His u» db «•* that made him and *•**« M , party and land SMtois has no parallel in wt . Thou, Rigiiitxam fi judge him. Father. Tto-m i me, but the wotld hath —a Maswe I me. Farewell, ye man sd semh ** At several | >inta he ydnmd asei an deavored to impart tmNueaad easpbe sis to bls words by the par alter tor«ol expressions -<» often ohmrvsd mrhag the trial when ton wan aegeved at something which was eaM nr dene. He was peculiarly ear aettaal when hr alluded to R esident Arthur, and when he declared that thio nation would go down in blood. When ho had finished reading his prayer he again surveyed the crowd, and said, still with a firm voice, “I am *m»w going to read some verses which are intended to indicate my feelings at the moment of leaving tbit w >rld. If set to music it may be rendered very effective. The idea is that a child is babbling to his mamma and his papa. 1 wrote it this morning about 10 o’clock ” He then commenced these verses in a sad and doleful style: I am going to the Lordy, I am so glad; I am going to the Lordy, I am bo glad; lam going to the Lordy, Glory hallelujah, Glory hallelujah. lam going to the Lordy; I lore the Lord with *ll my boul,Glory hallelujah. And that 1, the reason I am going to Lord/, Glory hallelujah. Glory hallelujah. ’ I am going to the Lordy. Here Guiteau’s voice failed, and the prisoner bowing bis head on the shoulder of Dr. Hicks broke into a sob, but he rallied a little and went on with hl? ~Jrant:

alaved maatw AadsuJaaS. Glory hallelujah. Bat they have murdered me for It. And that la the re son I am going to the Lordy, Glory ha.Uelnjah.tr , -p Gloy halleiujah t >aUe£jah, r f f I W going to k, 4SS& A L Hew again, hiwjfeeJingt overcaAe hinhwnd hesobbewpitifully. Bttuhe went on: I wonder What I will do when I get to the Lordy. I gnem that I wUI weep no more when I get to the Lordy, G ory b*i elajah ' / ' , ( Here there was another interruption caused by sobs and emotions which he was unable to repress. He wept bitterly, and th* n with quivering lips and mournful tones he went on to finish his’ditty: ■ I wonder what f will aee Waen I get to the Lordy; I expect to aee moat splendid things Beyond all earthly conception when I am with the Lordy. Glory hallelujah. (Raising his voice to the highest pitch he could command ) Glory hallelujah, lam with the Lordy. This closed the chant,and then Rev. Mr. Hicks gave Guiteau his final benediction and farewell, saying: “God, the Father, be with thee and give thee peace for evermore.” The attendants then pinioned his legs and carefully adjusted the noose about hii neck. Mr. Strong placed the black cap over his head, and as he did so Guiteau called out in loud tones, “Glory, glory, glory.” Instantly the spring was touched, the drop fell, and Guiteau swung in .the air. The body turned partly around, but there was not the slightest perceptible motion of the limos. When the drop fell a yell was sent up by some persons inside the jail. This was re-echoed outside by a thousand or more of people, who hurrahed lustily. There was, a general onslaught by the populace on the jail door, and the officers were unable to, withstand it and hundreds of people crowded into the office. For at least twenty seconds after the drop fell the body hung motionless. Then there was a slight motion of the shoulders and legs due to muscular contraction; Three minutes after the drop fell the body was lowered to be examined by the physicians. There was a decided action of the heart for fully fourteen minutes, and the pulse fluttered two minutes longer. When the body had bung with the feet just touching the ground for over half ap hour, it was lowered into the coffin which was in waiting for it under the scaffold. The physicians decided that the neck had been broken. When the body was lowered the black cap was removed and the face exposed. The features were pale and composed about the mouth. There was considerable moisture. After the body had been arranged in the coffin Warden Crocker ascended the steps of the scaffold, and addressing the crowd said that those who desired could view the body. The crovyd of spectators was formed in line arid. passing between the scaffold and the J*ll viewed th) remains. Some jail officers, two or three physicians, and Dr. Hicks stood about the coffin. John W. Guiteau Joined this company and fanned his dead brothe. ’s face to keep away the flies. John W. Guiteau did not go to the scaffold, but stood during Um scone lust within the line of officers at the bottom of the steps. When liberty was given to the crowd Io view the body the scaffold was at ooee tiled with people who curiously ess mined ovary Joint and bolt. Nm. flkwviHe. after waiting upon the eartaMs of the Jail until the executing* did Ml view the remains this *d»ut i o'clock redact Mdmo John W. Guiteau •esd Ma aipri eotativoof the Associat'd Fsoao that he Ml rheerftil so far as MBteub- was •mocerned, believing I to hhf the hotter i»w him to die shoo •» Mm. Ma said ao one felt hanme scMttsh Maa toe hlaMoif that «h» -»w toad hose oeosmUled, which Mil» cml the aotiMo ia grief. He loMs* ova, that tola orother ■MiM «om*w taMtodf to bo a brave < to. cud Mb torn «»wa staMpoint tthmdaoM M* idea of patriottth ta ajMi ft aad worthless,” odd who. "emd I ttotato thia ia the ’ g «od M a eWkered and SMMHe oaeaae.** Ma believed his UMdtose • add die happy and owing to U- dMHMhsd eoaiMlea would I* MBileiu ia the neat world. He tto-MoM Me WMto -r Would be happfer aa d sth than tat lift under the dr- . aaadaaes. aad if be (John) eould he waali md asst ta haw him reprieved. J«dM wan fat Mm mmm mood after •toe rs raiiaa. “I bdlew be was in*mm,” said Joha M I predicted Just what weald happen—that he would go bravely to the gallows. The trial was a farce, and to-day an insa .e man was executed. Whether be was insane before the deed I do not know. HtiU 1 believe if he was tried again he would be convicted. It was not a question for a Jury.” TMB AUTOPSY. The physicians who performed the autopsy were Drs. D. 8. Lamb, J. F. Hartigan and Z. T. Hauers. In addition to these physicians there were present Drs. Bliss and son, Drs. Noble Young. Robert Reyburn, A. E. McDonald, Johnson Elliott, A. H. Mekim, P. J. Murphy, Charles H. Nicholas, Surgeon-General Barnes, of the army; Surgeon General Wales, of the navy; Drs. W. A. Gadding, A. H. Wilmer and Clarke Patterson, of St. Elizabeth’s asylum; Dr. D. C Patterson, coroner of the district; C. A. Kleinschmidt, J. R. Hagner, and Drs. Birdsall and Parish. John W. Guiteau and Rev. Mr. Hicks were present for a short time, but left the jail before the conclusion of the autopsy and returned, to the city. About 3 o’clock a close examination of the body showed that Guiteau’s neck was broken, and that the rope had cut

deep into the flesh of the neck. A reporter of the associated press was the only newspaper man admitted to the body disggtefl- c h *P«l a spacious HjpartnMtit, containing only a few r nc jF and J ab > was pl*ce< on* btonch and tWbody removed, and after having been stripped was-laid upon the table. .- cales and other appliances for determining the weight and other phenomena of the different parts of the body were placed about on tables. The surgeons engaged in the autopsy were watched by the other medical gentlemen who crowded about the table. After an examination of the eyes, the brain was removed and inspected. Dr. A. B. Loring found ths left eye completely suffused with blood and both eyes were so indistinct that no opinion could be formed of their condition or expression. Then the body was cut open, and a thorough and complete examination made with the view of determining all the physiological facts that could be of mterest in connection with the case. The brain was found to be in a normal condition and weighed forty-nine ounces. The heart weighed a lit.tle over nine ounces and was in a healthy condition, as were all the other internal organs. Dr. Mac Williams, one of the first physicians to leave the room where the autopsy was held, said there was nothing so far as be could see about the brain that was abnormal. Its weight, according to Dr. Mac Williams was forty-nine and one-half ounces. The general viscera, he said, were In perfect condition. At 3:55 the autopsy was adjourned until this evening, when the brain will be taken to the medical museum on Tenth street, where a more minute and critical examination will be made. The physicians were disinclined to go into the details in regard to the results thus far reached Dr. Hartigan left thejall soon after 4 o’clock, taking with him Guiteau’s brain. Dr. Goading, who has maintained that Guiteau was insane, said when asked what the re-, suit of the autopsy was, “I have’ nothing to say now.” Another physician remarked, “We are all know nothings.’ A bystander replied: “So the uneducated, non-expert public thought at the time of the* other autopsy.” All the physicians agree that there were lymphae in the brain and hardening'of the dura mater. None of them care to express a positive opinion until after the examination shall have been complt tea. Dr. Bliss said there was many points showing a good, healthy mental and physical development. Dr. Hartigan, who had charge of Guiteau’s brain, took it at 4:30 to the army and medical museum, where in a room set apart for photographic purposes a number of surgeons and physicans hud assembled to continue the autopsy. Among those present were Drs. Nichols and McDonald, of New York, and Drs. Lamb, Loring, .Powers, Reyburn, Elliott and Godding, of Washington, The direction of operations was by unanimous consent given to Dr. Lamb. It has been the intention of the surgeons to begin by making a plaster cast of the brain, with a view to permanent preservation in that form of its configuration and external characteristics, but the organ was found to be so soft and yielding as to render this impracticable. A resort was therefore bad to photography. On account of the lateness of the hour and of the dull and overcast sky, the preparations were necessarily hurried, Jhut after placing the brain on a mass of curled hair, such as that used in upholstery, and disposing it in the foim which it had during life, a number of negatives were taken of it from various points of view, with more or less successful results. The anatomical examination of the brain was then resumed. This examination, which will include a careful microscopical study of the tissues and structural characteristics of the organ, will certainly not be finished before to-morrow afternoon, and may occupy several days. The surgeons and physicians who are participating in the autopsy have pledged themselves not to make public in the meantime any individual conclusions at which they may arrive, in order that the official report when made may have full weight and value as representing the conclusion of all the examining surgeons. THE ASSASSIN’S WILL. The letter in the nature of a will,by which Guiteau disposes of his body, is as follows: “ “Washington, June 23, 1882.—T0 the Rev. William W. Hicks: I, Charles Guiteau, of the city of Washington, in the District of Columbia, now under sentence of death,which is to into effect between the hotirs of 12 and 2 o’clock on the 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 be used for any mercenary purpose; and I hereby, f>r good and sufficient considerations, give, deliver and transfer to said Hicks my book entitled, ‘The Truth and the Removal,’ and the copyright thereof, to be used by him in writing a truthful history of my life and execution, and I direct that such history be entitled, ‘The 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 aay time 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 soul is in glory.’ “Charles J. Guiteau.” * Witnesses—Charles H. Reed, James ' Woodward. 1 .,