Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1865-07-14

AT 80 early honr many peoPie were seen
hocking toward the Arsenal grounds. but on
ly those could enter who had passes signed
by Gen Hancock.
-Four regiments Of soldiers we're In atten-
dance--one outside the arsenal grounds, two
just outside the yard, and one in the prison
yard and on the walls.
At half-past eleven o'clock this morning
largo weights were put upon the scaffold and
the traps dropped to try them. They were
found quite efficient.
The scaffold was constructed with two
drops or traps--each one for two Of the con-
spirators condemned to be executed.
From beam above hung four ropes Of diff
| ferent lengths, according to the stature Of the
criminals-the longest being for Payne. The
drops had fall of FIVE feet.
About two rods from the scaffold were four
now made graves, and near them rough pine
board collins
As the hour Of execution approached the
number Of guards on the walls was increased
until they stood in close order, elbow to ell
bow. Every precaution was taken to mako
the execution sure and quiet.
| At one o'clock four chairs we're placed up
on the scsffod for the four criminals. As the
preparations approached completion the spec
tators became more anxious, and every one
was on tip-toe to see or hear anything per-
tanning to the execution.
| At little past o'clock a regiment was
: drawn up. (inside the ysrd) forming two sides
Of a square and about fve minutes before
the prisoners we're led to the scafOld, doub-
lie line Of guards was placed between the pris-
on door and the gallows, which was about
two rods distant. This part Of the pro-
gramme completed, the wretched criminals
were conducted to the scsfold.
Mrs. Surrstt came out leaning on the arms
Of Col. Mccall and private soldier at the
melancholy procession. She was followed by
her spiritual advisers. As soon as her eyes
caught sight Of the gallows she partially
tainted, but was upheld by the strong arms
OF her attendants. She soon recovered her
self, however, and although weak from ILL
ness, sscended the scafold with apparently
firm step.
Payne, escorted on each side by an officer.
followed. His gait was erect and his de-
meanor did not exhibit the slightest of fear.
He looked on the instrument Of death with
steady eye, and without the slightest tremor
visible in his athletic frame. He appeared to
regard the scene with the utmost indifference
until he reached the platform, when mis- man
ner changed and he momentarily gave way to
: dis feelings, but soon recovered himself, and.
/ until the cap was drawn over his eyes, main
tanned stoical indifference. His spiritual
adviser delivered the last prayer for him,
which seemed to effect him more than any
thing else, and his eyes were moist with
tears, which he vainly strove to suppress.
Atzerott came upon the scaffold the picture
Of despair. Harrold's appearance was thai
of silly fear. The latter walked somewhat
more firm, and was more composed than the
other. His lips were constantly moving in
prayer, following the whispered words of the
clergyman. Atzerott occasionally did the
same but when unoccupied for moment,
consciousness Of his position appeared on
the ashen face and quivering, fallen jaw,
which showed how terrible death appeared
to his craven soul
Mrs. surratt was attended by f1thers Wal
ter and Wiget, Catholic priests. The others
were each attended by ministers Of their own
choice.
All being seated Gen. Hartrauft proceeded
to read the findings OF the Court--frst tha,
of Harold second of Atzerott; third OF
Payne and lastly that OF Mrs. Surratt, who
held cross in her hands and was in very
close communion with her spiritual attendants.
The prisoners seemed muttering their prayres
during the reading OF their sentences. One
of the priests then administered the last rites
Of the church TO Mrs. Surratt.
Psyne's adviser stepped forward and said
that the prisoner Louis Payne requested him
to say that he (Payne) desired to thank all
the officers and soldiers who had chafge of
him that he had not received an unkind
word or look from any one Of them all. His
spiritual attendant then offered prayer in his
behalf. asking that his sins might be forgiven
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