Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1865-09-15
Execution of the aIurderers of Provost Mar
shal COGk.

In our telegraphic dispatches yesterday, the
execution of Oliver and Hartup for the murder
of Provost Marshal Cook was noted The ex-
ecution took place on Wednesday at Camp Chase
Columbus.
Previous to receiving the intelligence of their
sentence, the prisoners were, apparently, not ap-
prehensive of punishment but on learning of
the fate awaiting them, they expressed wish
for the attendance of spiritual advisers. Rev
Mr.. Vananda, of the Town street M. Z. Church,
Columbus and Cambridge clergyman, attend
ed them and strOve to direct their attention to
their spiritual condition.
The remarks upon the scaffold of the prisoners,
who had exhibited restlessness and profan-
ity until within the last twenty-four hours,
indicate the degree of success which attended
the efforts. An affecting interview was had be-
tween Oliver and wife at their final parting,
which was about noon to-day. After this event,
Captain Wilkinson joined his efforts with those
of the clergy in attendance, and in response to
his urgent suggestions that their spiritual well
fare would be promoted by free and full con-
fesion, Oliver, after joining with him in prayer,
replied:
"Yes, l did it. Hartup did not do it. Why
1 did ii, was because l thought he, (Cook,
would come to Illinois and arrest me as he had
done, and if he did / knew l would kill him, or
he would kill me. Yes, l am the one. Oh, my
God forgive me. Yes, feel he has l had de-
termined but a few minutes before not to con-
fess. had promised many not to do it. did
it. did it. / understood Cook knew where we
lived in Illinois, and expected that he was COM
ing in after me- | have told some who never
would have told"
The significance of his allusion to Hartup in
this confession in that the latter did not himself
use the murderous weapon, although present
and legally participating in the deed.
At half past one o'clock the prisoners were es-
corted to the place of execution by a detach-
/ ment of the 23d Veteran Reserve Regiment
Hartup especially manifested great emotion
continually cying and uttering CALCULATIONS, bro
ken prayers, and sobs. Arriving at the scaffold
they both joined in prayers, offered by their re-
spective clerical attendants. The order for this
execution, issued by Maj. Gen. Ord, Depart
ment Commander, was then read, and the prs-
oners being told that they might address the
spectators, Oliver spoke as follows:
GENTLEMEN: bid you take this as a warn
ing, and prepare for the services of God. This
is an awful hour, but l am happy to tell you
that God has forgiven my act within few hours
! We have made full confessinn, and hope to be
forgiven, and that we shall be received in Heav
en-. There is nothing like grace. 1t is but a
few minutes since | experienced religion, and
hope you here will all meet me in Heaven"
| While this was going on both stood upon the
fatal trap which would presently drop from un-
er them. Hartup in the meantime continuing
those painful CALCULATIONS which be had been no.
ticed to uttersince leaving the prison. He now
said, "Oh, young men, take warning. God ha:
had mercy on our souls, and He will have mer-
cy. Oh it is solemn thing to be cut off in this
manner. Oh take warning. 1t is but few
minutes since we have confessed all our sins
and have got religion, and hope to meet you
in better world"
His last sentences were incoherent. The fata
nooses were then adjusted, Oliver saying, fix il
close SO as to do the work quick" The black
1 caps were drawn over their faces, and after &
fervent prayer by Mr.. Vananda the drop fell.
These men though young were experienced
in crime Oliver having the most intellect
and leading in their enterprises which at differ
ent times have included counterfeiting, horse
stealing and desertion from the army, to which
both belonged, being members of the 43d Reg
| iment