Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1865-11-16
XASHINGTON, Nov.

INC FlnQngS Q UH CoW ~ Lettyfo ~
his Counsel Details of the Closing Scene.
Special Dis pstch to the Cincinnati Gazette.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10.
The execution of Henry Wirz attracted
crowds of spectators to the Old Capitol this
morning. At nine o'clock strong military
force arrived, and the streets in front and a
side building we're cleared: The owners OF
tepements, from the roof or windows of
which views OF the gallows could be had, ad-
mitted spectators ut large prices and quite
number of women availed themselves OF
this opportunity to crafty. their curiosity.
Holders of tickets were admitted INTO the
prison, through which they passed into the
yard. A rough gallows had been erected
In one corner of the yard, on the platform
of which stood four sentries of the Veteran
Reserve Corps, while from the beam dangled
the fatal rope which was to prove dead
line to the tyrant of Andersonville.
Wirz was in his cell, attended by Fathers
Boyle and Wigget, Of the Roman Catholic
Church.
Last night he ate a hearty oyster supper,
and then went to sleep about 10 o'clock, re-
posing quietly until he awoke, about 3 o.
clock this merning. He then wrote his
farewell letter to his wife, and made some
statements about his connection with the re.
bellion, avowing that he had maltreated
prisoners in accordance with orders from SUI
berior officers, but solemnly asserting that
he had. never killed any one, or perpetrated
The cruel acts ascribed to him,
After the sentence was read to him In
6tiseG, Wirs said: 'I'll be damned if the
Yankee Eagle has not turned out to be what
l expected--s damned turkey buzzard. y
He then asked that Rev. Father Boyle be
sent for, and also Mr. Schsde, his counsel,
and since that time these gentlemen have
been almost constant in attendance upon
him. Besides these some ladies have call
ed, one of them paying her last visit to him
yesterday, when she took him some dellca,
sole. As she was leaving he manifested
-emotion as he expressed his gratitude to her.
and remarked to Mr. Schade,, who was pres,
sent, THAT was the last tear he would shed
in this lffe." .st ;,
A couple Of ladies', said to be of the family
tofaiprominent officer, visited him also yes
teraay, and IN reply to the question OF one
whether be hsa hope, Certainly, Madam
the greatest siuner has hope, and l, being
innocent, must surely have hope"
: To-day he received letter from his wife
dated Cadiz, KY, in which she used th'
,most affcctionate language, and expresses
the hone that they then we're seeing thei
darkest hours. She urges him to cheer nj
and prepare for the worst, but is satisfies
that il the Government knew how much an
.guish they had suffered be would not b
eeoude mnsd to death, She also states tina
she intends, with her children, TO go to hi
people in Europe.
Wir4 has been an infdel, but of late pro
fesscd repentance. and one Of his religion
advisers assured me he believes he was sin
core, and that he trnly repented just befor
the hour appointed for execution.
A young Massachusetts, official at tn
prison banded him an autograph album, i
which he wrote, ia clear, steady hand
!"Old Capitol Prison, Nov lGh, 1865
Henry Wirz. Cant and A. A. g.! 2, ). AZ
iHe then said: "Here is my last signature;
At half past nine the preparatieng 70! IN
execution Was mada: Wiz Vas ettircd In
wight robe. or shroud of black cambria, an
.;s 'empt was made to handcuA his wrists