Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1865-11-17
The Execute, OF Wirs..

Henry Wirz, the inhuman keeper of
Andersonville prison, was hung by the
neck until he was dead on Friday, Nov.
10th. A special dispatch from Wash
ington to the Chicago Tribune gives a
detailed account of the execution. We
extract the following:
At half past nine the
PREPARATIONS FOR EXECUTION
were made. Wirz was attired in q long
robe or shroud of black cambria, and
an attempt was made to handcuff his
wrists, but his right arm was SO wasted
that the iron could not be fastened with
out giving pain. 81 don't want to be
cross" said he, "but don't hurt me"
The irons were removed.
't'3 LEAVES THE CELL.
When summoned to leave the cell.
WirZ remarked to Father Boyle, II
hope this black dress will soon be turn
ed into white robe. / go willingly"
Meanwhile some 200 spectators had
congregated in the prison yard, includ-
ing about 80 representatives of the press.
Many of the others were young officers
many of whom had experienced the
cruelties and insults of the rebel pris-
ons. -'f
In the distance the dome of the CAPT.
toll lowered up through the leafless
branches of the trees, and on every
vantage ground near by were specta
tors, many of them soldiers-a few o.
them women.
! ARRIVES AT THE GALLONS.
| AT a quarter past ten the hum of con-
versation subsidized into profound silence
ne Nfoi hn
followed by the criminal, who was es-
corted by his spiritual advisers. He
was a much taller man than 1 had ex-
pected to see, and walked with firm
step, CHANGING up at the clear sky as il
| refreshed by the sunlight, his long
black hair was brushed smoothly down,
his head showing high forehead. His
beard and mOustache were full, almost
concealing the expression of his face,
and his cunning eyes twinkled with g
defiant expression of apparent indiffer.
ence. On reaching the gallows he as.
cended the steps with alacrity, and seat.
ed himself on chair placed OH the
drop. Father Boyle, from the hour he
had received the sacrament, stood at his
right hand holding small crucifix
and at his left hand stood Father Wig.
gett. ra. a .Fs..
CHARGES AND SPECIFICATIONS. "a.
Mr.. Russell read in clear voice the
long charges and specifications, in
which the name of Jeff Davis was in
cluded. Wirz listened to the document
with attention, nOdding assent to some
portions, and shaking his head mega
| lively when other sections were being
read. Father Boyle would occasionally
present the crucifix to him, as if to
strengthen him for the coming struggle
by hope of divine forgiveness. Occa-
sionally the impatient crowd without
would give hideOus yells, at which the
criminal would betray an uneasiness.-
Then Father Boyle would display the
symbol of redemption, saying, Faith
hope, charity-repentance will save
you. rat the last reading of the charges
the specifications, the finding of the
Court, and the Presidents approval o.
the sentence, had all been read and the
man Russell turning to Wirz, the Grim.
inal, asked him If he had any remark
to make. He replied in an unconcern
ed tone that he had no wish to say any
thing to the public. To the Major h
would say that he died innocent; HI
had but once to die. His hope was il
the future.
Major Russell then shook hands will
him, receiving his thanks for courteou
treatment. The priests bads him fare
well with words Of consolation, and re
tired. He stood erect upon the drop
the hangman pinioned his arms ant
feet, adjusted the moose and put on tn
black cap. Then commenced a.
UNEARTHLY WELLS
from those outside the prison yard, a
If execrating the perpetrator of tn,
atrocious cruelties. Major Russell rails
ed his cap.
THE DROP FELL.
Henry Wiz, with sudden plunge
was hanged by the neck until he wa
dead, dead, dead. May God have mere,
upon his soul. 1t was seven minute
after the drop fell before the convulsiv
movements of the body ceased, an
subsequent surgical examination show
that his neck was not broken.
THE BODY.
, After hanging fifteen minutes tn
body was TAX en- and carried into the dead
room, where it was placed in coffi
and entrusted to Father Boyle. TIL
body is to be deposited in the vault {
the Catholic Cemetery until the wishe
of Mrs. Wirz concerning it can be mad
| known.
Such has been the termination of TIL
earthly career of another sanguinar
! agent Of the slave power.
THE military in Canada are gettin
) bold aud impudent. A company I
them has invaded Maine for the pu
} pose of arresting British deserters. I'll
desertefs refuse to return, and our CO.
eminent which has been applied to giy