The Howard union. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1865-1866, 1865-11-16
Execution of Wirz.

WASHINGTON, NOV. w. he eAeOutioh
Of Henry Wirz, which took place at half
past 10 o'clock this morning, possessed very
little exciting interest, and was preceded
by no remarkable incidents. The prison err
spent the most Of the night in slumber, first
receiving his spiritual adviser OF six o'clock
this morning. After partaking of sigh
meal, he spent the rest Of the morning in
writing letters. The last one he wrote
was TO his COUNSEL, thanking him for his
kindness, and begging him to do all he
could for his family. He also wtote his
autograph for a curiosity seeker, adding IL
il his rank in the rebel army. He had
brief interview with Captain Winder, con.
fined in the same prison, and who is son
Of the rebel General Winder who had
charge of rebel prisons.
At few minutes after 10, accompanied
by two priests, and guard Of soldiers, the
prisoner appeared in the prison yard,
dressed in robe Of glazed black cotton.
His lip was firm, his face bright with a
slight smile upon it, and he seemed to retain
full self possession as he conversed in low
tone with his religious counsellors. His
wounded arm was doubled up at his side
in sling. He walked up the seaffold with
on erect step, and took his position on the
trap door. On looking at his black robe
he said to Father Boyle that it would soon
be a white one.
II took some Is minutes to pinion his
arms, during all of which time he remained
very calm. He stated to Major RUSSELL
the Provost Marshal, that he did not desire
to make any public remarks. The Major
commsserated his situation, and said that
he was only obeying orders in executing
him. Wirz replied that he knew he was
obeyIng orders-that he too was soldier,
and was about to be hung for obeying or
ders. To his spiritual advisers, who asked
him for confession, he repeatedly replied
that he had none to make that he died an
innocent man.
Maj. Russell then read the charges and
specifications on which he was convicted,
and the approval of the sentence by the
President. During one portion of the read
ing Wirz shook his head and smiled. As
soon as the reading was finished, the b aok
cap was drawn over his face, and militia
ny detective drew the bolt to the trap door
which fell, leaving Wirz dangling in the air
His neck was broken by the fall, though h,
writhed and drew himself up for severa
minutes. In twenty minutes he was Gu
down and placed in the prison hospital
where the usual medical examination tool
place. The only demonstration made wa
that of an exultant shout from the Grove
on the tops of the houses outside of tht
prison walls.
Virus counsel was with the Presiden
endeavoring 10 secure his reprieve ever il
point Of time after he was hung. TIL
President, however, deemed the ground
presented insufficient, and the counsel lief
the White House to be greeted in tn
streets with the news of the execution.
1t has been asserted to-day that durin
Virus imprisonment, an attempt was mad
by his wife to poison him. During he
last interview, she kissed him, as usua
when they parted, and, at the same tint
deposited in his mouth very small VII
containing arsenic. This was quickly de
tected by Gen. Baker, who was presen
and he seized Wirz by the throat, compe
ing him to spit out the article. 1t was ke]
secret at the time, in order to find o,
who furnished Virus wife the poison
Gen. Baker relates these details of III
plot, which seems to leave no doubt of
truth