New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-07-11
Statement by the Rev. Dr. GiIicfte-Lsst
Words OF the CONFERENCE.-The teen
Hours in the Cells.
From Mondry's WashinFton Chronic

From Mondays Warrington Chronicle.
The Rev. DIR. Gillette, pastor OF the First
Baptist Church. improved the solemnitios Of the past
week by appropriate discourse especially TO young
lie Ind never been more impressed with the impor.
lance Of this duty than dung the sixteen hours which
he passed with the convcts in the pcnentary between
Thursday afternoon and that Of Friday
ON Thursday DR. g. was called upon by Assistant
Secretary Of War Eckert, who invited him to visit tho
cells Of the doomed convcts for the purpose Of admin
isterng to them such spiritual cancellations as were
needed Stepping into the Secreiarys carriage he at
once accompanied him thither On their arrival Mr..
Eeker introduced him 70 other officers and then 70 the
convicts.
The fret call was upon Payne. whose real name he
soon ascertsined to be Lewis Thornton Powell his
middle name being after the Rev. DR.. Thornton
Presbyterian clergyman Of Charleston South Carolina
Powell welcomed him, and at once proceeded to
late bs early history. His father Baptist minis
ter. The convict had been from infancy brought mp
under religious influence. At ~ years Of age he was
By bis own father coDsecrated TO God In baptism and
became member Of the church Is direct opposition
TO the wishes OF his family, no entered the rebellion
For time he eDdeavored 10 retain his religions char
acter, but became connected with Gimor. This was
his second great step downward. That was followed
by his getting into Moshys gang, which was far worse
His next companion was Booth.
DIR. Gillette found Powell to be young man OF cult
waited mind, ingenious frank, candid aud an oaruest
supplicant for Divine favor.
In conversation he referred to bis mother and went
bitterytO his sisters-t0 the pleasant sensons once
enjoyed by him In the church the Sabbath school and
the social circles.
Powell frankly stated his conviction of the enormy
OF his crime. The moment be fed from the house OF
Secretary Seward and leaped into the saddle OF his
horse his mind weakened into a realizing sense Of
the horror Of the damna5e deed which he had perpe
uaed, and he became miserable, wretchcd-lfc itself
became Oathsome
The Doctor here corrected two points 10 the published
statement. 1t reported that he "jaunty
hat" That hat was placed upon his head by the I'D
vice and hands OF DIR. g., when Poweps hands were
pinoncd behind him. Dr. G.. suggested the hat on ac
count Of the intense heat of the sun.
Secondly, II was said on the morning OF Lis execu
ton be ate heartily, &c. On that morning he positively
declined taking food. and he equally persistent
IN refusing stinulants Of any kind
Ills last prayer was. suggested by his friend the
Doctor. :" Lord Jesus, receive my spirit"
Dr. Gillette here addressed his audience with deep
feeiiDg referring to his to the Of his
Rregaton to the young OF this city who habtualy
visit drinking houses restaurants &c.
The preacher then visited Harold and his descrip.
non coriesponded with those already published. With
great eloquence he described the in which Har
from her prayer.bo0k; aud after Dr. q. had offered
prayer, the same sister followed I'm an invocation TO the
Throne OF Divine Grace behalf Of her brother which
affected all present.
lis next call on Atxerodt He at once com.
Tnenced remarks which eliminated Mrs. Surratt but
was gently reminded that higher duties now dcvoived
upon him-a preparation to meet his God In this he
requested For ~ years. he hcknowl lodged, lie had
been stepped In sim the victim Of base passions and Of
the wiles Of ariul designing men Hi wonder was. II
his soul could be saved The Rev. Mr.. Batler. the
Lutheran preacher, soon arrived, and attended him
most faithfully. From the latter clergyman learn
that he protested to have found peace with Heaven.
The peculsriies OF the Catholic Church prevented
,!I 'ioa c-I!-c aaY assistance 10 GIs SayTatt for