The national Republican. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1866-1870, 1869-04-10
Tho Execution OF a.r.,a p.,or.

We yesterday published brief telcgraphic
account Of the execution Of Gerald Eaton for
the murder Of Timothy Heenan. The Phlla-
delphia Ledger, Of yesterday, gives the fol-
lowing detailed account,
Gerald Eaton, sentenced to be hanged at
the same time as Twitchell, slept comforts
bly, on Wednesday night, and wns up at six
O'Clock yesterday morning. He ate his
breakfast as usual, and then babe farewell
to his wife, who visited him early in the day,
and before the sheriff was In attendance
Early In the morning he took bath,
washed himself, and when friend called TO
see him, he gave a message To his friends
outside, that he was thankful for oil they
had done for him, and was as grateful as
though their efforts had resulted In re-
prieye. There was no appearance Of boast
Ing In his manner, but he said, ''Tell my
friends they will not be ashamed Of me to-
day." He also asked his friend II he would
sec his body after death, and whether he
would attend his funeral, and appeared
much gratihed at a response In the afilrma-
tive. Father Riley and Father Barry were
soon present, and administered the last rites
Of the church. A few minutes after ten
O'Clock the sheriff and his deputies and
jurors reached the prison.
Representatives Of the press and prison Of.
hclals made up the entire number admitted
to witness the execution. Believing that
there might be some hope for Eaton, the er-
ecution was delayed as long as tho sheriff,
thought IL consistent with his duty, and
finally, at 10 o'clock, he announced that he
proposed to carry out the decree Of the court
and the Governor. In the meantime Fathers
Riley and Barry were In the cell, and when
they left for a few minutes, at fifteen min.
utes past twelve, Mcssrs. Brooke and Snap.
ley visited him. and babe him farewell. The
interview was very affecting, and at the
parting every one was affected to tears, al
though Eaton was cool, collected, aud in no
wise nervous. His conduct, however, had
nothing Of the bravado In 1t, aud, so far as
could be judged, was tho result Of rcsigna-
ton to his fate.
Our reporter visited him few minutes DO.
fore the sheriff came, and to him he said he
had no statement to make, except that 81
am innocent Of this thing; did NO kill the
man. | forgive everybody, and am very
grateful to my counsel for their services in
my behalf" Information was now received
by Eaton TO prepare for the execution. lie
expressed his readiness, and Fathers Riley
and Barry clothed themselves with the robes
OF their office, and prepared to accompany
the doomed man to the gallows.
Eaton was dressed In his ordinary every.
day suit, consisting Of dark-brown trowsers,
a black sack coat and velvet vest. A crucifx
was placed In his hands, and guided by the
two clergymen and Mr.. Perkins, the prison
keeper, he descended the steps leading from
the second story to the ground floor. The
funeral march then commenced. Eaton,
between the two priests, was accompanied
by all those permitted to witness the execu-
ttnn 10 tho x.yh ha ~
erected.
During the procession the clergymen re-
cited the prayers for the dying, to which
Eaton listened attentlvely, kissing frequently
the cruci1x. When the party reached the
scaffold, Eaton betrayed not the least tremor,
but with firm step assembled to the platform,
where he stood with the priests. AL knelt,
and the prayers for the dying were continued,
Eaton joining In firm voice, and apparently
obliyious to the presence Of strangers. When
the prayers were ended, Fathers Riley and
Barry, Mr.. Perkins and Sheriff Lyle shook
him by the hand and babe him farewell.
The handouts were then placed on his
wrists, the white cap drawn over his head,
and at IL minutes Of l o'clock the drop fell.
While the moose was being arranged, he said
to the person who was fixing 1t, $50 help me
God, | didn't do It," There were no strug-
giles except those incident to the muscular
contractions after death. After hanging 80
minutes, the body was taken down and trans
ferred to the friends. They ct once con-
yeyed 1t to the college at Ninth and Locust
streets, where at 10 minutes of 2 o'clock n
series of experiments were instituted, with q
view, as the friends thought, to the resuscl-
tation Of Eaton. Heavy charges from gal
vanlc battery, artificial imitation Of the lungs,
were resorted to, but while those In charge
were able to get up an appearance Of life,
there was no real vitality. The eyes opened,
the chest seemed to be inflated, the heart
pulsated, and one arm was raised.
All these symptoms Of life soon subsidized,
and although strong batteries were brought to
bear, and large quantity Of gas was In
jected, nothing was accomplished except a
renewal Of the deceptive appearance Of life.
These experiments were continued for an
hour. A post mortem was then made, and
II was discovered that the neck was not
broken, but that death was caused by as
phyXia, or sufocation.
Outside of the prison there was more than
the usual number Of persons on such occa-
slons, who stood In groups on the east side
Of Passyunk road, gazing at the granite front
and walls Of the building,as II they expected
to be able to sec through them. The arrival
OF Sheriff Lyle and his deputies, with the
jury and members Of the press, created a
momentary stir; then all became quiet and
still again. The chief of police had detailed
a large force to preserve order and to keep
the walls clear, and he was present with
Lieut.. smith to superlntend operations.