The New York herald., 1869-06-26

innocence OF all that was charged against him. HIS
himself. and he could only explain 1t by thinking
that u was God who supported him.
as murderer nor "a a man Inclined To disrerard
the rights OF others or the laws OF the land. With
hlgh forehead, fun round blue eyes, well cut nose
gracefully moulded lips covering well formed teeth,
with full, frank face and dark brown hair. he was,
on the whole, rather good looking. In no respect,
possess those characteristics naturally ascribed
To criminals. His height was five feet six inches
ana MS weight about 16O pounds. He was thirty.
Tour years OF age, and was one OF family OF eight
children, all OF which were natives OF RlchfOrd,
w., where the majority OF his relatives now reside.
He had been married twice. His first wife deserted
him. His second wife. by whom he had son now
five years OF age, resides in Rlchford.
CONDITION AND APPEARANCE OF THE PRISONER.
During the last hours preceding the execution
the appearance OF the prisoner was painfully strange
ard unnatural ON Wednesday evening the chap
lain made his regular visit, during which Miller
selected portion OF Scripture from Second Tmo-
thy. fourth chapter. from fourth to ninth verse,
cution He retired at the usual hour, but his sleep
was restless and was broken by louo groans and
sgns the night which showed he
TO the guard or being abused by vlsI-
tor during the day previous, who ne
and fate. This was the first indication of serious
disturbance OF mind since his confinement. Still, he
expressed no dread or awe Of what awaited him.
On THURSDAY afternoon his uneaslnesS and agitation
continued, and he walked to and fro in his cell most
of the time during the day. expressing wish to see
for him during his trial. Accordingly the gentleman
was sent for and had an hours interview with the
prisoner; but the latter said nothing OF importance,
and averred his entire ignorance and innocence OF
the murder. w
In the afternoon the warden OF the prison, fearing
that Miller restless night would disturb hiS fellow
conycts under solitary confinement In the adjoining
cells, removed hun to another cell. Gradually his
restlesSness diminished and ABOUT seven O'Clock IN
the evening" when the chaplain came, he seemed to
have recovered his calmness. The chaplains inter-
view consisted of reading the Scriptures and pray
entire readiness for the coming ordeal. Sheriff
Stmson having arrived to perform the execution,
called on the prisoner during the chaplin's visit.
Miller greeted him kindly and talked of his end,
with comp Jsure. The Sheriff urged him to make
confession, and Miller made his invariable reply,
"lou are asking too much of me. have nothing to
saw Seeing tnat the prisoner would not Tree him.
SELF OF his undoubted guilt the chaplain bade him
good night between eight and nine O'Clock and left.
AS precautiOn against any attempt at suicide
light was placed ut the cell door and guard was
stationed 10 watch very movement Of the prisoner
and & as smoked a,Di long While Tasn I. ns
versed with the guard for several hours
about his faith IN God and about his wife and little
son. His emotions seemed stirred when talking OF
the latter, and the disgrace that would always fol-
low his child in consequence OF his death on the gal
lows was his greatest regret. Though not excited,
he did not seem inclined 10 sleep till after midnight.
When eating lunch OF piece OF cake during the
night and also this morning when eating his break
fast he was strange to say, quite jocuar The bet
ter fare which had been given him during the day
he SAID astonished his stomach and made 1t ache
La tue morning, when ny Int on his plate OF food,
three O'Clock IN the morning he tell asleep, slept TIL
about siX when he arranged his dress and ate a
hearty breakfast with good relish.
MORNING OF THE EXECUTION
Friday mornings sun rose clear and bright. The
There was not regret expressed that Miller was TO
be executed, but the immediate presence OF the
tragical scene caused an unpleasant feeling There
beng no probability OF but very few being admit
tea 10 see the execution only small number Of
strangers were in town, what there were being
largely from AScutneyyie, the scene OF the murder,
and Rlcnford Millers native town.
Miller remained very quiet from the time he rose
till about seven O'Clock, when the scaTOld was
brought into the prison yard and erected. Though
he could see nothing OF what was being done, the
noise OF carpenters IN adjusting and fastening the
death kne and caused him to quake TILL 1t is be-
iieved by Chaplain Richford and the warden, his
mind was partially % deranged. He eu looked wild,
strange expressions. About eight O'Clock the
chaplain VISITED him, but in consequence OF the
latter's condition he rad but a brief and
interview. Those of Mller's ac-
qualntances rom Richlord were admitted
to the prisoners CELL but tnelr visit was also un-
satisfactory. Being lett alone he at length rec,ned
on his bed, and after tossing about some time fell
asleep shortly after ten O'Clock. anu, with the eX
ception OF occasional restless motion, slept till
nearly noon, when he awoke and appeared rational
and calm cup o. tea t MAS was furnished h him. which
alter entered the cell ana remained with the pris-
oner during the remaining hour, though there was
made: but such thought had not entered Miller's
mind. HIS acquaintance, who had attempted an
with the chaplain besought the cuIprii who
knew that III a few short moments he must
stand before his God, to confess his crime
but IL vain. 81 have nothing TO c0nfesS,b was
sui the response.
1T length Us the moment OF execution drew near
the iron door OF the prison was swung open and
those who were permitted to witness the spectacle
were admitted aud began TO cluster around the gal.
iowa number admitted
OF whom were ladies-hrs. Il. L. Gowng, cousin or
the murdered victims, ana Mrs. Litchieid, oi As
cuftuleyvllIe.
At four minutes past one O'Clock Sheriff Stmson
entered the Cell announced 10 the prisoner thar
everything was IN readiness ana led him out Mil
Ter was dressed IN gray coored pants, with black
coat and vest Tne procession then formed.
sheriff stlmson and the chaplain walked arm In
arm, followed by the prisoner between deputy sher-
IFS Amoden and klmbal, with the prison sur
geon, and twelve citizens arm in arm IN the
rear. In this manner the prisoner was escort
ed TO the scdfiold, which stood in the south
east corner Of The prison yard. Upon reaching the
scafroid the spectators took seats and tue sheriff.
chaplain and deputy sherirs with the prisoner
the ladder ana took positions on the plat
form. Though little paler tnan usual there was
was not l,erceptible change In Miller'S appear
ance, and with step firm and strong he ascended
the ladder ana took a seat provided for him
on tue platform. The chaplaia then read the
selections from the Bible, as requested by
Miller, together with Others, after which he
read IN Impressive tones prayer to the judge Of all
TO have compassion and mercy ON the prisoners
soul. While the prayer was being offered Miller
closed his eyes and moved his lips as though repeat
ing the words OF the chaplain The Shern then read
the death warrant, during wnlcn Miller looked
steadily forward, with hls eyes raised naturally and
with scarcely quiver about his lips.
THE EXECUTION.
The prisoner then stepped on the drop under the
rope and the Dlack cap was placed upon his head,
after which tine Sherf asked him II he mad anything
TO say, 10 which Miller IN distinct voice replied,
Not anything. think not. II there are any mere
that have wronged | ask their forgveness.u
Deputy Sheriff Amsden tnen tightly bound the |
hands, arms and legs OF Miller and adjusted the
moose around his neck, placing tue knot under his
LEFT ear. The chaplain tnen stepped for |
ward, Rrasped MIXERS hands anu In q |
solemn voice asked him II he could say from |
heart that he innocent Miller reJoined with
emphasis, Eyes, sir; l am. have blessed hope IN
Jesus lie then intimated that lie wished TO say |
something more. lhe sheriff consented and Miller,
looking around on the spectators sald:-"There are
men here who know they have lied about me. and |
they mus, look 10 God for mercy. NV strength Is IN
my God. have not strength myself l am worn |
out. God hold me- ] don't Know as | have any |