St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1877-03-30
Lee, the Mormon Bishop, Shot.
HE EXCUSES HIS CRIME.

The execution of John d. Lee, for
merly a bishop in the Mormon church,
for his part in the massacre of emiyrants
at Mountain Meadow in Utah, took
place at the scene of the slaughter FIJI
day forenoon, about IS persons being
present, but not child or relative of
the murderer. Lee was taken to the
place of his execution between 10 and
ii O'Clock in the forenoon and seated
on his coffin about 30 feet from the five
men who were to shoot him. After
Marshal Nelson had concluded reading
the order of court, he asked Lee if he
had anything to say before the eXecu-
ton was carried into effect. Lee re-
piled, 81 wish to speak to that man,
pointing to Mr.. Fennemore, who was
fixing his canvas near by to take Lees
photograph. Lee calling to the artist.
Fennemore replied, ''In a second. Mr..
Lee" and, waiting till the artist signi-
lied his readiness to listen, Lee said ::
81 want to ask you favor. | want
you to furnish my three wives each
copy OF the photograph, a copy to Rachel
and Sarah G. and Emma b. Mr..
Howard responded for the artist, 'EHe
says he will do it, Mr.. Lee Lee re-
peated the names carefully, saying,
please forward them"
Lee then arose and said have but
little to say this morning. OF course, |
feel that am upon the brink of eter-
NIFTY, and the solemnity of eternity
should rest upon my mind at the pres
ent time. have made out, or endeav-
ored to do so, a manuscript and an
abridged history of my life. This will
be published. Sir, l have given my
views aud feelings with regard to all
these things. | feel resigned to my fate.
L feel us calm as Il summer morning. r.
have done nothing designedly wrong.
My conscience is clear, before God and
man, and | am ready to meet nv Re-
deemer. This it is that places me upon
this field. L am not an infideI, | have
not denied God or his mercy. | am a
strong believer in those things. The
most regret is parting with my family.
Many OF them are unprOvided for and
VIII be left fatherless. When | speak
OF those little ones, they touch tender
chord within me. Here Lees voice
taltered perceptibly.) | have done
nothing designedly wrong in this affair.
used my utmost endeavors to save this
people. would have given worlds.
were 1t at my command, to have avoid
ed that calamity, but L could not. RI
am sacrificed to satisfy feelings, and am
used TO crafty parties, but | am ready
10 ole. have no fear of death it has
no terrOrs and no particle of mercy
nave L asked from the court or officials
TO spare my life. | do not fear death.
l snail never go to worse place than
the one l am now in. | have said it to
my family, and will say it to-day. that
the government of the United States
sacrifices their best friend, and that is
saying a great deal but it is true. I
am true believer in the gospel of
Jesus Christ. | do not believe every
thlng that is now practiced and taugbt
oy Brigham Young. | do not agree
WIN MIN. L believe he is leading the
people astray, but believe in the Cos
pei as taught in its purity bv Joseph
smith In former days. | have nv rea-
sons for saying this. used TO make
ms mans will my pleasure, and did so
tor ~ years. See how and what have
come to this day. l have been sacri- |
need IN a cowardly, dastardly manner. |
mere are thousands of people in the
church, honorable, good hearted, that
cherish in my heart. l regret to leave
ny family. They are near and dear Tn
NE. These are things to rouse INV
l declare | did nothing de-,
,lgnedly wrong in this unfortunate af-
fair. | did everything in my power to
save all the emigrants, but am the one
hat must suffer. Having said this.
eel resigned. ask the Lord. nv Cod |
o extend his mercy to me aud receive
ny spirit. My labOrs here are done.
After the speech, Parson Stokes. a
made prayer, commencing