Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1880-07-30
Hancock aud the Surratt Execution.

! hcheNc her strange story
Hancock aud the Surratt Execution.
Wt>nlNuroN. luN ~. Mai Ncddey-
burn, Il we'll known editor at
Washington has received the following
letter from Maj nallerk, Of the army,
on the subject ST Mrs, Suryatt's eNeeu-
tom
ErEEkN, NrMmlpr BN, Gal, july 4,
1850 George e, Wcdderbu,g, ESQ,
Washington, ~ c. M Dear ~. You
may depend upon il was glad q hear
of the nomination ef Gen W ), Han
cock, Nou know he was my Avomtc
when candidates we're tirst talked 81
ann really sorry that some otthe rcpuh-
hcan papers IN the east and ON this
coast exhibit 81 much anxiety concern.
ing his nomination. and are claiming
that he cannot SECURE the Catholic vote
Of the democratic party on account Ot
his connection with the prosecution
and execution of Mrs Surrau Now
they seem 70 wiSh to forget that il WAS
military commission composed al
most entirely of republicans, appoint
al Ivy 4 republican president ami Scr-
crCMry of war, who tried, con
victcd, sentenced, and oulc,cd
the execution Of the unfortunate Mrs
Surratt They do not care to rcmem-
hcr chat il Was Con, John +. llartmntt
late republican recently appoint
cd governor Of PENNSYLVANIA
who Was the collector of the port
ot Philadelphia, who WAS the conn
manding officer of the old pcnitrntiary
or arsenal building where Mrs Suratt
and the runspiratorS We're confined,
tried, convicted sentenced, and cNoeut-
cd Although young | was command
ing Il company of the 10th regiment
veteran reserve corps, AMI stationed IN
Washington during this exciting period,
and was on several occasions detailed
as officer Of inside guard placed OYER
Mrs Surlatt and the couspiratOrs, and
was frequently present when ten. Ham
cock visited the PRISON, and remember
we'll his humane instructions regarding
the treatment Of Mrs Surrntt and tho
other prisoners, and it was by his in
struction that they were permitted to
leave their cell, for daily exercise and
air IN the large yard If the prison, and
also that many comforts We're added
to the room occupied by hrs. Surmtt
50 far as spiritual advisers were
concerned all were treated
alike, and with marked consider
ton. fGcn, Hancock had anything
to do with the prosecution of that un-
fortunate lady il is news to mo. No
one ever thought - during the trial.
but knew well il was conducted hv tho
secretary of war and Gen Baker and
his detectives Gen. Hancock was not
Ii member Of the military commission
or reviewing authority. The political
opponents Of ticn. Hancock must find
consolation in some other quarter for
they can never convince the Catholic
people Of the United States that Il sol
dicr with his record could be connect
ed with this case except III his capacity
of division commander, and acting un-
der orders from Il higher authority.
From my knowledge of Gen Hancock
] think Of him, rs the poet describes
the true man and soldier
The hrate-t arr The tcnlrrcsi
rhc loving nrc thc daring.
propose to work on this coast and
wherever | can be most useful in tie
campaign for the success Of Hancock
and English Gen Hancock viii be
elected take his seat, and be president
Of tho whole United Stntcs-not sec.
ton of it. He will receive large ma
jority Of the vote Of all true soldiers
those who have seen enough Ia realize
that the war il over and who desire to
bring about that friendly feel
ing between the sections so nee
essary in order 10 have IL united
country in fact n well rs IN name
Hancock clubs are organizing rapidly
all over this eoast, and ! certainly 30,
licvc the Pacific states will all be car
ricd BY him viii be east before elcc-
ton, and home in time TO vote, fot
would 20 twice ~ far 70 vote the demo
cratic ticket this year.
Yours very sincerely,
WAITER i. HAIInK
United States Army.