The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1882-07-07
The FatefuI Morning,

At precisely half-past o'clock Friday morn
ing, the guard brought in the felons break
fast which he devoured with a keen relish.
DR.. Hicks, who remained at the Jail all night
was called into the prisoners cell an held .
conversation On religious subjects with him. At
o'clock DR.. Hicks saw the prisoner again,
when he made request to have a bath, and
asked Hicks to go out and examine the scat
fold. Guiteau desired him to arrange with the
Warden to have the trap sprung as soon after
IL O'Clock as possible. He also expressed con-
siderable anxiety lest some accident should
occur, and insisted that Hicks should see that
the scaffold and Its appurtenances were all in
proper condition.
After Guiteau had disposed OF these matters
he read poem, composed by himself, which
he calls simplicity; or Religious Baby Talk"
After reading he attempted to sing it; but
broke down in the effort. Guiteau then talked
for some time about the future. He remarked
that his heart was tender. al don't think" he
said, that can 60 through this ordeal with
out weeping-not because of any great weak
ness, for principle in me is strong, but because
! am nearer the other world. / hold to the idea
that God inspired me-"
Guteau subsequently, asked that In his books
oil complimentary remarks about President Ar
thur and his administration be eliminated.
Then he presented Hicks the books that have
been the companions of his lonely hours He
prayer on the scaffold, saying he (Guiteau)
would then read his favorite scriptural passage,
the tenth chapter OF John, and offer prayer
on his own account. Then he intended, he
said to read bis poem, "Simplioity." He de-
sired to have the execution 30 arranged that
just as he uttered the last word the drop should
be sprung.
John W. Guiteau arrived at the Jail at Q
o'clock, and was followed in few minutes by
Warden Croker. These two gentlemen, with
Ill. lett 81 -
the body.
At OILS the prisoner came out in the corridor
and exercised for fifteen minutes. He walked
very brislNly, making it rather difficult for the
guards to keep up with him.
At 9 o'clock there was a constant stream Of
persons coming into the Jail. The scene out
side was like that OF some great gala occasion.
Some enterprising colored men had erected
booths from which they dispensed lemonade.
cakes and other refreshments to the weary
and thirsty people, who began before o'clock
to assemble in the road in front of the jail
At 10 o'clock Guiteau expressed desire TO
take BATH and large tub was taken into his
cell. At this hour no one but the death watch
was with him. Guiteau nervously disrobed and
bathed. 1t was quite apparent to the guard,
who was closely watching his every
movement that his object in asking
some employment which might distract his
thoughts from the dread contemplation OF his
approaching death. He evidenced increased
nervousness and his uncertain movements, dis
trait manner, and the marked tremor in his
tones, when he attempted to speak, impressed
the guard with the belief that he IL rapidly
weakening.
At few minutes after 10 o'clock DIR. Hicks
and John w. Guiteau went with Gen. Crocker
TO the scaffold, together with number Of
guards. John w. Guteau assembled the steps
and'carefully examined the structure, handling
the rope and carefully inspecting all the fixtures
both above and below tho platform.
Shortly before IL o'clock Guitesu called for
paper, and for twenty minutes busted himself
In making q copy Of what he termed "his
prayer on scafold." After he had finished his
Prayer Upon the Scaffold, /" he began to ar
range his dress, putting on pair Of navy-blus
trousers.
AT II o'clock, contrary to general expecta-
ton and the purpose a. expressed on the pre-
vious day, Mrs Scoville arrived at the fail aud
bcsought admission She appeared 10 be labor
ing under great excitement Gen. Croker de-