Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1882-07-01

of his approaching death. He evinced in
creased nervousness, and his uncertain move
ments, distracted manner and the marked
tremor in his tones when he attempted to
speak impressed the guard with the belief
that he is rapidly weakening. The opinion
is expressed by some of the jail officials that
he will be unable to control his emotions
when the dread moment arrives, and even
if he does not completely break down and
make scene, that he will be unable, from
nervous excitement, to carry out the pro-
gramme upon the scaffold which he has an
nounced
open at 10 o'clock and the newspaper men
hocked in. There were few others there
except the Jail guards and squad of artil-
lery men. Early this morning the prison
ers in the part of of the jail overlooking the
court where the gallows stands, were re
moved to other quarters. Seventy police
men are posted along the roadway outside
of the building. In addition to the Jail
guards, all available men of Battery c., of
the United States Artillery, are on duty
inside of the Jail. Shortly before eleven
Guiteau called for paper, and for twenty
minutes engaged in copying what he calls
his prayer upon the scaffold."
11:35 q. NAT IL o'clock Guiteau
made some requests as to his exc
nd hou do Of EIaS St
prayer" poem and other writings, he tore
up the originals. He had his boots black
ed, and as DR.. Hicks was leaving the cell,
his dinner was brought in, and Guiteau ate
it with much relish. When DR.. Hicks
came out of the cell, he said the prisoner
had not the slightest fear. ''We have had
pleasant religious talk He feels now
that his preparation is finished, and he is
now ready for the last formality. He com
mits himself to God with the utmost conf
dence. l think he will show some emotion,
because the nervous strain is so great"
1905 p. NAT five minutes past II
O'clock, General Crocker read the death
only persons present were General Crocker,
Deputy Warden Rush and the Rev Dr.
Hicks.
1925 p. m.-The death procession has
just started for the gaIlows.
UPON THE soAFFoLD.
At IL o'clock Mrs. Scoville arrived and
besought admission. She was laboring
under great excitement. John w.
Guiteau went out to see her and per-
suaded her to make no further attempt
to gain admission, while DR.. Hicks was in
the cell.
1886 p. m.-Guiteau is now reading his
farewell address.
The drop fell at 1910 p. m.
1245 p. m.-The crowd outside the Jail
has got word that. tbe prisQper. has s.. baafasp
SO that it is impossible to hear voice in
side of the Jail Office.
12:46-Guiteau's neck was broken by the
fall, and not movement of lis limbs or
body was detected. Death ensued instantly
Shortly before IL O'Clock Guiteau seemed
to break down completely, and burst into
tears, and sobbed hystericaily. After the
death warrant was read to the prisoner by
the warden he became much more composed,
and turning away began to brush his hair
with his old appearance of staggering sang
froid.
At 1925 the loud steam whistle was
blown at the work house, which was near
the jail. This whistle usually blows at II
O'Clock, and by it Guiteau was in the habit
of reckoning his time. The delay to-day
was by special arrangement, SO that its
startling summons might not come before
the officers were ready. Two min
utes later the iron gates at the
end of the corridor clicked Then warden
CrocAer made his appearance, and mo-
ment later the familiar figure of Guiteau
was seen. His face was pallid, and the
muscles about his mouth moved nervously.
Other than this there were
no signs of faltering. The procession
moved quickly to the scaffold, and Guiteau
ascended twelve somewhat steep steps with
as much steadiness as could be expected
from a man whose arms were tightly pin
ioned behind him At the last step he fal-
tered for a moment, but was assisted by
two officers, who walked one upon either
side. Upon reaching the platform, Gui-
drop, facing to the front of the scaffold.
Capt. Coleman stood upon his right, Mr.
Robert Strong upon his left, and
Mr.. Woodward directly behind him.
Mr.. Jones took position ON the north side,
near the upright of the beam, Gen. Crocker,
warden, took his position at the southeast
corner of the structure.
There was slight delay while the crowd
of $50 or more spectators were pushing and
jostling through the door leading from the
rotunda to the corridor, at the lower end of
which the gallows was placed. Guiteau
meanwhile gazed upon the crowd, looked
up at the beam over his head and quickly
made survey of all the dread preparations.
AS soon as the crowd had gained access,
General Croeker waved to them to un-
cover, and all the heads were barred.
DR.. Hicks made an invocation
In these words; Father, out of the depths
we cry to Thee; hear Thou our supplication,
for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Savior,
who has made full Precipitation for us.
Behold this thy servant! We humbly pray
that Thou will deliver him at this supreme
moment of his life. Let Thy light descend
upon him. Liberate his soul from prison
May he appear before Thee absolved
by Thy great mercy from blood
outlines. Deliver him and usl God
have mercy on usl Christ have mercy on
us Lamb of God that takest away the
sins of the world have mercy on us !! Amen
and amen"
During the prayer Guiteau stood
with bowed head. At its conclusion DR..
Hicks Onaned the RihIe and G1iteau in firm