Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1882-06-30
EXECUTION OF GUITEAU.
UNITED STATES JAIL.

Gulteau was very restless during most
OF the latter part of the night, not sleeping
more thnn 20 minutes at time. Towards
morning he fell into sounder sleep from
sheer exhaustion. He rose a few minutes
after 5 and breakfasted heartily at $50,
eating steak, eggs, potatoes and other break
fast dishes. When the cool, took his break
fast into the cell Guiteau told him to bring
his dinner in at II o'clock promptly. Rev.
DIR. Hicks, who remained at the Jail all
night, was called into the prisoners cell
soon after he rose, and held conversation
on religious subjects with him. At o'clock
Dr. Hicks saw the prisoner again, when he
made request to have bath, and asked
the reverend gentleman to go out and see
the scatiold. Guiteau desired him to arrange
with the warden to have the trap sprung as
soon after - o'clock as possible He also
expressed considerable anxiety lest some
accident should occur, and insisted that DIR.
Hicks should see that the scatlold and its
appurtenances were all i'll proper and safe
condition
After Guiteau had disposed of these mat
tiers, he read a poem composed by himself
which he calls ''Simplicity, or Religions
Baby Talk" After reading it aloud he
attempted to sing if, but broke down in the
effort, which would have appeared quite
ridiculous if the occasion had been less
solemn. Guitcau then talked for some time
about his future He remarked that his
heart was tender. II don't think" he said
Il can go through this ordeal without weep
ing; not because Of any great weakness, for
the principle in me is strong, but because
am nearer the other world. | hold to the
idea that God inspired me-" Guiteau sub
sequently asked that in his books all COM
pllmentary remarks about President Arthur
and his administration be climated Then
he presented to DIR. Hicks the books that
have been the companions of his lonely
hours. He told Dr. Hicks that he wanted
him to offer the first prayer on the scatlold
saying that he (Guteau) would then read
his flvorite Scriptural passage-thc 10th
chapter of John--and offer Il prayer on his
own account. Then he intended, he said, to
read his poem, "Simpicity' He desired to
have the execution so arranged that just as
he uttered the last word the drop should be
sprung
Mr. John w. Guiteua arrived at the iail
at o'clock and was followed in a few
minutes by Warden Crocker.
| ~ viz lllc PllSoncf came out INTO the
corridor and exercised for Is minutes.
Gulteau walked very briskly, making it
rather difficult for his guards to keep pace
with him. Guiteau generally has taken his
exercise in shirt and drawers. This morn
ing, however, he wore a pair of dark pants
and had handkerchief tied loose abont his
neck.
The private office Of the warden has been
transformed temporarily into telegraph
Office and before nine o'clock eight instru-
ments were clicking Il merry accompani-
ment TO the gloomy preparations going on
inside the Jail. At nine o'clock there was a
constant stream of persons coming into the
Jail. At 1910 o'clock Guiteau expressed n
desire to take Il bath and large tub was
taken into his cell AT this hour no one
save the death watch was with him,
Guiteau neryously disrobed and plunged
into the bath. 1t was quite apparent to the
guard, who was closely Watching his every
movement, that his object in asking for the
bath was simply to obtain some employment
which might distract his thoughts from the
dread contemplation of approaching death
He evinced increased nervousness and his
uncertain movements, distract manner and
a marked tremor in his tones when he at
tempted to speak. impressed the guard with
belief that he was rapidly weakening
The rotunda was thrown open at 10
o'clock. AT o'clock this morning the Jail
officers had sort of rehearsal of the parts
they were to play in the execution, for the
purpose chiefly, of testing the appliances
of the gallows. a bag of sand Weighing
l6O pounds was rugged and attached to the
moose: The trap was sprung by means of
the trigger rope which was passed into one
of the cells of the north wing. The rope
on the scailold stood the test well.
AT 10 o'clock DR. Hicks and John w.
Gulteau went with Gen. Crocker to the
scallold, together with a number Of the.
guards. John W. Guiteau ascensl u;ct nre
Eel'S ana carefully exam;;aretullv insnectinu
a1iqti.i.uHs the ropepoth above and hetow IN,
platform. ''r"
Many kilograms and other messages have
arrived at the Jail this morning for different
parties. 4 telegram from New York signed
f by j. B. Bunnel, received about 10 O'Clock
by Dr. Hicks, asked il the sender coult
obtain possession of Guitcau's body to exhi
. DIT for the benefit of the Ionng Men.
Christian Association. DR.. Hicks paid nc
attention to the message.
AZ III O'Clock seventy policemen arrived
at the Jail and were posted along the road
way outside the building. \ company Of
artlllerymen also were on duty.
Shortly before II o'clock Guitcau called
for paper and for 20 minutes busted himself
in making the copy of what he terms chi:
prayer upon the scalIold."
At II O'Clock contrary to the general ex.
pcctation, and her purpose, rs expressed
yesterday, Mrs. Scoville arrived at the iail
and besought admission. Her manner was
excited and she appeared to be laborine
under great excitement Gen'l CrockeI
declined to admit her unless the prisoner
) specially requested it. John w. Guiteau,
who was sitting in the rotunda at the time
was Informed that his sister was upon the
outside, and at first started up to 90 to her.
but after moments hesitation decided not
to interfere, saying Il will leave the whole
matter with Genl Croker" Guiteau was
not informed Of Mrs. Scoville's presence,
His great desire now seemed TO be that
there be no scene, and that his programme
be carried out without any interruption or
incident to detract from the heroic picture
which he believed he would present.
After Guiteau had finished copying his
prayer upon the scattold" he beuan tn ar