The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-03-23

murder of his daughter in-law. Less than
twenty four hours remain to him, in which
to prepare for his ignominious death, as at
his earnest request the hanging will be &C
complished as early in the day as possible.
He has repeatedly wished the whole affair
was over, as he states that the reality can
not exceed the fortunes which he suffers
| in anticipation of the dreaded event.
THE scAFFoLD
was erected yesterday in the extreme north
of the jail yard. Before the lumber was
placed in position or the frame work set
up the carpenters securely boarded up the
two north windows of the Jail. This was
done to prevent the condemned man from
witnessing the erection of his own gal
lows. -
The boarding up of the windows caused
some little talk among the prisoners, and
the reason for such precaution was di-
vined by the doomed man.
He asked no questions, but simply said
They are closing around me-" This was
the only remark which he uttered at all con-
nected with the scaffold. He heard dis
tinctly the noise of the carpenters as they
sawed the boards and nailed them into
place. Several times he started as from a
dreadful dream as more than usual noise
was made in mailing the boards in position
ever; and relapsed into reverie.
SUPPER
and breakfast was enjoyed by the murder
er with evident relish last night and this
m orning. He is particularly partial to
herring and sausage, and these edibleS are
furnished him whenever it suits his fancy.
A peculiar brand of coffee is also supplied
him three times day, as he did not take
kindly to the coffee furnished the other
prisoners. He cares for no delicacies, and
enjoys frugal meal, consisting of the sub
stantials of life -
A few days ago he concluded that it
would be in good form to have his picture
taken. His conclusion was made known
to the Sheriff, who at once sent for pho
tographer. Heilwagon, however, expert
enced change, and decided that he did
not desire to leave his likeness after he was
dead. Arguments were tried in vain, to
induce him to sit for his negative. He re-
fused to do SO, point blank, and has still
held to that opinion.
APPLICANTS.
The Sheriff is besieged by applicants
who desire to witness the execution to-
morrow afternoon. He has limited the
number, and will make the allowance as
small as possible. Persons out of the |
county make use of the mail to inform the |
Sheriff that they will be in the city to-mor-
.ow, and desire that ticket may be saved
Tor them. The applicants are not confined
to the denizens of this county or state, as
hey are located all over the west.
One old man called the other day and
stated that he wanted two tickets for his
Boys. He said that he did not desire to
attend himself, but his children had never
'een hanging and consequently wanted
10 witness the Heilwagon execution.
Two ladies called yesterday and desired
% be admitted to the jail to talk with the
Id murderer about his soul. They said
hat they were afraid his spiritual welfare
lad not been properly cared for, and they
wanted to go in and tell him to repent be-
ore it was too late.
The unfee1ing deputy who entertained
hem stated that minister had been in to
onverse with Heilwagon whenever the
after had desired it, and he thought that
Ieilwagon had had all the consolation that
ould be given him. He then refused them
dmittance to the Jail, as has been the case
nth all who have called for the past two
r three days. No more visitors will be
Omitted to the jail until after the execut-
IN tomorrow afternoon
THE DEATH WARRANT
ras prepared by Circuit Clerk Harson this
corning. and is very elaborate document. !
contains a transcript of the court record
lowing the trial, conviction and sentence
VIM. Heilwagon for the crime of muir
ar, and also the statement which the
heriff and twelve witnesses to the hang j.,
g will sign. showing that the execution
nd death of the prisoner was in due pro- 9
SIS of law. !;
The warrant is supplied with black rib /
IN, and has large black seal on the :
tier face