The National tribune., 1882-07-08

read from the scaffold He wrote in a clear,
distinct hand, explaining that his object in
doing so was to have the copy lcgible, in order
that he would have no trouble an reading it.
Alter completing the work he destroyed the
original. During this time the final test was
being applied to the scaffold by Warden Crocller
and ether officials. The double bolt which
supported the trap was freshly oiled and the
strength of the rope was tested with 200
pound bag of sand Everything was found to
work with perfect smOothness. By this time
visitors began arriving rapidly and by ten
o'clock probably three hundred persons who
held cards emitting them to admission had
gathered in the rotunda. Correspondents were
busily occupied writing dispatches which were
being clicked off from telegraph instruments
in the warden's Office and the scene was one of
great animation. Outside the Jail hundreds
of persons had gathered, although there was no
possible hope of them getting a glimpse of the
scafold; mounted police were patrolling the
grounds and messengers were mOmentarily
arriving and departing. Several enterprising
citizens had improved the opportunity of turn
ing an honest penny by dispensing lemonade,
presented a somewhat picnic appearance.
The noise CT hurrying footsteps and the busy
hum of conversation in the rotunda penetrated
to the cell of the condemned man, and as the
hours wore on he grew more and more nervous
though evidently nerving himself to appear
indifferent to his fast approaching fate. He
seemed TO apprehend some mishap on the gal
lows and requested particularly that every
precaution should be taken to guard against it.
After being assured that every precaution had
been taken he asked permission to take a bath,
and large tub of water was taken to his cell,
into which he plunged with apparent pleasure
He then made his toilet carefully, sending for
a boOt-hlack to polish his congress CATERS. He
then asked for pen and paper and in about
twenty minutes he had prepared crude hymn
or ditty which he termed Simplicity" and
which he attempted to chant on the scaffold,
but broke down utterly in the effort. After
reading it in the cell he appeared to lose all
courage and throwing himself on his cot wept
and sobbed. Rumors were quickly spread
throughout the jail that he had been utterly
Frustrated and that he would have to be car
ried to the scaffold, and for some time the Off
Gals were apprehensive that such would be the
case DR.. Hicks went at once TO his cell and spoke
some reassuring words to the prisoner, after
which he frightened up and somewhat recov-
cred his selfpossessiOn. 1t was now eleven
o'clock, the hour appointed for his dinner, and
a'few moments thereafter those in and around
the cell witnessed the novel spectacle of a man
who was to die in an hour silently devouring a
huge repast. The hustle in the Totunda mo-
mentarily increased, and shortly after eleven
O'Clock detachment of United States armed
regulars filed down from the chapel steps and
came to parade rest" on the east side. When
the command to "order arms" was executed
the muskets came down with ringing sound
that was heard all over the Jail building and
caused the terrified murderer to start up sud
denly, as it evidently reminded him that their
presence precluded all hope of any respite.