The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1882-07-06

At precisely half-past o'clock Friday morc-
ing, the guard brought in the felon's break
fast, which he devoured with . keen relish.
Dr. Hicks. who remained 1t the Jail all night
was called into the prisoners cell and held
conversation on religious subjects with him. At
o'clock DIR. Hicks saw the prisoner again.
when he made . request to have = bath, aud
asked Hicks to 90 out and examine the scaf-
fold. Gulteau desired him to arrange with the
Warden to have the trap sprung as soon after
IL clock as possible. He also expressed con-
siderable anxiety lest some accident should
occur, and inslsted that Hicks should sea that
the scanold and its appurtcnances were al in
proper condill0n.
After Guiteau had disposed Of these matters
he read poem, composed by himself, which
he calls simplicity; or Religious Baby Talk.
After reading It he attempted to sing II; but
broke down in the effort. Guiteau then talked
for some time about the future. He remarked
that his heart WAS tender. 81 don't think he
said, THAT can go through this ordeal with
out weeplng,-nOt because Of any great weak
ness for principle in me il strong, but because
! am nearer the other world. hold to the idea
that God inspired me"
al complimentary remarks about President Ar
thur and his administration bo eliminated.
Then he presented Hicks the books that have
been the companions Of his lonely hours. He
told Hicks that he wanted him to offer the first
prayer on the scaffold, saying he (Guitaau)
would then road his fAvorite scrlpturai passage,
the tenth chapter Of John, and Offer prayer
ON his own account. Then he intended, he
said, to read his poem, Simplicity" He de-
sired TO have the execution 20 arranged that
Just as he uttered the last word the drop should
be sprung.
o'clock, and was followed in few minutes by
rIo Nrorkop Thauo t~n uonf1nVnan NTH
Hicks, had = consultation - to the disposal Of
the body.
At 9:15 the prisoner came out in tho corridor
and exercised for fifteen minutes. He walked
very briskly, making it rather difficult for tho
guards to keep up with him.
At 9 o'clock there was . 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 tho JAIL
At 10 o'clock Guiteau expressed desire 20
take bath, and large tub WAS taken into his
cell. At this hour no one hut the death watch
Was with hlm. Gulteau nervously disrobed and
bathed. Il was quite apparent to the guard.
who was closely Watching his every
movement, that his object in asking
for . bath was simply TO obtain
. some GUlUlOyulcUt WHICH, HuISIlt ukoSA@St Lis
thoughts IRON the dread contemplation OF his
approaching death. He evidenced increased
nervousness and his uncertain movements, dis
trait manner, and the marked tremOr III his
tones, when he attempted to speak, impressed
the guard with tae belief that he is rapidly
weakening.
AT few minutes after 10 o'clock DR.. Hicks
and John w. Guiteau went with Gen, Crocker
| to the scaffold, together with number of
guards, John w. Guitcau assembled the steps
and carefully examined the structure, handling
the iope and carefully inspecting all the fixtures
| both above and below tho platform.
! Shortly before IL o'clock Guiteau called Tor
/ paper, and for twenty minutes busted himself
! III making copy Of what he termed .hla
| PRAYER on scaffold.' After he had finished his
PRAYER Upon the seaffold, ho began TO mr.
range his dress, putting on pair OF nasy-bue
/ trousers
| At II o'clock. contrary to general expecta-
ton and the purpose as expressed on the pre-.
| yious day, Mrs. Scoyille arrived at the Jail and
beseught admission. She appeared to be labor
| ing under great excitement Gen. Croker do
| Cllned to admit her, unless the prisoner spe-
cially requested it. After short confer
ence with Warden Crocker, John w. Guiteau
went outside the jail to 900 his sister. He
! found her in great excitement, bordering
j upon hysteria, but after short time lt
succeeded in calming her, and dissuadlng hel
from any attempt to gain admission She ae
/ knOwledgcd the proprlety oi such course, pu
| said she could not possibly remain III the cit,
| during all the wretched hours Of the morning
She brought with her tho flowers which Gulteat
| asked for, and they were taken to the prisoner
| Mrs. Scosille also brought two handsome fioWel
/ pieces a cross and anchor, which she will plae'
upon her brothers coffin with her own hands
DIR. Hicks, when no came out OF the cell
shortly after II o'clock, said the prisoner hat
| not the slightest fear. 1--WE have had . pleas
ant religious talk. He feels now that he !
ready for the last formslity. lie commits HIM
self 10 God with the utmost confidence. lthln
hc will show some emotion, because the nerv
ous strain il 80 great. Nobody" Dr. illck
said, ..had seen the prisoner ut that time u
J cept himself aud the jail ofioer1"