Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1882-07-12
THE ASSASSIN HANGED.

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UNITED STATES JAIL, WASHINGTON,
n. c.. June 30-9:45 A. M.-Guiteau
was very restless during most OF the
latter part of the night, not Sleeping
more than twenty minutes at a time.
/ Towards morning he fell into sounder
sleep from sheer exhaustion. lie rose
a few minutes after five and breakfasted
heartily at $50. When the cook took
his breakfast into the cell Guiteau told
him TO bring his dinner in at eleven
O'Clock promptly. =,
DR.. Hicks, who remained at the Jail
all night, was called into the prisoners
cell soon after he rose and held con-
sultatlon on religious subjects with
him. At eight o'clock DIR. Hicks saw
the prisoner again when he made re-
quest to have bath and asked Hicks
RI oo out and see the scaffold. Gulteau
desired him to arrange with the warden
to have the trap sprung ss soon after
twelve O'Clock as possible. He also
EXPRESSED considerable anxiety lest
some accident should occur, and insist
ed that Hicks should see that the
scaffold and its appurtenances were all
in proper condition.
After Guiteau had disposed of these
matters, he read poem composed by
himself which he calls simplicity, or
Religious Baby Talk" After reading
it alone he attempted to sing it, but
broke down in the effort Guiteau
then talked for some time about his
future He remarked that his heart
was tender. II don't think" he said,
II can 60 through the ordeal without
weeping, 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 subsequently asked that ID
his book all complimentary remarks
about President Arthur and his admlD-
istration be eliminated. Then he pre-
sented Hicks the books that have been
the companions of his lonely hours
He told Hicks that be wanted him to
offer the first prayer on the scanold,
saving that be (Guiteau) would then
read his favorite scriptural passage, the
tenth chapter of Matthew, and offer a
PRAYER on his own account. Then he
intended. he said TO read his poem,
| Simplicity He desired to have the
! execution so arranged that just as he
uttered tire last word the drop should
be sprung. :,
| John w. Guiteau arrived at the Jail
at nine O'Clock and was followed in a
few minutes by Warden Crocker.
These two gentlemen, with Hicks, had
consultation as to the disposition of
the body.
At 9:l5 the prisoner came out into
the corridor and exercised for fifteen
minutes. He walked very briskly,
making it t-rather difficult for his guards
to keep pace with him.
| At 10 O'Clock Guiteau expressed a
desire to take bath, and a large tub
was taken into his cell. At this hour
no one but the "death watch was with
him. Guiteau nervously disrobed and
bathed. 1t was quite apparent to the
guaId who was closely watching his
every movement, that his object in ask
ing for the bath was simply to obtain
some employment which might distract
his thoughts for the dread contempla-
ton of his approaching death. He
evinced increased nervousness and his
uncertain movements, distracted man
ner and marked tremor in his tones,
when he attempted to speak, impress
ed the guard with the belief that he is
rapidly weakening.
After Guiteau had finished copying
bis "prayer upon the scaffold" ne be-
gan to arrange his dress, putting on a
pair of navy blue trousers.
At half past ten the guard came out
OF the door and said, "He is ready for
DR.. Hicks now, and wants the flowers
to come" Another guard who took a
message hurried off and soon returned
with Hicks, who went into the cell.
Guitcau was then reported by his
guard to be apparently very composed.
Guiteau's message about the flowers
referred to his expectation that Mrs.
Scoville would send some flowers to
him but none had arrived at the time
he asked for them. After a short con-
ference with Crocker, John W. Gui-
teau went outside the Jail to see his
sister. He found her in great ex-
element, bordering upon hysteria,
but after a short time be succeeded
in calming her and dssuading her
from any further attempt to gain ad-
mission. She acknowledged the pro-
priety of such q course, but said she
could not possibly remain in the city
during oil the wretched hours of the
morning. She brought with her the
flowers which Guteau had asked for,
and they were taken to the prisoner.
Mrs Scovi1le also brought two hand
some flower pieces, u cross and anchor,
which she will place upon her brothers
coffin with her own hands.
1875 A. NJ.
While DIR. Hicks was in the prison.
er's cell at III o'clock, Guiteau made
some requests as to the execution, and,
having made copies of his "last prayer"
poem and other writings, tore up the
originals He then sent for the jail
boot-black, and gave him his shoes to
be shined. His dinner was brought as
the doctor was leaving, and he ate
with much relish. His dinner con-
sisted Of pound of broiled stake, a
dish Of fried potatoes, four slices of
toast and quart of coffee.
| Dr. Hicks, when lie came out from
the cell, said the prisoner had not the
slightest fear "We have had pleas
ant religious talk He feels now that
bis preparation is made, and he is ready
for the last formality. He commits
himself to God with the utmost con-
fdence. / think he will show some
emotion because his nervous strain is
so great" Nobody, DR.. Hicks said,