Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-07-01

At 9.i5 the prisoner exercised IL minutes
in the corridor. He walked very briskly,
making it rather difficult for the guards to
keep pace with him.
TAKING BATH.
At 10 o'clock Guiteau desired to take d
bath. and large tub taken into his cell.
At this hour no one but the death watch"
was with him. Guiteau nervously disrobed
and plunged into the bath. II was quite ap-
parent to the guard that his object in asking
for the bath was simply to obtain some en-
ployment which might distract his thoughts
from the contemplation Of his approaching
death. lie evinced increased nervousness,
and his unconcerned movements, distaunted
manner, and the marked tremor i'm his tones
when he attempted to speak, impressed the
guards with a belief that he was rapidly weak
ening. The opinion was expressed by some
OF the Jail officials that he would be unable to
control his emotions when the dread mo-
ment arrived, and if he did not completely
break down and make scene. that ne would
be unable from nervous excitement to carry
out the program upon the scaflold which he
had announced.
COPYING MS PRAYER.
Shortly before eleven Guiteau called for
paper, and for twenty minutes busted him
self in making a copy of shat he terms Ills
PRAYER upon the scaffold.' As his hands will
he pinoned. DIR. Hicks will hold the manu-
script, while Guiteau reads. Now that he is
employed, he appears much calmer and is
rapidly completing his work. writing in a
large, round and legible hand. After Guiteau
had finished copying his ''Prayer upon the
scaffold.' he began to arrange his dress, put
ting on pair of navy blue trousers. At half
past ten the guard came out and said He
is ready for the doctor now, and wants the
flowers to come Another guard who took
the message, hurried off and soon returned
with DIR. Hicks who went into the cell.
Guiteau was then reported by his guard to be
apparently very composed. GHiteaus mes
sage about flowers, referred TO his expecta-
ton that Mrs. Scovillc would send some
flowers to him, but none had arrived at the
Jail at the time he asked for them.
GETTING HIS ROOTS BLAcKEp.
While Hicks was in the prisoners cell at
ii, Guiteau made some requests as to the ex-
ecution and, having made copies of his s'last
prayer" his poem and other writings, he tore
up the originals. While Hicks was there he
sent out for "Jun" Curtis. the Jail bootblack.
and gave him his shoes to be shined for the
last time.
BREAKIN. DOWN.
Shortly before twelve o'clock Guiteau
seemed overcome completely, and burst into
tears and sobed Historically. DIR. Hicks sat
by his side tanning him, and vainl irving to
calm him. The belief was gaining ground
that he would be unable to rally sufficiently
to pass the ordeal with the heroic courage
which ii has been asserted he would exhibit.
RIG DINNER.
His dinner was brought as the doctor was
leaving and he ate with much relish. His
dinner consisted of pound of steak, "a dish of
fried potatoes, four slices of toast and a quart
of coffee, of which very little was left when
he finished eating. Hicks when he came out
of the cell reported the prisoners nerves
calm.
LAST REQUEST.
Among Guiteau's last requests was that
President Arthur and his administration
might be eliminated from his books Guiteau
then presented Hicks his books. He told
Hicks he wanted him to offer the first PRAYER
on the scsffold, saving he (Guiteau) would
then read his favorte scripture passage, the
tenth chapter of John, and offer prayer on
his own account. Then he intended, he said.
to read his poem simplicity. He desired
to have the execution arranged that just as
he uttered hi. last word the drop should be
sprung.
READING rue DEATH WARRANT.
At Ave minutes past twelve. Gen. Croker
read the death warrant to the prisoner in his
cell. The only persons present were Gen.
Crocker Deputy Warden Russ aud Rev. DIR.
Hicks. After the death warrant was read to
the prisoner by the warden the prisoner be-
came much composed and. turning away. be-
gun to brush his hair with his old, apparent