Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1885-11-17
RIsus MENTAL STATE.
R,y. Charles McWnliams Believes He
Was Insane-Letters from Riel.

R.x charIas McWnIIams Believes He
Was Insane-Letters from Kiel'
RTmSI. November l6.-ReV. Charles
McWilHams, who assisted Father Andre IN
his attendance upon Riel during his last
hours, snd who was classmate OF the
rebel q. Montreal College in 1860, is firm
in the belief that Riel was insane, and 30
expressed himself TO Q representative OF
the Associated Press to-day. In this be-
lief he addressed letter last Monday TO
the Governor General of Canada, citing
his firm conviction, and saying that while
he deemed Riel as a dangerous person.
according to his belief if the sentence OF
death was carried out his b'osd would be
upon the head OF Lord LsndsdoWne,
and his immediate advisers. He addresses
a similar document to Sir John A. Mac
donald. Prime Minister. Rev. McWilhams
has in his possession Q series OF letters
written byssRiel within the past ten days
which serves as partial index to his char
actsr and his claim to being patriot and
likewise q prophet Riers handwriting is
bold and moderately regular. He handed
Father McWilliams the following Novem-
Der 9Th, four hours before he heard Of his
respite:
...- REGISA, JAN, November y.
{ On the 4th Of November, 1885. it was
revealed to me- Your death is reprieved.
There are ten lawyers. On the 9th in the
morning il was said to me from above, the
council will meet Tuesday on your iudiet-
ment
(Signed) LOUIS DAVID REL.
These happenings transpired as he IN.
dica,ed in his paper. All letters are signed
Louis David" Risl The word David in-
ysriably being quoted. The following was
written, the reverend gentleman said,
while Riel was sboring under excitement;
REGINA JAN, November 3, 1855.
sm most acknowledging towards to
YOU nv God for having fulfilled the
promise which you never fully made TO me
through your beloved servant lgnacs
Bourget; that you would not abandon me
on account Of the mission upon which you
have goodly given me to fulfil in all points.
(olBneuJ Lu'Is HA,iO
The following was written the same day;
REGINA JAN, November 9, 1888.
For assisting 10 alleviate the wrongs OF
nv countrymeu am to be-but | will not
aay it, for having done all | could to better
the condition of the people at large as an
aborinal, ss an American, and ss a
prophet will lose my temporal life
T.s-l7 gsIOA VTD' RTET
About 1870 o'clock this morning he
wrote the following:
Rev. G. A. McWilisms;
Many good thanks for assisting the in
many ways, principally by your prayers
Louis Dawn" RIEI-
Twenty minutes before he went TO the
scafold the following, in which q close
translation is given. This was his tnsl
mission, and Is in clear, bold hand
What there is too presumptuous in my
writing must say that by these presents
subordinate it entirely to the good pleasure
of nv God, to the doctrine Of the church,
and the inialhble decisions OF the Supreme .
Pontiff die Catholic and in the only
true faith.
Louis DAVID" RIEL, .
l6 November, 1855. /
Father MeWillisms declares be never
witnessed more resigned feeling than was
shown in the case Of Riel during his last .
tours
ThE GENEz4L EFFECT.
The members of the Northwest council
are now in session here but as rule are
not willing to prognosticate the probable
effect of the death OF Riel upon the half
breeds or the country generally. One Of
the half breed members said that his coun-
trymen undoubtedly sYmpathized with
their leader and doubtless would do SO now
that he was dead. II is declared this after.
noon that the government will probably
not allow his body to be removed 10 Win
nipes through fear OF demonstrations
which might possibly be made By the halt
breeds st bis funeral.