The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1888-02-10

WILLIAM CAMPBELL. JOHN SCOTT.
FIVE OF THE RAIDERS EXECUTED.
We had often said to each other that no
matter who else might perish, Ross in
some way would escape by reason Of his
high standing as q Mason. Probably
the following narrative shows better than
anything else the fearful resolution with
which this deed of blood was carried
through. Mr.. Scott continues:
AS we rose from our knees one Of themI am
not sure at this late day whether Ross or Camp
bell gave me q Masonic signal which craftsmen
are only permitted to use In seasons Of supreme
peril. l recognized It instantly and took him
aside and satisfied myself that he was "son Of
light" No one who has never been raised from
dead level to living perpendicular can appre-
ciate my feelings. I said with . faltering voice:
my brother, I will do what I can for you con-
sistently with my obligations to the government
to which owe allegiance"
He replied: II ask for nothing more We are
about to be executed with only . few hours
notice. We had no intimation Of It until you in
! formed us. Now, can you not prevail on the mil
itary authorities to respite US one or two daysf"
Ireplied: II will make an honest effort"
The other prisoners must have heard Q portion
of the conversation for they seemed quite elated.
knew that must act promptly, so leaving
brother MacDonel to talk with them, left the
! cell and went down into the front prison yard
where squadron Of cavalry were already drawn
up. They had, found. been waiting quietly for
! our appearance. Col w. j. Lawton had on that
| day assumed command Of the post. He was an
| old and highly esteemed personal friend. told
him what had transpired in the cell, and urged
him TO respite them at least until the next day;
! that to execute them on such short notice would
| be utterly indefeEsble; that he could easily cut
| Off all possibility of escape. He was o man of
| generous impulses, and I saw he was greatly
troubled and pernlexed. He replied:
II agree to all you say. I would most gladly
afford them relief, but /" he continued, "my orders
are peremptory am required to execute them
today and have not the slightest discretion. II
disobey my orders am liable TO be cashiered
and disgraced."
He proposed to show me his orders, but told
| him his statement was sufficient.
was compelled to return and announce my
failure. Twas then asked IL would transmit
| some messages to their friends said certainly
il the military authorities would allow it. They
| .,.a dictated their messages, brother MacDonel
| writing three in his memorandum book and
| writing four in mine. There were but slight
verbal differences in their messages, and the fol
| lowing may be taken as a sample Of the whole:
| Il an TO suffer death this afternoon for my
| loyalty. l am true to the old flag and trust In
| Gods mercy for salvation"
The name of the party and number Of his regi
| ment was attached.
The messages were not sent because Of some
technical objections at the war department.
Immediately after this failure to get the
least respite in the memorable orders, the
officers read the sentence of the court
martial, which directed the hanging OF
the accused las soon as this order shall bt
made public;" between the 10Th and &c
days of June inst"