Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1888-01-13
7, J. ANDKEWB
WILLIAM CAMPBELL rouS CT,
)HN GCoTT.

j. J. ANDREws
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 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 them-I nm
not sure ct this late day whether Ross or Camp
bell gave me a Masonic signal which craftsmen
are only permitted to in seasons of supreme
peril. j recognized it instantly and took him
aside and satisfied myself that he was n 'son of
| light No ono who has never been raised from a
dead level to n living perpendicular can apprc-
ciate my feelings. sail with faltering voice:
Ny brother, will do w,!ct l can for YOU con.
sstently with my obliratcas.t to the government
to which owe allegiance"
He replied: 81 ask for nothing rtre We are
about to be cxecIted with only a few hours
notice We had no atmation Of it until YOU in
formed us. Wow, can ~on not prevail on the mil
ltary authorities to respte us one or two days"
replied: u will make an honest effort"
Inc other prisoners Eust Lave heard n portion
OF the conversation, for they seemed quite clated
knew that | must act promptly. 50 leaving
| brother MacDouell to talk with them | left TIM,
where squadron of cavalry were already drawn
up. They had four1. been waiting quietly for
cur appearance. Col VI j. LAYTON had on that
day assumed command of the post He was an
Oh ana highly esteemed personal friend ! told
him what had transprcd in the cell and URGED
him to respite them at least until the next day.
that to execute them on such short notice womb
be utterly indefensible; that he could easily cut
Oft ALL possibility of escape. He was q man Of
generous impulses, and saw he was greatly
troubled and perplexed. He replied:
Il agree TO all you say / would most gladly
afford them relief, but, he continued INV orders
are peremptory. am required to execute them
today and have not the slightest discretion If
dsobey my orders am liable to be cashiered
and disgraced,"
He proposed to show me his orders, but / told
him his statement was sufficient
compelled to return and announce nv
failure. | was then asked if / would transmit
some messages to their friends | said certainly
if the military authorities would allow it, They
then dictated their messages, brother MacDoneu
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 a sample of the whole:
Il am to suffer death this afternoon for nv
loyalty. / am true to the old flag and trust in
God 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 be
made public;' between the 10Th and POD
days of June inst"
When this cruel clause was first in
serted, it was probably thought that all
the band would be convicted in the came
manner, and then in one terrible hour all
would be swept away with no opportu,
nifty To leave any word behind! The re-
fusal to send harmless message to
friends-a privilege that would not be de
MED to the most infamous criminal
agrees with this view.
1t was the manner of death rather than
death itself which seemed SO horrible 10
our comrades as they took their last leave
or us. Most OF them were also without
any clear hope beyond the grave. A day,
even, to have sought divine favor would
have been priceless boon. Wilson was
"A professed unbeliever, and many a time
had argued the truth Of the Christian re
ligion with me half a day ut Il time; but
he said, "Pittinger, l believe you are
right now tryto be better prepared when
you come to die than l am" could
scarcely release his hand as he muttered
God bless YOU" and turned away.
Shadrack was careless, generous and
merry, though often eXcitable. and some
times profane, Now he turned 10 us with
forced calmness of voice which was
more affecting than wall Of agony as
he said:
Boys, I'm not prepared to meet my
Jesus
When asked by some of us, whose tears
were flowing fast, to think Of heavenly |
mercy, he answered, still in tones of |
thrilling calmness, I'm try, III try, but |
Know m not prepared
Slavens, who was man Of immense |
strength and iron resolution, turned to |
his friend ButIum and could only articu- /,
late, -children-tell'-w utter |
ance failed.
John Scott was well educated. and had |
left very pleasant home in Hndlay, O. |
Father and mother, brothers and sisters
have always been among the most re
spected of the citizens there. lie had |
been married but three days before enlist
ing, and now the thought of his young
and Borrowing wife nearly drove him to |
despair He could only clasp his hands /
in silent agony.
Campbell had a half smile on his strong |
face, but it was terribly unreal, with 10
light In 1t, as he pressed our hands, and .
even muttered an unconscious oath, say
ing, Yes, boys, this is - hard
But Ross was marvel and wonder 10
us all cloud had long seemed to rest