The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1915-07-08

the prisoners petitioned clemency
for Mrs. Surratt on account of her
age. sex and previous character and
reputation. This petition was taken
by Judge Holt to President Johnson,
but the exact truth as to just what
took place in this regard will remain
a controversy. Judge Holt claimed
to have presented it, while the presi-
dent ayowed he had never seen the
plea for clemency.
The daughter of the unfortunate
woman tried in vain to obtain some
reprieve, but the doors of the states
officials were closed against her.
Nothing remained to the prisoners
but preparation for the dreadful fate
that awaited them. Spiritual conso-
lation was given to all by represent
atives of the various creeds that they
professed.
Payne was son of Baptist cler-
gyman. and DIR. Gillette, a minister
of that faith, attended him. DR.. But
ler, a Lutheran pastor of Washing
ton, offered what comfort he could
to Atzerodt, the carriage painter. An
Episcopal clergyman attended Herold
and Fathers Wiget and Walter pre-
pared Mrs. Surratt for her end.
Pathetic Circumstances Surrounding
the Case.
The circumstances surrounding the
execution of these last two were par
ticularly pathetic on account OF the
presence of near relatives and
friends. Both had lived in Washing
ton, ard Herold was the only boy Of
family that had seven daughters
They, with the daughter of Mrs. Sur
ratt, grieved so piteously that the
guards. although accustomed to sim
liar scenes. were unable to bear the
sight.
The 7th of July was day of in
tense heat. The scaffold on which
the prisoners were to die had beer
erected in the arsenal grounds
Crowds of the curious had gathereC
from all points within hundred
miles of the city to witness the exc
cution. But admission was denied
to all, and, although some remained
outside the walls, no view could b.
obtained of what went on within
None but the soldiers, relatives AM
spiritual advisers of the condemne'
were allowed within the precincts
the prison.
After O'Clock the death marcl
began, with Mrs. Surratt first, the
Payne, Herold and Atzerodt follow
ing. All were seated while the deaf
warrant was read. The suns ray
beat fiercely. and a soldier standin
near by held an umbrella over Mrs
Surratt to keep off the intense hea'
She seemed only half conscious
what went on and bent her energ
on the final prayers that he religion
attendants kept up until the end.
Payne was the only indifferent ONT
All through the trial he had RENAME
unobservant and unconcerned an
many doubts were felt as to his sar
ity. Now on the scaffold he Shove
the first signs of feeling, and durln
the prayers of his own minister IN
! tears gathered in his eyes. l.e ie
compassion, too, for Mrs. 5urratt an
declared finally that she was inn'
4 cent.
AT the signal of Gen. Hartranft II
!, prisoners took their places on u
: drops and in 4 few moments fol
bodies were lowerel into newly mac
graves beneath the prison sod.
Permission Granted to Move Badie
In 1869, just before Presidel
Johnson left office, he granted pc
mission to the prisoners relatives II
the removal of the bodies. Herold
remains are now in Congression
cemetery not far from the southea
: bridge over which Booth passed b
fore he joined the youth in his e
. deayor to escape. There is no stol
: or mark to reveal hfis resting pla
70 to those who pass it by. Atzero
!. lies in Glenwood, while Payne vi