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Show 524 WESTERN WILDS. The last day drew near, and United States Marshal, William Kelson, with an eye to poetical justice, selected Mountain Meadows as the scene of execution. Judge Boreman did not approve of this, thinking it savored of revenge and spectacular display; he would have preferred the execution should take place at Beaver, where the court was held. But few officials and press representatives knew of this selection till after the escort had left Beaver. Several reporters were present. As his last hour drew near, Lee became very cheerful and communi-cative. The execution ground was about a hundred yards east of the monument, which is now but a mass of rocks. Lee was attended by Rev. Mr. Stokes, to whom he finally confessed that he killed five of the emigrants with his own hands. This was his first and last con-fession of actual murder. The shooting squad of five men was detailed from the guard of soldiers who had escorted the party from Camp Cameron. They were armed with needle- guns, and stood no more than forty feet from the coffin, on which sat the condemned. At 10: 30 A. M., Marshal Nelson read the death- warrant, and asked Lee if he had any thing to say. Mr. Fennemore, an artist, had meanwhile ar-ranged his material for taking a photograph of the scene. Lee said : " I. want to speak to that man." Fennemore replied : " In a second, Mr. Lee." Lee : " I want to ask you a favor. I want you to furnish my three wives each a copy of my photograph a copy of the same to Rachel A., Sarah C., and Emma B." Fennemore ( in a low tone) : " I will." Marshal Nelson ( aloud) : " He says he will do it, Mr. Lee." Lee ( in a somewhat pleading tone) : " Please forward them you wiUf" Lee then stood up and said in calm and measured tones : I have but little to say this morning. Of course I feel that I am upon the brink of eternity, and the solemnities of eternity should rest upon my mind at the present. I have made out, or endeavored to do so, a manuscript and an abridged history of my life. This is to be published, sir. I have given my views and feelings with regard to all these things. I feel resigned to my fate. I feel as calm as a summer morning. I have done nothing designedly wrong. My conscience is clear before God and man, and I am ready to meet my Redeemer. This it is that places me on this field. I am not an infidel. I have not denied God or His mercy. I am a strong believer in these things. The most I regret is parting with my family. Many of them are unprotected, and will be left fatherless. When I speak of those little ones, they touch a tender chord within me. ( Here Lee's voice faltered perceptibly.) I have done nothing designedly wrong in this affair. I used my utmost endeavors to save this people. I would have given worlds, were it at my command, to have avoided that calamity. But I could not. I am sacrificed to satisfy feelings, and I am used to gratify parties, but I am ready to die. I have no fear. Death has no terror. No particle of mercy have I asked of the court or |
