Excerpt from Defence and Prison Experiences of a Lincoln Conspirator: Statements and Autobiographical Notes

My views and firm convictions as herein expressed, are not entered thro malice. For nearly forty years, from the manner in which I was tried, the expression of my counsel -and subsequent things brought to light, I have become to believe that my solution of the entire subject is correct and true. From the 25th of April 1865 to the loth of June the hood encasing my head was constantly kept on and only removed during the sittings of the Court. The guards often in their haste to perform the mandatory or ders from the War Secretary would reach my cell before me and place the hood upon my head before being locked in my quarters. They seemed to be imbued with like deep hatred of those occupying higher positions. That the or deal through which I passed did not craze me remains a mystery, as the effect produced, was similiar (sic) as if it had been encased in a poultice, so expressed by the Sur geon in charge. After the trial I was releived (sic) of the hood, but not the irons, this being too much releif (sic) to be granted at one time. Bibles which had been pre sented, through some Christian heart, from which some consolation could be obtained by the perusal of its pages, were removed and taken away. We were in their estima tion unworthy to read Gods holy words. Works of fic tion could be read, but not Gods holy word, they would not only kill the body, but would have damned the soul - if vested with the power. The same relentless hate which followed me through that torturous (sic) trial continued to the end. Those who were executed were placed in the.

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