Chest-up view of Boyle. Image is clear with good contrast. Mount has been trimmed on the bottom. No photographer's backmark. Pencil identification on back.

Father F.E. Boyle was one of two priests attending to Wirz's spiritual needs during his trial:

"At a quarter past ten Wirz made his appearance, accompanied by Fathers Boyle and Wigget. His nerves had been supported by a copious draught of whisky before he left his cell, and he met his fate without flinching. With the two Fathers on either side, preceded and followed by two soldiers, Wirz ascended the scaffold and took a chair which was offered him; Father Boyle with a gold inlaid ebony cross standing on one side and Wigget on the other. While these were offering spiritual advice Major Russell read the charges. After the reading of the charges Major Russell, turning toward Wirz, offered him his hand, saying he commiserated his fate, and deplored that this duty had fallen to his lot. Wirz said, "I know what orders are, Major," and shook hands with him, adding, as the Major turned aside, "and I am hung for obeying them." He then shook hands with the priests. He kept on talking to the priests, and when Father Boyle urged him to a confession he finally shook his hand, and said, "I am not guilty." They had, by this time, commenced tying his feet, and he turned, and spoke to Father Wigget, and, again returning to Father Boyle, twice kissed the cross. Here Wirz again spoke, saying, "I go before my God -- the Almighty God -- He will judge between us. I am innocent, and I will die like a man." He then turned to Captain Walbridge, and said, "Good-by, Captain; I thank you and the other officers of the prison, for you have all treated me well." Again the priest urged confession upon him, and again he shook his head."

This image was from the collection of the late William A. Turner.  [jet] [ph:L]

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