Litchfield enquirer., 1864-01-21


 Il essed this day most unheard-of event, and lost. tbrotgh his own confession, man whom We all respected, even loved, for he was brave soldier, true friend and pleasant comrade. The harder will it be to us, in consequence, to condemn him in accordance with military laws. Through his csDfession the affair has been greatly simplised, and hesce the court-martial can assemble here ts-snorrow, over which l will request you, M. le General O.. to preside. Let us finish the painful task without any delay"
 The audltor-general, at his own request was discharged from taking any part ia the trial.
 The food which was brought to the prisoner was cut up small, and he employed the spoon laid by it's side with a slight shrug of the shoul- ders, and the remark. "A An unnecessary pre- caution" He was earnestly entreated by the friends and comrades who visited him to offer some defence. which they would willingly sup. port. Gentlemen" he replied, " thank you for your sympathy, hut decline the proffer- ed assistance. My part is played out. will submit to the punishment which the law or ders, and earnestly request you to kindly spare me any further visits"
 On the following day the court-martial as- sembled After three hours sitting, the re- port containing the sentence was signed by all the members, and the president appointed a deputation of four to carry it to the governor for confirmation. The sentence was to the following effect, emitting the introductory for mula U:
 As Captain Alswanger has declared him. self guilty by signing the process verbal Of the preliminary inquiry, he must be punished as a common thief. He will be cashiered as infa- nous in front of his comp pany, removed from the officers corps as morally dead, confined in fortress for year, and then sent back as a private to the company he mas hitherto com manded. We recommend him, however, to the Emperor on account of his previous good con duct and services"
 With long-drawn breath the governor re- marked 1.-The sentence, gentlemen, is severe; but as the crime of Captain Alswanger is of the lowest description, for the honor of the i'm perial army we cannot punish it otherwise The sentence must be published to the prison. CT this very day. and nominate General R. to carry it into effect tomorrow morning on the LangenmaYkt, in the presence of all the officers belonging to the garrison
 The condemned man was brought 1T a close carriage, and the sentence was read to him in the presence of all ths mem bers of the court martial. He trembed, bat firmly answered i'm the negative an inquiry as to whether h, would appeal against the Yer dict. He also declined the offer to reques mercy of the Emperor, by stating that he would undergo ha sentence. He signed the separ ate protocol with a trembling hand, afte which two soldiers came into the room with a light chain to place on his hands. He fervens ly begged that this might be spared him, bu when the president assured him tkat " the law ordained it," he ouly said in faint voice " This too, then" and allowed the rings to bt locked on his wrists. The general cornpas sionatsly had cloak thrown over him, and hs was removed to his prison on foot amid tn, general sympathy of his comrades.
 The news of the impending ceremony rar like wildfire through the city, and at an earl, hour not only were all the windows looking or the Langenmarkt occupied. but the square wal covered by surging crowd. The troops were drawn up in the shape of horseshoe, and when the officers had taken their places inside and general commanding rode up with his staff. the unhappy prisoner was brought up When his cloak had been removed he was seen to be in full dress uniform. The auditor walk ed up to him with the inquiry whether he had anything to say. On his replying decidedly in the negative, two officers advanced, one of whom carried a red velvet cushion. The other cut the order from the prisoners chest with a pair of scissors, kissed it. and laid it on the cushion, which was immediately taken away. After this au officer drew the prisoners sword, broke it across his knee, and threw the pieces on the ground. Next two non-commssioned officers stepped forward, who cut through his scarf and the silver cords of his shako, pulled off his epaulettes so violently that the shoulder straps hung down over his uniform, then took of his shako, and placed common foraging cap on his head. and laid all the articles at his feet. During this execution several ladies were carried away in fainting state, and many men belonging to his company wept.
 When the sentence was carried out prepara- tions were made to put the chain on him again. but he advanced and said to the general. "Ex. cellency, will you allow mo to remain at liberty for moment, as have an important commu- nication to make"
 "Speak," the general replied.
 G As a condemned captain have endured my punishment, and hence give you back the name I have hitherto borne. am not the son of the deceased banker Alswanger, of Rome, but of Diderici, petty tradesman at Stras- burg"
 How do you explain this 9r