Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1865-05-06

THE HARRIS COURT MARTIAL.
The court martial Of which Maj Gen. Foster
is President, this morning resumed the trial of
Benz. G. Harris
Tne Judge Advocate stated that the cavalry
sergeant, one OF the witnesses awaiting whose
arrival the court had adjourned from day to
DAY mad not been found, owing to the move.
ment OF troops in the lower counties. No one
could ascertain where the sergeant is now
stationed, the authorities not being in posses.
SION OF his full name, and as the Government
nad exercised all reasonable diligence in trying
70 md him, he 1.-THE Judge Advocate) did mot
feel justified in postponing the case further,
but would close the evidence with the testi.
mony Of sergeant Reuben X. Stuart, Go. G.. flth
regiment Veteran Reserve Corps.
Sergeant Stuart was then sworn and testified
taat on the asth Of April he was detailed with
SIX men TO proceed to the residence of Benz G.
Harris for the purpose of arresting him. After
the arrest witness was left alone in charge OF
the prisoner about two hours, during which
time Mr. Harris said he did not know what he
was arrested for
The latter clause of the evidence was ruled
out by the Judge Advocate, who claimed that
witness was not to testify what sentiments the
prisoner expressed to him. but what the pris-
him and the two paroled rebel soldiers, Ser
geant Chapman and private Reid.
The witness proceeding, said that Mr.. Har.
ris told him that the two men came 20 hIs house
the night before the arrest and inquired the
way to Leonardtown. He (the accused) re-
pied to the two men that it was about half a
mile niue: The men said they would like 70 go
there, that they were on the way to Bal
as possible, and that they were paroled
soldiers from Lees army. The accused
taking the OATH They replied that they wished
to take the oath. The accused told them thew
were not compelled to do so according to Gen.
Grants terms to Lees army. He gave them q
dollar piece to get their supper and lodging,
and said il they wanted more he would give it
to them. The men wished to remain all night
q hro hnrac A11f 6n ~A<vr
people knew his political sentiments, and be
had rather not keep Them He also said that
these men did not ask for money.
Uross.examined by the accused.-Did not
tell you that the men came to my house and
ASKED Tor Lodging, and that told them that
e &C =. not iooge them, but geve them dollar
Witness.-Yes, with the addition, that YOUR
po!itlcal sentiments were known to the people.
Accused.-Did not tell them to go to Leon
Witness-No sir
Accused.-D,d not say that had no wish
TO commit an offense against the Government
IN giving them the money?
WItness.-No, sir.
Accused.-Did not say that did not think
1t wrong to give money!
Question objected to, and the court cleared
Upon reopening the accused proceeded to
read from page 26i OF the chapter on evidence
In Benet's military law and then asked the
witness to state ali the accused said to MIN in
the conversation,
This question was also objected to by the
Judge Advocate, who ruled that only that
portion OF the conversation relating to the pre-.
vlous conversation Of Mr.. Harris with Chap.
man and Read could be admitted as evidence.
The accused claimed that all the conyersa.
tlon should be given so as to show his motive
in giving the money. -
Inc Court oyerruled the question as put and
allowed the following:
Estate all the accused said to you in the con.
versanon, as near as you can recollect, relat.
ing exclusively to the conversation between
the accused and Chapman and Read"
ton. - ''' d1o'-
oThe accused then announced Judge p. W.
crane, OF Baltimore, (who had just entered the
court room) as his counsel.
Inc Judge Advocate said he would with.
oraW the offer made yesterday to prove the
olsloyal character OF the accused, as It was not
necessary to the prosecution, but would resume
me rient to produce it at any future time during
ne also read despatch just received, stating
mat tne command 10. which the sergeant, re-
CURED as an important witness was attached,
nad moved from Leonardtown about twenty
d M,ies; ana 1t was hoped he might yet be pro-
Wouid not Wait TOR him, but would close the