Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1865-10-06
TEE WlRz TRIAL.
III y " INN n NHFNbs
WAsHIrGToN, Sept. 80.

The trial of Capt. Wirz is expected TO last
several weeks longer.
The examination OF witnesses for the de.
fence proceeds slowly, the counsel taking
care to thoroughly sift them all, for the pur-
pose, il appears, Of establishing the following
facts, viz That the conduct of the accused
was generally humane that he was sick and
absent from Andersonville, when many Of
the alleged atrocities we're committed that
be was not responsible for the vaccination
which resulted so dsastrously that be new
er maltreated anybody nor acted wilfully and
maliciously; that, although the rules of the
prison were stringent and there was a lack of
physical comfort, the old Dutch captain, as
his counsel calls him, was not responsible to
the extent contained in the charges against
him. In word, that the evidence for the
government will not justify his conviction.
subpoena for General Robert +. Lee, was
sent off this morning, and it is expected that
be will arrive here by the middle of next
week.
Gen. Howell Cobb, Ex.Gov. Brown Of Ca,
Gen. Joseph E. Johnston and Col. Robert
Ould are also summoned to appear as wit
nesses for the defence. IL is understood that
the last named will testify in relation to the
! question of the exchange Of prisoners, and
the counsel expects to show by him that it
was not the fault Of the rebel government
that the exchange Of prisoners was not soon
er Effected. In view of the notoriety Of these
parties an additional interest will be given 10
the proceedings.
WASHINGTON, Oct 2.
/ The Wirz Military Commission reassembl-
ed this morning
w. ID. Hammack, connected with the late
rebel service, testified that the Confederates
could buy overcoats and other articles of the
Union prisoners. On one occasion the priso-
ners obtained suit of clothes apiece from
the supply of the United States Sanitary
Commission goods received st Andersonvile
On his cross-examinstion by Col. Chapman,
witness said he never saw Capt. Wirz beat
any of the prisoners, but had seen him take
hold of men occasionally and throw them iu-
to their places, speaking to them in profane
manner. Witness had sumggled onions &c,
into the stockade, selling them at a profit to
the prisoners.
After the examination Of this witness Gen.
Bragg retired from the Court room. Judge
Advocate Chapman then read an order from
the War Department relieving Cen Bragg
from duty on the Military Commission.
Mr. Baker-Whst is the reason for this
would like to know it
The Court-You cannot ascertain; it is
none Of your business.
Mr.. Bsker-Can not be permitted 10 ad-
dress few words to the Courti
The Court--No sir, nor make motion 49,
1t is none of your business. You have moth
ing to do with the orders OF this Court.
Mr.. Baker-Then | must object to your
action.
The Court-there is no objection about it,
Go on with your examination.
Vincent Bardo, an Italian, testified that he
was the man who BACKED his face in order to
make his escape. He hoped, after having
BACKED his face, by mixing in with gang OF
negroes, to get away, but he was caught and
punished by twenty five lashes, and by being
put in the chain-gang.
WAHsINGToN, Oct, 3.
The Wirz commission re- assembled to-day. |
Joseph Thuringer of the 18th Reserve Corps, !
testified that from December ;. 1861. to the
4th of March, 1862. he was prisoner at
Tuscaloosa, Ala, where there were 500 pris-
oners under Wirz, who was at that time
Sergeant.
Mr.. schade said he was going to show by !
this witness that Wirz received at that place
500 or $500 in gold from the prisoners, the
witness being one, and they we're permitted
to draw the money from time to time, and
the balance was returned without any reduc-
ton.
The Judge Advocate said he supposed the
counsel proposed to prove the good reputa-
ton of the accused, but such a defense was
an improper one. The offenses charged oc-
CURED at Andersonvile, and no prior conduct
could be admitted. Particular acts could not
be admitted to show good reputation. Wirz
might have committed four kind acts, but also
ninety-six cruel ones
Mr.. Schade said the prisoner was charged
with high crimes, and therefore it was neces-
sary to show that the defendant was a good
man four years ago, while in charge Of pris-
on at Tuscaloosa.
The witness then, in reply to the question,
Are you acquainted with the character Of
Capt. Wirz for Kindness and humanity ?" said
be knew nothing about it.
Mr. Schade said that when the prosecution
closed and the defense was about to COM
mence, the counsel for the prisoner asked for
eight days that they might make the requisite
preparation. he now asked the commission |
to adjourn until tomorrow. This was neces
sary In order to do justice to the prisoner as
well as themselves. With view to save ex-
pense they had discharged several witnesses
whose testimony would come under that
character, which had been ruled irrelevant.
By adjournment the government would not
be the loser, for they would be able to finish
the trial much sooner.
Court-we understand you have witnesses
10 the city.
Mr.. Schade-We have.
Court-Then go on.
Mr.. Schade--We will have to wait until
the witnesses come.
Col. Chipman-The Court is not response |
bic for delay of Witnesses. He knew from
experience that the preliminary examination
OF witnesses would progress at the rate of rs
day. Every adjournment of the Court had
been of as much benefit to the defense as to
the prosecution. Some of the witnesses for
the defense have been here more than three /
months, and every power which the govern /
ment possesses has been employed to enable I
the defendant TO bring them hither. He took
the occasion to say that certain parties men
toned in newspapers, meaning Gems. Lee,
Johnston and Others had not been subpnned