Smyrna times., 1865-08-30
The Trial of We're.

The examination of DR.. Bates was resumed
before the We're Military Commission on Fri
day morning. 1t was with reference to the
condition of the prisoners at AndersOnville- =
According to his narration the scuryy was next
to rottenness, starved to death because of the
pauclty and EMBELLISHMENTS of the rations,
and In consequence of gangrene there were fire.
quent amputatlOnS and reamputations of limbs
DIR. A. w. Barrows testified to having been
sent as prisoner to Andersonville, detailed as
a surgeon in that prison there, but after being
there about six months, escaped. He gave an
interesting account of how Union prisoners,
who had attempted to make their escape, were
punished with the stocks or chain-ga He
testified as to the insufhciency and unwhole-
some character of the ration and the absence
OF medical supplies, and gave q sickening
account of the cruelties to the prisoners. =
Blood-hOunds were actually employed to cap
ture escaped prisoners. Among other things.
ne said that the men were vaccinated with inl-
pure matter, from the effects of which many
died. When the prisoners were being removed
IRON Andersonyille, one of the Union prison
ers fell back, when We're knocked him down
and jumped on him.
The Werze Commission assembled on Thurs
day morning. Mr. Schade stated that as his
associates for the defence had retired, he was
lett alone to manage the case, and he therefofe
asked that there be postponement for eight
days. IN order that he might become better ac-
qualnted with the subject, and prepare for the
defence. Col Chapman stated the reasons
why there should be no further postponement.
remarking that the gentleman was already fully
informed of the theory of the prosecution
The court overruled the request for postpone
ment. U. ). Baker, Esq, volunteered for the
deience, and is therefore associated with Mr.
Schade. The prisoner put in several pleas
why he should not be tried, denying the juris-
dlctlon OF the court and insisting the charges
ought to be quashed. The court overruled the
pleas of the counsel for the prisoner and pro-
ceeded to trial. Among the witnesses exam
lned was Col. Gibbs, who commanded the post
at AndersOnvile. He said that Werze had
exclusive control of the prison, The prisoners
were crowded so close as to remind him of an
ant-hlli. He gave circumstantial account of
the discipline and the disgusting condition of
the prison, and remarked that one of the rules
was that whoever crossed the dead line should
be shot. DR.. John G. Bates, ex-rebel, who
was physician at the prison, another witness,
gave long and interesting account of that
place, and the shameful treatment to which the
prisoners were subjected, stating as his opinion
that with proper care, the lives of seventy-6ve
per cent Of those who died might have been
saved. Both of these interesting witnesses
testified as to the keeping OF dogs as prison in
struments.
The Commission for the trial of Cantain
Werze met again on Monday morning.
Thomas O. Allcock who was a prisoner ot
Andersonville, testified as to Werze's search
ing and taking from him $3.50 in gold and s2So
in greenbacks, and a breastpin and r;nc
which were never returned.
He saw We're kill weak man bv sboot;no
him with a revolver, merely because he osL"S
to 60 out to take little fresh air. 0N
The witness, for demonstrating against this
act of cruelty, was fastened with a ball and
chain, but got loose and made his escape. W
a scene OF an unpleasant character occurred
during tho trial, growing out of excessive zeal
or lack ofjudgment ON the part of the prison.
er' counsel, The President Of the commission
not understanding the statement of the witness
ON the stand asked the latter question with a
view of having him repeat the statement
Thereupon Mr.. Baker, defendants counsel in
petuient tone and offensive manner, broke
out: : i do wish the Court would not interfere
gith the witness while am examining him -
] have difficulty enough to make out my case