Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1865-10-06
THE WIRZ TRIAL.


DR.. Marsh, agent for the Sanitary Com.
mission, testified to sending large supplies o.
clothing and delcscies for the prisoners, but
had no evidence they we're received. In
November orders were received from Wash
ing,on to cease sending supplies. A letter
was read from Wirz to the rebel quartermss-
ter, acknowledging the receipt Of certain sup
plies for the prisoners, and stating that they
should be promptly distributed
John X. Jones. clerk Of the rebel war de-
psttment testified TO the uppopulsrity Of
Gen. Winder, and the efforts 10 have him re-
moved.
Philip Cashmere, Of the rebel service. tes-
tilted that when the order came from the re-
bel war department to relieve Gen. Winder,
he went to Davis, whom he frequently visit
ed, and Davis endorsed the order. 1t is
entirely unnecessary and .uncalled for" or
words to that effect.
Judge Advocate Chapman called on the
counsel for defense to produce their witnesses.
Mr. Baker said he was not prepared to go
on, but would do so II the court thought
best
! Col Chipman called attention to the fact
that letters and messages had been passed to
and from the prisoner contrary TO the rule
adopted in his case.
/ Mr. Schade. one Of his counsel, replied
that he had sent letter to Wirzs wife from
him, and had also given the prisoner money
from time to procure food with. Some con-
sutation ensued. when prisoners counsel
said his food was undoubtedly good enough,
but not OF that description man so feeble
required. The court told Mr Schsde he
must obtain the letter he sent to the prison.
Iars "a nd n he
Fathers Hamilton and Whellom testified
that they were engaged in ministerial duties
al Andersonville, the former stating that
every thing was done by Wirz for the physical
and spiritual welfare of prisoners, and the
latter that he never saw Wirz commit any
violence on prisoners knew the prisoners
we're hunted by dogs. but never heard Of any
being torn by them.
% cross-examination the latter stated he
had heard prisoners say that Wirz was vic.
lent did not know whether any spoiled
meat was given prisoners, as he was too
much engaged looking after the spiritual well
fare of the prisoners.
Mr.. Baker, one of Wirz's counsel here ap-
piled for permission for the above clergyman
to visit Wirz, but the court referred him to
the Secretary Of War, as having all tho pow
er in the premises.
Col. Tanning testified that he was in COM
mand at Andersonville from the month Of
May, 1854, until the middle Of September
Wirz could not reward the guard. only when
he happened to be in command, by giving
furloughs. Never heard of furloughs being
given the guard for shooting Union prisoners.
and never knew of an application tor fur
Tough by the guard on the ground of shoot
nd vua nj
ed to hunt Confederate deserters as well as
escaped prisoners. If Wirz had abused pris-
oners, it is probable he would have heard Of
it. Frequently heard hoo,.ng at night in the
stockade while the raiders we're there, six Of
whom were hung. having been found guilty
Of crimes by jury Of Union prisoners. Adj.
wAsHISeroN, Sept. ~.
Col. Chipman read to the court letter
from Capt. West, Military Superintendent OF
the Capital Prison, to the effect that Wirz Is
treated as leniently as consistent with mis-
position, and compatible with his duties
His cot and bedding, and rations, are the
same as soldiers of the United States army
receive, with an addition Of fresh vegetables
four times a week. If unwell, he is furnish
ed with diet prescribed by the surgeon of the
prison.
He is also permitted to procure such edibles
as he may be able to purchase. The only
restraint is such as prevent him from doing
any injury to himself.
Two or three witnesses were examined
without eliciting anything new. Adj.
WARRINGTON, Sept. 2s.
In the Wirz trial to-day the examination
of Col. Parsons was resumed. He testified
to sendin supplies received from the Sanitary
Commission to the prisoners when he com
manded at Andersonvile. He never knew
Wirz to BE- absent with the dogs. The coun-
try round Andersonvile was poor and vege-
table scarce. He never knew sentries to be
relieved for shooting prisoners. Wirz built
a dead house.
Judge Advocate-W Would il not have been
more humane to have built shelter for the
living
Witness-I think it was impracticsble for
Wirz to build all the shelter required.
! Judge Advooate--lo ou do not answer my
question.
! Witness-Then answer yes; some shelter
might have built think the Quartermaster
had not sufficient energy; wirs never re-
ceiyed any orders from me to furnish prison
ers /; he drew up rules and regulations, and
approved them Wirz labored indela,igably;
whether he accomplished all he desired do
not know, but do know that the prisoners
we're not half cared for I think the respon-
sibility rests on those who crowded so many
administration of the government.
prisoners there no dead line was provided
in the prison regulations.
The Wirz Commission received dispatch
from Gen. Bragg stating that he was sick
aud unable to attend the Court. The Com
mission. after considering the case with clos
ed doors, adjourned until tomorrow.
WAsHIEoToS. Sept. so.
The WIZ trial proceeped to-day. Capt.
Wright, ex.quartermaster at Andersonville.
ties flied that the tents Of his regiment we're
taken for the prisoners. He was unable to
Obtain lumber, as the planters had an.ibiunc.
tion laid on him to restrain tie cutting down
of timber, that previously taken not having
been paid for.
Baker--Do you know OF any acts on the
part Of Capt. Wirz "a amsliorate the condi-
uon Of the prisoners
Witness--l cannot think of any never
heard that any soldier received furlouRh for
shooting Union prisoner; he had frequent-
ly carried vegetables into the stockade for the
j