Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1866-05-17

zeal with which Underwood has 1abored to sit in
Judgment upon the distinguished ex-President
that Chief Justice Chase has avoided, with equal
earnestness, any such position. What has been
his motive in this, we not prepared to say but
be that as it may, it seems to be settled that he
will be necessarily compelled to preside on the oc
casion. Attorney General Speed will conduct the
prosecution, assisted by Judge Clifford, OF Massa'
chusetts, and VIM. NJ. Evarts, of New York City.
The defence is entrusted to MIR. Charles O'Connor,
of New York City. This at least insures that the
trial will be something more than an idle mock
cry, which it most assuredly would have dwindled
down to before Mr. Justice Underwood, as that
now famous Judge, before the Indictment, an
nounced from the bench that he {" was more gull
ty than WIRz."
Mr. Chase possibly is as fanatical in his politics
as Underwood, but added to the very exalted jul
dicial position which he fills and his eminent le-
gal ability, his rulings and decisions will not only
be made in presence of some of the great legal
minds of this country, but will form an important
page in the legal history of the age. These facts
will compel at least strict observance of all the
proprieties on the occasion and insure to Mr.. Da-
Wis the forms of an impartial trial.
AS this trial will decide constructively the guilt
or innocence of every citizen of the South of char
acter and position, it is due that the composition
of the Court and Jury, the progress and termina-
ton of the trial, shall reflect credit upon the adj
miuistration of President Johnson and upon the
government Eight millions of people are brought
to the bar in the person of Mr.. Davis, and polti-
cal questions yet settled, to be decided.
We have no reason to hope, so far as the guilt OR
IF Mr. Davis ia concerned that Mr. Chase
will sink the Politician in the Judge, or forget as
ten reiterated during the last five years, in his
seat in the Senate Chamber, or on the hustings,
in reference to treason and rebels.
It is to be hoped that just and fearless Presi-
dent will interpose to stay the executioner's hand
if it should be invoked by the verdict of the jury.
The prayers of myriads of pious, noble hearts and
eloquent, Christian tongues will ascend to Heaven
in humble supplication for his safe dehverance.
Trial of Maj. Gee. '"..
It has been a matter of sincere regret to u.s. that
we have been unable from want of space to fur
nish readers with report of this very inter
esting case which has now been in progress for
several months. The evidence in favor of this
officer is very strong, the testimony of those
who attempted to fasten upon Major Gee
expressions and acts of cruelty, has been rendered
valueless to the prosecution, by their failure to
connect them with that officer, and the evidence
of those persons, from both the Federal and Con-
federate armies who connected directly or
indirectly with Major Geo. show that the and
protection of the unfortunate prisoners who were
under his charge, was his constant thought and
effort We publish summary of the testimony
of Colonel T. D. Meares of our city, who has been
temporarily living i'll Rowan county, relating prin-
cipally to Major Gees connection with the firing
upon the Federal prisoners resulting in the death
of Lieut.. Davis and others, extracted from the
Raleigh Sentinel:
Thomas d. INea7'es Roacua Co., " G., fumer.-
Furnished wood for the prison at Salisbury I was
applied to by Capt. Goodman, who stated that
the prisoners would suffer for fuel. told him it
would be impossible for me to cut for him. I got
a letter from him that made me go to Salisbury
again. I went into the prison yard and saw their
condition, good many barefooted without shirts
and hats. went back to Goodman and said I
would put my hands to cutting wood. This was
in early part of Oct I think he said if would
get teams, he would prevent them being impress
ed. I cut 200 or 1 400 cords. Had three teams,
Is hands. About 500 cords were sent to the de-
pot, good deal is on the plantation yet. 1 got
one receipt from Mr.. Poe and no receipt for the
balance. [ made no contract with the Quarter
master
l.
ed at the station 13 miles from Salisbury. After
a while the roads were SO bad we could not haul
Goodman impressed wagons had ten there at one
time. [ gave him list of farmers for miles
around me. *
Mai. Myers had notified me that must consider
everything impressed. We let him have 10 bar
rels for the use of the prisoners. I made speech
at the meeting to get supplies. I satisfied that
1t was held while the prisoners OF war were there
got to the prison after the outbreak occurred
i Gee at | o.
ing home and heard the booming of gun, and I
knew what the reason of it was because there had
been q general rumOr for some time that the pris-
oners were determined to break out of prison and
lay waste the town of Salisbury and it produced q
good deal of excitement there There had been q
good deal of feeling against the officers of the pris
on, because provisions went into the prison and
they could hardly buy anything in the market
[ got revolver from crippled Confederate
soldier and went down to the prison. By the time
atthe gate gentleman passed by, Maj. Smith, and
to me : 'siThere comes that damned
fellow, Gee" SaysI "whom do you mean ?'.-
Says he, ''that's Maj. Gee, damn him IF had
been in command would have slaughtered every
rascal in this prison." Says I, CHATS harsh |
expression" Says he, that's pretty much the feel
ing here" |
understood from some of the bystanders that
t the guns that the prisoners had were not deliy-
cred in five minutes, that the artillery and mus
kerry should be opened on them, and I stepped
up to the Major and said, "Major, what are YOU
going to do about those guns ?" AS he started to
answer me gun fred ON the soaffold he i'm
nediately jumped off and said that the first gun
was f4ed and he would arrest the man who fired |
t. lie went off and in some time I said, "what
IRE you going to do with those guns in the hands
If the prisoners ?" He said there is no tronble |
'bout that {; I am going to send in guard and
BRING them out. did not see him again for some
lays ,y.. |