The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1866-04-25
[Br OUR OWN SPECIAL nEroRrER.l
Trial Of Major John h. Gee.

f. +
TUESDAY, APRIL nth, 1866.
Hon. Charles H. Dupont, ofQuincy, Fla, Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court Of Florida, testified
that he had known the prisoner from his boyhood
had been intimate with his fathers family since
1928 to the time of his death-was one of his ex-
ecutors. Maj. Gees character was that of high
toned, intellectual, educated gentleman--if there
was one trait more prom nent than the rest it
was his humanity-as physician hc did a great
deal of charity practice among those unable to
pay. Hewas noted for his humane and indulgent
treatment of his slaves before their emancipation
IA question to his treatment of freedmen
was objected to, and the objection was sustained
The witness stated that Maj. Gee took command
of a company of volunteers, called the Young
Guard at the urgent solicitation of the friends of
the members of the company, on account of the
confidence entertained in his moral worth, more
than in his military qualifications, that he dis
charged this trust to the high appreciation of the
company and their friends
Witness made an official visit to Richmond in
regard tOthe defense of Florida, and had con-
versation with Gen. Bragg in regard to Maj. Gees
[The Judge Advocate objected to his stating
any conversation with Gen. Bragg on the subject.
Mr.. Holland urged that the specifications al
legged against Maj. Gee acts contrary to the char
acter of an honorable soldier and it was only just
therefore, that the defense should be allowed to
show that these specifications were unjust, and
also to show why the commanding General
Bragg had appointed the prisoner to Salisbury.
The objection was oyerruled and the witness
proceeded.]
Gen. Bragg, who was then commanding General
Of all the Confederate forces, had stated to the
Witness in the conversation alluded to, that there
were "a number of hard cases at Salisbury, and
that Maj. Gee was appointed to that place on ac-
count of his prudence and discretion.
Witness knew Gen. Gardner.
@. Did you know of his treatment of certain
women and children in Florida?
GObjected to on the ground of irrelevancy.
Mr. Holland stated that he wished to show by
this evidence that Maj. Gee was not responsible
for the treatment of the prisoners at Salisbury,
| by showing that Gen. Gardner, who had charge of
the prisoners in North Carolina and Virginia, had
proved, by his cruel treatment to women and
children in Florida, that he was capable of exer-
cisng cruelty to prisoners of war;
The objection was sustained
The witness had never heard the prisoner swear
or use profane language.
CROSS EXAMINED.
After the disbanding of the young guards, wit
ness ls,ew the prisoner by the title of Major but
| did not know to what command he was attached
| 60 ba N
Salisbury-did not think he was man of violent
prejudices. The conversation with Gen. Bragg
alluded to, was in the latter part Of October ol
first OF November, 1864.
BY THE COURT
The young guard was disbanded before witness
went to Richmond-did not think Maj. Gee was
a man whose enthusiasm would lead him to al
act of inhumanity, if that act would advance tht
cause in which lie engaged.
VIM T. Stockton Of Quincy Fla, farmer, hat
known Ma Gee for twenty-six years-for fifteer
years most intimately, in altkat time never heart
of an act of his of inIiumanity to man, horse OF
dog-that he had won the esteem of all who knew
him. that this esteem, and the interest felt il
him were based on his known character as a gen
tielian, Us piy Slciaii nc WIS HlSuiy eslNeLleu-
his characteras soldierwas marked by kindness
and as an officer he was beloved for the care he
took of the privates.
Witness stated the official places held by thu
prisoner after the disbanding of the young guard
in all which he had high reputation for soldierly
conduct and courage He had never heard Maj
Gee take the name of Deity in vain, or use pro
fame language in any way. From his knowledge
of Maj Gees character does not believe that HI
would allow his enthusiasm to lead him into al
act of inhumanity to advance his cause-does no
! believe he would be guilty of inhumanity to any
one under his command.
Had seen Maj. Gee frequently after the surren
der, at his home-does not know of his being ad
vised to leave to avoid arrest-he showed no dis
position toavoid arrest-since his return home h.
had demeaied himself as peaceful and orderl,
citizen.
CROSS EXAMINED
Witness based his knowledge of Maj Gees re
pu.ation while in the army of Tennessee, on wha
he heard from his own son and at least o dozel
Others.
Court adjourned to 10 o'clock Wednesda,
morning.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1s, 1866.
The Commission met and the journal of ycsteI
day WIS read.
Gen. James G. Martin, fifth witness for the dc
fensc was sworn. He WAS Brigader- Generaldur
ing the war-in September, 1864, he commando