The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1866-04-19
[BY OUR own SPECIAL REPORTER |.se.sss
Trial of Major John II. Gee.

49, AS'- ~ -A"-SSlOA oSAA- NtSOta
TUESDAY, APRIL nth, 1866. 2
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 Mai. Gees character that of high
toned, intellectual, educated gentleman-if there
was one trait more prom nent than the rest, it
was his hlmanity-as a physician he did great
deal of charity practice among those unable to
pay. He was noted for his humane and indulgent
treatment of his slaves before their emancipation
"A question to his treatment of freedmen
was objected to- and the objection was sustancd.l
The witness stated that Maj. Gee took command
of 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 to the defense of Florida, and had a con-
versation with Gen. Bragg in regard to Maj Gees
appointment to the prison at Salisbury.
THE Judge Advocate objected to his stating
any conversation with Gen. Bragg on the subject.
Mr. Holland urged that the specifications al
acter of an honorable soldier, and it 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 overruled 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 number of hard at Salisbury, and
that Maj. Gee was appointed to that place on ac-
count of his prudence and discretion.
Witness knew Gen. Gardner.
Q. Did you know of his treatment of certain
women and children in Florida?
| TObected 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 cXer-
cisng cruelty to prisoners of war.
The objection sustained
! The witness had never heard the prisoner swear
! or profane language.
CROSS EXAMINED.
After the diSbanding of the young guards, wit
ness knew the prisoner by the title of Major, but
| Qlu not know 10 Wnat command lie was attached
could not speak as TO his health when he went to
| Sllisbury-did not think he was man of violent
prejudces. The conversation with Gen. Bragg,
! alluded to, in the latter part of October
| first OF November 1864.
BY THE COURT.
| The young guard disbandcd before witness
| went to Richmond-dd not think Mai. Gee was
a man whose enthusiasm would lead him to
I act of inhumaDity if that wOuld advance the
| cause in which he was engaged
| VIM. T. Stockton, of Quincy, Fla, farmer had
known MAJ. Gee for twenty-siX years-for fifteen
years most intimately in all that time never heard
| of an act OF his of inhumanity to man, horse or
! dog-that he had won the esteem of all who knew
| him; that this esteem, and the interest felt in
| him based on his known character as a gen
! tleman; physician he highly esteemed
| his characteras a soldier was marked by kindness
and officer he WAS beloved for the care he
/ took of the privatcs.
! Witness stated the official places held by the
prisoner after the dsbanding of the young guard,
in all which he had high reputation for solLierly
conduct and courage. He had never heard Maj.
Gee take the maine of Deity in vain, or use pro-
fame language in any way From his knowledge
of Maj. Gees character, does not believe that he
| would allow his enthusiasm to lead him into an
act of inhumanity to advance his calIse-docs not
believe he would be guilty of inhumanity to any
/ one under his command.
Had Maj. Gee frequently after the
der, at his home-does not know of his being adj
viScd to leave to avoid arrest-he showed no dis
position to avoid arrest-since his return home he
had demeaned himself peaceful and orderly
citizen
| CROSS EXAMINED
Witness based his knowledge of Maj Gees re-
| he heard from his own son and at least dozen
| others.
! Court adjourned to 10 O'Clock Wednesday
morning.
WEDNESD Ann