The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1869-06-02
Trial Of the Jefferson Prisoners.

As the trial now in progress in Jefferson will prove
of absorbing interest the large of readers
we shall endeavor to keep them thoroughly Informed
on the subject The following is from the Jimpecute
of May 25th:
The all absorbing topic of conversation among our
citizens is the trial of the military prisoners twenty-
three in number, which is progressing in our
midst. On yesterday morning the commission met in
the Pato Academy, and at precisely 10 O'Clock AN
the defendants escorted by large guard of cavalry
left the stockade and marched in two ranks double
file, to the place above mentioned. When they had
been seated in the order of their upon the in
dictment and the roll had been called the assembled
citizens were allowed to enter the house, not however
until those who carried side arms had deposited them
with the officer in command of the guard
Immediately the right Of the prisoners were their
COUNSEL composed of nearly all the Jefferson bar. Near
them, ard directly in front of the court, thu Judge
Advocate, Maj Goodfeow, while bis right, busily
occupied, were two Photographic reporters, one OF
whom Mr. Manly, the authorised Government ste
| nographer; the other we do not know, evidently,
however locker on in Vienna The commission,
seven in number, presided over by Brevet Maj. Gen.
Hatch, is indeed, when arrayed in the pomp and cir
cumstahce" Of its position, most august and impos-
ing tribunal. On the west side of the building were
two tents occupied by the witnesses who have turned
States evidence, and the freedmen, Anderson Wright
Henry Turner aud others.
The Judge Advocates first step in the proceedings
to administer the oath enoining impartality, Sc
crecy, &C., and to likewise the stenographer to
faithfully report the testimony. The President, in
turn, administered the oath of office to the Advocate
That officer now proceeded to read the charges and
specifications, which printed in the Jim lecute
on Thursday last the and substance of which
is, that they charged with conspiracy and muir
der" The query was then put to each whether not
they had any objections to any member composing the
commission. 1t was answered by all in the negative
They were then individually asked if they guilty
or not guilty OF the charges and specifications The
reply given by every defendant in firm, but re-
spectfu manner, Not guilty. Judge Gray, counsel
for the prisoners then presented to the Court written
plea to the jurisdiction of that body, to which they
orally replied that they could not take any other action
than to attach it to the record Melton made
by defendants counsel to try each prisoner separately
This privilege was courteously denied. The Judge
Advocate then consented that the prisoners should be
allowed to testify for another provided they did
not criminate themselves. The commission now re-
tired to debate the matter and returned and
nounced that they could grant the request. Mo-
ton made by counsel that they have time for
consultation. Granted wheroupon the Court journed
till tomorrow "wednesday, at 10 o'clock AN.
There no ladies present, and in all not over
fifty spectators. The prisoners were calm and col
lected, like brave men, who knew their danger and
faced it.
The officers composing the tribunal are heightened
men of honor, and we have abiding faith that the
superior qualities which inspire them to bring
honor upon the uniform they wear, will animate and
iirect them to cemency and moderation in the exer-
Else of the solemn duties to which thew are called