The National tribune., 1881-04-01

era as Lawrence w Auton Colonel United States Army,
and Assistant Major Dupop2 f SO please describe their
"J.P BAIRD,
Colonel Commanding Post
Shortly after the development above related took place
the following reply was received
'HEADoUARTERs DEPARTMENT or TUE CUMBERLAND
June 8, 1915 p. mCol j. p. Baird, Franklin: There
such Inspector General Lawrence b. Auton
Colonel United States Army and Assistant Major Dunlop
in this army nor in any army far know. Why
do you ask
81. A. GARFIELD.
'Brigadier General and CHEF Of STAFF"
The possession of the order said to have been given by
Gen Rosecrns fully convinced that officer that in all
probability they spies and he instructed his chief of
staff, Gen. Garfield to order eurmartia at The
following the order brief peremptory, and yet to the
point
'HEADoUARTERs ARMY or THE CUMBERLAND Muir
FREEseoRo June 3, 10 p m.-Col J. p. Baird Frank
lin: The two doubt spies. Call drum-head
court martial tonighs and they found to be spes
hang them bafore morning without fail. No such men
have been accredited from these headquarters
Brig. Gen. and Chef Of STAFF"
On this ordor Col Baird acted with promptness A court
Of commission speedily organized which began its la
bos at at his headquarters There question
as to the guilt of the prisoners. "Out of their
mouths they coudemnod," as declared on
similar occasion by an American officer during the
utionary Col Baird rising before him the pain
full task of executing these handsome and pshed
officers common spies and his generous and sensitive
nature shrank from the unpleasant duty. While the
taking the confession of the prsonerswhich
constituted in reality their principal taskCol Baird,
searching for some way of escape sent the following dis
patch to Gen. Rosenerans:
" FRANKLIN, June O. 3:25 a. mo Gen Garfield
Chief of staff Col Watkins says that Col Williams is
first cousin Of Gen. Robert e. Lee, and, he has been
chief of artillery Braggs staff We consulting.
Must hang him7 II you direct to send him TO
be hung somewhere else / would like it but if not,
do not hear from you, they will be executed. This
dispatch is written at the request OF Col Watkins who
detained the prisoners We are prepared for fight.
-. y. BAIRD
Col commanding Post
.HRADquARTEss DEpA RTMENr or Tl CuMRERLAED,
June 9.--Col j. p. Baird, Franklin The General com
hung once thus placing it beyond the possibility of
Forests prohtng oy the information they have gained
FRANK 5. Bonn,
Major and a. D. c.
" FRANKLIN, June g. 1862 ("
sTTo Brgadier General Garfield Win you have any
cle,nency for the son of CAPTAIN Williams who fell ut
Monterey MexicoP / protest innocence spies,
IA portion of the dispatch is egble 1t appears be
signed by Lawrence w. Auton, formerly L. Auton Will
liams Williams then adds So send this as dying
request The dispatch is concluded by Col Baird who
! says The men condemned and we are preparing
for their execution They prefer TO be shot If You
answer before get ready, do
"ColoneI commanding Post
Cen Garfield remembering the course pursued by Gen
Washington in the of Major Andre refused their
quest to be shot determined that the should
be carried into execution originally ordered He knew
nothing whatever the time of their personal
ton with relation to- the Washington family Colo
mel Williams made most touching and earnest appeal
first for his cousin Lieutenant Peter who was his COM
panon and associate in the execution OF the plot though
he was responsible for the original conception and
preparation second that they might be shot il their
death were fully determined Williams alone assumed
the responsibility of the scheme whatever it might have
been and Peter had been led into it by his attachment
for the elder and experienced companion in arms,
who had in the beginning induced him to desert home
and friends and follow the fortunes OF the socaled Con-
federacy. At o'clock Capt. Alexander reported
the gaows ready The troops OF the garrison and vi
cnity including infantry, cavalry and artillery which
were under during the morning. disposed in
open square around the spot assigned for the execution
guard conducted the prisoners who behaved with the
greatest possible GOODNESS and self possession through Vie
way the fort open space Of ground in
the rear thence the railway 10 the cherry tree
where two ropes hung dangling within eight feet of the
Ground Lieut. Peter already with grief
and terror as looked upon the scene, but Col Viii
liams promptly restored his courage by saying, Dry
those tears and die like man" Taking their places
upon the Capt Alexander tied linen handkerchie
over the face of each and adjusted the ropes They
then asked permission to take last farewell which
WIS GRANTED Clasninc Potter in his arms Williams said