The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-08-15
COL. FLETCHER's TROUBLES
Continuance OF the Sessions or the Conrt-Martial
which Is now Trying Him for UnofIlcerllke Con.

Continuance OF the Sessions or the Conrt-Martial
which Is now Trying Him for UnofIcerlke Con.
duct.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: The sessions
of the court martial at Fort Omaha during the
early part of this week were occupied with the
testimony of Lieut. Col. Joshua S. Fletcher, the
accused, who made an extensive review of his
army record and life in general, with general
and specific denial Of every particle Of damag-
ing evidence that~has been given against him,
with the exception Of admitting that he re-
treated hastily from his own quarters to escape
DIR. Henderson. He said that he did this in
order TO prevent scandal and disgrace to him
self and wife. He further said he entered the
army in June, 1851, as q First Lieutenant.
About one year later he was made Captain.
In 1880 he attained to the rank of Major, and
in July, 1885, he became % Lieutenant Colonel.
He began the service ut Fort Independence,
Boston. He entered the war of the rebellion
with Mcclellan in 1862 He took an active
part in the battle OF Chcahominy, Gaines's
Mills, Cold Harbor, Malvern Hill, the second
Bull RIM, Chafeo's Farm, the Wilderness,
laurel ill and several other prominent en-
Ragcmenis. He had been compimented after
ward by Col. Winthrop, Gen. Ayres, Secretary
Stanton and Abraham Lincoln, and during his
o years of service he never had been before
charged with conduct unbecoming an officer
and a gentleman. He was married in 1886 in
Philadelphia, to Mrs. Mary i. Misky, who had
q boy five years old and stepdaughter almost
young woman. After the wedding be was
ordered 10 Fort Robinson, where he resided
three or four years and was then sent to Fort
Omaha. He attributed most of his troubles to
the interferonce of Mrs McFarlane. She was q
firebrand from the time she came TO visit his
wife, her sister. IL was she who had falsely
informed the officers that he had accused them
of improper conduct. IL was she who induced
MreE IN, 4, te
The Judge Advocate subjected the accused 10
q very searching cross. examination, but did
not succeed III disturbing his evidence in any
important particular. The Colonel adhered
closely TO his statements, aud came out, if pos
sible, in better shape than when the cross.ex.
inaton began.
The defense introduced Mrs. Emily A. Til
ton, the niece of Col. Fletcher, of Williams
port Pa, who testified that she had known
Mrs. Mcfarlane for number of years and that
her reputation for veracity was not good; that
when she became angry at anyone she was
ready to resort TO any means TO iniure him.
She also said that she had heard IL declared in
society, Mt the timo the Colonel was married.
that Mrs. McFarlane intended TO make trouble
in the family whenever she got q chance. Mr.
l.. III. Tilton, husband of tho preceding wit
ness testified thai Mrs. McFarlane's reputation
for truth was bad that her neighbors would
not believe her when she was angry or might
have anything TO gain by falscho0d.
The Court was then adjourned to await the
arrival of two more witnesses from Philadel-
phia.
The expected witnesses were ready TO appear
Saturday morning, and the court resumed its
session.
The first witness was Mrs. J. s. Silman. who
bad come from Chicago TO tell what she knew
about Mrs. McFarape. whom she first met about
two years ago In Philadelphia. Later she saw
the lady in Chicago with Mr.. Fletcher and the
rest of tho family, en- route TO Philadelphia
They called upon Mrs. Cinnaman. florist, who
has been acquainted with Mrs. Fletcher since
her marriage. At that meeting Mrs McFarlano
said: I'VE have Col. Fletcher just where we
want him, and we shall make it hot for him"
She also said she thought the Colonel wouldn't
be troubled with his extra set of false teeth for
she had crushed THEM under her Sect. Mrs.
Silman also saw Mrs. McFarlane, who called Mt
her residence on the way homo from the court
martial. 81 suppose you have heard of me be.
ing ut omaha?" she said. :" have made Il
warm for the Colonel. and am not done yet. He
viii lose his shoulder.Atraps before am done"
How did you come 10 FIRST meet Mrs. Ne
FHriauef" the witness was asked.
I" | saw her mt the Broad street station IN
Philadelphia. Ny attention was called TO her
losing her handkerchief while flirting with
some gentlemanon the platform. / thought
that WINS all cared 20 know of her. and reyer
invited her 10 visit me- and when she did call
did not ask her 10 take n seat"
The Judge.Adyocate had but two questions
TO ask. One was wIfother she was related TO
Col. Fletcher, and what that relationship was.
Mrs. silman said she was 3 cousin OF the
Colonel.
Charles A. PIerscn. teller in the Central Ma
tjonal Bank Of Philadelphia, testified that Mrs.
Mefarlanes reputation for truth aud veracty
WAS very bad. G.. ii. Fletcher. brother OF the
Colonel, gave similar testimony
SECOND INFANTRY,