Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-11-24
THE LOWERING COURT-MARTIAL.
Private Hammond Testiiies ana
Holds His own Well.

CHICAGO. November 25.-Pr wat e
Charles Hammond was the principal
witness in the Lowering court-martial
to-day, and proved himself entirely
capable OF holding his own with the at
torneys who are acting for Captain
Lowering He gave damaging evidence
against Lowering, and could not be
made to contradict himself OH the stand,
nor was he at any time confused by the
sharp cross-examination to which ne
was subjected Questions relating to his
personal history before he entered the
army he quietly refused TO answer, be-
cause. as he said, they have no bear
ing on This case
Hammond. in his evidence, nearly
doubled the number OF sword-thrusts
mentioned by preceding witnesses, and
then proved his evidence by showing
the scars.
Judge-Advocate Hunters first question
to Hammond was:
Have the Articles of War ever been
read in your presenceT
Yes. / have heard them" replied
Hammond.
what orders did you receive on the
morning of October 9th and relate what
followed?" was the next query.
II was told that / was wanted at the
summary courtroom, but L said that
/ would not 20, and after that message
had been repeated to Captain Lowering.
he came TO my cell and told me TO get
out and walk. He gave the order, 'Yank
that man out when L again re-
fused to go, and as / was PARKWAY out
Of the cell door he prodded me twice
with his sword, and then stepped past
me into the cell and kicked me on the
shoulder. He stepped over me as I lay
on the floor, and gave me two more
prods in the left side. He again ordered
me to walk. but l did not answer. Then
the rope was tied to my feet, and l was
dragged over the curbs, sidewalks, and
road. and up and down steps until L
reached the courtroom in the Adjutant' $
office"
when you refused to walk to the
court. did any one ask you for your
reasons?" was the next question Of the
Court.
Members Of the guard asked me-"
replied Hammond. "and 1 told them
thought | ought to be tried for the first
offence before l was tried for the second.
The first offence was that of leaving my
| barracks at Plattsburg. n. Y, without
leave"
1T has been said that. while you were
being dragged an order for double-time
was given. Is that true?' asked Colonel
Hunter.
YES sir" said Hammond. Captain
Lowering told the men TO Double time,
but they were unable to comply with
the order"
SS-EXAMINATION.
The witness was then given to Attor-
ney Blair for cross-examination. Ham,
mond refused TO answer a number Of
4 Il -
ing on the case.
"You say you were stabbed six times?"
was one of the Attorneys questions.
| Were those stabs mere pn-scratches,
or are you SCARED for life?"
II will bear the marks to my grave"
replied Hammond.
The Attorney expressed desire TO see
the scars, and Hammond barred his
limbs, and exhibited four marks-two on
each thigh-to the court. one or the
scars was on his right hand. and there
was a minor one on the shoulder.
Private Snyder was called, and told OF
helping to drag the prisoner after the
procession had gone 100 yards, and as
sistance had been ordered. He said they
had been commanded to march in dou-
ble-time. and that the prisoner was COW
cred with dust and his clothes torn when
the summary court was reached
n
do you think there was any other
way I'm which Hammond could have been
taken to the court?" was asked by the
| Judge Advocate.
yes" said the witness, there was
cart. and l think this could easily have
| been drafted into service"
He was asked if he had ever seen a
prisoner taken to court in cart
He replied: mo. sir. the officers are
md nc
then excused.
The prosecution has but one more wit
ness 10 call, Post-Surgeon Lppincott,
and then the attorneys for the defence
will be given precedence.
Captain Lowering is expected to take
the stand. and has two witnesses, Whit
ting and Sipple, both OF whom are mill
tary convicts in confinement at the
military post prison.