Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-11-25
CAPT. LoyeRlHe's DEFENCE.
Explains Why He Had Private Hammond DRAG
sed BY nesls TO Court.

Chicago, Nov. 24.-Today's hearing of
the Lowering court martial at Fort
Sheridan, began with the testimony OF
the last witness for the prosecution,
Post Surgeon Lippincott The surgeon
said he attended Hammond. IT founi
no bruises to speak Of" he said.
There was a slight abrasion on the.
shoulder and also scratches on the
thighs, but they Were insignificant and
after sponging them with iodoform, 1
reported the man as fit for light work"
The surgeon said that the wounds ap-
peared to have been made by an in
strument of sharp point and could have
been caused by the use Of a sword.
Attorney Blair, for Capt Lowering,
presented four letters from various OIL
GERS under whom the defendant had
served. These letters referred to Low
ering as an efficient officer and a good
soldier. They We're placed on file
Col Hall was then called. He was
asked what Capt. Lowering said to him
regarding the affair and said he was
told of HammOnd's refusal to appear
before the court in direct disobedience
dragged him from the guard house
with rope. Il commended him high
ly for his action, but cautioned him to
remove the rope from the prisoner s
feet before he appeared in court
Has there been any trouble with
prisoners during the year you have
been here?" There has been almost
constant trouble" said Col. Hall.
Prisoners have refused to work, and
there has been almost daily infraction
of rules. l commended Capt. Lover
ing's action, because l was informed
the prisoners had defied five prison Off
ciais in succession"
Col Hall told the court that there
was no conveyance at the fort that
could be used to convey prisoners from
the guard house, if they refused to
walk
Attorney Blair asked if report had
been.. made to witness that Lowering
had kicked and stabbed the prisoner.
The witness said that Lowering did tell
him that he had struck" Hammond a
little, and so approved that.
Colonel Hail." asked Col. Hunter
eff report had been made to you that
Hammond refused to walk to the sum-
mary court would you have ordered
him dragged?" well. not specifically"
said the colonel, but l would have
used force Col. Hall was then ex-
cUsed.
Captain Bubb of the 4th Regiment
testified to the good character of the
accused officer. Then Sergeant Wooten
stated that before Capt. Lowering or
dered Hammond dragged, he himself
had dragged the prisoner around the
guard house by the heels.
Then Capt. Lowering toon the stand
in his own defence. He was very ner-
going through the formalities preced-
ing his examination.
rs the testimony thus far given be-
fore this court correct?" asked his at
torney.
1T is substantially correct" said
Lowering, only the amount of force l
used has been exaggerated. l stirred
Hammond with my sword and foot, but
put only small fraction of strength
into it, I did not hurt him. l kicked
him to make him open his eyes.
Then the details of the entire affair
were repeated, to the evident aversion
of the members of the court who plain
ly showed that they were tired of the
story.
Col Hunter asked Capt. Lowering
why he had not reported to his COM
handing officer the prisoners refusal
to go to the court, postponing, action
until he received orders from Col. Hall.
Il should have been ashamed said
Lowering ito have reported to any per-
son that I allowed prisoner to get the
better of me-
Gould you not have secured a
wagon?"
Il would not have done so under any
circumstances" answered Lowering. 1T
would have been bad example for the
men,"
After he had told of his % years SER
vice in the United States army with
out having before been courtmartialled.
he was excused and the taking of testi-
nony was over.
Attorney Blair then made his closing
address.