The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1900-01-19
"Assistant Adiutant Generai.,

river from the north bank either opposite
or below the point of rendezvous.
by order,
Assistant Adjutant General"
Gen. Heath handed the order to his
commander, who read it carefully, then
without comment nodded his direction
that the hearing should proceed.
l was next called, and began a recital
which only showed an anxiety to vindi-
cate Margaret The commander de-
parted from his usual silence to ask
me several questions, and my replies,
though / answered truthfully, seemed
to prove that | was lying. When had
finished, ] sat down overwhelmed with
confusion, and, unconscious that was
speaking aloud. blurted out: "If any
one is to be hanged, it is / for fool"
faint smile passed over the lips of
the general in chief, and Margaret
Beach was called to tell her story.
Margaret made what to- me was per-
fectly clear case, and 1 expected as
she proceeded that the commanding
general would break up the inquiry,
asserting that her statement was all he
in his face in vain for anything to in
dictate the impression she was making
When she had finished, he asked:
What proof have you that it was
your brother and not your sister who
was with you-that he was the real pos
SCISSOR of the plans found on you?"
MY sister will testify to that effect,
also ltpIft Hall who fha,,, 10th
together"
Neither of these witnesses would
gain credence in court of law, both
of them being much interested to save
your life. Is there not some one whose
testimony is unbiased?"
There is one, but you cannot sum-
mon him"
"Why not?"
ale is confederate officer within the
confederate lines"
"Do you know where he is now?"
81 met him few days ago near the
Tennessee river not far from here"
"lIe might be reached
81 do not wish it,"
The general-in-chief looked at Mar
garet surprised. His eyes plainly asked
an explanation.
ale would bring evidence" Mar
garet said at last, "of the guilt of one
who has told me he is inoncent."
The words, spoken in a clear, soft
voice, "A simple assertion of confidence
in one who had never given her the ben
eft of a single doubt, seemed re-
buke from Heaven. Gen. Heath bent
his head. He seemed dazed. Though
all the vigor of his persuasive tongue
was needed at this critical moment in
one great effort to ward off the calam-
ity that had been brought about by
his incredulity, he seemed in no condi
ton TO make protest. The command
er-iudge waited for him to speak, but,
as he did not, spoke himself TO Mar
garet.
81 cannot consider evidence you are
unwilling to produce. The evidence
that has been brought forward in your
behalf is not only simple oral testi-
mony, but the testimony of those deep
ly interested in you. The facts are
all against you. First, you were caught
with the plans in your hands; second,
you visited the enemy while under pa
role, presumably TO bear information;
last. your statement as to the north
ward movement of Longstreet's army
is contradicted by written order. My
sympathies are with you, for you have
spoken with the scmblance of truth.
While | would gladly serve you, this
does not seem TO be matter which adj
mits of any interference on my part.
A court has heard the evidence and has
convicted you. | have listened to re-
hearing, and cannot see how they could
have done otherwise than convict you"
Margaret stood pale but calm.
"And | must die?"
Gen. Heath, who had been standing
as if lost in some dread dream of the
past, at these words reused himself,
shook off the stupor that had chained
him, and in q firm, loud voice, said:
Call Maj. Bernal Berante."
For the love of heaven! Has the man
broken down under the strain? Is he
losing his reason? ! started towards
him and laid my hand on his arm.
General, Maj, Berante is not here"
"Mai. Berante is here. You will find
him across the hall. He has come,
general" he said, addressing the chief,
'to testify in this case. l sent a flag
of truce to bring him. He was per-
mitted by his commanding officer to
come only with the understanding that
his testimony is necessary to save n
ldEa ga