The two sentinels on guard before the doors and a few officers off
duty, loitering about the verandas, were the only persons visible
near the well-ordered premises, until the members of the court-
martial, with the prosecutors and witnesses, began to assemble and
pass in.
Within a lofty apartment of the building, which was probably at one
time the great dining-hall of the priests, were collected some
twenty persons, comprising the court-martial and its attendants.
An extension table covered with green cloth occupied the middle of
the long room.
At the head of this table sat General W., the president of the
court. On his right and left, at the sides of the table, were
arranged the other members according to their rank.
At a smaller table, near the right hand of the President, stood the
Judge Advocate or prosecutor on behalf of the United States.
At the door stood a sentinel on guard, and near him two or three
orderly sergeants in attendance upon the officers.
The Judge Advocate opened the court by calling over the names of the
members, beginning with the President and ending with the youngest
officer present, and recording them as they responded. This
preliminary settled, orders were despatched to bring the prisoner,
prosecutor and witnesses into court.
And in a few minutes entered Colonel Le Noir, Captain Zuten, Ensign
Allen and Sergeant Baker.
Pages:
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277