The Trial of Henry Wirz - NPS.gov

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Andersonville National Park ServiceU.S. Department of the Interior

Andersonville National Historic SiteAndersonville National Cemetery

The Trial of Henry Wirz

A Mock Trial Lesson Plan Examining the Laws of War

Produced by Andersonville National Historic Sitebased on the Trial of Henry Wirz

The Trial of Henry Wirz, Harper’s Weekly Magazine - October 21, 1865

Suggested Age: 5th-11th Grade Objectives: At the end of the activity, the students will be able to: •ExplainconditionsprevelantatAndersonvillePrison •Understandandapplythelawsofwartoareallifescenario. •Evaluatetheeffectivenessandfairnessofamilitarytribunal •ConnectthemilitarytribunalofHenryWirztothoseofthemodernworld.

Materials: WitnessRoleSheets DefenseTeamRoleSheets ProsecutionTeamRoleSheets MilitaryTribunalMembersRoleSheets EvidencePages CaseSynopsis

Essential 1. Shouldtherebelawsgoverningwar?Questions 2. Shouldtherebelawsprotectingenemysoldierswhentheyarecaptured? 3. Whatresponsibilitiesdoleadershaveforpeopleassignedtotheircare,evenin difficultcircumstances? 4. CanonepersonbeheldresponsibleforsogreatatragedyasAndersonville? 5. Isamilitarytribunalafairwaytoprosecuteasuspectedwarcriminal,orwoulda civiliantrialbemoreappropriate?

Common Core ThecommoncorestandardsrequirestudentstodrawinferencesandmakeconclusionsaboutbothStandards primaryandsecondarysources,andtoconsiderpointofview.Thismocktrialcurriculumhasbeen designedbasedonthehistoricWirzTrialtranscript.Thewitnessstatementsareselectionsfromthe primarysource.Listedbelowarethecommoncorestandardsspecificto11thand12thgrade. However,thesameconceptsareduplicatedatthelowergradelevelsandthismocktrialcanbedone infifththroughtwelfthgrade.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.1Citespecifictextualevidencetosupportanalysisofprimaryandsecondarysources,connectinginsightsgainedfromspecificdetailstoanunderstandingofthetextasawhole.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.2Determinethecentralideasorinformationofaprimaryorsecondarysource;provideanaccuratesummarythatmakescleartherelationshipsamongthekeydetailsandideas.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.3Evaluatevariousexplanationsforactionsoreventsanddeterminewhichexplanationbestaccordswithtextualevidence,acknowledgingwherethetextleavesmattersuncertain.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.4Determinethemeaningofwordsandphrasesastheyareusedinatext,includinganalyzinghowanauthorusesandrefinesthemeaningofakeytermoverthecourseofatext(e.g.,howMadisondefinesfactioninFederalistNo.10).

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.5Analyzeindetailhowacomplexprimarysourceisstructured,includinghowkeysentences,paragraphs,andlargerportionsofthetextcontributetothewhole.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.6Evaluateauthors’differingpointsofviewonthesamehistoricaleventorissuebyassessingtheauthors’claims,reasoning,andevidence.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.7Integrateandevaluatemultiplesourcesofinformationpresentedindiverseformatsandmedia(e.g.,visually,quantitatively,aswellasinwords)inordertoaddressaquestionorsolveaproblem.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.8Evaluateanauthor’spremises,claims,andevidencebycorroboratingorchallengingthemwithotherinformation.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.9Integrateinformationfromdiversesources,bothprimaryandsecondary,intoacoherentunderstandingofanideaorevent,notingdiscrepanciesamongsources.

TheLawsofWarTheChargesAgainstHenryWirzTheWitnessesConclusion:WhatHappenedtoHenryWirzFollowUp&Assessment

Lesson Procedure 1.SuggestedIntroductoryActivities a.visitwww.nps.gov/ande/forteachersAndselectoneormorelessonplan activitiestointroduceyourstudentstoAndersonville. b.requestacopyof“VoicesfromAndersonville,”a30minuteintroductory filmtotheAndersonvillestory

2.Havestudentsreadthepage,“CaseSynopsis”

3.Havestudentsreadthepage,“TheLawsofWar:TheLieberCodes”

4.Assignrolestostudents.Thismocktrialhasbeendesignedtobeflexiblesothatyoucanworkwithasmanyorasfewstudentsasyouneed.Youcanassignoneormorestudentstoeachroleandhavethemworkasagroup. a.ProsecutionTeam:ThesewillbethestudentsthatwillserveastheprosecutorsforthemilitarytribunalofHenryWirz.Youwillneedtoprovidethemwithcopiesofeachwitnessstatementseveraldayspriortothemocktrial,sothattheycanpreparetheirquestionsinadvance.Thisrolecanbefilledbyonestudent,orcanbeassignedasagrouptaskifnecessary. b.DefenseTeam:ThesewillbethestudentschargedwithdefendingHenryWirzinthemilitarytribunal.Youwillneedtoprovidethemcopiesofeachwitnessstatementseveraldayspriortothemocktrial,sothattheycanpreparetheirquestionsinadvance.Thisrolecanebefilledbyonestudent,orcanbeassignedasagrouptaskifnecessary. c.Witnesses:Thereare11witnessstatements,and1statementbyCaptainHenryWirz.Historically,CaptainWirzdidnottestify,heonlysubmittedastatement.Forthepurposesofparticipationinthemocktrial,youcouldhavehimtestifyasatwelfthwitness. d.TribunalMembers:Inamilitarytribunalthesemilitaryofficersserveasboththejuryandthejudge.Youmayconsiderassigningonestudenttobetheheadofthetribunal.Thispersonwillmakerulingsonobjections.Historically,therewereninemembersofthetribunalatHenryWirz’strial.Forthepurposesofthismocktrialyoucanassignasmanyorasfewstudentstothisroleaspossible.

5.Havestudentsreadthepage,“TheChargesAgainstCaptainHenryWirz.”RemindstudentsthatthesechargesneedtobeconsideredinthecontextoftheLieberCodes

6.Conductthetrial.Dependingonyourclassschedule,thiscouldtake1-3classperiods

7.Havestudentsreadthepage,“Conclusion:WhatHappenedtoHenryWirz?”

8.Assessment&FollowUp

P r o d u c e d b y t h e D i v i s i o n o f I n t e r p r e t a t i o n a n d E d u c a t i o n M a r c h 2 0 1 3

E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A™

Trial Procedure

Civilian Trial v. Military Tribunal

1.ProsecutionOpeningStatements.Givetheprosecutionteamfiveminutestobrieflysummarizetheircasepriortocallingwitnesses.

2.ProsecutionWitnesses a.Theprosecutionteamcancallswitnessesoneatatime.Havethestudents servingaswitnessestakethestand. b.Thewitnessesdonotsimplyrecounttheirstory.Rather,theprosecutionteam asksthemquestionsbasedontheirstatementsthatwillhighlighttheprosecution’s case. c.Cross-examinationbyDefense

3.Defensewitnesses a.Thedefensecallswitnessesoneatatime.Theymaycallnewwitnessesorthey mayre-callwitnesseswhohavepreviouslytestified. b.Thewitnessesdonotsimplyrecounttheirstory.Rather,theprosecutionteam asksthemquestionsbasedontheirstatementsthatwillhighlighttheprosecution’s case. c.CrossExaminationbyprosecution

4.DefenseClosingArguments

5.ProsecutionClosingArguments

6.MilitaryTribunalDeliberations–Havethemembersofthemilitarytribunalgotoaseparateroomanddeliberatethecase.TheymustvoteonwhetherornotHenryWirzisguiltyornotguiltyofviolatingthelawsofwar.Forthepurposesofthemocktrial,thestudentscanreachtheirverdictwithasimplemajority

Studentsmayaskabouthowamilitarytribunalisdifferentfromatraditionalciviliantrial.

1.Inamilitarytribunalthereisnotraditionaljudgeorjury.Instead,officersfromthemilitarymakeupthetribunal.Asagrouptheyserveasthejury,butalsomakejudgementsonproceduralmatterslikeajudgewouldinatraditionalcourt.Inanypostwarmilitarytribunal,itisimportanttorememberthatthetribunalismadeupofmembersofthevictoriousarmy,andthedefendantsareoftenmembersofthedefeatedarmy.

2.Inamilitarytribunaltheretheprosectionteamispartofthemilitary.Therefore,tribunalmembersandtheprosectorareonthesamesidegoingintothetrial.

3.Militarytribunalsareusuallyconcernedwithviolationsofmilitarylawandthelawsofwar.Thecasesthatareheardbymilitarytribunalsaretypicallymajorcasesinvolvingmilitaryprocedureandresponsibilitythatmaynotmakesensetoacivilianjuryinatraditionalcourtroom.

4.Inmanymilitarytribunalsthereisnopresumptionofinnocence.Itisoftenuptothedefensetoprovetheirinnocence.

5.Inamilitarytribunal,Constitutionalrightsoftendonotapply,especiallyinpostwarcasesinvolvingdefendantsfromthearmedforcesofforeignmilitarypowers.

Case Synopsis DuringtheAmericanCivilWar,foughtbetween1861and1865,over600,000menbecameprisonersofwar.Thevastmajorityofthesecapturedsoldierswerequicklyexchangedbacktotheirownarmies.However,thisexchangesystembrokedowninmid-1863astheUnionArmybegantorecruitAfricanAmericansoldiers,manyofwhomhadbeenformerslaves,andtheConfederatearmyrefusedtoconsiderexchangingthem.This,coupledwiththefactthattheUnionarmyhadmoremenanddidnotneedaprisonerexchangetofillouttheirranks,resultedinbothsidestakinghardpositionsintheprisonerexchangediscussions,andtheexchangesstopped.Asaresult,largeprisoncampswereneededinboththenorthandthesouth,toholdthethousandsofprisonerswhowerebeingcapturedonthebattlefield,butcouldnolongerbeexchanged.

ThelargestoftheseprisoncampswasAndersonville.LocatedinruralsouthwestGeorgia,theConfederateprisonatAndersonvillewasisolatedfromanymajorpopulationcentersandwasfarfromthebattlefieldsofthewar.Anearbyraildepotwasusedtotransportbothprisonersandsuppliestotheprisoncamp.Theprisonwasanopenairstockadethateventuallyconsistedofaround26acres.Originallyintendedtohold8,000-10,000Unionprisoners,theprisonpopulationswelledtoover30,000inthesummerof1864asfightinginGeorgiaandVirginiaresultedinlargenumbersofcaptives.

Inthisovercrowdedprison,diseasebecamewidespread.Scurvy,dysentery,diarrhea,gangrene,smallpox,malnutrition,andexposuretotheelementskillednearly13,000UnionsoldiersatAndersonvilleduringthe14monthsthatAndersonvillewasinoperation,makingitthedeadliestplaceintheCivilWar.Afterthewar,thenorthernpublicwasoutragedatwhatoccurredatAndersonvilleanddemandedjustice.Theysawnoreasonthatprisoners,whoweresupposedtobecaredfor,shoulddieinsuchlargenumbers.Thecommanderoftheprison,CaptainHenryWirz,wasarrestedinJuly1865andwaschargedwithviolatingthelawsofwar.Inthefallof1865amilitarytribunalmetinWashington,DCtohearhiscase.

Historically,inthetrialofHenryofWirz,theprosecutionsoughttoproveaconspiracybetweenWirzandtheleadershipoftheConfederacy.MuchofthetrialcenteredontryingtoestablishaconnectionbetweenCaptainWirzandkeyConfederateleaders,includingPresidentJeffersonDavisandGeneralRobertE.Lee.TheirhopewastoprovethatDavis&LeehadconspiredwithWirztokillUnionsoldiersatAndersonville,andcouldthususethattochargebothleaders.Forthepurposesofthismocktrial,thisconspiracyhasbeenommitted,andthefocusisonestablishingWirz’sresponsibilityforAndersonvilleinlightoftheLieberCode,whichwasadoptedin1863toprotecttherightsofsoldiersandciviliansintheCivilWar.

The gates of Andersonville Prison, Library of Congress 4

Andersonville National Historic Site National Park ServiceU.S. Department of the Interior

Role - SheetDefense Team

The Trial of Henry WirzMock Trial Curriculum

YouarethedefenseteamforCaptainHenryWirz.YouareacivilianattorneythathasbeenassignedbytheUnitedStatesgovernmenttodefendWirzagainstchargesthatheviolatedthelawsofwar.YoumustconvincethemembersofthemilitarytribunalthatalthoughconditionswerebadatAndersonville,HenryWirzdidthebesthecouldunderthecircumstancesanddidnotintentionallymistreatprisonersorviolatethelawsofwar.Yourcase: 1.Capt.HenryWirzdidnothavecommandofthehospitalor themedicalcareatAndersonville.Surgeonsandotherofficers thatoutrankedWirzwereresponsibleforthosefunctions.

2.Capt.HenryWirzwasnotresponsibleforwhowassentto Andersonville;thereforehecannotbeheldresponsibleforthe overcrowding. 3.Althoughtherewereshortagesoffoodandclothing,Capt. HenryWirzdidthebesthecouldtoensurethatthesesupplies weregiventotheprisonersinafairway.Hewasnotresponsible fortheshortages.Theseresultedfromthedeteriorating economyoftheConfederacyattheendofthewar.

4.Capt.HenryWirzdidnotbeat,kill,ortortureprisoners, ororderothersunderhiscommandtodoso. 5.Capt.HenryWirzwasamemberoftheConfederateArmy, andthereforecannotbeheldontrialbytheUnitedStatesArmy, whichhewasnotamemberof.

Priortothedayofthetrial,youwillwanttocarefullyreadeachwitness’stestimoniesandprepareyourquestionsforeachwitnessinadvance.Youshouldaskquestionsthathighlightpointsthatproveyourcase.Youcannotaskquestionsthatarenotaddressedaspartofthewitness’statements.Ifyouareactingasapartofadefenseteam,youmayconsiderdividingthistaskupamongstthemembersofyourteam.Atappropriatetimesduringyourquestioningofwitnesses,youmaywanttoshowmembersofthemilitarytribunalpiecesofevidencethatsupportyourcase.

Louis Schade - Defense Attorney for Henry Wirz

Role - SheetProsecution Team

YouareaveteranofficeroftheUnionArmyduringtheCivilWar.YourtaskistoprosecuteHenryWirz.YoumustconvincethejurythatthelawsofwarwereviolatedandthatHenryWirzisresponsiblefortheseviolationsthatresultedinthedeathsofnearly13,000Americansoldiersandthesufferingsofthousandsmore.

Yourcase:

1.HenryWirzfailedtoprovideadequatemedicalcaretothe prisoners.

2.HenryWirzintentionallywithheldfood,clothing,and shelterfromtheprisoners.

3.HenryWirzpersonallymistreatedprisonersbycursingat, beating,torturing,orkillingprisoners,orbyorderingothersto doso.

4.WhathappenedatAndersonvilleisanatrocity;afailureof humanrightstobeprotected,andascommanderof Andersonville,HenryWirzshouldbearthatresponsibility.

Priortothedayofthetrial,youwillwanttocarefullyreadeachwitness’stestimoniesandprepareyourquestionsforeachwitnessinadvance.Youshouldaskquestionsthathighlightpointsthatproveyourcase.Youcannotaskquestionsthatarenotaddressedaspartofthewitness’statements.Ifyouareactingasapartofaprosecutionteam,youmayconsiderdividingthistaskupamongstthemembersofyourteam.Atappropriatetimesduringyourquestioningofwitnesses,youmaywanttoshowmembersofthemilitarytribunalpiecesofevidencethatsupportyourcase.

Norton Park ChipmanChief Prosector & Judge AdvocateThe Trial of Henry Wirz

Role - SheetMilitary Tribunal Member

YouareamemberofthemilitarytribunalthathasbeenassignedtohearthecaseofHenryWirz.Yourjobistohearthecaseandserveasajury.Thedefendant,CaptainHenryWirz(CSA),hasbeenchargedwithviolatingthelawsofwar,andiffoundguiltyhewillbesentencedtohang.Asamilitarytribunalmember,keepinmindthatyouareanofficerintheUnitedStatesArmy.YouhavespentthelastfouryearsfightingagainsttheConfederateArmy.CaptainWirzwasamemberofthisarmythatyouwerefightingagainst,althoughthewarisovernow.

Amilitarytribunalisdifferentfromatraditionalciviliancourtroom.YouhaveheardofHenryWirzandyouhavereadnewspaperaccountsofhowbadAndersonvillewas.YoumaybeenteringthistribunalwithabiasagainstHenryWirz,butbeopentochangingyourmind.Anotherdifferenceisthatunlikeatraditionaljurymember,youhavetheprivilegetospeakandaskquestionsoftheprosecutionandthedefense.

Yourtaskisto:

1.Takecarefulnotesandpayattentiontobothsidesofthe argument

2.Askquestionsoftheprosecutionandthedefenseifyoufeelit isnecessary.

3.WeighalloftheevidenceanddecideifHenryWirzviolated thelawsofwar.Youwillvoteonthis.Forthepurposesofthis mocktrial,asimplemajorityisallthatisnecessarytoconvict him.

Major General Lew WallaceChairman of the Military TribunalThe Trial of Henry Wirz

The Laws of WarThe Lieber Codes

TheLieberCodes,orGeneralOrders100,wereissuedbyPresidentAbrahamLincolninApril1863.TheLieberCodewasintendedtogoverntheconductofsoldiersduringtheCivilWarandtoprotecttherightsofbothciviliansandsoldiers.ManyoftheindividuallawsofwaroutlinedintheLieberCodespecificallyoutlinedhowtheUnitedStatesgovernmentexpectedprisonersofwartobetreated.AftertheCivilWar,theLieberCodeswereusedasthebasisforaround1,000militarytribunals,includingtheTrialofHenryWirz.

ListedbelowarespecificlawsofwarintheLieberCodesthataddresstreatmentofprisonersofwar.

56.Aprisonerofwarissubjecttonopunishmentforbeingapublicenemy,norisanyrevengewreakeduponhimbytheintentionalinflictionofanysuffering,ordisgrace,bycruelpunishment,wantoffood,bymutilation,deathoranyotherbarbarity.

58.Thelawofnationsknowsnodistinctionofcolor,andifanenemyoftheUnitedStatesshouldenslaveandsellanycapturedpersonsoftheirarmy,itwouldbeacasefortheseverestretaliation.

75.Prisonersofwararesubjecttoconfinementorimprisonmentsuchasmaybedeemednecessaryonaccountofsafety,buttheyaretobesubjectedtonootherintentionalsufferingorindignity.

76.Prisonersofwarshallbefeduponplainandwholesomefoodwheneverpracticable,andtreatedwithhumanity.

77.Aprisonerofwarwhoescapesmaybeshot,orotherwisekilledinhisflight,butneitherdeathnoranyotherpunishmentshallbeinflicteduponhimsimplyfortheattempttoescape,whichthelawofwardoesnotconsideracrime.

79.Everycapturedwoundedenemyshallbemedicallytreated,accordingtotheabilityofthemedicalstaff.

Francis LieberLawyer who primarily authored what became known as The Lieber Code

The Charges AgainstCaptain Henry Wirz

1.ThatHenryWirzmaliciously,willfully,andtraitorouslyconspiredtoinjurethehealth and destroy the lives of soldiers in themilitaryserviceoftheUnitedStates,thenheldprisonersofwar;inviolationofthelawsandcustomsofwar.

2.Murder,inviolationofthelawsandcustomsofwar.

Captain Henry WirzCommanderAndersonville Prison

The WitnessesThe Trial of Henry WirzMock Trial Curriculum

Alltogether,morethan135witnesseswerecalledtotestifyintheWirzTrial.Theseincludedformerprisoners,UnionandConfederateofficials,guards,andcivilianswhohadknowledgeofAndersonville.Forthepurposesofthisclassroomactivity,elevenhavebeenselected.TheirtestimoniespresentedinthismocktrialaretakendirectlyfromthehistoricWirzTrialtranscripts.Thesearetheiractualwords.Historianshaveoftenlabeledwitnessesaseitherdefenseorprosecutionwitnesses.However,manywitnesseswerecalledtotestifybybothsides.

Thewitnessesusedforthismocktrialare:

1.Dr.JohnBates-AConfederatedoctoratAndersonville.

2.Dr.M.M.Marsh-AUniondoctorwhoworkedfortheUSSanitaryCommission,chargedwithsendingsuppliesfortheprisoners.

3.FelixdelaBaume-Aformerprisoner,andPresidentoftherecentlyformedAndersonvilleSurvivors’Association.

4.FrankMaddox-Aformerprisoner.OneofthefewAfricanAmericansoldiersheldprisoneratAndersonville.

5.MaryRawson-AcivilianfromPlains,GAwhowasafrequentvisitortoAndersonville.

6.NazarethAllen-AguardatAndersonville.

7.FatherPeterWhelan-ACatholicpriestwhofrequentlyvisitedAndersonville

8.RobertKellogg-Aformerprisoner.Kelloggwascalledbyboththedefenseandtheprosecutionasakeywitness.Bothsidesconsideredhimverytrustworthy.

9.SamuelHall-AcivilianwholivednearAndersonville.

10.W.D.Hammock-AguardatAndersonville.

11.WilliamBull-AformerPrisoner

12.HenryWirz,Defendant,andformercommandantofthestockadeatCampSumterMilitaryPrisonatAndersonville,Georgia.

Sgt. Major Robert Kellogg, 16th CT Infantry.Both the prosecution and the defense considered Kellogg to be very honest, and both sides called him to testify as a key witness.

WitnessDr. John C. Bates

IhavebeenresidingforthepastfourorfiveyearsintheStateofGeorgia.Iampractitionerofmedicine,andhavebeenengagedinthatprofessionsince1850.IhavebeenondutyattheAndersonvilleprisonasactingassistantsurgeon.Iwasassignedthereonthe19thofSeptember,1864,andleftthereonthe26thofMarch,1865.

UpongoingtothehospitalIwentimmediatelytothewardtowhichIwasassigned,and,althoughIamnotanover-sensitiveman,ImustconfessIwasrathershockedattheappearanceofthings.Themenwerelyingpartiallynudeanddyingandlousy,aportionoftheminthesandandothersuponboardswhichhadbeenstuckuponlittleprops,prettywellcrowdedtogether,amajorityoftheminsmalltents.

Clothingwehadnone;thepatientscouldnotbefurnishedwithanyclothing,exceptthattheclothingofthedeadwasgenerallyappropriatedtotheliving.Wethushelpedthelivingalongaswellaswecould.

Themorningaftermakingmyfirsttourasofficeroftheday,Isatdownandmadeareport,thelanguageofwhichIdonotnowrecollect,butthesubstancewasbasedupontheconditioninwhichIfoundthehospital.Thatreportwassentup,andIbeinganoviceinmilitarymatters,forsomethingswhichIhadsaidinthatreportIreceivedawrittenreprimand.Icontinuedtomakethosereports,butIthinktheywerenotheeded.

IhadbeensooftenarrestedthatIthoughtitnecessarytosneakfoodtothepatients.Iwouldputapotatoinmypocketandwouldturnaroundandletitdroptothismanorothers.Ididnotwishtobeobservedbyanybody.WhenIfirstwentthere,Iunderstoodthatitwaspositivelyagainsttheorderstotakeanythingin.TheprisonersinthestockadeandthehospitalwerenotverywellprotectAstotheprisonersgenerally,theironlymeansofshelterfromthesunandrainweretheirblankets,iftheyhadcarriedanyalongwiththem.Iregardedthatlackofshelterasasourceofdisease.AtthetimeIcamethereIunderstoodthatGeneralWinderwasincommand,butshortlyafterwardsColonelGibbswas.CaptainWirzdidnothaveanythingtodowiththemedicaldepartmentthatIknewof.Ididnotrecognizehimashavinganyrightwhatevertodoso.Heneverinterferedwithmeinanyway.Ihavenohardfeelingtowardshim;healwaystreatedmeveryrespectfullyandkindly.

Imaysaythatwehadnomedicines.Theywerenumbered.IaskedDr.Shepherdaboutit.Hesaidthattheyhadnotmedicines,andthattheirformulasweremadeupofindigenousremedies;thatbythesenumbersitwaseasiertoprescribe;thatthereweresometimes80,sometimes150,andsometimes200casestoprescribefor,andthismeanswasadoptedinordertofacilitatematters.ForascurvycasewewouldorderspecificNo.14or24,asthecasemightbe.Ifeelmyselfsafeinsayingthatseventy-fivepercentofthosewhodiedmighthavebeensaved,hadthoseunfortunatemenbeenproperlycaredforastofood,clothing,bedding,&c.

Idesiretomakeasingleremarktorectifysomeinfluenceswhichhavebeenmadeinreferencetomyself.IthasbeenclaimedontheonehandthatIamhereasawitnessagainstCaptainWirz,andontheotherhandthatIamawitnessforhim.IwishsimplytosaythatIamheretotellthetruth,andIhavedoneitregardlessofconsequences.

WitnessDr. M.M. Marsh

ForthelasttwoorthreeyearsIhavehadchargeoftheUnitedStatesSanitaryCommissionmattersintheStatesofFlorida,Georgia,andtheCarolinas.IwasstationedatBeaufort,SC.WhileIwasthere,wereceivedsanitarystoresforprisonersinthecustodyoftherebelgovernmentandpurchasedalsoofaUnitedStatesquartermaster…Iforwardedclothingandprovisions,sanitarystores,toAndersonville,GA,fortheuseoftheprisonersthere.Imadeamemorandumoftheamountofthearticlessentthere,orhaditmade…weweresendingtofiveotherpointsatthesametime…ImadealistofwhatwassenttoAndersonvillebetweenAugustandNovember1864…Thispaperissubmittedasevidence.

AportionofthesearticlesweresentinthemonthofJuly;butasmallportionofthem.Webegantosendthemquiteregularlyuptoaroundthe1stofNovember,1864.IhavenoevidencetheseletterswereeverreceivedatAndersonville;AllIknowrespectingitisthatIeitherpersonallyorthroughsomeagent–passedthestoresovertosomeagentoftheConfederategovernmenttoreceivethem.

IceasedtosendprovisionstoAndersonvilleinNovember;therecameanorderfromWashingtonforbiddingit.

WitnessFelix de la Baume

IwasinthemilitaryserviceoftheUnitedStates,inthe39thNewYorkvolunteers.IwasprisonerofwaratAndersonvillefromJuly.8,1864,tillApril19,1865.Iknowtheprisoner,CaptainWirz.Onthe8thofJulyIarrivedatAndersonville,withthreeorfourhundredotherprisoners,mostofthemsickandwounded.WewerebroughtuptoCaptainWirz’sheadquarters.Theguardshadorderstoletnoneofusgotothewater.Oneoftheprisonerswasattackedwithepilepsyorfits;hefelldown;someofhisfriendsorneighborsstandingnearhimrandowntothecreekafterwater.FirstIheardashotfired,withoutseeingwhofiredit.AfterhearingthatshotfiredIlookeddowntotheleftandIsawCaptainWirzfiretwomoreshots,woundingtwomen.CaptainWirzhadarevolverinhishand.Iwasperhapstwentypacesdistantfromhim.IamcertainIsawCaptainWirzdischargethepistolinhishand.AfterthisCaptainWirzpointedouttheman,andsaid,“’ThatisthewayIgetridofyoudamnedsonsofbitches.”

ThefirsttimeIcameintothestockadeIreceivednotreatmentwhateverformywound.IshowedCaptainWirzmylegandtoldhimthatmywoundhadnotbeendressedsinceIleftRichmond,andIwishedforabandagebeforeIshouldgointothestockade.Hesaid,“I’llbedamnedifIdon’tsendeveryoneofyoutohell.”ThatwasbeforeIwasputintothestockade,onthe8thofJuly,intheforenoonabout11or12o’clock.

InthemonthofDecember1864,whenitwassoverycold,wedidnotreceiveanywoodinthehospital.Iobtainedtheparolepassofanotherprisoner.OnthatpassIusedtogooutsideofthehospitalenclosuretogatherupsomewood,soastohavesomefireinthetentwhereIstopped.Goingoutofthehospitaloneday,IsawamannamedEdler,aprivateinthe39thNewYorkvolunteers.Isawhimtied,withanironcollarroundhisneck,toapost.IheardthismansaysomethingtoCaptainWirz,whereuponCaptainWirzsaid,“Onewordmore,andIwillblowyourdamnedbraintohell,”holdingapistoltowardshishead.

Irememberaboutthehounds.InthemonthofSeptember,1864,Iwasallowedtogooutafterwood.AtthattimeCaptainWirzallowedsquadsoftwenty-fivetogooutafterwoodaboutamiledistantfromthestockade.IwentoutwithLouisHolm,ofthe5thNewYorkcavalry.WhenwecameoutHolmsuggestedthatweshouldhideourselvesandgotosomefarmtoobtainsomethingtoeat.HolmandIhidourselvesinaverylargetree,andremainedthereforoveranhour;thenweheardthedogsbark.Mycomradewastornbythedogsverybadly;wewerebroughtinbyasergeantandbythemenwhohadthedogs.CaptainWirzsentusbacktothestockadeandgaveorderstothesergeantofthedetachmentnottoletusgooutanymore.

Ihaveseenagreatmanymenshotinthestockadenearthedead-line,insidethedead-line;Imeanbetweenthedead-lineandtheinnerstockade,havingcrossedthedead-line,betweenthedeadlineandtheinnerstockade.Whenweweretherewedidnotknowonedayfromanother,andIcannotstatethedaydefinitely.IknowpositivelyoftwowhomImyselfsawkilledonthedead-linebythesentries;onewasafriend,andanotherwasacorporalofthe125thNewYork;Hewaskilledwhilereachingunderthedead-lineforcleanwater;Idonotknowtowhatcompanyhebelonged.

WhenIfirstwenttoAndersonvillewereceivedcorn-meal.Wereceivedasmuchasapint,sometimes,acup-full.Ireceivedthismealandabouttwoouncesofbaconaday.MostofthetimeIwasobligedtoeatthatmealraw,mixingitupwithwaterandsomesaltifwehadany.Wereceivedeverythreeorfourdaysthreeteaspoonfulsofsalt.Iwasobligedlikethousandsofotherstoeatthatmealandthatbaconraw.Menwhohadmoneycouldbuyfor25centsenoughwoodtocookacupofcoffeeormush.

Rumors have long persisted that Felix de la Baume was a fraud and a deserter from another unit. However, military service records indicate that Felix de la Baume, 39th New York was captured and held at Andersonville. After the war, many of the witnesses were attacked by Wirz supporters. De la Baume later became President of the Andersonville Survivors’ Association 13

WitnessFrank Maddox - African American Prisoner

IwasatAndersonville,GA,asaprisoner.Iwasthereaboutelevenmonths.IwastakenthereApril1,1864andIleftthereFebruary2,1865.WhenIwastakenthereIwasputinthestockadeandstayedthereabouttwomonths…Iwasthentakenoutandputtowork…buryingthedead…Wehelpedtoenlargethestockade.

IknowCaptainWirz.IheadCaptainWirzmakethreatsastowhathewoulddowithus.Onemorning…theysentustotheswamptoditch.Itwasverycoldandtheboysdidnotwanttogo.CaptainWirztoldthesergeantinchargeofus,ifwedidnotgo,totakeaclub,andkillthelastd----oneofus,andletthebuzzardseatus.Iamspeakingofthecoloredmen…Ididnotcomplain.Isawnouseincomplaining.Thosewhodidcomplaindidnotgetanythingdoneforthem.IheardmencomplaintoCaptainWirzabouttheirsufferingfromthecold…Onemorningthesergeantaskedhimtoletusgooutandgetsome[firewood].Hesaidhewasnotgoingtodoit;thathedidnotcaread----ifwealldied.ThesergeantintimatedtousthatCaptainWirzgavethemenathirtydays’furlougheverytimetheyshotaYankee.HewouldnevertreatusboysasCaptainWirzwantedhimtotreatus.Hewantedhimtobewhippingusandknockingusabout…CaptainWirzorderedhimtodoit.Ihaveseenhimmanytimeswhenhegavetheorders.Ilookedrightat[CaptWirz]whenthewordscameoutofhismouth.Ineversawcoloredmenputinthestocksorthechaingain.Whentheywantedtopunishthem,theywouldputthemacrossalogandwhippedthemhalftodeathandputthembacktowork…

CaptainWirzneverinflictedanypunishmentofanykindonmebuthedidtoothers.Onehehadwhipped.Iwasupattheofficeinthemorningtogetanorderforrationsfortheboyswhowouldbeoutatwork.HethoughtIwasthemanandcommencedtocurseme.ThesergeanttoldhimIwasnottheman,andcalledupIsaacHawkinsandaskedhimwhathehadbeendoing.Hetoldhimnothing.CaptainWirzhauledbackandknockedhimtothesideofthetentandtoldTurnertotakehim,striphim,andgivehimfivehundredlashes…theygavehimtwohundredfiftylashes…Themanwasthenloosed,andtakentotheblacksmithshop,andhadabouttwofeetofchainputonhim,andwassenttothegraveyardtowork,beingtoldthatifhestoppedfiveminutesduringtheday,hewouldgettwohundredfiftymore…IneversawCaptainWirzabuseanycoloredmenunlesstheyhaddonesomethingwrong;Ihaveseenhimhavesomeofthemwhipped,butwhethertheydidanythingwrongIcannottell…Iheardtherewerechargesagainstthem.

CaptainWirzwasoutinthegraveyardonedayinOctober1864;someofficerswereouttherewiththemandtheywerelookingatthemenwhohadbeeninoculated–howgreentheircornshadturned.CaptainWirzsaid,“TheG-DYankeeSonsofB----;”hehadgiventhemthelandtheyhadcomeouttofightfor,hehadgiventhemsixfeet.Hereferredtothosewhohaddiedfromvaccination;thatwasinOctober…IsawCaptainWirzinthegraveyardwiththesurgeonstwoorthreetimes;theywerelaughingovertheeffectsofthevaccinationoneday;thedoctorhadbeenexamining,andhadcutsomebodiesopenandhadsawedsomeheadsopen;insomecasesagreenstreakfromthearmhadextendedtothebody;theywerelaughingaboutitskillingthemenso;ImeanthesurgeonsandCaptainWirz…

Isawthirteenboxes(railroadboxcars)of[supplies]comehere[fromthenorth].IhelpedtounloadthemandtheminCaptainWirz’soffice.Idonotknowwhatbecameofthem.Theygavethemenatthecook-housesomeandsomeweresenttothehospital.Idonotknowwhatbecameofthebalance.IsawCaptainWirzwearingbluepantsandsanitarycommissionshirts.Weaskedhimforsomeoftheclothesandhewouldnotgivethemtous…

Maddox was a member of the 35th USCT. The United States Colored Troops (USCTs) consisted of both former slaves and African Americans who were born free. Although the official Confederate policy was to execute or sell into slavery captured USCTs, around one hundred African Americans were held prisoner at Andersonville. These men were used by the Confeder-ate command as labor outside the prison stockade. They did tasks ranging from burying the dead to building earthworks and prison buildings. Frank Maddox was one of four African American prisoners to testify at the Wirz Trial.

WitnessMiss Mary Rawson

IresideontheplainsofDura,Georgia.IhavebeenatAndersonville,Icannotsayexactlyhowmanytimes,whiletheUnionprisonerswerethere.IcommencedgoinginJanuary,1865.Igenerallywentaboutonceeverytwoweeks.Myobjectingoingtherewastofeedaprisoner.IsawCaptainWirzsometimeswhenIwentthere.IwasthereinthemonthofMarch,1865.Ihadonabrowndress.CaptainWirzneveratanytimerefusedordeniedmeanyprivilegeoftakingthingsintoprisonersthere.Hewasalwaysagreeable,andtoldmeIcouldbringanythingintotheprisonerIwasgoingtosee.IhadoneparticularprisonerIwasgoingtosee.WhenIfirstwentthereImetCaptainWirzatthedepot.Ithoughtthenhewasacolonel.IaskedhimifIcouldvisitaprisonerwhowassick.HetoldmeIcould.Atthattimehegaveapasstooneoftheparoledmenintheoffice.Mycharitywasconfinedtooneprisonerthere.HisnamewasPeterKean.Hebelongedtothe16thIowaregiment.Hewasaprivatesoldierinthestockade.Iusedtotieupabushelbasketandleaveit,andmyprisonersaidthatthatwouldlasthimtwoweeks.AftertwoweeksIwouldgoagain.ThecaptainalwaysrecognizedmeandaskedmeifIwasgoingtoseemyprisoner.Iwouldsay“Yes,”andIwouldcarryanotherbasketupandleaveit.Heneverrefusedme.Hegenerallytreatedmyprisoner,asIcalledhim,verycourteously.Hegavehimtheonlychairintheroom,andIsatonthebench.IneverheardofCaptainWirztreatinganyotherlady,whowentthere,inanunkindway.

WitnessNazareth Allen - Guard, 3rd GA Reserves

Iknowtheprisoner,CaptainWirz;hewascommanderoftheprison.Ihaveseenthestocks,andseenmeninthem;Ihaveseenseveralputinthestocks,andsometenortwelveinthechain-gain;Iknowthatoneprisonerdiedinthechaingainorstocks;Iwon’tbecertainwhich,butIthinkitthestocks;IthinkitwassometimeAugust1864….ThestockswerebetweenCaptainWirz’sheadquartersandthestockade,ontheroadyouwouldtakegoingintothestockade. IsawaprisonerstepoutfromrankstospeaktoCaptainWirzforanexchangeintoamess,whentheywerecountingthemout…CaptianWirzorderedhimbackandthreatenedtoshoothim.Hedidnotshoothim;hethreatenedtoshootandhecursedhim.

Iknowagreatmanyprisonersdiedthere.Theyhadnosheltersinsidethestockademuchmorethantheymadeforthemselvesoutoftheirblanketsandpinetops.Iwasondutyatthestockadeasasentry.Ihadthemeansofobservingtheconditionofthecampinsidethestockade;IcouldseeitfromthestoopwhereIwas.Somefewhadsheltersmadeoutoftheirblanketsorsuchastheyhadbuiltthemselveswithpinetopswhichtheyhadcarriedin.TherewasnoothershelterthatIsaw…Aportionofthestockadenearthebranch(stream)wasaverymiry,boggy,muddyplace.Theswampwasnotcleanly…agooddealoffilthwentthroughthestockade.Thecook-housewasabovethestockadeandagooddealofwashingwasdoneupthebranch,consequentlyagooddealoffilthwentdown.Someof[our]campswereabove;someofthemwashedintothisstream.Someofthesinks(bathrooms)wereonthatstreamjustabovethestockade,onthesideofthehill.WhenheavyrainscameIshouldsupposesomeofitwentthroughthestockade.Sometimestheprisonersinthestockadewerecompelledtousethatwater…

Theprisonerswerecomplainingallthewhileinconsequenceoftheirtreatment;butIdon’tknowtowhomtheymadetheircomplaints.Imadecomplaints,aswellasothersoldiersoftherebel(Confederate)service.Wecomplainedmerelytoourownofficers,buttheycouldnothelpusanyaboutthat.InevercomplainedtoCaptainWirz…ColonelHarrisandColonelMoorewerethecolonelsofourregiment…Ourregimentwasnotcomposedofunhealthymen.Someofalltheregimentsweresickthere.Idon’tknowhowmanyweresick;Ihadnomeansofknowing;Ididn’tpayanyattentiontothehospital…Idonotknowwhogavetheofficersorderswheretolayoutourcampwhenwewentthere.Wecleanedupthegroundbyorderofourofficers.ColonelMoorecommandedustodoit.CaptainWirzhadnothingtodowiththelocatingofourcampthatIknowof.Idon’tknowthathehadanythingtodowithourmenwashingorbathinginthewaterthere.Hewascommanderoftheprison;hemighthavehadarighttohaveforbiddenit.Idon’tknowwhetherhehadtherighttointerferewithcommandofourcamp.Hewouldalwayssendanofficertoourcampforwhathewanted.Ineverknewhimtobeupthere.Ineverknewhimtobeupthere…

Iwasonguardorpicketdutyeveryotherday.Inevershotanyone;IneversawanyoneshotwhileIwasonduty.IgotorderswhenIwasonthestooptoshoottheprisonersiftheycrossedthedeadline.Ihadnoorderstoshootanybodyifhedidnotviolatesomepoliceregulation.Theshootingofanyonecrossingthedeadlinewaspartofthepoliceregulationoftheprison.Iwouldnothaveshotanyoneifhedidnotviolatesomepartofthatregulation…IfIwasguardingabodyofprisonersanywhere,smallorlarge,andtheydidnotobeyme,Iwouldthreatenthem.Iwouldthreatentobayonetthemorshootthem.WhenCaptainWirzthreatenedthesemenIsupposeitwasnotmorethatIoranyoneelsewouldd,iftheydidnotobeyme.

WitnessFather Peter Whelan

Myofficeisthatofapriest;IwasinAndersonvillefromthe16thofJune,1864untilnearthe1stofOctober.

FatherHamiltonhadvisitedtheplaceinMay,seentheconditionoftheprisoners,andwrittentothebishopatSavannahtosendapriestthere.Heaskedmetogoandvisittheprisoners.AccordingtohisrequestIwent…Istayeduntilthevastportionoftheprisonerswereremovedtootherpoints;Iwouldhavestayedlongeriftheprisonershadbeenretained;mydutieswerethoseofaCatholicPriest–nothingmore;Ihadnocommissionfromthegovernment.Iwenttherevoluntarily,withoutpayorremunerationfurtherthanmerelytoreceiverations.Thesewerenearlythesamerationswhichthesoldierswhowereonguardtherereceived,andalsotheprisonersinthestockade.PerhapsImighthavehadsomethingmoreinquantity,butnotastoquality.Mylaborswereperformedinsidethestockadeandinthehospitaloutside.IneversawCaptainWirzinflictinganypersonalviolenceonanyprisoner;neitherdidIhearofitduringmystaythere.Imighthaveheardreportsthatheusedprofanelanguage,butIneversaworheardofhimusinganypersonalviolencesoastoproducedeath;itisthehighestprobabilitythatsuchathingcouldnothaveoccurredwithoutcomingtomyknowledge.

CaptainWirzaffordedmeeveryfacilitytovisittheprisonersandaffordthemanyreliefthatwasinmypower.Heneverputanyobstaclesinmyway,whetherphysicalorspiritual.Mymeansofgivingaidtothemwereverylimited.Butaffordedmeeveryfacilitywithregardtotheprisoners…Hegavemethefacilities,andthatfactwasevidenceofhiswillingnesstodoso.Sofarashiswillwasconcerned,thatwasanoperationofhisownmindofwhichIcouldhavenoknowledge.Healwaysdiditcheerfully.Heneverrefused.Henevershowedanyobjectiontogivemeatanytimeapasstogointothestockadeorhospital…Iborrowed$16,000andwentdowntoAndersonville.IspoketoCaptainWirzandhefreelygavemepermissiontopurchaseflourfortheprisoners.

IthinkIneversawCaptainWirzwithinthestockadeexceptthetimethemen(thesixRaiders)werehanged…Hewasalwayscalmandkindtome…Ihaveseenhimcommitnoviolence.Hemaysometimeshavespokenharshlytosomeoftheprisoners…TherehavebeensomeviolenceschargeduponhimherewhichIneverheardofbeingcommittedbyhim.Ineverheardofhiskillingaman,orstrikingamanwithapistol,orkickingamantodeath.DuringmytimeinthestockadeIneverheardofit.Ineverheard,eitherinsideoroutside,duringmystaythere,thathehadtakenthelifeofamanbyviolence;thatheshotamanorkickedhimtodeath.

WitnessSgt. Major Robert Kellogg

IwasatAndersonville,Georgia;Ienteredthereonthe3ddayofMay,1864,andleftthereonthe10thofSeptemberofthesameyear;Iwentwithabodyofprisoners;Ithinkthereweresomefourhundredofus;IwastakenfromPlymouth,NorthCarolina,toAndersonvillebyrailroad.

Weenteredtheprisononthe3dofMay,1864.Wherewasnoshelterprovidedforusatthattime,oratanyothertimewhilewewereintheprison.Wewerefortunateenoughtobeallowedtoretainourblankets,andwiththemweerectedshelterswhichprotectedusfromtheheatofthesun,butnotfromtherain.Theydidprotectusfromtherainforafewdays,butsoontheybecomesowornastobeutterlyuselessagainsttherain.Ofthefourhundredmencapturedwithme,nearlythreehundredaredead.

IhaveseenCaptainWirzintheprisonfrequently.Heusuallycameinmoreoftenthanotherwisemountedonhorseback.Hewouldrideinsidethedeadlineandexaminetheprison.Ineverheardhimgiveanyorders.Iwasinthestockadeallthetime;Ididnotgooutofitwiththeexceptionoffewtimesforwood.

Irecollectthedeadlinethere.Theeffectoftrespassinguponitwasdeath.Ihaveseenthepenaltyenforced-Ihaveseensentriesshoot.Icamenearbeingshotmyselfonce.Ihaveseensentriesfirefromthesentrypostsatmen.Ihaveseenthemfiringatmenwhoweredippingwateroutofthebrook,justunderthe“deadline.”Shootingbysentrieswasafrequentoccurrence;sothat,afterawhile,wedidnotnoticeitsomuchaswedidwhenwefirstwentthere.

Themostofthemenhadtodependonthebrookfortheirwater,andthat,atmanytimes,wasexceedinglyfilthy.Ihaveseenitcompletelycovered,almost,withfloatinggrease,anddirt,andoffal.Ihavegoneinbarefoot,whenitwassodirtythatIhadtogoout,asIwasgettingalloverwithgreaseandfilth.ThereweretwodaysIrememberwhenwegotnothingtoeat,the3dofJulyandthe11thofAugust;Idon’tremembernowthecause.Idon’tknowthatCaptainWirzhadanythingtodowithmynothavinganythingtoeat.

IdonotsaythatIneverheardanycomplaintmadewithregardtoCaptainWirz’sbrutaltreatmentofprisoners.Hischaracterwascruelandbrutal,andweallunderstoodthatperfectlywell.Weunderstoodthatfromhearinghislanguage,whichwasinsultingandprofane;andfromthegeneraltreatmentthereintheprison.Wesawthatwewerebadlytreatedandmiserablyprovidedfor;andwenaturallysupposedthathe,ascommandantoftheprison,was,inagreatdegreeatleast,responsibleforit;wesupposed,ofcoursethatsomebodywasresponsibleforit.

Idorememberoneinstanceofcruelty.SomeofSherman’sraiderswerecaptured,andwerebroughtintoprisonrobbedofnearlyeverything.Ihaveseensomeofthemwithmerelyashirtandpants,nohat,shoesorcoat;andIhaveheardstatementsofthosementhattheyweresearchedoutsidebeforetheywerebroughtintoprison,androbbedofeverything,eventheirpocket-knives,photographs,pictures,andthingsofnovalue;andIhaveheardthestatementofotherprisonerswhohavecomeintheredestituteofnearlyeverything,tellinghowtheyhavebeenrobbedofthem.CaptainWirzwasalwaysveryroughandbrutalinhismodeofconductingbusiness,sofarasIsaw;andhewasnotverychoiceinhisselectionofnamesfortheYankees.

WitnessSamuel Hall

IresideinMaconcounty,Georgia.Ihavelivedthereduringtherebellion,tenmilesfromAndersonville.Ivis-itedtheprisonatAndersonvillefrequently,fromAugust,1864,tillApril,1865.Iobservedtheconditionoftheprisonatadistance,nearenoughtogiveanopinionwithregardtotheconditionoftheprison.WhenIfirstsawitinthemonthofAugustitwasliterallycrammedandpacked;therewasscarcelyroomforlocomotion.Itwasdestituteofshelter,aswellasIcouldjudge,andatthattimetherewasgreatmortalityamongtheprison-ers.ImetCaptainWirzwhileIwasthere.IinferthathewasincommandoftheprisonfromcircumstanceswhichIcanstatetothecourt.WhenIsawhimhewaswritinginanofficethathadasignabovethedoorofit“CommandantoftheInteriorPrison.”

Iknowofaruleinthesouthernconfederacyduringtherebellioninregardtolevyingtithesofproducts;therewasanactoftheconfederatecongressthatrequiredone-tenthofallthefarmproductstobepaidinasatax.Itwasveryrigidlyenforced.Therewasaconsiderableamountofprovisionsaccumulatedinthatway.Mybusinesscalledmethroughthatpartofthecountry;Ipassedthroughitfrequently.Thegovernmenthadabutcher-peninOglethorpe,atwhichIthinkinthewinterof1863-’64theyslaughteredsome5,000headofhogs,perhapsalessnumber.Inthewinterof1864-’65porkwasslaughteredthere;whatamountIdon’tpre-ciselyremember.Theonlyothercommissary’sorquartermaster’sstoresthattheyhadthere,thatIknowof,werethosereceivedfromthetithes,whichwerebacon,corn,oats,fodder,wheat,peeledpeas,groundpeas,perhapssirup.Thestoreswerehauledoffasrapidlyastheyweregatheredtotherailroaddepots,andsenttothearmiesofTennesseeandVirginia.OglethorpeisabouttenmilesfromAndersonville.Idonotthinkthattheone-tenthwhichtheyimpressedinthatwaycouldhavesuppliedtheenormouswantsoftheconfederategovernment;Iknowitcouldnot..

IresideatOglethorpe,inMaconcounty;itisnorthwardfromAndersonville.IwasatAndersonvilleseveraltimesinAugust;Idon’tknowhowmanytimes.IwasinsidetheprisonlastDecember;itwasatthattimeliter-allycrammed.Icanformnoestimateofhowmanywereinsideexceptfromwhattheofficerstoldme.Ineversawmenascloselypackedastheywere.IonlyknowfromwhatGeneralWindertoldmeastohowtheycametobethereatthattime.GeneralWinderstatedtomethatthatprisonwasbuiltfortheaccommodationofabout10,000men;thatbeforeitwascompletedtheprisonersatRichmondandotherpointsinVirginiawereextremelyunsafe,byreasonofaraid;theywererushedoutfromLibby,BelleIslandandelsewhere,andputintothatprison.Heregrettedthatitwassocrowded;hewantedtobuildotherprisons,andstatedthatbewasproceedingtodoitasrapidlyasthemeansathiscommandwouldenablehimtodoso.

Hespokeaboutthedeficiencyofhismeans;hestatedthathecouldnotgetthetimber,thathecouldnotgetthelabor,thathehadimpressedallthesawmillsinthatcountrythathecouldimpress;thathehadgottimberfromeveryquarterwherehecouldgetit,andthathecouldnotevenfurnishthosewhoweretherewithshel-ter.Igotapasstogoinsidethestockade.Itwascertainlynecessarytohavethatpasssystem.Ifhehadallowedintercoursewiththeprisonersfromeverybodyoutside,Idon’tsupposehecouldhavekeptthemthereverylong.ThatIthinkmustbeobvious.

IamnotanativeofGeorgia;IamanativeofSouthCarolina,butIhaveresidedinGeorgiaforthirtyyears.SofarasIsaw,theprisonersinsidethestockadeatAndersonvillehadnoshelteratallexceptsuchastheymadethemselvesbydiggingholesandputtingupblankets.FromtheroadIhaveseentheguardcampswithloghuts,brusharbors,andthingsofthatsortputup.Theyhadmoreshelterthantheprisoners. 19

WitnessW. D. Hammock - Guard, 55th GA Inf.

IwenttoAndersonvilleonthe14thofFebruary1864andleftonthe7thofApril1865.Iwasoverayearthere.Iwasdetailedonthe9thofJuly1864,andreportedtoCaptainWirzthenextday.IdidnotshootprisonersatAndersonville.Isawamanwhowasshot,butdidnotseehimshot;Isawhimdirectlyafterwards.Ihaveseenothermenshotbesidesthatone.IheardofitandIsawthemen.CaptainWirzneverorderedmetoshootprisoners,nordidheeverpromisetogivemeafurloughforshootingaprisoner. WhenwehadordersCaptainWirzwouldorderustoreadthemtotheninetiesinsidethestockade;sometimeswewouldgivethemtothesergeantoftheninetytoread,andifwehadenough,wewouldgiveeachdivisionacopy.Allordersconnectedwiththeprisonwerepublishedthere.Ididnotknowanythingaboutanyordersbeinggiveninrelationtoparticularpartsofthestockade.Ineverreceivedanyordersordirectionsinregardtothestockade…Therewasageneralorderthatprisonersshouldnotcrossthedeadline.

OurinstructionsfromCaptainWirzweretocalltheroll…iftheirnumberwasnotcorrect,andthesergeantcouldnotaccountforthem,weweretojustgoalongandleavethemstandingtheyuntiltheygotcorrect…Theorderwasthatiftheycouldnotaccountforthementheywouldlosetheirrations.Iknowthatsomemenwhowerecalled“Stoneman’sRaiders”weresearched,andonesquadbeforethat.Idon’tknowwheretheycamefrom;theirknapsacksweretakenfromthem…IneverreceivedanyordersfromCaptainWirztotakeawayanyman’sblanket,clothing,oranythingofthatkind,ortodepriveamanofanyothercomfortthathehad,unlesstheywere“Stoneman’sRaiders…”Iunderstoodtheorderstosearch“Stoneman’sRaiders”camefromGeneralWinder.

IknowsomethingaboutCaptainWirzbeingabsentforatime.HelefttheresometimeaboutthelastofJuly;DavistookcommandsometimeaboutthelastofJuly,andCaptainWirzdidnotreturntillperhapsthelastofAugust…IsawCaptainWirzinSeptember,helookedsickandfeebleandbad.Hewasinafeebleconditionbeforehegaveupassick.

CaptainWirznevershotorbeatorkickedaprisonerofwarwhileIwasondutytheretomyknowledge.IhavesaidthatIhaveseenhimtakeholdofmenlikeanyofficerwould,whenthemenwerestandinginfullranks,anddrawthemtotheirplacesiftheywerenotexactlyright.Hegenerallyspokeveryshorttothem.Hedidnotspeakkindlytoanybody;healwaysspokeshort.Hewasveryprofane,oneoftheprofanestmenIeversaw.Hehadaveryseveretemper.Ineversawhimmistreataprisonerofwar…Iamnotpositivethathecursedhimatthesametime,butitismorethanlikelyhedid,becausethatwashisnaturalstyleofconversation…Ihaveseenapistolinhishandagoodmanytimes.IdonotknowthatIeversawhimdrawit;Iknowhewoulddrawitforawholesquad,andwouldthreatentoshootthemiftheydidnotdosoandso;butIdonotthinkIeversawhimdrawitononeman.

Confederatesoldiersweretreatedinthesamewayasfederalprisoners,withtheexceptionoftheirbeingchainedtogether.IknowthatConfederatesoldiershavehadonballandchain,butIhgavenotseenthemchainedtooneanother.IneversawConfederatesoldiersinachain-gaing,butIhaveseenthemwithballonchainon.Ihaveseentheminthestocks…IsawConfederatesoldiersthereveryoften…Theytookabarrel,knockedoutoneheadofit,cutaholeintheotherlargeenoughforaman’sheadtogothrough,andputitonthem.Thatpunishmentwasinflictedbyorderofcourt-martial. Someclothescametherebythesanitarycommission,markedassuch,butIdonotrecollectwhattimetheycame.Ididnotwearanyofthem;CaptainWirznevergavemeanythinginhislife…Ineverobtainedanyclothinginthatway;Idon’tknowanyoftheConfedeatesoldersthatdid.IhaveseenConfederatesoldierswearthem,buttheyneverprocuredthemfromCaptainWirz;Ithinkalloftheparoledprisonersdrewthem.Iwastherewhentheywentintogettheirsuitsofclothes.

WitnessWilliam Bull

IhavebeeninthemilitaryserviceoftheUnitedStatesinCompanyA,MeansIndependentLondonRangers,fromtheStateofVirginia.Theywereloyal.IwasaprisoneratAndersonville.WhenIgotthereIwasputinthestockade…Ithengotoutonparole.

IwasatthedepotinAndersonvilleinJanuary,February,andMarch,1865.Isawstorehousesthere.Therewasplentyofpork,beans,andpeasinthem.Isawvegetablesoutsidethestockadeduringthesummerof1864forsale.Thearticleswerecabbage,corn,andpotatoes.Isawmelonsandpeachestoo.IhelpedcarryabarrelofrottenporkfromCaptainWirz’shousetothedepot.Itwasrotten,andstunkbad,andwasplacedamongtherationsthatweresentintothestockade.Ihelpedtotakebackabarreloffreshporkinplaceofit.TheporkwasexchangedbyorderofCaptainWirz.IworkedforColonelThomas,nextdoor,andwassentintohelptakeitdown.Thebadporkwasputintoapile,andwasissuedoutthatafternoontothestockade. Isawsanitaryclothingthere.Outofeveryhundredmenabouttengotalittle–pantsorsomethingofthatkind.Isawrebelshaveiton–pants,shoes,andblankets.Idonotknowhowtheygotthem.Isawsomerebelsergeantshavethem…TheclothingwasbroughttherewhileweweregettingoutoftherouteofSherman.Itwasdistributedinthehospital;andIsupposethatwhichwasinCaptainWirz’shandswastheremainsofwhatwasnotgivenout.IsawthisclothingonConfederatesoldiers.Isupposethesegotthemfromtheboxes.Isawsomeofthemwearingsanitaryshoes.Isawthreeorfoureverydaywithanewpairofshoeson.CaptainWirzhadaboutahalfdozenboxesinhishouse.Ithinksomewereordinaryshoeboxesandsomeclothingboxes.Ilookedintoonlyone.

CaptainWirzgavemeorders,whenIwenttoColonelThomas’shouse,nottogointohishouse.Mrs.ThomasThomas,theladyIwasworkingfor,toldmeonedaytogooverthere.ItoldherwhatCaptainWirzhadsaid.Shesaidthatitmadenodifference,andshesentmeoverwithanote.IpassedthroughtwoorthreeroomsinCaptainWirz’shouse,andinoneroomIsawtwoorthreeboxes.Ihadheardthathehadsomeshoesthere.Ilookedintooneboxandsawsomesanitaryshoesinit.Idonotknowwhatwasintheotherboxes.Isawsanitaryshoesonhis[slave]’sfeetwhichhehadgiventoher.Isawtwoorthreepairthatshehadgot.

DefendantCaptain Henry Wirz

IamheretoanswerforallmyofficialandpersonalactsatAndersonville,andifIcanconvincethiscourtthattheyhavebeenvoidofoffensebeforeGodandman,ItrustthatIshallnotbeheldresponsiblefortheofficialorpersonalmisdeedsofothers.ThatisallIask.Bymyownactsletmebejudged,andiftheyhavebeensuchastowarrantmyconvictiononanyoneofthechargesorspecificationspreferredagainstme,letmebevisitedwithpunishmentcommensurate,withtheoffense.Idonotaskmercy,butIdemandjustice.

Ibelievethatthatwhichtheproofoftheexistenceofaconspiracyistheexpressionattributedtomebysomeofthewitnesses,thatIwasofmoreservicetotheconfederategovernmentthananyregimentatthefront,connectedwithequallywickedandsignificantexpressionsattributedtoGeneralWinder,GeneralHowellCobb,andCaptainW.S.Winder.GeneralWinderhasgonetothegreatjudgmentseattoanswerforallhisthoughts,words,anddeeds;andIsurelyamnottobeheldculpableforthem.

IthinkImayalsoclaimasaself-evidentproposition,thatifI,asubordinateofficer,merelyobeyedthelegalordersofmysuperiorsinthedischargeofmyofficialduties,Icannotbeheldresponsibleforthemotiveswhichdictatedsuchorders,andifIoversteppedthem,violatingthelawsofwarandoutraginghumanity,Iamtobetriedandpunishedaccordingtothemeasureofmyoffense.Aswellmighteverygeneral,colonel,andcaptainintherebelservicebeheldcriminallyresponsibleasaco-conspiratorwiththechiefsoftherebellionasI,whosimplyheldasubordinatepositionatAndersonville,beheldtoanswerwithmylifeforthemotiveswhichmayormaynothaveinspiredmysuperiorofficers.ForallthesecausesIhumbly,butconfidentlysubmitthatonthefirstchargeaverdictof“notguilty”mustberendered. Inowcometothesecondcharge:AmIthepersonwho,frommypositionatAndersonville,shouldproperlybeheldaccountableforthecrowdedconditionofthestockade,thewantofshelter,theunwholesomenessoffood,theimpurityofthewater,theinadequacyofhospitalaccommodation,andthelackofmedicineandmedicalsupplies,allwhichcausescombinedledtothedreadfulmortalitywhichprevailedatthatplace?Theonlyquestionwithmehere,asitisallthroughthecase,is,wasItobeblamedfortheexistenceofthosethings?IfIhaveviolatedthelawsofwar,ifIhaveoutragedhumanity,ifIhaveperpetratedanyofthemurdersoratrocitieslaidtomycharge,letmesuffer.Apoorsubordinateofficershouldnothavehadtheordinaryperformanceofhisroutinedutiestreatedandcharacterizedasproofofhisbeingaconspirator;norshouldhehavebeencalledupontobearuponhisover-burdenedshouldersthefaultsormisdeedsofothers.

IwasnotthemonsterthatIhavebeendepictedasbeing;thatIdidnotcauseordelightinthesadspectacleofthesufferings,woes,anddeathofUnionprisoners;thatIdidnotcontributetotheirsufferings,butthat,onthecontrary,Ididwhatlittlelayinmypowertodiminishoralleviatethem.Astothechargeofmurder,itcannotbeexpectedthatIshouldbeabletodefendmyselfagainstthevagueallegations,themurky,foggy,indefinite,andcontradictorytestimony,inwhichthesocalledmurdersarewrapped.Thetruthinthismatteristobefound,asusual,midwaybetweenthetwopoints.

EvidencePhotograph of Andersonville PrisonAugust, 1864

Andersonville PrisonPhoto by A.J. RiddleAugust 1864Showing Prisoner Shelters

EvidenceLetter written by a ConfederateDoctor at Andersonville

FIRSTDIVISION,C.S.M.P.HOSPITAL,September5,1864.SurgeonE.D.EILAND,inchargeFirstDivisionC.S.M.P.Hospital.

SIR:Asofficeroftheday,forthepasttwenty-fourhours,Ihaveinspectedthehospitalandfounditinasgoodconditionasthenatureofthecircumstanceswillallow.Amajorityofthebunksarestillunsuppliedwithbedding,whileinaportionofthedivisionthetentsareentirelydestituteofeitherbunks,beddingorstraw,thepatientsbeingcompelledtolieuponthebareground.Iwouldearnestlycallattentiontothearticleofdiet.Thecornbreadreceivedfromthebakerybeingmadeupwithoutsifting,iswhollyunfitfortheuseofthesick;andoftenuponexamination,theinnerportionisfoundtobeperfectlyraw.Themeatreceivedbythepatientsdoesnotamounttoovertwoouncesaday,andforthepastthreeorfourdaysnoflourhasbeenissued.Thecornbreadcannotbeeatenbymany,fortodosowouldbetoincreasethediseasesofthebowels,fromwhichalargemajorityaresuffering,anditisthereforethrownaway.Alltheirrationsreceivedbywayofsustenanceistwoouncesofboiledbeefandhalfpintofricesoupperday.Underthesecircumstances,alltheskillthatcanbebroughttobearupontheircasesbythemedicalofficerwillavailnothing.AnotherpointtowhichIfeelitmydutytocallyourattentionisthedeficiencyofmedicines.Wehavebutlittlemorethanindigenousbarksandrootswithwhichtotreatthenumerousformsofdiseasetowhichourattentionisdailycalled.Forthetreatmentofwounds,ulcers,&c.,wehaveliterallynothingexceptwater.

Ourwards-someofthem-werefilledwithgangrene,andwearecompelledtofoldourarmsandlookquietlyuponitsravages,notevenhavingstimulantstosupportthesystemunderitsdepressinginfluences,thisarticlebeingsolimitedinsupplythatitcanonlybeissuedforcasesundertheknife.Iwouldrespectfullycallyourearnestattentiontotheabovefacts,inthehopethatsomethingmaybedonetoalleviatethesufferingsofthesick.

Iam,sir,veryrespectfully,yourobedientservant,

J.CREWSPELOT,AssistantSurgeonC.S.andOfficeroftheDay.

EvidenceMap of Andersonville

Map drawn by prisoner Robert Sneden.Library of Congress, Virginia Historical Society, Library of Virginia Richmond

EvidenceList of supplies sent to Andersonvilleby the US Sanitary Commission

From the Trial of Henry Wirz, p. 417

National Park ServiceU.S. Department of the Interior

EvidenceLetters written by Captain Henry Wirz

HeadquartersCommanderofPrisonCampSumter,Andersonville,GA

June6,1864

CaptainA.D.Chapman:

Imostrespectfullycalltheattentionofthecolonelcommandingpost,throughyou,tothefollowingfacts:Thebreadwhichisissuedtoprisonersisofsuchaninferiorquality,consistingfullyofone-sixthofhusk,thatitisalmostunfitforuse,andincreasingdysenteryandotherbowelcomplaints.Iwouldwishthatthecommissaryofthepostbenotifiedtohavethemealbolted[filtered],orsomeothercontrivancearrangetosiftthemealbeforeissueing.Ifthemeal,suchasisnow,wassifted,thebreadrationswouldfallshortfullyone-quarterofapound.Thereisagreatdeficiencyofbuckets.Rationsofrice,beans,vinegar,andmolasses,cannotbeissuedtoprisonersforwantofbuckets;atleast8,000meninthestockadebeingwithoutanythingofthesort.IfmyinformationiscorrectanynumberofbucketscanbegotfromColumbus,Georgia,ifthequartermasterofthepostwouldmaketherequisitionforthesame.Hopingthatyouwillgivethisyourattentionassoonaspossible.Iremain,captain,mostrespectfully,yourobidientservant,

H.WirzCaptainCommandingPrison

HeadquartersConfederateStatesMilitaryPrisonCampSumterSumter,August1,1864

ColonelD.T.Chander:

...Allowmetopointouttoyousomeitemswhich,ifpossible,oughttobeattendedto.Wehaveaninadequatesupplyoftoolstoputtheinteriorofthepriosninapropercondition;weneedaxes,wheelbarrows,andsuchthings;weneedlumber,lime,iron,sheetironforbakingpans.

Theprison,althoughalargeadditionhasbeenmade,istoocrowded;almostdailylargenumbersofprisonersarrive,andbeforetwoweeksitwillbeinthesameconditionitwasbeforetheadditionwasmade,andallinternalimprovements,whichyouareawareyourselfareoftheutmostimportance,willcometoadeadhaltforwantofroom.Aslongas30,000menareconfinedinanyenclosure,theproperpolicingisaltogetherimpossible...

...Therationsaremostlythesameasforourownmen,1/2ofapoundofbacon,11/4poundcornmeal,or1poundoffreshbeefinlieuofbacon;occassionallybeans,molasses,andriceisisued;vinegarandsop,bothveryimportantarticles,areveryseldomissued,asthecommissarysayshecannotgetthem.Scurvyistheprincipaldisease,anditandallotherdiseasesareinanundueproportionconfinedtotheoldprisoners,whowerefirstatBelleIsle,Richmond.TheguardwhichIrequireforsafekeepingoftheprisonersisentirelyinsufficient...[they]areperfectlyundrilledandundisciplined...

...HopingyourofficialreportwillmakesuchanimpressionwiththeauthoritiesatRichmondthattheywillissuethenecessaryorderstoenableustogetwhatwesobadlyneed.

Iremain,Colonel,mostrespectfully,yourobedientservant,H.WirzCapt.,AAG,CommandingPrison 27

ConclusionWhat happened to Henry Wirz?

HenryWirzwasultimatelyfoundguiltybythemilitarytribunalofviolatingthelawsofwar,includingtheintentionalmistreatmentofprisonersandthemurderofprisoners.HewassentencedtodeathandwashungonNovember10,1865.HissupportershavelongclaimedthathewasofferedapardoninexchangefortestifyingagainstJeffersonDavisandRobertE.Lee,althoughthereisnoevidencetosupportthis.

Intheyearsafterthewar,Wirz’smemorybecamearallyingcryforsouthernerswhofeltthathehadbeenunfairlytargetedbyavengefulUnitedStatesgovernment.In1909,anorganizationcalledtheUnitedDaughtersoftheConfederacyerectedamonumenttoWirzinthetownofAndersonville,proclaimingWirzthemartyroftheConfederacy.Morethanacenturyafterhisdeath,theSonsofConfederateVeteransorganizationawardedWirza“MedalofHonor”inrecognitionofhisservicetotheConfederacy.FewfiguresoftheCivilWarsparkasmuchcontroversyanddebateasdoesHenryWirz.

ThelegacyoftheWirzTrialisthatitbecamethebasisformilitarytribunalsintheUnitedStates.Itisoftenreferredtoastheworld’sfirstwarcrimestrial.AttheendofWorldWarII,theUnitedStatesmilitaryusedtribunalsmodeledonthatofHenryWirztoprosecuteNazisfortheircrimesagainsttheJewishpopulationinEurope.EventheNazis’defensessoundeerilysimilartothoseofWirz:“Iwasjustfollowingorders;I’mnotintheAmericanmilitarythereforeIcannotbetriedbytheUSArmedForces;Iamundertheprotectionofasurrenderandparoleattheendofthewar”arealldefensesusedinboth1865and1945.Inbothcases,theUnitedStatesarguedthatthelawsofwardictatedthatinthecasesofatrocitiessuchasAndersonville,militaryjusticewasappropriate.Eveninthe21stcentury,militarytribunalscontinuetobethemeansbywhichtheAmericanmilitaryprosecutesenemycombatantsandterroristsforviolatingthelawsofwar.

The execution of Henry Wirz - November 10, 1865

The Wirz Monument - Andersonville, GA

Follow UpPoints for Discussion& Assessment

Forassessmentandfollowup,thesearemerelysuggestionsfordiscussionpointswithstudents.Feelfreetoincorporatetheseintoassignments,writingprompts,projects,tests,orevenjustaclassdiscussion.

1.Havemembersofthemilitarytribunalexplaintotheclasswhytheyreachedtheverdicttheydid. 2.Havemembersoftheprosecutionteamexplainwhattheyfoundeasy&difficultabouttheircase.

3.ThestudentplayingtheroleofHenryWirzcansharetheirthoughtsaboutthetrial.Didtheyfeelliketheyhadachance?Diditfeellikeeverythingwasturningagainstthem?

4.Didthemilitarytribunalfeelfair?Whyorwhynot?

5.WouldWirzhavegottenabetterorworsetrialifitwereheldinaciviliancourt?

6.Shouldleadersofanenemyarmybeheldaccountableintrialsafterthewariscomplete?

7.WhataretheSimilaritiesanddifferencesbetweentheWirzTrialandNuremburgTrialsof1945?

8.Shouldmilitarytribunalsbeusedtodaytoprosecutethosesuspectedofviolatingmilitarylaworthelawsofwar?

9.Shouldprisonersofwarbeaffordedspecialcareunderthelawsofwar?Whyorwhynot?

10.Aretherecircumstancesyoucanthinkofwhereamilitaryleaderinchargeofprisonerscouldbeexcusedforthemistreatmentofthoseprisoners?

The Trial of Henry Wirz - NPS.gov

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