Ford, George B. (1828-1911) [Court Martial proceedings in the case of W. H. Hutson for being absent without leave]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02233.26 Author/Creator: Ford, George B. (1828-1911) Place Written: Greenville, North Carolina Type: Autograph document signed Date: 27 May 1863 Pagination: 2 p. ; 30 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy
Details the trial and conviction of Hutson for the charge of "absence without leave." Records specifics of the charge, testimony from the trial, and resulting sentence. Hutson was sentenced to carry a twenty pound stick eight hours a day for sixteen days. With the names of James Dalrymple as the Judge Advocate and Lieutenant William H. Borden as if signed, but likely in Ford's hand.
George B. Ford was a captain in the Fiftieth North Carolina Infantry.
James Dalrymple was a third lieutenant in the Fiftieth North Carolina Infantry.
William H. Borden was a Lieutenant in the Fiftieth North Carolina Infantry.
Camp 50th NCI
Near Greenville NC
May 27th 1863
The court having met according to adjournment all the members of the Court being present the Judge Advocate read the order convening the Court asked the prisoner if he objected to any member of the Court to which he answered "no" and the Court being duly sworn the charge & specification against the prisoner being read aloud as follows
Charge and Specification against W. H. Watson Co "E" 50th NCI
Charge - absent without leave
Specification - In this that on or about the night of 5th May 1863 while his Regt was encamped near Kinston NC the said W. H. Watson Co "E" 50th NCI did absent himself from his Co & Regt without permission from his commanding officer. This also while the Regt was under marching orders.
Signed William H. Bordan
The Judge Advocate addressing the prisoner W. H. Watson Co E 50th NCI you have heard the charge & specification preferred against you how say you? Guilty or not guilty to which he answered "not guilty". ? Latham Co E 50th NCI a witness on the part of the prosecution being duly sworn Quest by Judge Advocate - State what you know in the case of the prisoner private W. H. Watson now on trial for absenting himself without leave - ans - He left on the 5th May and returned of his own accord on the 21st May 1863. Question by Court - Did the prisoner ever leave his Co without permission before?" Ans - "No" Quest by Court Did he take his gun - ans - I do not know - Quest by Court - was the Regt under marching orders? - ans - yes
Private ? Co "E" 50th NCI a witness on the part of the defense being duly sworn - Quest by accused - Did I take my gun home with me? - ans - "I do not know" The evidence on the part of both the prosecution & defense being concluded, the court was cleared for deliberation the evidence was maturely considered and the Court so find the said Wm. H Watson private Co "W" 50th NCI as follows
Of the Specification - Guilty
Of the Charge - Guilty
And the Court do therefore sentence the said private W. H. Watson as follows that he be compelled to carry a stick of wood weighing twenty pounds on a ring in the regimental parade ground eight hours each day for sixteen days allowing half an hour intermission each day and to be confined during the intervals in the Guard House.
G. B. Ford
Capt Co K 50th NCI
& Press Court
Lt. Judge Advocate
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