s found asleep on his watch. He
was arrested and taken to the guard-house. The young man was greatly
troubled. He had been a good soldier; had never shirked any duty imposed
upon him. The next day he was reported by Serg't Smith as being found
asleep while on duty. This was a serious matter,--the penalty being
death if found guilty. The report was taken to Gen. Sleeman, and by
him transmitted to Gen. Rosenfelt with a request that he order the
Court-Martial, if one should be decided upon. The General at once
ordered the Court. I never have believed that severe punishments in
the army were productive of good discipline. The best soldiers are the
kindest men, and the most successful are those who inflict the fewest
severe punishments upon their men. The detail for the Court was made and
the charges filed.

"The Court held its sessions at Gen. Rosenfelt's Headquarters. The poor
boy was brought out of the guardhouse in the presence of the Court.
He was 20 years old, very slight, light complexion, light auburn hair,
large blue eyes, delicate frame, and, in fact, looked almost as much
like a girl as a boy. His appearance made a deep impression upon
the members of the Court; great sympathy was felt for him. The
Judge-Advocate asked him if he had any objections to the Court, which
was composed of officers from Gen. Sleeman's Division, with Gen. Sleeman
as President of the Court. The boy answered that he had no objections;
'for,' said he, 'I do not know any of the officers. I know but few
persons in the army. I know only my messmates. I am not acquainted with
any of the officers of my own company. I know their names, but have no
personal acquaintance with either of them.'

"'Do you never talk with any of your company officers?' inquired the
Judge-Advocate.

"'No, sir,' replied the youth; 'I have never asked a favor since I have
been in the army. I have obeyed orders, and strictly performed my duty
and asked no questions.'

"'Have you any relatives?'

"'Yes, sir; I have an aged father and mother, and one sister.'

"'What was your business before entering the service?'

"'I was a sales-boy in the wholesale dry-goods store of Baldwin &
Chandler, in Detroit, Mich., where my parents live.'

"'Have you written to your parents or sister since your arrest?'

"'No, sir; I asked permission to do so, but it was refused me.'

"Gen. Sleeman, an old man, full of sympathy and kind feelings, on the
impulse of the moment said, 'That w