I wish I could

Meet all accusers with as good excuse,

As well as I am certain I can clear

Myself of this.

Shakespeare

Pursuant with the general orders issued from headquarters, the

court-martial, consisting of thirteen officers, convened at Tacubaya,

for the trial of Traverse Rocke, private in the ---- Regiment of

Infantry, accused of sleeping on his post.

It was a sultry morning, early in September, and by seven o'clock the

drum was heard beating before the Archiepiscopal palace, where it was

understood the trial, involving life or death, would come off.

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. They were accommodated with seats near the

left hand of the President.

Lastly, the prisoner was brought in guarded, and placed standing at the

foot of the table.

Traverse looked pale, from the severe effects of excessive fatigue and

anxiety, but he deported himself with firmness and dignity, bowed

respectfully to the court, and then drew his stately form up to its

fullest height, and stood awaiting the proceedings.

The Judge Advocate at the order of the President, commenced and read

the warrant for holding the court. He then read over the names of the

members, commencing as before, with the President, and descending

through the gradations of rank to the youngest officer, and demanded of

the prisoner whether he had any cause of challenge, or took any

exception to any member present, and if so, to declare it, as was his

privilege.




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