Viewing page 154 of 235

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

ground - that he was thus suspended for from three fourths of an hour to an hour.
The following morning Capt Mapey requested Lt Alcott to turn over for trial all freedmen he had in [[strikethrough]] his [[/strikethrough]] confinement.  Upon trial, Howard Colson was convicted and sentenced.  James Williams, and Ivison Hobday were acquitted and released.  Lt Alcott states distinctly that Capt Mapey had nothing to do with tying up Colson or Williams that he did it entirely on his own responsibility.
From a conversation with Lt Alcott, I am convinced that he had grounds of suspicion against Williams and Hobday and was justifiable in arresting them.
For tying up Williams, I can see no justification.  There was a Court ready to act with promptness, it appears that the Court sat on the following day.
I have instructed Williams of his rights and privileges in the matter of his punishment by Lt Alcott.
Howard Colson made no complaint about his treatment when in the Guard house, supposing probably he deserved it.
I consider that the alleged punishment of Colson was cruel and gratuitous, and, on his behalf, submit the propriety of justice of an investigation of it by the superior officers of Lt Alcott.

over