. Spies. Traitors and conspirators of the late Civil War; . f the land,who watched with intense interest the progress of his as it became evident that the testimony against thisdisciple of Nero was sufliciently strong to convict him, therewere rebel emissaries who, fearing a confession from hialips, which would implicate Jefferson Davis and others inthe guilt of his crimes, desired and determined, if possible,to bring the trial to a speedy close. Wirz himself hadseveral times intimated that, if convicted, he wonld make astatement of all the facts connected with his administrationct
. Spies. Traitors and conspirators of the late Civil War; . f the land,who watched with intense interest the progress of his as it became evident that the testimony against thisdisciple of Nero was sufliciently strong to convict him, therewere rebel emissaries who, fearing a confession from hialips, which would implicate Jefferson Davis and others inthe guilt of his crimes, desired and determined, if possible,to bring the trial to a speedy close. Wirz himself hadseveral times intimated that, if convicted, he wonld make astatement of all the facts connected with his administrationct the Andersouville prison, which would show conclusivelythat he acted under the direct orders of Davis and GeneralWinder. I had taken no part in Wirzs trial, most of the evidencehaving been procured by military officers then on duty athe South. During the last days of the trial, Mrs. Winappeared in Washington, and desired an interview with herhusband. The Secretary of War had directed the officer ioommand of the prison to exercise the utmost caution in 392. MY VISIT TO WIRZ—MRS. WIRZ. 395 respect to the prisoner. It was feared that Le would commitsnicide. Orders were issued not to allow any interview tobe had with him under any pretense whatever. He was tobe kept entirely secluded from the other prisoners, and onlyvisited by the clergy and his counsel. Mrs. AVirz applied tome for permission to see him. She claimed that she desiredonly to administer to his comfort, as far as possible, and hadno objection to the interview taking place in the presence ofan officer of the Government. Wirz sent me a request tovisit him, and accordingly I repaired to his apartment in theOld Capitol. During the conversation, he expressed ear-nest desire to see his wife, when I reminded him that theorders of the Secretary prohibited such interviews. Iliaanxiety was so great, that I stated the prisoners request toMr. Stanton, who consented to a meeting in my presence,with no communications in their own
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