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.