A. I think that at the time they were disappointed at the result of the war.
Q. Do you mean to be understood as saying that there is not a condition of discontent against the Government of the United States among the secessionists generally?
A. I know none.
Q. Are you prepared to say that they respect the Government of the
United States, and the loyal people of the United States, so much at
the present time as to perform their duties as citizens of the United
States, and of the States, faithfully and well?
A. I believe that they will perform all the duties that they are required to perform; I think that is the general feeling so far as I know.
Q. Do you think it would be practicable to convict a man in Virginia of treason for having taken part in this rebellion against the Government by a Virginian jury without packing it with direct reference to a verdict of guilty?
A. On that point I have no knowledge, and I do not know what they would consider treason against the United States—if you refer to past acts.
Mr. Howard: Yes, sir.
Witness: I have no knowledge what their views on that subject in the past are.
Q. You understand my question. Suppose a jury was impanelled in your own neighborhood, taken by lot, would it be possible to convict, for instance, Jefferson Davis, for having levied war upon the United States, and thus having committed the crime of treason?