“Rosenfelt readily assented, and the arrangements were made and the order given. The command started, and by rapid marches came up to Forrester at a point near Auburnville, and drove him as far as Winter Hill, a point where the general headquarters of the rebel cavalry had been for some days. Gen. Anderson charged down upon them with his whole force in regular old English cavalry style, with drawn sabers. The rebel cavalry made stubborn resistance, but our force drove them from their position with much slaughter. They retreated in great confusion, and were closely pursued and sorely pressed until they were forced to cross Goose River at different points. The country was now cleared of them for the present. Gen. Anderson returned with 600 prisoners. This ended the raids, and our army was not subjected to these harassing exploits again while it remained at Murphy's Hill. During these many annoyances by the rebel cavalry our troops were sent after them so frequently and marched so rapidly, and at times such great distances, that they often became weary and footsore.
“The day after Gen. Anderson returned from driving Forrester out of this portion of the country a division of infantry under Sleeman returned from a very long and circuitous march. On the detail for guard duty that night was a boy from one of the Michigan regiments, (the 1st Michigan I think,) who during the night was found asleep on his watch. He was arrested and taken to the guard-house. The young man was greatly troubled. He had been a good soldier; had never shirked any duty imposed upon him. The next day he was reported by Serg't Smith as being found asleep while on duty. This was a serious matter,—the penalty being death if found guilty. The report was taken to Gen. Sleeman, and by him transmitted to Gen. Rosenfelt with a request that he order the Court-Martial, if one should be decided upon. The General at once ordered the Court. I never have believed that severe punishments in the army were productive of good discipline. The best soldiers are the kindest men, and the most successful are those who inflict the fewest severe punishments upon their men. The detail for the Court was made and the charges filed.
“The Court held its sessions at Gen. Rosenfelt's Headquarters. The poor boy was brought out of the guardhouse in the presence of the Court. He was 20 years old, very slight, light complexion, light auburn hair, large blue eyes, delicate frame, and, in fact, looked almost as much like a girl as a boy. His appearance made a deep impression upon the members of the Court; great sympathy was felt for him. The Judge-Advocate asked him if he had any objections to the Court, which was composed of officers from Gen. Sleeman's Division, with Gen. Sleeman as President of the Court. The boy answered that he had no objections; 'for,' said he, 'I do not know any of the officers. I know but few persons in the army. I know only my messmates. I am not acquainted with any of the officers of my own company. I know their names, but have no personal acquaintance with either of them.'
“'Do you never talk with any of your company officers?' inquired the Judge-Advocate.
“'No, sir,' replied the youth; 'I have never asked a favor since I have been in the army. I have obeyed orders, and strictly performed my duty and asked no questions.'
“'Have you any relatives?'
“'Yes, sir; I have an aged father and mother, and one sister.'
“'What was your business before entering the service?'
“'I was a sales-boy in the wholesale dry-goods store of Baldwin & Chandler, in Detroit, Mich., where my parents live.'
“'Have you written to your parents or sister since your arrest?'