"By command of the President.
"E. D. Townsend,
Assistant Adjutant-General."
"Prisoner," the judge advocate turned and faced her directly, "do you object to being tried by any member of this commission?"
"No, sir," answered Nancy calmly.
The officers all rose and stood, while the judge advocate went through the long ceremony of swearing in the court and then the reporter. Colonel Andrews in turn administered the oath to the judge advocate. After the officers had resumed their seats there was a slight pause while the judge advocate searched among his papers. Finding what he wanted, he again faced Nancy, who had remained standing, and read in a voice that was clearly heard through the room:
"Charges and specifications against the prisoner, Miss Nancy Newton.
"Charge 1st.—Violation of the 82nd Article of War:
"Specification.—In this that the said Nancy Newton on or about the 23rd day of February, 1865, was found acting as a rebel spy in or near Winchester, Va., the Headquarters of the U.S. Middle Military Division, Major-General Sheridan commanding.
"George Lloyd,
Captain, U.S. Secret Service,
Officer Preferring Charges.
"Charge 2nd.—Murder in violation of the 58th Article of War: