April 17, 1876
The Wirz Tragedy
The astounding revelation made by Butler concerning the suppressed diary of Booth and the consequent official murder of an innocent woman is followed by another little less astounding or disgraceful to the parties embraced in it, concerning the lawless trial and execution of the unfortunate Wirz. The disclosure is made in a letter to the New York World, bearing date March 27th.—It is as follows:
It is, perhaps not generally known that during the incarceration of Wirz and Major Windor in the Capitol Prison they occupied adjoining cells, and enjoyed facilities of communication, one to the other, by word or writing, through an aperture not observed, doubtless, by the jailor. No one was permitted to see either, unless by special privilege from the Secretary of War. On the night previous to the execution of Wirz three men entered his cell, of course by permission of Stanton, and proposed to him, that if he would agree to implicate Jeff. Davis in the alleged conspiracy to starve the Northern prisoners confined at Andersonville his life would be saved. Wirz replied that he would not save his own life by sacrificing that of another innocent man. The parties thereupon left the cell, and Wirz immediately communicated all that transpired to Major Windor. The Major some time after met Mrs. Davis in New York, and revealed to her what is here stated, backing it up by an affidavit, which he gave her , and which she now holds. The trial of Davis would involve revelations which would shock humanity, and test to its fullest, whatever sense of justice or feeling of pride is still left at the North. It is not unreasonable to presume that popular indignation would be aroused to a pitch that would render it unsafe for the concoctors of the vile plans devised to secure the sacrifice of Davis’ life, to prolong their residence among a people whose fame and character they so grossly outraged.
Should not the names of the trio who made this infamous proposition to Wirz be traced out by some means? If the World would initiate some movement to that end, it is probable that some light might be obtained which would fix the identity of these villains. The time is eminently auspicious for such an enquiry, now that the rogues are divulging each other iniquities. It may be that Major Windor has some information which would give a clue to the names of the parties. If he has, he should be induced to furnish it, and then the wretches should be held up to the universal scorn and contempt they so richly merit.
[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]