The prisoner's name was Richard Riley Atkins, and his general court-martial was read by the Brigadier in a loud impressive tone. Charging the prisoner with the crime of striking the surgeon...the court, after what was called due deliberation, sentenced the prisoner to be shot. The poor fellow had been sick for some time, and was not able to walk all the way from the artillery lines. Nevertheless, after his sentence had been read... the band, funeral procession, firing party, and the prisoner with his coffin borne on the shoulders of his comrades, marched round the square, the band playing the Dead March.... The words Ready! Present!, in a low drawling tone was given, then we heard the click of the lock, and a moment after they had fired.... << less