“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?' “'No, sir; I asked permission to do so, but it was refused me.' “Gen. Sleeman, an old man, full of sympathy and kind feelings, on the impulse of the moment said, 'That was an outrage.' “The Judge-Advocate reminded the General that such remarks were not proper in the presence of the Court. “'Yes,' said the General, 'I spoke before I thought; but the impropriety of the remark does not change my opinion.' “The charges were read to the boy, charging him that in this, 'he, James Whitcomb, a private soldier, was regularly detailed and placed on guard duty, and that he slept while on post in the face of the enemy, thereby endangering the Army of the United States.' “The Judge-Advocate advised the boy to plead 'not guilty,' which he did.