The ignorant lead of the voice, saying and saying, “Why, I did what I could, I was ordered to keep the jail. Yes, I set up deadlines, sometimes chased men with dogs, Put men in torturing stocks, killed this one and that, Let the camp corrupt till it tainted the very guards Who came there with mortal sickness. But they were prisoners, they were dangerous men, If a hundred died a day⁠—how was it my fault? I did my duty. I always reported the deaths. I don’t see what I did different from other people. I fought well at Seven Pines and was badly wounded. I have witnesses here to tell you I’m a good man And that I was really kind. I don’t understand. I’m old. I’m sick. You’re going to hang me. Why?”

Crush out the fly with your thumb and wipe your hand, You cannot crush the leaden, creaking machine, The first endorsement, the paper on the desk Referred by Adjutant Feeble to Captain Dull For further information and his report.