286 NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. 



On the night of the 23cl instant, about ten o'clock, I sent for 

 the prisoner, Serjeant Lassells ; but as he did not come for some 

 time, I went towards the shed, and met him about halfway. 1 

 asked him if he was acquainted with the disturbances in the fort: 

 he said, he had just come from the fort, and that he had over- 

 heard the conversation of a number of the soldiers assembled in 

 different parties, in the streets ; from which he understood they 

 intended to attack Deadwood shed on Wednesday night ; and 

 that he was certain there would be no attack on Monday 

 night. I replied, it was better to be prepared, and to have every 

 thing ready. We proceeded to the shed, where I found Mr. Hall, 

 the conductor, with the guard paraded. I asked the men if they 

 would stand by me in case of an attack : as I expected the 

 mutineers that night: they answered, " they would to a man." 

 The guns, four in number, were then ordered out as quickly as 

 possible. The first two were soon got ready, and sent to Dead- 

 wood, under the command of Serjeant Tunstall, to cover the road 

 leading from Banks's : and, notwithstanding my repeatedly 

 urging the prisoner to make haste, there was great delay, both in 

 preparing the other two guns, and in getting out the anunvini- 

 tion : the prisoner repeatedly saying, " that he had no appre- 

 hension of the mutineers making an attack at that time ; and 

 that he was positive it would not then take place." He certainly 

 appeared to me to be somewhat intoxicated, and seemed stupid 

 and confused. 



The prisoner has been in command of the guard at Deadwood 

 shed two years and eight months, and during that time I liave 

 had but one occasion to find fault with him : for, prior to the 

 night of the 23d, he had conducted himself with the greatest 

 propriety. 



Q. From the Judge Advocate to Colonel B. — What time, do 



