Military officers stationed at Columbia Barracks in Vancouver could face harsh consequences if they were accused of misconduct.

As the aide-de-camp to Gen. O.O. Howard, Lt. C.E.S. Wood spent a lot of time judging soldiers around the Pacific Northwest during his stay at the Columbia Barracks. And snippets from local newspapers indicate he and other barracks officers traveled to other posts for additional military trials.

Disputed cases were sent to Washington, D.C., for review by the Army’s top brass or even appealed to the president, who as the commander-in-chief holds the power of clemency.

President James Garfield reviewed one such Columbia Barracks case in 1883. The military had convicted a cavalry lieutenant who married his mistress. The Army didn’t find any offense regarding their

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