Decision Ten: Convicting Andersonville's Warden

• Confederate leaders technically committed treason in committing rebellion against the United States. However, before he died, Lincoln urged that no CSA leaders be tried and punished for their roles in the war. 

• Henry Wirz, the CSA warden of the prison at Andersonville, allowed 13,000 Union prisoners to die because of inadequate food and care. He could have released them all. He was ordered not to release the prisoners, and he obeyed those orders resulting in the gruesome deaths of 13,000 Union men.

• Should the Union leaders go against Lincoln's wishes and execute Henry Wirz? Did Wirz deserve the death penalty?

Before you make your decision, watch Lincoln's instructions below. Then watch the trial of Henry Wirz further below.