Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-10-23
SIX MiLITIA MEN.
PROFAIGACY EXPOSED

SARRrsBURG, (p.) Sept. 26.-The Central
Committee OF Pennsylvania, Outstanding that
the Rev. Mr.. PAINE of - county, n. York.
was on visit 10 his tather-in-aw .frchijd'd NJ
.fNisteT, Esq. OF this county, and tina; he had held
Che appointment OF Chaplain in the army under
Gen. jackson, at the very time and place of the
execution OF those six misguided and unfortunate
militia men, whose punishment has been un-
Tighteously seized upon by the hirengs oflhe pre- =
sent administration, 20 excite public feeling and
blast the reputation OF one 0! the greatest heroes
and patriots known 20 our country the world :
md believing from the situation in which Mr..
i'aine stood both with the officers and soldiers of
the army that time, chat lie would be led to a
most intimate and perfect knowledge Of all the
facts which TRANSFERRED on that OCCASION they were
induced 10 address him with letter requesting
such information the subject he might pos
sess. The following is his most conclusive and
satisfactory Reply
Fort Hinifr, Sept &c, 1923.
GENrLEMEN.-No four letter of tl.r 18th inst
addressed TO me, is before me TO which beg
leave TO reply In matters ola political nature
have my opinion Of principles OF men, by which
nope always to regulate my conduct an indvid-
ual-but wish 10 avoid taking any part in the C.
lectioreerng strifes tina, precede our popular cleo
tons. far as can, consistent with duty. The
floods Of corruption and moral dePravty thlt are
sometimes exhibited on these occasions are very
affecting thinking mind--and perhaps there
never was an instance in which moral corruption
appeared in stronger features than on the present
IL would almost seem as II ye were freed from all
restraint, human divine, and were at liberty TO
break forth in floods OF caunny. detraction and
discrimination; in which may employ the most
serious suijects-Ilis game is played of, too on
our beloved country, in one of its most solemn
public acts, that of choosing its chief ruler. And
although have every res son 10 object to any en-
lisinent in such strife, yet can feel no objection
20 state such facts a. have come within my know
ledge in relation 10 the subject upon which YOU
call my attention. In complying with your re-
quest wish to coniine myself 20 d statement of
n pf mini and
would limit mostly TO the execution of the " six
militia men,, alluded 10 in your letter. On this
subject have letter written by Colonel
Gilbert f.. Russell to Mai. a. y. Campbell, dated
July 29th, 1927, to which beg leave TO refer
you. From the know ledge obtained in the army
OF that transaction, know of TO material point on
which do not feel authorized 10 confederate Col.
RltsseiPs statement. Col. Russell was foreman
Der OF the Sd regiment ofU. s. Infantry bu, con-.
handed brigade Of militia to which belonged at
the time OF the execution In reference 10 the
particular fact stated 10y Col II. relative 10 The
time for which the g six militia mem were muster
ed, would say that they raised and muster
ed INTO Seyrice for The term Of sir months and
fasSe men themselves most certainty stndersfoDd
Il so In relation to the muiny and deserton
these men did in violation of all order and at the
expense oil the authority OF the army the 18th of
September, as | understood, O1e dan 6ef0ye the
<TDi Of three months had Xpred kill tie beryes
OF the army, broke open the stores of provision
pFovisioned themselves and marched Off on the
TO be judges Of the law, and IN defiance ofthr at-
'hority OF the army, 20 their own way And
would also add that they were arraigned tried ard
condemned by a court martial as is stated in The
letter Of Col Il.
There Can be no doubt bu that the above fscte
stand in the light they are here representcd--They
we're so understood IN tie army and neVer heard
81 an opinion 10 contradiction Of thefn-and think
had as good an opportunity TO have heard it, if !
there had been dissenting opinion. as any man in !
the army. The nature Of my situation and duty !
were such necessarily associated me y,ith ali |
cIasses OF men nom The highest IN command TO the !
poorest wounded end sick soldier in the Bo7pitsi-
and II was my privilege and duty 10 be ON terms of
familiarity with the which the discipline Of |
the army would not extend to officers Of the line |
u was important ilat tie should be free 10 |
open their minds 10 me without embarrassment |
and vent 20 their most secret di.tresses that
Inigbt advise, synpa;ise with, a. console as the
case might require Yet with all the familiar in
iefcoufse IL was my lot to have with illc members
81 The army, do not remember 10 have heard ary |
opinion expressed contrary 10 the one above; aud
certainly none ceusuung IN tie remofest degree |
ne conuuct o. ten, JdckfOn-nOr did / ever hear
q nuTnur iht any thing had been transacted in /
On unfair manner their trial. Or that deere was /
any injustice ia their sentence In tIis st.teroepf
! include the opinions Of Inc unhanpv suferere
themselves, for ii was my lot 10 attend them At te
n Ut trying time and on the most solemn crra 10,
: vas The chaplain called on By themselves TO a.
tsrd them 70 which request each Individual signed
j. name TO wit John Harris, Henry Lewis O. 9th
er7, being six militia men and ore regular AL
mis- tryingNeriod, when tte unhappy Ioco s. OVID