Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1853-10-26
For the Grand River Times.
Marshals, Timber Agents, Sc.


M Marshals, Timber Agents, Sc.
Mr.. EDITOR IL am one of the number that
was arrested week ago last Saturday (Oct.
I5,) with only one hours notice, and carried on
board the Iron Steamer Michigan in the night,
lying off Of the mouth of our river (Muskegon),
where We remained till next morning. We were
then started for New Butialo, where we arrived
that evening, then placed on board the ears OF the
NJ c. r.. land the next morning placed Ia Detroit
Here We employed counsel, got peep at our
indictments, when 10 and behold we were as
we expected) indicted, arrested, carried prison.
ers and arraigned before the u s. District court
for the State of Michigan, for minding our own
business. Upon examining our indictments,
one was found to be for cutting aud removing
timber from lands which the individual had pur-
chased Of government year and half previ-
Gus to the date of the indictment, and upon
which he never cut stick of any kind previous
to his purchase of the same Another, for re-
moving large quantity of logs from section Of
land upon which there never was such quanti-
ty Of logs as set forth in the indictment, and
the rest, seven in number, are all similarly in.
dicted, against all these not one particle Of
evidence eau be brought on the day Of trial.
Now, sir, what | wish TO arrive at is this--the
press generally throughout our State and in the
State Of Illinois have Landed the Marshals and
Timber Agents for their efficient course in put
ting stop to trespasses on government lands.
Now, sir, to put stop to trespassing is all right,
and there is not one of the above mentioned
number that would in any way resist govern
ment officer in the discharge of his duty. But
under the present arrangement, and adminstra-
ton of affairs we are not safe in our persons or
property from those whose duty it is to protect
us. Had the Timber Agent himself investiga-
ted these complaints before being presented to
the Grand Jury, they never would have been
presented but on the contrary he must have
taken the reports of those he had employed
among u.s. and without stopping to investigate,
passed them over to the Grand Jury. Now, sir,
these men employed by the Timber Agent are
men apparently Of no character, too lazy to
work, hanging around the places of business
and around grog and gambling shops, picking
up every word that happens to drop for the pur-
pose of making something Some, have no
doubt have taken this course to crafty mere
personal hatred
Now, | would say again, had the Timber
Agent investigated this matter, instead of
listening to the reports Of these miserable
scamps, we would never have been presented
to the Grand Jury; and it is for this purpose
that wish to place these facts before the pub
lie, that they may Judge and be on their guard
for there is no citizen, no matter how exalted
in station, but what is in danger, if any of these
prowng devils happen to infest his neighbor-
hood, and that too, since the Timber Agent will
not stop to investigate before commencing
criminal prosecution. Before closing would
say that the officers having us in charge were
gentlemanly, and upon the presentation of the
above facts to the U. S. District Attorney and
to the Court, by our counsel, we had every
demonstration of sympathy that could apply to
our case. But, sir, that can hardly be called
balm to a wound made by being dragged as Grim
inals before a tribunal and there being arraign-
ed for minding our own business. More anon.
Muskegon, Oct %, 1853 A. Victim.
p. S. Will the press of Grand Rapids, De-
trot and Chicago please copy? Az