Weekly Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1853-1861, 1855-05-31
ery truly,
mtrHN,
Res. Trustee, &c.
Gov. WRIGHT, Indianapolis, Indiana.
INpIANAPoLIs, MAY 18th, 1855.

INpIANAPoLIs, May 18th, 1855.
0s,ermor Wright
DEAR SIR:--On last Thursday, an armed
force of about one hundred men assembled
about noon, on the Birch Creek Reservoir
They were provided with drums, flies, and
the national flag. After making their ar
rangements, they deliberately cut hole in
the Reservoir embankment and allowed all
the water to flow out. But as the water was
low, it was work Of considerable labor to
make the excavation and remove the plank
wall in the center, and the flow of the water
not being very rapid, did not make a very
large breach. Probably l,5O0 cubic yards of
embankment will fill up the opening.
Our men stationed there to guard tie EN-
bank were unable to recognize certainly, any
of the desperadoes, a. they were disguised,
and prevented nearer approach to them than
about three hundred yards. Attempts were
made to get closer, but our inen were .frsf at
and driven back-fortunately no one was kill
ed. After their work of destruction was
completed, the scoundrels gave notice. which
was communicated to our men, that any one
attempting 10 repair The break ioouM forfeit has
life They remained on the ground until
night, and then scattered to their homes, with
out our having been able as yet to trace any
of them, although We have strong suspicious
doubt not that such facts will soon transpire
as in the hands of an efficient prosecution,
and an horest Jury, would lead to the convic-
ton Of some of them. 1t is believed that a
very considerable portion of the men engaged
in this outrage, live from five to ten aud fif-
teen miles from the site of the Reservoir, and
therefore cannot suppose themselves detri-
mentally affected by its construction. They
are lawless band Of scoundrels who delight
in doing mischief
You are doubtless aware that without thi:
Reservoir we cannot maintain the navigation
south Of Tere Haute, during the dry summer
and fall months IL the breach is repaired
Immediately, there is strong probability oil
the reservoir filling again in June, but il
would seem to be useless to exIend more
money upon that work until some efficient
means are adopted for its protection. The Of
| ficers of the canal can take the pecessar,
measures 10 guard against breaches occurring
!! in the GIdinaTy way, and We have had watch
men stationed at the Birch Creek Reservoir
to guard in both nighi and day against or
rdinary attempts to cut the cmbankment o,
injure the works. but they have no aufhorit,
to employ military force, sufficient TO con
troll company Of desperadoes, armed TO th'
teeth, and determined upon the accomplish
ment of their purposes, at the risk Of life ant
limb When this emergency arises, | respect
fully suggest, that it is the duty of the Stat
authorities to provide the necessary force Il
protect the canal and its officers in the Lawful
discharge of their duty. After all the effort
that have been made TO conciliate TIE parties
l know Of nothing that can he done, consist
ent with the honor and character of the State
than for your Excellency to station sufficieu
number of armed men (ssy ffty), to proteC
the works of the canal at that point, at al
hazards Respectfully submitted,
WM, J, hALL,
Res. Engr. and Supt Southern piYisio
W. Il +. Canal,