Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-05-29
VOL. XXI. NJ. |.

three days3 presume we can have transporta
ton, suggested Col Waite There will be trans
pcrtaton for you, sir, replied Major Macln, with
emphasis and anger Again general converse
ton took place, still much excitement eyinced
among all parties.
The inquiry was made 5y Major Maclin, If he
had any discretion in the matterf He replied
that he had none. The character of paroles and
the rights of prisoners then became general sub
ject Of conversation. Each Officer present said
he desired at least twenty -four hours to consider
the subject, as il was of great importance. Col.
Waite asked for one of the manuscript paroles,
when Major Maelin, in very offensive manner,
declined, saving he had use for them. This,
again, caused much evident excited and indignant
feeling. 1t is my desire, said Col Waite, to put
some officer in charge Of our soldiers, to be left
here as prisoners. should / accept parole, to
attend to their personal rights, police and COM
fort.
You need have no concern about that, sir, re-
sponded Major Maclin, we will save you that
trouble; we will attend to that no officer will be
permitted to have anything to do with them.
You will not be allowed to give any orders here.
Colonel Waite answered, it is your wish and OBJ
ject to corrupt them, and to force them into your
service; but they won't stay with you; they will
desert.
Your language, sir, said Major Msclin. is Of
fensiye; cannot permit it. Col. Waite replied,
the facts, sir, are doubtless offensive; my Ian
guage is not intended to be offensive. will talk
and state the facts; also claim the right to send
an officer to my Government, with sealed dis
patches, on parole That, sir. replied Major
Maclin, will not be allowed. But, said Colonel
Waite, can l not make my official reportf To
send an officer to head quarters, after important
events, is the custom of all armies and troops,
among civilized people. Perhaps it is, sir, replied
Major Maclin. After a long conversation, and
the excitement somewhat abated, Major Maclin
was asked if he would grant to each officer twen-
ty-four hours to consider upon the subject, when
they would report to him in person, their deter
mination. To this he agreed, and permitted each
officer to take one of the manuscript paroles for
consideration. The guard at the door was then
dismissed, and the officers retired.
WEDNESDAY,, April "a, 1851.
The officers met at IL N. to-day, at the Office
of the commanding officer, Major Maclin, as
agreed upon yesterday. No further modification
could be had of the terms offered yesterday, ex-
cepting provision for exchange as prisoners Of
war, and the privilege to Colonel Waite to report
the facts and past transactions to his Government.
They were now offered the acceptance of the
paroles or TO be considered close prisoners of
| There was no alternative but to be subjected to
the rabble; to crowds of undisciplined troops, re
gardless of authority control, to the vindctive
and active prejudces Of men in authority, who
had already stipulated terms. or take the paroles
offered, and ask safe conduct out of the State.
The latter was determined upon, as the only safe
method which could secure egress or escape. and
place the officers within reach Of the United States
| Government.
Each officer took his parole under the protest
made by Col. Waite. the day previous.
4