Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-05-01

people Our divisions were mere political and
not fundamental; and party lines faded instantly
from sight when the intelligence went abroad that
war was being waged against the Nation. When
the sound of the first gun reverberated through
the land the people of the North arose as one
man. and declared that the Government must be
sustained and the honor of our Gag preserved in
violate at whatever cost. The events of the last
ten days are pregnant with instruction and moral
grandeur. They present the action of a people
who have suffered much and waited long; who
were slow to take offense and were ncredulOus of
treason and danger; but who, when the dread ap-
peal to arms was made, and the issue could no
longer be avoided with honor or safety, promptly
abandoned the peaceful pursuits of life and de-
voted themselves TO the service of their country
/ trust that the force of this lesson may not be
lost upon our erring brethren of the South, and
that they will at once perceive they have naugu
rated contest from which they can not emerge
with honor or profit.
On the 18th day of the present month the Pres
ident of the United States issued his proclamation
calling upon the loyal States to furnish rs, 900
men for the protection OF the Government, the
suppression of rebellion and the enforcement Of
the Iaws-subsequently the quota to be furnished
by Indiana was fixed AT six regiments of seven
| hundred and seventy men each. In obedience to
this call ! ssGed my proclamation calling for vol
un.ee.s, and in less than eight days more than
~ 900 men have rendered their services, and the
contest among the companies has been earnest
and exciting as to which should secure place
within the quota. This response has been most
gratifying and extraordinary, and furnishes ndu-
bitable evidence of the patriotism of Indiana and
her entire devotion to the Union. Without dis
tinction OF party, condition or occupation, men
have rallied around the national standard, and in
every part of the State may be heard the sound
| of martial music and witnessed the mastering of
companies into the field.
In view of this remarkable response made to
the proclamation on the 30th inst, rendered to
the President for the service of the United States,
six additional regiments, but telegraph and postal
communication having been cut off with Wash
ington, no answer has been received up to this
time. A camp was formed in the neghborhood
of this city for the reception of the troops, and
Major Wood, of the United States army, has
been busily engaged for several days in muster
ing them into the service. There are in the camp
= companies, being an excess of the number
called for by the President, and, in addition to
that, every company largely exceeds, and in some
instances more than doubles, the number that can
be finally received into the company, Some com
panies came, by mistakes unavoidably occurring
| in the office of the Adjutant General, and Others
without marching orders They will be retained
in camp, and provided with quarters and subsist-
enee, awaiting the action OF the Legislature.
can not refrain from here eXpi eSSlnS the opinion
that has been uttered by many who have visited
the camp, that finer material for gallant army
was never assembled.
The report of the Adutant General, Lewis
Wallace is herewith transmitted, and beg leave
in this manner to tender him my hearty thanks
for his able and efficient services in that depart
ment.
In view of all the facts, it becomes the impera-
tive duty of Indiana to make suitable prepara-
tons for the contest by providing ample supplies
of men and money to insure the protection OF the
State and support the General Government in the
prosecution OF the war to a speedy and successful
termination. l therefore recommend that one mil
lion of dollars be appropriated for the purchase OF
arms and munitions of war, and for the organZa
ton of such portions of the militia as may be
deemed necessary for the emergency that mill
tia system be devised and enacted, looking
chiefly to volunteers, and which shall ensure the
greatest protection to the State and unity and
efficiency OF the force to be employed ; that law
be enacted defining and furnishing treason against
the State that "A law be enacted suspending the
collection of debts against those who may be ac-
tually employed in the military service of the
State or the United States ; that suitable proyi-
sion be made by the issue of the bonds of the
State otherwise for raising the money herein
recommended to be appropriated; and that all ne
cessary and proper legislation be had to protect
the business, property, and citizens of the State
under the circumstances in which they are placed
| q MORTON