Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1861-09-06
MARTIAL LAW IN MISSOURI.
st. Louis, Aug. 91.-Tho following proc
lamation was issued this morning:
HEADQUARTERS, WESTERN DEPARTMENT., !
Auunst 31St 1881 (

hJbs bOuIoJ mug no piON-
lamation was issued this morning:
HEADQUARTERS, WESTERN DEPARTMENT.,
August 3lst, 1861.
Circumstances in my judgement of suffi-
cient urgency render it necessary that
the Commanding General of this Depart
meut should assume the administration of
the powers OF the State. Its disorganized
condition, the helplessness Of the civil au-
thority, the total insecurity of life and de-
vastation of property by the hands of mur-
derers and marauders who infest nearly
every county in the State and avail them
selves of public misfortunes and the vicinity
of hostile force to CRAFTY private and
neighborhood vengeance, and who find an
enemy wherever they find plunder, finally
demand the seyerest measures TO repress
the daily increasing crimes and outrages
which are drawing off tho inhabitants and
running the State. In this condition, pub
lie safety and the success of our arms require
unity Of purpose, without let or hindrance
to the prompt administration of affairs.
Iu order, therefore, to suppress disorders,
to maintain as far as now practicable public
peace, and to give security and protection
to tho persons and property of loyal citi-
zens, do hereby extend, declare and es-
tablish martial law throughout the State of
Missouri. The lines Of the Army of Occu-
patton in this State are for the present de-
clared to extend from Leavenwortb, by way
of the posts of Jefferson City, Rolla and
Ironton, to Cape Girardeau on the Missis-
sippi River
A H. III h. toIr ,.,th
in their hands within these lines, shall be
tried by court martial; and if found guilty
will be shot. The property, real and per-
sonal, of all persons in the State of Missou-
ri, who shall take up arms against the
United States, or shall be directly proven
to have taken an active part with their enc
mics in the field, is declared to be confsca-
ted to public use, and their slaves, if any
they have, are hereby declared free men,
All persons who shall be proven to have de-
stroyed, after the publication of this order,
any railroad tracks, bridges, or telegraphs
shall suffer the extreme penalty of this law.
All persons engaged in reasonable cores
pondence, in giving or procuring aid to enc
mics of the U. s., in fomenting tumults, in
disturbing the public tranquility by creating
and circulating false reports or incendiary
documents, are warned that they are expos
iug themselves to sudden and severe pun
ishment. All persons who have been led
away from their allegiance, are required tc
return forthwith to their homes. Any sucf
absence without sufficient cause will be held
to be prcsumptive evidence against them
The object of this declaration is to place
in the hands of the military authorities the
power to give instantaneous effect to exist
ing laws, and to supply such Deficiencies
as the conditions of war demand; but it il
not intended to suspend the ordinary trbu
mails of the country where the law will b.
administered by civil officers in the usua
manner with their customary authority
when tho same can DO peaceably exercised
The Commanding General will labo
vigilantly for the public welfare, and in hi
efforts for their safety, hopes to obtain no
only the acquiescence but the active sup
port of the people of the country.
(Sigued) j. G. Fremont,
Major General Commanding.