Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-10-08
The Arrest of Col. Cyrus l.. Durham.
of Indiana, at MunfOrdviiie, Ky.

The following are extracts from the official re-
port of the siege:
Between five and six O'Clock a hlg of truce
from the enemy was seen approaching | sent
Col. Wilder To receive H. Ii covered a note from
Gen. Bragg, commanding the enemy 5 forces. as
sertlng that we were surrounded Dy an oYerwhel-
ming force. all hope of renforcements cut off,
and demanding surrender to save the loss of
human life which must result from carving the
works by storm / promptly anu reremptorily
declined but when Col. Wilder returned after
the delivery of my reply. ald informed me that
so far as he had been able TO observe, the force
against us was truly overw helmng and especial
ly in artillery and being only a senior officer of
equal rank with several others in the works, some
OF whom had had greater experience. | at his
suggestion, deemed il my duty % call a council
of war of these officers | desired also To gain
time in hopes OF relief from this place or from
Bowling Green therefore sent a note to Gen.
Bragg asking "A further suspension of hostities
To give me time for such constitution. He CON
sented to such suspension til O'Clock L NJ
This was point giined, rs by that time it would
be too late for further attack, except by assault,
which felt able to repe
by this time had got Geographic cOmmunica-
ton with LOuiSyi lie, and Immediately telegraphed
Gen. Gilbert in substance that We had held the
enemy, said to be Bragg's and Folks whole ar
my, at bay all day; that evidently fresh columns
were being moved against us. aud whether We
should be able 20 continue to hold our position
without assistance remained 10 be seen; that We
should DO the best we could. | received an
answer ordering NE To turn the command over TO
Col. Wilder. | replied that, under the crcum-
stances, regarded the order as unjust but should
obey IT,
In the meantime the council had been convened
consisting of Coils. Owen, Wilder, King Emer
son and Mlrray. Capt. Conkle and myself The
unanimous conclusion was that if they had the
force claimed viz: over % QUO men, and sixty
pieces OF artillery. besides cavalry, it would be IL
useless sacrifice of human life to resist and
especially n by their artillery they could in
spite OF Us occupy the nights north of the river.
which completely covered our works. But il
was also unanimously resolved that we should
he permitted by some competent officer or off
GERS TO have actual observation OF their strength.
or that We should demonstrate it by actual trial
OF arms.
At the conclusion of the council ! formally re-
linquished the command to Col. Wilder. who has
reported the further proceedings.
at once telegraphed Gen. Gilbert in substance
that | had relinquished the command, aud
that ] should take my musket and 90 into the
trenches; that as senior under the circum
stances, | would not officer fight under
junior.
| was Immediately ordered by him to report to
Col. Wilder under arrest. which did 1t is but
just that / should add that did not object to
serving under Col. Wilder Between him and
myself had existed. and vet exists the most friend
L. relations. We had in all things agreed. and
no praise from me would add to his reputation as
an officer. The proper authorities must Judge
from subsequent EVENT. whether my telegram to
Gen. Gilbert such evidence of weakness as
justified my removal from command. or whether
II was simply evidence that | saw our peril and
was not afraid look 1t in the face To that
authority shall also appeal for the business of
my arrest. OF the GOODNESS and determined
bravery OF the men can not speak TOO highly.
OF officers, when all did their duty we'll, especial
praise seems almost out OF place; yet some of
course had better opportunities than others dis
play tact, GOODNESS and courage