Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1862-07-09


CNAp OHAsE, July 7th, 1862.
EDs. LEADER; Another year of our Ma
tiOnal Independence has closed, but with
us no loud booming Of cannon, no sharp
fire of musketry, no gaudy display Of mil
itary attire heralded the advent Of our
nations birthday. Not even the custom
ary national salute was fired to mark the
Importance Of the occasion. The faint
discharge Of a fre-cracker or torpedo re-
port would have been pleasant and awak-
ened many happy memories Of Fourth Of
Juiys a. home. But though no military
display occurred, yet the day was not
without its stirring and exciting events,
The day opened as quiet as any Sunday we
have spent in camp. Just as we were
leaving guard mounting one Of the senti-
nels at the prison was carried to the hos
pital with his right hand terribly shatter-
ed by The accidental discharge of his gun
After inficting this wound the ball passed
through the hip Of one of the sorgeants
standing near, and viii probably cause his
death. i HE-alyl
But the more important event was yet
to follow. About two o'clock, as your cor
respondent was indulging in the delicious
fragrance Of his meersohaum, he was
aroused by cries of "Tear down the SUIT
ler.h We proceeded to the lower part Of
the camp and found a mob Of infuriated
men collected about the Suffers, some
shouting fOf stones, others erying, "Burn
it, Tear it down "Heaye over the
shanty," &C., &c. It seems that the Sut-
ler's exorbitant prices and many supposed
acts Of injustice on his part had greatly
incensed the soldiers, and they insisted on
his removal. Moreover, it was believed
that the Sutler had been instrumental in
obtaining the establishment of the Brigade
Guard, by which we are hemmed in Camp
and excluded from the privilege of bath
ing. Three or four men were also shot by
this Brigade Guard, in one case rendering
amputation necessary at the knees This
fact only added new fuel to the flame and
heaped increased odium on the Sutler. At
first all efforts of the officers to dis
perse the riot were unayailing and
their commands were received with jeers
and scoffs Finally, a detail of men was
ordered to charge bayonets upon the mob,
and the crowd dispersed with deep curses
and threats.
The prelude to this riot, however, threat
ened to be most serious affair. A deep
laid plot was discovered among the pris-
oners. They have been in the habit Of
raising kites lately, but as it was supposed
to be mere sport no notice was taken Of
it. But apprehending lest there might be
some significant signals, orders were given
to shoot the next person engaged in this
business. Strict guard was placed on the
letters passed from the prison. Early last
week two letters were detected, revealing
a secret plan for escape. They were writ
ten in milk, which when dry is scarcely
visible, but is perfectly legible on being
heated. Special inquiries were made re-
specting the position Of the arsenal at Gin
einnati, Of the railroad and telegraph
routes, seeking means and the cooperation
Of men of influence. Two nights the 85th
lay defleG about the prison, and Thursday
morning all the officers were sent TO John
sons Island, and about as many privates
returned. Nothing more has been revealed
of the plot, and the prisoners are very
quiet again. The weather here is extreme
ly warm, and many are in the hospital;
but Company B are very nearly all in good
health and spirits. Yours, G.