The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1863-01-16


aud that great suffering must ensue during
this winter. unless active steps were taken
to raise contributions aud provide for the
needy.
Accordingly l issued an appeal to the
people of the State. a copy of which is here
with filed, stating the necessity and c>lling
upon all who were able to contribute of
their means. l sm gratified TO he able to
report.that a very generous response has
been made to the appeal. that active meas
ures have been initiated in many counties
in the State, TO relieve the necessities and
provide for the comfort OF the families of
cur soldiers who have abandoned home and
all its endearments to fight the battles Of
our country. The clergy Of the State were
especially called upon to engage in the work
of visitation and collecting contributions
and have, as l am informed. generally re-
sponded with zeal and energy.
1t is. however. maniies, that all efforts
will fall short OF meeting the necessities Of
the case and that Legislative aid will be re-
quired
The circumstances by which We ale sur
rounded are novel and extraordinary, aud
should be met by prompt and extraordinary
measures.
therefore earnestly invite the early aud
favorable consideration of this subject by
the Legislature.
AT the extra session of the Legislature .
Militia law was passed providing for the
organization OF the Indians Legion.
Although this law was defective in many
respects. and should be amended. yet it pro-
vided the frame of an organic alton
which has rendered most valuable service
during the war. To the officers and men of
he Indiana Legion, The State chiefly owes
the immunity she has esjoyed from inva-
sion. plunder and murder, by the guerrilla
and maIauding bands which infested many
of the adjoining counties in Kentucky
Not only so-ther all and protection have
been cheerfully and successfully extended to
he loyal citizens Of Kentucky when it has
been called for. Ga several occasions they
net the enemy in battle. when they ably
maintained the credit of the State, and be-
haved with that distinguished courage
which has characterized the soldiers OF In.
llama throuy hout this war. Some have fallen
in battle. and l earnestly recommend that
their families be provided for. and placed on
footing at least equal to the families of
those who fall in the Federal service
they also rendered prompt and efficient
-ervice iu guarding rebel prisoners when
The Federal forces performing that duty
were called into the field. Although the
organization and operation of the Legion
have been chiefly confined to the counties
on the Ohio river, yet much has been done
in some of the interior counties, and among
them l would especially notice the counties
Of Jennings. Decatur, Shelby. Tippecanoe.
Putnam. Parkc. and Vigo. The response
which was made from those counties. on
sudden calls for military force, was of the
most energetic and satisfactory character.
For full account OF the operations of the
Legion, refer yon to the able and interest
ing report of Major G.neral Love. Your
attention is also especially called to the
recommendations contained in his report
relative 10 the amendment of the Militia
Law. Ii is very important that provision
be made presenting inducements to join the
Legion by proper exemptions and pay ment,
and conferring the authority and pointing
out the manner by which the members Of
shall be compelled to attend
meetings for drill and respond TO calls for
service. Such authority is contained ia the
law now, but its mode Of exercise is not de-
The Legislature appropriated,
or support of tho L@gion, $4,000 for the
year 1861. and 10000 for the year 1869
As will appear from the AUDITORS report,
,nIy the sum Of S7.352 23 has been ex-
pended on these appropriations up to the
'lst OF October last. The distribution Of
he fund among the counties aud regi-
nents, as required by the act. was never
made by the Adjutant General. because of
difficulties growing out OF de-
ects IN the law and the organization Of
ompauies. l trust the Legislature will
make prompt provision for the payment Of
ii claims growing ont Of the operations OF
he Legion and for proper distribution Of
b. fund.
Strongly impressed how much the peace
nd security of the State depended on the
of the Legion. in the month Of
October l summoned the officers to this city
, receive military instruction in a school
organized and conducted by
iajor General Love. Some four hundred
were in a,tenda ance, and the spirit
nd devotion manifested by them. and their
in military knowledge. we're Of the
lost encouraging and satisfactory charac-
At the time of the invasion of Kentucky
y Kirby Smith the guerrillAs infested the
side OF the Ohio river, from Law
enceburg to Mt. Vernon. and ut several
oiots large bodies OF rebel cavalry were
and seemed TO be awaiting an
pporiunity To cross the river and invade
,e State. The river was very low. in
lany places fordable. and much alarm pro-
allied in our border counties.
Accordingly l issued proclamation. .
,py of which is herewith filed. requiring
Il the able bodied men subject to military
,rvice. between the ages Of Is aud IS. in
he counties bordering on the Ohio river. to
ssemble st stated periods. with whAsevsr
rms they could command, TO Organize
into companies and Be instructed
! military tactics. This proclamation "a:
cry generally acquissced in. and carried
ito execution by the people. and was con-
nued as long - the emergency seemed to
,quire. The preparation thus made. N
with the Legion. Sos repslling
I'd punisbing invasion, dstsrred ths
L. L.