The daily Evansville journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1862-1863, 1863-07-17
By LAST NIGHTS MAIL.
To the officers and Soldiers of the |
Legion" and o. Minute Men" Of
Indiana.

Inu.aila.
Having received information that a
rebel force, estimated to be six thousand
strong, with six pieces of artillery, had
crossed the Ohio river into Harrison
county, | issued call on Thursday last,
to the patriotic citizens of the State, to
leave their various occupations and turn
out for its defense, and if possible cap
ture the insolent invaders. The evidence
was abundant that the original purpose
of the rebels was to seize, plumber and
burn the Capital, but as their course
would be uncertain it was necessary to
make preparations to encounter them in
every direction. Within forty-eight hours
from the time the call was issued, not less
than sixty-tive thousand men had tender
ed their services and were on their way
to places of rendezvous, while many
thousands more were preparing, but were
notified to remain at home. Within
three days thirty thousand men, fully
armed and organized, had taken the field
at various points to meet the enemy.
This wonderful uprising will exert a
marked effect throughout the country,
exhibiting, as it does, in the strongest
and most favorable light, the military
spirit and patriotism OF our people.
Al the first 10 dina. on rroo;l II
neI9hOorlng Legion, and, although our
forces were few in number, and were
driven back, they gave the rebels clear
foretaste of what they might expect
when they penetrated the interior of the
State. Within ten hours after they en-
tered our borders their invasion was
converted into rapid and desperate
flight In what direction they turned
they were confronted by large bodies of
armed men. Wherever they approached
the river, with view to crossing, they
found large bodies of armed troops to
dispute their passage. In half dozen
cases they were offered battle, which
they invaribly declined They lodged
and ran by night and day, and finally
succeeded III making their escape over
our eastern border INTO Uhio.
They are reported to have murdered
several OF our citizens in cold blood, to
have plundered many of their horses,
money and goods, and to have burned
and otherwise destroyed much valuable
property. The injury done to the rail
roads was slight, and has been entirely
repaired. They had but little time to do
damage beyond the murder and plumber
of surprised and defenseless citizens
along the line of their flight.
For the alacrity with which you have
responded to my call and left your har-
vest fields, your workshops, and offices,
and took up arms to protect your State
and punish the invaders. allow me, on
behalf OF the State, to tender my hearty
thanks. Your example will not be lost
upon the nation, and YOU have taught a
lesson to the rebels which will not be
forgotten.
In the light of these events, it is i'm
possible not to perceive the importance
OF a thorough organization of the Legion.
The presence nt AN orgrnized force, ready |
to take the field at IL mDments nouce, is |
a standing security against Invasion and |
and AIN very anxious that,
so far as it is possible, the temporary |
OF the Minute Men" NAV |
be converted into permanent ones under |
the law, and that exeIlions will every
where be made to recruit the ranks of |
the Legion and perfect its drill and eff
cheney.
Given at the Executive Department,
indianapolis, Indiana, this 18th day of
July, 1868.
OLIVER p MORTON,
Governor, and Commander-in-Ch