Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1863-07-16
TO the Officers and Soldiers of the
Legion and Minute Wen of Indiana

Having received information that a Rebel
force. estimated TO be six thousand strong. with
six pieces Of artillery, had crossed tue Ohio river
into Harrison county. ! issued a 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 capture the insolent in
vaders
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 un
certain il was necessary to make preparations to
encounter them in every direction Within forty
eight hours from the time the call issued not
less than sixty thousand men had rendered their
services and were on their way to places Of rem
devious. while many thousands more were pre-
pairing, but were notified 70 remain NJ home
Within three days thirty thousand men, fully
armed and organized. had taken the 6eld at vari
Gus points 10 meet the enemy
This wonderful uprising will exert marked
effect throughout the country exhibiting as it
does. in the strongest and most favorable light,
the military spirit and patriotism of our people
At the first landing soil the Rebel ad-
vance was met and fought by the neghborng
Legion. and. although our forces were few in
number, and were driven back. they gave the
Rebels a clear foretaste of What they might ex-
pect when they penetrated the interior of the
State. Within ten hours liter they entered our
borders their invasion was converted into RI pid
ami desperate flight.
In whatever direction they turned thew were
confronted bv large bodies OF armed men Wher-
ever they approached the river. with the view to
crossing they found large bodies OF troops pre-
pared to dispute their passage In halt dozen
cases they were offered battle. which they in
variably declined. They lodged and by night
and by day. and finally succeeded in making their
escape over our eastern border into Ohio.
They are reported to have murdered several
Of our citizens in cold blood to have plundcred
many Of their horses, money and goods. and 10
have burned and otherwise destroyed much valu-
able property. The injury done TO the railroads
was slight. and has been almost entirely repaired
They had but little time TO do damage beyond
the murder and plumber of surprised and defense
less citizens along the line of their flight
For the slscrity with which YOU responded to
my call and left your harvest fields your work
shops ana offices, aud took up arms TO protect
your State aud punish the invaders. allow me. on
behalf OF the State 10 tender nv hearty thanks
Your example will not be lost upon the nation,
and YOU have taught the Rebels lesson which
will not be forgotten
In the light Of these events. il is impossible not
to perceive the Importance Of a thorough organi
ration OF the Legion
The presence Of an organized force ready 10
take the field a moments notice j. a standing
security against invasion and depreciation. and
am very anxious that far as il is possible the
temporary organizations of the minute men"
may be converted into permanent ones under the
law. and that exertions will everywhere be made
20 recruit The ranks of the Legion and perfect lis
drill and efficiency
Given at the Executive Department. Indian
apolis. Indiana, this 18th dav of july, 1868
OLIVER p MoRroN
Governor and Commander in Chief