Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1863-06-15
ror the sentinel.
FoT the Sentinel.
Sullivan County visited by a squad of
SOldiers.-s.A tempest In a Tea Por.'
SULLIVAN La Inna 8. ls63

EDaToR SENTINEL: An unusually strong force
of soldiers (somc sixty in number) made their
appearance here last Friday from indianapolis,
ostensibly for the purpose arresting deserters.
Arriving at the house of Mr. Joseph Waggoner.
the same venins. they demanded the use of
horse for a sick conrade and compelled boy to
bring the horee out fer them Mr.. ". was from
home They visited the kitchen. despite the
protestations of Ms. W. and confsctted all the
cooked vctusls. They then went away. taking
the hoise with them.
| also learn TIM; at every DE ocr-tic residence
along the road, after leaving Wagsoner's, they
stopped and searched. under the pretense of in
specting iOr TO, crument arms The inmates of
the houses, frightened fed 10 their neghbors.
The whole country became intensely excited by
reports that armed soldiers were taking private
property and violating the rights of private citi
zens. As might have beeu expected. large
number of people assembled to defend themselves
and assert their unquestionable rights.
On assembling they appointed committee to
wait on the Lieutenant Commanding. and asked
redress The Lieutenant apologized for the ar
btrary conduct of part of his men. confessing
that they had acted contrary to orders, and gave
up the horse. They had other horses, but bad
obtained the consent of the owners for their
use
The committee urged the officer in command
to move in the discharge of the duties assigned
him, that he would meet with no opposition from
our citizens in arresting deserters or executing
any legitimate order. But for some reason un-
known TO US, the Lieutenant turned about with
his command, returned to Sullivan, and left on
the Saturday p NJ. train for Indianapolis.
have thus given you, Mr.. Editor, plain un-
vanished statement of the facts in this case, dis
carding many additional circumstances which
may possibly have been exaggerated. Had these
soldiers done nothing but their duty, without in
terfering with private property. they would not
have been interfered with, even by committee.
write this to correct any erroneous and exagger.
ated reports that may be circulated in regard to
the affair for political effect
Phase saw 10 the authorities that prominent
men here will give bond that no interference will
be made with any squad of soldiers who may
come to arrest deserters, provided they commit
no depredations on private rights or property.
TRUTH.
p. S.-I have since heard OF an additional cir
cumstance, on undoubted authority. which goes
far to excuse the people for their belief that they
we're being overrun. They encamped for the
night near the house of Mr.. Joseph N. Pigg. AS
he was on his way home he encountered picket,
or sentinel, who, after inquring his business, &C..
suffered Kim to pass Jo. rode on and was soon
challenged again; but not stopping Immediately,
he was fired at, the ball passing SO close to his
hand as to leave the effect visible. Are squads
Of soldiers justi6able in such acts as thisf Un-
less the authorities are violently prejudiced
against our county. the company here last week
(from the 63d regiment. understand.) will re
ceive punishment They certainly deserve il.