Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1863-08-13
Letter from an Arrested Clergy
man.

Rev. James l.. ValIandigham, Of New =
ark, Delaware, writes TO the editor OF
the Philadelphia Agc as follows. His
persecution is another evidence Of the
partisan malace which rules the hour:
NEWARK, Del, July 20.
Military arrests have become so com
mon as scarcely to attract notice; still
when minister Of the gospel is arrested
some explanation would seem to be ne.
Icessary.
On the 17th inst, the Deputy Provost
Marshal Of this State, with a portion oil
his guard, came to Newark for the pur-
pose of arresting three Of our citizens on
specific chaiges. Having accomplished
their object, they were about to return to
Wilmington. 1t was, however. suggest
ed bp certain persons, that there were
others, Democratic neigbbors. who ough
to be arrested, and my name was men
tion I'd. / was accordingly arrested, to
gether with several other gentlemen o
the first responsibility in the community
Specific charges were now sought for,
but no. single individual--not even
those who had procured my arrest
would dare to say, on oath, that / had
ever violated any law Of the State OF
Delaware, or Of the United States, or had
ever done anything against the Constitu-
tion or the Government. was accord
ingly released, the Provost Marshal in
forming me that there were no charges
against me.
The same was the case with the gentle
men who were arrested with me-Jame,
II. Ray, Esq, DR.. N. II. Clark, and
Messrs. WIN. and John Reynolds, Jr..-
no charges subsiantiated by oath could be
brought against them, and they TOO were
set at liberty.
And now, it may be inquired, "why
were you pointed out as one who ough,
to be arrested?" To this question an.
swered that several reasons have been sug-
gested as the procuring cause" of my
arrest-a card which recently published
in denial Of false and slanderous charge
against my brother, the Hon. G. l.. Val
landigham-a few unpleasant words will
Republican neighbor in reference to O
matter in no way connected with war, pol
itics or the state Of the country-the fac
that am accustomed, every Sabbath. tC
pray that the Lord would bring this wa
to speedy close, and grant us agair
prosperity and peace. But though | ma,
not bo able just now certainly and posi-
lively to give the cause, | will state fe,
facts that may throw some light on til
subject.
1. My name is Vallandigham.
2. | am a Democrat.
, 9. At the commencement OF the war
announced to my people. that in war Q
well as in peace. resolved to preach onl
! the Gospel determined not to kno
anything among them save Jesus Chris
and Him cruciied d"--and have strict
adhered to the determination. In conse
qnence of this, have been, for the las
tw years, the object of the petty spite O
few individuals, who havo time an,
again threatened me with arrest. The,
have at length accomplished their pur
pose-have had their malice gratified-
and now trust l may be allowed peace
ably and quietly to discharge my minis
teria duties. tho thing which l mos
earnestly desire; for hold that in time
like these, as well as in all other times
the minister of the gospel best and mos
effectively serves his God and his countr
promotes the interests alike of pict
and Of patriotism. by exhibiting the NEE
and quiet spirit of his divine Master, an
,, attending faithfully to the legitimate du
: ties of his sacred Office.
, Very respectfully yours,
JAMES L. VALLANpIGHAM.