The daily Evansville journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1862-1863, 1863-01-12

soldiers of Indiana throughout this war.
Some have fallen in battle, and | earn
estly recommend that their families be
provided for, and placed on footing at
least equal to the families of those who
fallsi the Federal service. They also
rendered prompt and efficient service in
guarding rebel prisoners when the Fed
eral forces performing that duty were
called into the field. Although the or
ganization and operation of the Legion
have been chiefly confined to the coun-
ties bordering on the Ohio river, yet
much has been done in some of the in
terror counties, and among them would
especially notice the counties of Jen-
nings, Decatur Shelby, TiPpecanoe, Put
nam, Parke and Vigo The response
which was made from those counties, on
sudden calls for military force, was of the
most energetic and satisfactory charac-
ter. For full account of the operation
of the Legion, | refer you to the able and
interesting report of Major General Love.
Your attention is also specially called to
the recommendations contained in his
report relative to the amendment of the
Militia Law. 1t sis very important that
provision be made presenting induce
ments to join the Legion, by proper ex-
emptions and payment, and comforting
the authority and pointing out the man
ner, by which the members of companies
shall be compelled to attend meetings for
drill and respond to calls for service
!, Such authority is doubtless contained in
the Law now, but its mode of exercise is
not determined The Legislature ap-
propriated, for the support Of the Legion,
$4,000 for the year 1861, and $4,000
for the year 1862. As will appear from
/ the Auditors report, only the sum of
S., SOP % has been expended on these
appropriations up to the 3lst day of Oc-
tober last. The distribution of the Fund
among the counties and regiments, as
required by the act, was never made by
/ the Adjutant General, because of insu-
perable difficulties growing out of defects
in the Law, and the organization Of the
companies. l trust the Legislature will
make prompt provision for the payment
of all claims growing out of the opera
tons OF the Legion, and for proper dis
tribution of the Fund.
Strongly impressed how much the
peace and security of the State depend
on the efficiency of the Legion, in the
month of October | summoned the Off
GERS TO this city to receive military in
struction in school temporarily organ
lied and conducted by Major General
Love. Some 400 gentlemen were in at
tendance, and the spirit and devotion
manifested by them, and their progress
in military knowledge were of the most
encouraging and satisfactory character.
PROCLAMATION CALLING OUT THE MILITIA.
At the time of the invasion of Ken
lucky by Kirby Smith, the guerrillas in
Tested the Kentucky side of the Ohio
River, from Lawrenceburg to Mount
Vernon, and at several points large
bodies of rebel cavalry were assembled,
and seemed to be awaiting an opportuni-
ty to cross the river and invade the State.
The river was very low in many places
fordable, and much alarm prevailed in
our border counties.
Accordingly, | issued a Proclamation.
of which copy is herewith filed, reouir-
ing all the able-bodied men, subject to
military service, between the ages of Is
and 40, in the counties bordering on the
Ohio River, to assemble at stated periods,
with whatever arms they could command,
to organize themselves into companies
and be instructed in military tactics.
This Proclamation was very generally
acquiesced in, and carried into execution
by the people, and was continued as
long as the emergency seemed to require s
The preparations thus made, in connec-
ton with the Legion, for repelling and
Furnishing invasion, deferred the guerilla
aid marauding parties, who were plum
dering and numbering the Union men on
the other side Of the river, and protected
the lives and property of our citizens.
~. Concluded an our merit issue.