Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1863-07-13

he should become the commanding officer OF the
35th regiment" The whole Of this statement Is
untrue falsehood scissored from the whole
cloth. Every officer and man who accompanied
me to the regiment will testify that cautioned
them TO q strict obedience to Col. Walkers au-
thOrity and mutual friendship with their new
comrades in arms. So truthfully had I deter
mined to do nv duty as Lieutenant Colonel,
under Walker as my superior, I lost no opportu
nifty to convince the officers and men Of the 35th
regimen. that nv highest ambition vas to see
harmony ard discipline the chief characteristics
Of the corps. To prove to the public how totally
untrue is the assertion Of Col Walker that il was
'foreordained" that ! shonld become the CON
mandng officer Of the 35th regiment. or tha,
ever entertained thought of supplanting Col
Walker, the following letter will testify:
TULLAHoxA. July Is. 1862.
DEAR Sra: Bv the orders Of Gen Smith. com
mandng the Z S forces at this post, my position
OF Lieutenant Colonel Of the 35th Indiana vol
unteers Is confirmed. I beg leave 20 say that
will cheerfully perform AL nv duties to the best
Of nv ability and take pleasure in aiding YOU In
disciplining the regiment and making II an orns-
ment 10 the service and an honor 10 the class il
represents
trust your health is sufficiently restored this
morning 10 take command of the regiment in
person; il IL is not, sn iutimaton 10 that effect
made 20 me / will promptly take command of the
regiment and consult with you as to the best
interests Of the regiment and the service
Respectfully. B p. MuLLrS.
Lieut.. Col 35th Ind Vols.
Col. John G Walker.
The pitablc silly and insolent in situation thst
was n plant servan, in the hands Of Governor
Morton. as my master" may so TO the public
for just what it is worth.
have convinced Walker however, In all this
matter of dispute-aud ] think the public will
also concude--that he ut least. /. not my mas
ter in any particular. lie NAV assume to abuse
Gov Morton over NV shoulders: shall reserve
the right 10 defend myself aud. although
am not the personal or political champion Of
Gov Morton. shall use the keen lnsh of truth
freely on the shoulders of those who slanderously
assail me publicly aud abuse tho Governor for
having faithfully and impartial, rendered justice
TO myself and to the regiment which have the
honor 10 command Let What will come Of this
unfortunate civil war--w neither We shall be a
united people or divided empire--history will
accord 10 Gov. Morton the applause of having
been faithful servant of the people, generou.
friend to the soldiers of the Republic.
Long after dismissed officers aud political dcn-
agogucs of the present age shall have been for
gotten. the noble energies. the self sacrificing
spirit. and even handed justice Of Gov. Morton
will sparkle upon the pages Of our country's his.
tory May that history recount permanent
union of the States and an indssoluble bond Of
unity, friendship aud fraternity in the hosrt- Of
the peoplel
In conclusion. even at the risk Of being thought
cgotisical. heg leave 10 contrast Col walker's
Management, Of the 35th regiment with my own
efforts 10 make II Al honor 10 the servIco-A
pride To ts friends Up 10 the moment I assumed
command Of the regimen, u had not been brig.
AIDED. and thus lost the opportunities of having
the names of " Donelson" and Shiloh" upon IN
flag. Why was thisf Because Col Walker
aspired 20 separate command lie would sac
rlhco every opportunity 10 win honor and fame
for his regiment rather than he should be de.
prived OF a"sep,rate commnnd Hence IL was
that the poor brave bows of the 35th regiment
were KEEP, guarding railroad bridges. pork barrels
and out OF the way places instead of marching TO
meet the enemy and share with their gallan,
companions IN arms the laufels Of victory When
the question of my rights officer was under
discussion at Shelbyville. Tenn Col Walker. in
the spirit of intrigue. proffercd to submit the
question to the regiment We were TO assemble
and haranrue the command. and thus. as be
lievcd. complete the demoralization OF the men
and destroy the efficiency of the regiment As
a soldier | refused. and the refusal Was couched
in the following language TO Col Walker:
Your kind offer to permit me to transfer thin
difficulty into the ranks Of the regiment car
not accept. When shall attempt to address the
brave BOYS of the 35th it will be to counsel
them 20 all obedience of orders. a respect for
their superiors. cultivate feelings of fraterna
friendship among themselves and create ar
esprit de corps that will carry them. bayonet in
hand, into the very teeth of the enemy. You
may rest assured will not be cajoled or forcec
into position dsgraceful TO = soldier aud onl,
tolerable in cross-road politician" Since tha
communication TO Col. Walker have many time,
publicly addressed ''tbe brave boys Of the 35th.
Since then they have measured their courage anc
tried the strength OF their bayonets with tbs
enemies Of the Union They have won a proud
name for dauntless courage and splendid discip
line. Was il Col Walkers intriguing and
managing" or my teaching and discipline that
has placed the 35th regiment high in the scale oi
honorf will leave the public aud history 10
decide Col. Walker j. poiiticisn-I am a
soldier. He has had the eagles stripped from bic
shoulders-I am still hoporel with the cpaulette
Of command. Whether We occupy our present
positions through political influence or our own
credit those who read HE "letter'' and my reply
can best judge and determine.
Now, Mr. Editor. ] must apoloeise for this
lengthy communication. | did not open this
controversy. aud will not extend IL into the fu-
tnre. unless ia lf-defense am obliged 10 do so
Business of an official nature prevented me from
noticing Col. Walkers "etter'' At at earlier day,
aud yourself and readers know we'll how TO ex
cuse me for giving precedence to public duties
over personal disputes As a soldier. hope and
pray that permanent and honorable peace will
soon be established. Nav the fields Of ear, nov
so rudely plowed by artillery and cultivated BY
the arms of contending hosts. be productive OF