Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1863-06-09
For The sentinel.
Sullivan County visited by "a Squad of
SOIdiers..s'A Tempest i'm "A Ten Pot"

SULLIVAN, IA June Q, 1908.
EDlroR SESriSEL: An unusually strong force
of soldiers (some sixty in number) made their
appearance here last Friday from Indiana polls,
ostensibly for the purpose OF arresting deserters
Arriving at the house of Mr. Joseph Waggoner
the same evening. they demanded the use of a
horse for sick conirade, and compelled boy to
bring the horse out fer them. Mr.. W was from
home. They visited the kitchen. despite the
pgolestations of Mrs. W., and confiscated all the
cooked victuals. They then went away, taking
the horse with them.
| also learn that at every Democratic residence
along the road. after leaving Waggoner's, they
stopped and searched. under the pretense of in
speeding for Government arms. The inmates of
the houses, frightened fled to their neighbors.
The whole country became intensely excited by
reports that armed soldiers were taking private
property and violi ting the rights of private cit
zens. As might have beeu expected, large
number of people assembled 10 defend themselves
and assert their unquestionable rights
On assembling they appointed a committee to
wait on the Lieutenant Commanding. and asked
REDRESS. The Lieutenant apologized for the ar
btrary conduct OF part of his men, cOn.eSSng
that they had acted contrary to orders, and gave
up the horse They had other horses. but had
obtained the consent of the owners for their
use
The committee urged the officer in command
him. that he would meet with opposition from
our citizens in arrestlng 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 Z. VI. train for Indianapolis
have thus given YOU. Mr. Elitor. plain nm
vanished statement of the facts i'm this case dis
cardiug many additional circumstances which
NAV possibly have been exaggerated Had these
soldiers done nothing bet their duty. without in
terlering with private property, they would not
have been intertered with. even by 4 committee
j write this - correct any erroneous and exagger
ated reports that may be circulated in regard to
the affair for political effect.
Phase say To the authorities that prominent
men here will give bond that 70 interference will
bs made with any squad of soldiers who may
come 10 arrest deserters, provided they commit
no depredations private rights or property.
Truth.
p ST. have since heard of an additional cir
instance undoubtcd authority. which goes
far to excuse the people for their belief that they
were being overrun They encamped for the
night near the house of Mr. Joseph Pigg As
he was on his way home he encountered picket
sentinel. who, after inquring his business &c .
suffered him 20 pass 10. rode on and was soon
challenged again: but not stopping Immediately.
he fred at. the ball passing so close to his
hand as TO leave the effect visible. Are squads
OF soldiers justifable in such acts as this? Tn
less the authorities are violently preiudiced
against our county, the company here last week
from the Ord regiment, understand, } will re
ceive punishment. They certainly deserve it.