The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1863-08-07
Letter from an Arrested Clergyman.

Rev. James L. VaIlandigham, of New
ark, Delaware, writes to tie editor of the
Philadelphia Age as follows:
NEWARK, Del, July %, 1868
Military arrests have become 80 COM
non as scarcely to attract notice; still,
when a minister of the gospel is arrested,
some explanation would seem 10 be neces-
sarv.
On the 17th inst, the depnis provost
~ 'ar-i-i of lis state, with portion of ...i.
guard, came to Newark Tor The purpose of
arresting three of our citizens on specific
charges. Having accomplished their OBJ
iect they were about to return to Whining
ton l. was, however, suggested by Ger
tain persons, that there were others-dem-
ocratic neighbors- who ought to be arrest
ed, and nv name was mentioned. | was
accordingly arrested, together with several
other gentlemen Of the frs. respectability
in the community. Specific charges were
now sought for, but not single individual
not even those who had procured my
arrest-woud dare to say, on oath, that
had violated anv law of the state Of Della
ware, or of the United States, or had ever
done anything or said anything against the
constitution or the government ! was
accordingly released, the provost marshal
Informed me that there were no charges
against me.
The same was The case with the gentle
men who were arrested with me-James
H. Ray, ESQ, DR.. n. II. Clark, and Messrs.
VIM and John Reynolds, Jr., no charges,
substanliated by oath, could be brought
agains! them, and they too, wee set at
liberty.
And now, it may be inquired, "why
were you pointed out as one who ought to
be arrested 2" To this | answer that
several reasons have been suggested as the
''procurng cause" Of my arrest-a card
which | recently published in denial Of a
false and slanderous charge against my
brother, the Hon. c. l. Iandigham,-a
few unpleasant words with republican
neighbor in reference to q matter in no way
connected with war, politics or the state Of
the country-the fact that am accustom,
ed, every Sabbath, to pray that the Lord
would bring this war to a speedy close
and grant us again prosperity and peace
But though may not be able just now
certainly and positively to give the cause
| | will state few facts that NAV throw
some ligh, on the subject.
/ Ny name is Va!landigham.
.. | am democrat.
| 3. At the commencement of the war
announced to my people that in war a
we'll as in peace, was resolved to preacl
only the gospel-''de determined not Il
know anything among them save Jesu
Christ aud Him crucifed'- l hav'
strictly adhered to the determination. II
! consequence of this, have been, for The
last two w., tie object cf the petty spite
of few individuals, who ia.ee 40 time ano
again threatened me with arrest. Iuc''
have at length accomplished their purpose
have had their malice gratiied -ant
now | trust | may be allowed peaceably
and quietly to discharge my minis.ela
du.ie,, the thing which | most earnestly
desire; for hold that in times like these
the minister Of tie gospel best and mos
eflec,uaIl. serves his God ahd hi. country
promotes the in erests alike Of pie,y anc
of patriotism, by exhibiting the meek anc
quiet spirit Of his divine Master, and at
tending faithfully to the legitimates duties
of his sacred Office.
Very respectfully Yours.
JAMES l.. VALLANDIGUAM