M'arthur Democrat. (McArthur, Vinton County, Ohio) 1853-1865, 1863-03-12


are to Establish Military DespOtism
in the North. s.-zs
To tn Editor of the Enquirer
About three weeks ago the under
sigued observed an editorial in the
Daily ReOkuk Constitution, contain
ing some information in regard to a
secret military organization, which was
being rapidly extended over the coun.
try, and which it was thought was
intended to aid in fastening on the
American people an odious military
despotism. 1t Immediately attracted
our attention and we determined to
endeavor to learn the true facts in
reference to this oath bound, secret
and dangerous organization. We
observed that the cute Gig, an Abo
lition newspaper Of Keokuk, contained
an article advocating the formation Of
the s. 3. Societies in Lee County,
Iowa, and stating that arrangements
were made to form them in that 10.
cality.
1t was further stated that persons
desirous OF obtaining information in
regard to it should address John
Trimble, jr., DID, box 6 ,295, Chicago
Illinois, who would send circulars,
constitutions, rituals, &c. We at once
decided to address this Individual.
Thinking it might be better to use
some other name than our own, we
obtained the consent of Mr.. Il. B.
Grffits, Of this place, and sent this
John Trimble, DID,, a letter, asking
information and requesting him to
send such documents as he thought
proper. lie replied to Mr. Grifli;S by
sending two printed circulars.
/ In one OF these circulars it is said
that "overy thing now depends on
speed; what we do, must be done in
the next ninety days, or all is lost"
He requests Mr. Griffits, in this, TO
send him the name Of a good loyal
man to act as Colonel for tAis county,
and five to ten suitable names for
Captains.
To them he promised to send com.
missions, rituals, private instructions,
&c.
IN the other circnlar he explains
what the S. B. mean. They imply
Strong Band" or "Strong Brother
hood" and their Rivate meaning is
Spartan Band" And they are bor-
rowed from those German Bands"
which, in the last days u! Napoleon,
did so much in uniting the people OF
Prussia, Holland, &c. lie says the
Idea implies the cementinS Of -Lgla!
citizens together in an indisSoln6Ic
band" lie says "the tDet Eien Of the
nation approve it," and that they ex.
pect to have q quarter of million by
the 4,h of July next, and four times
that number by New Years. Among
other objects it Is stated that they
"teach by covenants, cmbems and
solemn ceremonies, the harmony.
strength and beauty ofnational unity
He says that "recruit must be eigh.
teen years, and upward, Of age, but
that they will take in youths of A."
lie also says in this circular that the
organization is essentially military
ard that "it is warIike in structure.
lie further tells Nv Griffits that pro.
per persons are being sought out in
every county in your State" 10 enlist
men in this dangerous MIDNIGHT or
ganization.
These circulars are signed "Johr
TrImble, jr., General Secretary S. B.
Mr.. Griffits sent the following letter
in reply to these circulars.
"CARTHAGE, HANCOCK County ILL.,,
''FebruaryS. 8. 1863.
"DEAR SlR:-Yours of the 4th inst
came 10 hand last evening. | bav,
shown your circulars ;o few reliable
friends, and We have agreed that al
organization should be immediatel,
formed.
"Tlns is a strong Copperhoa'
county, and we wish to organize a
quietly as possible. In consultation
! with our friends last evening, we de
y cided to recommend A. NJ. O6sman a
Colonel for the county, and you ma
"a send a commission to me as Captai
h for this township, as this is our under
& standing here.
I, "In the mean time ! will visit othe
e parts OF the county and get suitabl
friends to act as Captains.
v at will probably be- better to hav
y n their consent before any other con
missions are sent.
\ \ please send Immediately the ri
uals, commissions, guides and sue
private instruction as is necessary.