Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1863-07-23
To the Officers and Soldiers of the
"Legion" and Minute Men" OF
Indiana,

Having received information that reb.
ell force. estimated to he six thousand
strong, with six pieces of artillery, had
crossed the Ohio river into Harriso, coun-
ty, issued call on Thursday last, to
the patriotic citizens of the State, to leave
their various occupations and turn ont for
its defense, and if possible capture the in
solent invaders. The evi ilsnce was abund-
ant tha; the original purpose of the rebels
was to seize. plnnler and burn the Cap
itol. but as their course would be uncer-
tain 1t was necessary to make prepara-
tions to encounter them IN every direction.
Within forty eight hours from the time
the call .as issued. not less than sixty
FIVE thousand men had tenlered their SER
vices and were on their way to places Of
rendezvous. while many thousands more
were preparing. but wero notified to re-
main at home.
Within three days thirty Thousand men.
fully srms and organized, had taken the
field at various points to meet the enemy
This wonderful uprising will exert a mark
ed effect throughout the country. exhibit
ing. as it does. in the strongest and most
favorable light. the military spirit and
patriotism of our people,
At the firx landing on our soil the reb-
sl advance was met aud fought by the
neighboring "Lsgion. and. although our
forces were few in number and were driv-
en- back. they gave the rebels clear FORE
taste of what they might expect when
they penetrated the interior of the State.
Within ten hours after they entered our
borders their invasion was converted into
rapid and desperate Eight. In what d.
rection they turned they were confronted
by large bodies of armed men. Wher-
ever they approached the river, with q
view to crossing. they found large bod
les Of troops prepared to dispute their pas
sage. In half dozen cases they were
offered battle. which they invariably de-
clinsd. They lodged and ran by night
and day and finally succeeded in making
their escape over our eastern border in
to Ohio.
They are reported to have murdered sew
eral Of our citizens in cold blood, to have
plundered many Of their horses. money
and goods. snd to have burned and other
wise destroyed much valuable property
The injury done to the railroads was
slight, and has been almost entirely re-
paired. They had but little time to dam
age beyond the murder and plumber OF
surprised and defonsless citizens along the
line of their fight.
For the alacrity with which Jon respond
ed to my call and left your harvest fields.
your workshops. and offices. and took up
arms to protect your State and punish the
invaders. allow me. on behalf of the
State. to tender my hearty thanks. Your
example will not bs lost upon the nation,
and you have taught the rbeels lesson
which will not be forgotten.
In the light Of these events it is impos.
sible not to perceive the Importance of q
thorough organization Of the Legion
The presence of an organized force ready
to take the field at moments notice is
a standing security against invasion and
depreciation. and am very anxions that
so far as it is possible the temporary or
ganizltion Of the minute Men" may be
converted into permanent ones under the
law; and that e5ertions will everywhere
be made to recruit tho ranks Of the Le-
gion and perfect its drill and efficiency
Given at the Executive Department. In.
disnspolis. Indiana, this 18th day ol
July, 1853. ~ eeefhE|
e go s1 Oliver P. MonroS,
Governor and Commander in Chief.