The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-04-15
The Case of fir. Bridenthall, the
Deputy Provost Marshal.

We lave not been disposed to condemn
severely the action of Justice SMITH, at
Henderson, in binding over Mr.. BRIpEN-
THAI, the Provost Marshal of that district,
for shooting an alleged deserter, because
we were not entirely convinced that his
course in the premises was wrong, and for
the further reason, that the War Depart
ment, which now has the case under ad 5,
visement, will unquestionably render de-
cision according to the law and the prac-
tice in similar affairs, in which We should
quietly acquiesce, without regard to any
pre-conceived opinion of our own. But
the Press has seen fit, in its usual ntem-
perate language, t. assail the Justice be-
fore whom the examination was held, and
therefore We allow him space for the fol-
lowing reply: .s.,s...
A CARD FROM DAVID Il. SMITH. OF HENDERSON.
HENDERSON. MINI, April 3, 1864.
Editor Saint Paul Pioneer: .....
am not much accustomed to write articles
for publication, but us it would seem that the
editor of the Press, in his Yesterdays issue, has
labored to distort my official action in the ex-
animation of Mr.. Bridenthall, I deem it neces-
sary to make a true statement of facts
The warrant experimenting Bridenthall for
murder was issued by Mr.. E. Aver, Coroner of
Sibley county, and made returnable to me.
was absent when Mr.. Bridenthall appeared for
his examination, and Mr.. B. declined Gas am
informeO being brought before Mr.. Justice
Nelson, and therefore waited until returned.
On the examination there was not particle of
legal evidence introduced by Mr.. E. tending to
show that Peter Herman, the deceased, was a
deserter, nor was it proved ip evidence that an
arrest had been made by Mr. b. 1t certainly
appeared from the evidence introduced, that,
even admitting Mr.. B. to have been Deputy
Provost Marshal and Herman to have been
deserter, Mr.. B. had acted very rashly and
harshly in the matter. As there were doubts
on my mind about Mr.. BIS right to kill Kier-
nan under the circumstances, 1 believed it to
be my duty to send the case to jury, aud that
was the reason made the bail SO light
believe the course the Press has taken in
this matter, and also its general rabid career,
has bad tendency, and, if anything, does the
cause Of the Government (Which it pretends to
advocate) great harm. And would here state
to the gentleman who comes from the Pro-
vince of scoundrels and rogues, according
to his own language. that am better Union
man than he can be from his very nature, and
have perilled my life in the cause Of freedom
and the Government in Kansas, where he
would not have dared to have shown himself.
1t seems to me to be unworthy a respectable
journalist to malign and villify person who is
simply enforcing the laws of the State of Min.
nesota as a Justice, according to the oath he
has taken under, its laws. But what can be
said of fellow who vlllifes everything in gen.
eral, and the place and land Of his nativity in
particular? n1,tlof.>..
Ii As to who / am, I respectfully refer, to Hon.
A. H. Reeder, Hon. M. Conway, Hon. James
Lane, 81. hope you win give these few
lines an insertion. Yours, &C.,
,--------------,----- DAVID z. SMITH.