The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1864-08-31
Excitement in New Jersey.
AN EXAMINING SURGEON BRANDS A
CITIZEN
The people threaten to hang him, etc.

! AN EXAMINING SURGEON BRANDS A
CITIZEN.
The people threaten to hang him, etc.
About the middle of last week most re-
markable outrage was committed by one OF
| The examining surgeons IN the employ OF
the Government at Morristown, who, it aP-
pears, branded young man on the back
with nitrate OF silver to prevent bis being
passed a substitute or joining the army
as volunteer. From the following facts
gathered by one OF our reporters it will be
seen that the case is one OF considerable
interest as showing the shameful disregard
of the rights of citizens exhibited by those
in the employ of the present Adminslra-
tion. 1t appears that young man named
Caleb M. Beach, a resident of Rockaway,
N. j., had been drafted in that district 10 fill
the last call of the President for 300, 900
men, Not desiring 10 go conscript,
however, he made application for exemp-
ton on the ground OF physical disability
but Mr.. S. Wittinghsm, the surgeon in al
tendance at the time, decided him 10 be a
proper person, and fully competent to do
duty as soldier, and passed him accord
ingly. Mr. Beach, who is said 10 be not
very we'll off in the world, procured the re-
quisite amount paid his conmulalion fee
and was discharged.
Fearing now, however, that he might be
again a couscript before the termination Of
the coming draft, and knowing that MOTH
ing but substitute could save him, he de.
termined to enlist for one year and receive
such bounty as ihe authorities are paying in
the district. MIR. Wiulngham was sill on
duty there, and having passed him before,
of course The would soldier supposed
that as he was good man now as when
conscriPt, he would have no delay, bat
go al once and receive the bounty. To his
surprise, however, he was pronounced un-
fiji for service by Mr.. Wittingham, the same
doctor who before had passed him. Mr..
Beach then wended his way homew ward but
had not gone very far before he ielt disa-
greea5le itching about the middle Of his
back. This continued 10 groS still worse,
until al last, unable 10 bear il any longer,
he sought place of retirement, and, with
with the aic OF friend, ascertained that a
large mark, in the shape of a cross, had
been made about half way up mis- back
with what is believed 10 be an indelible
fluid. Enraged al the conduct OF the doc
tor, Mr.. Beach Immediately communicated
the facts 10 his friends in Morrislo~n, all of
hom advised him TO procure a warrant
and have him arrested.
He made application accordingly, and on
stating the facts 10 the magistrate the war
rant was promptly issued and placed in the
hands OF the proper officers for execution.
Mr. Wiiiingham, on hearing the course
things had taken, attempted to make his
escape, and started on loot for Madison,
about four miles distant, but was overhaul
ed by the officers when near the latter
place ard taken back to Morristown, where
he was held to bail in 81, 900 10 answer the
charges against him. The people in the
meantime having learned what had been
done, focked 10 The place, and would, It
was said, have dealt harshly with the doctor
had not the authorities taken the proper
stepsto prevent il. Even now there is
suppressed feeling OF indgnalio existing
among them that broods no good for hose
who may bs SO foolish as TO attempt such
an outrage in the future. Wherever one
goes, in the workshops, on the cars, and
even on the way TO church, there is but one
opinion expressed in regard to the affair,
and lha, is, lha. "the rascal ought TO be
hung" In only one instance did our re-
porter hear any one attempt to defend the
doctor, that was in store at Chatham but
the party had to leave the premises in less
time than il takes 10 write it.