Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1864-04-15
Secretary Military COmmitte
GOVERNOR BROUGH's REPLY.

THE STATE OF Ono, EXECUTIVE DEP'MT,
COLUMBUs o., April 5th, 1864
10 tte County hilitary Co1uaittees of The State
Of Ohio:
GENTLEMEN:-I send you herewith COPY of
the act passed by the recent General Assembly,
"For the relief of the families of soldiers and
marines in the State aud United States service.
and of those who have died or been disabled in
such services" Especially call your attention
to the Sth section of the law. and ON behalf of
our soldiers and their families earnestly ask your
cooperation in giving it efficiency
There are almost daily complaints to this De-
partment, that Township officers in certain To-
calites indisposed to administer this fund
in the manner evidently designed by the Gene
raj Assembly Women complain of being rude
ly insulted; of being compelled to travel long
distances to get signatures of officers, and
then being allowed very small amounts; of be-
ing almost insultingly catechised as to their
means of support, and divers other hindrances
and expressions. / have been unwilling to be-
lIeve that men trusted of their fellow citizens
would, or could make Of their offices a means of
oppression upon the weak and helpless families
of the brave men who are fighting our battles.
and keeping the tide of rebellion from our bor-
ders; but inquiries made ofmilitary committees
have brought replies even worse than the Origi-
nal complaint. / am mortified that these tbinOs
those who set party spirit above patriotism. and
political resentment against the obligations of
public duty, the friends of the country and its
brave defenders must contribute portion of
their time and trouble to aid in the enforcement
of the provisions made by law to remedy these
evils Except through occasional correspond
ence / cannot be advised of those cases where
the law is wrested to private purposes, and its
operations hindered and embarrassed. | re-
quest yOu therefore, to cooperate with me in
this particular. Where township officers do not
faithfully administer the laws, | hope you will
at once present the facts to your County Com
missiOners- If they neglect or refuse to act,
please notify this Department, and at the same
time indicate good and loyal men who will un-
dertake the performance of the duty. Be as
sured of prompt and decisive action in this
quarter and in cases where you report to me
specific facts, will put them in such attitude
that the people of the State shall see and know
the means resOrted to for the purpose Ofiniuring
the cause of the country, and its soldiers at the
same time. do not doubt your cordial sym-
pathy with me in this work; for it is a duty we
all owe while our soldiers protect us abroad, to
look to the support and comfort of their loved
ones at home.
The act is unusually clear and explicit in its
provisions. Ii, however, controversies arise as
to its intent and meaning, hope you will free
ly state them, and, as far as l can do so, / will
aid in solving them. The law was enacted in a
spirit Of lberality and justice, and it should be
so administered. 1t does not dole out charity,
but awards what is justly due to its citizens who
left their peaceful avocatons TO pro-
tect the State, and aid in crushing an unholv
rebellion against the peace and unity Of the na-
tion. Very Respectfully.
JOHN BROUGH.