The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1871-12-14
Tho Arre.t OF Rov. Re. Coop.r

EDENEzER, 8. O., December 8, 1871.
Co.. j. p. Thomas-DEAR SR: Al
the fact and circumstances connected
with my arrest have already become 9
matter of such publicity, and as there
seems to be question in regard to my
treatment, I deem it due to myself, the
public and the truth, to submit the fact.
to an impartial verdict. On the evening
OF the 30th November, I was arrested BY
the United States Marshal, Russell, when
my duties both of private and public
character imperatively demanded my
presence at home. then travelled the
distance Of thirteen miles, through a
driving. wind and bleaching snow, and
was ushered into tho presence of the
"autocrat," Col. Merrill, Commandant
OF York. During this interview, Col.
Merrill treated me with respect and con-
sidoration, IS he himself states, 80 far as
his conduct merely was concerned; but.
at the same time. charged that I had
grossly violated the law, in complying
with the request OF a lady of great re-.
spectability, friend, and o member of
my church. With this request, as
stated to Col. Merrill. I most nhesrfully
and promptly complied; believing then,
as 40 now, that I was simply in the line
OF duty, of privilege and Of Justice
the said request being simply that
should go and see one Isaac Foster, alias
Isaac the APOSTLE" so-called, and ask
him to come to her house ut once. Her
object being to convince him, not bv her
statement, bat by credible witnesses, that
he (Isaac Foster) was mistaken in his
supposition (not charge) OF her hus-
bands connection with the crimes
alleged. This interview, through my in
strumentality, was obtained; and, upon
the evidence sdduoed, Foster gave Ills
affidavit OF denial accordingly. This,
Sir, was my orime, and this the ground
OF my arrest. For this grave offence
against this Republican Government,
this ''land OF freedom and of liberty"
"the best government in the world"
was arrested and required to give bond
OF w, 900 for my appearance Of court, if
called for. The whole question then re-
solved itself into one of courtesy. Col.
Nj. denies that he treated me disoourte-
ously.. But is it no discourtesy to arrest
O minister, even on good and sufficient
grounds2 Is it no dieoourtesy to force
one to see another whom he had no de-
sire to see. and to ride through snow and
wind for such an honor and pleasure?
LIS it no disoourtesy to close minister 8
church without his voice? This is GER
tainly anti -Presbyterianism. if not anti
Repnblicanism. Is it not even an out
rage on his people to have them await in
expectation OF their pastors arrival for
Divine service. and go home in disap-
pointment2 S1oh we're the facts-this
night in question being their regular
time for service.
Finally, Col. NJ. charges that I have in
terfered with witness; and thus re-
tarded the administration OF Justice. I
deny that have interfered with q ,oit-
ness. and claim that have promoted the
truth. Concerning the whole matter, I
am forcibly reminded of the charge OF
the Ephramites against Gideon, for not
being called into action against few
scattered Midianites. and his reply was:
els not the cleaning Of Ephraim greater
than the vintage Of Abiezer? Ye have
slain the Princes; I have captured a few
fugitives." have not intimidated Fos.
tor. COL Merrill hos tried to intimidate
me. II. T.. COOPER.