The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1877-11-22
WAR RECORD OF SENATOR MORTON

Senator Morton's war record is the
part of bis life work, that will probably
live longest. Unlike the other war gov.
ernors, he was beset within as we'll as
without, for the coseness of Kentucky
border line, the Knights of the Golden
Circle and the draft rioters added in-
mensely TO the other difficulties of his
place. Bat he never qualed; be was al-
ways equal TO, and ahead Of the emer-
gency. After Sumter was bombarded,
and even before Lincoln had called for
less than 5000 meu from Indiana, the
governor telegraphed him a tender OF
10000 men, and in less than week after
having filed The quota aud pat il IN
course OF preparation for the field, he be-
gan accepting and organizing troops for
longer service He offered e,60o moro on
the 20th OF April, with the assurance that
If needed they could be organized in six
days. Though communication was cut
off with Washington and he got no ans
wer, he went on with his organization
Just the same, and put six state rcgi-
ments in camp ready for years service.
lie stimulated volunteering TO such a
degree that no conscription severely aft
eCted Indiana. Thus ont of 1867 men
furnished by the state during the war,
but 1900 were drafted, and all calls
were filled fully and promptly with active
and not constructive soldiers. The mere
routine work of the military administra-
ton may be judged from the fact that no
less than 1884 commissions were issued
by the governor during the war. He
also established an arsenal for the manu-
facture Of ammunition, and always kept
home guard of $4,000 men. When the
democrats got control Of the Legislature
/ in 1862, aud refused to supply The
money needed for carrying on the state
government, he organized a separate fl.
/ nance bureau, independent OF the state
treasury, called on the loyal people for
4 loans, aud with the assistance thus OBJ.
tanned aud The help of the general gov
ernment, he carried on the state govern.
ment aud continued TO raise Anl forward
/ troops for two years. The following let
Ter addressed to Morton after the close 81
the war, is all that need be adried 10 this
chapter Of his national service:
WASHINGTON, Nov 10Th, 1868.
4 MIR DEAR GOVERNOR: think Il /.
right for men, who have ably and faith
fully served their country, TO know that
their labors are appreciated as they merit
SO ! will not deny myself the pleasure oI
telling you that Secretary Stanton wa.
with me last evening, and we, naturally
turning our minds TO the past, fell Il
talking of you. We sgreed that no gov
ernor rendered such service, or displayed
such couta age, or more ability 10 admins
tration; aud we agreed that your recen
services were most meritorious of all, be
cause rendered under circumstances o
greater personal risk Of health and life
aud which would have been by almos
any man regarded, and by all accepted
as good reason for total inaction. hay'
seldom heard Stanton express himself s.
earnestly. hope you will derive salts
faction from this little relation. The tall
gave much to me.
Cordially, your friend, 5. 7. CHAsE.
On one occasion The defnaud for troop
was 30 great that be decided 10 urg
them 10 20 10 Washington witkout thei
bounty money At midnight be eale
! up Que regiment aud siated the case
, They agreed to 20, because you have r,
j qnesied o., Gov Morton, but for u
! other reason. The governors heart f4i
! cd bim--ths conduct Of the men was to
1 generous. The executive Of the state ,
E Indians proceeded on begging tour
) the capital The first bsnk be came |
/ greeted bim with, No, we've 10 currenc
0 oh hand The president Of the next bau
e asked, What DO you want. Money, vi
. The reply. Get oHl; We haven't ans
? What security can you giyel Only ind
II yidusl name, sir, sAid the governor. 4
dlviiusl name thundered the bank of
i Ger. How much DO you want, aud wh
A dn van sgsut a far The ggxeftnr q