The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1881-10-15

The following letter in regard to the
attitude of John A. Logan during the
period Immediately preceding the late
civil war is an interesting contribution
to the history of that event. especially
in view of the claim of the Illinois Sem
ator to represent and embody the Stall
wart element Of Republicanism:
Mt. VERNON, Ill, August II. 1881.
To the Hon. len Hill. Atlanta, Ga.
MY DEAR SIR; The smoke Of battle having
cleared away, 1t is perhaps not inappropriate
TO notice the acts and conduct Of the parficf
pants In the senate of the United States
last winter l noticed n discussion between
yourself and the Hon. John A. Logan, from
this State, In VIII CHI the honorable Senator
took occasion 10 make broad denial OF the
charges long lad at his door of his disloyalty
ut the breaking out of the war. While do
annoying 10 the honorable senator, yet
think 1t but fair AMI right that the other side
OF the ''history should be wrftte'.
often me. him in political meetings before and
a. the beginning OF the War. At that time he
was member of the House from the Thir-
t!eeuth District of this State. was publish
ing Democratic paper at this place. well
remember Mr.. Logan OF that day as the most
ultia man in politics In the State; 1t being
generally understood that he was In favor
OF Southern Illinois seeding and joining the
Confedcracy. In 1861. near James J. Fitz9er-
aids, in this county. he m Ide speech f1lled
with the most vfndictiyc cptthcts upon the Adj
him in denounc:ng the unhoIy War; And
among the mild (fl sentences he used well re-
member the following made by Mr.. Logan the
day .efeTred to:
May my tongue clcave to the roof OF my
mouth and my right arm wither should ever
take. up arms against my brethren OF the
South.''
This speech was mado in the presence Of
hundreds of men besides myself who are to-
day living, and win bear testimony to the fact
In McLeansboro Hamilton County, IL, on
drew his bowic-knife and threatened. in the
most abusive language to cut down the stars
and stripes which were then over the Court
House, because, he said, IL was placed there a.
an insult to him as a member OF the Demo-
c. attic party in Sou hern Illinois. These re-
marks were made in the presence OF many
If required These reasonable actions and
uttcrances were continued by Mr.. Logan un-
til be received visit from y messenger of
Iarly-appointed special Deputy United states
Marshal This officer called upon Mr.. Logan
at his home in jackson County. armed with
cruit and orsanizey reT i fo@ the s Federal
army: the other an order duly sene for the
arrest of J0hu A. Logan as Rebel sympa-
in dza Mr. Loa Was Ss given rs
to furnish the order of arrest. which
is still in existence and at command
when ci cumstspces require. have
than desire to see the facts go into history
as they really existed ut the time-befOre he
was presented with the alternative OF a COM
mission or an arrest He was compelled to
leave Centralia, in this State. on special on
CINE, to avoid a session OF Judge Lynch's
Court, which was converting for the purpose
of tryingMr. Logan for reasonable utter
ances. have withhold the names of fndivid-
uals in this communication, thinking II better
to produce them in future article in case a
denial is made. for the honorable geufleman's
benefit, and that the true facts may 60 int }
Any information you may desire in reference
TO me. refer you to the Hon. X. w. Town
shend. membe. of the House from this dis
trict, the Hon. San s. Marshall formerly
member, and the Hon. Thomas g. Casey, one
of the Judges Of the Appellate Court OF this
State. Very respectfully,
EDWARD ". SATTERFIELD.