Year: 1863

To the People Of Indiana.
| HEADoUARrKss DISTRICT OF ISDrANA, !
DEPARTMENT oy THE Ono,


INDIANAPoLIs, March "a.
i In assuming command Of the DISCREET of
Indiana, let me have the ear Of the people
Let US reason together. Practical views of
duty become US all. And


ist. Secret political societies have gained
many adherents. They were the bane of
the Republic in the days of Washington
They swelled the horrors of the French
revolution. They will curse you.


The ballot-box and open debate mark
free people. Trust them. That which
shuns the light of day should not be en-
dured by you. Come out: abjure their
vows; reject their tests. Whatever their
name, whatever your party. seek the old
10 disagree upon questions of mere party
polisy. bu. ever united in support OF the
Government and the nation.


| Cd Our quiet citizens arm with secret
weapons. The laws OF Indiana forbid it.
1t is not within the intent OF the Constitu-
ton. II offends good morals. religion, and
every social duty and is barbarous. Let
the early history OF Arkansas and Texas
tell their fearful import. II is needless,
your franchises are safe; far safer through
the protection of our common Government,
than when every man is the law to himself
Besides this, your brethren are in the field
for your sake. This indeed gives the mill
tary power, dormant in time Of peace. a
present prominence. But this power is Of
the people. and TO serve the people. The
Government that wields it is your Govern
ment. 1t can have no interest but yours
Armies exist not to invade or imperil, but
to insure your dearest rights. Remember
that in civil matters they who obey the law,
never feel the fangs of the law. Offenders
alone suffer. So the citizen soldier, when
true to his oath and his duty is no terror to
the good citizen. While this be done, it is
as true that every man who bears secret
weapon is tempted to use it, when flushed
with passion; and the good and pure Of all
parties. are at the mercy of the weak or the
wicked. He whose moral power can infiu-
ence a whole people is reduced to the level
of the worst, and the strength Of his muscle.
For your own sake. for the peace of your
families, for the sake Of education. religion,
and all you hold dear. enforce the laws as
to carrying cocealed weapons, and you will
find quietuess restored to your hearts and
homes.


81. Resistance to the arrest Of deserters
is another foIm of resistance to law, and a
sure road 70 anarchy or bloodshed. Law
must be respected until repealed. Deny
its policy if you will. Labor for its repeal
if you will. But resistance is madness. be-
cause it is your own law; your own peace.
yonr own Government you threaten; and
when your turn comes TO legislate. you will
have undermined your own rights. and when
anarchy rules, liberty dies


4th. Your brethren are in the field. Your
homes are safe and you prosper. Your
Government would have more men. Re-
member that every man owes his all to the
State, and by the very laws Of social life,
he is bound to give his all. il need be, as
the measure Of his obligation to the State.
We have had peace so long that We forget
how much we owe to society. Now. our
reciprocal obligations must be felt and rem.
dered. Let not the conscription or enroll
men' of the people, for the national defense.
be the occasion for assailing the national
life Stand by every law until repealed o.
declared unconstitutional by the propsr tri-
bunal. Let every man every where count
his mercies, compare his lot with that of any
other people. and he will never with ftand
Government or the laws of his Country.


5th. The coming spring elections. Occur
ring at time of unusual excitement, ell
for notice, As false impressions prevail as t.
the duty of the soldier. The soldier at home
votes as does any other citizen. II abssss~,
he must be content to leave his civil v.ssts
in the charge Of Others. When voting he
must go to his duty unarmed as daes every
good citizen. He is sworn to maintain law,
and is the last man to interfere with the
rights of others; and the right Of the people
properly to express their will by the ballot
box, is sacred and inviolable, and must be
kept so.


9Th. A word to the press. Your patriot
ism and moderation are now put to a severe
test. You can correct false impressions:
you can inspire the confidence of the people
in our common future; you can do justice
to all. without compromising q single valu-
able party interest; Or, you can develop dis
order. and madden the votares of party to
recklessness of all that is sacred in our great
republic. Your power for good is infinite.
VIII you not use it,


In conclusion, let me say, that even now,
your own border is not entirely safe from
the inroad Of hostile arms. Therefore be
united. Diverge as parties much as you
will. but be one in arms for the common
wealth.


Remember that the country, so richly en-.
dowsd with Intellectual. physical and reli,
gious virus. is just IS surely destined to
prosperin the end as that the Almighty ever
will bless a people. that found their insti-
tutions upon the basis Of civil and religious
freedom.


Let US all therefore fulfill our respective
spheres with the earnest purpose to meet
His favor.


HESRr B. CARRINGrox.


Brig Gen. Commanding District Of Ind


AKRTla NJ