McDonough County IL Archives History - Books .....The War - At Home - Chapter XVII 1878
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm
************************************************

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com December 1, 2007, 9:51 pm
Book Title: History Of McDonough County

CHAPTER XVII.
THE WAR-AT HOME.

  We now come to the year 1861, the first year of the great rebellion, and we
note with pride the history of McDonough during the stirring events of the
succeeding four years. True there are some thing9 we wish might be forever
blotted from the book of remembrance, but such cannot be the case, and it
becomes our duty, as a faithful historian, to record the facts as they occurred,
trusting the time i3 past when bitter feelings will be engendered by recalling
the scenes of those "days that tried men's souls."

  Politically, McDonough county has ever been close, neither one of the great
parties, at any time being able, with confidence, to claim it as its own.
Settled, as we have before stated, principally by emigrants from the Southern
States, it could hardly be otherwise than that the sympathies of many would be
with the South, and that ill-feeling would exist towards the Abolitionists. But
•notwithstanding all this, there beat within their breast a patriotism that made
them forget mere party feelings and sectional lines in their greater love for
the Union. Every star and every 3tripe in the old flag they loved with a
devotion which afterwards exhibited itself on many a battle field.

  Many of our best and most patriotic citizens endeavored, by all the means
within their power, to prevent the election of Abraham Lincoln to the
Presidential chair, believing it would endanger the Union. Others, equally true,
worked hard for his election, believing it impossible that it should afford any
pretext for the secession of the Southern States. "When the dark war clouds
began to spread over our country, each and every one hoped, even against hope,
that they would soon pass away, and that peace and prosperity would continue to
reign. But such was not to be the case. On the twelfth day of April, 1861, the
rebels, who for weeks had been erecting their batteries upon the shore, after
demanding of Major Anderson a surrender, opened fire upon Fort Sumpter. For
hours an incessant cannonading was continued; the fort was being injured
severely; provisions were almost gone, and Major Anderson was compelled to haul
down the old flag- that flag which had seldom been lowered to a foreign foe, by
rebel hands it was now trailed in the dust! O, how the blood of patriotic men in
the North boiled when they learned of the outrage! And nowhere was greater
indignation manifested than in McDonough county. Partisan feeling that had
heretofore existed was now swept away, and in the language of the immortal
Douglas, but two parties could exist- patriots and traitors.

  When the President issued his call for 75,000 men, McDonough county responded
without delay; and when the call, but a few days afterward, was made for 300,000
more, others were ready to go forth in defense of their country. Meetings were
held in various parts of the county, participated in by Democrats and
Republicans, now only to be known as patriots, and resolutions were adopted
setting forth in the strongest terms undying devotion to the Union. As showing
the feeling existing at the time, we give the following: At Macomb, April 17,
1861, a large and enthusiastic meeting was held, and a committee, consisting of
Nelson Abbott, Charles Chandler, A. K. Lowry, W. E. Withrow, John Knappenberger
and Carter Van Vleck, was appointed to prepare resolutions expressing the sense
of the meeting. This committee consisted of three Democrats and three
Republicans. They reported as follows:

  WHEREAS, War against the government of the United States has been commenced by
the authorities of the so-called Confederate States, by assailing and reducing
Fort Sumpter, a fortress garrisoned and defended by United States soldiers, and
under the sacred protection of the national flag; and,

  WHEREAS, The president of the United States has issued his proclamation
reciting that "the laws of the United States have been and are opposed in
several states by combinations too powerful to be suppressed in the ordinary
way," and calling for volunteers to suppress said combination and execute the
laws; be it

  Resolved. by the citizens of McDonough county, without distinction of party,
in mass meeting assembled, That it is the duty of all loyal and patriotic
citizens, at whatever cost of blood and treasure, to sustain and support the
constituted authorities of the United States in their lawful efforts to preserve
the Union, maintain the integrity of the constitution and the supremacy of all
the laws, and protect the federal capital and sustain the honor of our national
flag.

  Resolved, That, while we would be glad to see such legislation adopted by the
federal and state governments as would, if possible, bring about an honorable
reconciliation between the citizens of the several states, yet we deem it the
duty of our Legislature about to assemble to pass such laws as will render the
general government speedy and efficient aid in all its lawful endeavors to carry
out the objects indicated in the foregoing resolution.

  Resolved, That the stars and stripes are the emblems of our country's
liberties and honors, and wheresoever floating it is the duty of every American
citizen to yield to that flag unconditional allegiance and undying devotion.

  At Colchester, April 19th, at a public meeting, they reported as follows:

  Resolved, That we, the citizens of Colchester and vicinity, have no
ill-feeling toward any political party, and say, with the immortal Clay, that we
know no North- no South-  no East- no West; we know only the welfare of our
country.

  Resolved, That, in view of our present crisis, we pledge our support to the
administration for the purpose of sustaining the government, the constitution,
and the Union. In doing so we show them we are not degenerated sons of '76.

  At Foster's Point, on the evening of the twenty-seventh of April, the citizens
assembled and adopted the following:

  WHEREAS, The government of these United States has been assailed- the flag of
our country fired upon and dishonored- our country is severely threatened with
destruction; therefore,

  resolved, That we, without respect to party, declare our undying devotion to
the Union, the constitution, and the enforcement of the laws.

  resolved, That we know no government but our government, no country but our
country, and no flag but the stars and stripes of our honored sires.

  Other meetings were held in various parts of the county, and equally strong
resolutions were passed. The people were thoroughly aroused. About the twentieth
of April a company numbering one hundred and eight was formed at Macomb, and the
following officers elected: V. Y. Ralston, Captain; B. F. Pinckley, First
Lieutenant; H. M. Bartholomew, Second Lieutenant. As the names of the company
are given elsewhere, it is not necessary that we should repeat. D. P. Wells had
another company ready, when the two together left Macomb for Springfield, the
place of rendezvous. They were escorted to the depot by about one thousand
persons, and many were the tears shed and the hearty "God bless you!" given over
the departure of loved ones. But there was not one of all that number who would
have had any one of the departing boys turn back. Samuel Wilson, of Middletown,
with another company, joined the two from Macomb at Colchester, and, together,
the three proceeded to Springfield, from which place they were forwarded to
Quincy, where the work of organizing the regiment was completed.

  For four long years, the organization of new companies and enlistment of men
for old companies whose ranks had been decimated by disease and rebel bullets,
was carried on. Gray-headed men, who had almost reached three-score years and
ten, and boys not yet out of their teens, went to the camp, and through the most
urgent solicitation, were accepted and sworn into the service. Neither age nor
youth kept them back and when rejected from either cause, or from physical
inability, would insist on being received, believing themselves as capable of
doing a soldier's duty as thousands who had already gone. Three thousand of as
brave men as ever handled a musket or drew a sword, went out from this county,
many, very many, never to return. If you go with me to the battle-fields of the
South, we shall see how there fell at Donelson, Shiloh, Mission Ridge, Lookout
Mountain, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Atlanta, Vicksburg, and other places, those
who were the pride of fond fathers, loving mothers, and unselfish, devoted
wives. We shall see them dropping off, one by one, and often, without coffin or
burial shroud, thrown into the cold ground, there to await the resurrection
morn, and the re-union upon the other side of the River of Death. In many a home
throughout the county we find the vacant chair, and witness the mournful look of
those ever watching for one that cometh not. Upon our streets, day by day, we
meet those wearing sleeveless garments, or walking in a way that tells too
plainly that the sound of the footfall is not made by flesh and blood. Inquire
the reason, and we shall probably learn that while charging the enemies lines at
Vicksburg, Shiloh, or elsewhere, a cannon ball deprived them of a limb. But no
word of complaint do we hear; the only regret expressed being that it was not
possible to do more for their country.

  While they were away upon the tented field, the patriotic men and women at
home were not idle. Although impossible to get the county to do anything in an
official way for the relief of soldiers' families, many, as private citizens,
thought it not only a duty but a blessed privilege to render all the aid in
their power. During the entire four years of war, we think but little actual
suffering was experienced by any at home on account of the absence of their
natural protectors, who were serving their country. Fairs and festivals were
held for the purpose of obtaining sanitary supplies for those in the field, and
Soldiers' Aid Societies were continually investigating and relieving the wants
of the needy at home.

  Occasionally word would be received of the gallant conduct upon the battle
field of some company from this county, and although hearts were made sad by the
fact that the blood of many had been shed, yet all rejoiced that none failed to
perform their duty. At the battle of Shiloh the 28th regiment distinguished
itself greatly, and the ranks of Co. D were decimated by the shot and shell of
the enemy, but still they faltered not. At the first meeting of the Board of
Supervisors held thereafter, Hon. James M. Campbell introduced the following
resolution, which, on motion, was unanimously adopted:

  Resolved, That James M. Wallin, Esq., the Chairman of this Board, be requested
to procure and present to Capt. G. L. Farwell, for his company D, 28th regiment,
Illinois Volunteers, a national flag as a token of merit for distinguished
patriotism in the battle of Shiloh, on the sixth and seventh of April last, on
behalf of McDonough County, Illinois.

  On the twenty-sixth of May, 18G3, Hon. B. E. Hampton presented the following
preamble and resolution to the Board, which, on motion of J. P. Updegraff, was
adopted:

  WHEREAS, There has been a number of battles recently fought by General Grant's
division of the army, between Jackson and Vicksburg; and,

  WHEREAS, Many of the citizens of McDonough county are soldiers in that
division; and,

  WHEREAS, The Sanitary Commission of Chicago have called upon the people of the
State of Illinois for aid for the sick and wounded soldiers at Vicksburg;
therefore,

  Resolved, That we make an appropriation of one hundred dollars out of any
county funds not otherwise appropriated, for the benefit of said sick and
wounded soldiers, and the clerk is hereby directed to issue a county order for
that amount, and send the money to the Chicago Sanitary Commission.

  During this year our armies met with a number of reverses, and doubts arose in
the minds of many as to the power of the government to put down the rebellion.
Organizations wore formed throughout the North of men who favored an instant
cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of our troops from southern soil, and a
compromise with the rebels. The organization was regarded as treasonable by the
administration, and many of the leaders of the movement were arrested without
regular warrant and incarcerated in various prisons, while the writ of habeas
corpus was suspended. A great hue and cry was raised because of this fact; the
government was denounced as tyrannical, and a forcible resistance was seriously
advocated. A large number in McDonough county joined in the movement with the
opposition, and party strife again ran high. Friends of long standing became
enemies, and threats of personal damage were made upon both sides. Recruiting
for the army was well nigh suspended, and the Union cause seemed very dark. At
this juncture, B. R. Hampton introduced the following resolution, and asked its
adoption by the Board of Supervisors at their session in May, 1863:

  WHEREAS, Our nation is now involved in civil war, brought about by the acts of
designing and unscrupulous men who seek to destroy the best government ever
instituted upon the earth by man; and believing it to be the duty of all public
bodies, assembled for the purpose of transaction of public business, to throw
their influence, whether it be much or little, on the side of the government and
for the maintenance of its power and authority; therefore,

  Resolved, That although some of us may differ with the administration in
relation to some of its war policy, yet we are anxious to see the rebels subdued
and forced to submit to the regularly constituted authorities of the United
States; and further, that we are opposed to any and all propositions for a
compromise, come from what source they may, short of an unconditional surrender
of the rebels to the government.

  Resolved, That we utterly condemn all sympathizers with the rebellion,
wherever found, as also that spirit of fault-finding which is so rife among us.

  On motion, the subject of the adoption of the resolutions were laid upon the
table, and afterward being taken therefrom, after slight amendment by Mr.
Hampton, and considerable discussion ensuing, Supervisor Reid offered the
following as a substitute for those of Mr. Hampton:

  Resolved, That McDonough county has been, is now, and will forever remain
devotedly attached to the federal government of the United States, under the
constitution which creates that government and defines its powers.

  Resolved, That we are in favor of destroying the rebellion, and sanction any
legitimate means for the accomplishment of that purpose, either through an
honorable compromise of difficulties or a convention of all the States for
arranging terms of mutual intercourse, leaving to every State the right to
regulate their domestic affairs in their own way, subject only to the constitution.

  Resolved, That we sincerely regret that the President has not moved with the
whole power of the army placed in his hands by a confiding but betrayed people,
upon the enemy's works, but instead thereof has made war upon unarmed and
patriotic citizens of the North, whose only "crime" has been devotion to the
constitution and best interests of the country.

  Resolved, That we view with just alarm the repeated usurpations of power by
the President and his military officers, in the arbitrary arrests and
imprisoment of peaceable citizens; in their mock trial and imprisonment; in the
attempt to overawe peaceful meetings of the people called "to petition the
government for redress of grievances;" in the arbitrary suspension of the habeas
corpus; in the substitution of the will or whim of an irresponsible officer for
the written law; that if these and other kindred usurpations are not rebuked and
counteracted by the friends of law and order, then indeed is a military
despotism established over us, our constitution destroyed, and a new government
destructive of our liberties inaugurated in the place of the fundamental law
bequeathed to us by our fathers.

  Resolved, That we call upon this government to return to true and faithful
allegiance to the Constitution, and to employ the remaining period of their
short term of power in honest endeavors to restore the country to the condition
of peace, prosperity and growth which distinguished our country before the
advent of a sectional organization to power.

  Resolved, That the profligate squandering of the public money by the officers
under the control of President Lincoln is without a parallel for recklessness
and infamy in the history of any civilized nation; in the language of John P.
Hale, we solemnly "believe and declare that the liberties of this country are in
greater danger to-day from the corruption and profligacy practiced in the
various departments of this administration than they are from the open enemy in
the field."

  Resolved, That we request our Representative in Congress, the Hon. Lewis W.
Ross, to use his best exertions to secure the repeal of the conscription bill,
the indemnity bill, and all other oppressive and partisan enactments of the late
Congress; also, to oppose all measures looking toward a recognition of the
independence of the Southern Confederacy.

  Resolved, That in the language of Governor Seymour, "Having given the
administration a generous support in the war, we pause to see what kind of a
government it is for which we are asked to pour out our blood and our treasures,
and demand to know whether the war is waged to put down rebellion at the South,
or destroy free institutions at the North."

  Pending the question of the adoption of the resolutions, Supervisor Porter
offered the following as a substitute therefor, to-wit:

  Resolved, That we, as a Board of Supervisors, whatever shades of difference of
opinion there may be among us, we are united in this, a firm and unshaken
determination to stand upon the Federal Constitution- standing upon this broad
basis, we are opposed to secession, and to suppress it, we are in favor of the
use of the means guaranteed to us by a wise and benignant government, arms,
amnesty, redress of grievances, an honorable compromise on all subjects of
controversy; in short, by the use of all means that become a wise and Christian
nation.

  Resolved, That upon this basis shall we stand till the "trump of peace shall
sound."

  The resolutions of Mr. Porter were rejected, and those of Mr. Reid adopted.

  As we have before remarked, enlistments for the array were slow at this time,
and in order to encourage volunteers, Hon. B. R. Hampton, at the December
meeting (1863) of the Board of Supervisors, offered the following resolution,
which was rejected by the Board:

  Resolved, That in addition to the bounties offered by the government of the
United States for recruits, we offer a county bounty of fifty dollars to each
man who is the head of a family, and twenty-five dollars to each single or
unmarried man who shall hereafter enlist in the military service of the United
States.

  The call of the government became more urgent, and as the quota of the county
was not full, drafting was resorted to. We may here state that had McDonough
county received credit for all who had gone from her midst, no draft would have
ever been ordered here; but many, in order to receive the large bounty offered
by other counties, went there for the purpose of enlistment. Hon. William H.
Randolph, some time previous to this, received the appointment of Deputy U. S.
Marshall, and upon him devolved the enforcement of the laws. It was in this duty
that he met his death.

  The United States government was now terribly in earnest-  men must be had. A
large bounty was offered, but still not enough to tempt many to leave the
comforts of home to endure the toils and privations of a soldier's life. Those
who were formerly opposed to the giving of a bounty by the county for
volunteers, now became clamorous for it to be done at once. On the fourteenth
day of December, 1864, W. H. Green, Esq., offered the following preamble and
resolution which was adopted by the Board of Supervisors:

  WHEREAS, It has become necessary for the government of the United States to
draft men into the service of the United States, for the purpose of suppressing
the rebellion in the Southern States; and,

  WHEREAS, The government of the United States does not pay a sufficient bounty
to obtain volunteers for said service; now, therefore,

  Resolved, That the Board of Supervisors of the county of McDonough request
William H. Neece, the Representative of this county in the Legislature of this
State, to have such law or laws passed at the next meeting of the Legislature as
will empower the Board of Supervisors of this county to levy a tax sufficient to
enable the county to offer bounties to persons enlisting in the military service
of the United States, and to enable drafted men to procure substitutes when
drafted into said service.

  This was accordingly done, and Mr. E"eece, in due time, introduced a bill
before the Legislature in accordance with the provisions of the above request.
The bill became a law, receiving the signature of the Governor. Monday, February
6th, 1865, the Board of Supervisors were called together to take action on this
law. A dispatch was forwarded to Mr. Neece inquiring into the provisions of the
bill, which answer being satisfactory, Supervisor McSperitt offered the
following resolutions, and moved their adoption, viz:

  Resolved by the Board of Supervisors of McDonough county, That the sum of
three hundred dollars be, and the same is, hereby appropriated to each and every
volunteer that may have been, or shall be, enlisted in the military service of
the United States, to fill the quota of McDonough county under the proclamation
of the President of the United States, made in December, 1864, for 300,000 men
to fill the army: provided, that this appropriation shall be allowed to no
person who shall be credited to any other county, city or State, and to no
person who shall volunteer or present a representative substitute from any
township after its quota under the present call shall have been filled. Also,
that the sum of three hundred dollars be, and the same is, hereby appropriated
to each person, a resident of this county, who shall be drafted under the
present call, to furnish a substitute or enter the service himself: provided,
further, that where townships or parts of townships have already furnished
volunteers under the present call, by clubs or townships, and have paid the men
so furnished, then such clubs, townships, or parts of townships, shall have the
right to their respective shares of this appropriation, instead of the men so
paid and in the service, to be paid to such person or persons as the club or
[township may designate; to be divided pro rata among all persons contributing
to [such club or township fund in proportion to the amount of their
contribution: provided. also, that no inhabitant of the city of Macomb shall be
entitled to any part of this appropriation unless the tax to pay the same shall
have been levied upon the property of said city, as well as the property of said
county.

  For the payment of the above appropriations the Clerk of the County Court of
McDonough county is hereby authorized and directed to draw his order on the
Treasurer of this county for the sum of three hundred dollars, payable in one
year, and drawing six. per cent, interest from date, in favor of each and every
person volunteering, and credited to the several townships and wards of said
county, or their respective orders; and also to each and every drafted man
(after he shall have been accepted), or his order, so far as the same may be
necessary to fill the quota of said county: provided, that any order for said
sum of three hundred dollars may be made in amounts of fifty dollars, if
required by the person entitled thereto. The certificate of the Provost Marshall
of this district, as to the names of the persons volunteering or having been
drafted, and as to the quotas of the different townships or wards of this
county, shall be sufficient evidence to the Clerk to authorize him to act under
the present appropriation.

  Various substitutes were offered for the foregoing resolutions. Among others
Supervisor Provine offered one embodying the following objections: First, that
it would be unequal and unjust for those that have sons, or that have sent sons
under twenty-one years of age. Second, that it is the duty and the privilege of
every able-bodied man to respond to the call of his country in defense of his
civil and religious liberties. Third, that the making of such appropriation
would involve the county in such a debt as would result in bankruptcy and ruin.

  Previous to a vote upon the question the privilege was given to Col. L. H.
Waters, Judge J. S. Bailey and James M. Campbell to present their views. All the
various substitutes were voted down and the original resolutions of Mr.
McSperitt were adopted. Mr. Hamilton afterwards (at March term, same year)
endeavored to have passed a resolution exempting from taxation under the levy to
raise money for the payment of the bounties certain classes, as follows: First,
those who have been themselves in the service during the present war. Second,
those who may be widows or orphans of soldiers who have served in the present
war. Third, those who have hired substitutes in the present war previous to the
present call. Those from whose families minors have gone out as soldiers during
the present war. The resolution of Mr. H. was voted down.

  By reference to a report made by the County Clerk to the Adjutant General of
the State, we learn that there was expended by the county as bounty money the
sum of $131,400. In addition to this Mound township expended $5,860; Prairie
City, $18,049.39; New Salem, $6,266.50; a total for the county of $161,575.85.

  On the first day of November, 1864, occurred the most terrible, tragedy
recorded in the annals of McDonough county. In July of this year the President
of the United States issued his proclamation for an additional number of men for
the United States service; and further ordered that if the call was not complied
with by volunteers within fifty days from date of said call, drafting should be
resorted to. Each State in the Union was divided into districts and
sub-districts, and to each was assigned; their just quota. A record of all
enlistments heretofore made had been kept and each district properly credited
with all volunteers reporting therefrom. McDonough county was in the Ninth
District, Capt. B. F. Westlake, of Mt. Sterling, Brown county, Provost Marshal.
On the fifteenth day of June, 1863, William H. Randolph, of the city of Macomb,
received the appointment of Deputy Provost Marshal, and was re-appointed Sept.
28, 1864, commission to date from Sept. 15, 1864. About this time notice was
given to the various sub-districts in the county that upon the sixth day of
October, the draft for the townships of Eldorado, Emmet, Hire, Sciota, Industry,
Bethel, Lamoine, Chalmers, Scotland, Mound, Walnut Grove and New Salem, would
take place at Mt. Sterling, and requested that committees should be appointed
from each township to attend the drawing to see that it was fairly conducted.
According to notice, the draft took place and a list of drafted men immediately
forwarded to Captain Randolph. Upon that list appeared the name of John Bond, of
Hire township. Mr. Bond was duly notified, and failing to report according to
the statute made and provided, was considered a deserter, and it became the duty
of Captain Randolph to arrest him as such. Accordingly on the morning of the
first day of November, 1864, he proceeded to Blandinsville for that purpose,
arriving there a little before daylight. About sunrise, he met Bond in the
saloon of Chris. Sappington, and told him he had come for him, and asked him to
go peaceably with him to Mt. Sterling. This Bond refused to do, stating that he
would not go and fight for the niggers, and that the quota of his township was
full, and it was unnecessary. Mr. Randolph told him he must go. Bond went out of
the saloon, followed by Randolph, going over to the hotel of his brother James.
Here they were met by Miles, another brother of John, who said to him, "Your
horse is ready; it is time to take a ride." Mr. R. then placed his hand upon
John's shoulder and told him he was his prisoner. Upon this, Bond drew his
pistol, fired at Randolph, and then ran. Mr. R. returned the fire, and followed
him out the door, where they were again met by Miles, who also fired at him.
Randolph then turned, and the Bond brothers jumped on their horses and fled the
country. Randolph was shot in four places, two mortal wounds being inflicted. He
was taken to the house of a Mr. Hudson, where he died in about eighteen hours
after being shot. Drs. Emery and Durant, of Blandinsville, and Jordan, of
Macomb, were called in, and all that could be done for his relief was attended
to, but all in vain. Coroner Sullivan held an inquest on the remains on the
third inst., the jury returning a verdict that he came to his death at the hands
of John Bond and Miles Bond, aided by James Bond and Tyler Ray, and that the act
was without sufficient justification. The next day, the fourth, the remains were
brought to Macomb, and interred in Oakwood cemetery, being followed to the grave
by a large procession of sincerely mourning relatives and friends.

  At the death of Mr. Randolph the citizens of the county offered a reward of
$5,205 for the arrest of the four accomplices in the murder, viz: John Bond,
Miles Bond, James Bond, and Atilla Ray. Of this amount Mrs. Randolph was to give
the sum of $2,000. At the March term (1865) following of the Circuit Court, the
grand jury found a bill of indictment against the four above-named persons
implicated by the coroner's jury. The indictment against Ray, we believe, was
afterwards quashed.

  As remarked, after having shot Captain Randolph, the Bonds fled the country,
and the attempt made to capture them at the time was unsuccessful. Nothing
reliable as to their whereabouts was learned by the public for several years.
Frank E. Fowler, of Macomb, now of Galesburg, Illinois, then in the employ of
the government as United States detective, determined, if possible, to effect
their capture. In response to a card, we received the following account of the
capture of Miles Bond, from Mr. Fowler:

  "On Saturday, June 13, 1868, I arrested Miles W. Bond, near the town of
Sonora, Hardin county, Kentucky, for the murder of Deputy Provost Marshal
William H. Randolph, on the first day of November, 1864. I had been on the track
of Bond about three years, but when about ready to capture him 'he wasn't there.'

  "Some three weeks before the arrest I located Bond at the above mentioned
place, and proceeded to arrange for making his arrest, which had to be done very
cautiously, as he had many relatives and friends watching my every movement. So
I gave out in your neighborhood that I was going to Massachusetts to visit
relatives. The next you heard was a telegraphic dispatch from Louisville,
Kentucky, that the arrest had been made.

  "On arriving at Louisville, Bond being a desperate man, I secured the
co-operation of an officer, and together we proceeded to the place of capture.
Bond had just left his house and was crossing the road, at about five o'clock in
the morning, when we came upon, and immediately seized him and clasped the irons
upon him, without giving him any time to make the least resistance. He was
immediately hurried off, and arrived in Macomb Tuesday morning, June 16,1868,
just three years four months and fourteen days from the day of the murder.

  Since the murder, Bond had been wandering all over the country, his occupation
being that of farmer, barber, miller, carpenter, etc. He took his arrest as
coolly as could be expected. At first he had not much to say, but before
arriving at Macomb he became quite talkative, giving all the information in
regard to his life since he left the county. He had been living under the name
of Samuel S. Walker. Shortly after arresting him I called him by the name of
Miles, his given name, and he remarked to me,- 'That is the first time in over
three years that anybody has called me by that name.'
                          Very respectfully,
                                    "FRANK E. FOWLER."

  At the October term, 1868, the case of Miles W. Bond was called, and, on
motion of his attorneys, a change of venue was taken to Schuyler county, and his
trial had at the May term of the circuit court of that county. L. W. James,
prosecuting attorney, assisted by D. G. Tunnicliff, C. F. Wheat, L. H. Waters
and J. C. Bagby, conducted the prosecution, while S. C. Judd, S. P. Shope, W. H.
Neece, Robert Walker and Henry Metz appeared for the defense. A number of
witnesses were examined on both sides, and the case ably argued by the attorney.
The fact of the killing of Randolph by the Bonds was clearly proven, and not
denied by the defense; in fact the defendant himself did not deny the charge
against him, and in the trial of his brothers, John and James, some two years
afterwards at Macomb, swore to the fact. The attorneys for the defense made the
following points: First, There is no record of a draft having been made. Second,
At the time of the arrest of John Bond the draft was filled. The object of the
conscript law was to raise soldiers, and consequently the force and object of
the law was attained when the quota was full; after that the Provost Marshal had
no right to arrest alternates who would have been dismissed if they had
reported. Third, In attempting to arrest John Bond, he transcended his duties,
and Bond was justified in resisting arrest. Fourth, Miles Bond, seeing the life
of his brother in danger, by the law was justified in shooting his antagonist.

  The case was ably managed upon both sides, and, after a patient hearing, it
was submitted to the jury, who brought in a verdict of "not guilty."

  About the beginning, of the year 1870 two men came to Macomb, having in charge
John and James Bond, claiming to have captured them in Missouri, and claiming
the reward offered for their apprehension. Doubt was entertained as to their
story, it being generally believed it was a "put up job," the Bonds desiring to
surrender, and had arranged with these men to come and deliver them up and
divide with them the amount of the reward offered. It was therefore refused, and
they only received about $50 to pay their expenses.

  At the March term, 1871, the case of John and James Bond was called, but on
account of the absence of two important witnesses, the State's Attorney, L. W.
James, obtained a continuance till the next term. At the special term, held in'
July following, the case was again called, but in consequence of the sudden and
violent illness of Capt. B. F. Westlake, a material witness, a continuance was
again granted to the people. At the September term all were found ready, and on
Tuesday, the twenty-sixth day of the month, the trial began, Judge Sibley, of
the Adams District, presiding. Only two jurors were accepted out of the regular
panel. Ninety-two others were summoned and examined before the twelve could be
obtained. On the completion of the regular number, the trial proceeded. For the
people appeared L. W. James, Prosecuting Attorney, assisted by C. F. Wheat and
D. G. Tunnicliff. The defense was represented by Messrs. Judd & Neece. The trial
lasted for three days. Twelve witnesses were examined for the people, and five
for the defense. Upon the points where boh were examined there was no apparent
difference in their testimony. The attorneys for the defense did not deny the
fact of the killing, but based their whole argument upon the question of the
illegality of the action of Mr. Randolph in the attempted arrest. They claimed
that no such an officer as Deputy Provost Marshal was recognized by the United
States Government; that Mr. Randolph was acting without due authority,
consequently he was a trespasser, and in laying his hand upon John Bond he
committed an assault, and therefore the killing was justifiable in law. Mr.
James, the prosecuting attorney, showed from the evidence that Randolph was
recognized by the government; that he received pay in the discharge of his
duties; that Bond thought him an officer; that the community all acknowledged
his authority; and, even if authority was denied, the murder was not justifiable
and could not be. The judge read quite a lengthy charge to the jury, and they
retired about four or five o'clock in the afternoon. About four o'clock in the
morning word was sent to the judge that a verdict was agreed upon, when he
immediately called the court to order. The prisoners were sent for, and at this
unreasonable hour a verdict of "not guilty" was rendered, and John and James
Bond were allowed their liberty.

  After the passage of the resolution by the Board of Supervisors in which they
offered a bounty of $300 to enlisted or drafted men, volunteering rapidly
increased, and our quota was soon filled, the last volunteers leaving the county
about February, 1865. Fortunately no more were required, the rebellion being
nearly at an end.

  The news of the fall of Richmond was received with great joy, by every loyal
citizen of the county. It was looked upon as a harbinger of peace. But joy was
soon succeeded by sorrow. On the morning of the fifteenth of April, 1865, news
was received oil the assassination of President Lincoln, and grief overspread
the face of every one. Business houses were closed and appropriately draped in
mourning. Church bells tolled forth the sad intelligence that, by the hands of a
cowardly assassin, the great and noble Abraham Lincoln had been stricken down.
In squads of two or three, people wandered listlessly about, or retired to the
privacy of their own closets, to commune with the Almighty Father, and pray that
no further calamity might befall our country. On the following Sabbath day every
church was draped in mourning, and services appropriate to the occasion were held.

  Time passed, and the rebellion was brought to an end; and peace was proclaimed
throughout the length and breadth of the land. All throughout the country the
shouts went up from loyal hearts, and as our "brave boys in blue" returned, the
joy increased. The war over, the sacrifice made, and the Union saved! That
McDonough county men nobly did their duty in this great cause, the records of
Donelson, Shiloh, Chickamauga, Chancellorville, Mission Ridge, and a hundred
other battle fields, will duly testify. But now those that are left are gathered
at home, and occasionally they recount to us the scenes of those terrible times,
and our hearts almost cease to beat as they describe the battles in which our
brothers were engaged, and tell us how, where the strife raged the fiercest,
there fell so many of their brave comrades; or how, one by one, in the dreary
prison pens of the South, or in the hospitals, passed away from earth those who
but a short time previous were full of health and hope. But how sad our hearts
are made to see in so many households the vacant chair and witness the longing
look of some loved ones there, who seem to expect that which can never come to
pass upon this side of the Jordan of death- the reunion of those who are gone
before with those that are left. But amid all this, we have a country saved, and
should we not be thankful to the Great Father of All that it was in our power to
make the sacrifice by which all this was accomplished?

Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY ILLINOIS,
ITS CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES, EARLY REMINISCENCES, PERSONAL INCIDENTS AND
ANECDOTES,

AND A COMPLETE BUSINESS DIRECTORY OF THE COUNTY.
By S. J. CLARKE.

SPRINGFIELD, ILL.:
D. W. LUSK, STATE PRINTER AND BINDER.
1878.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/mcdonough/history/1878/historyo/warathom172gms.txt
This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/ilfiles/
File size: 40.5 Kb