HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY                              47

fears of those who threatened injurious results from the standing timber. No such
results have followed in Ohio nor elsewhere, as we are abundantly able to show, and
by the testimony of those who resided for years on the margins of the Ohio and
Indiana reservoirs. It appears, however, that, notwithstanding the sacrifices made
for the sake of peace and pledges given at the meeting in July, the spirit of outrage
is yet abroad, and where it is to end the authorities of the state only can determine.
This condition of affairs should be arrested in some legal manner, but how it is to
he done is left to the wisdom of the state government. The trustees can do no
more than has already heen done to appease the discontent of those whose fears,
felt or feigned, drove them to such excesses.
    The property conveyed to the trustees for the most sacred purpose has heen
three times destroyed by citizens of Clay county, and is still threatened, as the
enclosed letter will show, postmarked at Brazil:

    If the state will not protect the trustees, their officers and agents in the
quiet and peaceable possession of trust property, it will hecome a question how
far we should go in repairing it. The losses already accrued are large, and
will greatly increase should we fail to have a supply of water for summer
navigation. I do not wish to indulge in any harsh expressions in concluding
this communication, and will not charge all the citizens of Clay county with a
participation in these outrages. I know that all good men there deplore them,
and feel that their county is deeply involved in these scandalous proceedings.
Even some of the participators, let me hope, will see reason to repent their ill-
advised agency, and avoid similar alliances hereafter. Time will determine
the judgment that awaits such conduct.

    I inclose a letter from Mr. Ball, the resident engineer, having charge of that
division. His letter more fully sets forth the extent of the damage, and gives de-
tails of the outrage.
    This mode is adopted of communicating with you on this serious subject, affect-
ing alike the State and her creditors.
    Very truly, THOMAS DOWLING, Resident Trustee.
Gov. WRIGHT, Indianapolis, Ind.


The following is Engineer Ball’s letter, referred to by Mr. Dowling:

INDIANAPOLIS, May 15, 1855.

Gov. WRIGHT:
    Dear Sir—On last Thursday an armed force of near one hundred men assembled
about noon, at the Birch Creek reservoir. They were provided with drums, fifes,
and the National flag. After making their arrangements, they deliberately cut a
hole in the reservoir embankment and allowed all the water to flow out. But as the
water was low, it was a work of considerable labor to make the excavation and
remove the plank wall in the center, and the flow of water, not being very rapid,
did not make a very large breach. Probably 1,500 cubic yards of embankment will
fill the opening.
    Our men, stationed there to guard the embankment, were unable to recognize,
certainly, any of the desperadoes, as they were disguised, and prevented a nearer
approach than about three hundred yards. Attempts were made to get closer, but our
men were fired at and driven back, fortunately no one was killed. After their work
of destruction was completed, the scoundrels gave notice, which was communicated
to our men, that any one attempting to repair the break would forfeit his life.
They remained on the ground until night, then scattered to their homes. We have
not been able, as yet, to trace any of them, although we have strong suspicions.
I doubt not that such facts will soon transpire, as, in the hands of an efficient pros-
ecution and an honest jury, would lead to the conviction of some of them. It is
believed that a very considerable portion of the men engaged In the outrage live from
five to ten and even fifteen miles from the site of the reservoir, and therefore cannot
suppose themselves detrimentally affected by its construction. They are a lawless
band of scoundrels who delight in doing mischief.
    You are doubtless aware that without this reservoir we can not maintain navi-
gation south of Terre Haute during the dry summer and fall months. If the breach
is repaired immediately, there is a strong probability of the reservoir’s filling again
in June, but it would seem to be useless to expend more money upon that work
until some efficient means are adopted for its protection. The officers of the canal