48 HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY can take the necessary measures to guard against breaches occurring in the ordinary way, and we have had watchmen stationed at the Birch Creek reservoir to guard it both night and day against ordinary attempts to cut the embankment or injure the works, but they have no authority to employ a military force sufficient to control a company of desperadoes, armed to the teeth, and determined upon the accomplishment of their purpose at the risk of life and limb. When this emergency arises. I respectfully suggest that it is the duty of the state authorities to pro- vide the necessary force to protect the canal, and its officers, in the lawful discharge of their duty. After all the efforts that have been made to conciliate the parties, I know nothing that can he done consistent with the honor of the state, than for your excellency to station a sufficient number of armed men (say fifty) to protect the works of the canal at that point at all hazards. Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM J. BALL. The foregoing official information given by Trustee Dowling and Engineer Ball was followed by the Governor’s proclamation: EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, INDIANAPOLIS, IND., May 24, 1855. WHEREAS, It is represented to me, on reliable authority, that a great outrage has been committed in Clay county, Indiana, by the destruction of the Birch Creek reservoir. a necessary and indispensable feeder of the Wabash & Erie Canal; and, whereas, it further appears that an armed mob of persons, consisting of 100 or more, did, on the 10th day of May, instant, at the hour of 12 M., appear on the banks of said work, and, after firing at the guard stationed thereon, and driving him away, proceeded to cut the embankment of the same, discharging the water which had been collected, and otherwise damaging the property of the trust; and, whereas, all the persons engaged in that nefarious and unlawful proceeding were disguised, by the appropriate concealment of blackened faces and other outward disguises be- fitting such a deed; and, whereas, I have reasons to believe that but few of the per- sons engaged reside near the reservoir, or have just cause for complaint, if any exist, but are, for the most part, an organized and unlawful association of persons. resolved to set at defiance the legal right of persons, and the security of their prop- erty, as has been manifested on many occasions; and, whereas, it is the duty of the executive of Indiana to see that the laws are faithfully executed, and the public peace preserved; therefore Be it known, That I, Joseph A. Wright, governor of the state of Indiana, by virtue of the power vested in me, do hereby offer a reward of $500 for any informa- tion that may lead to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons, or any of them, who aided and assisted in the cutting of the embankment of the Birch Creek reservoir, in Clay county, Indiana, on Thursday, May 10, 1865. And it is further declared and made known, that the sacred promises and pledges given by the state of Indiana to her creditors, by the laws establishing the trust, and the protection that was promised and guaranteed therein, shall be faith- fully kept and fulfilled, so far as the employment of all regular and constitutional means shall be necessary, to arrest those lawless proceedings, and to prevent the repe- tition of conduct disgraceful to the actors, their aiders and abettors. To accomplish this, force may be necessary; in that event, I shall not fail to invoke it, for the safety of the work is placed under the guarantee of law, and that shall not be dis- regarded. The state has a deep interest in this matter, and the confiding men who placed a moiety of the debt due by the people of Indiana, into the canal, shall not have their confidence abused without an effort to save our beloved state from the disgrace and dishonor which these mobs would entail upon her citizens. This spirit of lawlessness most he met and arrested, if we do not desire to have our state a by- word and a reproach in the land. It will be no fault of mine if irresponsible asso- ciations shall control and override the written laws of the state, and become the avenger of imaginary wrongs. No man’s property can long be secure, if armed men in disguise can do these things with impunity, and go unpunished and unrestrained. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the state to he affixed, at the city of Indianapolis, this 24th day of May, 1855. By the Governor, JOSEPH A. WRIGHT. ERASMUS B. COLLINS, Secretary of State. A short time after the cutting of the reservoir and the official action of the Governor relating thereto, the Cincinnati Commercial published the following editorial comment: