50                  HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY

He was an aide or something of that kind on the governor’s staff and, I
believe, then acquired the title of general, which he has ever since retained.
The Evansville company was commanded by John S. Gavett, who was then
sheriff of the county, and who fell at Frederickstown, Missouri, while major
of the First Cavalry Indiana Volunteers. He was a brave, dashing fellow, and
a born detective and sheriff.
    The command was divided into two detachments. About fifteen of us
were camped at the lower reservoir, and had our meals, and very good ones
they were, at a house on its banks. Our time was mostly occupied in chasing
eluding ducks in a skiff, fishing and watching the Clay county people shoot
fish with their rifles.
    Some of the command vainly scoured the country for “something to
drink.” One of them succeeded in getting some aqua fortis. We were sup-
posed to patrol the canal and reservoir at night, which we did in very deliberate
fashion, taking frequent rests. Nobody ever assaulted nor threatened to
assault us, and we were entirely peaceable on our side. Of course, we had
many false alarms, and a good deal of fun.
    We remained on the ground ten days. The remainder of the troops occu-
pied two old canal boats, which were high and dry. I think they did more
service than we did, but playing cards seemed to be their chief labor, Sheriff
Oavett arrested a few citizens and took them before a justice, but nothing was
ever proved against them, and there were no convictions. Indeed, a conviction
would have been impossible. The reservoirs were considered nuisances, and
the supreme court afterwards almost justified their suppression by cutting
the banks. None of the command ever met an enemy in the field or elsewhere.
The Clay county people were very friendly. They came into camp in numbers
and discussed the situation. Their mark was a dime in the fork of, a stick
at twenty steps, and they hit it every time with a rifle-ball. We were rather
glad that the battle did not impend.
    There were no companies excepting the Evansville volunteers that I can
remember, although I have an indistinct recollection that there were some
other men with us.
    There were no incidents of note, excepting three square meals every day.
The diet was principally fish, and the bass were excellent. Our military
labors were very light and, indeed, the whole affair was a very enjoyable
picnic. On our return to Terre Haute we were banqueted by the citizens,
when Will Bement opened a basket of champagne. Under its influence we
made speeches and became very patriotic indeed. We explained in beautiful
phraseology how we would have fought if there had been any occasion, but
we were all very glad that there was no occasion.
    The majority of the men who were with us have earned their spurs since
on many a hard-fought field. There were two or three incipient colonels,
majors and captains in that little hand, who proved their love for law and
order by shedding their blood in defense of the Union.
    You may think that I have treated the subject peculiarly. But I am too
busy to write it up otherwise at this time. The name of Clay county awakens
fond and pleasant, but yet sad, recollections of my youth. I shall always love
the county from simple association of ideas. My dearest friends and com-
panions were of the company, and they are mostly dead. I remember them
better than I do the living. Wishing you success, I am, respectfully,
CHARLES DENBY.


    As a result of the conference between Hon. John B. Nees and Colonel
Dodd, the object of which was to avert hostilities, a meeting of citizens
was held at the Grimes schoolhouse, which was addressed by the officer
in command and a proposition submitted to the effect that they should
sign an agreement not to molest the canal property and, also, to use their
influence to persuade and prevent others from doing so. To this proposi-
tion C. W. Moss responded in behalf of the citizens present, declining to
accede. Nothing was accomplished.
    Several resident citizens were arrested by Constable William Curry,
supported by Sheriff Gavett, on charge of incendiarism, the shanties
standing on the hank of the reservoir having been fired and burned about
the same time the embankment was cut. Among those arrested were