Democratic Sentinel, Volume 11, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 September 1887 — THE DODD RAID. [ARTICLE]

THE DODD RAID.

Editor of SentinUl: Withou 1 knowing much, if anything, about it, rome of our local papers have on several occasions alluded to an incident that occurred during the war, and wh’ch, at the time, created in the counties of Jasper and Newton an intense excitement, and had nearly resulted in a desoerato and bloody conflict between citizens belonging to these two counties. I allude to what is known as the “Dodd Raid.”

During our late civil war much was said and done that was calculated to stir up a spirit of animosity between the two political parties. Democrats were opprobrieusly called “copnerheads,” and denounced by Republicars as disunionists Everything that could b© devised by their political opponents was reserted to to make Democrats appear odious and dis.oyal. AH this was endured without much apparent resentment, but with a firm determination to maintain their loyalty and their principles. Instead of resenting the infamous and insulting imputation that they were characterized with the nature and venom of a deadly serpent, they effected to misunderstai d their meaning and adopted as a badge Hie copper c.nt, the national coin, with thejhead of the Goddess of Liberty conspicuously displayed.

It was under such circumstances that the leading Democrats of Jasper and Newton decided to main fain their political organ station, and through it declare their principles nnd their fidelity to the Union- Pursuant to this end, they concluded to hold a public meeting in Morocco, but found it somewhat difficult to secure a speaker. The name of Dodd was suggested, who at the time was a resident ot Indianapolis, and had by some means got his namu before the public as an advocate of Democratic principles. Nothing was known of his antecedents. To the citizens of Jasper and Newton he was an entire stranger.

After consultation it was decided to solicit his services for the contemplated occasion. The invitation was accepted, and when the appointed day arrived he was on hand. The meeting was largely attended; but when the time for speaking came it began to rain and continued to pour down till the speaker had concluded. Although exposed to a drenching rain, a large audience was present throughout the speaking; but the result was not satisfactory, and Dodd was invited by Mr. G. W. Spitler, of Rensselaer, to make a speech at that place on a day appointed, ir the near future, and readily consented. The announcement was made from the stand by Mr. Spitler, who did not live to see his appointment carried out, being a short time afterward killed by lightning. The meeting was also announced in the Newton County Democrat. Soon after this announcement editorial articles appeared in the Republican paper published in Rensselaer declaring in the most positive and offensive language that no meeting or democratic speaking would be tolerated in Rensselaer, and that Democrats would not be oermitted to carry the American flag through their streets. Thia insolent threat aroused, as it was designed to, a feeling of resentment; and a determination to carry out,"in 'defiance of these threats, the contemplated meeting. In the meantime the Republicans of Rensselaer had organized and armed a military company under the command of a fanatic for the avowed purpose of preventing the Democrats from holding meeting. When the day arrived on which the meeting was to be held there was a general turn out from both counties. The demonstration was an imposing one- In front of the long procession waved, in ample folds, and not a star missing, the flag which was carried unmolested through the of

Rensselaer. So imposing was the array that the “Home Guards” concluded not to parade on that occasion. The speaker took tho stand nn d was hstened to by an immense ciowd. It must be confessed he was neither discreet nor iudieious inhisutteranees. IO wiV , ing a game that deceived both p: /ties! U nder less excit ( ment his abusive language would have been disapproved by those in whose interest he pretended to be enlisted A friend sird to the writer, at the close of kis speech: “You may rely upon it, that man is doing us no good. s Soon after the speaking was over I was informed that Dodd was at Mr. Ballard s residence and had a wish to see me. I found him writing. As I approached him he handed me a note for perusal which was from the captain of the • “Home Guards,” and which was replete with threats and insu ts. After reading this he handed me anothe- note, which was ns leply to the one received, and was quite as disrespectful .and taunting. After some c n vernation in reference to these notes" I said to him: “Dodd, 1. understand it is your purpose to remain here till to-morrow. When the crowd have left you wil- be at the mercy of your enemies. Suppose they y 0 ™ hat will be tlle results W ith perfect composure and without any apparent apprehension he replied: “I have nothing to fear, lhey may arrest me and take me to Indianapolis. lam personally and intimately acquainted with ColBaker the Provost Marshal, and other leading authorities. I will report at headquarters, and that will be the end of it.” I was at a Idsfe to acc unt for his nonchalance. In re was no occasion for bis re-* maining in Rensselaer. 3e could with the crowd and avoided the annoyance and humiliation of an arrest, but this and subsequent events developed the.fact that Dodd was carrying out a scheme that had been concocted Republicans to drive the Democrats into a false position and accomplish their political destrucLon. Though unsuspected at the tune, it was doubtless Dodd’s intention to provoke an arrest, be carried to Indianapo’is, and, as on a subsequent occasion, imprisoned so carelessly as to admit of his escape. By this means, odium and suspicion would be cast upon those with whom he had been associated. It is not supposed that it was Its intention, or the design of those who had sent him forth as a secret emissary, to involve the two parties in a deadly conflict, but such had well nigh bnen the result.. , In the evening, when all had retired to their homes, Dodd was arrested, guards stationed and other means resorted to to prevent egress irom the town lest the word should go forth, but, in spite of these precaution s, the news was heralded abroad. §wift messengers were at hand.

“Speed, Malies, speed! the dun deer’s hide. On swifter foot was neve: tied; Malles, speed! Such cause of haste’ Thiae active services never braced.” “Nor slack’d the messenger his pace* He told the hour, and named the place.” By 10 o’clock next morning wood! and dale, in the vicinity of Blue Grass, were swarming with Democrats fiercely intent upon Dodd’s rescue, armed with such weapons as they could most readily secure. Leaders were chosen and preparations made for a hasty march into Rensselaer. Fortunately, before the time arrived, it was suggested by one who considered “discretion the better part of valor,” that oneor t vo persons should drive into town and demand the release o£ Dod'i before resorting to extremities. This suggestion was favorably considered. Wesley Spitler and Thomas Barker were selected for the purpose. It was not long before they returned with the glad ' news that Dodd was released. — Three rousing cheers resounded through the woods, and the Dodd Raid was at an end. Though the rescue of Dodd was

the ostensible object, the stimulating motive was t maintain freedom of speech, a right which is dear to the heart of every true American, and cannot be tramrled

upon with impunity.

J. M.

An incident of Dodd’s visit on •n the occasion referred to in the above, not generally known, was relat d to us recently by a gentleman present at the time. In Kentland,Rafter the meet I’ng 1 ’ng at Moi occo, Dodd sent a request R Messrs. A. J. Kent, T. R. Barker, John McCarthy, and probably some others, to meet him m his room. On presenting themselves,Dodd informed them that while engaged in speaking over the State, his main object was the organization of orddurs of the Knights of the Goldden Circle, and desired to at once commence at that point. Honest Old lorn Barker immediately met the proposition with: “See here, Dodd, we want you to distinctly understand, by G—d, that the Democratic party is square out from the shoulder; true to the Constitution and the whole country; able and willing to punish traitors South, and at the same time protect themselves from the insolence of self-dubbed “Unconditiox. Patriots” whose loyalty only extended to their party and section. The Democratic party acts in open day, and is to dark-lantern organizations. You can go to h—l with your Knights of the Golden. Circle. Good day, sir.” It is unnecessary to say that Dodd did not insist upon carrying out the “main objecd’ of his visit. In his canvass over the State a few bit at the bait thrown out by Dodd. Dodd, Milligan, Bowles and Horsey arrested, Doda was permitted to escape, and soon after was made chairman of the Republican State Central Commit.ee of. Wisconsin. Milligan, Bowles and Horsey were tried by a military commission, convic ed, and sentenced to death Their conviction was demanded by Mortan et al on the ground of political necessity, with no intenti n that the finding and sentence should be enforced. The “main object” was to beslime the Democratic party with the odium. The assassination of Mr. Lincoln almost upset the plans of Morton & Co. President Johnson thought the commissionjicßd in good raith and for a time" refused to interfere with its finding and sentence. At length he commuted the sente r ce to imprisonment for life, and the Uni+ed States Supreme Court afterward released them, with the declaration that the commission had no legal existence and was contrary to law. The Democratic partv had no sympath , to expend upon these,Sir Knights, and Bowles and Horsey transferred their membership to theJßepubliean church. For some years Milligan sought to pose as a martyr. He desired to preside over the deliberations of the .democratic -State Convention in 1864, but Judge Turpie was called to the chair. He then asked'to be the candidate for Lieutenant G ivernor but this position was also given to .Judge Tupie, un. ight, and in face of the understanding that the Judge would be required to rattle Mr. Colfax over this Congressional District. Judge Turpie soon after declined the race so Lieutenant Governor, and accepted the contest for Congress. Gen nal Manson w.is substituted for Judge Turpie on the State ticket, by the State Central Committee, but true to their methods, by a wide-spread system of violence, voting Massachusetts regiments, etc., the lepublicans succeeded in retaining i> )wer.

Finding, eventually, that the odium of his association with Dodd, Morton & Co. would not attach to the Democracy, Milligan entered the Republican fold, and a few years ago was by the g o. r. p. placed in nomination as its candidate for State Senator, Captain Hilligas, a Democratic soldier, bein J his successful opponent. A fit ending or the abominable schemers and sheme of the unprinciple.l and wickei Morboi-iau cabal.