Additional information on the "Battle of Brazil"

[sean_harris]

I got this last night from our local history section at the Brazil library. (A History of Clay County) I hope not to offend our local Union Civil War "Weekend Warriors" at least that's what other true Civil War living historians call them! LOL! I do not now why, but they call them Civil War "CowBoys" to. Anyway on to the Historical information!

The most positive demonstration of disloyalty however, occurred in the early part of July, 1863. About this time, John Morgan, with a rebel force of about 5,000 men, had invaded Indiana. Relying upon assistance from anti-war element in the this state, he hoped to accomplish serious damage to the Union cause here and perhaps effect the conquest of the state. At that time, the treasonable organizations in this State had reached their most effective development. Large numbers of men are believed to have been armed and under effective disipline. A general insurrection was planned, which was to be carried into execution as soon as Morgan's raid had progressed far enough to insure success.

About this time movements were set in operation for the organization of a rebel auxiliary force, to be drawn from the northern part of this county and from the Raccoon region of Parke County. A place to rendezvous was established in Van Buren Township, on the farm of Jonh Trump. Recruits came pouring in from all points of the compass, and soon a force estimated at 500 armed men, was collected. In this place they remained for about two days, concealing as far as possible their movements. The Union People got the information of the remarkable gathering, however, and the preparations for resistance were begun without delay. It was understood that the force was to advance upon Brazil and take possession of the place. They had gone so far as to have made arrangements for hay and corn for their horses, when they should establish their quarters in Brazil. The blood of the Union people began to boil as these proceedings and they determined to oppose the movement even though bloodshed should result. Great excitement existed, and it was feared that the affair would not only result in the loss of life, but that in the riot and confusion which should follow a conflict the town would be set a fire, and a general destruction of property would result.

At that time there were two companies of soldiers, of limited experience in actual warfare in Brazil, and these, together with such forced as could be improvised for the occasion, were all that could be mustered for the defense of the town. The two companies were the Home Guards, commanded by Capt. Carney, and the Brazil Guards, commanded by Capt. Olds. Both companies were armed with regulation guns provided by the Government.

The Union forces having got information of the intended movements of the attacking force, put themselves in readiness to repel them. It was ascertained that upon a certain day the attack upon the town would be made. Word was sent to Gov. Morton, who at once dispatched Gen. Streight to come here and take command of affairs. The attacking forces were seperated into two divisions. The Eastern division, consisting of about 300 men and the Western division. Both divisions were to make the attack upon the town simultaneously.

The Union force was arranged to resist both divisions as best they might. The Home Guards, numbering about 100 men, were to encounter the Eastern division and the Brazil Guards, with a force of citizens were to meet the Western division. Gen. Streight arrived on the morning of the contemplated attack, and proceeded without delay, accompanied by D.C. Stunkard, to meet and parley with the Eastern division, and if possible to persuade and intimidate them from their purpose. He advanced to their lines and began to parley with them. A gun was drawn upon him, but the General coolly remarked that he had had whole regiments of guns pointed at him, and went on with the speech. He advised them not to attempt to come into Brazil, for if they did they would be met by resolute resistance, and bloodshed would inevitably result. It appears his warnings had the desired effect. At any rate, the insurrectionists dispersed and were seen no more. Returning to town, the General, accompanied by Eli Hendrix, repaired to the Western division, and had similar parley with them, which had a similar result. The exact objective that the movement was designed to accomplish has never been entirely understood. Many believe that, acting in concert with other organizations of similiar character throughout the State, the purpose was to march to meet and form a junction with Jonh Morgon, and assist in turning the State over to the Rebels. Others are of the opinion that the movement had no definite purpose at all, but was simply gotten up as a demonstration of hostility to the war, to display power of the opposition and to intimidate the Union authorities. The movement had come to a comparatively harmless termination, and from the readiness with which it yeiled to the opposition, it may be reasonably be presumed that nothing really serious was contemplated.

Any way that the story! thought it was interesting. I also found several local communities attempted to set up Pro Southern, Anti-Union resolutions. Most were stopped by furloughed soldiers and officers who felt it was their duty to stop this treason. I new my area of the state was a mix of sympathy however, never to the degree I have found over the last few days it is a real surprise!