Page:History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century Volume 2.djvu/135

 Messengers were sent to Governor Kirkwood, and he ordered eleven military companies and a squad of artillery to assemble forthwith at Sigourney, and, then, accompanied by three aides, the Governor proceeded to the county-seat. A large assembly gathered at the court-house, where the Governor made an address. He urged obedience to the laws and promised that every effort should be made by the lawful authorities to bring to speedy trial and punishment the guilty parties in the late affray. In the meantime the “Tally army,” in camp near the river, had elected a commander-in-chief, and fixed the time to march upon South English. Charles Negus, a prominent attorney of Fairfield, had been called to the scene of the conflict, by friends of Tally, to assist in bringing the slayers of their leader to trial. He saw the imminent danger of a bloody collision if the army on the Skunk River made a hostile demonstration against the citizens of South English. He had an interview with the commander of the “Tally army” and told him of the presence of the State troops, under command of Colonel N. P. Chipman, and that it would be folly to inaugurate war against the legally constituted military power of the State. The commander-in-chief returned to the army and informed his men of the condition of affairs, and the advice of their counsellor. When they found themselves face to face with State militia, assembled by order of the Governor, their courage gave way to discretion, and, after consultation, they decided to disband. Twelve men were soon after arrested by the civil authorities charged with being implicated in the killing of Tally; they gave bonds to appear for trial at the next term of court. The prompt action of the Governor prevented a bloody conflict, and was unmistakable warning to the lawless element that the military power of the State would be used to suppress mob violence.

On the 30th of October, of the same year, a party of lawless men was discovered passing through the western portion of Fremont County. Provost Marshal Van Eaton