objection to their examining the contents of the same, and unlocked it for them; they then examined the trunk, and not finding any thing they seemed to be looking for, they returned it to the house where they got it. The boat then took us to Henderson, Kentucky, where General Crittenden was then stationed, and we went on shore, to the General's headquarters; after an examination of the case, General Crittenden remarked that there had been false representations made to him, and there was no cause for his arrest, and immediately released him. I called upon the General next morning, and asked for the information and from what source came the charges upon which Tilman was arrested. He remarked that it would not be proper to make the expose at that time; afterward a letter came to my hands, written by James Root to A. L. Robinson, which had been forwarded to General Crittenden; the letter stated that the notorious rebel, Tilman Bethell, had just returned from New Orleans, and was circulating Confederate money in Kentucky, and that he was recruiting for the Confederate Army. I believe Tilman was arrested on these charges, which I know were all false, without a shadow of a cause to believe the same. Tilman Bethell is my own brother; in politics, we are both Demo crats. The Mr. James Root and A. L. Robinson, referred to above, are both Abolitionists of the deepest dye. I make a distinction between them and Republicans. I do not know the name of the captain who arrested my brother. CROSS EXAMINED. Question by Mr. BAKER How long had your brother been back from New Orleans at the time of his arrest? Answer-About one month. Question by Mr. BAKER Where was your brother's trunk at the time it was examined, as you have stated, or when the soldiers found it? Answer-At a Mr. Hill's in Kentucky, a friend of my brother, where he was in the habit of going often. Question by Mr. BAKER How long was your brother in custody. Question by Mr. BAKER Were you present when the trunk was examined? Answer-I was standing on the boat when they examined the trunk, I could see them on shore. Question by Mr. BAKER What have you heard your brother say in regard to the probability of the General Government being able to put down the rebellion? Answer-I have heard him say, that with his acquaintance with the people of the South, it was his opinion they could never be subdued. Question by Mr. BAKER Was Governor Powell present at the conversation you have related with General Crittenden, and if so, what remarks he made about the arrest? Answer-The Governor expressed his surprise that Government officers would arrest loyal men like my brother, he closed the remark that he thought the General would give him a favorable hearing. Question by Mr. BAKER Where does your brother now live? Answer-He lives in Newburg. T. F. BETHELL. Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 12th day of February, 1862. ED. P. FERRIS, Acting Chairman. JOHN W. HURST (WARRICK COUNTY) SWORN. Questioned by Mr. LASSELLE Answer-My name is John W. Hurst. I am thirty-nine years of age; by occupation a house carpenter; reside at Newburg, Warrick county; have resided there over a year. I am a man of family-a wife and five children, dependent on me for their sup port. I was arrested at Newburg on the night of the 18th of July last. I was arrested by order of Colonel Foster, as I understood, who, at the time of my arrest, upon a demand for the cause of my arrest, stated that he would let me know when I got to Evansville. In taking me down on the wharf-boat on the way to Evansville, repeating the question, Foster added-"I am told that you [meaning this affiant] crossed the river with the rebels to-day." At Evansville I was placed in the county jail. This was on Friday night, and on the following Thursday I was brought to this city, and placed in prison here in the Marion county jail, where I have been confined ever since. Neither at the time of my arrest, nor since, I have ever seen or heard of any warrant against me, nor did I demand any, though I did demand of Colonel Bates, on the way here, and after arrival here of the Deputy Marshal, an examination and trial. I have had none. My attorney, Mr. Colley, informs me that there is a bill of indictment against me, but nothing to sustain it. I am informed that Mr. Hanna, United States District Attorney, admits that he has no evidence to sustain the charge against me. The charge that I "crossed the river with the rebels that day," or that I had any thing to do with the rebels, or knew of their coming, is false. When I was arrested, I was, with other citizens of Newburg, engaged in doing guard duty for the protection of the peace against further outrage. I was armed by Mr. Zaven Hazen, who gave out the arms to the citizens. I was called by Lewis Robinson and requested to give up my gun by Colonel Foster, who, when I gave it up, informed me that he would take care of me also. My request, at my arrest, for the privilege of going home to change my clothes, was denied me, and I was carried away without an opportunity of seeing my family. Politically, I am a Democrat. I think Robinson, who aided in my arrest, is a Republican. I have been sick most of the time since I have been here. Question by Mr. MORGAN Has the Grand Jury of the United States District Court found a bill of indictment against you? Answer-My attorney has informed me so. Question by Mr. SHOAFF What is the politics of Mr. Hazen, who furnished you with the musket to go upon guard? and his standing as a man of character? Answer-He is a Republican; his character is good. J. W. HURST. JAMES C. BAIRD (POSEY COUNTY) SWORN. Examined by Mr. FERRIS Answer-My name is James C. Baird. I am about forty years of age, by occupation a farmer and trader; reside at Mount Vernon, Posey county, Indiana; resided there over fourteen years. I have a family-a wife and five children: I was arrested, at Mount Vernon, about the 21st of January last, at night, by four men belonging to the Fifth Cavalry, commanded by Captain Sea, armed with revolvers. At my arrest, demanding the authority therefor, I was answered that it was none of my business, and I was struck and kicked. They then cursed me, charging that I had threatened some of the soldiers with a load of buckshot for stealing my turkeys. I was taken to Camp Graham, to Captain Sea, who said he was responsible for my arrest. After having been taken from there to Captain Ammon's quarters, I was returned to Captain Sea, who told me that if I would take the oath 1 would be released. I inquired of him what that oath amounted to, and whether it included Lincoln's abolition proclamation. He answered that it did. This I declined doing. He then ordered me to be tied, which was done. Having been unwell that day, I had eaten neither dinner nor supper, and asking him for some thing to eat, which he denied me. I was compelled that night, a frosty night, to sleep on a pile of straw under a wing or fly of the tent. He refused me any covering, though that was afterward furnished me by another soldier, who, inquiring of Captain Sea who I was, was answered that I was a "Butternut." Remarking that I would "freeze that way" the soldier gave me blankets to cover me, and one of the guards loaned me an overcoat. The next morning my wrists were untied, and I was furnished with breakfast. After breakfast Captain Sea again approached me as to taking the oath; and for the same reason I again declined. I was then taken on horseback on the road to Newburg; but returning to obtain my money, which was in the hands of Captain Sea, again I was asked to take the oath, including the abolition proclamation, which I took, and was released. This was about ten o'clock the next day after my arrest. Politically, I am a Democrat. I demanded an examination and trial of Captain Sea, who told me I could not have it. I was also denied any communication, by message or otherwise, outside of the camps; and while I was under confinement, a file of soldiers returned and searched my house during my absence, as my wife subsequently informed me. JAMES C. BAIRD. JAMES S. MILLS (POSEY COUNTY) SWORN. Examined by Mr. GIVEN Answer-My name is James S. Mills. I am fifty-eight years of age; by occupation a farmer; reside about six miles from Mount Vernon, Posey county, Indiana; have resided in that neighborhood over forty years; have a family-a wife and ten children. I was arrested at home, on the 31st day of January last, at night, by a file of four armed soldiers. On the day preceding the evening of my arrest, two men, in citizen's dress, who afterward, as soldiers, aided in my arrest, came to my house and commenced in conversation the subject of politics. They denounced the Administration and its Abolition policy, and elicited from me similar observations; remained at my house, took dinner with me, and left. These same men, and two others, were the arresting party. Being so arrested, my arms were tied behind me, and I was conveyed to the camp near Mount Vernon, some six mtles from my home, and there taken to the quarters of Captain Ammon; there I remained for a short time, when I was taken to the Commissary's Department and remained there until the next morning. My step-son, (John A. Bell,) was also arrested with me, and accompanied me. The next morning, upon the order of Captain Ammon, myself and step-son were taken down to the hospital, which was in the Methodist Church, where my step-son remained three days, and myself six days. I was released upon giving bond and taking an oath to support the Constitution of the United States and that of Indiana; support the Administration of Mr. Lincoln, and not to speak disrespectfully of the President. Bell, my step-son, was released upon taking an oath. When I was arrested, on demanding the authority |