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Virginia Argus
Richmond, Virginia
What is this article about?
In Kennebec County, Maine, Sheriff Arthur Lithgow reports acts of violence against government officers and avowed opposition to civil authority, requesting Maj. Gen. Henry Sewall to detach 400 armed militia to enforce the laws. Sewall complies, drawing from specific regiments and troops.
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AN INSURRECTION!
In consequence of the following application, Maj. Gen. Sewall has detached 400 privates with the necessary officers, from his division, to be held in perfect readiness to obey the orders of the sheriff of the county of Kennebec, in enforcing obedience to the civil authority. The detachments are made from Col. Fillebrown's and Col. Sherwin's regiments, and Maj. Grant's squadron; and Capt. Spaulding's troop of cavalry.
To Henry Sewall, Esq. major general of the eighth division of Massachusetts militia.
"As the sheriffs of the respective counties, among other civil officers, are by law required, whenever there is reason to apprehend that a dangerous insurrection will be excited to obstruct the course of justice or the due execution of the laws, that it shall be the duty of the sheriff to certify the same to the major general, or commanding officer wherein such county lies—I think it my duty to make known to you, that certain daring acts of violence and outrage have been lately committed in the county of Kennebec, upon the persons and property of several officers of government in the regular discharge of their official duties, and that combinations to oppose, by force, the civil authority, have been so openly avowed, that it is no longer prudent or safe to execute the law, or to enforce, in the ordinary way, the regular administration of justice. I do therefore by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as sheriff of the county of Kennebec, request that major general Sewall detach immediately four hundred men, armed and equipped according to law, being a number which I think sufficient to defeat the purposes of the insurgents. I take the liberty to suggest, that it would be very desirable to have Capt. Solomon Vose's company of light infantry included in the above detachment.
It is with regret that I find myself urged by a sense of duty to make the above request, according to a law passed February 20, 1807, being an act for the suppression of tumults and insurrections in this commonwealth. I have the honor to be, with respect, sir, your most obedient,
"ARTHUR LITHGOW,
"Sheriff of the county of Kennebec."
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Where did it happen?
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Kennebec County, Maine
Event Date
January 22
Key Persons
Outcome
detachments of 400 privates with officers from col. fillebrown's and col. sherwin's regiments, maj. grant's squadron, and capt. spaulding's troop of cavalry held in readiness to enforce civil authority.
Event Details
Sheriff Arthur Lithgow certifies to Maj. Gen. Henry Sewall that daring acts of violence and outrage have been committed upon government officers in Kennebec County, with combinations to oppose civil authority by force, making it unsafe to execute the law ordinarily. He requests immediate detachment of 400 armed men, suggesting inclusion of Capt. Solomon Vose's company. Sewall detaches the requested force from specified units to obey the sheriff's orders.