The Geneva Raid

The Geneva Raid

       From the May 9, 1861 issue of The Elgin Gazette

For the Elgin Gazette

Mr. Editor
       In an article I wrote for your last week's paper, I said, "The telegraph operator at Geneva refused to give a dispatch to Mr. Harvey, and gave it to Mr. King."   At the time of the writing of that article I thought I had ample proof of the correctness of the assertion, but I find on full investigation that Capt. Joslyn's reply to Harvey did not arrive prior to Harvey's last call for the answer.   I therefore take great pleasure in exonerating Mr. June, the operator at Geneva, from any blame in the matter, as I learn he enjoys the full confidence of the business community at Geneva, and hope this explanation will be fully satisfatory to him and his friends.

B. E. Dodson.

       From the May 9, 1861 issue of The Elgin Gazette

FROM GENEVA

       A young man belonging to one of the oldest and most influential families in Geneva, sends us a communication touching the "Indignation Meeting" held in that place, from which we make the following extract.
       "Your correspondent cannot but remember that when said meeting was in session, Capt. Joslyn and his braver compatriots, had left their homes, however humble, yet honorable and happy, their wives, children and kindred at their country's call, when her flag had been humbled, and offering in her defense their services, and asking only the glorious boon of sharing their country's danger wherever that danger had the greatest perils.   Now true patriotism would have bid them "God Speed"- would have dried up the sorrowing tears of those, perhaps to be widowed wives and orphan children left behind.
       Whilst your correspondent wishes no harm to the participators in said meeting, yet could they remembering former friendships and kindnesses, have seen the pale faced wife and mother of Capt. Joslyn's flaxen haired boys, enter the peoples Court House, and have heard that wife ask in trembling accents.   Who is it that dares slander my husband and the father of my boys?   Dont you think the hand writing would have been seen upon the wall?   It is to be hoped that the wrong thus inflicted will be speedily repaired.
       Your correspondent has no desire to attribute wrong motive to the persons who were the leading spirits in said meeting, for if they are satisfied with the record they have made, let them defend it.
       That brave band of Continentals, the flower of your city, and of such is the hope of our country, may they in sickness and in battle, survive all, and with well earned honors, return to their homes to face those who found it safer to defame in their absence, than in their presence, is the hope and prayer of

GAZETTEER.