in the cause of civil and religious liberty.  Mr. Briller left for Distilleryville last evening, and the standard bearer of the Democratic host confronting that stronghold of freedom will find him a lion in his path.  I have been asked to remain here and deliver some addresses to the people in a local contest involving issues of paramount importance.  That duty being performed, I shall in person enter the arena of armed debate and move in the direction of the heaviest firing, burning my ships behind me.  I forward by this mail to his Excellency the President a request for the appointment of my son, Jabez Leonidas Doke, as postmaster at Hardpan.  I would take it, sir, as a great favor if you would give the application a strong oral indorsement, as the appointment is in the line of reform.  Be kind enough to inform me what are the emoluments of the office I hold in the military arm, and if they are by salary or fees.  Are there any perquisites?  My mileage account will be transmitted monthly.

From Brigadier-General Jupiter Doke to Major General Blount Wardorg.

Distilleryville, Kentucky, January 12, 1862.

I arrived on the tented field yesterday by steamboat, the recent storms having inundated the landscape, covering, I understand, the greater part of a congressional district.  I am pained to find that Joel Briller, Esq., a prominent citizen of Posey County, Illinois, and a far-seeing statesman who held my proxy, and who a month ago should have been thundering at the gates of Disunion, has not been heard from, and has doubtless been sacrificed upon the altar of his country.  In him the American people lose a bulwark of freedom.  I would respectfully move that you designate a committee to draw up resolutions of respect to his memory, and that the office holders and men under your command wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days.  I shall at once place myself at the head of affairs here, and am now ready to entertain any suggestions which you may make, looking to the better enforcement of the laws in this commonwealth.  The militant Democrats on the other side of the river appear to be contemplating extreme measures.  They have two large cannons facing this way, and yesterday morning, I am told, some of them came down to the water’s edge and remained in session for some time, making infamous allegations.

From the Diary of Brigadier-General Jupiter Doke, at Distilleryville, Kentucky.

January 12, 1862.—­On my arrival yesterday at the Henry Clay Hotel (named in honor of the late far-seeing statesman) I was waited on by a delegation consisting of the three colonels intrusted with the command of the regiments of my brigade.  It was an occasion that will be memorable in the political annals of America.  Forwarded copies of the speeches to the Posey Maverick, to be spread upon the record of the ages.  The gentlemen composing the delegation unanimously reaffirmed their devotion to the principles of national unity and the Republican party.  Was gratified to recognize in them men of political prominence and untarnished escutcheons.  At the subsequent banquet, sentiments of lofty patriotism were expressed.  Wrote to Mr. Wardorg at Louisville for instructions.