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Subject: [ARIZARD-L] Peace Society - Neal Article - #3a
Date: Thu, 8 Mar 2001 00:45:35 EST
Treason Or Patriotism? Union Peace Societies In Arkansas During The Civil War
By: Diane Neal
Journal of Confederate History
Vol. I, No. 2, Fall 1988
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Even prior to receipt of the governor's orders, LESLIE, along with this
adjutant, Maj. JESSE CYPERT of the Arkansas militia, had begun cooperating
with local vigilante groups who were interrogating suspected members of peace
societies. The arrest of the first member yeilded details of oaths, signs,
and passwords and caused LESLIE to believe that "there was or would be a
premediated attempt at insurrection." Acting upon RECTOR's instructions,
LESLIE ordered the arrest of all persons "engaged in this secret
organization." Seventy-eight persons were taken prisoner, including "many
who voluntarily surrendered themselves, confessing their guilt." In his
final report to the governor, LESLIE expressed his belief that the society's
leaders had "intended treachery to the Confederate government," but that
"many good men, ignorant of any such guilty intentions, were seduced into
joining by alluring names and misrepresentations. Many men previously
regarded as worthy citizens, as well as many known to be the worst, were
found to be members of the organization." He concluded that prompt action by
local citizens' committees and the state militia had ferreted out all the
members of the disloyal organization which had been "broken up."
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