North Arkansas Times

Batesville, Arkansas

February 6, 1869

Page 2

The Monks Resolution.

We copy the following from the proceedings of the Senate on the 28^th ult.m in relation to Monks and his band of Missourians:

Ray called up joint resolution calling on the Governor to know by what authority a man called monks, who had invaded the State with an armed body of men, was acting, and if he had been recognized by the State authorities.

Martin moved to table.

By permission of the Senate, several members desired to make several remarks on the resolution before the vote was taken.

Ray wanted to know under what authority Monks was acting-whether he was sent here by the sate of Missouri, the United States or employed by the executive of Arkansas. We ought to know by what right he has entered the State with an armed force of over one hundred men, and why he made war on an innocent people; and if he had no authority to so act he favored sending the militia to drive him out of the State. – The motion to table he thought discourteous – it was a matter in which all were interested.

Hadley objected to the resolution because it was partial. If the senator would make his resolution read so as to include all members of the militia, giving age, birth, occupation, etc., he would vote for it. Had heard there was such a man as Monks serving in the militia; but he could vote for no measure singling out one individual of the command and calling for the information contemplated.

Mallory knew such a man as Monks had enlisted as a private in the militia – was now an officer, and doing good service for the State.

Sarber said if the senator would introduce a bill for the relief of Monks, allowing him pay, etc., if he had not received any, he would cheerfully vote for it.

Portis did not know or care where Monks came from, the resolution might impact some important information and he hoped the motion to table would not prevail.

Hunt understood Monks was lieutenant colonel of Dale’s regiment, and thought the senate had no right to question the appointments made by the commander-in-chief.

Snyder thought Monks properly engaged with the militia.

Rushing was acquainted with most of the circumstances connected with Monks. Knew he was a Missourian, but commanded almost entirely Arkansas men, and was doing good service. – If this resolution was passed he wanted a similar one to pass enquiring under what authority the ku-klux commanders, Col. Love, Col. W.K. Patterson and Gen. R.G. Shaver, raised a command of about 700 ku-klux to repel Monks from the State.

The vote was then taken on the motion to table, with the following result:

Ayes- Baker, Beldin, Hadley, Harbinson, Hunt, Hemingway, Keeton, Mallory, Martin, Mason, Rushing, Sarber, Snyder, Vance and Young – 15

Noes- Evans, Landers, Portis, Ray and Rogers – 5

North Arkansas Times-020669.doc