James L. Foley

Covington Under Martial Law.

In our issue of last Saturday, we made a notice of the mass meeting of the people of Covington, held on the previous day, at which the prevailing sentiment seemed to be in favor of martial law, in order that all might be placed upon an equality. A committee was appointed to telegraph to Gen. Boyle, and his assent being given the following proclamation was issued:

PROVOST MARSHAL'S OFFICE,

COVINGTON, Ky., July 18, 1862.

Special Order No. 1.

The General commanding the forces in Kentucky orders that all able-bodied citizens of Kenton County, capable of doing military duty, shall report themselves by ten o'clock to-night to Capt. Foley, Provost Marshal, to be enrolled. Such as have arms and ammunition will bring them with them to the Provost Marshal's headquarters. Those who are willing to fight against the traitors who are threatening your city, will be organized into companies and battalions, under the direction of Provost Marshal, J. F. Fisk, Wm. Ernst, J. T. Levis, and Joe M. Kennedy.

All refusing to bear arms in such defense will be disarmed, that those who are willing may be armed. All persons not armed are forbidden to appear in the streets of the city until otherwise ordered, under the penalty of being shot down. The approaches to the city of Covington will be properly guarded, and the forces organized under this order will report to and be under the command of the Provost Marshal.

By order of Brigadier-General Boyle,

JAMES L. FOLEY,

Provost Marshal, Kenton County.

In accordance with the foregoing order the enrollment of citizens commenced Saturday morning. Throughout the day there was quite a rush, and several hundred names were enrolled. The following questions were put to each man: In what Ward do you reside? Have you any arms? Do you belong to any military organization? Are you willing to fight? These questions having been answered he was directed to report (depending upon his place of residence) either to Capt. Farrell at the Armory, Capt. Fennessy at Greer's Hall, Capt. Stacey at Cooper's Hall, or to Capt. Wilson at the Sixth street Market House, that night before 10 o'clock. Upon reporting at the designated place, the name was again enrolled, and the following oath administered:

"I solemnly swear, (or affirm,) that I will support and be faithful to the Constitution of the United States, and of the State of Kentucky, and obey the lawful order of those in authority over me."

The impossibility of enrolling the names of all the citizens of the city and county within the time prescribed by Order No. 1 became manifest Saturday afternoon, and the following order, extending the time, was issued:

HEADQUARTERS, PROVOST MARSHAL,

Covington, July 19, 1862.

In view of the impracticability of enrolling the names of all the citizens of the city and county, who manifest a willingness to aid in fighting the traitors who are threatening our city and county, within the time named in Order No. 1; it is ordered, That the time for enrollment in the city and county be extended to Wednesday evening next, at six o'clock.

By order of the Military Committee,

JAMES L. FOLEY,

Provost Marshal.

On Saturday an Order further modifying Order No. 1 was issued as follows:

"All citizens not on guard duty will be expected to keep within doors after nine o'clock at night. All persons found on the streets after that hour will be arrested and taken to the headquarters of the Provost Marshal and required to give an account of themselves."

"It is not intended that the ordinary business of the city shall be interfered with, unless exigency shall arise making it necessary to call the citizens into active service. — It is recommended, therefore, that our citizens continue to prosecute their several avocations, and that each one shall use his influence to allay and keep down all excitement. Citizens will not be required to appear on the streets armed unless on military duty."

Guards were stationed on the several roads leading out of the city, and persons coming in or going out were required to give an account of themselves. We believe no difficulty has been experienced by persons on legitimate business, the Provost Marshal granting passes to all proper persons. The ferries across the Ohio were left unguarded.

The order for the arrest of all unarmed persons found on the streets after 9 o'clock at night seemed to bother the people of Covington, and especially the young men, not a little. About 9 o'clock our young friend Dick is seen hurrying up street. He encounters Tom.

"What's the time, Tom?"

"Five minutes of nine. Hurry up, old fellow, or you'll be caught."

"That's a fact," responds Tom; and as he moves off homeward at increased speed he is heard muttering something about the hardship of being forced into the house at so early an hour these sweltering night.

Quite a number of arrests have been made for violation of the 9 o'clock order, but all have been discharged after a short detention at the guard house.

On Monday Col. Burbank, Military Commandant of Cincinnati, issued the following order:

HEADQUARTERS, CINCINNATI, O., July 21, '62.

Order No. 14.

Pursuant to an order received from Brigadier General Boyle, the undersigned assumes command of all the military forces in the counties of Kenton and Campbell in the State of Kentucky.

S. BURBANK,

Lieut. Col. Thirteenth Infantry.

On Wednesday the following Order was issued:

HEADQUARTERS, PROVOST MARSHAL,

COVINGTON, July 23, 1862.

For satisfactory reasons the system of passes will be abolished. Citizens are requested to retire to their houses at ten o'clock instead of nine o'clock.

By order of     Lieut. Col. BURBANK.

JAMES L. FOLEY, Provost Marshal.

If in addition to legitimate causes of excitement, wee add the effect produced by unfounded and wicked rumors, the distant reader may justly conclude that in Covington we have had a week of excitement and anxiety. It gives us pleasure to state that we have heard of no outbreak since the 20th, and at this writing the excitement in the city appears to be subsiding.

We renew the advice we ventured to give last week: That it is the duty of good citizens to stand by the authorities and aid in maintaining peace and good order.