Captain Gus Artsman
Cincinnati Daily Enquirer, 10 June 1861, page 3
NEWPORT NEWS
KENTUCKY NEUTRALITY INVADED-A day or two since Captain Gus
Artsman, of the Union Home Guards, Newport, visited in company with his wife and
a lady friend, Camp Dennison. Occupying a prominent position as a military man
in Kentucky, he expected and had a right to expect, from those in authority in
the camp those marks of courtesy and respect due his rank.
He felt assured as he stepped off the cars that he was to be received as a distinguished visitor, for the band even then struck up "See the Conquering Hero Comes!" He started with his friends for Headquarters, but was soon stopped in his progress by a military looking man, who held a musket in his hand.
"What does this mean?" inquired the Captain.
"I arrest you." was the reply.
"What have I done?" asked the Kentucky visitor.
"March to the Guard house." answered the man with the musket.
"We are citizens of the great Commonwealth of Kentucky." continued our friend.
"You are my prisoner." was the answer.
"You are invading the neutrality of Kentucky," said our now indignant citizen, "and Governor Magoffin wont stand for it; and as soon as Dr. Blackburn gets home with his flintlock muskets, and Colonel Duncan has taken Washington, he will be very apt to make you repent it."
But the soldier did not seem to like the idea of Kentucky neutrality, he treated the mention of Governor Magoffin with an indifference which no true Kentuckian can pardon, and he even smiled contemptuously at the idea of flintlock muskets in this enlightened age. It was no use, to the guard house they must go, and to the guard house they started. An officer now made his appearance, who is a few words explained the matter. Our friend had failed to secure the proper pass and had been arrested by the sentinel on duty.
Captain Artsman speaks highly of the police and gentlemanly officer who came to his relief at a time when relief was so much needed; but still he was not satisfied, he has ordered a supply of good ammunition from a well known manufacturer in Bourbon County and Camp Dennison will be very likely to hear from him.