R. H. Fife,
Sheriff of Allegheny county.
Witness: Meantime, I had seen some telegrams from the Lieutenant Governor, either before or after this, I forget which, that he had no power in the premises. Having received instructions from Governor Hartranft before he left the State of Pennsylvania, which was upon the Monday previous to this date, that in case of trouble, I should assume the responsibility, and the case being one of serious magnitude, knowing the fact that the regular army had been three or four days endeavoring to open the Baltimore and Ohio road, and had failed, I thought the time had come for prompt and immediate action, and I sent a dispatch which reads as follows—from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to General Pearson. This dispatch shows conclusively, that the military were acting subordinately to the civil authorities:
Lancaster, 7, 20, 1877—2.35, A.M.
Major General A. L. Pearson, Pittsburgh:
You will assume charge of the situation in the Twelfth ward of Pittsburgh, to aid the civil authorities in suppressing existing disorders. Place one regiment on duty, advise me which command you so place, and report generally.
James W. Latta,
Adjutant General.
And I immediately advised the sheriff from Lancaster; the same telegram went to the sheriff:
Lancaster, Pa., July 20, 1877—2.35, A.M.
R. H. Fife,
Sheriff, Pittsburgh, Pa.:
Have directed General Pearson to place one regiment on duty to aid you in suppressing disorders.