Proclamation of President Lincoln

LINCOLN

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 1/10/2008 at 14:40:33

Muscatine Journal
April 19, 1861

The War Feeling Throughout the North.

The Official call for Troops. Iowa to Furnish one Regiment!

The Forts in Virginal, Maryland, Kentucky and Missouri to be Strongly Garrisoned!

Washington, April 14.

Efforts are still making to concentrate a formidable military force in and around Washington, to be prepared for all emergencies.

Information continues to be received, from private sources, of secret plots in various localities in Maryland and Virginia having in view the seizure of the public property, and even the persons of the highest offices of the Government. Though these accounts are not generally credited they are believed in official quarters, and hence the precautionary movements at all points. They are considered necessary, no one knowing what turn events may take during the prevalent excitement. The roads and avenues leading to Washington are closely watched.

New York, April 14.

The President’s proclamation says:

“Whereas, the laws of the United States have been, and now are opposed in several states by combinations too powerful to be suppressed in the ordinary way. I therefore call for the militia of the several States of the Union, to aggregate the number of seventy-five thousand to suppress said combination and execute the laws. I appeal to all loyal citizens to facilitate and aid this effort to maintain the laws and integrity of the Union, and to perpetuate the popular government, and to redress wrongs long enough endured. The first derive assigned the forces will probably be to repossess the forts, places and property that have been seized from the Union. The utmost care will be taken consistent with the object, to avoid devastation and destruction in towns with the property of peaceful citizens in any part of the county.

I hereby command all persons composing the aforesaid combination, to disperse within twenty days from this date.

I hereby convene both houses of Congress of the 4th day of July next, to determine upon measures which the public safety and interest demand."

(Signed) ABRAHAM LINCOLN

President of the United States.

By Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of State.