The American Annual Cyclopaedia and Register of Important Events of the Year, 1861-1865, vols. 1-5. New York: Appleton & Co., 1868.

Union States in 1861, Part 1: California through Kentucky

THE

AMERICAN

ANNUAL CYCLOPAEDIA

AND

REGISTER OF IMPORTANT EVENTS

OF THE YEARS

1 8 6 1 -1 8 6 5

NORTHERN STATES - UNION

EMBRACING POLITICAL, CIVIL, MILITARY, AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS; PUBLIC DOCUMENTS; BIOGRAPHY, STATISTICS, COMMERCE, FINANCE, LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AGRICULTURE AND MECHANICAL INDUSTRY.

VOLUME I.

NEW YORK:

D. APPLETON & CO., 90, 92 & 94 GRAND STREET. 1870.

PREFACE.

In preparing a Cyclopaedia of what came to pass during the year 1861, the political and military events appeared to possess a greater importance than all that had been developed in the different branches of knowledge. The interest which they awakened soon became so strong and engrossing that the peaceful pursuits of industry were paralyzed, trade and commerce languished, the student of science forsook his quiet seclusion for the tented field, and the inventive genius turned to find more skilful weapons for conflict or terrible engines for destruction. The consequences involved in these events are regarded as destined to exert a permanent influence on mankind. Whether constitutional liberty can survive the violence of human passions; whether institutions organized to preserve and protect the rights of men, and which depend for their existence upon the will and pleasure of those whom they control, can withstand the shocks of military power, are questions in which the welfare of all is at issue. The conflict, therefore, in the United States, forms an important part of this volume. It embraces the political principles involved, with the arguments of their respective advocates and opponents; the movements of the leaders of secession, from their first acts to the close of the year, including the proceedings, step by step, in each of the Southern States until they had resolved themselves out of the Union, and their subsequent efforts ; the organization of the Confederate States; the principles upon which that organization was founded; the civil and commercial regulations of the Confederacy; the movements of its Government to fill its treasury, and organize and equip vast armies; the counteracting movements of the United States; the organization of its armies, with the details of the weapons for the infantry and artillery, and for the batteries of the ships and gunboats; together with all the original documents, from the Messages of the respective Presidents; the instructions of Cabinet officers; the Messages and proclamations of Governors; the important acts of the United States and Confederate Congresses; the acts and resolutions of State Legislatures; the proclamations and orders of commanding officers; the contributions of men and money from each State, North and South; the details of every battle and every skirmish involving a loss of life. So ample have been the resources from which its details have been prepared, comprising publications both North and South, that it is believed no important public measure of the Federal or Confederate Governments, or of any of the States, has been overlooked, or valuable document omitted. The efforts of the Confederacy to secure the cooperation of foreign powers, and of the United States to prevent it, are summarily presented in the letters and instructions of the respective diplomatic agents. In thus preparing in a narrative form this portion of the events of the year, although the effort has been made to observe strict accuracy and impartiality, some mistakes may have occurred, which ask for the forbearing consideration of the intelligent reader. The developments of science during the year present some interesting particulars. The assent of geologists to the Taconic system advocated by the late Prof. Emmons, after so many years of disbelief, is another instance of the triumph of investigation over preconceived errors. The introduction of the method of Solar analysis, which has as yet progressed hardly so far as to receive a name, although Spectrography meets with much approval, may justly be classed among the important events. The conclusions of science, as applied to agriculture, which were reached during the year 1861, will become to the farmer of great practical value. At the same time, they set aside many opinions and processes of labor which have not yielded fruitful results. They will be found fully explained in a very practical essay from the pen of Prof. J. J. Mapes. Geographical explorations were pursued with vigor in various quarters of the globe, and many travellers returned from their perilous journeys of a previous year. In all instances the information is highly interesting, and often valuable. Connected with mechanical industry there were many ingenious inventions during the year, especially relating to implements of war, some of which have been described, while others are reserved, to be accompanied with such illustrations as more ample time will allow. To mechanical industry, so important in this country, an extensive portion of the annual volume of this work will be devoted. The commerce of the whole world was interrupted during the year, and although sufficient time has not elapsed to gather the statistics of all its changes, yet the details of disaster to many branches have been made up in these pages. The stupendous resources of the United States, hitherto unconsciously possessed, not only in military and naval affairs, but especially in financial, have been brought to light by the present difficulties. The financial measures of the Government and of the States are explained with the most ample details. The number of distinguished men who closed their career in 1861 was not so large as in many other years. A tribute has been paid to their virtues and their services. Subsequent volumes of this work will be issued about the first of March in each year.

NORTHERN STATES - UNION - 1861

CALIFORNIA, one of the United States, lying on the western side of the continent, is bounded north by Oregon, east by Utah (from which it is partly separated by the Sierra Nevada Mountains) and New Mexico, south by the Mexican Territory of Old California, and west by the Pacific. Its greatest length in a northwest and southeast direction is about 720 miles, and its breadth about 240 miles. Its area is 188,982 square miles. Along the coast is a low range of mountains, which in many instances approach the water's edge, and form a bluff iron-bound shore. In other parts, the coast is broken and hilly, to which succeeds the range entering from Oregon. It is the most important mineral region in the world, particularly in its deposits of. gold. The population, in 1860, was 376,200, of whom 3,816 were free colored persons. (See New American Cyclopedia.)

During the year 1861, commercial affairs were subject to the same depression which prevailed throughout the United States. (See Commerce.) The measures of the Federal Government were warmly sustained by the people of the State. No volunteers were sent to the Atlantic States as State troops, although numbers of citizens of the State joined regiments formed in those States. Her distant location from the scene of conflict served to preserve her from many of its embarrassing influences, while it did not diminish her ardor for the Union cause, or her anxiety for its ultimate triumph.

California was visited, during the autumn and early winter of the year 1861, by a most disastrous flood. The streams, swollen to a great height by protracted and heavy rains throughout California, Oregon, and Nevada territory, flooded the valleys, inundated towns, swept away mills, dams, flumes, houses, fences and domestic animals, and ruined fields and1 destroyed property to the estimated value of $10,000,000. The rainy season commenced on the 8th of November, and the rain continued to fall with scarcely any intermission for four weeks. The north fork of the American River at Auburn, rose 55 feet, and in many other of the mountain streams the rise was almost as great. On the 9th the flood reached the lowlands of the Sacramento Valley, and Sacramento City was the greatest sufferer from the flood.

This city is situated between the American and Sacramento rivers at their junction, and has been subject to floods. In the summer of 1853, the grade of the streets was raised 4 feet, and a levee, from 4 to 20 feet high, built for 2 miles along the bank of the Sacramento, and for 3 miles along the bank of the American River; and believing themselves protected by these precautions against a flood, the inhabitants had spent large sums in beautifying the city. The railroad from Folsom to Sacramento passes near the American River its whole distance, and enters the latter city about 2 miles from the river, on a high embankment. This had been made solid a year or so before, and thus the water coming in full flood down the Page 92 American River and hemmed in by the railroad embankment and the levee, rose till it poured over the top of the levee, being 10 feet higher inside the levee than on the outside in the bed of the river. There was no way of relief except by cutting the levee. This was a hazardous enterprise, but was accomplished, and the water fell at once 5 or 6 feet. It still remained several feet deep for two or three weeks in the lower part of the city, and three times rose again to a considerable height. As the flood began to subside, its direful results became manifest; a number of lives had been lost, houses and stores had been twisted, overturned, undermined, and seriously injured; cattle, horses, and hogs had been drowned in large numbers, gardens and fences destroyed, and every thing made desolate. The city, previously burdened with an enormous debt, had lost at least $2,000,000, and ruin stared every man in the face. Repudiation was openly determined upon by the City Council, but was prevented by the firmness of the city officers and the indignation of the other cities of the State. Liberal subscriptions were made for their aid in other cities, San Francisco sending $30,000 in money, besides large quantities of provisions and clothing, and other cities smaller amounts, and the citizens took courage and began to rebuild their city again. On the Trinity River the loss of property was more than $150,000; in Marysville, $40,000; on the Feather River the canals and dams of the Ophir Water Company, and their bulkhead apron and flume were carried away, and an immense boom of saw logs and large quantities of lumber swept away. In Grass Valley the mines were seriously injured. Throughout all the mountain region of California and Nevada a similar scene of destruction was witnessed.

CONNECTICUT. One of the Southern New England States, bounded north by Massachusetts, east by Rhode Island, south by Long Island Sound, and west by New York; area, 4,674 square miles; pop.in 1860, 400,147; watered by the Connecticut, Housatonic, Thames, and their tributaries, and numerous smaller rivers; the State is divided into 8 counties, viz., Hartford, Tolland, Windham, New London, Middlesex, New Haven, Fairfield, and Litchfield; and into 4 congressional districts, each comprising two counties, in the order above stated. Its Legislature meets annually, and consists of a Senate of 21 members, and a House of Representatives of about 260. This State held its annual election for State officers, and its biennial one for members of Congress, on the 1st of April, 1861. It resulted in the election of William A. Buckingham, the Republican candidate for Governor, by a majority of 2,0S6, and the entire Republican State ticket; a large Union and Republican majority in both branches of the State Legislature, and the election of Messrs. Dwight Loomis, and Alfred A. Burnham, Republican members of Congress in the 1st and 3d districts, and of Messrs. James E. English and Geo. C. Woodruff, Democratic members of Congress in the 2d and 4th districts.

On the l5th of April Governor Buckingham received the President's Message, calling for 75,000 soldiers and immediately issued a proclamation Page 251 calling upon the patriotic citizens of the State to volunteer their services in aid of the General Government. The proportion of the 75,000 men required from the State was one regiment of 780 men; and the banks of the State promptly proffered the money necessary for raising, equipping, and maintaining the troops.

The State Legislature met on the 1st of May, and Governor Buckingham, in his Message, announced that 41 volunteer companies had already been accepted, and that a fifth regiment would be full in a few days. The regiments would not leave the State till they were fully equipped with camp and baggage trains, and prepared to take care of themselves on all occasions. He recommended also the organization of an efficient State militia. The Legislature promptly responded to the Governor's suggestions. On the 3d of May, an act to provide for the organization and equipment of a volunteer militia and for the public defence, passed both Houses.

This bill authorized and empowered the Governor to cause to be enlisted, enrolled, and mustered into the service of the State of Connecticut, for such time as he might deem expedient, volunteers, in his discretion as to numbers, not to exceed ten thousand men, to bo officered, organized, armed, and equipped, in such manner as the Governor should order and direct, said force hereby authorized being in addition to the present military organization, and a part of the militia thereof. The officers and men to receive the same pay and rations while under the provisions of this act, until mustered into the service of the United States, as officers and men of the same rank and arm of service in the army of the United States. They were to be liable at all times to be turned over by the Governor to the service of the nation. They were to be paid by the State only for the time actually spent in organization, drilling, and instruction. All expenditures for arms, supplies, equipments, and transportation to be paid for by the Governor out of the State Treasury. Each volunteer was to receive ten dollars a month in addition to the regular pay of the United States, which is eleven dollars a month. Two millions of dollars were appropriated to pay the expenditures under the act.

The first regiment, of 834 men, commanded by Colonel Alfred H. Terry, left the State on the 10th of May; the second regiment, of 800 men, commanded by Colonel Daniel Tyler, on the 13th or 14th of the same month; the third, of over 800 men, under Colonel J. Arnold, on the 22d; and the fourth, of over 1,000 men, commanded by Colonel Levi Woodhouse, on the 10th of June.

While the great body of the people of the State were earnestly in favor of the war, there were a number who believed that the Union never could be restored by hostile measures, and who boldly avowed this opinion. These persons called what they termed " Peace Meetings," and attempted to raise "peace flags " in various parts of the State. These proceedings roused the indignation of the citizens, who generally advocated a vigorous prosecution of the war, and led in several instances to serious collisions and acts of violence. Governor Buckingham, on the 15th August, issued a call for four regiments of infantry to volunteer for three years or the war; and immediately on the publication of this summons, a "peace " meeting was called at Saybrook, Conn., on the l6th August, and an announcement was made that a peace flag would be raised. Those of opposite views rallied in much larger numbers than the " peace" party, and raised the Stars and Stripes, and the "peace" party attacked the Union party, but were beaten off, some of them being seriously wounded. Union speeches were then made and a guard placed on the ground to prevent the raising of a " peace " flag.

On the 26th August, a "peace " flag was raised at New Fairfield, Conn., and an attempt to pull it down led to a vigorous fight, in which two of the "peace " men were seriously, and it was thought fatally, wounded. A similar meeting was attempted the same day at Stepney, but the peace flag was torn down, the Stars and Stripes raised, and several Union speeches made. Among those present at Stepney was a considerable party of Union men from Bridgeport, and on their return, as they passed the office of the Bridgeport "Farmer," which had been the leading organ of the "peace " party, they were, or conceived that they were, hissed and insulted; whereupon the volunteers, who formed a considerable portion of the company, attacked and sacked the office of the "Farmer."

The recurrence of these disturbances in several parts of the State led Governor Buckingham to issue the following proclamation:

A PROCLAMATION.

Eleven States of the Union are now armed and in open rebellion against Federal authority; they have paralyzed the business of the nation, have involved us in civil war, and are now exerting their combined energies to rob us of the blessings of a free government. The greatness of their crime has no parallel in the history of human governments. At this critical juncture, our liberties are still further imperilled by the utterance of seditious language; by a traitorous press, which excuses or justifies the rebellion; by secret organizations, which propose to resist the execution of the laws of this State by force; by the public exhibition of " peace flags," falsely so called; and by an effort to redress grievances regardless of the forms and officers of the law.

The very existence of our Government, the future prosperity of this entire nation, and the hopes of universal freedom demand that these outrages be suppressed.

The Constitution guarantees liberty of speech and of the press, but holds the person and the press responsible for the evils which result from this liberty. It guarantees the protection of property, but it regards no property as sacred which is used to subvert governmental authority. It guarantees the person from unreasonable seizure, but it protects no individual from arrest and punishment who gives aid and comfort to the enemies of our country. It provides by law for the punishment of offences, but allows no grievance ta be redressed by violence.

I, therefore, call upon the citizens of this State to support and uphold the authority and dignity of the Government, and to abstain from every act which can tend to encourage and strengthen this conspiracy; and I call upon the officers of the law to be active, diligent, and fearless in arresting and in instituting legal proceedings for the punishment of those who disturb the public peace, of those who are guilty of sedition and treason, and of those who are embraced in combinations to obstruct the execution of the laws: so that peace may again be restored to our distracted country, and the liberties of the people be preserved.

Given under my hand and the seal of this State, at Hartford, this thirty-first day of August, A. D. 1861.

WM. A. BUCKINGHAM.

By His Excellency's command, J. Hammond Trumbull, Secretary of State.

On the 9th of October the Legislature met in extra session on the call of the Governor, to provide for more soldiers and do it liberally; to rectify some errors in the militia laws passed the previous session, and to decide whether the State would assume its share of the direct national tax or leave the Government to collect it In his Message, Governor Buckingham stated to the Legislature that the expense incurred to the 1st of October, on account of volunteers, had been $943,939, which had been met by the money in the Treasury, and the sale of $800,000 of the bonds authorized by the Legislature, which had commanded a premium, the State having no previous debt. He then proceeded to say:

"The calls made upon volunteers, for the national defence, have met with a hearty response, and but for a hesitancy on the part of the General Government to accept more troops, we might have had twelve or fifteen thousand men in the field to-day. We have, however, organized, equipped, sent into the field, and have now ready nine regiments of infantry. Their camp equipage was complete, and their appointments wore highly respectable. About five thousand Sharp's and Enfield rifles have been purchased, and contracts made for an equal number of the latter arms, which have not yet been delivered. Arrangements have also been made to arm, uniform, and furnish complete equipments for two other regiments now rendezvousing, and for one not yet organized."

The Legislature held a session of one week, and before adjourning conferred on the Governor unlimited power to raise volunteers; authorized another loan of two million dollars, and the assuming of the collection of the national tax, by which 15 per cent, would bo saved to the people of the State.

Before the 1st of January, the State had thirteen fully and well equipped regiments in the field; and before the 1st of March, 1862, the number had been increased to fifteen regiments, besides a large number of her citizens who had joined regiments in other States or arms of the service, not represented in the volunteer corps of the State.

DELAWARE, the smallest State of the Federal Union, except Rhode Island, is bounded north by Pennsylvania, east by the Delaware River and Bay (which separate it from New Jersey) and the Atlantic Ocean, south and west by Maryland. It is about ninety-six miles in length, and thirty-seven in its greatest breadth; and includes an area of 2,120 square miles. The population of the State in 1860 was, whites, 90,697; free colored, 19,723; slaves, 1,798. The Governor is chosen for four years. The Senate consists of nine members, elected for four years, and the House of twenty-one members, elected for one year. The Governor in 1861 was William Barton, whose term expires in 1863. This State has been classed with the Southern or slaveholding States, in distinction from the Northern and free labor States.

On the 2d of January the Legislature assembled at Dover, the capital; and on the next day, the commissioner from Mississippi, Henry Dickinson, appeared before the House, and made an address. In the name of the State of Mississippi, he invited Delaware to join the Southern Confederacy which was about to be formed. He claimed the right of a State to secede from the Federal Union, and said, if it was not admitted, war would bo inevitable. After his speech, the House resolved unanimously, and the Senate concurred by a majority, that, "having extended to the Hon. H. Dickinson, the commissioner of Mississippi, the courtesy due him, as the representative of a sovereign State of the Confederacy, as well as to the State he represents, we deem it proper and due to ourselves and the people of Delaware to express our unqualified disapproval of the remedy for existing difficulties suggested by the resolutions of the Legislature of Mississippi."

In compliance with the requisition of the Secretary of War, Governor Burton issued a proclamation on the 23d of April, calling for the enlistment of volunteers. It was as follows:

Whereas a requisition has been made upon the undersigned, as Executive of the said State of Delaware, by the Secretary of War, for one regiment, consisting of seven hundred and eighty men, to be immediately detached from the militia of this State, "to serve as infantry or riflemen for the period of three months, unless sooner discharged;" and, whereas, the laws of this State do not confer upon the Executive any authority enabling him to comply with such requisition, there being no organized militia nor any law requiring such organization; and whereas, it is the duty of ad good and law-abiding citizens to preserve the peace and sustain the laws and Government under which we live, and by which our citizens are protected:

Therefore I, William Burton, Governor of the said State of Delaware, recommend the formation of volunteer companies for the protection of the lives and property of the people of this State against violence of any sort to which they may be exposed. For these purposes such companies, when formed, will be under the control of the State authorities, though not subject to be ordered by the Executive into the United States service—the law not vesting in him such authority. They will, however, have the option of offering their services to the General Government for the defence of its capital and the support of the Constitution and laws of the country.

WILLIAM BURTON.

The State had no militia for the Governor to call out, therefore his object was to encourage the formation of volunteer companies. This was the utmost extent to which he could officially act, and it was in compliance with the wishes of a large majority of the people of the State, who were resolved to sustain the Government and defend the Union, without regard to the person who might be the President of the United States. On the 1st of May, the Governor, finding that volunteers were freely offered, issued the following orders:

Dover, Delaware, May 1,1861.

The undersigned, the constitutional commander of the forces of the State of Delaware, directs that those volunteer companies of the State that desire to be mustered into the service of the United States, under the call of the President, will rendezvous to the City of Washington with the least possible delay, where they will be mustered into the service of the United States by Major Ruff, who has been detailed by the War Department for that purpose, and who has reported himself to me and received my instructions. The regiment will consist of ten companies, to serve for the period of three months.

WILLIAM BURTON,

Governor, and Commander-in-Chief.

A regiment was promptly formed and mustered into the service of the United States. It consisted of three-months men, and numbered about 775 men. Subsequently, two regiments, containing about 2,000 men, were enlisted for the war, and equipped by the State, and mustered in the United States army.

Still a portion of the people of the State were not disposed to sustain, by active efforts, the hostilities in which the Federal Government had now become involved. They thought that the power of the North would be insufficient to bring the Southern States back into the Union; and if they ever again became a part of it, they must come back voluntarily. Assuming this position, the views entertained under it were exceedingly various, and some possessed so great latitude as to embrace those who favored the cause of the Confederate States. To those even who honestly entertained these views, war held out no prospect but that of mutual destruction. A separation and an acknowledgment Page 257 of the Confederacy were regarded as the course of wisdom. Some believed that by peace and conciliation, the seceding States might finally be induced to return. The peace men in Delaware, Connecticut, and all the Northern States, were thus actuated, although some carried their views to an extreme. As a genera", fact, they were men who loved the Union, and earnestly desired its restoration. They had no antipathy to the institutions of the Southern States, and were in a manner devoid of every feeling of interest or anxiety on the point concerning which those who elected the Federal Administration and those who plotted and organized the Confederate States had for years been at issue. War, with them, as with Senator Douglas of Illinois, "was final, inevitable dissolution."

In Delaware, there were not only many citizens opposed to the war, but there were a few who heartily desired the success of the Confederate States. The Secretary of War, in his report, at the session of Congress which commenced in December, 1861, says: "At the date of my last report in July, the States of Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri, were threatened with rebellion. In Delaware, the good sense and patriotism of the people have triumphed over the unholy schemes of traitors."

On the 27lh of June, a "peace " Convention assembled at Dover, the capital of the State, and was held in the open air. A large number of persons—nearly two thousand—were present. The first speaker began by observing that eleven States had gone out of the Union, which he deplored, but they were determined to go out, and had gone, acting upon the glorious principle, that all government derived its power from the consent of the governed. "They, eight millions of freemen, had resented continued aggression and intermeddling, until the election of a Republican placed the last feather upon the back of the people, and they had calmly, quietly, determinedly retired. In God's name let them go unmolested. Would Delaware give money or men to hold States as conquered provinces? or allow the seceded States to be governed by free people, in whatever manner they chose to bo governed? Could the South be subjugated? Never. All the wealth of mines and kingdoms would not. restore the country to its unembarrassed condition. All expenditures were needless, as there were not men enough in the North to conquer a free people fighting for their rights, even against any odds. Who would not, therefore, favor peace now, if ages would still produce the same results? Let the tax-payers of Delaware come forth for peace, which would accomplish all that war could do."

Of the resolutions adopted, the first repudiated war in any case, and preferred a peaceable recognition of the Confederate States to the shedding of blood. The second stated that the appellation "traitor," as applied to citizens of Delaware, using the right of free speech, could neither intimidate nor convince them. The other resolutions related to local affairs. The effect of all these movements was not only to call in question the uprightness of the contest, but to withhold and embarrass, so far as their small influence extended, the energy of the Government. The popular favor, however, was so strong in support of the Government, and of a vigorous prosecution of the war, that, in consequence of the indignation manifested by the people, and the arrest by the. Government of persons of disloyal sentiments, all these "peace movements soon subsided.

On the 25th of December, the Legislature of the State assembled at Dover. The Governor, in his Message to this hotly, said: "Our citizens have acted in a manner highly creditable to them, and well deserve the quiet they have enjoyed. Those, if there he any, and doubtless there are some everywhere, whose sympathies incline to the South, are quiescent, laying no impediments in the way of the Government, nor affording its enemies any sort of aid. Some of the innumerable rumors afloat throughout the country may, perhaps, represent a different state of things; but were the test of truth properly applied to these reports, most of them would be found wholly unreliable.

Some movement was made at this session to pass a bill, providing for the ultimate abolition of slavery within the State. The scheme was based upon the payment by the United States of a certain sum to establish a fund towards securing full and fair compensation to the owners. It was not successful.

ILLINOIS, one of the interior States, was admitted into the Union in 1818. It is situated between latitude 36° 5C and 42° 30' N., and longitude 87° 35' and 91° 40' W. from Greenwich. Extreme length from north to south 388 miles; extreme breadth from east to west 212 miles. Area 55,405 square miles, or 35,459,200 acres. Population in 1800, 1,711,753. It is bounded north by Wisconsin, northeast by Lake Michigan, east by Indiana, south by Kentucky and the Ohio River, and west by the Mississippi River, which divides it from Missouri and Iowa. It is divided into 102 counties. The real and personal property of its citizens was valued, in 1850, at $156,265,006, and in 1860 at $871,860,282.

The Legislature of the State met at Springfield, on the 7th of January, 1861, and Governor Yates' Message was delivered on the 8th. He recommended a complete reconstruction of the present military plan, by dividing the State into three divisions of battalion, regimental, and brigade formation, and that the most liberal legislative encouragement should be given to the formation of volunteer companies throughout the State. He advised also that the banks of the State should be required to secure their circulation exclusively by the United States and Illinois stocks.

In regard to the difficulties nt present existing south, he said: "If grievances to any portion of our Confederation have arisen within the Union, let them be redressed within the Union. If unconstitutional laws, trenching upon the guaranteed rights of any of our sister States, have found place upon our statute books, let them be removed. If prejudice and alienation towards any of our fellow-countrymen have fastened upon our minds, let them be dismissed and forgotten. Let us be just to ourselves and each other, allowing neither threats to drive us from what we deem to be our duty, nor pride of opinion prevent us from correcting wherein we may have erred." He recommended that, if Illinois had passed any laws tending to obstruct the operation of Federal authority or conflicting with the constitutional rights of others, they should at once be repealed.

Speaking not merely for himself, but reflecting what he assumed to be the voice of the whole people of Illinois, irrespective of party, as it reached him from all quarters, he adopted Page 368 the sentiment of President Jackson, "The Federal Union: it must bo preserved;" to which sentiment, he trusted, the Legislature would give emphatic expression at an early day.

On the second of February the Senate Committee on Federal Relations reported a series of resolutions, requesting the Governor to appoint five commissioners to attend the Peace Conference to be held at Washington on the 4th of that month, declaring that this appointment was not intended as an expression of opinion in favor of any change in the Federal Constitution as requisite to secure to the slaveholding States adequate guarantees of their rights, nor as an approval of the basis of settlement proposed by Virginia, but simply as an expression of their willingness to unite with that State in an earnest effort to adjust the present unhappy controversy in the spirit in which the Constitution was formed. They further avowed their belief that the appropriate and constitutional method of considering and acting upon the grievances complained of by the slaveholding States was by the call of a convention for the amendment of the Constitution as contemplated by the 5th article of that instrument. The resolutions passed by a vote of 13 to 10.

On the requisition of the Secretary of War for troops in April, the Governor issued a proclamation calling for six thousand volunteers, and in less than a day forty companies were officially reported as ready and anxious for service. Up to the 20th of April sixty-one companies had been positively accepted, and eight others conditionally, so that the complement of Illinois was then exceeded.

On the 12th of April (the day of the attack on Fort Sumter) Governor Yates had issued the following proclamation, convening the Legislature in extra session on the 23d of that month:

I, Richard Yates, Governor of the State of Illinois, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution, hereby convene the Legislature of said State, and the members of the twenty-second session of the General Assembly are hereby required to be and appear in their respective places at the Capitol, in the city of Springfield, on Tuesday the 23d day of April, a. d. 1861, for the purpose of enacting such laws and adopting such measures as may be deemed necessary upon the following subject, to wit: The more perfect organization and equipment of the militia of this State, and placing the same on the best footing to render efficient assistance to the General Government iu preserving the Union, enforcing the laws, and protecting the property and rights of the people; also, the raising such money and other means as may be required to carry out the foregoing object, and also to provide for the expenses of such session.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and have caused the great seal of the State to be hereunto affixed at the city of Springfield, this 12th day of April, 1861.

RICHARD YATES.

On the 25th of April, Governor Yates sent to the Legislature a Message, in explanation of his having taken military possession of Cairo and garrisoned it with Federal troops. He said in this Message:

"The transfer of part of the volunteer forces of the State to the city of Cairo was made in compliance with an order from the War Department, directing a force to be stationed at Cairo. Simultaneously with the receipt of the order, reliable information reached me of the existence of a conspiracy of disaffected persons in other States to seize upon Cairo and the southern portion of the Illinois Central Railroad, and cut off communication with the interior of the State. It was my desire that the honor of this service should have been given to the patriotic citizens of the counties in the immediate vicinity, but as these were not at that . time organized and armed for patriotic duty, and the necessity for speedy action was imperative, the requisition was filled from companies previously tendered from other portions of the State."

At this extra session, the amount appropriated for war purposes was $3,500,000. Of this sum $1,000,000 was to organize and equip ten regiments called out by the State, $500,000 was appropriated to purchase arms for the State, and to build a powder magazine, and $2,000,000 for general purposes of State defence and national aid.

The entire militia of the State, consisting of all the able-bodied men between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, were to be immediately organized. A bill defining and punishing treason to the State was passed. The telegraph was put under restraint, and measures taken to prevent its rendering aid to opponents of the Government, and every thing was done that was deemed necessary "to place the State in a condition to suppress insurrection, repel invasion, and render prompt assistance to the United States Government."

The Governor was indefatigable in his efforts to provide for the army which Illinois was raising, to aid in the maintenance of the Federal Government. On the 17th of August he issued a proclamation to the people of Illinois, stating that he had obtained permission from the Secretary of War to accept all companies that offered themselves for the three years' service, and announcing that all companies which should report themselves fully organized within twenty days from that date would be received; that orders for the transportation, sustenance, and equipment of troops had already been given, and that both equipments and arms of the best quality would be furnished at the earliest possible moment. The proclamation was eloquent and replete with patriotic feeling, and it awakened a hearty response in the hearts of the people of the State. The companies reported much faster than they could be armed and equipped, and on the 21st of November it was stated by authority that the State had 53,000 troops in the field, or ready for marching orders, of whom six regiments and two independent squadrons were cavalry. This was 8,600 more than her quota. The number was subsequently largely increased, and on the first of January, 1862, her force in actual service considerably exceeded 60,000.

The expenses of the war in the State in 1861 were nearly five million dollars, of which the United States Government would refund about $3,400,000, besides the tax of August, 1861, which was assumed by the State, and which would amount to about $1,700,000.

Late in the year, in accordance with a vote of the Legislature, an election was held for delegates to a convention to revise the Constitution; 75 members were elected, of whom 55 were democrats and 20 republicans. The convention did not commence its session till January, 1862, and continued in session nearly three months.

Illinois has made gigantic strides in material progress within the past ten years. With the exception of Ohio, she has more miles of railroad actually in operation than any other State in the Union, and another decade will probably enable her to surpass even that State, on whose heels she now treads closely. The number of miles completed and in progress in Illinois, January 1, 1862, was 3,849; the number of miles open for traffic was 3,024; the cost of the roads now constructed, with their equipments, &c, was $113,591,014. Of those railroads 2,770 miles have been constructed since 1852. By means of these railroads she is able to bring her vast grain crops, for the culture of which her broad acres of prairie are so admirably adapted, into market with great facility. The amount of this crop is marvellous. The deliveries of grain at Chicago in 1861 were 33,214,294 bushels, being three-fifths of the whole amount exported to Europe under the extraordinary demand of that year. When wo consider that for large portions of the crop St. Louis, Cairo, and Cincinnati are more convenient markets than Chicago, and take into account also the immense export down the Mississippi in the winter of 1860-61, and the large quantity required to supply the home consumption of 1,700,000 people, some idea can be formed of the productiveness of the State.

Abundant, however, as is the product of grain, it has been discovered of late that in the southern portion of the State, at least, other crops can be raised with greater profit and more uniform success. The culture of the sorghum, both for fodder and for the production of syrup and sugar, has been constantly on the increase for several years, and the supply of Louisiana sugar, which has been largely consumed in the West, having been cut off by the war, a greatly increased production of the sorghum followed.

The culture of cotton, long practised on a small scale in Southern Illinois, was greatly stimulated last year, and will be still more the present year, by the high price at which that great staple is held, in consequence of the war. It has been ascertained that the Tennessee cotton, or, better, that procured from China above the 35th parallel, can be cultivated successfully anywhere below 40° N. latitude in Illinois, and will yield an average crop of 300 to 000 lbs. to the acre. Before 1840 it was cultivated on almost every farm in Southern Illinois for home consumption, but the low price of cotton goods, and the demand for other products, led to the neglect of the cotton crop. Many thousand acres have now been planted with it, and should the season prove favorable, the cotton crop of Illinois, in 1862, will probably be of considerable value.

INDIANA, one of the interior States of the American Union, was admitted in 1816. It is situated between latitude 37° 47' and 41° 46' north, and longitude 84° 49' and 88° 2' west from Greenwich. Its extreme length from north to south is 270 miles, its average breadth 140 miles, and its area 33,809 square miles, or 21,867,641 acres. Its population in 1860 was 1,350,479. It is bounded north by the Lake and State of Michigan, east by Ohio, south by Kentucky and the Ohio River, and west by Illinois. It is divided into 92 counties. The valuation of the real and personal property of its citizens, in 1850, was $202,650,264; in 1860, $528,835,371.

The sessions of the Legislature are biennial, and the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor are elected for four years.

Page 371 The Report of the State Auditor for the year 1860 gives the following statement of the aggregates of the assessment of real and personal property in Indiana for the year 1860:

Number of Acres 21,867,641 Value of lands without improvements $219,661.783 Value of improvements $55,491,249 Value of lands and improvements $275,153,032 Value of town lots and Improvements (47,473,326 Total value of railroad assessment 16,619.342 Other corporation stocks 11,819.216 Other personal property 122,944,482 Total valuation $465,011,878 Number of polls 203,098

On the above-stated amount of property and number of polls, there is levied the following amount of taxes, which were collected in 1861:

Slate tax $659,159 12 County tax. 1,192,487 95 School tax 636,044 66 Road tax 888,847 81 Township tax. 141,641 21 Sinking fund tax 88,736 83 Railroad tax. 41.339 92 Other corporation tax 607.721 99 Total amount of taxes on assessment of 1860... 8,768,426 87 Delinquent tax. 702.699 64

Total amount of taxes 4,471,126 51

The banks of Indiana, on the 1st of January, 1861, were 39 in number, and reported their condition as follows: Capital paid in, $4,744,570; loans and discounts. $8,158,038; stocks, $1,297,828; real estate, $316,024; other investments, $77,293; due by other banks, $1,198,961; notes of other banks, $355,025; cash items, $105,875; specie, $2,296,648; circulation, $5,755,201; deposits, $1,841,051; due to other banks, $117,868; other liabilities, $162,650. At the time of the suspension of specie payment by the banks generally throughout the country in December, 1861, the banks of Indiana refused to suspend, and have maintained their condition as specie-paying banks np to the present time. The State debt in 1860 was $10,286,855 57. Besides this, the State is holder for the canal stocks of the Wabash and Erie Canal, $7,017,807 50; but the interest and a portion of the principal of this are paid from the canal revenues.

According to the United States census of 1860, the products of Indiana in the summer of that yean were as follows:

Live Stock.—Number of horses, 409,504; asses and mules, 18,627; milch cows, 491,033; working oxen, 95,982; other cattle, 582,990; sheep, 2,157,375; swine, 2,498,528. Value of live stock, $50,116,964.

Produce.—Bushels of wheat, 15,219,120; corn, 69,641,591; oats, 5,028,755; Irish potatoes, 3,873,130; sweet potatoes, 284,304; flax seed, 158,272. Pounds of rice, 1,219; tobacco, 4,657,964; wool, 2,466,264; butter, 17,934,767; cheese, 569,574; flax, 17,112. Tons of hay, 635,322. Value of home manufactures, $847,251; value of slaughtered animals, $9,692,322. .

The Report of the Superintendent of Public Institutions, Professor Miles J. Fletcher, to the Governor, on the 1st of January, 1862, presents the following statistics in regard to the condition of popular education in the State: Number of Children at the Enumeration of 1861. Number of males 270,078 Number of females 258,118 Whole number 623,191 Number of children attending public schools during 1861 887,890 Number attending private schools. 18,270 Number attending schools of all kinds 865.660 Number not attending schools of any kind 163,281 Amount of school revenue for tuition, collected and ready for apportionment in April, 1861 (666,196 82 Amount collected and ready for apportionment in October, 1861 106,182 82 Total during the year. $601,879 61 Amount apportioned In April (668,577 66 Amount apportioned in October.... 102,590 20 Amount apportioned during the year. (656,467 86 Balance In State Treasury (4,911 78 Amount of Congressional Township revenue collected during the year $168,375 15 The Spring apportionment was (1 08 to the child. The rail apportionment was, 20 u" Whole amount per child $1 28 This is common school revenue. Congressional township revenue of 1861, $168,175 16, added to the common school revenue, gives a total of $1 60 per child. There is now due the school revenue from the State, $350,000. This amount was an unportioned accumulation of said revenues, which was drawn from the State Treasury and "used for other purposes" prior to the year 1861. The Legislature, at the last session, made arrangements to repay it, at the rate of $50,000 a year, commencing April, 1862.

It may seem that the number of children who did not attend school during the year is remarkably large. But it should be remembered that the enumeration includes all single persons between the ages of five and twenty-one years; that many of these are already in the active pursuits of life; that many parents, convinced of the evil of sending children to school at the tender age of five years, have abandoned it, and that near one-fourth of the schools have not been open during the year.

Early in their session the Legislature appointed commissioners to the Peace Convention held at Washington on the 4th of February, a decided majority being in favor of the movement. When the call of the President for troops was made, on the 16th of April, the Governor and people of Indiana responded with the utmost promptness to the summons. Within one week after the call the six regiments asked for were raised and mustered into the service, and ready to march, and would have been on their way to the field if they could have been provided with arms. They received them and were despatched to Western Virginia and other points before the middle of May.

The Legislature also authorized the raising and arming of six regiments for one year for home service, to be transferred to the Government service at the discretion of the Governor. Page 372 They were armed with State arms. More than twice as many companies as were needed for these six regiments were tendered the Governor.

The requisition for six regiments for three years' service was filled in twenty-four hours after the order came. Nearly the whole number were tendered the Governor in anticipation of the call.

Besides these eighteen regiments, raised by official requisition, there were about thirty regiments organized as "Home Guards," with one name or another. They held themselves ill most cases subject to the call of the Government, and were armed as fast as the arms could be procured.

As renewed calls for troops were made, Indiana responded with a promptness and patriotism unsurpassed by any State in the Union. She sent into the field considerably more than her quota of troops, and they were admirably equipped and provided, and in the severe battles in which they were engaged exhibited the most undaunted and persistent bravery. In the war with Mexico, one of the Indiana regiments, at Buena Vista, had become panic-stricken, and its flight had brought a reproach upon the reputation of .the State for courage. This stain it was the especial desire of the soldiers of the Indiana regiments to efface, and more than one regiment, on being sworn into the service, took a solemn oath to " remember Buena Vista," an oath they have kept most religiously, for whenever they have been engaged in battle, they have been eager to advance, steady in the fight, and utterly averse to retreating.

The forces raised in the State and sent into the field before the 1st of January, 1802, were, in round numbers, about 60,000. Of these 53,500 were infantry, 4,500 cavalry, and about 2,000 artillery. The following statement shows the arms that were distributed by the State to the different regiments during the year:

Muskets and Rifles. Prussian muskets. 4,006 United States rifles 0,290 Padrei 5,000 Belgian" 937 New percussion muskets 7,299 Altered"" 8,800 Long range rifles 600 Springfield" 1,880 Short Enfield’s 900 Long  18,893 Saxony rifles 1,000 Austrian rifles, 54 caliber 8,828 Mississippi"  862 Total 5a,066 Cavalry Arms. Colt's navy revolvers 2,547 Cavalry pistols 1,077 Cavalry sabres 4,411 Burnside's carbines 4S0 Sharpe's carbines 846 Hall's carbines 1 50 Musicians' swords 626 Non-commissioned officers' swords. 922

The most of the cavalry arms were sent to the Indiana cavalry regiments direct by the Government after they left the State.

To this must be added the following pieces of ordnance: Six-pounders 27 Twelve-pound howitzers 15 Six-pound rifle guns 20 Ten-pound Parrott guns 10

The Indiana troops have been, perhaps, more widely scattered through the different corps d'armee than those of any other State; they were with General McClellan and his successors in Western Virginia; fought at Bull Run; garrisoned the forts at Hatteras Inlet, and were plundered of their clothing and supplies by the Confederates; participated in the victories of General Lyon, and in the masterly retreat of Siegel; defended Lexington under Mulligan; formed a part of Fremont's army which went in pursuit of General Price; were, indeed, in every considerable action in Missouri, and in most of those on the Potomac, and, during the present year, have been in the actions of Mill Spring, Roanoke Island, Fort Donelson, Pea Ridge, Pittsburgh Landing, and at the capture of Island Number Ten.

The Indiana Legislature, at its session in 1861, passed, on the 7th of May, a law for the reorganization of the militia, which greatly facilitated the subsequent supplying of troops on the demand of the Government. Some features of this law are worthy of notice. The militia were  divided into two classes, sedentary and active. The sedentary militia comprised all white male persons liable to bear arms under the State constitution except those enrolled in the active militia. The active militia, styled also the Indiana Legion, consisted of all such able-bodied white male citizens of the State between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, as should enroll themselves and take the oath of allegiance to the United States and the State of Indiana. These persons were required to provide themselves with a uniform, but the State furnished them with arms, equipments, ammunition, &c, and paid the expenses of company and regimental drills; and when called into active service, cither in behalf of the State or the General Government, they were to receive the same pay as corresponding grades in the United States army. They were required to parade four times a year, and in addition, to have not less than twelve company drills in the course of the year. The uniforms and equipments being similar to those of the United States troops, the members of the companies, on being received into the United States service, received compensation for the cost of their uniforms from the Government.

 Under this act large numbers enrolled themselves in the active militia, and, from the regiments thus enrolled it was comparatively easy to supply, as they were needed, the troops required by the General Government.

On the 7th of September a terrible railroad accident occurred on the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad, by which over 100 volunteers of the Nineteenth Illinois Regiment, on their way to Western Virginia, were killed and wounded.

KANSAS, a central State of the American Union, bounded N. by Nebraska Territory; E. by Missouri; S. by the Indian Territory; W. by Colorado Territory. Population in 1860, 107,110. The Missouri River washes it on the N. E., and the Kansas and Osage tributaries of the Missouri, and the Arkansas and its affluents, drain it. It was admitted into the Union as a State in the congressional session of 1860-61.

Kansas has been, from its first organization as a territory, the scene of much suffering and distress; a border warfare ravaged it for nearly five years, and it had not emerged from the effects of the marauding forays, when, in the summer and autumn of 1860, it was visited by a terrible drought, which in the most populous districts completely cut off the crops. The famine which followed in the winter of 1860'61, was terrible. Thousands were reduced to the verge of starvation, and a considerable number actually perished. The liberality of the other States, and their large contributions of grain, clothing, &c, alleviated, to a considerable extent, the suffering. In the spring of 1861, at the first call for troops for the war, the citizens of Kansas, inured, by their bitter experiences in the past, to war, volunteered in large numbers, and the State, in proportion to its population, furnished more soldiers than any other State in the Union.

The condition of Missouri, on her eastern border, which the secessionists were struggling to carry out of the Union, necessarily excited much feeling among the citizens of Kansas, and the recollection of the wrongs and indignities which her people had suffered from the "border ruffians," as they were designated, most of whom were inhabitants of Missouri, stimulated some of those who had suffered most, to acts of revenge, and a guerilla warfare, known in that region as "jay-hawking," ensued through most of the border counties, in which armed bands of either party, Unionist or Secessionist, visited the town, plundered the stores, laid the prominent citizens adhering to the other under contribution, or took them prisoners, and sometimes threatened them with instant death. In the counties at some distance from the border these outrages were less frequent, though occasionally occurring. In the autumn of 1861, preparations were made for organizing an army corps, to go from Kansas through the Indian Territory and S. W. Arkansas towards New Orleans, and it was proposed to place it under the immediate command of General James H. Lane, then Senator from Kansas, and to give subordinate command to Colonel Jennison, a noted Union guerilla leader, and some others of the prominent actors in the previous struggles in the State. Owing to some difficulties in regard to the chief command, arising from misapprehensions between General Lane and General David Hunter, the former relinquished his leadership in the present year and returned to the Senate, and the expedition was finally abandoned.

KENTUCKY, one of the Western States, is bounded north and northwest by Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, from which it is separated by the Ohio River; east by the Big Sandy River and Cumberland Mountains, which separate it from Virginia; south by Tennessee; and west by the Mississippi River, which separates it from Missouri. The population in 1860 was 1,155,713, of whom 10,146 were free colored, and 225,490 slaves. The ratio of increase during the last ten years was as follows: white, 20.84; free colored, 1.35; slave, 6.87. Contiguous on the north to the Free States, and on the south to the Slave States, she occupies a central position among all the States. Her territory extends four hundred miles in length, and one hundred and seventy miles in width, at the widest portion, opposite Cincinnati, in Ohio. The Governor is elected for four years. The Legislature meets on the first Monday in December. The Senate consists of thirty-eight members elected for four years, and the House of one hundred members elected for two years. (See New American Cyclopedia.)

The first movement in Kentucky looking towards future events, consisted in a correspondence which took place at the close of the year 1860, between Governor Magoffin and the Commissioners from Alabama, relating to the cooperation of Kentucky with the Southern States. The following extract expresses the views of the Governor of the State, at this time:

"You ask the cooperation of the Southern States in order to redress our wrongs. So do we. You have no hope of a redress in the Union. We yet look hopefully to assurances that a powerful reaction is going on at the North. You seek a remedy in secession from the Union. We wish the united action of the Slave States assembled in convention within the Union. You would act separately; we, unitedly. If Alabama and other Slave States would meet us in convention, say at Nashville, or elsewhere, as early as the fifth day of February, I do not doubt but we would agree in forty-eight hours upon such reasonable guarantees, by way of amendments to the Constitution of the United States, as would command at least the approbation of our numerous friends in the Free States, and by giving them time to make the question with the people there, such reaction in public opinion might take place as to secure our rights and save the Government."

On the 8th of January, a Convention of the Union party, and the friends of Senator Douglas was held for the purpose of expressing their opinion on the difficulties of the country. Their resolutions manifested a patriotic spirit of devotion to the Union, and a firm determination to have the rights of Kentucky respected and maintained in the Union. They declared in favor of a Convention of the Border Slave and Border Free States, for the purpose of devising some basis of compromise by which the Union might be saved, and proposed contingently a Confederacy of such States as were willing to accept the Constitution as proposed to be amended by Senator Crittenden. They declared unalterable repugnance to a war with their brethren, North or South, and expressed a willingness to support Mr. Lincoln's Government unless he undertook coercion or civil war.

The Governor, in his Message to the adjourned session of the Legislature, asked their approval of the Crittenden resolutions, and submitted the propriety of providing for the election of delegates to a Convention, to assemble at an early day, to determine the future interstate and Federal relations of Kentucky. Meanwhile he would leave no experiment untried to restore fraternal relations between the States. He recommended a Convention of the Border Slave States, to meet early in February at Baltimore. He said tire hasty and inconsiderate action of the seceding States did not meet his approval, but objected to coercing them, and asked the Legislature to declare by a resolution their unconditional disapprobation by Kentucky of the employment of force against them.

On the 22d of January, resolutions were passed in the House declaring that in view of the tenders of men and money by several of the Northern States, to the General Government, the people of Kentucky, uniting with their brethren of the South, will resist such invasion of the soil of the South at all hazards and to the last extremity. Subsequently, resolutions were passed inviting the States to unite with Kentucky in an application to Congress to call a convention to amend the Constitution.

On the 1st of February, a resolution was passed in the Senate declaring it to be inexpedient at that time to take any action towards calling a State Convention. The yote was, Ayes 25, Noes 14. On the next day, resolutions were passed in the Senate, appealing to the Southern States to stop the revolution, protesting against Federal coercion, and providing that the Legislature reassemble on the 24th of April, to hear the responses from sister States; also, in favor of making an application to Congress to call a National Convention.

The House of Representatives, on the 5th of February, passed another resolution stating their action in favor of a National Convention, and also the appointment of delegates to the Peace Conference at Washington, and therefore conclude that it "is unnecessary and inexpedient for this Legislature to take any further action on this subject at the present time. As an evidence of the sincerity and good faith of our propositions for an adjustment, and an expression of devotion to the Union, and desire for its preservation, Kentucky awaits with deep solicitude the response from her sister States."

The Legislature adjourned on the 11th of February, to meet again on the 20th of March, With regard to the action of this body while in session, it may be said that the recommendation of the Governor in favor of the call of a convention Page 396 fell upon unheeding ears, while the bill to arm the State, when it was not proposed that Kentucky should make war upon any one, and no one proposed to make war upon her, also failed to command the respect which its advocates claimed for it. Indeed, Kentucky, having shown that she intended to stand by the Union to the last, and that the rash and precipitate policy of her Southern seceding sisters did not meet her sanction, now awaited to see if the North would but do justice, as she considered it.

Under instructions from the Treasury Department of the Confederate States, its revenue officers now required manifests to be delivered and entries to be made of all merchandise coming down the Mississippi from States beyond the limits of the Confederacy. The subject was brought up before the Legislature of Kentucky at its session in March, and the following resolutions were adopted:

Whereas this General Assembly is informed that certain persons acting as a Congress of the seceding States have assumed power to obstruct and regulate the free navigation of the Mississippi River by the citizens of this Union, to whom it belongs: therefore be it

Resolved by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, That Kentucky having as much right to the Mississippi River, to its free, unobstructed navigation, as Louisiana or any other State, and that right being of vital importance to her people, feels it her duty to herself and her sister States, at the earliest day, to make this her most solemn protest against any assumption of such power to control the navigation of that river as utterly without right or proper authority, and as what she cannot and will not submit to.

Resolved further, That the States in the valley of the Mississippi be earnestly requested to unite with Kentucky in this protest against the violation of a mutual right so vitally important to them all, and which their permanent interests forbid should ever rest in the discretion of any Government save that under which they live.

Resolved, That the Governor be requested to transmit copies of these resolutions to the Executives of the States aforesaid.

The attack upon Fort Sumter and the call of President Lincoln for seventy-five thousand men, were turned to the utmost advantage by the friends of the seceded States, to promote their cause. Kentucky, however, refused to take part either with the North or the South. Her Governor issued a proclamation convening an extra session of the Legislature, on the 27th of April.

In answer to the requisitions of the Secretary of War, the Governor sent the following reply by telegraph:

Frankfort, (Ky.,) April 15,1861.

Your despatch is received. In answer, I say, emphatically, Kentucky will furnish no troops for the wicked purpose ot subduing her sister Southern States.

B. MAGOFFIN, Governor of Kentucky.

Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War.

The State Union Committee issued an address to the people on the condition of the country, declaring it to be the duty of the State to maintain neutrality, and to take no part either with the Government or the Confederates. Kentucky, they said, could not comply with the appeal of the Government without outraging her solemn convictions of duty, and without trampling upon that natural sympathy with the seceding States which neither their contempt for her interests nor their disloyalty to the Union had sufficed to extinguish. She could not comply with the appeal of the seditious leaders in her midst without sullying her unspotted loyalty, destroying her most vital interests, quenching in the blood of her own sons the last hope of reestablishing the Union, and lashing her free destiny amidst the clash, and fury of arms to the chariot-wheels of the Gulf Alliance. She ought clearly to comply with neither the one appeal nor the other. And, if she be not smitten with judicial blindness, she would not. The present duty of Kentucky was to maintain her present independent position, taking sides not with the Government, and not with the seceding States, but with the Union against them both; declaring her soil to be sacred from the hostile tread of either, and, if necessary, making the declaration good with her strong right arm. And, to the end that she might be fully prepared for this last contingency, and all other possible contingencies, they would have her arm herself thoroughly at the earliest practicable moment.

At Louisville, on the evening of the 19th, a Union meeting was held, at which Mr. Guthrie, once Secretary of the U. S. Treasury, and other prominent men, made speeches. He opposed the call of the President for volunteers for the purposes of coercion, or the raising of troops for the Confederacy; asserted that secession was no remedy for the pending evils, and that Kentucky would not take part with either side; at the same time declaring her soil sacred against the hostile foot of either. Resolutions were adopted that the Confederate States having commenced the war, Kentucky assumed the right to choose her position, and that she would be loyal until the Government became the aggressor.

On the 3d of May, the Governor issued his proclamation ordering an election on the 30th of June, for members to the extra session of Congress.

An extra session of the Legislature was also called for the 6th of May.

On the 4th, an election was held for delegates to the Border State Convention, at which the vote was overwhelmingly in favor of the Union, being nearly two-thirds of the entire vote at the election in November, 1860. The vast majority of Kentuckians were manifestly more aroused than ever before, to the absolute importance of the Union and to the indispensable necessity of its preservation for themselves and their posterity, as well as for the people of the whole country; and they were as manifestly determined to stand firm and quiet on their own soil, to keep the peace at home and along the border, and steadily to strive for its restoration and establishment.

The vote for Union Delegates to the Convention Page 397 in all the counties of the State except eighteen, was 98,501. The aggregate presidential vote in November was 146,216.

On the 17th, in the Legislature, the suspension of specie payments by the banks of the State was authorized.

The House also passed a series of resolutions declaring that Kentucky should maintain a strict neutrality during the present contest, and approving of the refusal of the Governor to furnish troops to the Federal Government under the existing circumstances.

Subsequently, the Governor issued a proclamation with the following warning:—

I hereby notify and warn all other States, separate or united, especially the United and Confederate States, that I solemnly forbid any movement upon Kentucky soil, or occupation of any post or place therein, for any purposes whatever, until authorized by invitation or permission of the Legislative and Executive authorities. I especially forbid all citizens of Kentucky, whether incorporated in the State Guard or otherwise, from making any hostile demonstrations against any of the aforesaid sovereignties, to be obedient to the orders of lawful authorities, to remain quietly and peaceably at home when off military duty, and refrain from all words and acts likely to provoke a collision, and so otherwise to conduct themselves that the deplorable calamity of invasion may be averted; but in the mean while make prompt and efficient preparation to assume the paramount and supreme law of self-defence, and strictly of self-defence alone. A resolution that this proclamation stated the position that Kentucky should occupy, was rejected in the House on the 22d of May. The State Guard were also required to take an oath to support the Constitution of the United States. The Border State Convention assembled at Frankfort on the 27th of May. Kentucky and Missouri only were represented. An address was issued to the people of Kentucky declaring that the direct question before the people of the United States and of Kentucky, the grand and commanding question, was, Union or no Union, Government or no Government, Nationality or no Nationality; that Kentucky had no cause of complaint with the General Government, and no cause of quarrel with the Federal Constitution; that Kentucky would continue to be loyal to the Constitution, the Government, and the flag of the United States, and to refuse alliance with any who would destroy the Union or commit the great wrong of deserting their posts in the National Congress; that Kentucky would remain true to herself and loyal to the constitutional administration of the General Government, appear again in the Congress of the United States, insist upon her constitutional rights in the Union, not out of it, and insist on the integrity of the Union, its Constitution, and its Government. At the election on the 80th of June, the Union Representatives to Congress were chosen from all the districts of the State except the 1st. In this district H. 0. Burnett, State Rights, was chosen. With the exception of Boone County, the official return of the votes was as follows :—

Union.  States Rights.

First District 6,223 8,988

Second" 9,271 8,3118

Third" . . 10,31)2 3,113

Fourth" 10,344 2,40'J

Fifth" 8,217 2,71V

Sixth" 8,101 227

Seventh" 11,035 2.662

Eighth" 4 . . 8,272 5,706

Ninth" 12,230 8,722

Tenth" 8,373 4,526 92,460 87,700 87,700

Total Union majority . . . 54,700

Volunteers from Kentucky entered both the Union and the Confederate armies. Those attached to the former were ordered to Western Virginia, and there entered into active service.

So stringent had the restrictions upon all intercourse between the North and the South now become that commerce was to a great degree cut off, except by the route of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. It had long become manifest that the blockade of the South would not be complete unless the transit of supplies through Kentucky was stopped. But how this should be effected while Kentucky was herself in so doubtful a position, was a question not easily determined. The authorities of Tennessee solved it, however, by placing a complete embargo on the Tennessee end of the road.

They forbade the exportation of cotton, tobacco, rice, and turpentine to Kentucky. From their own point of view the act was one of folly, for the freight sent North was never one fifth part of that sent South, and at that moment especially must have been vastly inferior in importance to the constant supply of provisions flowing into Tennessee from Louisville. They thought, however, that they could afford the step, and therefore forbade all exports from Tennessee.

This cut the knot as to the enforcement of the blockade at Louisville. It put an end to all scruples on the part of Kentucky, except among the open sympathizers with secession; it placed the secessionists in the wrong in "neutral" eyes, and gave the Government firm ground on which to stand. The blockade being undertaken with vigor, those who were forwarding supplies to the secessionists attempted to break it by legal proceedings. They crowded the Louisville freight stations with merchandise consigned to Nashville, and sued the company as common carriers for refusing to receive and forward it. The decision of the Court justified the company in its course of obedience to the Federal Government, and gave to the Government the authority of legal approval, as well as the sympathy of right-minded citizens. It still remained, however, for the Tennessee secessionists, in their wisdom, to conceive one more plan for perfecting the work undertaken by the Government. This scheme they carried out on the fourth of July, by stopping Page 398 the running of cars on the railroad altogether, and by doing this in such a manner as to seriously injure a great interest in Kentucky.

Of this proceeding we have the following account:—

The Louisville and Nashville Railway is 286 miles in length, forty-five miles of it lying in Tennessee, These forty-five miles cost $2,025,000, of which Tennessee contributed in all bonds to the amount of $1,160,500, the remaining $864,500 being raised by the Kentucky owners. On the first of July a Tennessee General, named Anderson, ordered the company to keep a larger amount of its rolling stock at Nashville. James Guthrie, president of the company, stated, however, that "there being no provision in the charter to the effect that the company should be subject to the military orders of Tennessee, the order was not complied with." On the 4th of July, General Anderson seized two trains that were about to leave Nashville, and one that came in, together with such machinery as could be found in Tennessee, and then called for a fair division of the rolling stock of the road, and agreed that while arrangements were in progress for this end the trains should be uninterrupted; but to this Mr. Guthrie astutely made answer that he could thus have no guarantee against the interference of others besides General Anderson, who was supposed to be acting under orders. This brought out the Governor of Tennessee as the real actor in the matter, for he at once replied to Mr. Guthrie with a proposition to continue the use of the road while a division of property was made. Mr. Guthrie at once rejoined, disproving the charge made by the Tennessee authorities, that their end of the road had not hitherto had its share of the rolling stock, and showing the impossibility of managing the road under Governor Harris's proposition.

The result was that the road was closed. The Kentucky stockholders declared that their chartered rights in Tennessee had been no protection to their property, and refused to risk any more property within the limits of that State. All questions as to the blockade upon this route were therefore disposed of by the breaking up of the route itself. The secessionists felt the extent of their error, for they urged Governor Magoffin to seize the Kentucky end of the road, and to run it in connexion with Governor Harris; but it was evident that such a step would only serve to remove the last scruple on the part of Union men as to forcible resistance to the bold plans of the secessionists in Kentucky.

The question as to the transit of provisions to the South by this railroad was thug settled, and, although it did not close other routes through Kentucky, which were equally important, the controversy which had sprung up took 6uch a turn as to have an important effect throughout the State, stimulating the Union men everywhere to a more active support of the Government. A small encampment of Federal troops was formed in Garrard County, which occasioned some excitement, as it was an infringement of the neutrality assumed by Kentucky. Letters were addressed to the commanding officer, General Nelson, asking the special object which the Government had in view in the establishment of the camp called " Camp Dick Robinson." In reply, the commanding officer said, "The troops assembled here have been called together at the request of Union men of Kentucky. They are intended for no hostile or aggressive movement against any party or community whatever, but simply to defend Kentucky in case they are needed for that purpose, preserve its tranquillity, and protect the rights of all the citizens of the State under the Constitution and the laws; and the object of myself and all the officers in command will be, by all honorable means, to maintain that peace and tranquillity." Commissioners were then sent by the Governor to President Lincoln to insist on the neutrality of the State.

Governor Magoffin, in his letter to the President, said:—" In a word, an army is now being organized and quartered in this State, supplied with all the appliances of war, without the consent or advice of the authorities of the State, and without consultation with those most prominently known and recognized as loyal citizens. This movement now imperils that peace and tranquillity which from the beginning of our pending difficulties have been the paramount desire of this people, and which, up to this time, they have so secured to the State.

"Within Kentucky there has been, and is likely to be, no occasion for the presence of military force. The people are quiet and tranquil, feeling no apprehension of any occasion arising to invoke protection from the Federal arm. They have asked that their territory be left free from military occupation, and the present tranquillity of their communication left uninvaded by soldiers. They do not desire that Kentucky shall be required to supply the battle-field for the contending armies, or become the theatre of the war.

"Now, therefore, as Governor of the State of Kentucky, and in the name of the people I have the honor to represent, and with the single and earnest desire to avert from their peaceful homes the horrors of war, I urge the removal from the limits of Kentucky of the military force now organized and in camp within the State. If such action as is hereby urged be promptly taken, I firmly believe the peace of the people of Kentucky will be preserved, and the horrors of a bloody war will be averted from a people now peaceful and tranquil."

To this the President replied:—" In all I have done in the premises I have acted upon the urgent solicitation of many Kentuckians, and in accordance with what I believed, and still believe, to be the wish of a majority of all the Union-loving people of Kentucky.

"While I have conversed on this subject with many eminent men of Kentucky, including Page 399 a large majority of her members of Congress, I do not remember that any one of them, or any other person, except your Excellency and the bearers of your Excellency's letter, has urged me to remove the military force from Kentucky, or to disband it. One other very worthy citizen of Kentucky did solicit me to have the augmenting of the force suspended for a time.

"Taking all the means within my reach to form a judgment, I do not believe it is the popular wish of Kentucky that this force shall be removed beyond her limits; and, with this impression, I must respectfully decline to so remove it.

"I most cordially sympathize with your Excellency in the wish to preserve the peace of my own native State, Kentucky. It is with regret I search, and cannot find, in your not very short letter, any declaration or intimation that you entertain any desire for the preservation of the Federal Union."

A similar letter was addressed by the Governor to the President of the Confederate States. In the reply, President Davis said :—" The Government of the Confederate States of America neither intends nor desires to disturb the neutrality of Kentucky. The assemblage of troops in Tennessee to which you refer had no other object than to repel the lawless invasion of that State by the forces of the United States, should their Government approach it through Kentucky, without respect for its position of neutrality. That such apprehensions were not groundless has been proved by the course of that Government in Maryland and Missouri, and more recently in Kentucky itself, in which, as you inform me, 'a military force has been enlisted and quartered by the United States authorities.'

"The Government of the Confederate States has not only respected most scrupulously the neutrality of Kentucky, but has continued to maintain the friendly relations of trade and intercourse which it has suspended with the people of the United States generally.

"In view of the history of the past, it can scarcely be necessary to assure your Excellency that the Government of the Confederate States will continue to respect the neutrality of Kentucky so long as her people will maintain it themselves.

"But neutrality, to be entitled to respect, must be strictly maintained between both parties, or if the door be opened on the one side for the aggressions of one of the belligerent parties upon the other, it ought not to be shut to the assailed when they seek to enter it for the purpose of self-defence.

"I do not, however, for a moment believe that your gallant State will suffer its soil to be used for the purpose of giving an advantage to those who violate its neutrality and disregard its rights, over those who respect them both."

It should be stated that previous to this correspondence, Kentucky had been invaded by Tennessee forces, and six cannons and a thousand stand of arms taken. The Confederate Congress, on August 7th, passed an act authorizing enlistments in Kentucky. The Legislature assembled on the 2d of September, and on the 5th a large barbecue was to be held in Owens County, about twelve miles from the seat of Government. The apprehensions of the Unionists were greatly excited on this occasion. The State Guard were invited to attend; they consisted of an organized body of troops about fifteen thousand strong, under the control of the friends of secession in the State. Intimidation of the Legislature was feared. Happily, the affair passed over without any special interest. A Peace Convention was also to be held on the 10th of the same month, which awakened apprehensions of an attempt to organize the secession force. But these likewise proved groundless. The Legislature stood 27 Union and 11 Southern Rights Senators, and 76 Union and 24 Southern Rights Representatives. The message of the Governor to the Legislature on the 5th of September, asserted that Kentucky had a right to assume a neutral position in the war; that she had no agency in fostering a sectional party in the Free States, and did not approve of separate action and the secession of the Southern States. Lawless raids had been suffered on both sides, private property seized, commerce interrupted, and trade destroyed. These wrongs had been borne with patience, but a military Federal force had been organized, equipped, and encamped in a central portion of Kentucky, without consultation with the State authorities. If the people of Kentucky desired more troops, let them be obtained under the Constitution of Kentucky. He recommended the passage of a law to enable the Military Board to borrow a sufficient sum to purchase arms and munitions for the defence of the State. He also recommended the passage of resolutions requesting the disbanding or removal of all military bodies hot under State authority, from the State.

On the same day the Legislature were notified that Confederate troops had invaded the State, and occupied and fortified strong positions at Hickman and Chalk Bluffs. Governor Harris, of Tennessee, replied to a demand of the Kentucky authorities, that the troops "that landed at Hickman last night did so without my knowledge or consent, and I am confident without the consent of the 'President.' I have telegraphed President Davis requesting their immediate withdrawal."

General Polk, in command of the secession forces, in reply to the Governor of Kentucky, stated that he had occupied Columbus and Hickman, in Kentucky, on account of reliable information that the Federal forces were about to occupy the said points. He proposed substantially that the Federal and Confederate forces should be simultaneously withdrawn from Kentucky, and enter into stipulation to respect the neutrality of the State.

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In the proclamation issued on the 4th of September, General Polk gives this reason for invading Kentucky:—" The Federal Government having, in defiance of the wishes of the people of Kentucky, disregarded their neutrality by establishing camp depots for their armies, and by organizing military companies within the territory, and by constructing military works on the Missouri shore immediately opposite and commanding Columbus, evidently intended to cover the landing of troops for the seizure of, that town, it has become a military necessity for the defence of the territory of the Confederate States that a Confederate force should occupy Columbus in advance."

On the 9th, the Governor communicated the following to the Legislature:—" The undersigned yesterday received a verbal message, through a messenger, from Governor Harris. The message was that he (Governor H.) had, by telegraphic despatch, requested General Polk to withdraw the Confederate troops from Kentucky, and that General Polk had declined to do so; that Governor Harris then telegraphed to Secretary Walker, at Richmond, requesting that General Polk be ordered to withdraw his troops from Kentucky, and that such order was issued from the War Department of the Confederacy; that General Polk replied to the "War Department that the retention of the post was a military necessity, and that the retiring from it would be attended by the loss of many lives. This embraces the message received."

On the same day, the Governor also received the following by telegraph from General Polk:

"Governor B. Magoffin: A military necessity having required me to occupy this town, Columbus, I have taken possession of it by the forces under my command. The circumstances leading to this act were reported promptly to the President of the Confederate States. His reply was, the necessity justified the action."

As a matter of course, the invasion of the State by the Tennessee troops brought in a Federal force under General Grant from Cairo. Thus ended the neutrality of Kentucky. It was on the 6th of September that General Grant, with two regiments of infantry and a company of light artillery, in two gun-boats, took possession of Paducah, Kentucky. He found secession flags flying in different parts of the town, in expectation of greeting the arrival of the Southern army, which was reported to be 3,800 strong, and only sixteen miles distant. The loyal citizens tore down the secession flags on the arrival of the Federal troops. General Grant took possession of the telegraph office, railroad depot, and the marine hospital. He found large quantities of complete rations, leather, etc., for the Southern army.

He issued a proclamation saying that he came solely for the purpose of defending the State from aggression, and to enable the State laws to be executed.

On the 11th of September, the Assembly of the Legislature adopted a resolution directing the Governor to issue a proclamation ordering the Confederate troops to evacuate Kentucky soil. The vote was seventy-one against twenty-six. The House refused to suspend the rules to allow another resolution to be offered ordering the proclamation to be issued to both Federals and Confederates.

This resolution was subsequently passed by the Senate, and vetoed by the Governor. It was then passed, notwithstanding the Governor's objections, by a vote in the House of 68 to 26, and in the Senate of 25 to 9. The Governor then issued his proclamation as follows:

In obedience to the subjoined resolution, adopted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Government of the Confederate States, the State of Tennessee, and all others concerned, are hereby informed that " Kentucky expects the Confederate or Tennessee troops to be "withdrawn from her soil unconditionally."

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name, and caused the seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed. Done at Frankfort this the 18th day of September, A. D. 1861, and in the seventieth year of the Commonwealth.

B. MAGOFFIN. By the Governor:

Thos. B. Monroe, Jr., Secretary of State.

______

"Resolved, by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, That his excellency Governor Magoffin be and he is hereby instructed to inform those concerned that Kentucky expects the Confederate or Tennessee troops to be withdrawn from her soil unconditionally."

On the 17th, the Senate passed a bill punishing the refusal to give up the State's arms, when ordered by the Military Board, by fine and imprisonment. The House concurred.

This abolished the State Guard.

The House adopted resolutions in favor of paying the war tax, and against the recognition of the Southern Confederacy. Preparations were commenced in the State for different military movements.

While General Polk was thus invading the State on the west, General Zollicoffer was operating on the east. With about four thousand men he camo to Cumberland Ford, which is situated near the point where the corner of Virginia runs into Kentucky, and captured a company of Home Guards. On the 17th, the Legislature received a message from Governor Magoffin communicating a telegraphic despatch from General Zollicoffer, announcing that the safety of Tennessee demanded the occupation of Cumberland, and the three long mountains in Kentucky, and that he had done so, and should retain his position until the Union forces were withdrawn, and the Union camp broken up.

On the 18th, the Committee on Federal Relations reported a series of resolutions, requesting Major Anderson, the commander at Fort Sumter when it was captured, to take command of the forces of the State. They manifest very distinctly the sentiments of the people at this time, and were as follows:

Whereas Kentucky has been invaded by the forces of the so-called Confederate States ,and the commanders Page 401 of the forces so invading the State have insolently prescribed the conditions upon which they will withdraw, thus insulting the dignity of the State by demanding terms to which Kentucky cannot listen without dishonor, therefore,

Resolved, That the invaders must be expelled. Inasmuch as there are now in Kentucky Federal troops assembled for the purpose of preserving the tranquillity of the State, and of defending and protecting the people of Kentucky in the peaceful enjoyment of their lives and property, it is

Resolved, That General Robert Anderson, a native Kentuckian, who has been appointed to the command of the Department of Cumberland, be requested to take instant command, with authority and power from this Commonwealth to call out a volunteer force in Kentucky for the purpose of repelling the invaders from our soil.

Resolved, That in using the means which duty and honor require shall be used to expel the invaders from the soil of Kentucky, no citizen shall be molested on account of his political opinions; that no citizen's property shall be taken or confiscated because of such opinions, nor shall any slave be set free by any military commander; and that all peaceable citizens who remain at home and attend to their private business until legally called into the public service, as well as their families, are entitled to and shall receive the fullest protection of the Government in the enjoyment of their lives, their liberties, and their property.

Resolved, That his Excellency, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, be requested to give all the aid in his power to accomplish the end desired by these resolutions, and that he issue bis proclamation calling out the militia of the State, and that he place the same under the command of General Thomas L. Crittenden.

Resolved, That the patriotism of every Kentuckian is invoked and is confidently relied upon to give active aid in the defence of the Commonwealth.

The decision expressed by these resolutions was hailed with great satisfaction by the friends of the Union.

It is difficult to exaggerate the importance of this act on the part of that great State. Whether viewed in its relations to the material or moral aspects of the civil strife in the land, the active adhesion of Kentucky to the national cause was a momentous event. But it was specially valuable for the testimony It bore to the rightfulness and the necessity of the belligerent issue which the National Government had been compelled to accept.

These resolutions were vetoed by the Governor, and then passed by the requisite vote over his veto. His objection to the resolutions was thus stated:

"I cannot concede my constitutional right, as the Commander-in-Chief of the State, to designate the particular officer or officers to be employed in executing the will of the Legislature. General T. L. Crittenden, the officer designated by the resolution, has had many proofs of my confidence. He has my confidence now, and in this service I would not hesitate to employ him, but at the same time I reserve the point that it is not within the province of the Legislature to limit the constitutional right of the Governor and Commander-in-Chief to choose such of his subordinate officers as he may deem best fitted to enforce the execution of the laws of the State."

Colonel Crittenden, of Indiana, was the first to bring a regiment from another State into "Western Virginia in aid of the Federal Government, and was the first to go to the aid of Kentucky. His regiment, well armed, passed through Louisville on the 20th towards the Nashville depot, and were enthusiastically received. At the same time General Buckner, once the Inspector-General of Kentucky, but afterwards a Brigadier in the Confederate service, advanced on Elizabethtown, the capital of Hardin County, and on the railroad from Louisville to Nashville, forty-three miles south by west of the latter. Troops were now rapidly concentrated in the State, and despatched to points invaded by the Confederates. General Robert Anderson assumed command of the State and National forces, and issued a proclamation, calling upon Kentuckians of all parties to assist in repelling the invaders of the State. Governor Magoffin also issued a proclamation, directing General Thomas L. Crittenden to call out the State troops to resist the invasion of the State, and General C. accordingly called out the militia. Hamilton Pope, Brigadier-General of the Homo Guard, also called upon the people in each ward in Louisville to organize themselves into companies for the protection of the city. Thus was Kentucky launched with her whole soul into the bloody contest for the maintenance of the Government and the preservation of the Union. On the 23d the House passed a bill authorizing the Military Board to borrow one million dollars, in addition to a million authorized May 24th, on the State bonds, payable in ten years, and established a tax to pay the bonds and interest. The above sum was to be appropriated to the defence of the State.

On the next day, a bill was passed calling out 40,000 volunteers for service from one to three years. The votes were, in the House, 67 to 18, and in the Senate, 21 to 5. The Senate also passed a bill providing that Kentuckian who voluntarily joined the Confederate force invading the State, should be incapable of taking estate in Kentucky by devise, bequest, division, or distribution, unless they returned to their allegiance within sixty days, or escaped from the invaders as soon as possible.

A bill was also passed tendering the thanks of the Legislature to Ohio, Illinois and Indiana, for having so promptly forwarded troops to aid in repelling the invasion of the State; and the Governor was instructed to communicate the same.

On the 1st of October, a resolution requesting John C. Breckenridge and Lazarus W. Powell to resign their seats as Senators in Congress, as they did not represent the will of the people of Kentucky; and, if they declined to comply, the Senate of the United States was respectfully requested to investigate their conduct, and if found to bo in opposition to the Federal Government, to expel them from their seats, passed by a vote of 20 yeas to 5 nays, and was sent to the House, and passed by a vote of 55 to 31.

A bill for a loan of $2,000,000 was also passed. The Bank of Kentucky promised her quota of the two millions for the defence of the State. The Page 402 Bank of Louisville, whose quota was nearly $100,000, promised $200,000. The Northern Bank promised $25,000 more than her quota; and the Farmers' Bank promptly responded to her quota. So soon after the first step was Kentucky brought fully into the field with arms and money for the cause of the Union.

The Legislature then took a recess until November 27th. Previous to this adjournment, un address was issued by that body to the people of the State, on "the condition of the State, and the duties they had felt called upon to perform." The condition of the State is thus briefly related:

We have ardently desired peace, and hoped to save Kentucky from the calamities of war. When the Federal authorities deemed it necessary to employ force in self-defence, and to execute the laws of the Government, we assured our Southern neighbors of our purpose not to take up arms voluntarily against them, notwithstanding their wicked attempt to destroy the Government from which we and our fathers have received the greatest benefits. Every effort was made, both before and after the employment of force, to effect some compromise and settlement that would restore the Union, and prevent the effusion of blood.

The Federal Government did not insist upon our active aid in furnishing troops, seeming content if we obeyed the laws and executed them upon our own soil. Those engaged in rebellion, however, with hypocritical professions of friendship and respect, planted camps of soldiers all along our Southern border; seized, by military power, the stock on our railroad within their reach, in defiance of chartered rights; impudently enlisted soldiers upon our soil for their camps, whom they ostentatiously marched through their territory. They made constant raids into this State, robbed us of our property, insulted our people, seized some of our citizens and carried them away as prisoners into the Confederate States. Our military was demoralized by the treachery of its chief officer in command, and many of its subordinates, until it became more an arm of the Confederate States than a guard of the State of Kentucky. Thus exposed to wrongs and indignities, with no power prepared to prevent or resent them, some of the citizens of this State formed camps under the Federal Government for the defence and protection of the State of Kentucky. Whatever might have been thought of the policy once, recent events have proved that they were formed none too soon.

In this condition we found Kentucky when the Legislature met, on the first Monday in September. We still hoped to avoid war on our own soil. We were met by assurances from the President of the Confederate States that our position should be respected; but the ink was scarcely dry with which the promise was written, when we were startled by the news that our soil was invaded, and towns in the southwest of our State occupied by Confederate armies. The Governor of Tennessee disavowed the act, and protested his innocence of it. His commissioners at Frankfort professed the same innocence of the admitted wrong; ut our warnings to leave were only answered by another invasion in the southeast of the State, and a still more direct and deadly assault upon the very heart of the State by way of the Nashville road. These sudden irruptions of such magnitude, skilfully directed, show that the assault on Kentucky was preconcerted, prepared and intended long before. The excuses made for any of them but add insult to injury. We shall not repeat them. They are but excuses for acts intended, without any excuse.

The purpose is to remove the theatre of the war from the homes of those who wickedly originated it, to those of Kentucky, and to involve this State in the rebellion. This purpose appeared to be well understood in the seceded States. They need the territory of Kentucky, and are determined to have it, if it must be by blood and conquest.

Thus forced into war, we had no choice but to call on the strong arms and brave hearts of Kentucky to expel the invader from our soil, and to call for the aid of the Federal Government, as we had a right to do under the Federal Constitution.

Our foes would dictate terms to a brave people upon which we can have peace. We are required to join them in their unwarrantable rebellion, become accessory to their crimes, and consent to sacrifice the last hope of permanently upholding republican institutions, or meet their invasions as becomes Kentuckians.

We believe we have done our duty to a chivalric people who have forborne long, but will never fail as u last resort to resent an injury and punish an insult. We should hold ourselves unworthy to represent you if we had done less. The only error, we fear, is that we have not been as prompt, you may think, as the occasion demanded.

Thrice have the revolutionists appealed to the ballot box in this State, and thrice have the people expressed, by overwhelming majorities, their determination to stand by the Union and its Government. They have not been active in this war, not from indifference or want of loyalty, but in the hope of better promoting a restoration of the Union, and checking the rebellion by that course. Our hope of an amicable adjustment, and a desire for peace, led us to forbear, until forbearance has ceased to be a virtue. The attempt to destroy the union of these States we believe to be a crime, not only against Kentucky, but against all mankind. But up to this time we have left to others to vindicate, by arms, the integrity of the Government. The Union is not only assailed now, but Kentucky is herself threatened with subjugation by a lawless usurpation. The invasion is carried on with a ruthless destruction of property, and the lives and liberties of our people, that belong only to savage warfare.

We have no choice but action, prompt and decided. Let us show the insolent invaders that Kentucky belongs to Kentuckians, and that Kentucky's valor will vindicate Kentucky's honor. We were unprepared because unsuspecting. An insolent and treacherous invader tells the people that their legislators have betrayed them; and he comes with fire and sword to correct their error, by a crusade against property, liberty, and life.

The position taken by the Legislature was fully sustained by the people, and upon the reassembling of that body on the 27th of November, very emphatic resolutions were adopted. The following extract shows their character:

Resolved, by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, That Kentucky has ever cherished and adhered to the Federal Union, and she will cling to it now, in this time of its extremest peril, with unfaltering devotion. While at the beginning of the mad and wicked war which is being waged by the rebellious States for the destruction of the Government, she forbear to take part, in the hope that she might interpose her friendly offices in the interests of peace, she has, nevertheless, sternly repelled every movement which looked to a change of her political relations, and has never swerved from her full and fervid loyalty to the noblest and freest Government in the world. And now, since her proffered mediation has been spurned, and her soil invaded by the Confederate armies, she deems it fit that she should announce to the world that, standing firmly by her Government, she will resist every effort to destroy it; and she calls upon her true and heroic sons to rally around the standard of their country, and put forth the whole energies of the Commonwealth till the rebellion shall be overthrown, and the just supremacy of the National Government shall be restored and maintained everywhere within its limits.

Resolved, That the existing civil war, forced upon the National Government without cause by the Page 403 disunionists, should not be waged upon the part of the Government in any "spirit of oppression, or for any purpose of conquest or subjugation, or purpose of overthrowing or interfering with the rights or established institutions of any of the States, free or slave, but to defend and maintain the supremacy of the Constitution, and to preserve the Union with all the dignity, equality, and rights of the several States unimpaired; and that as soon as these objects are accomplished the war ought to cease."

Resolved, That in the adoption of the foregoing resolution by the National Congress, with unprecedented unanimity, at its late session, a rule of action was prescribed to the Government from which it cannot depart without a disregard of the plighted faith of the National Legislature, which we would be slow to believe can be seriously entertained. Against any such departure we solemnly protest.

Resolved. That the purpose expressed in said resolution is the great end demanded, and that which inspires Kentucky with patriotic ardor to seek their achievement with all her loyal energies and means, in the confident hope of success, and belief that the country, saved, in our triumph, to us and to posterity, will still be glorious in the freedom of its people, in the unity of its Government, and the security of society, and worth infinitely more than it cost to save it.

Resolved, That slavery is a State institution, guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States, and wo cannot agree that the National Government, to which we are and intend to be loyal, shall undertake the emancipation of slaves against the will of the slave-holding States.

Great honor will ultimately bo given to the State of Kentucky, for the course pursued by her during the year. Her position of determined neutrality at first taken, was to some extent a consequence of her geographical situation. Refusing to take sides with either North or South, her coolness moderated the fiery impetuosity of both. At the same time she was an enviable acquisition to each. The Federal Administration, desirous to secure her hearty cooperation, saw plainly that it could not be obtained on any other terms than that of the Constitution and the rights of the States. And every position taken by the Administration has been of such a conservative character as to meet the ultimate approval of the people of that State. Amid all the efforts of extreme partisans in the Northern States to press the President into measures looking to emancipation, nothing was effected. The certain loss of Kentucky, and with her "Western Virginia and Missouri, stayed the Government, even if there had been any inclination to, or conviction of the propriety of, such measures. As a consequence, Kentucky voluntarily entered the field for the Union.

On the other hand, the hopes of the Confederate Government that Kentucky would join the Confederacy, were extremely sanguine. The position of her people was undoubtedly neutral at heart. Extreme measures on the part of the Federal Government would, without doubt, have made her a seceding State. Indeed, so confident were the friends of the Confederate Government of her ultimate secession that a Convention was called by them to organize the forms of that movement. This party was called a "Sovereignty Convention." It met at Russellville about the 27th of November, and was in session during three days.

It passed a Declaration of Independence and an Ordinance of Secession. A Provisional Government, consisting of a Governor, Legislative Council of ten, a Treasurer and an Auditor, was agreed upon. George W. Johnson, of Scott, was made Governor. The Legislative Council appointed was composed of Willis B. Machen, of Logan; John W. Crockett, of Henderson; James P. Bates, of Barren; James B. Cristman, of Wayne; Phil. B. Thompson, of Mercer; J. P. Burnside, of Warren; H. W. Bruce, of Louisville; J. W. Moore, of Montgomery; E. M. Bruce, of Nicholas; and George B. Hodge, of Campbell.

The Commissioners to Richmond were H. O. Burnett, W. E. Simms, and Wm. Preston. All executive and legislative powers were vested in the Governor and Council. Acts done by the Provisional Government were to have the concurrence of a majority of its members; the Council were authorized to fill vacancies, but no councilman should bo made Governor to fill a vacancy. The old Constitution and laws of Kentucky were declared in force, except where inconsistent with the acts of the Confederate Government. Bowling Green was fixed as the new capital. Fifty-one counties were said to bo represented in the Convention by over two hundred members not elected by the people.

The military operations in the State, though marked by no great achievement during the year, were nevertheless the forerunner of very important results. Civil, commercial and agricultural pursuits had engrossed the entire attention of the people. In a military point of view the State, like nearly all her sister States, was entirely defenceless. Men, arms, ammunition, were abundant, but an organized, drilled, and completely equipped force, ready to take the field and go into active service on a day's notice, could not be expected to exist. Notwithstanding the position of neutrality, after President Lincoln's proclamation, imperfect organizations were formed, under the name of Home Guards. Their object was to drill novices, and impart the preliminary information needed for the future soldiers. These embraced considerable numbers, and finally formed the chief portion of the force obtained by the secessionists in the State. Large numbers also left the State, and volunteered in the Federal and Confederate armies.

The first appearance of a military force within Kentucky was made under General Polk, commander of Confederate troops from Tennessee, as has been previously stated. They commenced fortifying Hickman and Columbus. The former is situated in the western part of the State, near the Tennessee line, and the latter about twenty-five miles north, both on the Mississippi River. (See Columbus.) Their force was soon increased to thirteen regiments of infantry, six field batteries, a siege battery, three battalions of cavalry, with three steamboats on the river. Subsequently, the force was concentrated at Columbus, Page 404 which was very strongly fortified. At the same time, General Grant, commander of the Federal force at Cairo, took possession of Paducah, on the Ohio River. (See Paducah.) The distance between the two positions is forty-seven miles. The force of General Grant was two regiments of infantry, one company of light artillery, and two gunboats. These movements comprised the active military operations in the western part of the State during the year.

In the southeastern part of the State, General Zollicoffer advanced from Tennessee with a considerable force of Confederate troops, and on the 18th of September a slight skirmish took place at Barboursville, between some of his men and a portion of Home Guards, but without any serious results on either side. The Confederate cavalry scoured the country in the vicinity of their camp, arrested prominent Union men, and destroyed their property. They also occupied the small towns in the vicinity. Subsequently, a portion of the same force entered Manchester, in Clay County, in the vicinity of the Cumberland Mountains. On the 1st of October, a retreat was commenced towards Barboursville, which was continued to the Cumberland Ford. This is fifteen miles within the limits of Kentucky, and was fortified by General Zollicoffer; meanwhile, his advance was pushed to London, and the country ravaged. The salt-works in this region were an important possession to the Confederate force. In their rear was also the Cumberland Gap—a most important point—from which the East Tenn. & Virginia R. R., 40 miles below, would be accessible to a Federal force. This railroad was one of the main lines for the transportation of supplies to the troops in Virginia. During this period, a Federal force of Ohio and Indiana troops, with some Kentucky volunteers, were advancing to hold the Confederates in check, and, if able, to rout them. This force was under the command of General Schoepf. The first affair of any importance took place at a place called Camp "Wildcat, on the 21st of October. About eleven o'clock in the forenoon, a body of Confederate troops, consisting of two regiments of Tennessee volunteers, under Cols. Newman and Bowler, advanced upon four companies of the Thirty-third Indiana regiment, Colonel Coburn, and a portion of Colonel Woodford's regiment of Kentucky cavalry. The Confederate force opened upon the Thirty-third Indiana on the left wing with cannon, and almost simultaneously their column appeared on the side of the hill, within sixty or seventy yards of the Indiana troops. A charge was ordered upon the latter, which was met with such a galling fire as brought the Tennesseans to a stand, when a charge by the Kentucky cavalry was made upon them, and they retired with severe loss. At one p. m. another attack was made at another point, and at a late hour a third attack was made by General Zollicoffer. It was supposed that the Camp was defended only by a small force under Colonel Garrard. The attacking force consisted of Mississippians, Georgians, and Tennesseans. The opposing force was under General Schoepf, consisting of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky troops. The Confederates were generally armed with flint-lock muskets and altered locks, buckshot guns, find navy revolvers. The Federal force carried the Minie rifle. Reënforcements were added to each force during the day, and the different attacks were probably made after they were received by the Confederate commander. The Confederate troops were repulsed with severe loss, and retired to Barboursville. On the 10th of December, they were  advancing with a strong force on Somerset, from which General Schcepf retired. On the 16th of December, General Zollicoffer issued a proclamation to the people of southeastern Kentucky, as follows:

The brigade I have the honor to command is here for no purpose-of war upon Kentuckians, but to repel those Northern hordes who, with arms in their hands, are attempting the subjugation of a sister Southern State. They have closed your rivers, embargoed your railroads, cut off your natural and proper markets, left your stock and products in your hands almost valueless, and thereby almost destroyed the value of your lands and labor. We have come to open again your rivers, to restore the ancient markets to your produce, and thereby to return to you the accustomed value of your lands and labor. They have represented ns as murderers and outlaws. We have come to convince you that we truly respect the laws, reverence justice, and mean to give security to your personal and property rights. They have forced many of you to take up arms against us. We come to take you by the hand as heretofore—as friends and brothers. Their Government has laid heavy taxes on you to carry on this unnatural war, which is openly avowed to be to set at liberty your slaves, and the ensuing step in which will be to put arms in their hands, and give them political and social equality with yourselves. We saw these things in the beginning, and are offering our hearts' blood to avert those dreadful evils, which we saw the Abolition leaders had deliberately planned for the South. "All men must have the ballot or none; all men must have the ballet or none," said Mr. Seward, the present Federal Secretary of State. How long will Kentuckians close their eyes to the contemplated ruin of their present structure of society? How long will they continue to raise their arms against brothers of the South struggling for those rights and for that independence common to us all, which was guaranteed to all by the Constitution of 1787? For many long years we remonstrated against the encroachments against rights, and the insecurity to that property thus guaranteed, which these Northern hordes so remorselessly inflicted upon us. They became deaf to our remonstrances, because they believe they had the power, and felt in every fibre the will "to whip us in." We have disappointed them. We have broken their columns in almost every conflict. We have early acquired o prestige of success which has stricken terror into the Northern heart. Their grand armies have been held in check by comparatively few but stern-hearted men; and now they would invoke Kentucky valor to aid them in beating down the true sons of the South who have stood the shock, and in bringing common ruin upon Kentucky and her kindred people. Will you play this unnatural part, Kentuckians? Heaven forbid! The memories of the past forbid! The honor of your wives and daughters, your past renown, and the fair name of your posterity, forbid that you should strike for Lincoln and the abolition of shivery against those struggling for the right of independence of your kindred race. Strike with us for independence and preservation of Page 405 your property, and those Northern invaders of your soil will soon be driven across the Ohio.

This force encamped at Mill Spring, fortifying their position, in which General Zollicoffer remained until the 19th of January, when he was killed, and his army routed by a strong force under General Thomas, at the battle of Webb's Cross Roads or Mill Spring.

The small Federal force in Eastern Kentucky was under the command of General Nelson, a Lieutenant in the Navy, who had been detached from his naval duties and sent to Kentucky, of which State he was a native, and well known to her citizens. Being furnished with arms by the Federal Government, he collected and organized a force in the eastern part of the State, near Virginia. "With these he advanced, and on the 2d of November occupied Prestonburg without any resistance. The enemy fell back about six miles. At this place ho issued the following proclamation, on the 5th of November:

Having this day occupied the town of Prestonburg with the force under my command, I declare to all whom it may concern: That the jurisdiction of the State of Kentucky is restored in this section of the State, and that the regular full terms of the courts will be held in those counties in which the time for holding the same has not passed. And all civil officers are ordered to attend at the times and places of holding said courts, and attend to the duties of their respective offices.

His next movement was on Pikeville, near which a Confederate force under General Williams had taken position. Pikeville is the capital of Pike County, on the west fork of the Big Sandy River. On the forenoon of the 7th, he despatched a force, under Colonel Sill, of one regiment of infantry with a light battalion of three companies, and two companies of Kentucky volunteers mounted from the teams, and a section of artillery, to march by the way of John's Creek, and pass to the left of Pikeville, where was the Confederate position—a distance of about forty miles—and turn or cut them off. On the 8th, at 5 a. m., General Nelson moved forward with three Ohio regiments, a battalion of Kentucky volunteers, and two sections of artillery, and took the State road direct to Pikeville, distant twenty-eight miles. Eight miles from Prestonburg they met a picket of about forty cavalry, which escaped. At one r. m., the cavalry had advanced along the narrow defile of the mountain that ends at Ivy Creek. This mountain is the highest along the river, very precipitous, and thickly covered with brush and undergrowth, and the road, which is but seven feet wide, is cut along the side of it, about twenty-five feet above the river, which is close under the road. The ridge descends in a rapid curve and very sharp to the creek, or rather gorge, where it makes a complete elbow. Behind this ridge, and along the mountain side, the enemy, seven hundred strong, lay in ambush, and did not fire until the head of the Kentucky battalion, Colonel 0. A. Marshall, was up to the elbow. Four were instantly killed and thirteen wounded, and the Kentuckians were ordered to charge. Colonel Harris led his Second Ohio regiment up the mountain side with much gallantry, and deployed them along its face. Colonel Norton, who had just reached the defile, led his Twenty-first Ohio regiment up the northern ridge of the mountain, deployed them along the creek, and made an attack. Two pieces of artillery were got in position on the road, and opened on the enemy. In an hour and twenty minutes the Confederate force dispersed and fled, leaving a number killed and wounded, of .whom thirty were found dead on the field. The Federal loss was six killed and twenty-four wounded. In their retreat they obstructed the road by felling trees and burning or cutting all the bridges.

On the morning of the 10th, General Nelson reached Pikeville, where Colonel Sill had arrived, according to orders, on the previous day, having twice encountered mounted men. The result of these movements was so effectual, that, on the 10th, General Nelson issued the following proclamation:

Soldiers!—I thank you for what you have done. In a campaign of twenty days you have driven the rebels from Eastern Kentucky, and given repose to that portion of the State. You have made continual forced marches over wretched roads, deep in mud. Badly clad, you have bivouacked on the wet ground, in the November rain, without a murmur. With scarcely half rations, you have pressed forward with unfailing perseverance. The only place that the enemy made a stand, though ambushed and very strong, you drove him from, in the most brilliant style. For your constancy and courage I thank you, and with the qualities which you have shown that you possess, I expect great things from you in future.

Thus closed the campaign in Eastern Kentucky. In the central part of the State the military movements were more extensive. Louisville, the head-quarters of the Union Department, is situated on the Ohio River, on the northern boundary of the State, and connected by river and railroad with all the Northern States, and by railroad with the localities of active operations near the borders of Central Tennessee. The level land on which the city is located, extends uninterruptedly south to Rolling Fork River, a stream two hundred feet in width and three feet deep. Crossing by bridge or a ford, a good road leads through a level country for two miles to a series of rugged hills, known as Muldraugh's Hills. The railroad follows a stream called Clear Creek, crossing it about half way up the ascent by a trestlework ninety feet high, and two miles further south enters at its base Tunnel Hill. It emerges on a smooth level plain, which extends many miles south to Green River. Elizabethtown is four miles from Tunnel Hill and forty-two miles from Louisville. Nolin Creek is the first stream of any importance south of Elizabethtown, and fifty-three miles from Louisville. Munfordsville is on the right bank of Green River, and seventy-two miles from Louisville. Green River empties into the Ohio, and is navigable by steamboats most of the year. The railroad Page 406 crosses it by an extensive bridge. Bowling Green is on the railroad, one hundred and fourteen miles from Louisville and seventy-one miles from Nashville. It is also at the head of navigation on Barren River, which flows into Green River thirty miles below. A branch railroad to Memphis commences here; the distance by which to Clarksville, on the Cumberland River, is 62 miles, and from thence to Memphis one hundred and fifty-seven miles. The importance of Bowling Green is manifest from its position at the junction of two roads leading into Tennessee, furnishing great facilities for transportation. The entrance of hostile forces into the western part of the State, in September, produced great excitement at Louisville. Union Home Guards began to assemble, and other Union troops began to arrive from Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. On the 18th of September, a body of the latter advanced to Rolling Fork, where they found the bridge had been destroyed by a hostile force under General Buckner, formerly commander of the State Guard. This force was then five miles below, on Muldraugh's Hills, but subsequently withdrew to Elizabethtown. At this time General Anderson, formerly in command at Fort Sumter, was ordered to the Department of Kentucky, and promoted to the rank of a brigadier-general, he immediately entered upon his duties, and on the 21st of September, issued the following proclamation:

Kentuckians: Called by the Legislature of this my native State, I hereby assume command of this department. I come to enforce, not to make laws, and, God willing, to protect your property and your lives. The enemies of the country nave dared to invade our soil. Kentucky is in danger. She has vainly striven to keep peace with her neighbors. Our State is now invaded by those who professed to be her friends, but who now seek to conquer her. No true son of Kentucky can longer hesitate as to his duty to his State and country. The invaders must, and, God willing, will be expelled. The leader of the hostile forces who now approaches is, I regret to say, a Kentuckian, making war on Kentucky and Kentuckians. Let all post differences of opinion be overlooked. Every one who now rallies to the support of our Union and our State is a friend. Rally, then, my countrymen, around the flag our fathers loved, and which has shielded us so long. I call you to arms for self-defence, and for the protection of all that is dear to freemen. Let us trust in God and do our duty as did our fathers. Three days previously, General Buckner, the commander of the Confederate force, issued a proclamation. It was dated at Bowling Green on the 18th. 

To the people of Kentucky: The Legislature of Kentucky have been faithless to the will of the people. They have endeavored to make your gallant State a fortress, in which, under the guise of neutrality, the armed forces of the United States might secretly prepare to subjugate alike the people of Kentucky and the Southern States. It was not until after three months of covert and open violation of your neutrality, with large encampments of Federal troops on your territory, and a recent official declaration of the President of the United States not to regard your neutral position, coupled with a well-prepared scheme to seize an additional point in your territory, which was of such vital importance to the safety and defence of Tennessee, that the troops of the Southern Confederacy, on the invitation of the people of Kentucky, occupied a defensive post in your State. On doing so the commander announced his purpose to evacuate your territory simultaneously with a similar movement on the part of the Federal forces, whenever the Legislature of Kentucky shall undertake to enforce against both belligerents the strict neutrality which they have so often declared. I return among you, citizens of Kentucky, at the head of a force, the advance of which is composed entirely of Kentuckians. We do not come to molest any citizen, whatever may be his political opinion. Unlike the agents of the Northern despotism, who seek to reduce us to the condition of dependent vassals, we believe that the recognition of the civil rights of citizens is the foundation of constitutional liberty; and that the claim of the President of the United" States to declare martial law, to suspend the privileges of the writ of habeas corpus, and to convert every barrack and prison in the land into a Bastile, is nothing but the claim which other tyrants have assumed to subjugate a free people. The Confederate States occupy owling Green as a defensive position. I renew the pledges of commanders of other columns of Confederate troops to retire from the territory of Kentucky on the same conditions which will govern their movements. I further give you my own assurance that the forces under my command will be used as an aid to the Government of Kentucky in carrying out the strict neutrality desired by its people, whenever they undertake to enforce it against the two belligerents alike.

On the 24th of September, General Anderson issued another brief proclamation dated at Louisville, in which he said:

The Commanding General, understanding that apprehension is entertained by citizens of this Mate, who are hitherto been in opposition to the policy now adopted by the State, hereby gives notice that no Kentuckian shall be arrested who remains at home attending to his business, and does not take part, either by action or speech, against the authority of the General or State Government, or does not hold correspondence with, or give aid or assistance to those who have chosen to array themselves against us as our enemies.

General Anderson was soon compelled to resign his command, in consequence of ill health, and was succeeded by General Sherman, who for the same reason retired, and was succeeded by General Buell.

As early as the 10th of October, a very considerable Federal force was in Camp Dick Robinson, in Garrard County—which was daily becoming more formidable. At the same time the Confederate General Buckner, who had boasted of an intention to spend the winter in Louisville with his troops, began to retire to Bowling Green, and on the 18th, a portion of the iron bridge over the Green River was blown up. Friends in Louisville and throughout the State had given him strong assurances that if ho would come to Louisville, or even to Bowling Green, at the head of a force capable of maintaining its position for a short time, reënforcements would immediately pour in by thousands, rendering his army too powerful to be resisted. Unquestionably he came with the full conviction that these assurances would be verified, but ho found them all falsified. There was reason to believe that not more than a thousand men joined him.

Accumulations of Federal troops from the States north of the Ohio river, with stores for a vast army, were made during the month of Page 407 November. On the part of the Confederates the same course was pursued. On the 1st of December, the Federal troops in the State were estimated at 70,000, of which there were nine regiments from Illinois, sixteen from Indiana, seventeen from Ohio, three from Pennsylvania, one from Michigan, three from Wisconsin, and two from Minnesota, and at least twenty-five thousand of her own soldiers. The army was well appointed, and with batteries of artillery and squadrons of cavalry to give it greater efficiency. The force of Kentucky alone, on the 10th of December, may bo stated as follows:

Ready to be sworn in 17,200 To which add four regiments recruited in

Camp Dick Robinson and in service . . . 4,000 Two regiments in Rousseau's Brigade . . . 2,000 Provost-Marshal's force at Louisville . . . 500 Kentuckians in the two regiments in Western Virginia, say . . 1,000 Residents of the State who went to other States and entered the service, say . . . 1,000 Recruited for the regular army, say .... 300

Making a force of 26,000

This vast force was looking ultimately to Nashville and the State of Tennessee; to withstand it, there was the force of General Buckner, now estimated at thirty thousand men. No affair of importance occurred between these hostile troops during the year, except a small one at Munfordsville. (See Munfordsville.)

Early the next year the Federal force commenced its march with brilliant success, and by the 1st of March, 1862, every Confederate soldier had left the State. The effect of such a state of affairs as existed in Kentucky, upon all industrial pursuits, can be more easily imagined than described. Trade was paralyzed, commerce destroyed, the happiest social relations forever extinguished, and citizens of every class deeply embarrassed or ruined. Many prominent individuals in the State joined the South and became leaders in the Confederate army, among whom may be named Humphrey Marshall and John C. Breckinridge. The latter was Vice-President of the United States during the previous term, and a Senator in Congress previous to his appointment to a brigadier-generalship in the Southern army.

Battles and Skirmishes in, Kentucky in, 1861.

Place. Boston Buffalo Hill., Cromwell... Lucas Bend. Morgantown Prestonburg Piketon Saratoga Wildcat Woodbury... […]

COLUMBUS is a small village having one hundred to two hundred inhabitants, situated on the Mississippi River, in Kentucky. It is eighteen miles below Cairo by water, forty-seven miles from Paducah, and about forty-five miles above Island No. 10 in the Mississippi River. It is important only as a military position. The Mobile and Ohio Railroad terminates here, and the Nashville and Northwestern Railroad at Hickman, nine miles below. Its position is on the southern slope of a high bluff of the Mississippi bank, which commands the stream for about five miles. Wolfs Island is in the centre of the river in its immediate vicinity. The place was occupied on the 4th of September by Confederate troops, under the command of General Pillow, who immediately commenced fortifications. This closed the navigation of the Mississippi to the steamboats belonging to the States above. The fortifications were pushed to such an extent as to render it one of the strongest points held by the Confederate troops. Three one hundred and twenty-eight pounders were placed in such a position as to command the river from the highest part of the bluff, being seventy-five feet above the water. Above on the river wus another battery of fourteen guns, which were generally rifled.

On the northern slope of the bluff were two light batteries and a rifle pit, one mile in length, which were designed specially to protect the place against a land attack from the north, while on the summit of the hills was a strongly intrenched work, commanding all directions, and manned by eight cannon.

On the south side, and to protect the town from a rear attack, was a small battery of eight guns. The whole number of guns has been estimated at between eighty and a hundred. In addition, there was a floating battery of twenty guns capable of being moved to the most exposed points. The number of Confederate troops at various periods, in and around Columbus, was estimated at 30,000. The position was regarded in the Confederacy as the northern key to the mouth of the Mississippi. Its evacuation on the 1st of March, 1862, after the capture of Forts Henry and Donelson, and the occupation of Nashville by the Federal troops, became a matter of course.


Source: The American Annual Cyclopaedia and Register of Important Events of the Year, 1861-1865, vols. 1-5. New York: Appleton & Co., 1868.