Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-06-07
Matters In MissourI-PrOcIamat OF
GEN. Price.
HEADQUARTERS MISSOURI STATE GUARDS,
JEFFERSON Cry. Mo- June A.


JEFFERSON Cry, No, June 4.
To the Brigadier Generals Commanding the Several
Military Districts Of Missouri:
Tocorrect misrepresentation, and to correct all
misunderstanding of my opinions and intentions in
reference TO the military trust contided in me by
the Governor of Missouri, desire to state 20 you
and to the people generally, my past I'd present
position as private citizen and member of the
State Convention, and a military commander :;
my influence has been eXerted TO prevent the trans
fer of the seat of from the Atlantic States to
our own State. Having taken no steps towards dis
solving our connection with the Federal Government
there was no reason whatever for disturbing the
peace and tranquility of Missouri have, therefore,
desired and such am authorized to say, has been
and still is the desire of the Chief Executive under
whose orders have acted, that the people of Mis-
souri, should exercise the right TO choose their own
position in any contest which might be forced upon
them unaided by any military force whichever their
right to bear arms in defence of themselves and of
the State cannot be questioned secured it is by
both the Constitution of the United States and of
this State.
For the purpose therefore, OF securing TO the
people of Missouri the free exercise of their IN
doubted rights, and with view to preserve peace
and order throughout the State, agreement was
entered into between Gen Harvey and myself which
considered alike honorable to both parties and the
Governments which were represented. The Fed
eral Government, however. has thought proper to
Department of the West; but as the successor of
Gen. Hsrney will consider himself and his Govern.
ment in honor bound carry out this agreement in
good faith. feel assured that his removal should
give no cause of uneasiness to citizens for the
security of their liberties and property intend on
my part to adhere it both in its spirit and to the
letter
The rumors in circulation that II Is the intention
of the officers now in command of this Department
to disarm those of our citizens who do not agree in
opinion with the Administration at Washington, and
put arms in the hands of those who in some local-
ties of this State are supposed to sympathize with
the views of the General Government, are, trust,
unfounded.
The purpose of such a movement could not be
misunderstood it would not only be palpable vio
lsuon of our constitutional rights, but grosssin
dignity to the citizens of this State, which would
be resisted TO the last extremity.
NY wish and hope is, that the people of the State
of Missouri be permitted, in peace and security, to
decide upon their future course, and so far as my
abilities can effect it, this object shall be accom-
plished. The people of Missouri cannot be forced.
under the terrors of military invasion, into posi-
ton not of their free choice. A million of such
people the citizens of Missouri were never vet
subjugated. If attempted, let no apprehensIons be
entertained of the result. enjoin on you gentle
men, to see that all citizens of whatever opinions
in politics religion, protected in their persons
and property. STERLING PRICE,
Asl Gen. COMMANDING