Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1861-1862, 1861-09-17
Kentucky.

The telegram informs Us that Gov Magefha has issued
his proclamation, requiring the Confederate troops to
leave the State This proceeding, with the action of the
Legislature makes this the action Of the State 1t is
competent for the Confederate liberties to regard
eass bsi maintain their positions and assail their
enemies wherever they find them. But ia priv.
lege also respect the proclamation of the Governor,
if we choose to do So and promptly withdraw forces
and leave the people of the State to settle their difficult
ties in their way. If they prefer civil war among
themselves or quiet submission 10 the Lincoln despot-
ism il is their s ir. This latter Is recommended
by the grave consideration that Coniederacy based
upon the principle Of State sovereignty and that we
desire no member who does not enter It willingly and
caeeruly 1t may be that the present Legislature does
ut represent the wishes Of the majority Of the people
but Of tia: fact We have no official cogniz,nce The
pecple themselves must make that appear by change
Of their agents While our authorities are privileged to
treat the conduct Of the State either warke pa
cifc might be bed sroke Of policy to regard it
il tie latter aspect and leave the fate Of the State in its
own hands That fate may be terrible one; but will
b. her own choosing
We have no doubt President Davis will act in the pre-
mises wisely and solely with reference to the best inter-
cts of our Coniederacy.
The following dispatch was forwarded BY Gen. Polk,
ca his taking poss, ssiOn of Columbus. This before
the action Of the Legislature. Whether that action has
aft ctei President Davis views whether any circum
,,ances have arisen to modify the military necessity"
We do not know. If not, the adopted in the be-
cunning will be adhered to to the end-be the conse-
quences what they may:
COMMONWEALTH oF KENTUCKY,
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
Frankfort, Sept 1861.
Gentlemen Of the Senate and House Of Representatives,
Ibave received the following dispatches by telegraph
from Ce1 Leonidas Polk, which deem proper TO lay
before you MAGoFrIS'
CoIuynus, Ky Sept 9, 1861.
Gov B MAGoFYIS-A military necessity having re-
uuired me to occupy this town. have taken possession
4 IL by the forces under my command. The circum-
ances leading this act were reported promptly to the
President Of The Confederate States His reply was the
necessity justified the action. copy Of my procama.
Ion have the honor to TRANSMIT. you by mail
Respectfully, LsoSIpls FOLK,
MsorGeneral Commanding.
CoruMBrs Ky Sept. 9th, 1861.
Gov B. MAGoETrS, FSdnEfort, Ny:
I should have dispatched you Immediately as the
roops under my command took possession Of this posi-
ton the very few words addressed 10 the people here,
my duties since that time have so oppressed me thai
have but now the first leisure time 10 communicate with
Won L. will be sufficient for n inform you which
nv short nd iress here will DO that had information
which could rely that the Federal forces intended and
we're pre- pairing seize Columbus need not describe
{ danger resulting TO the people OF west Tennessee
rom such seizure and my responsibility could not permit
them quietly TO lose by the command entrusted TO me 80
Important position In evifercs of the information
posse sse6 will the Confederate forces occupied
this Ilace the Federal troops were formed IN formidable
number in position upon the opposite bank with Their
c,nnon turned upoa Columbus the citizens of the town
IA a nd nat
saiety or protection had been addressed 10 them.
Since L have taken possession OF this place have
been informed by highly responsible ciuzans OF your
safe that certain Representatives OF the Federal Gov
eminent are setting up complaints 10 my act OF occupy
ing IT, and are making it pretenSe for ssizng other posi-
tons Upcn this course of proceeding have CON-
rrcut to make but am prepared to say that will
Withdraw the Confederate troops from kentucky pro-
vded that she will agree that the troops oil the Federal
G. 1vernmeut be withdrawn simultaneously, with guar
antee which will give Teciprocaly for the confederate
Government that the Federals shall not be allowed to
eater or occupy any point Of Kentucky in the future
have the honor to be you: obedent servant
Respectfully LEoSIDAs Polk,
Major General Commanding
PROCLAMATION or GEN. POLK AND CORPORATE AUrHoRI-
tbs OF COLUMBUS, KY.
The Federal Government bavng in dsfancs OF the
U,es Of the people Of Kentucky dsregsrded their
trsity by establishing camps and depots Of armies, and
by organizing military companies within their territory,
sud by constructing military work on the Missouri
saore Immediately opposite, and commanding Columbus,
evidently intended the aodng OF troops tor the
seizure Of that town II has become military necessity
for the defence of the territory OF the Confederate
ates that tie Confederate forces occupy Columbus In
ADVANCE. The N.jorGeneral commanding has, there
tore not felt himself liberty TO rick the loss Of so i'm
portan position but has decided to occupy it, In Iur-
.ance Of this decision he has thrown sufficient force
into the town. and ordered terrifying it. IL is gratifying
10 knoW that the presence OF his troops Is acceptable to
the people Of Columbus aud on this occasion they
item thst every precauton will be taken 10 insure their
qae the protection Of their property, with their person.
! al and corporate ghts.
Dated Columbus the fourth (4h) day of septeu Der,
1851 LEosIDAs Polk.