Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-10-25
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,

lakes:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Washington, Oct. I6, 1851.
To his KrceleHcy the Governor Of The STATE Of Ee1
York:
SIR: The present insurreotion had not even re
vealed itself in when disoyal citizens hssteneC
to foreign countries TO invoke their Intervention fol
the overthrow Of the Government, and the destTuc
ton Of the National Union. These SCENTS are known
TO have made their appeals TO some OF the more
important States, without success Il j. not likely
however, that they will remain content with
such refusals. Indeed, it is understood that they
are industriously endeGvori1g TO accomplish their
disloyal purposes by degrees and by indirection
Taking advantage of the embarrassments Of agricul
ture, manufactures and commerce in fcreign cOul-
tries resulting from the insurreCtan they hsve nsu
sursted at home, they seek 70 involve cur common
country in controversies with States with which
every pubic interest and every interest of man
kind require that il shall remain in relations Of
peace amity and friendship. sm ALE TO state for
your satisfaction that the prospect Of any such dis
lurbance is less serious than has been at any
previous period during the course Of the insurree
ton 1t is, nevertheless, necessary now, il has
hitherto been, TO take every prec1EOn that IS pos
sible to avoid the evils Of foreign var, 70 be SUI
perinduced upon those Of civil connection, which
we endeavOriEg TO cure.
One of the most obvious Of such precautions is,
that our posts and harbors on the seas and lakes
suOulU De put III CONQltlJI VI compute uElCuCcg
for any nation may be said TO invoiuotarily incur
danger in tempes:uOus seasons when itials TO show
thstit has sheltered itself every side from which
the storm might possibly come.
The measures which the Executive can adopt in
this emergency are such only as Congress has sane
toned, and for which it has provided
The Preside Is putting forth tie most diligelt
efforts to execute these measures, and we have the
great satIfaction of seeing that these Efforts are
seconded by the favor, aid and support Of loyal,
patriotic and seifsscrdcing people and are rapidly
bringing the military and naval forces of the Uni
ted States into the highest state Of efficiency
But Congress was chiefly absorbed during It's
recent extra session with these measures, and did
no: provide Rs amply as could be wished for the
fortfcRtion of our and lake coasts. In qrcvi0ss
wars the loyal States have applied themselves BY
and separate activity to the support
and aid of the Federal GoveF1meus in Ia srduous
responsibilities. The same disposition has been
manifested in q degree eminenuy honorable by al
the loyal States during the present insurTect.ol.
In view OF this fact, and relying upon the lrc-ca7e
and continuance OF the same disposition on the
part of the loyal States the President has directed
me 10 invite yOurconsideretion 70 the subject OF the
improvement and perfection Of the defenCes Of the
State over which you preside, snd 70 ask you TO
submit the subject TO the consideration OF the Leg
stature, whsn It shall have assembled. Such pro
ceediugs by q State would squire c-iy temporary
use Of its means.
The expenditures ought 70 be made the sUfjsc
Of conference with the Federal Government. B-Iag
thus made with the concurrence of the Government
for general defence there Is every reason 20 believe
that Congress would sanction what the state would
do, and would provide for Its reimbursement.
Should these suggestions be accepted toe President
will direct the proper SCENTS OF the Fsisrsl Cow
eminent 70 confer with you end 10 suDcriotsnd, d.
rect ard conduct the prosecution OF TIE system Of
defence of your State.
l have the honor 10 be, air, your OFT sery's,
WILLIAM Il. SETAzD.