M'arthur Democrat. (McArthur, Vinton County, Ohio) 1853-1865, 1861-10-24

Ihe following important circular
las been sent to Gov. Morgan, and
similar ones to the Governors Of al!
the States or the seaboard and lakes:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
WASHINGTON, Oct. IA, 1861
To His Ereellency the GOre,nOruOt
the State Of Ne,O York:
SIR: The present insurection had
not even revealed itself in arms when
disloyal citizens hastened to foreign
countries to invoke their intervention
for the overthrow of the Government,
and the destruction of the National
Union. ThescIagcuts are knuwu to
have made their appeals TO some Of
the more important States without
success. 1t is not likely, however,
that they will remain content with
such refusals. Indeed, it lie under.
stood that they are industriously en-.
deavoring to accomplish their disloyal
purposes byldegrces and by ndirec-
ton. Taking advantage of tho em,
barrassments of agriculture, manu-.
factures end commerce in foreign
countries, resulting from the insnrrec-
tion they have inaugurated at home,
they seek to involve our common
country in controversies with every
interest of mankind require til at it
shall remain in relations Of peace,
arnity and friendship. | am able to
state for your satisfaction that the
prospect for any such disturbance is
now less serious than 1t has been at
any previous period during the course
Of the insurrection. 1t is, neverthe.
less, necessary now. as it has hitherto
been, to take every precaution that is
possible TO avoid the evils of q foreign
war, to be superinduced upon those Of
civil commotion, which we are en-
deavoring to cure.
One Of the most obvious Of such
precautions is, that our ports and har-
bols on the seas and lakes should be
put in q condition of complete defence,
for any nation may be said to invol-
unfairly incur danger in tempestuous
seasons when it fails to show that it
Las sheltered itself on every side
from which tho storm might possibly
come.
The measures which the Executive
can adopt in this emergency arc such
only as Congress has sanctioned, and
for which it has provided.
The Precedent is puttings forth the
most diligent efforts to execute these
measures, and we have the great sat.
isfaction Of seeing that these efforts
are seconded by the favor, aid and
support Of a'loyal, patriotic, and self.
sacrificing people, and are rapidly
bringing the military and naval fore,
es Of the United States into the high,
est State of efficiency. Bnt Congress
was chiefly absorbed during its recent
extra session with these measures, and
did not provide as amply as could be
wished for the fortification Of our sea
and lake coasts. In previous wars
the loyal States have applied them.
selves by independent aud separate
activity to the support and aid Of the
Federal Government in its arduous
responsibilities. The same disposi-
tion has been manifested il a degree
emiuently honorable by all the loyal
States during the present insurrection.
In view OF this fact, and relying
upon the increase and continuance of
the same disposition on the part of
the loyal States, the President has
directed me to invite your considera-
tion to tie subject Of the improvement
and perfection OF the defences Of the
State over which you preside, and to
ask you to submit the subject to the
consideration OF the Legislature, when
il shall have assembled. Such pro-
ceedings by the State would require
only a temporary use of its means.
The expenditures ought to be made
the subject Of conference with the
Federal Government. Being thus
rnade with the concurrence of the
Government for general defence, there
is every reason to believe that Con-
gress would sanction what the State
would do, and would provide for its
reimbursement. .....
Should these suggestions be accep.
ted, the President will direct the prop.
et agents OF the Federal Government
to coufer with you, and to superin.
tend, direct and conduct tie prosecu.
tion of the system of defence of your
State.
have the honor to be, sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Siunedl WIN II SEWARD