Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-09-07
Correspondence between GOV. maEorIn

A@CALlStou N.Y. CtusesHtWs
GOV. MAGoFFTN TO Nh. LINCOLN.
COMMONWEALTH OF KEETUCKY, !
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
FRAsKFoRT, August 10, 1861.
To his Eroelsney, A5raham Lincoln, President of tn
United States:
SIR From the commencement of the unhappy
hostilies now pending in this country, the people
of Kentucky have indicated an earnest desire and
purpose, as far as lay in their power, while main
tanning their original political status to do nothing
by which to involve them in the war; up to this
time they have succeeded in securing to themselves
and to the State peace and tranquility the fruits
of the policy they adopted. My single object now
is to promote the continuance of these blessings to
the people of this State.
Until within brief period the people of Ken
lucky were quiet and tranquil, free from domestic
strife and undisturbed by fraternal eommotion.
They have resisted no law, Febelled against no
authority engaged n no revolution, but constantly
proclaimed their firm determination to pursue their
peaceful ayocatiOns earnestly hoping that their ewn
soil would b. spared the presence of armed troops,
and that the scene Of conflict would be kept remov
ed beyond the border of their State. By thus avoid
ing all occasions for the introduction of bodies Of
armed soldiers, and offering prOvOcstiOn for the
presence of military force, the people of Kentucky
have sincerely strYen to preserve in their State do
nestle peace and avert the cslamities of sanguina
~ engagements. 81
Recently large body of soldiers have been en-
military camps IN the central portion OF Kentucky.
This movement was preceded BY the active OrganI-
Zotion of companies, regiments &c, consisting of
men sworn into thu United States service, under
officers holding commissions iron yourself. Ord
nance, arms, munitions and supplies of war are be-
ing transported into the State and placed in large
quantities in these camps. IL a word, an army IS
being organized ynd quartered within the State
supplied with all the appliances of war, without the
consent advice Of the authorities of the State,
al
known and recognized as loyal citizens. This move
ment now impeFis that peace and tranquility 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, occasion for the presence of military force.
The people are quiet and tranquil feeling no appre
henson of any occasion arising to invoke protection
from the FederRarm. They have asked that their ter
rtory be left free from military occupation, andthe
present tranquility Of their communication left I'M
invaded by soldiers They do not desire that Ken
lucky shall be required to supply the battlefield
for the eontending armies or become the theater OF
the war.
Now, therefore, as Governor of the State of Ken
lucky, and in the name of the people hsEe the
honor to represent and with the single and earnest
desire to avert from their peaceful homes the hor
rors of war, urge the removal from the limits of
Kentucky the military force now organized and IN
camp within the State. If such action as is hereby
urged be promptly taken, firmly believe the peace
of the people of Kentucky will be preserved, and
the horrors of bloody war will be averted from
people now peaceful and tranquil.
am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. MAGoFFTS.
NR LNC0LE's REPLY.
WASHINGTON, D. c., Aug. "a, 1861.
To His ErceHency, B. MGgeiH, Governor of The State
of Kentucky:
L.
surge the remoUaI rsn The limits Of kentucky Of The
military force noD organized and IN camp loatiR said
Hde,D is received.
may not possess full and precisely accurate
knowledge upon this subject; butt believe it is true
that there is military force in camp within Ken
lucky, acting by authority of the United States,
which force Is not very large and is not now being
also believe that some arms have been furnish /
ed to this force by the United States.