The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1861-11-01
COAST DEFENCE.


Mr.. Seward has addressed the following
letter to the Governors OF all The States on
the Seaboard and lakes. 1t is an impor.
tant document.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WARHSGTos,
Oct IA, 1861. SIR The present in
surrection had not even revealed itself in
arms when disloyal citizens FASTENED to
foreign countries to awake their interven
ton for the overthrow of the Government
and the destruction of the Federal Union.
These agents are known 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 is under>
stood that they are industriously endeav-
oring to accomplish their disloyai purpo-
ses by degrees and indirection. Taking
advantage of the embarrassmeuts of agri-
culture and manufacture and commerce
in foreign countries, resulting from the in
surrection they have inaugurated at home
they seek to involve our common country
in controversies with States with which
every public interest and every interest of
mankind require that it shall remain in
relations ofpeace, amity, and friendship.
| am able to state. for your satisfaction,
that the prospect for any such disturbance
is row less serious than it has been at
any previous period during the course of
the insurrection. 1t is, nevertheless, nec>
essary now, as it hitherto has been, to
take every precaution that is possible to
avoid the evils of foreign war, to be super>
induced upon those of civil commotion,
which we are endeavoring to cure.
One Of the most obvious of such pre-
cautions is that our ports and harbors on
the seas and lakes should be put in con
dition of complete defense; Cor any Ia.
ton may be said to voluntarily incur
danger III tempestuous seasons when it
fails to show that it has sheltered itself on
every side from which the storm might
come.
The measures which the Executive can
adopt In this emergency are such only as
Congress has sanctioned, and for which it
has provided.
The President is putting forth the most
diligent efforts to execute these measures,
and we have the great satisfaction of see
ing that these efforts seconded by the ia
vor, aid and support of loyal, patriotic
aud self sacrificing people are rapidly bring
ing the military and naval forces Of the
United States into the highest state of ef-
ficiency, But Congress was chiefly alb.
sorbed during its recent extra session with
these measures and did not provide as am
ply as could be wished for the fertilization
of the sea and lake coasts. In previous
wars the loyal States have applied them
selves by Independent and separate activ-
ity to the support and aid of the Federal
Government in its arduous responsibilities
The same disposition has been manifested
in degree eminently honorable by all the
loyal States during the present Insured
ton. 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 consideration to the subject of
the Importance of perfecting the defenses
of the State, over which you preside, and
to ask you to submit the subject to the
consideration of the Legislature, when it
shall have assembled. Such proceedings
by the State would require only tempo
rary use of its means. The expenditures
ought to be made the subject of confer
ence with the Federal Government. Be-
ing thus made with the concurrence of the
Government for general defense, there is
every reason to believe that Congress
would sanction what the State should do,
and would provide for its reimbursement.
Should these suggestions be accepted, the
President will direct the proper agents of
the Federal Government to confer with
you, and to superintend, direct and con-
duct the prosecution of the system of de-
Tense of your State.
| have the honor to be, Sir, your obedi-
ent servant.
VIM TT SEWARD.