Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1861-10-19

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eDEPxRFMKNr or SrATE,l =
WAsHINeroN, Oct. IA, 1861. S. I
40 His ETesIlsacy, The GeDenr 81 ------' i3I
Sn: The pfessnt insnrrection had not even
revealed itself in arms when dialoyal citizens
hastehed 10 foreign countries teinvoke their In.
tervention for the overthrow of tho Govern.
ment and the destruction Of the Federal Union.
These agents are known to have made their ap
peals to some of the more important States
without success. II is not likely, however, that
they will remain content with such refusals.--
Indeed 1t 10 understood that they are industri-
ously endeavoring TO accomplish their disloyai
purposes by degrees and by indirection, TAX
ing advantage Of the embarrassments Of agri-
culture, manufacture and commerce In foreign
countries, resulting from the insurrection they
have inaugurated ct home, they seek to involve
our common country in controversies with
States with which every public interest and ey-
cry interest Of mankind require that II shall re-.
main In relations Of peace, amity and friend
| chip. am able TO state for your satisfaction
that the prospect for any such disturbance is
| now less serious than II has been at any previ-
GUS period during the course Of the insurrection.
II 10, nevertheless, necessary now, as It has
hitherto been, to take every precaution that is
possible to avoid the evils of foreign war, to be
superinduced upon those Of civil commotion
which we are endeavoring to cure. n
One Of the most obvious of such precautions
is that our ports and harbors on the seas and
lakes should be put In a condition OF complete
defense, for any nation may be said to volunta-
rily incur danger In tempestuous seasons when
10 fails to show that 1t has sheltered itself on
every side from which the storm might possibly
come e t
The measures which the Executive can adopt
10 this emergency are such only as Congress has
sanctioned, and for which it has provided.
The President is putting forth the most dill
gent efforts TO execute these measures, and we
have the great satisfaction Of seeing that these
efforts are seconded by the favor, aid and sup
port of loyal, patriotic and selfsacrifcing peo-
pie, who are rapidly bringing the military and
naval force of the United States into the high.
est state Of efficiency. Bot Congress was
chiefly absorbed during it's recent extra session
with those measures, and did not provide as
amply as could be wished for the forti6cation
Of our sea and lake coasts. In previous wars
the loyal States have applied themselves by in.
dependent and separate activity to the support
and aid Of the Federal Government in its aTdu-
GUS responsibilities, The same disposition has
been manifested in degree eminently honora.
BILE BY all the loyal States during the present
.3
In view of this fact, and relying upon the in
crease and continuance of the same disposition
On the part Of the loyal States, the President
has directed me to invite your consideration to
he subject Of the improvement and perfection
,f the defenses of the State over which you
preside, and to ask you to submit the subject to
he consideration Of the Legislature when 1t |
hall have assembled. Such proceedings by the
State would require only a temporary use Of its
means 20 .'t |
The expenditures ought to be made the sub |
ect Of conference with the Federal Government. |
Being thus made, with the concurrence Of the |
Government, for general defense, there is every
'eason to believe that Congress would sanction |
What the State should dc, and would provide |
or its reimbursement.
Should these suggestions be accepted, the
President will direct the proper agents Of the
Government to confer with you, and to super
nteud, direct and conduct the prosecution Of the
ystem of defense Of your State.
uit Ihave the honor to be, sir,
Your obedient servant,
-n 80 w. H. SEWARD. !