The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1861-06-06
Affairs Ina Missouri.
Headquarters, MISSOURI STATE GUARD, !
JEFFERSON CITY, June f. {

JEFFERSON CITY, June 4. !
To the BrigG1i,r Generals, commanding The
scUeTal Military Districts in Missouri
To correct MISREPRESENTATION, and pre-
vent all Misunderstanding of my opinions
and intentions, in reference to the military
trust confded to me by the Governor of
Missouri, l desire to state to you and to the
people generally, my past and present po-
sition. As a private citizen, and a mem
Der Of the State Convention, and, as a mil
itary Commander, my influence has been
exerted to prevent the transfer of the seat
of war from the Atlantic States to our own
State. Having taken no steps towards dis
solving our connection with the Federal
Government, there was no pretext " hatev-
er for disturbing the peace and tranquility
of Missouri. I have, therefore, desired, and
such I am authorized to say has been and
still is the desire of the Chief Executive,
under whose orders have acted, that the
people Of Missouri should exercise the right
10 choose their own position in any contest
which might be forced upon them, unaided
by any military force whatever. Their
right to bear arms in defence Of themselves
and Of the State, cannot be questioned; Sc
cured as it is by both the Constitution of
the United States and of this State.
For the purpose, therefore, of securing to
the people of Missouri the free exercise of
! their undoubted rights, and with view to
preserve peace and order throughout the
state an agreement was entered into be-
tween General Harvey and myself which
considered alike honorable to both parties
and the governments which we represented
The Federal Government, however, has
thought proper to remove General Harvey
from the command of the Department of
the West, but as the successor of General
Harvey will certainly consider himself and
his Government in honor bound to carry
out this agreement in good faith, feel as
sured that his removal should give no cause
of uneasiness TO our citizens for the security
of their liberties and property. I intend,
on my part, to adhere to it, both in its
spirit and to the letter. The rumors in cir
culation that it is the intention of the Off
GERS now in command of this Department to
disarm those of our citizens who do not
! agree in opinion with the administration at
Washir gton, and to put arms in the hands
of those who in some localities of this state
are supposed to sympathise with the views
of the Federal Government, are, | trust, IN
founded.
The purpose of such a movement could
not be misunderstood. 1t would not only
| be palpable violation of the agreement re-
ferred to. and an equally plain violation of
their constitutional rights, but a gross in
dignity to the citizens of this State which
would be resisted to the last extremity.
Ny wish and hope is, that the people Of
Missouri may be permitted in peace and
security to decide upon their future course,
and so far ms my abilities can affect it, this
object shall be accomplished. The people
of Missouri cannot be forced, under the ter
rors of a military invasion, into position
not of their free choice. A million of such
people as the citizens of Missouri were new
er yet subjugated. If attempted, let no ap-
prehensions be entertained of the result.
enjoin it on you, gentlemen, to see that
all citizens Of whatever opinions in politics
or religion be protected in their persons and
property. (Signedl
STERLING PRICE.