Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-10-23
Seward,s Circular.

The document addressed to Governor MoRGAN,
of New York, calls attention to the importance
of putting the ports and harbors upon the seas
and lakes in a condition of complete defense
Similar circulars were addressed to the Govern
ors of all the States ON the seaboard and lakes.
The circular was prompted 6rs the imminent dan
ger of foreign interference in behalf of the rebel
States, and which has been increased. the Secre-
tary of State evidently thinks by the recent de-
parture of two agents from the South. Messrs.
SLIDELL and Mason, to theoretically urge this
Intervention upon the leading European Powers.
The New York Tribune remarks upon the fears
of Mr. SEWARD that "ths idea of trouble from
abroad seems but another exhibition Of The furry
and panic which occasionally take hold of people
when long continued excitement and tension of the
nerves have made them extraordinarily sensitive, -
and thinks the matter should he left entirely with
Congress On the other hand the Herald warm
" approves the suggestions of the Secretary and
"hopes our Governors will take this matter in
hand Immediately. that our coast will be put in
position of defense, and that our militia will be
properly trained in the use of heavy sea coast
artillery" We are not yet advised as to the
recommendations of the Secretary of State
to the Governors of the border States. but
presume he advises them to take measures
likewise to put their southern borders in condi-
ton of complete defense against both foreign and
domestic foes. We append the circular as part
of the history of the times:
DEPAEo,mST or STATE, Washington, Oct IA, 1861
To HE Erce7eRcy, tie Goceraor Of the STATE or Aeic
York.
SIR: The present instruction had not even re
vealed itself in aims, when dsIoyal citizens has
tened to foreign countries to awake their inter
veution 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 sue
cess. 1t is not likely, however, thvt they will re-
main content with such refusals. Indeed, it is
understood that they are industiiousy endeavor-
ing to accomplish their disloyal purposes by de
grees and by indirecton Taking advantage of
the embarrassments of agriculture and manufac-
ture and commerce in foreign countries, resulting
from the Instruction they have inaugurated at
home, they seek to involve common country
in controversies with States, with which every
public interest and every interest Of mankind re-
quire that it shall remain in relations of peace,
amity and friendship. l able to state, for
your satisfaction, that the prospect for any such
disturbance is now less serious than it has been
at any previous period during the course of the
insurrecton. 1t is, nevertheless, necessary now,
as it has hitherto been. to take every precauti0n
that is possible to avoid the evils of foreign war,
to be superinduced upon those of civil commotion,
which we are endeavOriDg to cure.
| One of the most obvious of such precautions is
that our ports and harbors on the seas and lakes
should be put in position Jf complete defense,
for any nation may be said to voluntary incur
danger in tempestuous seasons when it fails To
show that il has sheltered itself on every side
from which the storm might possibly come
The measures WHICH the Executive can adopt
in this emergency are such only as Congress has
sanctioned, and for which L has provided
The President is putting forth the most dill
| gent efforts to execute these measures, and we
have the grett satisfaction of seeing that these
efforts seconded by the favor, aid and support
of loyal, patriotic and self sacrificing people are
rapidly bringing the military and naval forces of
the United States into the highest state of eff
cheney. But Congress chiefly absorbed du
ring its recent extra session with these me lsures
and did not "a Divide rs amply 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 activity to the
support and aid of the Federal Government in
us aftiuOuS Responsiveness. ne same diSpO-
stion has been manifested in degree emf
nently honorable by all the loyal States during
tie present. Instruction. In view of this fact
and relying upon the increase and continuance of
the same disposition the part of the loyal
States, the President has directed me to invite
your consideration to the subject of the improve
ment ami perfection of the deIenses of the State,
over W ich you preside, and to ask you to submit
the sab ect TO the consideration of the Legislature
when it shall have assembled. Such proceedings
| by the Stite would require only temporary use
of its means. The expenditures ought to be
made the subject of conference with the Federal
Government. Being thus made with the concur
renee 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 viii
direct the proper agents OF the Federal Govern
ment to confer with you, and to superintend. d.
rect and conduct the prosecution of the system of
defense of your State.
have the honor to be, sir,
| Your 0bedient ser'vt,
VIM H. SEWARD.
Democratic state Convention.