Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-05-08
NUMBER 80


10 reply TO my inquiries. the commanding officer
at CAIRO stated thas he was then acting and had been
acting under the orders Of the Governor OF Illinois,
but expected very soon to be acting under the au-
thority OF the United states that he bad made no
seizures of boats or property except under special
Instructions that arms ammunition belonging to
the State of Kentucky, in passing from a United
States arsenal would not be seized under the in
structions under which he then acted
asked If arms or ammunition, the propsrsy Of
citizens of Kentucky, and procured for their own
use would under his Instructions, be seized or de-
tanned at Cairo. he replied that they would net,
but qualed his reply BY stating, that would de-
pend upon the point to which they might be destI1-
ed if for instance they destined 10 Columbus,
in Kentucky he would not permit such property
to pass his post. He further qualified his answer
by remarking that he wished 70 be fully understood
snd that it would not be safeD for any large guam
titles of arms or ammunition, however des1ned, 70
attempt to pass his post. I&sked him. in reply, If
understood him to imply that the Governor of Hi
nols claimed the right 70 decide what citizens OF
Kentucky should and what citizens should not be
entitled to receive property which they had proyi-
ded for their own use?
he replied that no such claim was asserted but
that ne would seize such arms on the principle Of
sendefence claiming the right TO detain arms which
ne had reason to think would be used against him
sen. asked there was any reason to believe
that any hostile purpose was designed by the cie-
zens OF Columbus or its vicinity! He replied that
ne was sstsned such purpose was designed, both by
the citizens OF Columbus and persons from other
States cooperating with them; that his post had
been threatened from that quarter and that the cit
liens of that place had gone so far as to threaten
to prevent the trips Of the steamer which connect
ed that point with Cairo. Iasked II he had uetitIed
the authorities Of kentucky Of the hostile pnrpose
of its citizens, of the designs Of the citzsns OF
other States to her territory for aggressive pur
poses? He replied that he had not. suggested
that such course would be advisable before sdopt-
which he indicated; that the policy Of kentucky
was not to intermeddle with the affairs Of any Of
her neighbors; and that she felt competent to pre-
vent aggressons on her neighbOrs through her ter
ritory, if she were notified that such aggression
was designed; and that she did not recognizes the
right of other parties 70 pass through her terrific
res for the purpose Of redressng their grievances
against each other. He replied that the question Of
such a right would involve the discussion Of many
pOints;-tO which replied that the question As
between Kentucky and Illinois did not admit Of ar
gument; that the citizens Of Kentucky recognized
no authority IN the Governor of Illinois 70 invade
the jurisdiction Of Kentucky or to interfere with
the rights of her citizens.
futher assured the officer in command that
would visit Columbus, in order TO ascertain the
correctness of his information Ny letter 70 Col.
Prentiss herewith enclosed, will show that he
labored under an entire misrepresentation OF the
facts.
In conclusion. asked Col Prentiss if his in
structiOns contemplated the occupancy by his
forces of any part Of the soil Of Kentucky; to
which he replied, unhesitatingly, that they did
not.
am, sir, very respectfully, your ob't serv't,
5. B. BUcKNER, Inspector General.
To the Adj't Gen. of KY, Frankfort
CoLUlUUs, Ky, April 80 1861.
SIR: 1 have instituted proper inquiries at this
point in reference 20 the subject of our interview
yesterday. 1 assured you that / was of opinion
that your information IN regard to- any aggressive
purpose on your post or State from this point was
incorrect My inquiries amongst the citizens and
authorities confirm me in my opinion. No hostile
purpose has been attempted or conceived at this
pointer as far as the citizens here know, by the
people South of here with a view of directing il
through this point or any other part Of Kentucky
against any part Of Illinois.
Your information in reference to the proposed
stopping of the steamer Cheeny by the citizens Of
this place is equally Incorrect Their indignation
on that subject is confined entirely to what they
gard as an unauthorized detention of that steamer
under your authority at Cairo. 1t is 70 be regret
ted that you felt authorized such imperfect IN
formation 10 express to your purpose 20 prevent
the passage of any arms or ammunition which the
citizens Of this place or vicinity might wish pro
vide for their own use. Under the circumstances
such an act, when no aggressive purpose is even
meditated here would not even find It's justiie lton
in the plea of selfdefenee, which you urged, much
less in law justice that comfy which should ex
ist between neighbOring States.
have tie honor to be, very respectfully, your
obedient servant 5. B. BuCKNER,
Inspeetor-General of Kentucky.
To Col. PRESTIss, Commanding at Cairo, III.