The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-05-03
Secretary Seward to Gov. Hicks.

On the 22d, MIR. Lincoln gave audience
to several Maryland delegations, whose
mission was to induce him to countermand
orders for the passage of troops through
that State. Of course be told them that
the capital must be defended, and that the
troops for that purpose must necessarily
cross Maryland. Governor Hicks, also,
the same day, presented communication,
asking for cessation of hostilities, and
reference of the national dispute to the Bri-
fish Minister for arbitrament. The Secre-
tary of State sent to this communication
the following reply:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, April y, 1861.
His Excellency THos. HICKS, Gov. of Maryland:
SIR:-I have had the honor to receive
YOUR communication of this morning, in
which you informed me that you have felt
it to be your duty to advise the President
of the United States to order elsewhere the
troops off Annapolis, and also that no more
be sent through Maryland +; and that you
have further suggested that Lord Lyons be
requested to act as mediator between the
contending parties in our country to prevent
the effusion of blood.
The President directs me to acknowledge
! the receipt of that communication, and to
assure lou that he has weighed the coun-
SEES Which it contains with the respect which
he Nj ually cherishes for the chief magis.
tt to Vi the several States, and especially
for yourself. He regrets, as deeply as any
magistrate or citizen of the country can,
the demonstrations against the safety of the
United States, with very extensive prepar-
ations for the etfusion of blood, have made
it his duty to call out the force to which
you allude.
The force now sought to be brought
through Maryland is intended for nothing
but the defense of this capital. The Presi-
dent has necessarily confded the choice of
the national highway which that force shall
take in coming to this city to the Lieuten>
ant General commanding the army of the
United States, who, like his only predeces-
sor, is not less distinguished or his human.
ity than for his loyalty, patri 'tism and dis
tinguished public service.
The President instructs me to add that
the national highway thus seec I'd by the
AltutCuduG OCuCiu uoo bSCu SboSSh ~ I'LL,
upon consultation with prominent magiS-
trates and citizens of Maryland, as the one
which, while route is absolutely necessary,
is further removed from the populous cities
of the State, and with the expectation that
it would therefore be the least Objectionable
one.
The President cannot but remember that
there has been time in the history of our
country when general of the American
Union, with forces designed for the defence
of its capital, was not unwelcOme anywhere
in the State of Maryland, and certainly not
at Annapolis, then, as now; the capital of
that patriotic State, and then, also, one OF
the capitals of the Union.
If eight years could have Obliterated all
other noble sentiments of that age in Mary
land, the President would be hopeful, new
ertheless, that there is one that would for
ever remain there and everywhere. That
sentiment is that 10 domestic contention
whatever that may arise among the parties
of this republic ought in any case to be re,
ferred to any foreign arbitrament, least OF
all to the arbtrament of an European Mon
archy.
have the honor to be, with distinguish
ed consideration, your Excellencys most
obedient servant.
WILLIAM II. SEWARD.