The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-04-29

no rights Of either section. We have been loyal to
the Union. The unhappy contest between the two
sections has not been tOmented or encouraged by
Us, although we have suffered from it in the past.
The impending war has not come by any act or
any wish of ours. We have done all we could to
avert it. We have hoped that Maryland and the
other border slave States, by their conservative
position and love for the Union, might have
acted as mediators between the extremes of
both sections, and thus have prevented the
terrible evils of a prolonged civil war. Enter
tanning these views, l cannot counsel Maryland
TO take sides against the General Government,
untli 1t shall commit outrages upon us which would
Justify US in resisting its authority. As
quence, Lean give no other counsel than that
shall array ourselves for Union and peace, and
tnus preserve soil from being polluted with the
blood OF brethren. Thus, if war must be between
tue North and the South, we may force the
tending parties to transfer the field of battle from
our soil, so that our lives and property may be
cure 1t seems tC me that independently Of all
olher considerations, geographical position
forces US to this, unless are willing to see our
state the theatre Of a long and bloody civil war,
ana the consequent utter destruction of every ma
terlai interest OF our people to nothing of the
Dinou OF brave men and innocent women and chill
dren, which will cry out from our soil for VEN
geance upon US if we fail to do all that in lies to
avert the impending calamity.
ne course | suggest has all the while been the
sole groundwork of my policy. But for the excite
inent prevailing among people during the past
few days, believe the object have kept steadily
IN view during my administration would have been
consummated. lfit has failed, have the full con
sclousness that, throughout the whole of my ha-
RAISING and painful incumbency of the Gubernato-
RAJ Chair, have labnred honestly and faithfully
LOT the peace, the safety, and the eress of Mary
land and for our common country. This conscious
ness mas fully sustained me in all my troubles, and
has enabled me to endure patiently all the cruel
unmerlted and heartlesS attacks that have been
made upon my integrity. l have also comfort in
the conviction that my policy has been sustained
rTAfa f,ft tha,N
has transpired since the recent lamentable occur
reuces within our State has shaken that conviction
a momentary frantic excitement took the place of
reason and good Judgment, and men for the time
threw aside all prudent thoughts of the future in
the burning desire to avenge what they considered
wrongs.
submit my suggestions to your wisdom; and |
appeal to you, not only as devoted citizens of Mary
land, but husbands and fathers, to allow that
prudence and Christaniike temper so honorable to
all men, to guide your cUuusels; and implore you
not to be swayed by the passions which seem to be
so lully aroused in midst to do what the gene
rations to come after US shall ever deplore.
In conclusion, gentlemen, ask your indulgence
II have omitted to present to you any other mat
ter OF interest III connection with the important
SUBJECT which you are summoned to consider. The
short time | have had in which to prepare this
communication, and the turmoil and excitement
around me, may have caused omissions; if So they
they will be promptly supplied when indicated
by you.
CORRESPONDENTS WITH THE AU-
THORITIES Al WASHINGTON.
WAR DEPARTMENT.
April l7th 1861.
HIS ErcelIency Thos. H. Hicks Governor of Maryiqad
DEAR SIR:-!he President has referred to me your let
ter Of this day, and, in reply have the honor say
that the troops to be raised in Maryland will needed
for the defense OF the Capitol and Of the public property
that State and neighborhQod There is no intention of
removing them beyond those points,
Very Respectfully,
CT r,,, Cocf,,o T-,.