Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-09-08

In eOnscientiously taking such a view Of the
Presidents rule have not intended to be dislcyal
TO orr State or Federal Government. have refused
obedianee 20 only one demand made on me By the
Federal auhorsies and in it that have been sustain
cd by the people of Kentucky and BY the Consutu-
ton Of my country The people have sustained me in
my recommendation against coercion, IN my recommend
alton + Senator Crittendens amendments 20 the Con
sttuiTn as settlement of cur national dlf1culties,
ayaust the occupation Of our soil by Federal mil
itsrY force. in favor Of peace and neutrality, and
oc Voting men and money to srm the State. And
now, dressing myself 70 the Representatives OF
the people OF Kentucky, | protest, in their name
and presence, in the name of Constitutional liberty,
and in presence Of Hsaven and eErth, against
ai and every Of Ghe Preside ats usurp2tons, and
unconstitutional and illegal acts and protest, fur
thermore, against the further prosecution Of war
pFoessedly for the object Of restoring tie Govern
lDent object utterly impossible OF attainment by
such Insane means "a war Of coercion; and pro-
test, moreover agalnat Kentucky being made
camping ground, or the pathway for the movement
Of forces by either belligefents, and re-
commend earnestly to the General Assem-
biy the prompt passage Of resolutions re
curing both belligerents to keep OF our
l, aGd respect IL good faith the neutrality which
the people OF Kentucky, with unexsmpled unsnimi-
ty Ia good faitl lesre 20 preserve. The ValoF and
fortt1de Of the Southern people ere underrstej Oy
those VINO imagine that they can be subjected to
terms OF humilisting submission by any military
maintain in the field l. is my opinion, therefore,
that the General Assembly of Kentucky ought to
declare by solemn resolution, that this war ought
70 be instantly stopped. If It is not, our people,
already oppressed BY taxation. viii be bankrupted,
cur markets destroyed, our trade ruined our fields
ravsged, every home made desolate and in mourn
Ing; AID after the expenditure OF al our treasure
and the less of million Of lives In the vain effort
20 sub|ugats the South the beligereut5 at last will
be compelled TO negotiate 3 peace, the people and
nki1Fo1 Eavi1u hslv7 harh osia on1f to
last hope Of liberty extinguished 1t is the policy
OF Kentucky to take no part IN it. She should keep
firmly her present position ef neutrality, and When
opportunity offers, q mediator, present terms of
peace and of settlement alike honorable to both of
the cOntending parties.
submit the whole matter TO the wisdom Of your
counses. The peace, position, character and honor
of the State are your keeping. The people Of the
whole Commonwealth are looking to you for pro
lection. The minority have right to the enjoyment
Of heir political opinions well the majority.
You are aware of the responsibilities that Geyolye
upon you. i have confidence the expectations Of
the p2ople viii be realized. have confidence there
will be unity of purpose and unsnmty Of action on
your part. implore you, in the attainment OF this
all important end TO eontide 10 each Other-t0 eul-
tVate relations of a closer fFiendship-te counsel
each other sfeetio1ately-to interchange your
views eO0lly respectfully, and frankly as becomes
brothers who have the same great interests and pa
tri0tlc purposes in view, laying aside all party
- s0 - S@A @i-- - AOut u ONA nA9
tory
1t is my dnty to execute all constitutional laws of
the Commonwealth, and no matter what may be my
opinions IL regard to their wisdom my respect for
States rights, States sovereignty, and the will OF
a majority of the people, IS such as to make
me acquIesce in their decision, and bow in re-
specttUl submission TO that will as long as
/ am a citizen Of Kentucky. Iexpect to follow her
fortunes through veal or woe, whether my eoun-
sells preVsfs or ros-counseling moderation, forbesr
anee, ana the cultivation of friendly relations among
those or opposite opinions. To the accomplishment
OF this end and to keep the peace among our people
all nay efforts, which have heretofore been success
full. viii be directed.
Preparations ara being made to prosecute the war
on the most gigantic scale If it continues it viii be
the most irightful of all civil wars that has ever
baekened the history Of the world. and must end il
bankruptcy, anarchy and ruin. Already our once
prosperous and happy people are beginning 70 feel
severely the burdens of taxation, and realize its de-
moraizing effect upon themselves. The laws are
being dsregarded-a fendish spirit Is being engen>
dered even between brothers and members and
members Of the family-sll, every thing, indicating
that II must end, even if the present purposes of
the Government are finally accomplished, IN the
destruction of all the material interests of the
country, in the total decentralization of our people,
anu in the overthrow of our present sylte of gov
eminent.
To preserve peace at home, and to avert this sad
calamity will co operate with you G1ost earnestly
and cheerfuily in any just measure your wisdom
may suggest. B. MAGOFFN