Year: 1861

matter of future security, happiness, safety and independencee-or as question of dollars and cents I am unable to perceive that the slave-holding States by adherlng to the old Union will consult their own interests, immediate or prospective.

 In expressing to you these views, never theless, I wish it to be understood by al! means, that offer them in all respect to the sentiments entertained by other citizens who see the matter in different light; and I avail myself of this occasion to say to you and to the people of Ar kansas, a majority of whom have chosen me as their Governor, that whatever your deliberations may result in, whether to secede or to adhere to the Union, shall be executed by all the powers of the gov ernment. subject to my command. can not dismiss the subject, however, without urging the propriety of submitting any ordinance that may be passed to the final action of the people by direct vote. Their voice is omnipotent and ought to De con suited upon so important an event-the majority must rule, for their decision is the law. And if there is another wish that l may be permitted to express, 1t IS, that the people of Arkansas, my native land, and the land of my fathers, may unite Tn one common verdict and build up a living rampart of freemen, united in one sentl- ment, eschewing all geographical distinc- tions-seeking one common destiny now and forever.

 It is not unbecoming l presume that l should narrate hastily the recent events connected with the surrender of the United States arsenal at this place: In November last, almost immediately supervenlng my inauguration, troop of sixty United States artillery was marched from the borders of Kansas, where their services were more needed, to the Little Rock Arsenal. Such thing was unprecedented, and believed that they were sent here, contem- plating the action of the southern States, touching the propriety and rights of seces- sion. Imust frankly admit that this move- ment aroused my suspicious and met my unqualified disapprobation, for knew full well that their presence would prove con stant source of irritation, and in this l was not mistaken. The States of Louisiana and Mississippi, having declared their in- dependence of the general government early in January, and necessarily putting themselves by armed occupation in det- ance of hostile invasion by the Mississippi riyer.-citizens of Arkansas on the border of that stream became sensible of the i'm minent peril that they were in if collis- sion ensued. Every device was by them immediately adopted to procure arms at their own cost for their defence. The sup ply at the North proved to be inadequate to the demand from the southern States restrictions were laid and impedments of tered by northern people against the trans portation of arms South, and none could be obtained. 4a.at

 ,s In this State of insecurity public meet inc was held in the town of Helena, express ing the opinion that it was my duty as Governor of the State to take the Arsenal at Little Rock, offering 300 men to join in the enterprise. responded by tele- graph. as had received the intelligence, that nv position was, that the arms in the Arsenal should neither be removed nor de- stroyed, nor would permit the fort to be reinforced by federal troops. Considering 4 re-enforcement in the heart of the State Tn time of profound peace as tantamount to declaration of war, but until one or the other of these events occurred l should not need the services tendered by the people ot Philips county. Various rumors subse- auent to this, seemingly we'll authenticated, reached me that United States troops were on their way to Little Rock to reinforce the Arsenal Feeling that if permitted this to be done without making an effort to prevent it that should belacking ID duty. and being anxious to avoid the necessity of coming in collision with the federal authorities whilst the State was yet in the Union, addressed communication to Capt. Totten, commanding the Arsenal. to tho purport that l could not consent ths. the munitions of war under his command should be removed. or destroyed, or that the post should be reinforced by additional troops-adding. that any assurances that he might be able to give me touching the ohssYx.nea of thess three points would