Year: 1861

In the progress OF events, THIS WICKED and un-
natural rebellion, having for its object the over
throw of our Government, and the subversion of
our institutions, has extended into our neighbor-
ing State Of Kentucky. On several occasions
within the last few months the people Of Ken
tueky, by overwhelming majorities, have declared
their loyalty to the Union, and their determina-
ton to adhere to the Constitution. There is,
however, within her borders, desperate and fac
tious minority who are determined, at all hazards.
to plunge the State into revolution and all the
horrors Of civil war


To this end they have inaugurated a reign
terror, and throwing off all restraints of law pro-
claim war Of destruction and desolation against
the lives and properties of ali loyal and Union
loving citizens.


In this atrocious attempt TO coerce loyal State
into rebellion, they are aided by large bodies of
armed men from Tennessee and other seeding
States. These rebel troops have entered the
land Gap, from the southwest, occupying Colum
bus and other points, but chiefly from the drec
ton Of Nashville toward Louisville. seizing and
holding the Nashville and Louisville Railroad up
to within forty miles of Louisville. A glance at
the msp will show the immense importance Of
the;r position, and the advantages they have
gained. From their camps south Of Louisville
they can communicate by railroad with every
seeding State but two; and can thus transport to
their aid, in few hours, men and munitions Of
war, from every part of the South. Is is the de-
termination of the invaders and conspirators to
subjugate the loyal people of Kentucky, and
seize for plunder and vengeance the wealthy and
populous cities on the border of Ohio and Indi-
ana


1t should require no argument or appeal now
to arouse the people of Indiana to put forth all
their strength. When our State was in her in
fancy, the brave men of Kentucky came to the
rescue of our people from the scalping knife of
the savage. and their blood is mingled with our
soil on many field. And shall we not stand by
Kentucky now, in her hour of perill Not to do
SO, were base ingratitude and criminal folly. We
can best defend Indiana by repelling the invader
from Kentucky, and carrying the war thence to





Indiana has already done as well as any other
loyal State, and better than many. Her troops
are to be found in every camp from the Potomac
to the Missouri, and wherever their valor has been
put to the test they have been found equal to the
occasion. But because other States have not done
their whole duty, it would be worse than madness
for to refuse to do even more than ours to
out this rebellion and bring about the speedy res
toration of the Union, and peace with all its
blessings. We have done mnch, but we can do
more, and the sooner it is done, the quicker the
conflict will be ended. There is no curse like
that of a lingering war. If, with the immense
superiority in wealth, population and resources of
the loyal States, their power was promptly ex-
erted in anything like an equal ratio with the
efforts made in the seeding States, this rebellion
would be speedily extinguished Let Indiana set
the glorious example of doing her whole duty and
show to the world how much can be accomplish
ed by the brave and loyal people of a single
State.


To this we are prompted by every considera
ton of hope, interest, and affection. all that we
are, all that We hope to be- is in issue. Our canse
is the holiest for which arms were erer taken in
volving as it does, the existence of our Govern.
ment, and all that is valuable and dear to a free
people.


| If other considerations are required than those
of duty and devotion to our cause, they may be
| found in the fact that the war has reached our
own borders, and that if the energy and insolence
of the rebels are not promptly met and punished
our own soil is rot secure from pollution by an
army of traitors.


therefore call upon all men capable of bear
ing arms, and who can leave their homes, to cast
aside their ordinary pursuits and enroll themselves
in the ranks of the army. Let the farmer leave
his plow, the merchant his store, the mechanic
his workshop, the banker his exchange, and the
professional man his Office, and devote themselves
to their country, and by enrolling themselves
either in the services of the General Government,
or under the military law of the State, be pre-.
pared to defend their country and their homes
Every man in the State capable of bearing arms
should be in the service of the General Govern.
ment or the State. Let personal ease and private
interests submit to the overruling necessities Of
the hour. and let us show to the world by the
sacrifices we are willing to make in person and
property. that we are worthy Of our sres, and de.
serve to retain the inheritance they have be-
queathed TO us.


| Upon those who remain at home, would urge
the solemn duty of making provision for the fam
lo, of those M ho ba "a or ms herea flor enar thf
army. The soldier in the field should have the
sweet assurance that his wife and children. and
all who are dependent upon his labor for living
would be provided with sufficient food and cloth
ing. Such an assurance would nerve his arm in
the hour of battle and enable him to bear witt
cheerfulness the hardships and privations of I
soldiers life 1t would be lasting disgrace tc
our people if the family of any soldier should
want for bread Or raiment while our country i
full to overfowing with the necessaries of life.
! In a time like this, we should give freely of ou
substance for the relief of those whose husbands
fathers and brothers are periling their lives il
battle. s 20 ~ ..sta


L therefore earnestly recommend that ever,
town, township and neighborhood take eficien
and systematic steps for the accomplishment o.
this purpose. aif O.P. MORTON,


October /. 1861. Governor of Indiana.
| prank. Biair,s Letter to Postmaster


The following is the letter of Col. BLAIR to hi
brother, the Postmaster General, which accasion
ed the arrest of the former by Gen. FRxxosr fo