Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 1.
Frank Moore, Ed.

Whereas existing exigencies demand immediate and adequate measures for the protection of the financial condition of this Territory, on account of the insurrectionary combinations existing in the States, I, L. W. Bliss, Acting Governor of Jefferson Territory, do hereby forbid the transmission by the people of this Territory, under any pretext whatever, to the Government of the United States, or to any of the States thereof, any money, bills, drafts, gold dust, or other things of value, either in payment of any debt now due, or hereafter to become due, or for or on account of any other cause whatever, until the termination of hostilities. In the mean time, however, the citizens of Jefferson Territory are invited to pay the amount of their indebtedness to the citizens of the United States, so fast as it becomes due, into the Treasury of the Territory, where it will remain on deposit till the close of hostilities. These deposits will be charged ten per cent. per annum, and the faith, credit, and public property of the whole Territory are pledged for their security. As we have thus far maintained a neutral position with regard to the difficulties now pending, I would counsel a moderate course. Let our action be on the defensive only; and for the better defence of the Territory, I would advise the arming of the Arrapahoes and other tribes of friendly Indians. In the mean time I earnestly invoke the cooperation of all good citizens in the measures hereby adopted for the successful retention of valuables in this Territory, and to secure happiness and prosperity throughout our country.

Done at Denver, this 21st day of May, A. D. 1861.