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

To correct misrepresentation arid prevent all misunderstanding of my opinions and intentions in reference to the military trust confided to me by the Government of Missouri, I desire to state to you and to the people generally that my past and present position as a private citizen, as a member of our State convention, and as a military commander, and my influence, have been exerted to prevent the transfer of the seat of war from the Atlantic States to our own State. Having taken no steps towards dissolving our connection with the Federal Government there was no reason whatever for disturbing the peace and tranquillity of Missouri. I have, therefore, desired, and such I am authorized to say has been, and still is, the desire of the Chief Executive, under whose orders I acted, that the people of Missouri should exercise the right to choose their own position in any contest which might be forced upon them, unaided by any military force whatever. Their right to bear arms in defence of themselves and of their State cannot be questioned, secured, as it is, both by the Constitution of the United States and of this State. For the purpose, therefore, of securing to the people of Missouri a free exercise of their undoubted rights, and with a view to preserve peace and order throughout the State, an agreement has been entered into between General Harney and myself, which I consider alike honorable to both parties and Governments represented. The Federal Government, however, has thought proper to remove Gen. Harney from the command of the Department of the West, but as the successor of Gen. Harney will certainly consider himself and his Government in honor bound to carry out this agreement in good faith, I feel assured that his removal should give no cause of uneasiness to our citizens for the security of their liberties and property. I intend, on my part, to adhere both in its spirit and to the letter. The rumor in circulation, that it is the intention of the officers now in command of this Department to disarm those of our citizens who do not agree in opinion with the Administration at Washington, and put arms in the hands of those who in some localities of this State are supposed to sympathize with the views of the Federal Government, are, I trust, unfounded. The purpose of such a movement could not be misunderstood, and it would not only be a violation of the agreement referred to, and an equally plain violation of our constitutional right, but a gross indignity to the citizens of the State, which would be resisted to the last extremity.

My wish and hope is, that the people of the State of Missouri be permitted in peace and security to decide upon their future course, and so far as my abilities can effect this object, it shall be accomplished.

The people of Missouri cannot be forced, under the terrors of a military invasion, into a position not of their free choice.

A million of such people as the citizens of Missouri were never yet subjugated, and, if attempted, let no apprehensions be entertained of the result. I enjoin upon you, gentlemen, to see that all citizens, of whatever opinions in politics or religion, be protected in their persons and property.