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

Citizens: I have been appointed by the commanding general command rof this place, with the view to extend my authority over Cole and the adjacent counties, in order to preserve the peace and tranquillity of all citizens, and assist the authorities in the maintenance of the Government and of the Union, the enforcement of the constitutional laws of the country.

By the precipitate flight of Gov. C. F. Jackson and others, you have been left without State authority and without a government. This state of things would have produced lawlessness and anarchy and all their consequent evils. It has therefore been deemed necessary to supply this lack by appointing a commander of this place, having surveillance over the city and its vicinity. I therefore call upon the city authorities, as well as the authorities of this county, to continue the legal exercise of their official duties, and I will be always ready to lend them my assistance for the enforcement of the constitutional laws of the country. I do not wish to interfere with their official business, neither do I intend to meddle with the private business of the citizens. Your personal safety will be protected and your property will be respected. Slave property will not be interfered with by any part of my command, nor will slaves be allowed to enter my lines without written authority from their masters; and notwithstanding we are in times of war, I shall endeavor to execute my instructions with moderation and forbearance, and at the same time shall not suffer the least attempt to destroy the Union and its Government by the performance of any unlawful act. I shall prosecute and deliver up to the proper authorities all traitors and their accomplices, aiders, and abettors.

I call upon all friends of the Union, and upon all good citizens, to form themselves into companies of Home Guards for the protection of the Union ; to arm themselves and to drill. I will be very glad to have them, as far as possible, instructed by my officers, and to contribute with all my power to their military education. Every citizen who has business with the commander of the place, or intends to bring some complaint before him, will have free access to my Headquarters from 10 to 12 o'clock.

All my soldiers will observe the strictest discipline, and I hope that the support of all good citizens will enable me to keep this city and vicinity in perfect peace and order, and to keep far from them the terror and devastation of the war.