Gov. Harris to Gov. Magoffin.
Executive Department,
From the date of the proclamation of your Excellency, declaring the neutrality of Kentucky, it has been the settled policy of the authorities of Tennessee to respect Kentucky as a neutral power, and to carefully avoid all acts that could be construed into a violation of any of her rights as such. This policy has been adhered to with perfect fidelity, and will be adhered to by Tennessee as long as the people of Kentucky will act the part of neutrals, and the Federal Government respect their neutrality. But it is proper that I call the attention of your Excellency to the fact that each day brings its accumulation of evidence, forcing me to the conclusion that the Federal Government is organizing military companies, battalions, and regiments in the State of Kentucky, for avowed purposes of invading Tennessee and transporting arms to some of her rebellious citizens, thus aiding and encouraging the rebellion. It requires no argument to prove to your Excellency that this is a gross and palpable violation of the principle of neutrality which Kentucky has declared she would maintain, and which I doubt not, it is the purpose of your Excellency to maintain fully and in good faith. I therefore call the attention of your Excellency to the matter, feeling assured that your Excellency will institute such investigations as will develop whatever action as is being taken within your State, and take such steps as will prevent any organization in Kentucky, for the purpose of aiding or abetting the Federal Government in this wicked war that it wages for the purpose of crushing and subjugating the Southern States. I have the honor to be.
Very respectfully, yours, &c.,
Isham G. Harris.
Isham G. Harris.