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[461]

In other words: Gov. Burton called for an organization of the Militia of Delaware, not in obedience to the requisition of the President, nor in support of the integrity and authority of the Union, but to be wielded by himself, as circumstances should eventually dictate. And, in consistency with this, neither the Governor nor tile great body of his political adherents rendered any aid or encouragement whatever to the Government down to the close of his official life, which happily terminated with the year 1862.

Gov. Hicks, of Maryland, made at first no direct, but several indirect, responses to the President's call. He issued, on the 18th, a Proclamation, assuring the people of Maryland of his desire to preserve “the honor and integrity of the State,” and to maintain “within her limits, that peace so earnestly desired by all good citizens.” lie exhorted them to “abstain from all heated controversy upon the subject,” and pledged them that “all powers vested in the Governor will be strenuously exerted to preserve the peace and maintain inviolable the honor and integrity of Maryland;” adding his assurance that “no troops will be sent from Maryland, unless it may be for the defense of the National capital” --that being the express purpose for which the President had required them. Finally, this model Southern Unionist apprised them that

The people of this State will, in a short time, have the opportunity afforded them, in a special election for Members of the Congress of the United States, to express their devotion to the Union, or their desire to see it broken up.

In other words: Maryland might, at any time, relieve herself of all her engagements and obligations to her sister States in the Union by giving a Disunion majority on her vote for Members of Congress! Surely, no Secessionist could go further or ask more than that! Yet this was the response of the only Governor of a Slave State who had claimed votes for his party in the late Presidential canvass on the ground of its especial and unflinching devotion to “the Union, the Constitution, and the enforcement of the laws.”

Mayor Brown, of Baltimore — being thoroughly in the confidence as well as the interest of the Disunionists — was but too happy to indorse and reiterate these sentiments. In a Proclamation of even date with tile foregoing, he “heartily concurs” in the Governor's views aforesaid, “and will earnestly cooperate with his efforts to maintain peace and order in the city of Baltimore;” but he more especially approves and takes delight in the Governor's assurance that “no troops shall be sent from Maryland to the soil of any other State.” Of course, he responds to the Governor's suggestion that, at the approaching election, the people of Maryland may vote themselves out of the Union, if a majority shall see fit to do so. He is sure that, if the Governor's counsels shall be heeded, “the storm of war which now threatens the country will, at least, pass over our beloved State and leave it unharmed; but, if they shall be disregarded, a fearful and fratricidal strife may at once burst forth in our midst.”

These hints and covert menaces were destined to receive a prompt and tragical explication.

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