Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 2.
Frank Moore, Ed.

sir:--On the 8th instant, at Cincinnati, Ohio, I entered into an arrangement with Major-General G. B. McClellan, commander of the United States troops in the State north of the Ohio River, to the following effect:

The authorities of the State of Kentucky are to protect the United States property within the limits of the State, to enforce the laws of the United States, in accordance with the interpretations of the United States courts, as far as those laws may be applicable to Kentucky, and to enforce, with all the power of the State, our obligations of neutrality as against the Southern States, as long as the position we have assumed shall be respected by the United States.

Gen. McClellan stipulates that the territory of Kentucky shall be respected on the part of the United States, even though the Southern States should occupy it; but in the latter case he will call upon the authorities of Kentucky to remove the Southern forces from our territory. Should Kentucky fail to accomplish this object in a reasonable time, Gen. McClellan claims the same right of occupancy given to the Southern forces. I have stipulated in that case to advise him of the inability of Kentucky to comply with her obligations, and to invite him to dislodge the Southern forces. He stipulates that if he is successful in doing so, he will withdraw his forces from the territory of the State as soon as the Southern forces shall have been removed.

This, he assures me, is the policy which he will adopt towards Kentucky.

Should the Administration hereafter adopt a different policy he is to give me timely notice of the fact. Should the State of Kentucky hereafter assume a different attitude, he is in like manner to be advised of the fact.

The well-known character of Gen. McClellan is a sufficient guarantee for the fulfilment of every stipulation on his part.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

sir:--On the 11th inst., I advised Governor Harris, of Tennessee, of the agreement which has been entered into with Gen. McClellan, and of the purpose of Kentucky to carry out with the force at her disposal the neutral position which her Legislature and her people have assumed. He gave me every assurance that the territory of Kentucky would be respected by Tennessee and the Southern States; and that only in the event of an evident necessity, after the neutrality of Kentucky had been first violated by the United States forces, would any attempt be made to occupy any portion of her territory. His orders to the commanders of the Tennessee forces are peremptory.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

sir:--On the afternoon of the 12th instant I reached Union City, Tennessee, about twenty-six miles southeast of Columbus, Kentucky, in consequence of an exciting incident at Columbus, about noon of that day. I found that Tennessee troops, under command of Major-General G. J. Pillow, were making preparations to occupy Columbus in force, having been invited to do so by the Mayor of Columbus, who had represented to Gen. Pillow that the place was, in all probability, strongly occupied by the United States forces from Cairo.

On my representations of the position occupied by Kentucky, Gen. Pillow at once suspended his preparations for the advance movement of his troops, manifesting every disposition to respect the neutrality of our territory.

The highly excited state of the citizens of Columbus and vicinity, and the indiscretion of many of them, at every moment imperilling the peace of the Commonwealth, induced me to use the discretionary authority which you gave me to call into the field a small military force. I regard its presence in this section absolutely necessary to quiet the unhealthy excitement which exists, and to enforce the obligations which the State has undertaken to fulfil.

Enclosed you will find my letter of instructions to Col. Tilghman.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

sir:--The Commander-in-Chief directs that you call into the service of the State, as soon as practicable, six companies of the State Guard, four of infantry, one of artillery, and one of cavalry.

You will station these companies for the present in the vicinity of Columbus, Ky. Amongst these companies it is desirable that the company of Capt. Lyon be included, and if practicable, the company at Columbus.

You will assume the command of this force in person.

Its general object will be to carry out the obligation of neutrality which the State has assumed in the contest now impending on our borders.

Your attention will be specially directed towards restraining our own citizens from acts of lawless aggression; and, with this view, you will hold yourself under the direction of the judicial officers of the district. You will also give protection to all citizens who may claim it, and who may be threatened in their persons, property, or enjoyment of their civil rights.

You will direct Capt. Lyon to proceed at once to Columbus, to make the necessary preparations for the reception of the force. Camp equipage will be sent from Louisville.

You will be furnished hereafter with full instructions for your guidance.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,