Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 3.
Frank Moore, Ed.

Kentuckians: Called by the Legislature of this, my native State, I hereby assume command of this Department. I come to enforce, not to make laws, and, God willing, to protect your property and your lives. The enemies of the country have dared to invade our soil. Kentucky is in danger. She has vainly striven to keep peace with her neighbors. Our State is now invaded by those who professed to be her friends, but who now seek to conquer her. No true son of Kentucky can longer hesitate as to his duty to his State and country. The invaders must and, God willing, will be expelled. The leader of the hostile forces, who now approaches, is, I regret to say, a Kentuckian, making war on Kentucky and Kentuckians. Let all past differences of opinion be overlooked. Every one who now rallies to the support of our Union and our State is a friend. Rally, then, my countrymen, around the flag our fathers loved, and which has shielded us so long. I call you to arms for self-defence, and for the protection of all that is dear to freemen. Let us trust in God and do our duty as did our fathers.

By the authority which you yourselves have appointed you are called upon to defend your State. Misguided countrymen whom you loved too well to fight, despite their wrongs to you, waging unnatural war, have tarnished the bright fame of Kentucky; and for the first time since your sires bequeathed you this noble State, its soil is polluted by the tread of hostile armies.

I will not impugn the patriotism and courage of my countrymen by supposing that any appeal, however eloquent, could so rouse them to energy and prompt action as this simple statement.

But to the State Guard I must add a word. [146] Now is your opportunity to wipe out every reproach that has been put upon you. You owe it not only to your duty as men and citizens, but to that solemn obligation of soldiers which you cannot forget without dishonor, to respond at once to this call.

The State Guard will rendezvous as soon as possible at Louisville and report to me. The residue of the militia and such of the Home Guard as choose to volunteer will rendezvous as soon as possible at Louisville, Frankfort, Camp Dick Robinson, General Sherman's camp, New Haven, and Henderson.

Come in battalions, regiments, companies, or come as individuals, and you shall be mustered into service under pay at once.