Today in History:

288 Series I Volume IV- Serial 4 - Operations in the South and West

Page 288(Official Records Volume 4)  


OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP.XII.

"Resolved by the general assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, That his excellency Governor Magoffin be, and he is hereby, instructed to inform those concerned that Kentucky excepts the Confederate or Tennessee troops to be withdrawn from her soil unconditionally."

RESOLUTION.

Whereas kentucky has been invalid by the forces of the so-called Confederate States, and the commanders of the forces so invaliding the State have insolently prescribed the conditions upon which they will withdraw, thus insulting the dignity of the State by demanding terms to which Kentucky cannot listen without dishonor: Therefore, Resolved, That the invaders must be expelled.

Inasmuch as there are now in Kentucky Federal troops assembled for the purpose of preserving the tranquillity of the State and of defending and protecting the people of Kentucky in the peaceful enjoyment of their lives and property: It is Resolved, That General Robert Anderson, a native Kentuckian, who has been appointed to the command of the department of Cumberland, be requested to take instant command, with authority and power from this Commonwealth to call out a volunteer force in Kentucky for the purpose of repelling the invaders from our soil.

Resolved, That, in using the means which duty and honor require shall be used to expel the invaders from the soil of Kentucky, no citizen shall be molested on account of his political opinions; that no citizen's property shall be taken or confiscated because of such opinion, nor shall any slave be set free by any military commander; and that all peaceable citizens who remain at home and attend to their private business, until legally called into the public service, as well as their families, are entitled to and shall receive the fullest protection of the government in the enjoyment of their lives, their liberties, and their property.

Resolved, That his excellency the governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky be requested to give all the aid in his power to accomplish the end desired by these resolutions, and that he issue his proclamation calling out the militia of the State, and that he place the same under the command of General Thomas L. Crittenden.

Resolved, That the patriotism of every Kentuckian is invoked and is confidently relied upon to give active aid in the defense of the Commonwealth.

ENACTMENT.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, That as the soil of the State of Kentucky has been invaded by armed forces acting under the authority of the so-called Confederate States, therefore, for the purpose of repelling said invasion, the governor of the State of Kentucky is hereby directed to issue his proclamation, calling out not less than forty thousand soldiers, residents and citizens of Kentucky, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, to be mustered into the service of this Commonwealth for any term of service not less than twelve months nor more than three years from the time they were mustered into service, unless sooner discharged.

2. That the governor be, and he is hereby, authorized, in order to raise said force, to accept of the services of any volunteer companies who shall within three months from the date of his proclamation tender their services; and be shall commission for that purpose all officers duly elected by the companies aforesaid, necessary and proper for the command of such volunteers.

3. That all volunteer officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates, whose service may be tendered and accepted under the provisions of this act, shall be mustered into service at such places of rendezvous in the Congressional district in which they shall volunteer as the general in the field shall appoint by his order; and when so mustered into service, shall be then and there entitled to receive in advance one month's pay, to be taken and considered as part of their pay.

4. That the forces to be raised and organized, as provided for by this act, shall, when mustered into service, be under the command of the general commanding the State forces in the field.

5. That the governor be also authorized to accept the services of fifteen hundred men, in addition to the forty thousand men provided for by this act, one thousand to be used as sharpshooters and scouts, and five hundred to be used as horseman and scouts, they furnishing their own horses: Provided, That no person shall be accepted in this arm of the service unless his skill and capacity have been tested by the general in command or such officer as he may detail for that purpose: And provided also, That such person shall receive five dollars per month of extra pay.

6. That each horseman for the service of his horse shall receive five dollars per month; and in case his horse is killed by the enemy, he shall be paid the value of the horse, not exceeding one hundred and fifty dollars.

7. That the commanding in the field may organize individuals who tender themselves into companies, and such companies as may tender themselves into squadrons, battalions