For the first time in the history of this Federal
Government, organized treason has manifested itself within several States of
the Union, and armed rebels are making war against it. The
Proclamation of the President of the United States tells of unlawful
combinations too powerful to be suppressed in the ordinary manner, and calls
for military forces to suppress such combinations, and to sustain him in
executing the laws. The treasures of the country must no longer be plundered;
the public property must be protected from aggressive violence; that already
seized, must be retaken, and the laws must be executed in every State of the
Union alike.
A demand made upon Wisconsin by the President of the United
States, for aid to sustain the Federal Arm, must meet with a prompt response.
One Regiment of the Militia of this State, will be required for immediate
service, and further services will be required as the exigencies of the
Government may demand. It is a time when, against the civil and religious
liberties of the people, and against the integrity of the Government of the
United States, parties and politicians and platforms must be as dust in the
balance. All good citizens, everywhere, must join in making common cause
against a common enemy.
Opportunities will be immediately offered to all existing
military companies, under the direction of the proper authorities of the State,
for enlistment to fill the demand of the Federal Government, and I hereby
invite the patriotic citizens of the State to enroll themselves into companies
of seventy-eight men each, and to advise the Executive of their readiness to be
mustered into service immediately. Detailed instructions will be furnished on
the acceptance of companies, and the commissioned officers of each regiment
will nominate their own field officers.
In times of public danger bad men grow bold and reckless.
The property of the citizen becomes unsafe, and both public and private rights
liable to be jeopardized. I enjoin upon all administrative and peace officers
within the State renewed vigilance in the maintenance and execution of the
laws, and in guarding against excesses leading to disorder among the people.
Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of
Wisconsin, this 16th day of April A. D. 1861.
By the Governor,
ALEX. W. RANDALL
L. P. Harvey, Secretary
of State,
SOURCE: Edwin Bentley Quiner, The Military History of Wisconsin, p.47
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