PROCLAMATION.
Whereas, The President of the United States has made a
requisition on the Executive of the State of Iowa for one regiment of militia,
to aid the Federal Government in enforcing its laws and suppressing rebellion.
Now therefore I, Samuel J. Kirkwood, Governor of the State of Iowa, do issue
this proclamation and hereby call upon the militia of this State immediately to
form, in the different counties volunteer companies, with the view of entering
the active military service of the United States for the purpose aforesaid. The
regiment at present required will consist of ten companies of at least
seventy-eight men each, one captain and two lieutenants to be elected by each
company.
Under the present requisition only one regiment can be
accepted, and the companies accepted must hold themselves in readiness for duty
by the 20th of May next at farthest. If a sufficient number of companies are
tendered, their service maybe required. If more companies are formed and
reported than can be received under the present call, their services will be
required in the event of another requisition upon this State. The nation is in
peril. A fearful attempt is being made to overthrow the Constitution and
dissolve the Union. The aid of every loyal citizen is invoked to sustain the
General Government.
For the honor of our State let the requirement of the
President be cheerfully and promptly met.
SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD
Iowa City, April 17, A. D. 1861.
SOURCE: Henry Warren Lathrop, The Life and Times of Samuel J. Kirkwood, p. 114
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