Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood to S. R. Ingham, September 13, 1862

COMMISSION.
Executive Office,
Des Moines, Sept. 13, 1862.
S. R. Ingham, Esq.

Sir:—You are intrusted with the organization of the forces provided by law for the defense of the northwestern frontier, and with furnishing them with subsistence and forage during and after their organization, also with the posting of the troops raised at such points as are best calculated to effect the object proposed, until the election of the officer who will command the entire force, and generally with the execution of the orders of this date in connection with this force.

It is impossible to foresee the contingencies that may arise, rendering necessary a change in these orders, or the prompt exercise of the powers not therein contained, and delay for the purpose of consulting me might result disastrously. In order to avoid these results as far as possible, I hereby confer upon you all the powers I myself have in this regard. You may change, alter, modify or add to the orders named, as in your sound discretion you may deem best. You may make such other and further orders as the exigencies of the case may in your judgment render necessary. In short, you may do all things necessary for the protection of the frontier as fully as I could do if I were present and did the same.

The first object is the security of the frontier; the second that this object be effected as economically as is consistent with its prompt and certain attainment.

All officers and citizens are enjoined to co-operate with you and yield to you the same assistance and obedience they would to me, and 1 hereby ratify and confirm all you may do in the premises.
And you are fully authorized to employ any person or persons whom in your judgment you may deem necessary to assist you in the execution of your commission.

Very respectfully your obedient servant,
SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD.

SOURCE: Henry Warren Lathrop, The Life and Times of Samuel J. Kirkwood, Iowa's War Governor, p. 174

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