Monday, September 1, 2014

Proclamation of Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood, September 10, 1861

PROCLAMATION.

FELLOW CITIZENS OF IOWA: – More soldiers are required for the war.  I therefore appeal to your patriotism to complete at once the quota demanded of our State.  Six regiments of infantry and two of cavalry, composed of your friends, your neighbors and your relatives, are now in the field.  Three more regiments of infantry and two of cavalry, composed of the same precious materials, are now in camp nearly organized, and eager to join their brothers in arms who have preceded them, and still four more regiments are required.  Will you permit these patriots who have gone forth animated with the spirit of their cause, to remain unsupported, and to fight alone the battles that are imminent?  Remember that they will not fight for themselves alone; it is for your cause as well as theirs in which they are engaged.  It is the cause of the Government, of home, of country, of freedom, of humanity, of God himself.  It is in this righteous cause that I call upon the manhood and patriotism of the State for a cordial and hearty response.

The gallant achievements of our noble Iowa First, have bestowed upon our State an imperishable renown.  Wherever fortitude is appreciated, and valor recognized as the attributes of a brave and greathearted people, the Iowa volunteer is greeted with pride and applause.  Shall it be said that you were unworthy the great deeds which were done in your behalf by that regiment of heroes, that you were laggard in the noble work which they so well begun?  Shall the fair fame of the State which they have raised to the highest point of greatness, lose its luster through your backwardness to the call of your country, made in the holiest cause that has ever engaged the efforts of a people? With you rests the responsibility. Men alone are wanted. Arms, equipments, liberal pay, the applause and gratitude of a Nation await the volunteers.  I cannot believe you will prove insufficient for the occasion when you know your country's need. Two regiments of those yet needed, are required for the defense of our own borders against the incursion of predatory tribes of Indians. While our loyal armies have been engaged with civilized traitors in a deadly struggle for the supremacy of the Government, the maintenance of the Constitution, the enforcement of the laws, and the protection of innocent and defenseless citizens, our own borders have become exposed to the ravages of savages. Some of the lawless tribes are now in league with the leaders of the rebellion in Arkansas and Missouri. Others have been incited by them to seize this opportunity to prey upon the defenseless inhabitants of our State. Some of our sparsely settled counties imperatively demand protection, and they must have it.

Four regiments in addition to those now organizing are needed. They must be had speedily. I hope for the good name of our State they will be furnished without resort to any other mode than that heretofore so successfully adopted. Let those who cannot volunteer lend encouragement and assistance to those who can. Let everyone feel that there is no more important work to be done until these regiments are filled.

SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD

SOURCE: Henry Warren Lathrop, The Life and Times of Samuel J. Kirkwood, Iowa's War Governor, p. 161-2

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