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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