Head-quarters,
Department of the East, New York City,
July 30, 1863.
His Excellency Horatio Seymour, Governor of the State of
New York:
sir,—As the
draft under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1863, for enrolling and calling out
the National forces, will probably be resumed in this city at an early day, I
am desirous of knowing whether the military power of the State may be relied on
to enforce the execution of the law, in case of forcible resistance to it. I am
very anxious that there should be perfect harmony of action between the Federal
Government and that of the State of New York; and if, under your authority to
see the laws faithfully executed, I can feel assured that the act referred to
will be enforced, I need not ask the War Department to put at my disposal for
the purpose troops in the service of the United States. I am the more unwilling
to make such a request, as they could not be withdrawn in any considerable
number from the field without prolonging the war and giving aid and
encouragement to the enemies of the Union at the very moment when our successes
promise, with a vigorous effort, the speedy suppression of the rebellion.
I have the honor to
be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
John A. Dix, Major-general.
SOURCE: Morgan Dix, Memoirs of John Adams Dix,
Volume 2, p. 77-8
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