War Department, Washington City, August 15, 1863.
General, — Enclosed
herewith I send you, by the hands of Colonel Fry —
1. A proclamation by the President to be used by you in case
of any necessity arising for the employment of military force to overcome
unlawful combinations against the authority of the general Government in
executing the act of Congress to enroll and call out the National force. Of
this necessity you are authorized to be the judge; and, if it arises, you will
fill up the blanks and promulgate the proclamation. The original, with the great
seal, remains with the archives of the Government in the State Department.
2. A call upon the Governor of New York by the President
notifying him that the Militia are called forth, and requesting him to issue
orders to Major-general Sandford.
The use of this paper is left to your discretion. It has
occurred to the President that it may be proper and serviceable to put upon
Governor Seymour a call for assistance, and let him render it, or shoulder the
responsibility of refusing. It is not supposed that this call is essential to
the authority of the President, or that the assent or obedience of Governor
Seymour affects the right or power of the President to issue an order to
General Sandford directly. But it may be an expedient courtesy, of which you
are to judge, and which you should have the means of employing, if you think
proper.
A blank is left for you to fill up with the State of New
York, or any specific districts, as the case may require, and also a blank for
date to be filled.
3. An order by the President upon General Sandford to report
to you.
The date, and also the blank for State or specific
districts, are to be filled up by you.
You will be apprised by the Provost-marshal General what
re-enforcements will be sent forward. He will confer with you. Any farther aid
or direction you may require will, on notice, be given, if in the power of the
Government. In your energy, courage, and discretion the utmost confidence is
placed by the Government.
Yours truly,
Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War.
Major-general Dix
SOURCE: Morgan Dix, Memoirs of John Adams Dix,
Volume 2, p. 86-7
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