Smith, Edmund Kirby, 1824-1893 [Proclamation urging Kentuckians to support the Confederacy]

Online access and copy requests are not available for this item. You may request to be notified of when this becomes available digitally.

Notify me when this becomes available

GLC#
GLC02502
Type
Documents
Date
August 1862 - 9 October 1862
Author/Creator
Smith, Edmund Kirby, 1824-1893
Title
[Proclamation urging Kentuckians to support the Confederacy]
Place Written
s.l.
Pagination
Primary time period
Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861-1877
Sub-Era
The American Civil War

Proclamation that urges residents of Kentucky to support the invading Confederate Army. Smith tells Kentuckians that his troops "come not as invadors, but liberators...to strike off the chains which are being riveted upon you." Promises a just government, protection of private property, fair treatment. Calls on Kentucky to "unite your arms & join with us in hurling back...the Northern hordes who would deprive us of our liberty." Believes Kentucky would never "willingly join in the attempt to subjugate and to deprive us of our property, our liberty and our dearest rights...Are we deceived? Can you treat us as enemies? Our hearts answer no."
When the invasion of Kentucky began in August, Smith was a Major General, but on 9 October 1862 he was promoted to Lieutenant General. Since he signs here as a Major General, the document was most likely written between the start of the invasion and October 9. However, this speech became popular in Kentucky, and Smith may have written later copies.
2 black and white bust engravings of Smith included.

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources