Smith, Edmund K. (1824-1893) [Proclamation urging Kentuckians to support the Confederacy]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02502 Author/Creator: Smith, Edmund K. (1824-1893) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph document signed Date: August 1862 - 9 October 1862 Pagination: 2 p. ; 28 x 13 cm. + 1 engraving ; b&w ; 23.4 x 15.7 cm + 1 engraving ; b&w ; 22 x 12.6 cm Order a Copy
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.
Kentuckians: The Army of the Confederate States has again entered your territory under my command
Let no one make you believe we come as invaders, to coerce your will, or to exercise control over your soil. Far from it. The principle we maintain is, that Government derives it just power from the consent of the Governed.
I shall enforce the strictest discipline in order that the property of citizens & non-combatants may be protected. I shall be compelled to procure subsistence for my troops among you, [2] and this shall be paid for.
Kentuckians: We come not as invadors, but liberators. We invoke the spirit of your resolutions of 1798. We come to arouse you from the lethargy which enshrouds your free thought and forbodes the political death of your state.
We come to test the truth of what we believe to be a foul aspersion, that Kentuckians willingly join the attempt to subjugate and to deprive us of our property, our liberty and our dearest rights.
We come to strike off the chains which are rivited upon you. We call upon you to unite your arms & join with us in hurling back from our fair & sunny plains the Northern hordes who would deprive us of our liberty, that they may enjoy our substance.
Are we deceived? Can you treat us as enemies? Our hearts answer no
E. Kirby Smith
Maj Gen U. S. A.
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