Smith, Edmund Kirby, 1824-1893 [Proclamation urging Kentuckians to support the Confederacy]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02502 Author/Creator: Smith, Edmund Kirby, 1824-1893 Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph document signed Date: August 1862 - 9 October 1862 Pagination: 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.
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