Kentucky Declaration of Neutrality

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The declaration of neutrality of Kentucky ( english Kentucky Declaration of Neutrality ) was a resolution of the Kentucky General Assembly , by the Kentucky House of Representatives on 16 May and Kentucky Senate was adopted on 20 May. 1861 In this, the US state of Kentucky officially declared itself neutral in the American Civil War . It followed about a month after the then Governor Beriah Magoffin refused to provide troops for the Union army at the request of US President Abraham Lincoln . A little later, Magoffin had also rejected a similar request from Confederate War Minister Leroy Pope Walker . With the resolution, the State Assembly tried to prevent the state from becoming a battlefield between northern and southern states . Both sides respected Kentucky neutrality until September 4, 1861 , although their troops were stationed at the borders and forts were built there. It ended when Confederate forces invaded state territory on the orders of General Leonidas Polk under Gideon Johnson Pillow and occupied the city of Columbus .

Text of the declaration

Kentucky House of Representatives - Committee on Federal Relations
Resolution of Neutrality, May 16, 1861

Considering the deplorable condition of the country and for which the State of Kentucky is in no way responsible, and looking to the best means of preserving the internal peace and securing the lives, liberty, and property of the citizens of the State; Therefore,

Resolved, by the House of Representatives, that this State and the citizens thereof should take no part in the civil war now being waged, except as mediators and friends to the belligerent parties; and that Kentucky should, during the contest, occupy the position of strict neutrality.

Resolved, that the act of the governor in refusing to furnish troops or military force upon the call of the executive authority of the United States under existing circumstances is approved.

" Kentucky House of Representatives - Committee on Federal Relations
neutrality resolution, May 16, 1861

In view of the deplorable state of the country for which the state of Kentucky is in no way responsible, and in view of the best way to inner peace ensure and life, To protect the freedom and property of the citizens of Kentucky, it is hereby:

Resolved (by the House of Representatives) that this state and its citizens should not participate in the civil war now being waged, except as mediators and friends of the parties involved; and that Kentucky should take a stand of strict neutrality during the conflict.

Resolved that the governor's acts of refusing to provide troops or military personnel at the request of the federal executive be endorsed under the circumstances. "

literature

  • Col. J. Stoddard Johnston: Kentucky in Confederate Military History , Vol. 9, ed. by Thomas Yoseloff, New York 1962, pp. 22-23.
  • Jack T. Hutchinson, Cincinnati Civil War Round Table: Bluegrass and Mountain Laurel: The Story of Kentucky in the Civil War.

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