Abraham Lincoln - The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln-VOL. VII (Chap. 2.122) lyrics

From Secretary Stanton To Governor Seymour. War Department, Washington, July 5, 1864. HIS EXCELLENCY HORATIO SEYMOUR, Governor of New York, Albany: The President directs me to inform you that a rebel force, variously estimated at from fifteen to twenty thousand men, have invaded the State of Maryland, and have taken Martinsburg and Harper's Ferry, and are threatening other points; that the public safety requires him to call upon the State executives for a militia force to repel this invasion. He therefore directs me to call on you for a militia force of twelve thousand men from your State to serve not more than one hundred days, and to request that you will with the utmost despatch forward the troops to Washington by rail or steamboat as may be most expeditious. Please favor me with an answer at your earliest convenience. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.