Robert Anderson to Abraham Lincoln, May 19, 1861

    Source citation
    Robert Anderson to Abraham Lincoln, May 19, 1861, Cincinnati, OH, Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress, http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/alhtml/malhome.html.
    Type
    Letter
    Date Certainty
    Exact
    Transcriber
    Transcribed by the Lincoln Studies Center, Knox College, Galesburg, IL
    Adapted by Don Sailer, Dickinson College
    Transcription date
    The following transcript has been adapted from the Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress.

    Cincinnati Ohio
    May 19. 1861

    Dear Sir:
    I had the pleasure to receive yesterday your letter of the 14th inst. introducing Mr. Joshua F. Speed and giving me instructions about issuing arms to our friends in Ky-- I will carefully attend to the performance of that duty--

    Mr Speed and other gentlemen for whom he will vouch viz. Hon Jas Guthrie Garrett Davis & Chas. A. Marshall, advise that I should not, at present, have any thing to do with the raising of troops in Ky-- The Committee, charged with that matter, will go on with the organization and arming of the Home Guard, which they will see is composed of reliable men.

    Many of our friends think that it would be advisable for me to take command of New Port Barracks. I am now here ostensibly recruiting my health, and they think that as the order detailing me for duty at New Port was issued before the commencement of the present excitement, my assuming command would not add to that excitement and that it would strengthen the Union party -- and, probably do a great deal of good--

    I need not assure you that I will cheerfully perform any duty which will be of any service to the cause of our beloved Union--

    I am, Sir
    With high regard &c

    Yours respy,
    Robert Anderson
    Col. USA

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