The people of this State desire to be free from the
presence of the soldiers of either belligerent, and to that end
my efforts are now directed.
"Although I have no reason to presume that the Government of the
Confederate States contemplate or have ever proposed any
violation of the neutral attitude thus assumed by Kentucky,
there seems to be some uneasiness felt among the people of some
portion of the State, occasioned by the collection of bodies of
troops along their southern frontier. In order to quiet this
apprehension, and to secure to the people their cherished object
of peace, this communication is to present these facts and
elicit an authoritative assurance that the Government of the
Confederate States will continue to respect and observe the
position indicated as assumed by Kentucky.
"Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
"B. Magoffin."
"Richmond, _August 28, 1861._
"To Hon. B. Magoffin, _Governor of Kentucky, etc._
"Sir: I have received your letter informing me that 'since the
commencement of the unhappy difficulties pending in the country,
the people of Kentucky have indicated a steadfast desire to
maintain a position of strict neutrality between the belligerent
parties.' In the same communication you express your desire to
elicit 'an authoritative assurance that the Government of the
Confederate States will continue to respect and observe the
neutral position of Kentucky.
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