Thomas B. Monroe, Jr. to Beriah Magoffin

KYR-0001-023-0075.xml

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Accession Number

KYR-0001-023-0075

Document Genre

Correspondence

Repository

Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives

Collection

Office of the Governor, Beriah Magoffin: Governor's Official Correspondence File, 1859-1862

Item Location

MG1-275 to MG1-276

Place of Creation

Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky

Date of Creation

7 August 1861

Dates Mentioned

1861-08-07

Thomas B. Monroe, Jr. to Beriah Magoffin, 7 August 1861, Office of the Governor, Beriah Magoffin: Governor's Official Correspondence File, 1859-1862, MG1-275 to MG1-276, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, KY. Accessed via the Civil War Governors of Kentucky Digital Documentary Edition, discovery.civilwargovernors.org/document/KYR-0001-023-0075, (accessed December 21, 2024).

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Frankfort. Aug 7. 1861
Dear Governor.

I enclose an important letter from Gov Harris, which may require an answer if not other attentino.

We are probably defeated in the State, but from local indications I feel more hopeful of the state than at any time since the Legislature adjourned There are unmistakable signs of a revolution in popular feeling which might to be at once seized upon -- In this District (except Franklin Co, in which you know local exertion will account for the exception) not only have the Union majorities been largely reduced but the Union candidates were liberally forced upon our platform. Ward in Woodford, Buckner in Fayette, Clay in Bourbon, Burnam in Madison, all repudiated their M. Cs. opposed com[...], pledged themselves not to vote [...] and denounced the war while old Robinson moderated, dodged squirmed and retracted. All these would have been certainly [...] had thy stood out fair upon the "men & many propositions" -- I tell you sir the demand of the Fed. Govmn^t upon Ky. for taxes will revolutionize Kentucky -- This is most disgraceful to our people that their avarice should drive them to a position which
honor demanded thy should have first [answered]. But the fact is so and we ought to press our cause now. Now my object in all this is to make this suggestion, our friends ought to regard the canvass as not just commenced They ought to hold public meetings in all the counties, our speaker ought to go upon the stump and our newpapers redouble their exertions -- I begged Beck (whose defeat is a real victory) to let me publish in yesterday a list of appointments for him -- He feared that such a movement by him would be ascribed to sore ness in his defeat, that some others ought to lead off and he would join in and speak whenever & wherever he was wanted He concurred with me that we ought to continue the canvass of the State and work like [...]. Cant we initiate a simultaneous movement throughout the state, call our speakers out, hold county meetings, instruct the Legislature &c. I tell you good speeches will play the devil with the Union cause. Beck and Clay literally tore the party open. I never saw such effect attending political speeches -- If we can get the facts well presented to the people we will revolutionize the sentiments of the State -- If we could get up a concerted movement throughout the state, get all our
friends enlisted and at work the result will be glorious. I believe if Beck could be heard over Kentucky he would effect an enormous change. Our cause in the hands of an able & decent speaker is absolutely [...]. Our friends so far from being dispirited are encouraged -- For Gods sake let us all try once more to rescue old Ky from the abyss of dishonor & degradation into which she is about to be plunged.

These suggestions are based upon local indications. I am of course without returned from the state and may be mistaken We have no news here. All you are well in the office.

Very Truly Yr
Tho B. Monroe Jr.

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