October 19, 1861---My Old Kentucky Home

OCTOBER 19, 1861:  

General William “Bull” Nelson U.S.A. issues a proclamation to Rebels in his command region, asking them in good conscience to lay down their arms. It reads in part:

To the People of Northeastern Kentucky, now in Arms Against their National and State Governments:

 FELLOW-CITIZENS: You have assembled together in arms against your Government, against your State, your neighbors, and, in some instances, your nearest relative, without any cause, or any object that is worthy of brave and good men. What has your country done that you should rise against it, or what good will it do you to murder the people, burn and pillage the towns, and overthrow the Constitution and laws of Kentucky? …Doubtless many of you have been misled by wicked and desperate men, bankrupt in fame and fortune, who hope to profit by the ruin of the Commonwealth…To all the people, therefore, who have without due reflection taken up arms against their country, and rebelled against both their Nation and their Slate, I say: Return home, lay down your arms, live in peace and friendship with your neighbors, and remember that at least you are Kentuckians. I promise that you shall not be molested, either in person or property, for what you have already done. On the contrary, I will protect you equally with all other citizens so long as you render obedience to those laws which you yourselves have made. I offer you a complete amnesty for what has past;…As your fellow-citizen and a native of your State, I urge this offer upon you; should you reject it, the enlightened world, as well as the laws of your country, will hold you alone responsible for the shedding of fraternal blood.