SEPTEMBER 7, 1861:
A
Confederate standoff: The
pro-Confederate Governor, Beriah Magoffin, and the pro-Union Legislature of
Kentucky order Leonidas Polk’s Confederate army to leave the State. Polk replies
that it is “of greatest importance” to remain.
The Confederate Governor of
Tennessee, Isham Harris, foreseeing battle in his own State, advises Polk’s
subordinate General Gideon Pillow (whom Harris had appointed to command) to
leave Kentucky. Polk orders Pillow to hold his position.
A bitter dispute
erupts: Does Polk, a “national” General, have the authority to countermand a
State governor’s orders to a “State” General?
While questions of command are
debated, Federal General Grant tightens his hold on Cairo, Illinois and
Paducah, Kentucky and prepares his next moves. Not for nothing has it been said
that “the Confederacy died of States’ Rights.”
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