"April 15, 1861
President Abraham Lincoln calls for 75,000 troops.
WHEREAS, The laws of the United States have been and are opposed in several States by combinations too powerful to be suppressed in the ordinary way, I therefore call for the militia of the several States of the Union, to the aggregate number of 75,000, to uppress said combination and execute the laws. I appeal to all loyal citizens to facilitate and aid this effort, and maintain the laws and integrity of the National Union and the perpetuity of popular government, and redress wrongs long endured. The first service assigned will probably be to repossess the forts, places and property which have been seized from the Union. The utmost care will be taken, consistent with the object, to avoid devastation, destruction or interference of peaceful citizens in any part of the country; and I hereby command the persons composing the aforesaid combinations to disperse within twenty days from this date. I hereby convene both Houses of Congress for the 4th of July next, to determine upon such measures as the public safety and interest may demand."
He was so trying to avoid blood shed. All the parties in rebellion had to do was give back the property and assets that they illeagally seized by the end of April 1861 and everything would be all right again if I am reading his proclaimation correct. Was he mistaken perhaps in assuming that the laws of the US were being opposed and I am missing that some how.
Frank