The Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress
Joseph Holt to Abraham Lincoln, Saturday, March 09, 1861 (Shipment of munitions to seceded states cannot be prevented)
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Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress. Transcribed and Annotated by the Lincoln Studies Center, Knox College. Galesburg, Illinois.
Joseph Holt to Abraham Lincoln, Saturday, March 09, 1861 (Shipment of munitions to seceded states cannot be prevented)
From Joseph Holt to Abraham Lincoln, March 9, 1861
War Department
March 9th 1861
Sir.
In reference to the Telegraphic dispatch just submitted for my consideration, I have the honor to state that under existing laws, this Department has no power, -- nor has the government any -- to prevent the shipment of munitions of war to the seceding states. The matter was pressed upon the attention of the military committee during the late session of Congress, but resulted in no action, I believe, on its part.
Very respectfully
Your obt servt
J Holt