A copy of the President’s proclamation of the 6th instant, relating to
the aforenamed movement, is also enclosed.
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c.
&c.
[June 6, 1866.—Warning good citizens against taking part in or
aiding a military expedition in preparation against colonies of
British North America, &c., &c.]
by the president of the united
states of america.
A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas it has become known to me that certain evil-disposed persons
have, within the territory and jurisdiction of the United States,
begun and set on foot and have provided and prepared, and are still
engaged in providing and preparing, means for a military expedition
and enterprise, which expedition and enterprise is to be earned on
from the territory and jurisdicdtion of the United States against
colonies, districts, and people of British North America, within the
dominions of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, with
which said colonies, districts and people, and kingdom the United
States are at peace;
And whereas the proceedings aforesaid constitute a high misdemeanor,
forbidden by the laws of the United States as well as by the law of
nations:
Now, therefore, for the purpose of preventing the carrying on of the
unlawful expedition and enterprise aforesaid from the territory and
jurisdiction of the United States and, to maintain the public peace,
as well as the national honor, and enforce obedience and respect to
the laws of the United States, I, Andrew Johnson, President of the
United States, do admonish and warn all good citizens of the United
States against taking part in or in anywise aiding, countenancing,
of abetting said unlawful proceedings; and I do exhort all judges,
magistrates, marshals, and officers in the service of the United
States to employ all their lawful authority and power to prevent and
defeat the aforesaid unlawful proceedings, and to arrest and bring
to justice all persons who may be engaged therein.
And, pursuant to the act of Congress in such case made and provided,
I do furthermore authorize and empower Major General George G.
Meade, commander of the military division of the Atlantic, to employ
the land and naval forces of the United States, and the militia
thereof, to arrest and prevent the setting on foot and carrying on
the expedition and enterprise aforesaid.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal
of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of
Washington, this
sixth day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and sixty-six, and of the independence of the
United States the ninetieth.
[SEAL.] ANDREW JOHNSON.
By the President:
WILLIAM H. Seward, Secretary of State.
