of the law of nations in such case provided.  For this purpose a competent force will be posted so as to prevent entrance and exit of vessels from the ports aforesaid.  If, therefore, with a view to violate such blockade, a vessel shall approach or shall attempt to leave either of the said ports, she will be duly warned by the commander of one of the blockading vessels, who will indorse on her register the fact and date of such warning, and if the same vessel shall again attempt to enter or leave the blockaded port, she will be captured and sent to the nearest convenient port, for such proceedings against her and her cargo, as prize, as may be deemed advisable.

And I hereby proclaim and declare that if any person, under the pretended authority of the said States, or under any other pretense, shall molest a vessel of the United States, or the persons or cargo on board of her, such person will be held amenable to the laws of the United States for the prevention and punishment of piracy.

In witness 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 nineteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-fifth.

Abraham Lincoln.

By the President: 
 William H. Seward, Secretary of State.

TO GOVERNOR HICKS AND MAYOR BROWN.

Washington, April 20, 1861
governor Hicks and mayor Brown.

Gentlemen:—­Your letter by Messrs. Bond, Dobbin, and Brune is received.  I tender you both my sincere thanks for your efforts to keep the peace in the trying situation in which you are placed.

For the future troops must be brought here, but I make no point of bringing them through Baltimore.  Without any military knowledge myself, of course I must leave details to General Scott.  He hastily said this morning in the presence of these gentlemen, “March them around Baltimore, and not through it.”  I sincerely hope the General, on fuller reflection, will consider this practical and proper, and that you will not object to it.  By this a collision of the people of Baltimore with the troops will be avoided, unless they go out of their way to seek it.  I hope you will exert your influence to prevent this.

Now and ever I shall do all in my power for peace consistently with the maintenance of the Government.

Your obedient servant,

Abraham Lincoln.

TO GOVERNOR HICKS.

Washington, April 20, 1861
governor Hicks: 

I desire to consult with you and the Mayor of Baltimore relative to preserving the peace of Maryland.  Please come immediately by special train, which you can take at Baltimore; or, if necessary, one can be sent from here.  Answer forthwith.