From the Covington Journal of September 21, 1861 comes this report of some of the activities of the Kentucky Legislature as the state vainly tried to stay out of the Civil War, even with both sides having forces in the state by this time..
To Preserve the Peace and Quiet of Kentucky
The Legislature has adopted several important declarations concerning the peace and quiet of Kentucky.
The Conklin Resolutions (adopted in the House by a vote of 89 yeas to 4 nays, and in the Senate by 31 yeas to 5 nays) declares:
1. That the people of Kentucky ought not to engage in civil strife amongst themselves on account of difference of political opinions.
2. That it is the duty of the people to be obedient to the civil authorities, and to respect, in times of war as well as peace, all the rights guaranteed to every citizen by the constitution and the laws of the land.
3.That all good citizens, however they may differ in political opinion, should unite in protecting each other in their rights of life, liberty and property, against invasion thereof by unlawful raids, mobs or marauding bands.
A resolution introduced by Col. Finnell, and adopted in the House by a vote of 92 yeas to 3 nays, declares:
4. That no citizen shall be arrested on account of his political opinions.
5. That no citizen's property shall be taken or confiscated because of such opinions
6. That no slave shall be set free by any military commander.
7. That all peaceable citizens and their families are entitled to and shall receive the fullest protection of the government in the enjoyment of their lives, their liberties and their property.
We invite a hearty concurrence in these declarations. If generally accepted in good faith they cannot fail in accomplishing much good.
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"Col. Finnell" appears to be the General John Finnell mentioned in this online version of Collins' Historical Sketches of Kentucky" The language mentioned above was a summary from his resolutions demanding that the Confederate troops leave Kentucky's soil.
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