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Source: Church History Vol. 1 Chapter 15 Page: 417 (~1834)

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417 public sentiment is a powerful corrector of error, and you should make it your policy to continue to deserve it.

"With much respect, and great regard,

I am your obedient servant,

"DANIEL DUNKLIN."

-Times and Seasons, vol. 6, p. 1059.

In answer to the petition to President Jackson the following was received:-

"WAR DEPARTMENT, May 2, 1834.

"Gentlemen:-The President has referred to this department the memorial and letter addressed to him by yourselves and other citizens of Missouri, requesting his interposition in order to protect your persons and property.

"In answer, I am instructed to inform you that the offenses of which you complain are violations of the laws of the State of Missouri, and not of the laws of the United States. The powers of the President under the Constitution and laws, to direct the employment of a military force in cases where the ordinary civil authorities are found insufficient, extend only to proceedings under the laws of the United States.

"Where an insurrection in any State exists against the government thereof, the president is required on the application of such State, or of the Executive, (when the Legislature cannot be convened,) to call forth such a number of the militia as he may judge sufficient to suppress such insurrection.

"But this State of things does not exist in Missouri, or if it does, the fact is not shown in the mode pointed out by law. The President cannot call out a military force to aid in the execution of the State laws, until the proper requisition is made upon him by the constituted authorities.

"Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

"(Signed) LEWIS CASS. [Secretary of War.]

"To Messrs. A. S. Gilbert, W. W. Phelps, E. Partridge, and others, Liberty, Clay County, Missouri."

-Times and Seasons, vol. 6, p. 1073.

It is evident that the then unsettled doctrine of States' rights, which was differently understood by different officials, prevented the execution of justice.

(page 417)

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