and for the regular forces hereby authorized, will be submitted to Congress as soon as assembled. “In the meantime, I earnestly invoke the coöperation of all good citizens in the measures hereby adopted for the effectual suppression of unlawful violence, for the impartial enforcement of constitutional laws, and for the speediest possible restoration of peace and order, and with those of happiness and prosperity throughout our country. “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 third day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-fifth. “By the President: ABRAHAM LINCOLN. “WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.” On the 10th of May, 1861, the following proclamation was promulgated: “Whereas, An insurrection exists in the State of Florida, by which the lives, liberty, and property of loyal citizens of the United States are endangered. “And Whereas, It is deemed proper that all needful measures should be taken for the protection of such citizens and all officers of the United States in the discharge of their public duties in the State aforesaid: “Now, therefore, be it known that I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do hereby direct the commander of the forces of the United States on the Florida coast to permit no person to exercise any office or authority upon the islands of Key West, the Tortugas, and Santa Rosa, which may be inconsistent with the laws and Constitution of the United States, authorizing him at the same time, if he shall find it necessary, to suspend there the writ of _habeas corpus_, and to remove from the vicinity of the United States fortresses all dangerous or suspected persons. “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 tenth day of May, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-fifth. “By the President: ABRAHAM LINCOLN. “WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.” Volunteers meanwhile presented themselves for the defence of the country in numbers greater than could be accepted, and the strife was who should secure the coveted distinction of a citizen soldier. An early movement upon the rebel army in Virginia was contemplated, and it was confidently anticipated that to advance was to put the enemies of the Government to flight. CHAPTER VIII. THE FIRST SESSION OF CONGRESS. Opening of Congress--President’s First Message--Its Nature-- Action of Congress--Resolution Declaring the Object of the War-- Bull Run--Its Effect.