"I recommend you at an early day to make manifest to the gentlemen who represent this State in the two Houses of Congress, and to the country, that Michigan is loyal to the Union, the Constitution, and the laws, and will defend them to the uttermost; and to proffer to the President of the United States the whole military power of the State for that purpose. Oh 1 for the firm, steady hand of a Washington, or a Jackson, to guide the ship of State in this perilous storm. Let us hope that we shall find him on the 4th of March. Meantime, let us abide in the faith of our fathers—' Liberty and Union, one and inseparable, now and forever.' "

The sentiment of the people of the State had by this time been educated up to expecting prompt and decisive action by the Legislature and they were not disappointed. Inspired by its own steadfast and invincible amor Patrice, it was quick in defining its position and unfurling its colors to the breeze, declaring in joint resolutions passed February 2d, 1861, the adherence of the State to the Government of the United States, pledging and tendering all its military power and material resources, and also declaring that concession or compromise was not to be entertained or offered to traitors. Nothing, however, was definitely attempted by the State authorities, and no actual defensive or aggressive measures were undertaken until the gigantic struggle was fully inaugurated by the fire upon Fort Sumter of the encircling batteries of the rebels in Charleston Harbor, when all hope of evading an inevitable conflict gave place to prompt and needful action.