Sir,—I have the honor to offer my services in the great contest now taking place for the maintenance of the Union in whatever military position the government may see fit to employ them.
For my services in the war with Mexico I will respectfully refer you to General Scott, on whose staff I served as an officer of engineers during that war.
For my services in the subsequent Indian wars of the country, I will refer you to the Hon. J.W. Nesmith, one of the senators from Oregon.
I need not add that, throughout this unhappy secession controversy, I have been an unwavering and steadfast Union man.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
Isaac I. Stevens.
Facsimile of Letter offering Services
The same day, from Vancouver the governor wrote Senator Nesmith, requesting him to see the Secretary and—
“let him know that the offer is made from the earnest purpose and desire to do my duty in this great emergency of our country’s history.... I am afraid there is to be a protracted contest. I want to see the rebellion crushed out. The policy of conciliation, to which I adhered as long as it presented the least hope, has not only been exhausted, but it has been contemptuously rejected by the South. The war ought to be prosecuted with the utmost vigor. Let us see if we have a government. Nothing can be worse than anarchy.”