The Role of the States: Morton's Obligation to the Nation or State

Abstract

From the end of July 1861 thru September 1861 Governor Oliver P. Morton had a plethora of issues on his mind. But the biggest thing on his mind was making sure he was getting his state on a war footing. However, Governor Morton had a major disadvantage that man eastern states did not have. Much of the war was being fought in the Eastern part of the United States (Virginia mainly) and the states provided troops mainly for that theater. Indiana was expected to provide troops not only in the east, but also in the West. Three different Generals (Rosecrans, McClellan, and Fremont) were asking for troops immediately and the Secretary of War was also directing troops here and there. So, therefore, the question comes up: What is the priority of Governor Morton, his state or his country?