Republican (nationalist) President Abraham Lincoln, of the united States, writes to Democratic (constitutionalist) member Reverdy Johnson, of the Maryland House of Delegates, concerning the passage of compulsory Union troops through Maryland:

       I do say the sole purpose of bringing troops here is to defend this capital. 

       I do say the sole purpose to invade Virginia, with them or any other troops, as I understand the word invasion.  But suppose Virginia sends her troops, or admits others through her borders, to assail this capital, am I not to repel them, even to the crossing of the Potomac if I can?

       Suppose Virginia erects, or permits to be erected, batteries on the opposite shore, to bombard the city, are we to stand still and see it done?  In a word, if Virginia strikes us, are we not to strike back, and as effectively as we can. [emphasis in the original]

       [added 3/18/2022]