Abraham Lincoln signed a proclamation demanding 75,000 militiamen to end the rebellion forming in the southern states. This document reshaped the nation following Confederate forces attacking Fort Sumter just days before.
The number of militia members able to be called by the president for a provisional army was limited to 75,000 men on the 2nd of March 1799. The Militia Act of 1795 governed this use until the early 20th century.
Chief Justice Roger Taney found this action constitutionally reserved for Congress in Ex parte Merryman. This ruling challenged the executive branch power to suspend legal protections without legislative approval.
Governor John Ellis of North Carolina stated he could be no party to this violation of laws and told Secretary of War Simon Cameron that no troops would come from North Carolina. He sent a telegram declaring his refusal to participate in the call for militia.
Indiana offered twice as many volunteers as requested in the proclamation. Massachusetts volunteers reached Washington D.C. as early as April 19th to support federal authority.