 Robinson proudly noted that by January 1 , 1863 , a divided Kentucky had still managed to send 44 @,@ 000 soldiers – fifty @-@ one regiments – to aid the Union cause . At the same time , he lamented what he perceived as poor treatment of the state as disloyal by the Federal government . He cited examples such as the declaration of martial law in the Commonwealth and the suspension of the right of habeas corpus for its citizens . He answered President Lincoln 's contention " that military necessity is not to be measured by Constitutional limits " by warning " If military necessity is not to be measured by Constitutional limits , we are no longer a free people . " 
