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GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE.
Executive Department, Geo. )
MiltedgeviUe, 3 d Nov, 1835. $
Fellotc Citizens of the Senate and
House of Representatives,
Our constitutional government is based
upon the most lofty spirit of indepen
dence and ardent attachment to liberty
and equal rights, and secures to tbe peo
ple the free choice of all public officers
and agents, as well as the most unlimited
direction and control in tbe making and
executing the laws of the country. The
legislature is therefore dedicated to the
service of the people, and is the sure
depository of their rights and liberties ;
consequently, no station can be more
sacred than that which you now occupy.
You are bound by the strongest obliga- j
tions, to guard and perpetuate the glori- (
ous principles established by our revolu- |
tionary fathers, in the constitutions of r
our country. . . v
In thus adverting to your duties, fel
low-citizens, be assured that 1 am not
unmindful of the great responsibilities u
necessarily devolving on (he executive a
branch of the government. Four years
experience has hut increased that dis- ’.
trust, which I had never ceased to feel, ,
of my ability to discharge, in a manner ‘
satisfactory to myself, the high duties to
■which I have been called by u generous (
and confiding people—a people endeared '
to me by every lie that binds a grateful ’
citizen to the interest and happiness of '
his country. The ardour of my youth
and the best days of my riper years have
been faithfully devoted to the public ser
vice, and yet I feel, that 1 have discharg
ed but a small portion of the debt of
gratitude I owe to (he people of Georgia
for their generous confidence and support
under all (he vicissitudes of an eventful
political period of thirty years. Believ
ing it to be the best parting service I can
render to my constituents, 1 shall now
proceed to lay before their representa
tives a faithful account of public affairs,
so far as I may consider them falling
within the sphere of my official duty.
The Constitutional compact which
binds together (lie American confederacy
of States, continues to be regarded by
every American patriot, as (he anchor of
hope for the perpetuation of our beloved
Union ; and although one universal con
struction of that sacred instrument may
not yet have prevailed, as regards every
controverted point of difference, yet (he
expositions and writings of the sages and
patriots who established it, have so far
defined and settled all important points
of collision, as to guard (he public mind 1
against the wild and mischievous strata-
Serna of sophistry, as well us Hie more
angcrous and extravagant assaults of
ambition. The constitutional relations
existing between the several States of the
Union, are, at this day, very clearly un
derstood by the great body of the Ameri
can people; and must be respected by
the several States, both in their separate
and united capacities, or the Federal
Union cannot be preserved.
These general remarks have been made,
with a view to the existing state of things
between the slave and non-slave holding
States : a delicate subject, which nothing
but an imperious sense of duty could
induce me to introduce to public consid
eration in a paper of this character.—
The constitutional right of the southern
States, in regard to slave property, is not,
and cannot be controverted ; and I feel
disposed to cherish an abiding confidence
in the virtue and patriotism of our north
ern brethren—and will not indulge the
belief, that the great body of that people,
can, for a moment, countenance and en
courage the desperate efforts of those
vile incendiaries who are laboring to stir
up insurrection and rebellion in the south
ern States. Should, however, the abo
litionists be permitted to proceed with
out molestation—or only have to cnconn
ter the weapons of reason and argument,
have we not reason to fear, that their un
tiring efforts may succeed in misleading
the majority of a people, having no direct
interest in the great question at issue,
and finally produce an interference with
the constitutional rights of (he slave
holder. The consequence of such an
event cannot be contemplated by the
patriot, without the most painful emo
tions. The success of these misguided
men would be destructive of all that is
desirable in tbe glorious experimental
government, under winch we are enjoy
ing an unparalleled degree of happiness
and prosperity. No adequate concep
tion can he formed of (he blessings which
they are laboring to destroy, while (hey
claim to be the exclusive friends of lib
erty and freedom. The principles of
the Christian religion can never bo
brought to the aid of these monsters,
whose proceedings are marked by the
most reckless blood thirsty spirit (bat
ever disgraced the American name. Up
on this subject we can hear no arguments.
. Our opinions are unalterably fixed—our
determinations arc immutably firm and
steadfast, and therefore siot-'-to jic
concealed or misunderstood. It is a
subject with which we cannot suffer a
stranger to intermeddle. But the ques
tion arises, what is to be done in the
sresent5 resent exigency? It is the imperious
uty of the people and governments of
the several States, where thesejneendi
aries are engaged in their diabolical plans
and operations, to put them down at once,
and forever. It is not my province, or
duty, to point out the manner in which
public opinion should be brought to bear
upon this subject; whether by legislation
or otherwise, must be left to the wisdom
of the people of those States who are in
duty hound to act, and to act promptly
and efficiently upon this subject. If the
States, in winch these enemies of our
peace reside, do not, without delay, mani
fest their friendship and fidelity to the
constitution and the Union of the States,
by effectually silencing these incendia
ries, we can no longer be called upon,
in charity, to place any confidence in
their professions so often promulgated to
the world. It is, with us, a subject of
deep and solemn import—involving the
destiny of our dearest domestic affec
tions, —our sacred altars—our all.
I would earnestly recommend to (he
consideration of the Legislature, (ho
revision of our existing law, so as more
effectually to prevent the circulation,
tlirough the Post Office or otherwise, of
any publications tending to endanger
our domestic relations, or calling in ques
tion our constitutional rights of property.
Congress should also be invoked, in the
roost earnest and respectful language
L
AttOE-TOgPA
not to suffer the Post Office establish
ment to be used to our injury and des
truction. I would also recommend that
the States, where these agitators and in
cendiaries are found, should be called
upon in the true spirit of our institutions,
that is, in a spirit of manly indepen
dencc and brotherly affliction, to sustain,
in good faith, (he letter and spirit of out
glorious constitution.
On (he subject of our territorial rights,
as connected with the claims of Indian
population, I deem it admissible, on this i
occasion to remark, that the opinions en- (
(ertained, and (he policy recommended <
to (he Legislature, immediately after I (
entered upon the duties of the Execu- t
tive, have been fully sustained by the ’
success of the measures then recom- I
mended. Notwithstanding the opposi- (
tion which has been encountered, at I
home and abroad, and the many embar- i
rassments which have been thrown in the i
way, and which arc familiar to our whole
population, within the last four years,
we have seen upwards of five millions
of acres of our territory converted from
a savage wilderness, a land of confusion
and conflicting rights of government—
into fruitful fields, and the, peaceful
abodes of an enterprising and industri
ous population. Our citizens, in the
Cherokee part of Georgia, are now in
the enjoyment of most of the blessings
which follow a peaceful administration
of our well organized system of govern
ment. The measures which have led to
these results, have been controverted and
censured, but not overturned. Threatell
ings of anarchy and blood have been ar
rested and silenced. It is true, that a
few of the Cherokees yet linger within
our borders, and continue to annoy our
white population; but it cannot be be
lieved that the mischievous and selfish
counsels anil influence of a single indi
vidual, John Boss, can much longer pre
vent this unfortunate remnant from yield
ing to the liberal and magnanimous
proposals of the Federal Government,
tor their removal to the West. From
the correspondence herewith submitted,
it will be seen, that (he opinion is enter
tained by the agents of the Federal and
. State Governments, that the Cherokees
will ultimately, and at a day not far
distant, accept the late treaty. But so
far as Georgia is now concerned, the ac
ceptance or rejection ol the treaty, is a
matter of hut little importance. Our
concern upon this subject, is founded,
chiefly, in sympathy for this unfortunate
and deluded people. Their procrastina
tion is ruinous to themselves, while, to
us, it is only a matter of temporary in
convenience. But in anticipation of their
obstinate adherence to the destructive
counsel of Ross, and his associates, I
would recommend to the General Assem
bly, that during their present session,
they provide for that contingency. If
the Cherokees cannot be induced to pur
sue their true interest, by kindness and
liberality, measures should be adopted
that will evince to (hem (he niter impos
sibility of their remaining longer within
(he limits of our State. The present
Legislature is in duty bound to relieve
Georgia from this troublesome popula
tion, and should turn them over to the
care of the Federal Government, which
has long since been more than compen
sated, by Georgia, to take care of, and
provide for these unfortunate Indians.
The provisions contained in (he acts
and resolutions of the last General As
sembly, in relation to our Cherokee af
fairs, have had the most salutary effect,
in checking judicial assumptions, and
sustaining the rights and interests of our
fellow-citizens who are exposed to (he
aggressions of the Cherokees and their
associates. At the earnest solicitation of
many of the most respectable citizens, in
connexion with the request of the agents
of the federal government, and some of
the principal men of the friendly Chero
kees, after the most mature consideration,
1 was forced to the conclusion, in the
month of June last, that the time had ar
rived, when it, became my duty to organ
ize a small force for the security, relief
and protection of our own citizens and
the friendly Indians in the Cherokee cir
cuit. The utility and efficiency of this
force, in aiding and sustaining the civil
authority in the administration of tin
laws of the Stale, have been obvious to
the whole community; and at this time,
is controverted only by those, who stand
opposed to the policy of the State in the
removal of the Indians. The various in
cidental expenses which have occurred
in the management of our Indian affairs,
have been defrayed from the continent
fund, as directed by the Legislature; and
it will be seen upon examination, that,in
the discharge of (he discretionary and
complicated duties confined to the Exe
cutive. constant regard has been had to
the strictest economy.
A band of vagabond robbers, who form
a part of the Creek Indians remaining in
the Slate of Alabama, continue to be an
apnoyance to (he citizens of Georgia, and
have, during the past winter and spring,
committed many depredations upon the
persons and property of our citizens. A
large portion of the Executive correspon
dence on this subject is herewith submit
ted to the Legislature, and will exhibit a
full and fair history of the transactions in
relation thereto, as also the views and o
pinions of (he Executive branch of the
federal government upon the subject.
These documents will vindicate (ho Exe
cutive of Georgia from the many misrep
resentations which have boon propagated
by selfish and malicious individuals, who
seem to have been disposed to mislead,
as well as misrepresent the Executive.
The documents accompanying this
message will furnish the Legislature with
detailed information upon every subject
connected with our Indian relations, and
will aid that branch of the government,
in the adoption of such measures, as the
present state of things may seem' to re
quire. No reasonable hope can be in
dulged, of the improvement of the condi
tion of the aboriginal race, while they
remain in the midst of a white popula
tion. Their emigration to the West o
pens the only door of refuge; and the
whole energies of the federal and State
governments should be zealously directed
to that object. These remnant tribes
have now lost almost every vestige of na
tional character; and it is altogether pre
posterous to consider, or treat with them
as independent nations of people. Such
pretence will be viewed by the impartial
eye of posterity as a mere farce; they
arc in reality at this time, nothing but
the feeble, conquered remnants of a once
mighty race, altogether dependent upon
the powers which have superseded them.
They have, however, high claims upon i
the people who have supplanted them, <
and should be treated as children, or ]
minors who are incapable of protecting 1
their own rights and interests, and con- j
sequent!y entitled to the kindness and 11- -
beral protection of the government. ,i
I herewith lay before the Legislature i
the report of the committee of the last i
General Assembly, upon the subject of
the condition of the Farmers Bank of
Cliattahoochie, together with the evidence
taken by the committee, and transmitted,
with their report, to this Department. It
will be seen by reference to the resolu
tion under which the committee acted,
that the object of the investigation was,
to ascertain whether the bank had been
so managed as to incur the forfeiture of
its charter. Upon this point the commit
tee decline any direct expression of o
pinion, while, upon the face of the report,
the opinion is obviously intimated, that
the hank has violated some of the pro
visions of its charter. Alter the most
careful and patient examination, the re
port, to my mind, reflects a degree of
censure, which may very naturally arise
from the exhibition of (be evidence pre
sented to the committee, going to sustain
the charge of indiscreet conduct on the
part of the managers of (he bank ; but
whether these admitted indiscretions a
mount to a forfeiture of the charter, is a
question that admits of doubt. I have,
therefore, declined ordering a scire facias
to be issued aganist the bank, and sub
mit the whole subject to the considera
tion of the Legislature. A course of for
bearance has been pursued towards this
bank, from public considerations deeply
interesting to the community, and not
from a disposition on my part to screen
such institutions from just legal scrutiny.
Francis H. Cone and William W.
Gordon, Esquires, were the counsel ap
pointed by the Executive to assist (he
Attorney General in prosecuting the scire
facias against the Merchants &. Planters’
Bank of Augusta. These gentlemen
have discharged the duties of their ap
pointment, not only to (lie entire satis
faction of the Executive, but with an a
-1 bility which has attracted (he attention
& commanded the unqualified commen
dation of the most enlightened gentlemen
of their profession. The Legislature,
having omitted to provide (he compensa
tion for these services, and the Execu
tive entertaining some doubt of the expe
-1 diency of making such a draft upon the
contingent fund, these gentlemen have
not been paid, and should be provided for
! at an early day of the present session.
Copies of the semi-annual reports made
' to this Department from the several
> Banks of this State in terms of the law,
I are herewith submitted to the General
' Assembly. The annual report of the
I Central Bank of Georgia, is also herewith
submitted.
Under (he authority of a joint resolu
tion of the last General Assembly, Mat
thew St. Clair Clark, Esquire, of Wash
ington, has been appointed agent to pro
secute the claim of the State of Georgia
against the United States, for services
rendered and money expended during
the Revolutionary War ; and I have en
tire confidence that he will discharge his
duty with ability, and fidelity to the in
-1 tercst of this State. The claim is now
pending before Congress, and will, I pre
sume, receive that favorable considera
tion which the justice of it may appear to
demand.
Some time in the month of December
last, a correspondence was opened with
me by the Secretary of War, under the
direction of the President of the United
States, on the subject of tbe claims of
the citizens of Georgia, under the Creek
treaty of 1821, and the late act of Con
gress on that subject; which correspon
dence resulted in obtaining my assent to
have the whole business of carrying said
act into effect, confided to my superin
tendence, judgment, and discretion.
Consequently, the papers and the unex
pended balance of the fund set apart by
the treaty referred to, were forwarded to.
and received at this department; and
the money (one hundred and forty one
thousand and fifty five dollars and nine
ty one cents,) has been deposited in the
Central Bank, subject to the order of
the Governor of this State. Great care
has been taken to give full and ample no
tice to all claimants to present their
claims; and it is believed that most of
them have availed themselves of the op
portunity afforded. It was necessary, as
I had informed the President it would
be, to appoint a highly qualified commis
sioner, to examine,adjust, and determine
on these claims, under my immediate sit
perintendance, and subject to my revi
sion. John A. Cuthbert, Esquire, (he
gentleman selected, 1 am gratified to
state, has discharged the duties confided
to him, with an ability & accuracy which
cannot fail to give as general satisfaction
as could reasonably have been expected,
in the adjustment of these long standing
and complicated claims. Thus this long
delayed interest of an unfortunate por
tion of our fellow citizens, is now
brought to a final, and I trust, satisfacto
ry close, and many of them have alrea
dy received the money allowed upon
their claims. 1 feel amply rewarded for
the voluntary labor I have devoted to
this business, under the belief that use
ful service lias been gratuitously ren
dered to a portion of my constituents,
1 which could not be exacted from ray
> present official obligations.
The Rev. Elijah Sinclair has been ap
i pointed commissioner, under the provi
sions of a resolution of the last Legisla
ture, to apply tbe fund appropriated for
i the education of the indigent deaf and
, dumb of this State. Mr. Sinclair, in
■ the discharge of his duty, has not onlv
complied with tbe requirements of the
resolution, but has manifested much
zeal, prudence and thoughtful forecast,
in the fulfilment of his undertaking.—
The report of his proceedings will, I
am informed, be laid before the Legisla
ture within a few days.—The corapcnsa
tion of the commissioner will devolve on
the present General Assembly, as it has
not heretofore been provided for; and
permit me to add, that Mr. Sinclair is
entitled to (hat liberal consideration
Which attaches to a disinterested and
faithful discharge of public duty. The
action of the last General Assembly up
on this subject being viewed in the na
ture of an experiment, it will be a ques
tion for the conslderationjjof this Legis
lature, whether the liberal views then en
tertained in relation to this unfortunate
class of our community, shall be sustain
ed by further and appropriate legislation.
From the success which has attended the
labors of the commissioner during the
past year, and from the lively interest
widen sgems to have been excited among
the people by what has.alreadybcen done,
no doubt is entertained of the accom
plishment of all the benevolent purposes
contemplated by the Legislature, if the
adequate means are provided. Relying
upon the fidelity and intelligence of the
commissioner for furnishing such in
formation as may enable the General As
sembly to act advisedly upon this subject,
I would simply add my earnest recom
mendation, that liberal provision be made
for the permanent support of this hu
mane and benevolent object.
With a view to carry into effect the in
tention of the last Legislature in putting
an addition to the south end of the State
House to correspond with the north, and
for which purpose tbe sum of twelve
thousand five hundred dollars was ap
propriated, a contract has been entered
into with competent, and reasonable me
chanics, and (he work is now in progress.
At the time, however, of making the
contract, it was expected that the work
would have been completed during the
present year; and it is still believed (hat
the failure is in some degree justly attri
butable to the want of fidelity on the
part of the contractors, in the fulfilment
of their engagements. The terms of the
contract will, however, secure the inter
est of the State, as the undertakers have
no right to claim payment for any part of
the labor until the whole is completed ;
and no advances have been made to them
except for the purchase of materials to
carry on (he budding. Tbe whole sub
ject will be fully explained by the corres
pondence and documents herewith sub
mitted.
In compliance with the request, and
■ under the authority of the last Legisla
ture, I have caused to be enclosed in an
appropriate manner the graves of the
Hon. Jonathan Lewis, late senator from
tbe county of Burke, M’Lin Lunday,
Esq. late a representative from the coun
ty of Scriven, and Aaron Jones, Esq.
late a representative from the county of
Lee, who died during the session of the
, last. General Assembly.
The various duties assigned to the Go
vernbr, by the resolution ot the last Le
gislature, in order to prevent the spread
: of the small pox in this State, have been
discharged and the expenses incurred in
• the several counties afflicted by the visi
tation of this malady, have been defray
; ed from (he contingent fund, as directed
1 by said resolution.
, The reports of the Keepers of the
1 public Arsenals at Milledgeville and at
i Savannah, are herewith transmitted, and
i will show the number and condition of
the public arms at those places, respec
. lively; the report of the committee ap
pointed under the resolution of the last
Legislature, to examine into the condi
. (ion of (lie Arsenal at Savannah, is also
l herewith submitted.
■ In compliance with the resolution of
; last General Assembly, I have, through
• (he agency of Francis M. Stone, Esq.
> of Savannah, contracted for a number of
■ cartridge-boxes, bayonet-scabbards and
■ belts, sufficient to make complete sets of
■ accoutrements for three thousand mus
kets in the public Arsenal at Miliedge
ville, and also for the supply of similar
deficiencies in the Arsenal at Savannah.
I have not yet been advised of the recep
tion of these articles; they are however,
daily expected. Three hundred and
seventy-one defective muskets in the Ar
senal at this place, and six hundred and
six in the Arsenal at Savannah, have been
repaired and put in good order, which
cost the State the aggregate sum of five
hundred and sixty-one dollars and thir
ty-five cents.
In the month of Mav last, I was noti
fied by the Ordinance Department of the
United Slates, that under the act of Con
gress of 1808, for arming the Militia,
&c. there was due this State, up to Janu
ary last, a quota of arms equal in value,
to two thousand and nine and three-thir
teenths muskets which I directed should
be paid to (lie Stale in the article of good
muskets with the necessary accoutre
ments, and have caused them to be de
livered at tbe Arsenal in the city of Sa
• vannah.
The glaring defects of our existing
militia system having been so often
■ brought to the consideration of the legis
lature, by the Executive branch of the
Government, and its total inadequacy to
1 subserve the important object for which
it was designed, being so universally ad
mitted, it would seem strange, that the
! statesman and patriot should any longer
1 slumber over this vital subject To a
baudon the system entirely, would make
us dependent, for defence against foreign
and domestic foes, upon a standing army
which has always been justly considered
of dangerous tendency to Republics, and
is wholly contrary to the spirit of our
Institutions. We should never lose
sight of our sure defence, the Militia:
but cherish it with care, and endeavor to
improve it by all practicable means, so as
to take from it that reproach and ridicule
under which it is now laboring. Our
1 present militia musters are believed to
be worse than useless; improving neither
officers nor privates in military science,
but on the contrary, tending to demoral
ize the community, and become an ac
tual waste ot time to many of those who
have to rely upon their labor for subsis
tence. It is therefore believed to be the
incumbent duty of the present Legisla
ture, to devise a system which may obvi
ate (he existing evils, and at the same
time, preserve in full vigor the well es
tablished republican doctrine, that the
militia is the sure defence of equal rights
and regulated liberty. Permit me to add,
the abiding conviction resting on my
mind, that the best plan of effecting the
object is, by voluntary associations, pro
vided for and sustained by appropriate
legislation.
In pursuance of the provisions of the
resolution of the General Assembly, ap
proved 24tb of December, 1831, Francis
i»I. Stone, Esq. of Savannah, was ap
pointed and instructed to sell certain
magazines in that city, erected during
th. 1 last war on land not owned by the
state. While in the performance of this
duty, the Agent was notified by the city
authorities to retain the proceeds of the
sale, to which they had interposed a claim.
Thus the settlement of this business has
been protracted for several years ; and it
was not until after I had transmitted my
last annual Message to the Legislature,
that I was notified of the abandonment of
said claim. Since then the Agent has re
ported the gross sales, amounting to three
hundred and sixty-nine dollars and four
cents, and has transmitted to this depart
ment in two payments, the aggregate
sum of three hundred and sixty dollars
and seventy i nine cents; which has been
- paid over to the Treasurer, whose receipts
for thd same are filed in this Department.
At the sale of the public hands in the
. year 1834, eight of the number were mis
sing, as stated in my last annual Message.
, In view of the difficulty ami expense of
. recovering these fugitive slaves, it was
believed that the net profits arising from
the sale would be very inconsiderable ;
, but it will be seen by reference to the re
. port of the agent, Francis M. Stone, Esq.
who was appointed to have them appre
hended anil sold, that they have all been
regained and disposed of, on terms high
ly advantageous to the State. The gross
amount of the sales, is stated at three
thousand and forty dollars; and, after
paying the incidental expenses, the bal
ance, two thousand six hundred and fifty
four dollars and thirty-six cents, has bcert
paid over to-the Central Bank, in terms
of the law. The agent merits the pub
lic approbation for the diligence and
promptitude manifested in (he settlement
of this troublesome business.
During the present year, another of the
public hands has been recovered, who had
. been missing for several years, and who
' was supposed to be lost to the State.
I This fugitive slave was found to be con
i fined in jail in the State of North Caroli
, na, where an agent was sent, who wasa
. ble to identify him, with instructions to
, dispose of him to the best ad vantage. The
, agent effected a sale at the price of five
hundred and fifty dollars, and after de-
I ducting the sum of two hundred and sev
enty three dollars and sixty five cents,
, the amount of expence incurred, the bal
ance has been paid over to the Central
Bank.
In compliance with the provisions of
the act of 22d December, 1834, sale has
, been made of the States interest in the lot
■ of land therein designated, to Paris Car
ter, for the sum of three hundred dollars,
one fifth of which has been paid in at the
. Treasury, and the balance settled by
, note at the Central Bank, as directed by
I said act,
t In addition to the amount of notes re
ported for rent of fractions in the Chero
. Kee territory in 1832, and in 1833, and
. which have heretofore been turned over
to the Central Bank as directed by the
Legislature, the renting agent has, dur
■ >ng the past year, reported other notes
taken as aforesaid to tbe amount of two
hundred and eighty-eight dollars ; which
■ notes have been disposed of in the same
manner. The report of the agent, here
. with submitted, will satisfactorily ex
plain the cause of the delay in returning
said notes.
i By the terms of the loan granted to
the authorities of the town of Columbus,
f by the act of 1832, for the purpose of
, erecting a bridge across the Chattahoo
chie river at that place, the indulgence
C given becomes forfeited by the failure to
I pay any of the instalments as they be
c came due. The first instalment, tailing
due on the Ist of January last, not hav
ing been promptly met, it was considered
that the commissioners had incurred an
obligation to discharge the whole debt,
from which it was not in the power of the
Executive to relieve them : but upon the
application of the lutendant, tendering
the payment of said instalment, I con
sented to receive any payment the com
missioners might think proper to make
upon the debt, leaving open the question
ol the forfeiture and its enforcement for
the consideration of the Legislature.—
Accordingly there has been paid in at
the Treasury, on said loan, the sum of
five thousand one hundred and forty
three dollars and twenty cents, which
has been entered as a credit on the bond
ot the Commissioners, now on file in
this office. The papers herewith sub
mitted will explain the manner in whicfi
this business has been transacted.
A list of Executive Warrants drawn
on the Treasury during (he past political
year is herewith submitted; also a state
ment of the disbursing Secretary of (his
Department, exhibiting tlie unexpended
balance ot the fund appropriated tor fur
nishing the Government House, and
keeping in repair the lot and improve
ments appertaining thereto; which bal
ance has been placed in the Central Bank,
subject to the order of my successor.
In submitting tbe reports of the In
spectors and Principal Keeper of the
Penitentiary to the General Assembly,
it affords me much satisfaction to remark,
that the improved management and dis
cipline of our State prison afford suffi
cient inducement to the friends of the |
system, to persevere in sustaining it,
with a view to the highest ultimate state
of improvement which may he attainable.
Various causes have conspired, during
the past political year, to retard the sue- j
cesslul operations of the institution. The I
extraordinary cold winter, the occurrence
of the small pox in this town, the unusual
degree of sickness which has prevailed,
and the discharge of many of the best
workmen, whose term of service had ex
pired, have produced a direct and una- j
voidable effect upon the fiscal interests
of the institution; nevertheless it will
be seen, that the business of the year
will give a small balance in favor of the
institution, alter defraying the whole of
the ordinary and current expenses of the
year. The detailed reports of the offi
cers herein bet ore referred to, furnish all j
the necessary information which is re- j
quisite to the formation of correct opini- j
ons, in regard to the management, and
the further legislation which may be ne
cessary to advance the interest of the
institution.
I herewith transmit to the General Assembly,
an exemplification of the records of the superior
court of Chatham county, setting forth, the con
vietion of George R. Hardin, of the crime of
murder, accompanied by the evidence taken on
the trial, and a petitioned? sundry citizens of said j
comity, praying the,suspension of the execution, i
in order that the case might bo brought to the i
consideration of the present legislature. The t
day assigned for the execution of this unfortu- ■
natc individual was the 31st of July hist; and by :
the respite which has been granted, the cxecu- ,
tion is postponed until the 4th Dccemlior next, to
allow ample time for the action of the Legisla
ture. to whoso deliberate consideration the cause 1
is submitted.
I have received official and satisfactory infor
mation, copies of which I herewith lay before
the General Assembly, that the commissioners
under the charter of the “ Monroe Rail Hoad
Company,” have not only opened books for the
subscription of stock in said road, but that the
sum of two hundred thousand dollars, being the
whole of the stock authorized by law, has been
taken up; and that the sum of five dollars, on
each share of on? hundred dollars, has been ac
tually paid by the stockholders, and deposited in
the Central Bank by the commissioners, in con
formity with the requirements of the act granting
the charter.
On examining the charter it will he seen, that
the exclusive privileges secured to the company,
were made dependent on the subscription of one
thousand shares of the stock before the meeting of
the General Assembly of 1834, and on the com
mencement of the work before the expiration of
one year thereafter.—The company having failed
to comply with the foregoing conditions, the
stockholders are now forever barred from avail
ing themselves of the privileges of the charter,
without legislative interposition. Under all the
circumstances, I would respectfully recommend
to the General Assembly, such legislation as shall
reinstate tho stockholders in all the privileges
and immunities to which they would have been
entitled, provided the stock had been taken, and
the work had been commenced, according to the
provisions of the charter.
Thomas Spalding, Esquire, in conformity with
tho requirements of the acts of the General As
sembly, granting him and his associates the privi
lege of constructing a Rail Road from the Oc
mulgeo to the Flint river, has deposited in the
Executive Office, a detailed and interesting report,
upon the survey of said route, together-with a
highly finished chart of the same—and a printed
copy of said report is herewith transmitted to the
Legislature. This laudable enterprise of one of
our most enlightened citizens, to connect, by di
rect communication, the waters of the Atlantic
and the Gulf of Mexico, is entitled to the favora
ble consideration of tho people of Georgia and
their representatives.
I would most respectfully and earnestly invite
the attention of the General Assembly to the con
tents of a pamphlet, which I lay before the House
of Representatives, on the subject of a contem
plated rail road from the valley of the Ohio river
to the Atlantic coasts of Georgia and the Caro
lines. A deliberate consideration of the docu
ments which compose the pamphlet, will not fail
to impress the comprehensive mind, With the
great importance of tho subject. Georgia, the
two Carolines, Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, Vir
ginia, and Indiana, are the States most deeply
interested in the subject, while its consummation
could not fail to extend benefits to every part of
our continent, cast and west, north and south.
The exlent of this inland communication, from
north to south, through the centre of tho United
States, would comprehend at least fifteen degrees
of latitude, and could only he compared with that
established by the Mississippi river itself; at least
hall the population of the Union, comprehended
in whole or in part, residing in Florida, Georgia,
the Carolines, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky,
Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri,
are interested in the completion of a Rail Road
from Cincinnati in Ohio, to the Atlantic coast;
and would immediately participate in its advan
tages. 'The line of communication, connected as
it is and would be, with the other public works
of the States, from tho Atlantic Ocean to the
great Northern lakes, establishing a direct com
munication through nearly all the varieties' of
climate, soil, produt, ( aR'J people of the United
Slates, would s pimi conspicuous among
the public works of ,j lc Union,both in acommer
cial and social point of view. Should this work
ho executed, tho social, political, and commercial
relations between these extreme sections of the
North and South, would instantly be changed.
The intercourse thus established would bo un
precedented in these United States; we should
no longer be strangers and aliens to our brethren.
Charleston, Savannah and Augusta, would be
brought into social and direct intercourse and
good neighborhood with Cincinnati, Louisville,
Lexington, &c,; the people of the two extreme
legions would every summer meet together in the
intervening mountain region of Georgia and the
Caiolinas, (one of the most delightful climates in
the world,) exchange opinions, compare their
senlifhents, and blend their feelings; the North
and Ihc South would shake hands with each other
as united brethren—yield up every sectional and
political prejudice, pledge themselves to joint ob
jects of national interests, and part as friends and
brethren, devoted to tho Union and the liberties of
iheir common country.
The important objects of direct intercommuni
cation between distant communities, have enlisted
the talents and enterprise of not only the first
men of tho age, but whole communities, compo
sed of different states t’lid sections of the country,
are moving forward in the accomplishment of the
most splendid work»_ of internal improvement.
The apathy of Georgia,"” *his deeply interesting
subject, is pregnant tee most fatal conse
quences to the present and future interest and
prosperity of the Slate. The geographical posi
tion of Georgia is confidently believed to be the
most favorable of any State in the Union, to par
ticipate largely in all the benefits of tho splendid
projects of internal improvement, designed to ef
fect a direct communication between the north
western and southern Atlantic sections of our
Union. Our State has a most extensive maratime
coast on tho Atlantic, with various rivers, inlets,
and harbor^ possessing all the necessary advan
tages for the most extensive commerce. More
over, Georgia is, in point of territory, that link in
| the chain of States, which embraces the territory
tlirough which the waters flow both into the At
lantic and the Gulf of Mexico. As regards the
work now under consideration, I do not entertain
the shadow of a doubt as to its utility and practi
cability; and I am equally confident, that the
mountains of Georgia afford gaps and pass ways
for the contemplated rail road, far more favorable
than any of her sister States. Admitting the
great object of the contemplated work to be the
most direct communication between Cincinnati
and Charleston, the most practicable and best
route will, upon a scientific examination, be found
to intersect the “ Georgia Rail Road,” at Athens,
in this Stato. And shall we, the people of Geor
gia, under all these circumstances and considera
tions, stand idle “ all the day long,” and see our
State passed by, mi the right hand and on the
left J If we do nothing as a State, shall wo not
encourage and aid our enterprising citizens, who
have voluntarily engaged in the laudable work of
internal improvement 1
I would respectfully recommend to the General
I Assembly their liberal support and fostering care
jof our State University. Franklin College is
based upon tho Constitution of the Slate, and
should continue to be considered the foundation of
the literary hope and pride of the people of Geor
gia. Its rising prosperity and utility are every
year more clearly developed in tbe various avo-
I cations of life, throughout our State. This im
j portant institution is emphatically the people’s.
It is under the control of no religious sect or poli
tical party: therefore, the liberal of every reli
gious denomin ition, and every party in politics,
are invited and admonished to its support by
every consideration of enlightened patriotism. I
view the voluntary efforts of individuals and soci
eties, to establish literary institutions, with entire
approbation; and would recommend the protec-
I tion of all their rights and privileges, to the favor
j able consideration of the Legislature, But lam
| not prepared to admit tho opinion, which prevails
■ to some considerable extent, and which is proba
bly gaining ground in our community, that lite
rary institutions are productive of the greatest
good, when under the exclusive and undivided
control and management of a religious sect or de
nomination. In a free government, where liberty
is regulated by law, and where religion is regula
ted by tho enlightened consciences of men, un
shackled by religious establishments—the impor
tant subject of College education forces itself upon
the consideration of tho whole community, and
1 should never bo surrendered by the agents who :
j administer such a government, to the safe-keeping j
' of any sect or party. i
I consider it a matter of growing importance to i
the University of Georgia, that its library should
jbe greatly extended and enlarged. In such insti- 1
I tutions, it is a very desirable object, that the stu- <
: dent who is in pursuit of profound knowledge in
any branch of science or literature, in all the vast
| range of human intellect, should have ready ac- 1
I ccs? to all thooe treasures of knowledge and infer- 1
malion, which have been arranged and compiled
in the form of books, by the arduous labor of
preceding agSs. Our present College library is
exceedingly limited, when compared with the
.collections of similar institutions of high grade
and standing; We are particularly deficient in
works relating to the early history of our own
couhtry=*-such as should be found in every Col
lege library in America, From the best informa
tion which I have been able to obtain, many of
the most valuable and rare works, connected with
the history of our own country, are now nearly
out of print, and can Only be obtained in England
by diligence and research.
If one of the prominent officers of our College
could lie permitted to visit London, for the pur
pose of purchas.ng and making arrangements for
the purchase ol such books as might be considered
most useful to the College—and, more particu
larly, for the purpose of procuring the colonial
records, and other information necessary to a com
plete history of our own State—the object is be
lieved to be of sufficient magnitude and interest
to the people of Georgia, to justify the Legisla
ture in making the necessary appropriation to de
fray the incidental expenses.
The important subjects of public education, in
ternal improvements, Jbanki.ig institutions, and
other leading interests of society, will continue to
claim, and, I trust, will continue to receive, the
iifost deliberate consideration of the General As
sembly, My views and special recommendations
Upon these various branches of public intcrsal,
have been so fully and repeatedly pressed upon
the attention Os tho Legislature, that I have not,
on the present occasion, deemed it necessary or
expedient, to consume much of your time with a
view of further expressing my well known and
Unchanged opinions on these several subjects.
FelloW'citizens, in this my closing Message to
the Legislature of Georgia, I could indulge in the
expression of my unmingled joy and gratitude to
the God of Nations for tho unsurpassed prosperi
ty of our common country—and especially that
portion which it is our good fortune to inhabit—
but for tho signs of discord, agitation and strife,
which so repeatedly disturb our quiet, portending
gathering storms, that threaten to rend the hearts
of the friends of liberty throughout the world.
The various public meetings, actings and doings
of the citizens of this Republic, in every direction,
have too often indicated a spirit of restlessness
and disquietude, which cannot be contemplated
by the friends of liberty and union, with perfect
Composure and tranquility.
Our rights, as a people, have been well defined
in the written constitutions of our country. Wo
have not been left to the guidance of our own
vague notions of natural law, in the regulations
of our conduct as a political community; our
laws emanate from the only legitimate source of
sovereign power, the people —therefore, if they
be defective, unjust or oppressive, let us amend
and change them. Wo ought to be extremely
cautious, how we violate regulations of our own
formation and choice, so long as we hold in our
own hands the nnr/uestionable right to authorize,
as well as exercise unbounded political power.
Under every excitement, the government of
onr choice is worthy of our firm support We
can now look back upon the agitations and politi
cal storms that arose out of the tariff, internal
improvements, Indian and Bank questions, and
rejoice that these dark and gloomy days have
passed over, and onr form of government is still
the admiration of the civilized world, and our
people pre-eminent in happiness and prosperity.
Should other and greater tempests arise—if
controversy and strife must come—let us place
the wrong.upon the heads of others—by a strict
adherence to the constitutions of our country.
Let us so conduct ourselves, that the laws of
nature and nature’s God will plead our cause in
the day of trial.
WILSON LUMPKIN.
AIICiiJsTA !
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7,183 S.
“ Br. just , and fear not."
TO READERS.
The length of the Governor’s Message, and the
Legislative proceedings, which we publish to-day,
compel us to omit a number of interesting articles,
both original and selected, intended for this paper.
Advertisements omitted to-day, shall receive
attention in our next.
MR, CHANDLER’S ADDRESS.
We are indebted to the politeness of the res
pected author, for a copy of the brilliant Address
of Daxirt. Chamii. r. n , Esq. on Female Educa
tion, delivered before the Demosthenian and Phi
Kappa Societies, on the day after Commence
ment, in the University of Georgia, Having had
the great pleasure of attending its delivery, out
readers are already acquainted with the very high
opinion wo entertain of its merits, as expressed on
that occasion; and it affords us peculiar gratifica
tion to lay before them the following very flatter
ing and well-deserved compliment, which cannot
but impress them with a higher and jftster con
ception of its, exceeding eloquence and ability,
than any thing we could say respecting it;
Pm Kappa Ham,, Aug. 7th, 1835. •
“On motion of the Hon. Jobs McPherson
Benin ex,
“ tiesolveil, That in consideration of tho
splendid manner in which Mr. Daniel Chan
dler has discharged the appointment as Orator,
from the Phi Kappa Society, to deliver an Ora
tion on the day after Commencement, a committee
be deputed to wait on him, and request a copy of
his eloquent Address for publication.
“ Resolved, That 5,000 copies of the Address
he published at the expense o( tho Society.”
ffj* The Address may be obtained at tho book
stores of this city.
“SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.
There have been frequent notices of offers of
late, in the Georgia papers, of a match-race or
sweepstake, from Gov. Hamilton, Miss Medley,
Lady Nashville, and others, to Argyle and others.
Argyle will accept a match from cither of them,
at the regular times of races at Columbia, Au
gusta, or Charleston, for #5,000, or will enter into
a sweepstake of one or two thousand dollars en
trance.
All gentlemen who have or will have stables in
this section, have made their airangements on the
faith of the times, fixed by the convention in
Charleston, last winter, by delegates from all the
Clubs. No prudent owner of a fine horse would
train him for an intermediate race (for a small
amount) that would interfere with the entire cam
paign. Purely in tho spirit of sport, which it is
our principal purpose to promote, a match of 1
2, 3 or 4 mile heats can be obtained, at the regu
lar times of running, (or subsequently) for
#IOOO, more or less, each mile.
A FRIEND TO SPORT.”
The above has been published in our paper for
several weeks, as an advertisement, and discon
tinned according to order. We now rc-publish it
at the request of a much respected friend, in an
swer to an article which we copied into our paper
of the 31st ultimo, from the Georgia Courier,
headed “Augusta Races.” We regret that the
request was received at 100 late an hour for in
sertion in our last No.
GEORGIA LEGISLATURE.
Mimedoktimk, Nov. 3rd, 1835.
The two houses of the Legislature convened
yesterday, and after organizing only, as usual, ad
journed to to-day. In the Senate, Gen. Walker,
of Richmond, was called to the chair, and after
the oath had been administered to members, and
tbeir credentials read, Gen. Robert M. Echols,
of Walton, was elected President, Arthur A,
Morgan, of Houston, Secretary, Davis,
of Franklin, JlTessenger, and Hknbt Darnell,
of Baldwin, Doorkeeper.