Newspaper Page Text
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twdiln oruMUli Beutiiul.
OLD SERIES, VOL. LVII.
THE CHRONICLE & SENTINEL
S FVBU6HBD DAILY, TBI-WEEKLY, AND WEEKLY,
BY J. W. & W. S. JONES.
The Weekly Chronicle & Sentine
IB PUBLISHED AT
Three Dollars per annum—<jr one subscriber two
years, or two subscribers one year for S 5.
Tri- Weekly paper, at Five Dollars per annum.
Daily paper, at Ten Dollars per annum.
Cash System.—ln no case will an order for the
paper be attended to, unless accompanied with
the money; and in every instance when the time
or which any subscription may be paid, expires
before the receipt of funds to renew the subs< rip
ion, the paper will be discontinued. Depreciat
money received at its value in this city.
FRIDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 8.
Congress in Session-
The National Intelligencer of Tuesday says:
—The two Houses of Congress are organized
and ready to proceed to business; a quorum o
both Houses having appeared yesterday, and
the House of Representatives, after jumping
over the obstacle which met it at its first step
having chosen John W. Jones, of Virginia, to
be its Speaker. The Message of the President,
therefore, will doubtless be transmitted to Con
,-ver thM^^W^l" !<^’Btative * wereabsent.
The number present was only one hundred and
ninety. _
; Hon. A. H. Stephens.
Tie Mstional intelligencer of Tuesday says:
iVe Bbet to learn that Mr. Stekhens, oi
since his arrival in this city, been
confined to hisroom by severe indisposition.—
His disease has, however, now begun to yield
to medical treatment, and his friends confidently
hope that he will in a few days be able to be at
his post in the House of Representatiues.
Atrociols Murder. —The East Alabamian
of Saturday says:—The town of 1 uskegee in
Macon County, was on last Monday the scene
of the most atrocious murder that has ever been
committed even in this land oi the Bow ie Knife
and Pistol. The circumstances as they re re
ported here are these:—Mr. Freeman, a citizen
ofthis County, and well known in this place,
had gone down to the plantation ot Arold Seals
in Macon County, accompanied by an officer
with a Writ of Execution issued from this Cou
nty, and had levied on a negro, the property of
one Vann, the son-in-law* of Seals, and the de
fendant in the Writ. The negro was taken by
the officer and Freeman to Tuskegee; and, as
they reached that place, Seals and Vann armed
with guns, came in pursuit avowingtheir inten
tion to kill Freeman. Upon their coming up,
Freeman got behind the bailiff and begged hard
for his life, but Seals was relentless and shot
him, at the distance oi only three or four feet,
through both thighs, as he clung to the officer.
Vann was with difficulty prevented from shoot
ing, after he had fallen. The unfortunate man
died in two oi three hours, of lock jaw; and the
murderers having waited to assure themselves
of his death, started lor the Republic of Texas.
Tennessee.—The “Democratic” State Con
vention assembled at Nashville on the 23d ult.,
and adjourned on the 24th. A resolution was
passed nominating James K. Polk for the Vicet
Presidency, and pledging themselves to sup t .or
the nominee of the National Convention for
President and Vice President. No nomination
made for President—which is rather a squally
sign for Van Buren, who a year ago was put
forward, at all the meetings in the State, as the
favorite of the Locofocosof Tennessee.
J>The amount ol Treasury Notes out
standing on the Ist instant, it is officially stated,
was 84.066.9-25 92.
J. H. Pleasants is again seated in the chuir
editorial ot the “Richmond Whig.” We wel
come him most cordially to the field of his for
mer labors, and predict for the Whig, under the
charge of two such able and spirited writers as
Messrs. Mosely & Pleasants, a brilliant career.
Coming to the Work 1
The Troy Whig of Monday makes the follow
ing gratifying announcement:
“A Stomp Association.—We are gratified
to learn that an Association, compcsed of the
most eminent Whig orators in this State, will
be formed early next spring, tor the purpose of
addressing the People in every County, previous
tothe Presidential election. They will take the
field as soon as may be deemed expedient after
the nominations are made by the National Con
vention, and keep -it until the day ot Election.
It is their determination to carry on the war in
New York in the same manner that Gov. Jones
and his gallant allies carried it on last summer
in Tennessee; and they will be happy to meet
their opoonents face to face, and discuss with
them the great questions of public policy which
are to be decided by the next Presidential Elec
tion.”
Ohio State Debt. —The funds necessary to
meet the January interest on the Ohio State
debt, payable in New York, are now ready in
that city.
A great numberof buildings are now in course
of erection in Richmond, which (says the Com
piler) indicate quite an improved taste.
Mexico.—The Picayune says:— We have be.
fore us the first number ofa newspaper publish
ed in Mexico, called “El Estandarte National."
It is the last number, too, which we ever expect
to see, as its publication was immediately sup
pressed by the Government, its printing materi
als confiscated, and its editors imprisoned
That such a Government should exist upon a
continent on which an Anglo-Saxon treads!
New York.—The New York Courier says it
is now rendered certain that the net receipts of
tolls from the Canals of this Stated tiring the past
season will! amount to about $2,100,000. The
Auction and Salt duties will give 8300,000,
making the aggregate receipts two millions and
four hundred thousand dollars. The interest of
the State debt is about $1,300,000 and the supper'
of the Government requires §IOO,OOO more,
making the whole expenditure $1,700,000, or
seven hundred thousand less than the net re
ceipt, without taking into the account thes6oo,-
000 raised by the Loco Foco direct tax, which
will more than defray the expenses ot ad ie
pairs.
More Copper Rock. — Ihe Wisconsin Dem
ocrat, alluding to the Ontanagon “copper rock”
and regretting that it bad | assed f:om the hands
ol Mr. Aldred, by whom it was removed to De
troit, adds: “We believe, however, if report be
true, that copper rocks will ere long cease to be
a curiosity. Col. De Ganno Jones, of Detroit,
who last week passed through this place on his
way to Mineral Point and Platteville, informed
us that anolhei mass of copper, muchlargerand
purer than that taken from the Ontanagon, had
recently been discovered. In regard to the pros
pects of those who are prosecuting their re
searches atter copper ore on the south shore of
Lake Superior, Col. Jones informs that they are
pretty fair.”
Correspondent of the Baltimore Patriot.
New York, Sunday, P. M.
Exchange on New Orleans was in demand
at I cent premium; other descriptions of South
ern funds were rather dull. Foreign Excharses
firm and unusually scarce —Sterling 1081 a 1081;
Francs 5,38}. The Cotton market was pretty
active, and prices firm; the sales amount to 800
bales. Flour was rather dull -Genesee $4.62;
Ohio and Michigan $4,56; a 4,621.
TV “John, what is geography ?'
“ Geography is the history oi every thing on
earth, except the sun, moon and stars and the
. steambullgine.”
“That's right: go to the head.
SATURDAY MORNING, DECEMBER, 9.
The Message.
The demand upon our columns affords n<
space tor comment upon this document. Tin
reader will doubtless observe a vague indistinct
ness upon most of the points of interest—a po-
> -ition assumed by the writer probably from i
consciousness ot his own weakness, and hi:
utter inability to exercise any influence upon
any great measure of national policy.
Cheap Literature.
S. A. Holmes has laid on our table, Nos. 1
and 2 of “Gibbon’s Decline and Fall of the Ro
man Empire;” No. 6 ot “Hannah More’s com
plete works;” No. 2 ot “Kendall’s Life of An
drew Jackson”—Harpers’ editions; “Matilda,
or the Memoirsofa Young Woman,” by Eu
gene Sue;” “The Rambles of the Emperoi
Ching Tih,” a Chinese tale; and the Speech oi
John Duer before the Episcopal Convention.
From Messrs. Grenville & Co., we have
received the Harpers’ editions of “Hannah
More’s Complete Works” No. 6; and Nos. 1
and 2 of “Gibbon’s Decline and Fall of the
Roman Empire.”
Congressional Protest.
In the progress ol organizing the House ot
<■' tfter th 'a d of members had
i ber u ‘r ,*'gii wilti, and the House was
| about to proceed to the electicyi of
aw Tnrrtrjo read tlfe subjoin*.
■jSe atlmfcsidn, to'seats, of gentlemen who had
been elected by general ticket. The motion for
leave, atieran animated discussion, wasdenied,
and the House proceeded Io the election of its
presiding officer. It is a calm, dispassionate
document, detailing briefly and clearly the actu
al state of the case, and condemning, in strong
but decided language, the outrage which was
about to be perpetrated upon the constitution
and law. We commend it to the reader’s atten
tion.
The roll of Representatives elected to the 28th
Congress having now been called by the Clerk,
according to usage, and a quorum of members
whose rignt to participate in the act of organ
izing the House of Representatives is undis
puted having appeared and answered to their
names, this bony is about to proceed to the high
duty of electing a Speaker—to fill an office,
which, in point ot dignity and political conse
quence is hardly secund to any known to the
v,(institution, alter that of President of the
United Sates. Before that high duty shall be
entered upon, the undersigned, feelii g a sense
oi solemn obligation to truth and of responsibili
ty to God lor what they utter and assert, are
e.nstrained to declare that, in their united ana
undoii bling conviction ana judgment, a deep ana
grievous wound, [remaps never tube healed, will
be inflicted on the Constitution, and on law,
elder, and civil liberty, if the election ofa Speak
er shall be conduciea in the manner in which 1
we have reason to apprehend it may be.
Several persons irom the State ol New Hamp
shire, namely, Edmund Burke, John P. Hale,
Moses Norris, jr. and John K. Reding; several
persons, also, from the State of Georgia, namely
Howell Cobb, ugh A. Haralson, and Absalom ;
H. Chap, ell; one person from the State ol Mis
sissippi, namely, Jacob Thompson; andseveral
person irom the State of Missouri, namely James
M. Bowlin, James M. Hughes, John Jameson,
Gustavus M. Bower, and JamesH. Relle, have ;
been called by the Cleik, are now in this Hall, ,
and have answered to u.eir names in a manner
to leave no doubt that their intent and purpose 1
is to vote with the dmy elected Representatives
of the Peop e here present m the election of
Speaker, and to act an I participate fully in the
organization oi the House of Representatives,
as if they were members thereof.
By the act of Congress ot June 25, 1842, “for
the apportionment of Representatives amongthe
several States according to the sixth census,” it
was enacted “that in every case where a Slate
is entitled to more than one Representative, the ’
numberto Which each State shall be entitled ,
under the apportionment shall be elected by dis
tricts composed of contiguous territory, equal in ’
numberto the number ot Representatives to '
which said Stale may be entitled, no one district
electing more than one Representative.”
The se eral Slates above named have refused J
or tailed to provide by law tor the election by
districts of Representatives from those Slates
respectively to the 28lh Congress, each of them i
being entitled to morelhan one Representative, .
and the people of those States have failed, there- ‘
lore, to elect Representatives by districts, as the 1
law ot Congress required. t
These facts are notorious, indisputable, and .
undisputed; they are known to all, and admitted
by all. Failing to elect by districts, they have ‘
failed to elect at all, fora’ll legal and constitu- -
tional purposes. They could not elect, because
there were no districts in those States irom
which to elect. Election by general ticket is no
election. No existing and valid law authorized
any such election beheld; and no elect ion, there
fore, has been held in those Stales at which t
Representatives lor the 28th Congress could be ■
chosen.
It is understood, nevertheless, thatthe persons ’
rbove named propose and intend to vote in the
election for Speaker, on the ground that they
hold returns, or written certificates or commisr j
sions, drawn up in regular form, purporting to .
be the evidence of their election as Represen- ,
talives. We hold that any returns they can
have do not give them any title whatever, when
they are considered in connexion with the known
law of the land. At the same time, it is un- (
doubtedly true that, by the Pailiamentary law,
returns or certificates in regular form, by au
thorized functionaries, made according to law,
are, in all cases, prima facie evidence of elec
tion, and conclusive evidence ofa right to assist
in organizing the body to which persons are thus
returned; and it is tinder colorol this rule of
Parliamentary law, as we understand, that the
persons above named presume to call themselves
members ofthis body.
But as no provision has been made by law for
election by districts in these Slates, and no such
election in lact held, how could any officer or
functionary in these States make a return of any
such election? And as these States are not au
thorized by law to hold an election by gener
al ticket, or otherwise than by districts, how can
any officer or fuctionary therein be authorized
by law to make a return of any such election ?
We are not prepared to admit that anypeisun
Irom any of these States can have in his posses
sion ant legal documentary proof of his elec
tion as a Representative for the 28th Congress.
We are well aware, however, that an attempt,
if now made, by motion ol resolution, before the
organization of the House, to exclude these
persons from all participation in that act, would
be attended with great embarrassment and great
delay, and with the hazard of confusion, violence,
and anarchy in this Hall.
We therefore, to content our
selves I i this s age ol the business ol .he House
with declaring, in this formal and solemn man
ner. .mr condemnation of a proceeding on the
part ot the persons we have named, w Inch, if
performed, wo shall hold to be lawless and es
sentially revolutionary in its character, subver
siveof the Constitution and of all law and or
der, and tending directly to the destruction of our
free Government. We declare that ve shall
regard the election of Speaker, if effected by
the votes of these persons, as an illegal elec
tion and a legal fraud upon the nation ; and we
shall nut fail or cease, after this body shall have
been organized, and in the : rogress ot the ses
sion, to make every effort within our competen
cy to vindicate the law, to purge the House, and
bring it back to a condition of constitutional
soundness.
D. D. Barnard, N. Y. G. B. Rodney-, Del.
K. Rayner, N C. R. C. Winthrop, Mass.
R. C. Schenck, Ohio. W. P. Thomasson, Ky.
Milton Brown, Tenn Garret Davis, Ky.
’ vv ashington Hunt.N.YD. M. Barringer, N. C.
5 Asher Tyler, N. Y. Willis Green, Ky.
S. C. Sample, Ind. Jeremiah Brown, Penn.
John J. Hardin, 111. J. J. Vanmeter, Ohio.
: A. Ramsay, Penn. James Irvin, Penn.
. C. H. Carroll, N. Y. E. Florence, Ohio.
Hamilton Fish, N. Y. Jos. Vance, Ohio.
’ Solomon Foot, Vt. _ J. R. Giddings, Ohio.
> J. Philips Phoenix,N.Y.A. Harper, Ohio.
I T. L. Clingman,N.C. M. H. Jenks, Penn.
H. Grider, Ky. Albert Smith, N. Y.
T. J. Paterson, N. Y. D. R. Tilden, Onio.
I G. P. Marsh, Vt. C. Rogers, N.Y.
J. H. Peyton, Tenn. C. Hudson, Mass.
JQ. Adams, Mass. C. M. Reed, Penn.
S. F. Vinton, Ohio. J. Dickey, Penn.
f f White Ky. R- M llvaine, Penn.
■ W A. Moselev, N. Y.D. P. King, Mass.
J- Collamer, Vt. Jos. Grinnell Mass.
W. Newton. Va. E. R. Potter, R. I.
S. Chilton, Va. Jos- R- Ingersoll. Penn.
Cranston, R. I.
The New~York correspondent of the North
; American says.—An arrangement has been
r made by the Liverpool lines of packets to .send a
) vessel every five days, viz: the Ist, 6th, 11th,
16th. Slstand 26th of each month. The passage,
too, has been advanced to SIOO out, and £25
home. The Prince Albert sailed yesterday for
* Liverpool with 26 passengers —only ’.wo less
: than by the Boston steamer. She was full of
freight and very deep.
MONDAY MORNING DECEMBER 11.
Absent Legislators.
We have frequently seen and felt the etlects
>t the course so often pursued by many Legisl
ators, in absenting themselves (as noticed by
mr correspondent) during the consideration of
important questions. It is an evil of no ordi
nary magnitude, and not untrequently results,
is in the case referred to, in the adoption of ob
noxious measures, the reconsideration of which
consumes the time of the Legislature, and ab
■orbs the money of the people. It is possible
hat the press may apply the corrective, and it
>ur correspondent will furnish the names of ab
•cntccs, we will cintribnte our mite toward the
good cause, by publishing their names, please or
ijfendirhom it may. If members are unwilling
co remain in the House during its sessions, they
should be permitted by their constituents to re
main at home, and let those fill their places who
will represent the interests of their constituents.
gjf-Our acknowledgements are due to Messrs.
Stephens and Chappell, for copies of the
Message.
The Railroad Express—The Message
reached Philadelphia on Tuesday night in a
botit five hours from Baltimore, by the railroad
locomotive express-distance about 98 miles.
The express reached New York on Tuesday
NoFjo’Tihickak last
year—distance about 236 miles.
A Tall M. C—A letter from Washington
says :—Mr. Wentworth, one ot the new Mem
bers from Illinois, is attracting many visitors to
the ('apitol, on account of his extraordinary
Height; he is seven feet two inches.
Tn:: Sugar Crop.—The Picayune of the 3d
inst.says: A letter from a gentleman at New
River, in Ascension Parish, informs us that—“a
few days more will wind up the ‘rolling’ of the
sugar crop this year; some with half and some
with two-thirds of a crop.”
Y'elloW Fever in New Orleans.—By the
report of the Charity Hospital, lor November,
it appears that there were admitted, during the
month, 111 yellow fever patients—of which 17
were remaining on the Ist inst.
Tennessee.—A bill has passed the lower
branch of the Tennessee Legislature providing
for the electton of United States Senators. The
Nashville Whig says:
“ The passage of this hill by the House, and
it will no doubt pass the Senate, settles at least
lor the present a ‘vexed question,’ which for the
last two years has occasioned much party ex
citement, and will, for the future, prevent dis
putes as to the manner ot electing Senators.”
New York Money-Market.—The Express,
of Wednesday says—Money continues very J
abundant, and loans were made to-day on United ;
States stocks, subject to instant call at two and a '
hall percent.
The citizens efUister, N. Y., have been
agreeably surprised by the discovery ol an an
thracite coalmine in the midstof its numerous
manutactories.
John Tyler’s opinion of Henry Clay.
At a Whig dinner at Washington, a short
lime after 'he nomination ot Harrison and
Tyler by the Harrisburg Convention, Mr. Tyler
said:
“I do declare, in the presence of my Heaven
ly Judge, that the nomination given to me was
neithersolicited norexpected; / ivml tothe Con
vention in honor or Henry Clay ; and m the
defeat of the wishes ot his friends, I, as one of .hem, I
made a sacrifice of feeling, even though my own
name was associated with that of Harrison. * ’
* I AM A TRUE AND GENUINE WHIG,
and in the Capitol yonder, I have shown my
loveol Whig principles.”
Notwithstanding the above, this same Tyler,
inanevil hour,basely deserted both Mr. Clay
and bis party, went over to the Locos, who>
having used him to his ruin, spurned him from
their presence ; and he is now left with a miser
able few who embraced him for “the spoils of
office.” He and they will soon meet their doom.
—Petersburg Intelligencer. v
Commerce of the United States.
The Washington Correspondent of the U. S
Gazette furnishes the following brief synopsis of
the forthcoming report of the Secretary of the
Treasury, giving a statement of the commerce
and navigation of the United States for 1843:
EXPORTS.
The value of the exports, of the growth and
manufacture ot the United States, in 1843, was
as follows: '
The Sea—Fish, &c 82,823,010
The Forest—Lumb r, Fur, &c 5,518,362
Agriculture—Animals, Food, &c 16,472,424
Tobacco, 9,540,785
Cotton, 47,593,464
All other articles, Hops, Flaxseed, &c
Manufactures, 9,072,472
Not enumerated articles 1,868,139
Total
Value of goods, wares and merchandize, the
growth and manufacture of foreign countries,
exported from the United States.
Value of merchandise pay ing specific
duties, $2,041,691
Value ot merchandise paying ad va-
lorem duties, 2,842,762
Value of merchandize tree of duty... 6,837,084
Total, $11,721,538
IMPORTS.
Value of merchandise imported in
1843 paying specific duty, $20,325,516
Paying ad valorem duties,., 4J,209,085
Free of duty, 80,627,486
Total
Imported in American vessels. $88,724,280
imported in Foreign vessels, $11,43i,807
Defalcation in Providence. —There is a
defalcation in the Providence city treasury of
85000. It is said that the city will not be a loser.
Who will be, if not the city?
•rs -Wc mentioned a tew days since that a
Mr. M. W. Campbell, of Nashville, lost his
lit'- I-..- I .ins crushed between two steamboats
whilst going on shore at Maysville, Ky., in a
yawl; and that much blame was attached to
Capt. Summons, of the Ben Franklin, tor refus
ing to run his boat alongside of the whart to
land Mr. Campbell. We learn from the Mays
ville Eagle of Wednesday that the Grand Jury
ot Mason county have indicted Capt. Summons
for manslaughter.
Munificence.—The Troy Whig of Thurs
day says: It affords us unfeigned gratification
to state that a free church , for the benefit ot those
whose means will not allow them to procure
seats at the regular churches, will be erected in
this city next spring, by the liberality oi a fami
ly whose contributions for religious and charita
ble purposes have been characterized by a mu
nificence altogether unrivalled in this city.—
The edifice will be of stone, of the Gothic order
of architecture, and v. ill be erected on the north
side ol Elbow, at its intersection with Seventh
street. The spirit ot benevolence which produ
ces such results, cannot be too widely commend
ed or too closely imitated. “Go thou and do.
likewise.”
Important British Naval Movement.-
The Halifax Post 28th November stales that
Vice Admiral Sir Chanes Adams departed Irom
that port wilh a fleet on the 26th, for Central
America, and remarks that the business the
fleet is concerned in is oldeep importance.
Some old difficulties are alluded to as well as
the more recent contempt shown to the British
flag at a party where the British Minister was
present, and what is probably more grevious
than all the rest, the restriction tariff of Sama
Anna, injurious to British trade. Sir Charles
thinks to do something byway oi remedy.
Jj’The teceipis on the Western (Mass.)
Railroad, during the week ending on the 25th
of November, were $13,911. The receipts dur
ing lhe corresponding periol last year wete
$10959.
AUGUSTA, GA. THURSDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 14, 1543.
COMMUNICATED.
The Hero of Leather’s Ford.
Mr.. Editor:—lt has now been some thirteen
years since the momentous battle of Leather’s
Ford was fought and won. For some time pre
vious to, and about the period alluded to, a
numberof poor and destitute men had been at
iracted to the gold region of Georgia, by the
nope of gaining “filthy lucre” by the most con
venient means, whether fair or foul. Frequent
cornplaints to the then Executive of the State, in
forming hitn of the repeated incursions of these
adventurous squatters, aroused the active spirit
ol Gov. Gillmer, who deemed it necessary to
invest that section of country by an armed force,
the command of which devolved on Col. J. W.
A. Sanford., now- the Democratic candidate for
representative in Congress.
The report of Col. Sanlord to Gov. Gilmer,
relating to the celebrated victory of Leathdi’s,
Ford, is not -so short as Niat which Julius Ctesar
returnedlo the Roman Senate after the decisive
conquest of Spain, when he only said—“l come,
I saw, I conqueredand although i have not
compared them, I believe it is something long
er than Gen. Jackson’s official report of the bat
tle of New Orleans. 1 merely slate this to the
public, and io y o*t, byway of apology tor not
publishing the wnole report, the first third port
ol which I offer you for publication, and which
wfo suffice to show lac tenor pi (be wlpoie...
fto --. - po -
exploitsofdistinguished individuals in a clear
and proper light before his countrymen and lhe
world, especially whe u they become candidates
for high and honorable'stations. In times past,
in the glorious days ol arms, kn ighthood and
chivalry, the minstrel pen formed the noble part
of Keeping alive the graieful enthusiasm oi a
warlike people, by coiuimemoraling the Hero s
deeds withsongandstory. In ti e performance of
this, his almost sacred calling, the minstrels,
voice and harp would oftimes in happy unison
breathe forth the most touching and soul-stir
ring melody, whilst with ivp-tuined eyes his
soul seemed wrapt in lofty inspiration. Alas!
the days and the times of the min trel are gone,
and in our degenerate age, we- have only now
and then an humble imitator. The battle ol
Leather’s Ford was recorded in “undying verse”
by one Judge Jones, commonly known by the
euphonious name of “Jo.rif' .ifthe “gold re
gion,” but I have been unable to obtain a copy
of the epic. I, however, remember a verse ol
it, I believe the first, wnicli 1 here give you b)
way of introducing the report alluded to:
“Big fighting J tek San ord,
He ta mighty battle —
He wiit u at toe Ford
Where Leather’*stole the cattle.
Hr kikh u dortii one man,
He bayonet anothe.—•
He ihiriKs « tesar i» tus father,
And Bonaparte brother.
CLIO.
Extract from ths Letter of Gen. J. IF. A. Sanford
to Gov. Gdtner.
Agency, at Scudder’s, )
January 22, 1651. )
His Excellency George R. Gilmer:
Sir —In my letter of the 15tn instant to your
Excellency, 1 mentioned that Col. Nelson was
charged wttn an expedition to tne Upper Mines.
Ou Monday, the' 17di instant, he returned to
Head Quarters, having successlully accom
plished me object <>t his march. 1 regret, how
ever, to add, matin the performanceottnatduty,
he lias had to encounter difficulties ot tae most
serious and embarrassing nature. I regret it
the more, inasmuch as I may have induced ttie
belie! that ttie law in relation to this territory
would be readily submitted to, mid would, it
sell, thus become a sufficient saae-guard ol the
interest it was designed to protect. 1 must cun
less, however, that 1 nave teen mistaken: nut
indeed, in the character of those from whuin tiie
opposition lias arisen, but from the daring ano
ouiZagaviix, manner ol their tesst;uice. Col-
Nelson. in hisenterprisC upon Daniel’s, (Uppet
Mines,) having succeeded in arresting several
persons guilty ot working lhe mines since the
first instant, their friends an t former associates
t.ename by -oma inean', oi their cap
ture, and from their subsequent: conducl, nd
doubt, resolved upon their release. For this
purpose, they assembled in force, (between 50
and 60,) early in the morning of the 16th, al
Leather's Ford, having ascertained that the
command with the prisoners would cross the
Ciiastatee al that place. The first act of their
hostility was indicated by their having caused a
number ot obstructions in the passage oi the
river, with the view of harrassing the detach
ment, and otherwise perplexing and retarding
its movements. These were, however, avoided
without any great difficulty, and the opposite
shore having been reached in safety, the van es
corting the prisoners resumed its line ol march.
It had proceeded but a snort distance, when the
sergeant commanding the rear, brought intelli
sence ot its being attacked, to Col. Nelson.—
Having secured the prisoners (11 in number)
wilh a sufficient guard, he hastened immediate
ly to the scene oi engagement. Upun bis a">-
proach, the assailants desisted irom their attack,
with tiie exception ot three, who continue:., the
assault with great fury, until checkea by the
bayonet. One of these, the vitest ot the vile, re
ceived a couple of severe wounds, believed, at the
time, to have been mortal; but upon examination
it was found that he was not likely to experience
lhe fate so richly merited by his infamous liie,
and still more infamous conduct in this affray.
Previously to the rencounter, he had, 1 learn,
professed the utmost contempt of Georgia, her
laws, her officers, denied her jurisdiction over
this territory, and encouraged those who were
inclined to violate her recent enactments in re
lation tiicreto, with the protection of his val.ir
ows arm. In the practical demonstration ol his
prowess, he has learned a lesson, which may
Hereafter be serviceable to himseli, and a him
to all otheis who may beaisposed to invade our
rights or infringe our laws. Its good effects
have already been experienced, for 1 understood
that not less than 70 of these desperate and t
battdoned wretches have suddenly disappeared
from their former haunts in the settlements.—
Even before ihe occurren- e of the affair at the
the Ford, individual members of the guard,
when alone, had been insulted, and menaced in
a maimer that evidenced the most inveterate
and rancorous feeliug. Aware ol their hostil-
IV. from what he too had seen, Col. N Ison ad
vised his men to a cautious and circumspect
deportment whilst passing them, and to relrain
irom any expressions, or observations, in the
most remote degree calculated to enrage or pro
voke them. In obedience to this order, the com
mand were proceeding quietly and peaceably;,
when the outrageou- abuse of this horde, ciict
ted a reu.ly from one of his men. In an mstant
as i! bv pre-coneert. the whole elan commenced
n-athei i.iL’stoiies. billets of weed, an,!-■ .-cry spe
cies of missile, discharging them at the euard.
it was with the utmost difficulty that they were
restrained from returning this unexpected salu
tation with a volley ot musketry. Again an I
again were their pieces levelled, whilst the ol
ten repeated order, “ reserve your fire, ” alone
prevented their discharge.
Shad. - The Savannah Republican of the 7th
instant, says: The first Shad of the season was
served up yesterday at the Pulaski House.—
This is unusually early, as they do not general
ly make their appearance in our river beforethe
17th to the 25th December.
g3pThe Marine and Fire Insurance Bank of
Savannah has declared a dividend oi three per
cent, payable on and after Monday next.
The Louisville Journal says, that the steam
boat New Sultana, recently built at that place,
ana distance of thirty-five miles in one hour
and three minutes on her first trial.
Philadelphia, December. 7
Anti-Slavery Meeting.—For the last two
ir'three days there has been a gathering of per
sons professing to be the Anti-Slavery Society,
n the Universalis; Church in the northern part
ifthecity- the assemblage has been of such a
piebald cast asto create no little excitement in
the surrounding community, and fears are en
tertained that some infringement of the laws
may result therefrom
New Orleans Banks.—From the report cf
he Board of Currency, the Tropic condenses
he following statement of the condition of the
Banks of that city on Saturday, the 25th ult.
Cush L'abilities. specif _
Bank oiT..>u»ia»».. S'’ ’ m
Canal i Banking Cn 502,136 b.J.... 1. 597
Citv Bank 600 232 09.... oOt.Uou 00
I Eid, uana Sla.e Bank.... 725.963 51.... 705.47'* 16
Mechanic.' i Traders' 8’k.1.933.032 ri.. .. so
Union Bank of Loiusaua.. j00,87u j 6. ... .-yu. iyjjW
Total 57.956.703 23 S 3 0M.962 -ll
Virtue maketh men on earth famous, in
heir graves illustrious, and in Heaven imtnor-
Corresp on deuce oi tnc unsafe neuunei.
LKGIBLATUKEOFHXORGIA.
Millf.dgkViLL, December 5.
Messrs. Editors:— The on the
Senatorial Districts has demj ued upon a plan
which will be submitted >rr-jw morning.
By lhe politeness of the CreKiSh, Mr. Ridiy,
lam permitted to send it advance. I
cannot say whether the jffajb'-‘ adopted in
its present form or ainendei vjM course, when
die interests of so many au# stake, some dis
satisfaction must exist. I marked the po
litical complexion ofeacfoiffit lhe majority as
ascertained at the late Gov<election.
1. Dade and Chattoogaß.. L...D. 112
2 Walker and MurraOg*., ■ ■ -D. 230
3. Floyiland Gass..,.|^^HS» -D. 132
1. Gilmer and Union ■ gjEr • • ■ • ■D. 237
5. Lumpkin and FoMKgKfe*.- r). 469
6. Cobb and CherokegßErosW • ”2
7. Paulding andCartaAc-• .->,.D. 200
8. Campbell and DefIKHH4• •D. 287
9. Henry and
10. Newton and VVal.l . ••k-JY- ‘404
11. Gwinneit and HafflgKb "
12. Haoersiiam and jmsiw —• • ■ -D. 397
13. Franklin and W; 102
14. Madison and OgjiOft ’ • •W. 456
15. Clarke and Jacksi^^-js• ■■ W- 53
16 Butts and JaspwMßMElfe.P. V?’
17. Morgan andGre<M|Mßjjfe'> jY. 662
18. Wilkes and Linda: k®- -••• ” •
19. Tailialerru and ; ar *s’p
20. Columbia and -"Y'- 5' ■ 386
21. Burke and EmatififlVL
22. Jeffersqn and
i ;.■• • £ •»' : "
Laurens ,-to,. P>.
27. ’l’ellair and Irwin.; . . 'U-
28. Monigomerv and Anpfib?- •
29. Tatnall and Bulloch, 1...D. tie.
30. Scriveuand Ettinghate., W. 113
31. Chatham 5 W. 66
32. Bryant and Libert}' W. 53
33. Mclntosh and Glynn W. 78
34. Camden and Wayflc.... j-.. D. 217
35. Ware and Lowndes ~..D. 29
36. Thomas and Decatur W. 292
37. Baker and Early D. 229
38. Randolph and Stewart W. 52
39. Lee and Sumter. W. 178
40. Dooly and Hou-ton. D. 119
41. Marion and Muscogee. W. 52
42. Macon and Crawford \Y. 85
43. Upson and Pike - Vy . 311
41. Harris and Talbot. W- sou
15. Troup and Meriwether. ..... 'V ■ s*®
16. Coweta and Heard ~..W. 45
47. Monroe and Bibb ....D. 12
The 37 counties entitled to two members
each, under the report, are 1 Chaham; 2 Mus
cogee; 3 Troup; 4 Alonroe;,s vleriwetner; 6
Talbot; 7 Upson; 8 Harrik; 9 Henry; 10
Jackson; 11 Richmond; 12 NeV on; 13 Gwin
nett; 11 Houston; 15 DeKalb; 16 Burke; 17
Elbert; 18Jasper; 19 Walton; 20 Oglethorpe ;
-’1 Franklin; 22 Coweta; 23 Stewart; 21 Put
nam; 25 Clarke; 26 Greene; 27 Wilkes; 28
Columbia; 29 Warren; 30 Washington; 31
Jones; 32 Fike; 33 Bibb: 34 Hancock; 35
Habersham; 36 Morgan; 37 Hall. The re
maining 56 counties are to |aveone membea
eaeli.
You will observe that this arrangement dif
fers slightly from ihe one 1 sent you a lew days
since. This arises from tiW lact thatthe form
er estimate was based upon the census of 1840,
this on the State census of 1838; which is the
more proper as tiie reduction bill requires the
ap, ortionment to be made, after every septenial
enumeration and at no other time. 1 here is a
bill before the present Legislature profiling tor
the taking ot the State census in 1844, so that
there will oe but one election under the appor
tionment that may now lake place.
I have been informed that this bill has been
submitted to a nmnber ot prominent Democrats
wh * expressed tnemselves not dissatisfied with
its details. I have also heard it vaguely ru
mored that they voted lor it in committee.—
Some of them, however, will oppose it for per
sonal and party considerations, with w'hat suc
cess time only can develop. My own opinion
is that it will be modified, or that a substitute
will pass in its stead.
As it now stan is, and as parties are now ar
rayed, taking lhe resultol'llielasteleetion as a
test, the Whigs would have 29 in the Sena: ■
and the Democrats 18. In the House they
would have about 72 to 58, but two years have
to elapse before tne election, and itoua-to »->-
such thing as" folWWftg the result. All lhal
ought to be done is'to make a fai" and equitable
arrangement ol the counties most contiguous,
without anv reference to ulterior effects upon
parlies. But more on this subject anon.
1 have tiie oieasine ol sending you today a
very - n
Finance. It will speak fo-Tft and more
than sustain every remark 1 majr have hitherto
made in reference to the misapplication of the
public funds by the late Executive, and the
wild and chimerical statements of iris message
in relation to the available means for’Hand
’45. Let me not be misunderstood, however: I
do not mean that Gov. McDonald has not fair
ly accounted for all the monies that passed
through iris hands. 1 only refer to that which
officially is perhaps equally inexcusable though
not equally criminal, viz: the taking of lunds
set apart lor one purpose and applying them to
others. But I will not delay you, on these
points. The report is exceedingly full and ex
plicit. The recommendations with which it
concludes are all embodied in a series of bills
that were introduced yestferday. The report
will be presented tins morning, and it is only
through the kind indulgence of the Chairman
that I am thus permitted to send you a copy in
advance. Its importance demands an immedi
ate publication. If its recommendations arc
carried o»t and the bills introduced become laws,
the credit ol the State will be restored, her Cen
tral Bank bills and her Bonds will be raised to
par almost instantaneously. -
The House took final action on a great num
ber ot local bills during ihe morning session,
and was employed during the evening in read
ing bills the second time—some thirty or forty
of which were disposed of.
In the Senate an immense mass oi business
was transacted during its session. Several bills
were introduced, one only ol general hearing,
by Mr. Philips, to regulate the manner of pay
ing the inrerest on the publ c debi.
The consideration of the Western an ! Atlan
tic Railroad question was set apart for Friday
next.
The following, among other bills, passed:
1. For lhe reliei ot Lite Trustees of Masonic
Hall, Augusta, remitting the taxes upon their
property, and exempting it hereafter.
2. Mr. Miller s bill, giving the power to «rant
acts ol incorporation to the Superior and Infe
rior Courts. This is a very important measure,
and will lend greatly to disencumbc. ittftirc
legislation.
3. To point out ihe mode of suing corpora
tions in law and equity, and to define the issues
against the same in ejectment.
1. To make slaves and tree persons of Color
amenable as accessaries in certain cases, and
to rt-fine lheir punishment'.
Mr. Miller presented the memorial of the
Mechanics of Augusta on die subject of the
Penitentiary, and it was referred tn the Peni
ter;.i:ry committee.
'1 < ommiitee on the Stateot the Republic,
to whim were referred certain resolutions from
the Stac ol New York, on the subject ol repu
diation presented the following resolution:
Resobed, That we regird theslighest breach
ot plighted faith, public or private, as an evi
dence ot lhe want of that moral principle upon
which aj obligations depend. That when any
State of Ibis Union shall refuse to recognise her
great sea l as the sufficient evidence ot her obli
gations, she will have forfeited her station in the
sisterhood of States, and will no longer be wor
thy of lheir confidence and respect.
Yours, C.
Mr. Meriwether’s Report.
The Committee on Finance, to whom was
referred so much of the annual message ol his
l-xcellency Governor McDonald, as relates to
the public debt and to the condition of the treas
ury, Report; ~ . •
That the subject of the public debt is one of
peculiar interest to the people, an : lhe adminis
tration of the laws in relation to it deserve the
strictest scrutiny.—ln the year 1811, an act was
passed by which it was provided, “that the mo
ney that may be obtained from the Federal Gov
ern neut, on account oi military claims ,and all
oilier funds that mav be paid into the Treasury
f the State, (other than for taxes,) are hereby
set apart and appropriated to the payment oflhe
public debts.” ‘Another section of thesamelaw
provided, “that it shall be the duty of the Gov
ernor to cancel and annul an amount of State
Bonds equal to the cash paid on said contracts
—that ta’e residue of said bonds be sold, or otherwise
disposed of, by the Governor or by his authority,for
tic full and final completion of said road from ds
eastern terminus to a point two mites west of the
Etowah river."
The policy ol ihe Stale through the Legisla
ture was here clearly and distinctly marked out.
The Western and Atlantic Rail Road was to be
completed'o a certain point, on the condition
.hat the work should be paid for in State Bonds,
• earing interest and payable at thirty years.—
The embarrassments ot the limes denied to hei
the ability to use any other means oi pat ment.
it was necessary to build the road in this way,
or not at all. AH the other resources of the
State were demanded to meet the interest on the
public debt, and to the extinguishment of so
much of the principal as public honor demand-
ed ; anil to that object alone were they io be ap
plied. At the passage of this act, the Sta'e was
indebted to Reid, living A. Co., near hall a mil
lion of dollars under very peculiar circumstan
ces. Ah agent had been sent to England to ne
gotiate the Bonds of lhe Stale: when he reach
ed there, a revulsion find taken place in public
securities. Unable then to sell, he deposited
die bonds with Reid, Irving & Co., Io be sold as
a favorable occasion might arise; while they,
with no hope or prospect of speculation,’ I'Ul
simply to aid the State in her policy, advanced
to him a large sum of money—expecting that
when the bonds were sold, which would be very
shortly, they would reimburse themselves the
advancement and remit to the State of Georgia
tne overplus. They were to receive an interest
of 5 per cent only, tin the amount advanced, un
til the bonds should be sold. These bonks were
not sold at the passage of the act referred to; nor
are they yet sold. The funds which the State
was receiving from taxes and other sources of
revenue in 1841, were in an irredeemable cur
rency and greatly depreciated. Reid, Irving &
Co., were pressing most zealously the payment
01 their money, and the redemption of our bonds.
Public honor demanded of Georgia a prompt
compliance with the requisition ol her creditors.
The State held a claim on the Federal Govern
ment for some two hundred thousand dollars
near one half of the debt of that firm. Il was
believed that, during the year ISft, this claim
would he realized in par value funds. The
State likewise expected to receive from the same
source her proportion of the sales of the public
lands, under the law of Congress passed in
IM I.
It was. under these peculiar circiii stahi e* that
•the Leg’iUaturq passed, the act before relcrred to,
, r*’Waag .these funds and ali others,.(except tax
inti■ t(w I’leusur* -ui uig
rKfkei RpKK"!ri<7;.lcdvt'i to tln‘payFnSa if the
public debts." Anti so fearful were they that by
some possibility these funds, in the general
pressure of the times and the unexampled em
banassed stale ot the Treasury, might not pro
perly be applied, and to Hie specific objects de
signated, thatthe same act still further provid
ed. ‘ that ail the money or casli funds which
may be received as aforesaid, (being the funds
to which we have adveMed.) be deposited by th:
Governor, at his discretion, in some Baukin
this Stale, and entered to the credit of the Stale
of Get rgia upon the books of the Bank, to b:
checked mil only by the Governor, for the pvrytoses
of the payment of the public debts."
The committee, upon an examination of the
expenditures made from lhe funds before desig
nated, deeply regret to find lhal Governor Mc-
Donald has almost’entirely failed and neglected
to carry out the provisions of the law. He lias,
it is true, deposited the funds as required; but,
so far as the practical effect goes, he might as
well have thrown them into the general mass ol
funds in the State Treasury, to be applied indis
criminately to all objects of expenditure. He
has applied them to objects forbidden by the law
—to objects lor which separate provision had
been made by the Legislature—tor the paymcni
of expenses contracted since the passage oi the
law—lor he ordinary operations of the Govern
ment—tor the salaries ot some of its officers -
and lor tiie construction of the Western and At
lantic Rail Road; while that delicately siiuaied
debt ot Reid, Irving &Co., which might have
been reduced in principal some $70,0110, \by
which an earnest would have been afforded our
creditors, that we could, and would, pay our
debts,) beyond the interest, has nut received one
dollar of payment.
The committee are not able to specify all the
particular objects to which these funds have Icon
applied; but, ot one thing, there is no d> übt,
that wilh the exception of a small amount, t hesc
lunds have not been applied according to law.
From the account of John P. King, Esq., agent
of the State, it appeal’s that he received from the
Federal Government as
“Georgia’s quota ol sales of public
lands” $22,749 43
On account military claim 100,219 00
Making $122,968 43
Ot this sum, he placed to the credit
of the Geo Rail Road& Banking
Co., in the Union Bank, N. Y.,
for the State of Georgia $74,037 11
Tothe credit of Slate of Georgia, in
Merchants’ Bank, N. Y 40,000 00
To the credit of Georgia Rail Road
& Banking Co,, in do. do., for
State of Georgia 2,300 00
To the credit of State of Georgia,
in Merchants’ Bank, N. Y 2,653 55
I'aM interest on sterling bonds.. .... 3,155 94
Amount otherwise accounted f0r.... 821 80
Making $122,968 13
Upon reference to lhe account ofthe
Georgia Rail Road Bauk’g Co.,
' dwpi'sing iff the funds feceived hy
it, itappears that there wait loaned
to Central Bank, to pay interest on
publicdebt. .... .... .I SIB,OOO
For iron, spikes, freight, commis-
sions, &e., lor Rail Road 54,719 90
For stationary and postage at Execu-
tive office, salary of Engineer, &c. 3,523
Thus, of the funds received by that Bank, to
wit: $76,337, Governor McDonald applied on
ly SIB,OOO to the “payment oi llie public debts,”
while the residue, near .$57,000, Ims been ex
pended in violation o! the law.
In the account ofthe Merchant’s B'it,
N. Y., oflhe fund and its accruing
interest, received by them, to wit:.s-15,281 05
There was expended by the Gover-
nor. for interest to Reid, Irving Y
Co. 21,939 52
For interest to Bank of Augusta.... 7,326 37
Making $32,265 89
While lhe residue was expended for pay of sal
ary ofthe Chief Engineer—for the debts of the
Penitentiary, for which the Legislature had oth
erwise provided—lor the construct ion ol the Ra il
Road, &c.
In recapitulation ofthe expenditures, itap
pears that of the sum of $122,968 43, most sol
emnly set apart and pledged to the -‘payment of
the public debts,” the Executive has applied to
lhal purpose the sum ofonly $53,421 83—u bile
much lhe larger portion, to wit: the sum of
$69,546 60, lias been applied to objects not on
ly unauthorized by law, but o objec s for which
different provision had been made by law. A
reference is had to these objects at the conclu
sion oi the report.
He has, however, informed the Legislature
that there is a balance on hand of this l and ot
$36,529 07, to tiie credit of the State, in the
Centra! Bank. Upon inquiry at that institu
tion, your committee arc informed that such a
credit'exists, and that it was made by the laie
Executive “in f/c notes of the said Ban!:.'
Thus is this fund consumed, and but little ap
plied to the purposes contemplated bylaw: for
this hitter credit made iu the bills ofthe Central
Bank, shows that the fund received from the
Federal Goveinment, being a special fund, was
used to redeem so much olthe circulation ofthe
Central Bank.
There is no justification for lhe disregard of
tin: law evinced by 'he late Chief Magistrate.—
The public honor demanded that thenublicdcbt
sb I'.iid be paid, and the public law eomtnr.i.de.t ’
it - onld bo done. The fun'! was designated, i
and t ■? c pecial control of it placed in the hands
o; erimi. His oepartur: iruiii the kiw-
is a .sore disappointment iu confiding credi ors,
and his perversion of the 'und an embarrassing
clog to the operations of tb,e Treasury. As it
could not be employed for the reduction of the
principal ofthe public debt, it would have been
fortunate had it been reserved for the payment of
the interest. The first semi-annual payment is
near at hand, and the Treasury is without spe
cie lunds to meet it.—Yet, be the sacrifice what
it may, the committee are assured it will be net
promptly.
His late Excellency informs the Legislature
that—“l have engaged upon the receipt of the
balance of the appropriation Irom the General
Government, to apply at least fifty thousand
dollars of that sum to the reduction ofthe debt
due Reid, Irving & Co.” The committee are
persuaded that no such payment can be made
Irom the fund specified, because there is no such
amouut remaining due to the State; and these
creditors must submit to the humiliation oi a
disappointment from a promise which will not
be redeemed, or the money to meet the payment
must be derived from some other source. The
committee will not tolerate, tor a moment, the
idea oldisappointment. 1 he expectation excit
ed is that the fund will, in proper season, be re
alized, and therefore payment is confidently ex
pected , and, at all hazards, the promise must, in
good faith, be met, — the money must he paid.
The amount ol money appropriated by Con
gress, for the payment of the military claim, was
$175,000, “or so much as may be necessary I ■ r
tne purposes aforesaid, after deducting any sum
or sums of money that may have herdofoir. been
advanced, by the United states, to the Slate of
Georgia, to be applied to the objects aluresaid,
and which may not have been previously soap
plied.” On the 25di of September, 1843, the ac
counting officer ofthe Federal Treasury inform
ed Governor McDonald that there was charged
“on the books” of that department, “for whichlhe
Stale of Georgia is held accountable,” as an ad
vance heretofere made, of $10.725,36-100.
Governor McDonald objected tothe eonstruc
lion of the law, which made such a charge
against the State: but, on the October last,
the Department advised him that sttrA ronstme
tion could not Ac departed from.
I These facts are presented in the documents
I accompanying the Executive me.- rage, in which
J tie informed the legislature, as a tact to guide
1813
our legislation, that there was a balance yet u
be received, and ajipliaible to the service of th.
present year, of $74,796 73. Should the whole
ot this balance -re allowed—still, after deducting
the advance made to the State, and which mus
be deducted under the law—there will be onlj
the sum ot $34,000 hereafter to be received b>
the State, and to be applied to the payment o>
the $50,0.’0 promised Reid, Irving & Co.
The committee regard the speedy payment ol
this debt as of the very first importance. Thej
regard the policy, commenced in 1840, of redu
cing annually 'he public debt $75,000, to have
been a just and wise one, and imperiously de
manded by the rights olcreditors and the plight
ed honor ol the State. And they do now insist
that no obstacle shall be permitted to interfere
with that policy, but that the united energies ol
the Government should henceforth be directed to
the uninterrupted and certain prosecution of that
object.
The committee, upon inquiry, have ascertain
ed that the provisions of the act of 1840, so far
as they relate to the payment of the public debt,
have not been complied with. That act pro
vides, “thatthe further sum of $75,000 of said
money, (the money of the Central Bank,) b?an-
u ually applied, by said directors, to the payment
u nd reduction of the principal of said public debt,
o ntil otherwise directed by the General Assem
bly of this Slate.” The act of 1842 prohibited
t ny payments to the public debt from the Cen
tal Bank. Independent, however, of that act,
he law was not con formed to in 1841 and ’42.
In 1841, the Commissioners ot the Western
Atlantic Rail Road, drew an amount ofchecks
on the Central Bank for work done on said road.
The amo mt was less than this annual appro
priation : die directors paid jhem, and charged
fhem to the account ot the “public debts." n
priationat all, and the residue now re..it • ; to- 1
tally unapplied.
His Excellency has presented, in his annual
message, a favorable and flattering state of the
Treasury, by which the Government is repre
sented as able promptly to proceed to the pay
ment ofa part of the public debt, which has thus
far been so illegally neglected.
The committee dissent from the conclusions
and facts ot his Excellency, and will proceed to
investigate lite state of the finances as present
ed in the message, in order to ascertain the abil
ity ot the Treasury to discharge its liabilities.
The Governor states the probable balance in
the Treasury at the end of the present political
vear, at 3110,816 80, which is to be increased
by the balance on hand at lhe end of the last po
litical year, less the amount of taxes received
on the assessment for the present yaer’s supply.
If this be true, then the State will be able to re
deem, without difficulty, at least $75,000 of the
public debt within lhe present year, and the
whole country is doubtless looking wilh intense
anxiety to the action of this Legislature, in
making such a reduction of the debt, which so
favorable a condition of the treasury would
clearly indicate and allow. In fact, his Excel
lency, when speaking of this unexpectedly pros
perous condition of our finances, has advised
the people of his intention to pay lb id, Irving
& Co. “at least” 350,000 of their debt. The
Committee, believing that no such payment can
be made, regard his exposition of our finances
as calculated to mislead and deceive the public
mind; to create expectations which cannot be
realized, and, from lhe failure of which, re
proach will unjustly be attempted to be cast up
on those who are now called to administer the
goveinment.
The Governor estimates the condition of the
Treasury as follows:
Receipts from taxation and other
contingent sources of revenue. .8290,000 00
To the credit cf the Slate in he Cen-
tral Bank and Geo. R. R. Bank,
subject to Executive checks 36,529 07
To the credit of the Treasury in the
Central Bank 21,967 00
Balance of military claim on gov-
ernment 74,795 73
Making an aggregate 0f... .3123,291 80
The expenditures are:
Expenses of Legislature.. .895,000
Civil Establishment 37,475
Contingent Fund (including
balance for last year).... 30,000
Military Fund 5,000
Printing Fund 17,000
Special appropriations 15,000 '
Interest on Public Debt.... 95,000
Arrearages ot interest for for-
mer years 18,000
Making an aggregate of 3312,475 00
Which,beingdeductedirom estima-
ted receipts, will leave a balance,
subject to legislative disposal.... 8110,816 80
hand 31 st October, as alluded to above.
The Committee, upon scrutinizing this exhi
bit, cannot resist the conclusion that it is mate
rially erroneous.
As to the first item ot receipts, from taxes,
&e., they think it probable that something near
the amount estimated'will accrue.
The second item will be realized in Central
Bank funds—they having been substituted for
par value funds received irom the general gov
ernment by Gov. McDonald.
The third item is not available for the sup
port of government, being 821,967. It is a fund
derived from dividends on Bank stock, and was,
by an act of the Legislature, solemnly pledged
to the Poor School Fund. The act of 1811
pledged it to the public debt, and the act of 1842
pledged it, alter its release Irom that obligation,
to the redemption of the bills ol the Central
Bank. Upon inquiry at that institution, the
committee learn, that the construction placed
upon the laws above referred to, by Gov. Mc-
Donald, was, that this fund was made subject to
the payment of interest upon the public debt.—
They further learn, that ihe fund was receive I
in specie, or its equivalent, and that it has been
used in discharge of the accruing interest >n 6
per cent bonds; and that the credit to the Treas
ury is merely nominal, there being nothing to
discharge it but the bills ot the Bank; and even
they cannot be paid to it without a repeal of lhe
law of 1842. Thus it will be seen that this is a
fund not available for the purpos, s ofthe treas
ury in discharge of the liabilities of the govern
ment.
The following is a statements the fund, the
time of its accrual, and the source whence de
rived:
Front the Rank of Augusta.
Dividend, August, 1841 83,115 00
“ June, 1842 2,225 00
“ December, 1842 1,780 00
“ August, 1843 1,780 00
From, Bank Stale of Georgia
Dividend, May, 1841 6,135 50
“ October, 1841 3,466 00
“ May, ' 1843 3,466 00
821,967 50
The military fund, composing the fourth item,
t ill not be available to the amount stated, viz:
874,795 73. The largest amount which can be
realized under the most favorable state ol the
account, is 834,070, as the the committee have
before shown. Speaking ol this balance (874,-
795 73) the Governor, in his annual message,
says, that the vouchers upon « hicli the Stale re
lies io recover it, “were so loosely taken by mili
tia officers unacquainted with the formula in
such cases, that very few of the accounts con
form to the regulations of the Departments at
Washington, and the collection of proof at this
late day, will be attended with great difficulty and
expense. Col. Rogers has been engaged in this
service, also.” it is understood that the whole
amount of the “balance” is yet in controversy,
and that the vouchers relating to it have been re
turned to the Executive for additional proof; and
tom the facts stated by Gov. McDonald, there
is good reason to believe that the emiie amount
may never be realized, without further legisla
tion on the part of Congress.
The last item of receipts is the unexpended
balance in the Treasury on 30th October, 1843.
A he Treasurer states that nominal balance at
846.395 11
This is composed of
The State’s St’k in B’nk
State Georgia 810,000 00
Counterfeit money, pa
per medium, Darien,
Macon, and Monroe
R. R. Bank bi 115.... 14,159 98
Taxes for 1843 12,420 03—836,580 00
Which deducted leaves available, $9,815 10
The committee agree with Gcv. McDonald,
that had the Treasury been compelled to pay all
the liabilities chargeable upon it for the last po
litical year, it could not have been able to meet
them. There are now outstanding liabilities as
follows:
Arrearages of interest on State bonds. .818.000
Arrearages chargeable on the printing,
military and contingent funds 17,000
Making $35,000
While the total means to meet them amount to
$9,815 10—thus leaving a clear deficiency of
825,185, tobe paid out of the resources ofthe
present year.
The expenditures estimated by the late Exec
utive, the committee think, are erroneous. The
item for expenses of the Legislature maybe .re
duced SIO,OOO, owing to the reduction of the
pay and mileage of members, as proposed.—
The item of arrearages, chargeable upon tne
contingent fund, is $15,000, instead oi Ml.wO,
as estimated; arrearages ot mili'-ai
1 arrearages of the printing fund 11,21'0. Ine
amount ofthe interest on the j>ubuc_ rtebt, is
fluctuating, owing to the value ol the mm-s in
he Treasury, an t lhe variance in the rate i
exchange. The Lunatic Asylum requires ni
annual appropriation of S2OOO, and the auiuui
ot other specific ap,.ropnai ions toi the presei
year, the amount of specific appropriations i
■ormeryears chargeable upon tne present ye...
md ttie support of the Penitentiary, and the re.
oration oi injuries sustained by fire, will mo
pro ably amount to SII,OOO. Additionally, th.
, Executive has promised the payment ol $50,06.
>o Reid, Itvin &Co.
We have, then, the following condition of thi
Treasury for the political year 1844:
Receipts.
Available balance in the Treasury
30th November, 1843 39,815 K
To the credit ol the State in Central
Bank and Georgia R. R. Bank,
subject to Executive check..... 36,529 07
Balance ol military claim on gov-
vernment 34,070 36
Taxes and other contingent sources
of revenue 290,000 IX
$370,414 5.
EXPENDITURES.
Legislature $85,000 06
Civil list 37,475 01
Contingent fund 20,000 Ou
Printing ftmd 18,000 0i
Military 6,000 06
Inspector of Penitentiary 500 00
Interest on public debt 96,000 00
Arrearages of interest 18,000 Ou
Arrearages in the contingent, mili-
tary, and printing funds 17,000 00
Lunatic Asylum 2,000 00
Specific appropriations of this and
tj>«qier years, (including cslimat
.’ ..<>-»oronriations for lhe Peniten-
K..rr.. 4i,ouow
to. Reid. liring 60.. 50,000 00
’ $390,475 00
Deduct receipts $370,414 53
Leave a deficiency of $20,060 47
This deficiency, the c< mmittee anxiously in
dulge the hope, may be supplied by a rigid re
trenchment from the expenditures from the con
tingent, printing and military lunds, and such
income as may be derived irom the reverted
lands. A general system ot economy in all ex
penditures, which they indulge lhe belief is now
being adopted, will doubtless avoid this defi
ciency without embarrassment at the close of
the year.
In the political year 1845, a more favorable
state ot the Treasury may be expected. The
expenses will most probably be:
Civil establishment - .... . $37,475
Contingent Fund 20,000
Militaiy fund 3,(XX)
Printing fund 5,000
Interest on public debt 100,000
Special appro; nations 18,000
Lunatic Asylum 2,000
Contingencies 10,01X1
Making $195,475
The receipts accruing from taxes, (; rovided
they remain the same as last year,) an 1 "ihei
contingent sourcesol revenue, will be sl9 ',OOO.
Which will leave a surplus of 894,575
’From which deduc; whatever paymei t
may be made on account of lhe pub' ic
debt, say 75,000
And there will be left in lhe Treasury. .$19,575
To be applied as a surplus to the support, oi
the Roveinuient tor the politic..! year 1846.
These amounts are siibp'et to be varied by re
ceipts increasing beyon the estimates Irom par
ticular sources, and falling sh at in others; yet
it is believed that foi all practical | urposes, the
condition of lhe Treasury for 1844 and 1845
has been sufficiently ascertained and stated.—
The question arises, what will be me propel
measure ol taxation for lhe next two yearsl
The comuiiuee are decidedly opposed to any
increase ol taxes beyond the rate assessed in
1842. They desire, if possible, a reduction
irom those rates. Yet the future com.iifon ot
the Treasury cannot now be so clearly foretold,
as to authorize, in justice to the public interests,
a proposition tor a reauction of them. Yet
ihey think it but fair to leave to the Executive,
as future circumstances may justily it, to re
quire such a reduction in the taxes a- die dimin
ished wants of tne Treasury may authonz ;
and they submit a bill for that purpose. The
committee feel that unnecessary taxes upon the
industry ol the country are alike oppressive and
paralyzing. H-nce they have been disposed,
in the absence of an annual session ol the Le
gislature, to avail the country ot all the advan
tages resulting from any improvement in our
finances.
The committee look io the resuscitation ol
the public credit as a mailer of the aeepest in
terest, in a pecuniary point ol view, to our citi
zens, and of high and elevated patriotism to
our State. The crisis through which our peo
ple have passed, has been must searching and
latal; vet by economy and industry, they have
well nigh attained salety from iisdangers, and
are now reauy to sustain, to the utmost, the
plighted laith and honor ot the land ol tneir na
tivity and adoption. Honor demands the pay
ment ol our public debt, and intrepidly will the
requisition be met. Duty demands the restora
tion of public credit, and its injunctions will
not pass unneeded. The committee ieel that
they have discharged the obligations imposed
upon them in this respect, arid they have an
abiding confidence that the Legislature will
discharge as treely their obligations. They
have reported bills, to settle and pay off lhe debt
of Reid, Irving & Co.; to restore the State
Treasury to specie payments; and for the resto
ration to par value ol the bills of the Central
Bank. And they entertain not a doubtt that, by <
the adoption of these measures, the bonds ofthe
State will at once be advanced to par vtdue.
’1 hese vital ends should neverescape ihe pub
lic vigilance. They should ever bekept before
the public gaze, us among the first, lhe last, and
the greatest ol obligations ofthe Legislature;
tor they bring witli them a public and pr ivate
benefit reaching into the various relations of so
ciety lorthe promotion of its great interests.—
And should these measures produce the effects
contemplated, the Legislature will have ac
quired itself well of tiie embarrassing and pcr
, lexing questions which have been thrown up
on il.
The Committee herewith append a statement
ol the public debt, and the rate per cent, interest
paid upon it:
206 Sterling bonds of £SOO each,
hypothecated with Reid, Irving,
&Co., lor an advance ot ...$147,109 52
125 Sterling bonds of £sooeach, sold
to lhe Bank of Augusta, lor. .... .308,026 25
$755,232 77
Thege bonds are payable in Lonaon thirty
years after date, bearing 5 per cent interest, and
dated in 1838 and 1839.
The debt to Reid, Irving&Co., is not upon a
loan on bonds, bui an advance made to the State
un these i onds left with them for sale, and is
past due.
State 6 percent bonds payable at Stale .trea
sury at 30 years:
issued in 1840 and ’41.. .$446,750
“ in 1842 375,000
“ in 1843 41,600 —862,750
Aggregate amount $1,617,685 77
Milledgeville, December 6.
Messrs. Editors :—Both branches of the
Legislature have been in session all day, with
the exception ot the usual recess lor dinner.
In lhe senate, Mr. Sayre, Irani lhe Committee
on Internal Improvement, presented a report on
tiie subject ot nail Road Iran, which coucludeu
wdh resululH ns reques.ing our senators and
membersol Congress to urge the passage of an
act to admit tne non, for the Western & Atlan
tic Rail Road, free of duty. The report is re
plete wilh sound sense, and a model as lu
brevity.
l ue Bill relieving the Banksol Augusta from
the payment, a seconu lime, oi certain taxes paid
to Thomas Haynes, form er Treasure , —but the
receipts tor wliicti were not entered in the Comp
troller General’s office, —passed; yeas 52, nays
28.
Also, a Bill giving to Sheriffs, &c., the con
trol of i”i. Fas., to reimburse themselves in ca
ses « here they may liecom- liable, tor persons
who have escaped alter being arrested under ca
sa.
Also, the consolidated bills altering a greai
number ofelection precincts, changing names,
&c. &c. —These latrer consumed much ol ‘ ht
time of lhe Senate to the excl. sion ot other ou-
Iverson’s resolutions were made the °-
thedav for Monday next, and the bill re
the W estern & Atlantic Rail Road tor 1 e
da Thcse will consume several days, and per
haps elicit much able discus-ton.
The Senatorial District bill, which 1 for
warded yesterday, was reported by Mr. Ridley
Chairman ol the Committee : aliro, a substilUK
h” Mr .Stapleton, ot Jefferson. Theonlymate
rial difference in the bil.s, so far as your sectioi
of t ie State is concerned, is the union of Burki
and Richmond, Columbia and Lincoln, Wilae
..nd Taliaferro. 1 presume lhal a variety o
other substitutes will be oueredon lhe final pas
sage; for this is a subject, you know, on wnic
every man thinks himself competent to act, an
in the decision ot which, too many are influen'
ed by their own whims and ca| rice, and not u’
frequently by consideration* even < 1 a more ye
sonal and selfish character. 1 here'will tegre.
difficulty in arranging the details ol th
Bill.
TheEouse reconsidered the vote of yesterday,
VOL. Vn-NO. 50.
jcciing the bill creaii g a new couucy <m
arts Ol Case and Murray. .u.
Us final action was mainly confined.to th«
*c.il bills, which wete read lhe second tUM
esterday, and a massot which were rather sum*
tartly dispo-ed of. . .
In the afternoon, lhe bill of Mr. Toombs, al*
ided to in tne report on education, came upon
s final passage. Mr. Hardeman moved, at *
iiltetirute, the same bill, with lhe amendment*
Iso relerred in lue report.
An interesting discussion ensued between
lose gentlemen, wuich brought the whole sub*
ct of education, poor scnools, dt.-., before the
louse. Mr. Toombs moved the previousques
.on, which cut off all debate and brought his
•wn Bill directly before the House. Al the rs
piest of Mr. Hardeman, and on his pledge to
enew the call, it was withdrawn to give him an
•pportunity to reply. T ins he did at some
length, and on the renewal oi the caff, the House
eftised to sustain (he call for the previousqtKs
rnn : so the whole subject lies over one day.
Gov. Crawforu’s levee lakes place to-atgat—
I have |ust returned train lhe Executive Man
ion. Some six or seven hundred ladies and
gentlemen are in attendance, and the atfakap
ears to lie cas-tng off with great goou feeling
md hilarity.’ The suppe: is, pet haps, the most
abundant and elegantly arranged oi any ever be
fore gotten up at the capital.
It continues to rain with only occasional »•
termissions. '»•
Milledoevilie, December 7.
Messrs. Editors--In the House,
the bill reducing the Capital S.ock oi the Ban*
of Augusta, passed, yeas 124, n tys 47. It Was
of course most strenuously resisted bv Hunter
and his followers. Their main objections were
i hat the bank would make a speculation by the
and would now be purchased at
equal to the reduction proposed.
Mr. Jenkins replied, shewing that the capital
tlius withdrawn must necessarily be invested
either in trade or property, yielding perhaps an
increased revenue tothe government. He de
nied that the bank would make any speculatiba
by the reduction—pronounced lhe declaration
unfounded in lact, and si owed that the increase
uad been made merely to answer ths demand
for bank capital, and to sustain the business op
erations ot lhe merchants of Augusta. Tne
reuuction, he urged as a i.iere act ot justice to
the bank, and a guarantee to the people that the
surplus capita! over and above that which could
progtably be used in banking operations would
not be diverted from its legitimate channel, and
indirectly employed in merchandising or specu
lation, thereby lessening the security of the bill
holder to the injury ot the public. ■ -- ■ ■
The desperation of inconsistency of Democ
racy are truly astoni.-hing. But yesterday they
were opposing the re-charter ol tne Marine »
i ire insurance Bank of Savannah, on the
ground that there was 100 much bank capital ia
the State ; to day they oppose the reduction ot
he capital of the Bank of Augusta on the
gioundthattne taxes atising therefrom arena
cessary to the subsistence oi the government
I’hi-y vere w ith every wind,and tn the language
of Josiah Quincy, “are steady only in one unal
terable purpose, to steer, it possible, into the
havi-n of power."
The Whigs on the other hand have alwajrs
gone foi those institutions and measures which
aie calculated to turnish the safest and sound
est currency to the people.
This day's legislation furnishes another ea
am; Ie of the correctness of this remark. A
bill changing the name of the Bank ol Haw
kinsville had j assed the Senate at an unguard
ed moment. W lien on its passage in lhe House
to-day, Mr. Polhill, fiom JeffL-rsun, moved to
amend it so as to read 1 ' lhe Merchants & Plan
ters Bank of Maeon, formerly the Bank of Haw
kinsvilte," (the latter to be inscribed indistinct'
capitals on the face of the bill ‘of the
The am ndment was adopted and the bill pass.'
ed, but every note thereof will carry upon il»
face an in .ex which will point to the past hi*-'
tury of the institution ana warn the bolder to ,
beware lest “the future may be as the past hoe
been ” ' ‘
Mr. Howard introduced a bill to prevent the'
stockholaers and directors of banks from be
coming indebled in an amount greater than ihe
amount ol stork owned by each; also to enable
bill holders to collect Hum the slocktiuluers in
ih- ir private capacity the amount of Uie bills
which i hey may hold of such institu.ions.
A bill abolishing imprisonment tor debt was
lost. Yeas 28, Nays 114. ,
Another to leliete ihe estates of deceased
per ons from the lability ol double taxes.
in the Senate, Mr. Dunagan presented a se
ries of resolutions upon the subject of State*
issuing their bonds lor lhe purpose of boi row
ing money or sustaining projects of internal
improvement. He declares them all to be un
constitutional, un the ground that that tnsuu
uient piohibits the issue of bills ot credit on
the part of the States.
The appropriation bill was the order oi the
day, but no one calling lor it, Mr. Sayre moved
to lake up ihe report of the committee un In
ternal Improvements, mentioned in it y last, oa
the subject of memorializing Congress to admit
the Iran for the Western t Atlantic Rail Road,
tree of duty.
Strange to say, this measure was violently at
tacked by the Democrats. Messrs. Spaulding
and Dunagan seized upon the occasion to delay
the business of the Senate and to vent ttietr
s; leen upon the Whigs. Like “the boy who
never forgot the dog that bit him," the re tentle
uien seem toha ve a holy horror ofthe W big mode
of electioneerii g. The Whigs at first endeav
ored to avoid the discussion as a useless waste
of timeand money. ButtheDemoci ats, taking
advantage ot apuint of order, turced ilupuntbe
Senate, and dashed at once into lhe aide field
ol national polities.
Mr. Sayer offered a closely argumentative
speech, strictly upon the merits oi lhe bill.—
T his was follo wed by a torrent of abuse from
Messrs. Iverson and Spalding ot Whig princi
ples and Wbig | oliey. T hey in turn were fol
lowed by Messis. Kenan, Bartow and Dough
erty, who hutled back every chatge and carried
the war at once into lhe enemy’s country,
I would nut be doing justice to omit an espe
cial mention of the efforts of Messrs. Kenan
and Dougherty, both of which were bold and
triumphant delences ot the Whig party and it*
principles. That oi Judge Dougherty, | atticu
larly when he contrasted the several canaidales
tor the Presidency, was at times truly thrilling,
and interrupted with repeated bursts ot ap
plause Irom'the gallery, which, though evident
ly restrained by respect lor ihe Senate, evinced
the deep and determined feeling ot approval
which pervaded the breasts of those present.
A tier he concluded, the Senate adjourned over
until tomorrow, when the discussion u ill be
continued. Tnus ate the Democrats seeking
to prolong the session and waste the treasure of
the people in order that they may have something
with which to find fault, and tor which they
tnay hold the Whigs accountable.
Tonight the Whigs have had a meeting at
Beecher & Brown’s, Junge Dougherty in the
Chair, and S. J. Andersen Secrelar} , at which
th. re was a gei eral interchange ot views and
feelings that w ill result, I doubt nut, in their en
tire unanimity, harmony and concert during the
balance of the session.
The meeting resolved that a Convention be
held in Milhugeville on the first Munday ia -
June next, for tne purposes of nominating a
ticket for bit-ctor* for President and Vice Presi
dent; lhe Convention to be composed ol dele
gates in number equal to lhe number oi Sena
tors and hepresentaiives io which each county
is now entitl d. under the old Con tituiiun. -'
Yours, C.
Milledgi.vili.e, December 8. •• 1
Messrs. Eniroas:— I'tie uift creating a Court -
tor ihe correction of Errors, you will be pleased
to leatn, has at I Hfa-sed the House, yeas 88,
nays 87; and been transmitted tothe Senate.— "
I send you the yeas and nays lor publication,
from which you will learn that 63 Whig and
-25 Denn erats v< ted for the bill, and 36 Whig*
<ud&l Democrats against it. Absent or lot
voting23 w higs and 5 Democrat*.
The fate ofthe measure in the Senate is ex
tremely doui tful, though hopes are entertained
of its passage. Some ten or twelve V hig*
i ill vote against it, and it is hoped that an
oual number of the opposite party may come
o its support. The result in that body like the
~neof toiay, u ill clearly show that it is no par
iy measure. Peibaps it is better for ihe coun
ry and the future ; opularity oi the Court, (il it‘
• liould pass,) that this should be the case. It
will be more stable, because it will not te to
-uhjeettube disunited in its operations undpr
he vascil ations cf parties and by the aftacksof
political aspirants.
I he Juuges are :o be elected at first for two,
our and six years, and thereafter for six years
•ach, at a salary oi $2,060. 3he Reporter Is to
rave a salary oi SSOO and the copy right of the
eioits. There are to be five Circuits, vil:
1. To be composed of the Eastern and houth
•rn Judicial Circuits—the Court to held alter
u-itely at Savannah and Hawkinsville.
2. To consist ot the South Western and'
Hiattahoochee —the Courttosit alternately nt
albotton and Arnericu*.
3. Ot the C'eweta and Flint—to sit at Forsyth
nd Decatur.
3. Olthe Western and Cherokee—-to sit al.
ainesville and Rome.
5. Os the Middle Northern and Ocmulgee—
i sit at Milledgeville.
It is lobe regretted that the bill could not
ve been made more perfect in iis details, but
jp will at once perceive the difficulty of a*
ai;ing ih< se propel ly when the opponents of.
i measure wete so powerful and <tn*nnined