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THE COURIER,
By J * G> M’Whorter.
TERMS.
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[from our correspondent.]
MILLEDGEVILLE, Nov. 3,1835.
This day, at 12 o’clock, the Governor trara
tnitted to both branches of the General A***m
My, the Annual Meeange, of which I send you a
eopy.
Executive Hepartmeiit, Geo.
Milledgeville, 3d November, 1835.
Fellow Citizens of the Senate and
House of Representatives,
Our constitutional government is based upon
the most lofty spirit of independence and ardent
attachment to liberty and equal rights, and se
cures to the people the free choice of all public
officers and agents, as well as the most unlimit
•d direction and control in the making and
executing the laws of the country. The legis
lature is therefor# dedicated to th* service nt
the people, and is the sure depository of their
rights and liberties; consequently, no station
wn be more sacred than that which you now
occupy. You are bound by the strongest obliga
tions, to guard and perpetuate the glorious prtn
eiples established by our revolutionary fathers,
in the constitutions of our country.
. In thus adverting to your duties, fellow.citi.
sons, be assured that I am not unmindful of ths
great responubilitio* necessarily devolving on
the executiv*»ranch of the government. Four
years experience has but increased that distrust,
which I had never ceased to fetl, of my ability
to discharge, in a manner satisfactory to myaslf,
the high duties to which I have heen called by
a generous and confiding people—a people en
deared to me bv every tie that binds a grentful
citizen to the interest and happiness of hi* coun
try. The ardour of my youth and the best days
of my riper years have been faithfully devoted
to the public service, and yet I feel, that I have
discharged but a small portion of the debt of gra
titude I owe to the people of Georgia for their
generous confidence and support, under all the
vicissitudes of an eventful political period of
'thirty years. Believing it to be th* best parting
service I can render to my constituents, I ehall
now proceed today before their representatives
a faithful account of publie affairs, so far a* [
may consider them falling within the sphere of
my official duty.
The Constitutional compact which bind* to
gether the American confederacy of .States, con.
linues to be regarded by every American patriot,
aa the anchor of hone for the perpetuation of our
beloved Union; and although one universal con.
•♦ruction of that sacred instrument may not yet
have prevailed, as regards every controverted
point of difference, yet the exposition* and
writings of the sages and patriots who establish,
ed it, have so far defined and settled all impor
tant points of collision, as to guard the public
mind against the wild and mischievous strata
gems of sophistry, as well as the more danger
ons and extravagant assaults of ambition. The
eonstiutional relations existing between the
teveral States of the Union, are, at this day,
very dearly understood by the great body of the
American 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 del
ieate subject, which nothing but an imperious
sense of duty could induce me to introduce
to puplic consideration in a paper of this charac
ter. The constitutional right of the southern
States, in regard to slave property, is not, and
eannot be controverted ; and I feel disposed to
•herish an abiding confidence in the virtue and
patriotism of our not them brethern—and will
not indulge the belief, that the great body of that
ppople, can, fora moment, countenance and en
courage the desperate efforts of those vile in
cendiaries who are laboring to stir up insur
rection and rebellion in the southern States.
Should, however, th* abolitionists be permitted
to proceed without molestation—or only have
to encounter the weapons of reason and argu
ment, have we not reason to fear, that their un
tiring efforts may succeed in misleading the
majority of a people, having n* direct interest in
the great question at issue, and finally produce an
interference with the constitutional rights of the
•lave holder. The consequence of such an event
cannot be contemplated by the patriot, without
the most painful emotions. The success of
these misguided men would be destructive of
all that is desirable in the glorious experimental
government, under which we arc enjoying an
unparalelled degree of happiness and prosperity.
—No adequate conception can be formed of the
blessings which they are laboring to destroy,
while they claim to be the exclusive friends of
liberty and freedom. The principles of the
Christian religion can never be brought to the
aid of these monsters, whose proceedings are
marked by the most reckless blood thristy spirit
that ever disgraced the American name. Upon
this subject we can hear no arguments. Our
opinions are unalterably fixed—our determina
tions ar* immutably firm and steadfast, and
therefore ought not to be concealed or misunder
stood. It is a subject with which w* cannot
suffer a stranger to intermeddle. But the ques
tion arises, what is to bo done in the present
exigency ? It is the imperious duty of the peo
ple and governments of th* several States,
where these incendiaries ar* engaged in their
diabolical plans nnd operations, to put them dewn
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 sub
ect; whether by legislation or otherwise, must
be left to th* wisdom of the people of those
States who are in duty bound to act, and to set
promptly and efficiently upon thi* subject. If
the States, in which these enemies of our peace
reside, do not, without delay, manifest their i
friendship and fidelity to the constitution and th« I
Union of the States, by effectually silencing these I
incendiaries, we can no longer be called upon,
in charity, to place any confidence in their pro.
sessions so often promulgated to th* world. It
is, with us, a subject of deep and solemn import
involving the destiny of our dearest domestic
affections,—our sacred altars—our all.
I would earnestly recommend to the conside
ration of the Legislature, the revision of our ex
isting law. so as more effectually to prevent the
circulation, through the Post Office or otherwise,
of any publications tending to endanger our do
mestic relations, or calling in question our con
•titutional rights ot property. Congress should
•l*o b* invoked, in the most earnest and respect,
ful language, not to suffer the Post Office estab
lisment to be used to our injury and destruction.
I would also recommend that the States, where
these agitators and incendiaries are found,should
b* called uppn in th* true spirit of our institutions,
that it, n a spirit of manly independence and bro.
>b*rly affection, to sustain, in good faith, the let
t*r and th* spirit of ear glorious *®n«tiuti*n.
1 On the subject of otir territorial rights, as con
nected with the claims of Indian population, I
deem it admissible, on this occasion to remark,
that the opinions entertained, and the policy re
i commended to the Legislature,immediately after
j I entered upon the duties of the Executive,have
I been fully sustained by the success of the mea
! sures then recommended. Notwithstanding the
i opposition which has been encountered, at home
I and abroad, and the many embarrassments which
' have been thrown in the way, and which are fa-
I miliar to our whole population, within the last
tour years, we have seen upwards of five mil
lions of acres of our territory converted from a
savage wilderness, a land of confusion and conflic
ting rights of government—into fruitful fields,
and the peaceful abodes of nn enterprising and
industrious population. Our citiiens, in the Che
rokee part of Georgia, are now in the enjoyment
of most of the blessings which follow a peaceful
administration of our well organised system of
government. The measures which have led to
these results, have be«n controverted and cen
sured, but Dot overturned. Threatening* of an.
archy nnd blood Lave been arrested and silenced,
ft is true, that a few of the Cherokees yet linger
within our borders, and continue to nnnoy our
white population ; but it cannot be believed that
the mischievous and selfish counsel* and infill
•nee of a single individual, John Ross, can much
longer prevent this unfortunate remnant from yiel
ding to the liberal and magnanimous proposals of
the Federal Government, for their removal to th*
West. From ihe correspondence herewith sub
mitted, it will be *e*n, that the opinion is enter
tained by the agent* of the Federal and State
Governments, that the Cherokees will ultimately,
and at a day not far distant, accept the late trea.
ty. But so far as Georgia is now concerned,the
acceptance or rejection of ths treaty, is a matter
of hut little importance Our concerns upon this
subject is founded, chiefly, in sympathy for this
unfortunate and deluded peopls. Their ptocras.
tination is ruinous to themselves, while, to us, it
is only a matter of temporary inconvenience. But
in anticipation of their obstinate adherence to the
destructive counsel of Ross, nnd his associates,
I would recommend to the General Assembly,
that daring their present session, they provide
for that contingency. If the Cherokees cannot
be induced to pursue their true interest, by kind
ness and liberality, measures should be adop
ted that will evince to them the otter impossibil
ity of their remaining longer within the limits of
our State. The present Legislature is in duty
bound to relieve Georgia from this troublesome
population, and should turn them over to the care
of the Federal Government,which has long since
been more than compensated, by Georgia, to
take care of, and provide fur these unfortunate
Indian*.
The provision* contained in the acts and reso
lutions of the last General Assembly,in relation to
otirCherokee affairs, hav* had the most salutary
effect, in checking judicial assumption*, and sus.
taing the rights and interest* of our fellow-citi
zen* who are exposed to the aggresssions of the
Cherokees and their associate*. At the earnest
solicitation of many of the most respectable citi.
zens in connexion with the request of the agents
of the federal government,& some of the principal
men of th* friendly Cherokees, after tbejniostma
ture consideration, I was forced to the conclusion,
in the month of June last, that the time had ar
rived, when it became my duty to organize a small
fore* for tho security, relief and protection ot
our own citizens and the friendly Indians in the
Cherokee circuit. The utility and efficiency of
this f*rce, in aiding and sustaining the civil au
thority m the administration of the laws of the
State, have been obvious to the whole commu
nity ; and at this tint*, is controverted only by
those, who stand opposed to the policy of th*
Stat* in th* removal of th* Indians. Tho various
incidental expenses which have occurred in the
management of our Indian affairs, have been de
frayed from the contingent fund, as directed by
the Legislature; and it will be seen upon exam
ination, that, tn th* discharge of the discretionary
and complicated duties confided to the Execu
tive, constant regard has been had to the strictest
economy.
A band of vagabond robber*, who form a part
of the Creek Indians remaining in the State of
Alabama, continue to beau annoyance to the cit
izen* of Georgia, and have, during the pastjwin.
ter and spring, committed many depredation* up
on the person* and property of our citizens. A
large portion of the Executive correspondence
on thi* subject is herewith submitted to the Le
gislature, and will exhibit a full and fair history
of the transaction* in relation thereto, as also
th* view* and opinions of the Executive branch
o( th* federal government upon the subject.
These document* will vindicate the Executive of
Georgia from the many misrepresentations which
have been propagated by selfish and malicious
individuals, who seem ta Nave been disposed to
mislead, as well as misrepresent the Executive.
The documents accompaning this message will
furnish the legislature with detailed information
upon every subject connected with our Indian re
latione, and will aid that branch of the govern
ment, in the adoption of such measures, as the
present state of things may eeem to require.
No reasonable hope can be indulged, of the im
provement of the condition of the aboriginal race,
while they remain in the midst of a white popu
lation. Their emigration to the West opens the
only door of refuge; and the whole energies of
the federal and state governments should be zeal,
ousy directed to that object. These remnant
tribes have now lost almost every vestige of na
tional character; and it is altogether preposter,
ous to consider, or treat with them as independ
ent nations of people. Such pretence will be
viewed by the impartial eye of posterity as a
mere farce; they are in reality at this time, no
thing but the feeble, conquered remnants of a
once mighty race, altogether dependent upon ths
powers which have superseded them. They
have, however, high claims upon the people who
have supplanted them, and should be treated as
children, or minors who are incapable of protect,
ing their own rights and interests, nnd conse
quently entitled to the kindness and liberal pro.
tection of the government.
I herewith lay before the Legislature the re.
port of the committee of the last General As
sembly, upon the subject of the condition of the
Farmers Bank of Chattahoochie, together with
the evidence taken by the committee, and trans,
niitted, with their report, to this Department. It
will be seen by reference to the resolution under
which the committee acted, that the object of
the investigation was, to ascertain whether the
bank had been so mtnaged as to incur the forfei
ture of its charter. Upon this point the commit
tee decline any direct expression o r opinion,
while, upon the face of tha report, the opinion is
obviously intimated, that ths bank has violated
some of the provisions of its charter. After
tho most careful and patient examination, the re
port, to my mind, reflects a degree of censure,
which may very naturally arise from tha exhibi
tionof ths Evidence presented to the committee,
going to sustain the charge of indiscreet conduct
on the pan of the managers of the bank; but
whether these admitted indiscretions amount to
a forfeiture of the charter, is a question that ad
mits of douht. I have, therefore, declined order
ing a scire facing to b* issued against the bank,
and submit the whole subject to tha considers
tion of the Legislature. A course of forbear,
anee 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 scru
tiny.
Francis 11. Cone and William W. Gordon,
Esquires, were the counsel appointed by the Ex.
ecutive to assist the Attorney General in prose,
cuting the scirt facias against the Merchants
Planters’ Bank of Augusta. These gentlemen
have discharged the duties of their appointment,
not only to the entire satisfaction of the Execu.
tive, bat with an ability which has attracted the
attention and commanded the unqualified com
mendation <>f the most enlightened gentlemen of
their profeesivu. The Legislature,having omit.
ted to provide the compensation for these servi.
ces, and the Executive entertaining some doubt
es the expediency 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, are herewith submitted to
the General Assembly. The annual report of
the Central Bank of Georgia, is also herewith
submitted.
Under the authority of a joint resolution of the
last General Assembly, Matthew St.ClairClnrk,
Esquire, of Washington, has been appointed
agent to prosecute the claim of the State of
Georgia against the United States, for services
rendered and money expended during the Revo,
lutionary War; and I have entire confidence that
he will discharge his duty with ability, and fidel
ity to the interest of the State. The claim is
now pending before Congress, and will, I pre
sume, receive that favorable consideration which
tne justice of it may appear to demand.
Some tim* 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 the claims of the citizens of Georgia, under
the Creek treaty of 1821, and the late act of
Congress on that subject; which correspondence
resulted in obtaining uiy assent to have the whole
business ot carrying said act into effect, confi
ded to my superintendence, judgment and discre
tion. Consequently, the papers and the unex
pended balance of the fund set apart by the
treaty referred to, were forwarded to, and re
ceived at this department; and the money (one
hundred and forty one thousand and fifty five
dollars and ninety one cents,) has been deposit
*d in the Central Bank subject to the order of
the Govornorof this State- Great care has been
taken to give full and ample notice to all claim,
ants, to present their claims; and it is believed
that most of them have availed themselves of the
opportunity afforded. It was necessary, as I
hud informed the President it would be, tonp
point a highly qualified commissioner, to ex
amine, adjust and determine on these claims,
under my immediate superintendence, and sub
ject to my revision. John A.Cuthbert, Esquire,
the gentleman selected, I am gratified to state,
has discharged the duties confided to him, with
an ability and accuracy which cannot fail to give as
general satisfaction as could reasonably have been
expected, in the adjustment of these long stand
ing and complicated claims. Thus this long
delayed interest of an unfortunate portion of our
fellow-citizens, is now brought to a final, and I
trust, satisfactory close, and many of them have
already received the money allowed upon their
claims. I feel amply rewarded for the volunta
ry labor I have devoted to this business, under
the belief that useful service has been gratuitous
ly rendered to a portion of my constituents,
which could not be exacted from my present
official obligations.
The Rev. Elijah Sinclair has been appointed I
commissioner, under the provisions of a resolu.
tion of the last Legislature, to apply the fund
appropriated for the education of the indigent
deaf and dumb in this State. Mr. Sinclair, in the
discharge of his duty, has not only complied
with the requirements of the resolution, but has
manifested much zeal, prudence and thoughful
forecast, in the fulfilment of his undertaking.—
The report of his proceedingswill, I am inform,
ed, he laid before the Legislatare within a few
days.—Tho compensation 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
that liberal consideration which attaches to a
disinterested and faithful discharge of public
duty. Tho action of the last General Assembly
upon this subject being viewed in the nature of
an experiment, it will be a question for the con
sideration of this Legis.ature, whether the
liberal views then entertained in relation to this
unfortunate class of our community, shall be
sustained by further and appropriate legislation.
From the success which has attended tho labors
of the commissioner during the past year, and
from the lively interest which seems to have
been excited among the people by what has al.
ready been done, no doubt is entertained of the
accomplishment of all the benevolent purposes
contemplated by the Legislature, if the adequate
means are provided. Relying upon the intelli
gence and fidelity of the commissioner for
furnishing such information as may enable the
General Assembly to act advisedly upon this sub
ject, I would simply add my earnest recommen
dation, that liberal provision be made for the
permanent support oi this humane and benevolent
object.
With a view to carry into effect tho intention
of the last Legislature in putting an addition to
the south end of the State H*use to correspond
with that of the north, and for which purpose the
sum of twelve thousand five hundred dollars was
appropriated, a contract has been entered into
with competent and responsible mechanics, and
the work i* now in progress, At the time, how.
ever, of making the contract, it was expected
that the work would have been completed during
the present year; and it is still believed that the
failure is in some degree justly attributable to
the want of fidelity on the part of the contrac
tors, in the fulfilment of their engagements.
The terms of the contract will, however, secure
the interest of the State, as the undertakers
have no right to claim payment for any part of
the labor until tho whole is completed ; and no
advance* havo been made to them except forth*
purchase of materials to carry on the building.
The whole subject will be fully explained by the
correspondence and documents herewith sub
mitted.
In compliance with the request, and under the
authority of the last Legislature, I have caused
to be enclosed in an appropriate manner the
graves of the Hon. Jonathan Lewis, late senator
from the county of Burke, M’Lin, Lunday, Esq.
late a representative from the county of Scriven,
and Aaron Jones, Esq. late a representative from
tho connty of Lee, who died during the session
of the last General Assembly.
The various duties assigned to the Governor,
by the resolution of the last Legislature, m or
der 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
visitation of this malady, have been defrayed
from the contingent fund, as directed by said
resolution.
The reports of the Keepers of the public
Arsenals at Milledgeville and at Savannah, are
herewith transmitted, and will show the number
and condition of the public arms at those places
respectively; the report cf the committee ap
pointed under the resolution of the last Legis
lature, to examine into the condition of the Arse
nal at Savannah, is also herewith submitted.
In compliance with the resolution of the last
General Assembly, I have, through the agency
of Francis M. Stone, Esq. of Savannah, contract
ed for a number of cariridge-boxcs, bayonet,
•cabbnrds and belts, sufficient to make complete
sets of accoutrements for three thousand mus
kets in the public Arsenal at Milledgeville, and
also for the supply of similar deficiencies in the
Arsenal at Savannah. I have not yet been ad
vised ot the reception of these articles; they are
however, daily expected. Three hur.dred and
seventy-one defective muskets in the Arsenal at
this place, and six hundred and six in the Arse
nal 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
thirty-five cents.
In the month of May last, I was notified by the
Ordinance Department of the United States, that
under the act of Congress of 1808, for arming
the Militia, &c. there was due this State, up to
January last, a quota of arms equal in value, to
two thousand find nine and three-thirteenths
muskets which I directed should be paid to the
Stats in the article of good muskets with the
necessary accoutrements, and have caused them
to be delivered a the Arsenal in the city of Sa
vannah.
The glaring defeats of our existing militia sys.
tern having been so often brought to the consid
eration of the legislature, by the Executive
branch of the Government, and its total inadequa
cy to subserve the important object for which
it was originally designed, being so universally
admitted, it would seem strange, that the states
man and patriot should any longer slumber over
this vital subject. To abandon the system en
tirely, would make us dependent, for defence a
gainst foreign or 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 present militia
musters are believed to be worse than useless;
i improving neither officers nor privates in mili
; tary science, but on the contrary, tending to de
moralize the community, and become an actual
wast of time to many of those who have to rely
upon their labor for subsistence. It is therefore
believed to be the incumbent duty of the present
Legislature, to devise a system which may ob.
viate the existing evils, and at the same time,
preserve in full vigor the well established repub
lican 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 tho best plan of effecting the object is,
by voluntary associations, provided for and sus
tained by appropriate legislation.
In pursuance of the provisions of the resolu
tion of the General Assembly, approved 24th of
December, 1831, Francis M. Stone, Esq. of Sa
vannah, was appointed and instructed to sell *er
tnin magazines in that city, erected during the
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 pro.
ceeds of the sale, to which they had interposed
a claim. Thus the settlement of this business
has been protracted for several years ; and it vras
not until after I had 'ransmitted my last annual
Message to the Legislature, that I was notified
of the abandonment of the claim. Since then
the Agent has reported the gross sales, amount
ing to three hundred and sixty-nine dollars and
four cents, and has transmitted to this depart
ment in two payments, the agregate sum of three
hundred and sixty dollars and seventy-nine cents;
which has been paid over to the Treasurer,
whose receipts for the same are filed in this De.
partment,
At the sale of the public hands in the year
1834, eight of the number were missing, as sta
led in my last annual Messags. In view of the
difficulty and expense of recovering these fugi.
tive slaves, it was believed that the net profits
arising from the sale would bo very inconsidera
ble ; but it will be seen by reference to the
report of the agent, Francis M. Stone, Esq.
who was appointed to have them apprehended
and sold, that they have all been regained and
disposed of, on terms highly advantageous to the
State. The gross amount of the sales, is stated
at three thousand and forty dollars; and, after
paying the incidental expenses, tho balance, two
thousand six hundred and fifty-four dollars and
thirty-six cents, has been paid over to the Central
Bank, in terms of the law. The agent merits
the public approbation for the diligence and
promptitude manifested in the 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. This fugitive slave was found
to be confined in jail in the State of North Caro,
lina, where an agent was sent, who was able to
identify him, with instructions to dispose of him
to the best advantage. The agent effected a sale
at the price of five hundred and fifty dollars, and '
after deducting the sum of two hundred and sev
enty three dollars and sixty five cents,the amount j
of expense incurred, the balance has been paid i
over to the Central Bank.
lii 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 de.
signaled, to Faris Carter, 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 said act.
In addition to the amount of notes reported for
rent of fractions in the Cherokee territory in
1832, and in 1833, and which have heretofore
been turned over to the Central Bank ns directed
by the Legislature, the renting agent has, during
the past year, reported other notes taken as a.
foresaid to the amount of two hundred and eigh
ty-eight dollars; which notoa have been dis
posed of in the same manner. The report of the
agent, herewith submitted, will satisfactorily
explain tha cause of the delay in returning said
notes.
By the terms of the loan granted to the authori.
ties of the town of Columbus, by the act of 1832,
for the purpose of erecting a bridge across the
Chattahoochie river at that place, the indulgence
given becomes forfeited by the failure to pay any
of the instalments as they became due. The
first instalment, falling due on the Ist of January
last, not having been promptly met, it was con
sidered 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
Intendant, tendering the payment of said instal.
ment, I consented to receive any payment the
commissioners might think proper to make upon
the debt, leaving open the question of the for
feiture 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 of the Commissioners, now
on file in this office. The papers herewith sub
mitted will explain the manner in which this bu
smess has been transacted.
A list of Executive Warrants drawn on the
Treasury during the past political year is here,
with submitted ; also a statement of the disburs
ing Secretary of this Department, exhibiting the
unexpended balance of the fund appropriated for
furnishing the Government House, and keeping
in repair the lot and improvements appertaining
thereto; which balance has been placed in the
Central Bank, subject to the order of my sue
cessor.
In submitting the reports of the Inspectors and
Principal Keeper of the Penitentiary to the Ge
neral Assembly, it affords me much satisfaction
to remark, that the improved management and
discipline ot our State prison afford sufficient in
ducement to the friends of the system, to perse
vere in sustaining it, with a view to the highest
ultimate state of improvement which may be at
tainable. Various causes have conspired, during
the past political year, to retard the successful
operations of the institution. The extraordinary
eold winter, the occurrence of the small pex in
this town, ths unusual degree of sickness which
has prevailed, and the discharge of many of the
best workmen, whose term of service had expired,
have produced a direct and unavoidable effect up
on tho fiscal interests of the institution; never
theless it will be seen, that the business of the
year will give a small balance in saver of the in- |
stitution, after defraying the whole of the ordin- j
ary and current expenses of the year.—The de. |
tailed reports of the officers herein before refer
red to, furnish all the necessary information j
which is requisite to the formation of correct,
opinions, in regard to the management, and the ]
further legislation which may be necessary to ad
vance 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
viction of George R. Hardin, of the crime of
murder, accompanied by the evidence taken on '
the trial, and a petition of sundry citizens of said 1
county, praying the suspension of tho execution,
in order that the case might be brought to the
consideration of the present legislature. The
day assigned for the execution of this unfortu.
nate individual was the 31st of July last; And by
the respite which has been granted, the execu
tion is postponed until the 4th December next, to
allow ample time for the action of the Legisla.
ture, to whose deliberate consideration the cause
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 Road
Company,” have not only opened books for the
subscription ot stock in said road, but that the
sum of two hundred thousand dollars, being the
w hole of the stock authorized by law, has been
taken up; and that the sum of five dollars, on
each share of one hundred dollars, has been ac.
Puallv paid by the stockholders, and deposited in
the Central Bank by the commissioners, in con.
formity with the requirements of the act gran
ting the charter.? 6
On examining the charter it will be 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 1831, and on the commencement of the
work before tin expiration of one year thereafter.
The company having failed to comply with the fore
going conditions, the stockholders are now forever
barred from availing themselves of the privileges of
the charter, without legislative interposition. Under
all the circumstances, I would respectfully recom
mend to the General Assembly, such legislation as
shall reinstate the stockholders in all the privileges
and immunities to which they would have been en
titled, provided the stock had been taken, and the
work had been commenced, according to the provi
sions of the charter.
Thomas Spalding, Esquire, in conformity with the
requirements of the acts of the General Assembly,
granting him and his associates the privilege of con
structing a Rail Rond from the Ocmulgee to the Flint
river, has deposited in the Executive Office, a detail
ed 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
transmuted to the Legislature. This laudable enter
prize of one of our most enlightened citizens, to con
n ’ct. by direct communication, th* waters of the At
lantic and the Gulf of Mexico, is entitled to the favor
able consideration of tho people of Georgia and their
representatives.
I would most respectfully and earnestly invite the
attention of the General Assembly to the contents of
a pamphlet, which 1 lay before the House of Repre
sentatives, en the subject of a contemplated rail road
from the valley of the Ohio river, to the Atlantic
coasts of Georgia and the Carolinas. A deliberate
consideration of the documents which compose the
pamphlet, will not fail to impress the comprehensive
mind, with the great importance of the subject. Geor
gia, the two Carolinas, Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky,
| Virginia, and Indiana are the States most deeply in
. terested in the subject, while its consummation could
: not fail to extend benefits to every part of our conti
( nent, east and west, north and south. The extent of
| this inland communication, from north to south,
| through the centre of the United States, would com
' prehend at least fifteen degrees of latitude, and could
! only he compared with that established by the Missis
! sippi river itself; at least half the population of the
, Union, comprehended in whole or in part, residing in
Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia, Pennsylva
i nin, Kentucky, Ohio. Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and
I Missouri, are interested in the completion of o Rail
Road from Cincinnati in Ohio, to th* Atlantic coast;
and would immediately participate in its advantage*'
This line of communication, connected as it is and
would be, with the other public works of the States
from the Atlantic Ocean totho great Northern lakes,
establishing a direct communication through nearly
all the varieties of climate, soil, production, and peo
ple of the United States, would forever stand conspi
cuous among the public works of the Union, both in
a commercial and social point of view. Should this
work be executed, tho social, political, and commer
cial relations between these extreme sections of the
North and South, would instantly be changed. The
intercourse thus established would be unprecedented
in these United States; we should no longer be stran
gers and aliens to our brethren. Charleston, Savan
nah. and Augusta would be brought into social and
direct intercourse and good neighborhood with Cin
cinnati, Louisville, Lexington, Arc.; the people of the
two extreme regions would every summer meet
I together in theintei vening mountain region of Georgia
| and the Carolinas, (one of the most delightful climates
i in the world,) exchange opinions, compare their sen
i tiinents and blend their feelings; the North and the
South would shake hands with each other as united
brethren—yield up every sectional and political pre
jttdice, pledge themselves to joint objects of national
interests, and part as friends and brethren, devoted
to tho Union and the liberties of their common country.
The important objects of direct intercommunica
tion between distant connnuniies, have enlisted the
talents and enterprize of not only the first men of the
"g°, hut whole communities, composed of different
states and sections of the country, are moving forward
1 to the accomplishment of the most splendid works of
' internal improvement. The apathy of Georgia on
this deeply interesting subject is pregnant with tl>s
most fatal consequences to the present and future in
terest and prosperity of the State. The geographical
position of Georgia is confidently believed to be the
most favorable of any State in the Union, to partici
pate largely, in all the benefiits of the splendid pro
jects of internal improvement, designed to effect a
direct communication between the northwestern and
southern Atlantic sections of our Union. Our State
has a most extensive maratiine coast on the Atlantic,
with various rivers, inlets, and harbors, possessing all
the necessary advantages for the most extensive com
merce. Moreover, Georgia is, in point of territory,
that link in the chain of states, which embraces the
territory through which the waters flow both into the
Atlantic nnd 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 practicability;
and I am equally confident, that the mountains of
Georgia afford gaps and pass ways for the contempla
| ted rail road, far more favorable than any of her sis
i ter states. Admitting the great object of the content-
I plated work to be the most direct communication
between Cincinnati and Charleston, the most practi
cable and best route will, upon a scientific examina
tion, be found to intersect the “ Georgia Rail Road,”
at Athens in this State. And shall we, the people
of Georgia under all these circumstances and con
siderations, stand idle “ all the day long,” and see
our State passed by, on the right hand and on the
left ? If we do nothing as a State, shall we not en
courage and aid our enterprizing citizens, who have
voluntarily engaged in the laudable work of internal
improvement 1
I would respectfully recommend to the General
Assembly their liberal support and fostering care of
our State University. Franklin. College is based |
! upon the Constitution of the Slate, and should con- |
! tinue to be considered the foundation of the literary
; hope and pride of the people of Georgia. Its rising
I prosperity and utility are every year more clearly de
i veloped in the various avocations of life, throughout
1 our State. This important institution is emphatically
i the people’s. It is under the control of no religious
I sect or political party : therefore, the liberal of every
| religious denomination, and every party in politics,
I are invited and admonished to its support by every
i consideration of enlightened patriotism. I view the
j voluntary efforts of individuals and societies, to es
' tablish literary institutions with entire approbation ;
j and would recommend the protection of all their
J rights and privileges, to the favorable consideration j
iof the Legislature. But lam not prepared to admit
the opinion, which prevails to some considerable ex-
I tent, and which is probably gaining ground in our
community, that literary institutions are productive
of the greatest good, when under the exclusive and
undivided control and management of a religious
sect or denomination. In a free government where
liberty is regalated by law, and where religion is
regulated by the enlightened consciences of men, un
shackled by religious establishments—the important
subject of College education, forces itself upon the
consideration of tho whole community, and should
never be surrendered by the agents who administer I
such a government, to the safe-keeping of any sect.
’ or party. _
I consider it a matter of growing importance to
I the University of Georgia, that its library should be
' greatly extended and enlarged. In such institutions, |
it is a very desirable object, that the student who is I
; in pursuit of profound knowledge in any branch of
science or literature, in all the vast range of human
i intellect, should have ready access to al) those trea
sures of knowledge and information, which have
been arranged and compiled in the form of books, by
the arduous labor of preceding ages. Our present
, College library is exceedingly limited, when compar
-1 ed 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 coun
try—such as should be found in every college library
in America. From the best information 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
j only be obtained in England by diligence and re
search.
If oft* of tlie prominent officer* of our College could
be permitted to visit London, for the purpose of pur
chasing and making arrangement* for the purchase
of such books as might be considered most useful to
the College—and more particularly, for the purpose
of procuring the colonial records, and other informs
tion necessary to a complete history of our own State
—the object is believed to be of sufficient magnitude
and interest to the people of Georgia, to justify the
Eegislnttn-e in making the necessary appropriation to
defray the incidental expenses.
Ihe important subjects of pobfie education, inter
nal improvement, banking institutions, and other
T'l 1T. 8 lntere -« ts of society, SA'iH continue to claim,
ran J S * c°U ,ln " e,O re <*ive,the most deliberate
consideration of the General Assembly. My views
and spectal recomthertdatioiis npwl these vttfiou*
branches of public interest, have beeft so fnffy aI J
peatedly pressed upon the attention of the Letrista
ture, that I have not, on the present occasion, deem
ed it necessary or expedient, to consume much of
your time with a view of further impressing my weH
known and unchanged opinions upon these several
subjects.
Fellow-citizens, m this my closing Message to th*
Legislature of Georgia, I could indulge in the ex
pression of my unmmgted joy and gratitude to the
God of Nations for the unsurpassed prosperity of our
common country—and especially that portion which
it is our good fortune to inhabit—but lor the signs of
discord, agitation and strife, whrcbsorepeatedly dis
turb our quiet, portending gathering storms, that
threaten to rend the hearts of the friends of liberty
throughout the World. The various public meeting*)
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 con
emplated by the friends of liberty and union, with
perfect composure nnd tranquility-
Our rights, as a people, have been well defined irt
the written constitutions of our country. We have'
of mm” tO tIP ? uillance of our own vague notions
of na .oral law, m the regulations of our conduct a*
on7v Jad mUn " y; c Ur hws emanate f«>m th*
on ly k gitimate source of sovereign power, the people
th-refore, if they be defective, unjust or oppressive,
let ns amend and change dim. We ouiffit to be er
tremely cantons, how we violate regulations of our
own hrnd a ’t'r n C,W .' Ce ’ ’° k)n " as we hold in our
own hrnds the unquestionable right to authorize as
well as exercise unbounded political power ’
Under every excitement, the government of our
choice is worthy of our firm support. We can now
ook back upon the agitations and political 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 our form
of government is still the admiration of the civilized
world, and our people pre-eminent in happiness and
prosperity.
Should other and greater tempest* arise—if con
troversy and strife must come—let us place tho wrong
upon the heads of others—by a strict adherence to
the constitutions of our country. Let us so conduct
ourselves that tke laws of nature and nature’s God
will plead our cause in the day of trial.
WIESOA El .MIPKIX.
AUGUSTA,
FR I1)A Y , NOVE MB E R ft .
LATE FROM NEW YORK. ~
The U. L. brig Junes arrived at Charleston
on Wednesday from New York, in the short
run of 80 hours, bringing intelligence of the
arrival at that port of the North American, Ist
October packet, on Thursday. We extract
from the Charleston* papers all that they
contain in reference to the cotton market.
They contain no political intelligence.
The Salem Gazette of the 27th states that the
great Eastern Mail was stolen from the stage
on Sunday, the 2Gth ult. after it had been shift
ed in the Post Office at that town.
1 he steamer David Brown arrived at New
York on Saturday morning, the 31st ult.
Yesterday, Thursday, was set apart as a day
of thanksgiving and prayer by the city author
ities of Charleston.
PENNSYLVANIA ELECTION.
Returns have been received from all the coun
ties lor Governor, and the following is the re
sult, as stated in the Pensylyanian:
Ritner has 94,111
Mnhleburg, 10,419
Wolf, 65,732
106,151
Giving the united forces of Mublcnburg and
Wolf a majority over Ritner of 12,040, thus
shewing him to be truly a Minority Governor.
[t'ROM OUR MILLEDGEVILLE CORRESPONDENT.)
TUESDAY, NOV 3d, 1835.
I presumed that your readers looked with
most expectation to the proceedings at Milledge
ville, and therefore postponed noticing a sub
ject, I think of more immediate interest near at
home. Most of them know, that there are three
great routes from Augusta to Milledgeville, or
it will interest you more to say, from Millege
ville to Augusta—the great Mail Road, the
Lower and Middle Routes —the Lower passing
through Louisville, and both Lower and Middle
through Sandersville. I left yonr City and
come to Milledgeville on the Middle Route,
which is a new road, and decidedly the best
road I have travelled in Georgia. It reminds
me of the road from Flint River to the Chatta
hooche, immediately after Col. Crowell made
the Indians take every stump and root out of it-
This road has these impediments to easy travel
ling all removed for a great portion of the line,
and nothin? is wanting but the location of a
few good houses of entertainment at proper in
tervals to give it the unquestioned preference
over all competitors. One house about 32 miles
from your City is now in contemplation by Mr.
Carswell, and will form an easy stage for the
I laziest traveller, and a desirable one for those
| who look for a good supper and an easy bed at
the close of their day’s journey. There has
been, till very lately, one great hinderanceto
the beneficial character of this road to your Ci-
I ty, and that was the frequent inundations of
Briar Creek Swamp, rendering it for miles im
passable, particularly in the winter season —
thus turning a great deal of the substantial pro
duce to another market, and serving to keep at
home all the surplus articles, which the country
spares to the city in the shape of chickens,
turkeys, pigs, &c. to the great annoyance of
those, who love plenty, both on our public and
private tables. Many loads of Cotton have
gone to Savannah and elsewhere, instead of
Augusta, rather than encounter the terrors of
that Swamp and Creek. Your Merchants and
Citizens generally are interested in the removal
of this difficulty. I may say, it is already re
moved, but the eonsequenccs of the operation
are to be met. The fine causeway and bridges
recently thrown across the swamp and creek
are to be paid for, and the voluntary liberality
of your citizens must meet the exigency or the
Inferior Court must assesss our taxes in propor
tion. The whole swamp nearly lies in Rich
mond county —the stream dividing it from Jef
ferson running near the S. W. edge of the same.
The Court has already appropriated SSOO to
this purpose—that of Jefferson S2OO and the lib
eral citizens of the latter bordering on the route,
subscribed 2or S3OO more. There is still a de
ficiency in paying for the improvement. To
me, it does not seem fair that a few liberal in
dividuals should be taxed, even voluntarilv,
with the expense of what is a public and com
mon benefit. The Court, I think, should pro-