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in lot address to you on taking tbe oath of office,
and before receiving from X° a l^e communication
ol Ibis resolution I b** s*id, ” necessity, not
a choice, we bare resorted to the remedy of sepa
ration, and henceforth our energies most be di
rected’to the conduct of our own affairs and the
perpetuity of the Confederacy which we hare
formed, “ifajnet perception of mutual interest
shall permit us peaceably to pursne our separate
political career, my most earnest desire will have
been falUtled.”
It was in furtherance of the accordant views of
the Congress sod the Executive, that I made
choice of three discreet, able and distinguished
citizens, who repaired to Washington. Aided by
their cordial co-operation, and that of the Sec
retary of the State, every effort compatible
with self-respect and the dignity of the Confed
eracy, was exhausted before I allowed mvselfto
yield to the conviction that the government of the
I nited States was determined to attempt the con
quest of this people, and that oar cherished hopes
of peace were unattainable.
On the arrival of our commissioners in Wash
ington, on the sth March, they postponed, at *hc
suggestion of a friendly intermediary, doing any
more than giving formal notice of their arrival. —
This was done with a view to afford time to the
President who had just been inaugurated, for the
discharge of other pressing official duties in the
organization ofhis administration, before engag
ing his attention in the object of their mission.-
It was not until the 12th of the month that they
official) v addressed the Secretary of State, inform
ing him of the purpose of their arrival, and stat
ing in the language of their instructions their
wish “to make to the government of the United
States overtures for the opening of negotiations,
assuring the government of the United States, that
the President, Congress and people of the Conled
erate States earnestly desire a peaceful solutiou
of these great questions; that it is neither their
interest nor their wish to make any demand
which is not founded on the strictest justice, nor
act to injure their late confederates.”
lo this communication no formal replv was
received until the Bth of April. During the inter
val, the Commissioners had consented to waive all
questions ot form. With the firm resolve to avoid
war, if possible, they went so far, even, as to hold,
during that long period, unofficial intercourse,
through an intermediary, whose high position and
character inspired the hope of success, and thro’
wfHjm constant assurrances were received from
the Government of the United States, of peaceful
intentions ; of the determination to evacuate Fort
Sumter ; and further, that no measure, changing
the existing status prejudicial to the Confederate
States, especially at Fort Pickens, was in contem
plation, but Uutt in the event of any change of
intention on the subject, notice would be given to
the Commissioners. The crooked paths of dip
lomacy can scarcely furnish an example so want
.ug iu courtesy, in candor, and directness, us wa*
the course of the United States Government to
wards our Commissioners in Washington. For
proof ot this, I refer to the annexed documents
marked , taken in connection with further
laeta whtch I now proceed to relate :
Lariy in April the attention of the whole couotrv,
as well as that of our Commissioners, was attracted
to extraordinary preparations for an extensive mil
itary and naval expedition in New York and other
northern ports. These preparations commenced
i*t secrecy, for an expedition whose destination was
concealed, only became known when nearly com
pleted, and on the sth, 6th and 7th April, trans oorts
and vessels of war, with troops munitions and mil
itary supplies, sailed from the northern ports b-jund
southwards. Alarmed by so extraordinary a de
monstration, the Commissioners requested the de
livery of an answer to their official communic Uion
of the 1 2th March, and thereupon received, on the
Bth April, a reply dated on the 15th of the previous
month, lrom which it appears that, during the
whole interval whilst the Commissioners weie re
ceiving assurances, calculated to inspire hope of
the success of their mission, the Secretary of State
and the President of the United States bad already
determined to hold no intercourse with them what
ever ; to refuse even to listen to any proposals they
bad to make, and had profited by the delay; cre
ated by their own assurances, in order to prepare
secretly the means for effective hostile operations.
That these assurances were given, has neea vir
tually confessed by the government of the United
States by its sending a message to Charlestou, to
give uotiee of its purpose, to use force, if opposed
m its intention of supplying Fort Sumter. No
more striking proof of the absence of good faith
in the conduct of the Government of the United
States towards this Confederacy can be required
than is contained in the circumstances which ac
companied this notice. According to the usual
course of navigation, the vesaels composing the
expedition designed for the relief of Fort Sumter,
might be expected to reach Charleston harbor on
the 9th April, yet with our Commissioners actually
in Washington, detained under assurances that
notice should be given of any military movement,
the notice was not addressed to them, but a mee
senger was sent to Charleston to give the notice
to the Governor of South Carolina, and the notice
was so given at a late hour on the Bth April, the
eve of the very day on which the fleet might be
expected to arrive. That this manoeuvre failed in
iu purpose ;was not the fault of those who con
trived it. A heavy tempest delayed the arrival of
the expedition, and gave time to the commander
of our forces at Charlestou to ask and receive the
instructions of this government. Even then under
ail the provocation incident to the contemptuous
refusal to liaten to our Commissioners, and the tor
tuous course of the Government of the United
States, I was sincerely anxious to avoid the effu
sion of blood, and directed a proposal to be made
to the commander of Fort Sumter, who had avow
ed himself to be nearly out of provisions, that we
would abstain from directing our fire on Fort
Sumter if he would promise not to open fire on
our forces unless first attacked. This proposal
was refused and the conclusion was reached, that
the design of the United States was to place the
bese.ging force at Charleston between the simul
taneous fire of the fleet and the fort. There
remained, theerfore, r.o alternative but to di
rect that the tort should at once he reduced.
Tins order was executed by General liean
regard, with the skill and success which were
naturally to be expected from the well known
character of that gallant officer ; and although the
OombardmeDt lasted but thirty-three hours, our
iag .lid not wave over its battered walls, until after
the appearance of the hostile tteet off Charleston.
i ortunately not a life was lost on our side, and we
were gratified in being spared the necessity of a
useless effusion of blood bv the prudent caution
of the officers who commanded the fleet, in ab
staining from the evidently fotile effort to enter
the harbor for the relief of Major Anderson. I
refer to the report of the Decretory of War and
the papers which accompany it for further details
of this brilliant affair.
In this connection I cannot refrain from a well
def- rved tribute to the noble State, the eminent
soldierly qualities of whose people were so conspi
ciously displayed in the port of Charleston. For
months they had been irritated by the spectacle of
a fortress held within their principal harbor as a
standing menace against their peace and indepen
ueoce. Built in part with their own money, its
custody confided with their own consent to an
agent who held no power over them other than
such as they had themselves delegated for their own
benefit, intended to oe used by that agent for their
p,^* ctlor ! a^a,nßt ’ foreign attack, they saw it
held with persistent tenacity as a means ol offence
against them by the very government which tbev
had established for their protection. They had
beleaguered it for months—felt the entire power to
capture it—yet yielding to the requirements of dis
cipline, curbed their impatience, submitted without
complaint, to the unaccustomed hardships, labors
and privations of a protracted seige ; and alien at
length their patience was rewarded by the seige ;
and when at length their practice was rewarded by
the signal for attack and success had ciowned
their steady and gallant conduct—even in the very
moment of triumph—they evinced a chivalrous re
gard for the feelings of the brave but unfortunate
officer who had been compelled to lower bis fltg.
AU manifestations of exultation were checked in
ms presence. Their commanding general, with
their cordial approval and the consent of his gov
e[Tent. r efrained from imposing any terms that
could wound the sensibilities of the commander of
the fort. He was permitted to retire with the
honors ot war to salute his flag, to depart freely
with all bis command, and was escorted to the ves
sels In which he embarked, with the highest marks
of respect from those against whom his guus bad
been so recently directed. Not only does everv
event connected with the siege reflect the highest
honor on South Carolina, but the forbearance of
her people and of this government, from making
any harsh use of a victory obtained under circum
stances of such peculiar provocation, attest to the
fullest extent the absence of any purpose beyond
securing ibeir own tranquility, and the sincere de
sire to avoid the calamities of war.
Scarcely had the President of the United States
* n **h>genee of the failure of the scheme
w .ich he bad devised for the reinforcement of
ci, . uinter when he issued the declaration of
t ' !i ® Confederacy which has prompted
ducticn ° n th’ f o *!’ * U l k ,s ei r *ordinarv pro
ducticn Inst High lunctionary affects toiaf igno
rance of the existence of an Independent Golf™
ment whuth possessing the entire and anthtSKc
devotion of its people, is exercising its function-,
without question over seven sovereign States!
pver wort than five millions of
a territory whose area exceeds half a million of i
square miles. He terms sovereign States “com* i
binations too powerful to be suppressed by the
ordinary course of the judicial proceedings, or by
the powers vested in the marshals by law.” He
calls for an army of seventy-firg thousand men to
act as a posse eomitatu* in aid of the process of the
courts of justice in States where no courts exist
whose mandates and decrees are not cheerfully
obeyed and respected by a willing people. He
avows that “ the jirst service to be assigned to the
forces called out,” will be, not to execute the pro
cess of courts, but to capture forts and strong
holds situated within the admitted limits of this
Confederacy, and garrisoned by its troops , an
d.-clares that “this effort” is intended “to maintain
the perpetuity of popular government. He con
cludes by commanding “the persons composing the
combinations .foresaid,” to-wit : the five millions
of inhabitants of these Mates, “to retire peaceably
to their respective abodes within twenty days.”
Apparently contradictory a# are the terms of
this document, one point was unmistakably evi
dent. The President of the United States called
for an army of seveuty-five thousand men, whose
firet service was to be to capture our forts. It was
a plain declaration of war which I was not at liber
ty to disregard, because of my knowledge that un
der the Constitution of the United States the Pres
ident was usurping a power granted exclusively to
the Congress. He is the sole organ of communi
cation between that country and foreign powers.—
The law of nations did not permit me to question
the authority of the Eexcutive of a foreign nation
to declare war against this Confederacy. Al
though I might have refrained from active meas
ures for our defence, if the State of the Uuion had
all intimated the action of Virgiuia, North Caroli
na, Arkansas, Kentucky, Teunessee and Missouri,
by denouncing the call for troops as an unconstitu
tional usurpation of power to which they refused
to respond, I was not at liberty to d : sregard the
fact that maBT of the States seemed quite content
to submit to the exercise of the power assumed by
the President of the United States, and were ac
tively engaged in levying troops to be used for the
purpose indicated in the proclamation.
Deprived of the aid of Congress at the moment,
I was under the necessity of confining my action
to a call on the States for volunteers for the com
mon defence, in accordance with the authority you
had confided to me before your adjournment. I
deemed it proper further to issue a proclamation
inviting application from persons disposed to aid
our defence in private armed vessels on the high
seas, to the end that preparations might be made
for the immediate issue of letters of marque and
reprisal, which you alone, under the Constitution,
have power to grant. I entertain no doubt you
will concur with me in the opinion that in the
absence of a fleet of public vessels, it will be emi
nently expedient to supply their place by private
armed vessels, so happily styled by the publicists
of the United States “ the militia of the sea,” aud
so often and justly relied on by them as an efficient
and admirable instrument of defensive warfare.
I earnestly recommend the immediate passage of
a law authorizing me to accept the numerous pro
posals already received.
I cannot close this review of the acts of the
government of the United States without referring
to a proclamation issued by their President under
date of the 19th inst., in which, after declaring
that an insurrection has broken out in this Con
federacy against the government of the United
States, he announces a blockade of all ports of
these States, and threatens to punish as pirates all
persons who shall molest any vessel of the United
States r.nder letters of marque issued by this Gov
ernment. Notwithstanding the authenticity of this
proclamation, you will concur with me that it is
hard to believe it could have emanated from a
President of the United States. Its announcement
of a mere paper blockade is so manifestly a viola
tion of the law of nations, that it wonld seem in
credible that it could have been issued by authori
ty ; but conceding this to be the case, so far as the
Executive is concerned, it will be difficult to satis
fy the people of these States that their late con
federates will sanction its declaration, will deter
mine to ignore the usages of civilized nations, and
will inaugurate a war of extermination on both
sides by treating as pirates, open enemies acting
under the authority of commissions issued by an
organized government. If such proclamation was
issued, it could only have been published under
the sudden influence of passion, and we may rest
assured mankind will be spared the horrors of the
col flic t it seems to invite.
For the details of the administration of the dif
ferent departments, I refer to the reports of the
Secretaries which accompany this message.
The State department has furnished the nec
cessary instructions for three commissioners who
have been sent to Eugland, France, Russia and
Belgium, since your adjournment, to ask our rec
ognition as a member of the family of nations,
and to make with each of those powers treaties of
amity acd commerce. Further steps will be taken
to enter into like negotiations with the European
powers in pursuance of your resolutions passed at
the last session. Sufficient time has not yet elaps
ed since the departure of these commissioners for
the receipt of any intelligence from them. As I
deem it desirable that commissioners or other dip
lomatic agents should also be sent at an early pe
riod to the independent American powers south
of our Confederacy, with all of whom it is our
interest and earnest wigh to maintain the most
cordial and friendly relations, I suggest the expe
diency of making the necessary appropriations for
that purpose.
Having been officially notified by the pubiic
authorities of tbe State of Virginia that she had
withdrawn from the Uuion and desired to main
tain the closest political relations with us which it
was possible at this time to establish, I commis
sioned the Hon. Alexander 11. Stephens, Vice
President of the Confederate States, to represent
this government at Richmond. lam happy to
ioform you that he lias concluded a convention
with the State of Virginia, by which that honored
Commonwealth, so long and justly distinguished
among her sister S'ates, and so dear to the hearts
of thousands of her children in tbe Confederate
States, has united her power and her fortunes
with ours*, aud become one of us. This conven
tion, together, with the ordinance of Virginia,
adopting the provisional constitution of tbe Con
federacy, will be laid before you for your consti
tutional action. I have satisfactory assurauces
from other of our late confederates that they are
on the po'nt of adopting similar measures, and I
cannot doubt that ere you shall have been many
weeks in session, the whole of the slave holding
States of the late Union, will respond to the call
of honor and affection, and by uniting their for
tunes with ours, promote our common interests
and secure our common safety.
In the Treasury Department, regulations have
beeu devised aud put into execution for carrying
out tbe policy indicated iu ycur legislation on tiie
subject of the navigation of the Mississippi river,
aa well as for the collection of revenue on the
frontier. Free transit has been secured for ves
sels and merchandiz3 passing through the Conled
erate States; aud delay aud inconvenience have
been avoided as far as possible in organiziug the
tbe revenue service for the various railways en
tering our territory. As last as experience shall
indicate tiie possibility of improvement in these
regulations, no effort will be spared to tree com
merce from all unnecessary .embarrassment and
obstruction.
Under your act authorizing a loan, proposals
were issued inviting subscription* for five millions
of dollars, aud the call was answered by the
prompt subscription ol more than eight millions
by our own citizens, and not a single bid was made
uoder par. The rapid development of the purpose
of the President of tbe UnitedJStates to invade our
forts, blockade our ports, and wage war agaiost
us, induced one to direct that the entire subscrip
tion should be accepted. It will no*’ Leconte nec
essary to raise means to a much larger amount to
defray the exjtences of maintaining our indepen
dence and repelling invasion. I invito your spe
cial attend on to this subject, antUthe financial con
dition of tl e government, with the suggestion of
ways and means for the supply of the Treasury,
will be presented to you in a separate communica
tion.
To the Department of Justice you have confi
ded not only the organization and supervision of
all matters connected with the courts of justice,
but also tlo o connected with patents and with
the bureau of public printing.
Since jour adjournment a 1 ! the courts, with the
exception of those of If iati ippi and Texas, have
organized \y tbe appointment of Marshals and Dis
trict Attf crejr, an i are now prepared for the ex
ercise of their junctions.
In the two States just named, the gentlen e 1 con
firmed a s judges declined to accept the appoint*
meut, a nd rio nominations have yet been made 10
fill the vacancies. I refer you to the repor of the
Attoer ey General, and concur iu his reccotnmen
dauofc fur immediate legisation, especially on the
suh£* tof patent rights. Ejilv provisions should
be sat de to secure to the subjects of foreign ua
t:oae he full enjoyment of their property in val
uable inventions, and to extend to our own citi
zens Drote< t on, not only to their own inventions,
but fin such as may have beeu assigned to them,
or may hercalier t>o assigned by persons not alien
enemie it
The patent office business is much more exten.
stTe at and important than had been anticipated.—
Tbe apj, lications for patents, although confined un
der the Uw exclusively to citizens of our confed
eracy, f average seventy per month, ahow
ing the necessity for the prompt organization of
a bureau of patent*. , „
The Secretary of War, in bis report and accom
panying documents, conveys full information con
cerning the forces, regular volunteer and pro
visional raised and called for under the several
acis of Congress, their organization and distribu
tion. Also an account of the expenditures al
ready made, and the future estimates for the fiscal
year ending 18th February, 1862, rendered neces
sary by recent events. 1 refer tq his report also
for a full history of the occurrences in Chatfoston
harbor, prior to and including the bombardment
and reduction of Fort Sumter, and of the mean a
subsequently taken for common defense, on re
ceiving intelligence of the declaration ot war against
us made by the President of the United States.—
There are now in the field at Charle-ton, Pensa
cola, Forts Morgan, Jackson, St. Philip and Pul
aski, uinteen thousand men, and sixteen thousand
are now en route for Virginia. It is proposed to
organize and hold in readiness for instant action,
in view of the present exigencies of the country,
an army of one hundred thousand men. If fur
ther force should be needed, tie wisdom and pat
riolism of Coogress will be confidently appealed
to for authority to call into the field additional
uumle sos our nob’e spirited volunteers, who
are constantly tendering service far in excess of
our wants.
Tbe opeiattons f ihc Navy Department have been
neces-aiity restricted by the fact that sufficient time
bas not yet elapsed for lhe purchase or construction ol
more tha i a limited number of v ease's adapted lo the
public si vice Two vessels purchased have been tarn
ed the •‘Sumter” and “Maciee.” and are now being
prepated frs aat Near Orleans with all possible dis
patch. Contracts hive a'so been med% at that city
with two different es ablishnie its for the casing of
ordnance, cannon s'ot and shell, with the view to
encourage the manufaciute of these articles so iud s
pensab'efor our defense, at as many punts within our
territory as possib’e.
I call your attention to the recommendat'on of the
Secretary for the establishment of a magazine and lab
oratory for preparation of ntduattce stoies. and the ntc*
e.-siry app'op ia*ion for that purpose, lliiherto such
stores have usually been ptepa ed at the navy yards,
and no apptopriation was made at your last session
for this object.
The Secretary a’so calls attention to the fact that no
provision has beeu mde for the payment of invalid
pensions to our own citizens. Many of these persons
are advanced in life, t ey have no means of support,
and by ‘he s> cession of these Sta'es. have been depriv
ed of their claim .-gainst the Government of the United
Sta es. I iecommend the app optia'ion of tlu* sjtn
neee any to pay the*e pens oi.eis. as well as those of
the army, wh.oe claims cat scarcely exceed twenty
thousand d-dlais per annum
Ttie Pos mis er Gene-ai has already succeeded in
o-ganizi-g his department to such an ex'ent as to be
in teadiress to assume the di'ectio i of our postal af
fairs, on the occurrence of the contingency goutemplat
ed by the Act of the 15th Match, 1861, or even sooner,
if desired by Congress The various ho -ks and circu
la’s have been p epated and tneasu es taken to secuie
supplies ol blanks, postage stamps, stamped envelopes,
mail bigs. locks, ke s, etc. He presents a detailed
classification and arrangmet t of h s e'erieal so ce and
asks for its inc-eaae. an auditor ot the Tie sury tor
this dejta'tmeut is De -essarv, and a plan is submitted
for the organ : zatioi of his bureau. The great number
and m g niude of the accounts of this department, re
quite an incie-tse of the cle ica! force in the accounting
branch In tbe treasury. The revenue< of this depart
ment ate collected and d-sbursed in mod* s peculiar to
itse ; f, aud requite a special bureau to secure a proper
accountability in the administration of its finance-?.
I call your a'lention lo the additional legislation re
quired for this department; to the recommendation
for changes in the law fixing the rates of postage on
newspapers, and sea ed packages of certain kir.-ds, and
B[e-.-ialiy to the recommendation ol the Secretary, in
which 1 concur, that you provide at once for the as
sumption by him of the conttoi of our entire postal
service.
In the military organization of the States, provisions
are made for brigadier and major general, but in the
.army of the Cor tolerate States the highest grade is
that of brigadier general. Heucj, it will no doubt,
sometimes occur that where troops of the Confederacy
do duty with the mi idi. the ge.ie al se’eeftd for the
command and possessed of the views, and purposes
of this government, w ill be supet seded by au officer
of the militia not having the same advantages. To
avoid this contingency in the least objectionable man
ner, I recommend that the law of its organization be
amended, so that, the g ade be that of gene al.
To secure a tho-ough military educa iou it is deem
ed t sseut'al that ofliceis shou’d enter up m the study
of their prof ssinn at an early pe iod of ife, and have
elementary iristiu tion in a mi'itary school. Until
such school all ill be established, it is recommended
that cadets be app nnted and attached to companies
untii they sbal have attained the age and hare acquir
ed the knowledge to fit them for die duties of lieu
ten ants.
I also call your attention to an om’ssion in the law
o’ginizing the army, in te'a'ion to military chaplains,
and recommend licit provision be made for their ap
pointment.
In conclusion, I congra'ulate you on the sari, that in
every portion of our country, there has been exhibited
the most patriotic devotion to our common cause
Transportation companies have fieely tendered the use
of their lint s for troops and supplies. The Presidents
of the railroads in lhe Confederacy, tit company w ith
other Sta'es that we hope soon to greet as sisters, as
sembled in convention m this city, and not only re
dacel largely the ta'es he-e ofore demanded for mail
service, and conveyance of troops aud munitions, but
voluntarily proffeied to receive their compensation at
these reduced rates in the bonds of the tonforle'acv,
for the purpose ot leaving all the lesouices of the gov
ernmeot at its disposal for tbe common defer se
Requisitions for troops have been met writ such
alacrity, that die numbers tendering their services,
haTe, in every ios'ance, g-eatly exceeded the demand.
Men of the highest official and social pos tioo, are serv
ing as vo’unteers in the lanks. The gravity of age
and the zeal ot youth, rival each other ii tiie desiie to
be foremost for the pub'ic de'ense; and though at no
other point than the one here ofote noticed, have t'uev
been s'imula ed ly the excitement incide t to actual
engagement and the h j>e of distinction for individual
achievement, they have borne what, lor new troops, is
‘be most sevete otdea', ba'ient toil and com-tant vigil,
and alt the exposuie and and scorn fort of actual service,
with a resolution and fortitude such as to command
appiohation and justify the highest expec'a'ion of their
conduct when active valor shall beiequiied p ace in
steady endurance.
A people thus united and res lived cannot shrink
from any sacrifice which they may he called on to
make, oor can the*e be a seasonable doubt of their ti
nal success, however long and sere e ntav be the test
of their de'erminntioo to maintain their birthright of
f eadom and equality, as a trust which it is ibeir first
duty to transmit, unditninished, to tluir posterity.
A bounteous Providence chee s us with tbe prom
ise of abundant crops The fields of grain, which will,
wi hiu a sow weeks be ready for the sickle, give assur
ance of the amplest supply of food for man ; whilst tbe
corn, cotton and other staple productions of our soil,
afford abundant p oof that up to this period, the sea
son has been propitious.
We feel that our can e isjust and holy ; we protest
so emnlv in ihe face of ma'tkind that we desite pea-e
a’ any sacrifice, save that of honor and independence ;
we seek no conquest, no aggrandisement, no conces
s:on of any kind f om the Mates w r ith which we were
late'y confedeia'ed ; all we ask is to be let a'one ; that
those* who never held power over us. t-liall not now
attempt our subjuga’ion by arms. Tit's we will, this
w e must rerist, to tbe direst extremity. The moment
that this pie'ension is abandoned, the sword will be
dropped f.om our grasp, and we shall be readv toenter
into tiea<ies of amity and commerce, that cannot but
be mutually benefic-al. So long as Ih : s pie'ens on is
maiutaiued, with a firm reliance on that Divine Power
which covers with is protection the just cause, we
will continue to strugg’e for our inherent right to free
dom, independence and self-government.
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
Muntgomeky, Apiil 29th, 1?61.
Major Anderson. —Major Anderson was receiv
ed by the municipal authorities of New York, at
the City Hall, on Tuesday. Mayor Wood addressed
him as follows :
Major An demon —l have been requested by the
members of both branches of the Common Council
of the city of New York to welcome you to the
City Hall, and to tender you the hospitality of the
city. In doing so I feel that I not only represent
the Corporation, but every individual in the city—
aye, and the State. It is unnecessary for me to
state the reason for this municipal reception.—
Events in which you have taken so digtinguished
a part, are too recent, and have mnde too deep an
impression on the American heart to render such
an explanation necessary.
You have represented the country faithfully.—
You have represented it successfully. T tie Ameri
can flag, under your command so nobly defended,
was never hauled down ; although rent, not one of
its stars was obliterated. I again tender you a
he irty welcome, and tender you the hospitalities
of the city, HDd would add that, at some subsequent
time, I shallj present to you, on behalf of this
Corporation, a gold snuff-box, emblematic of the
freedom of the city.
REPLY OP MAJOR ANDERSON.
Major Anderson replied as follows:
It cannot be expected of me, a soldier, to talk
as I would like to, and as I feel a desire. I have
only to say I have tried to do my duty, humbly,
faithfully and trustfully, in defending the Ameri
can flag. God grant that we may maintain the
honor of that flag and of the country. In Him let
us put our trust.
Georgians and their Parson Captain. —Th“
fdlowing interesting incident is furnished by the
Portsmouth correspondent of the Petersburge
Exp ret*.
A large company of gallant and hardy looking
men, lately arrived from Georgia, is commanded
by a minister of the gospel. lam told that they
are all true temperance nion. On their arrival
hey were breakfasted at the Macon House; and
it was an imposing and cheering spectacle to see
them in the fierce habiliments ot war, reverently
standing around that table, while their reverend
Captain devoutly implored the blessing of God on
their repast. Can such men be conquered ?
I Vmr l
Explosion of an OH We]l-Lo* of I.lfe and t
t rightful Scenes.
It has already been briefly menttioned that an ’
oil well in \Varrentoi\ county, Pa., took fire a few
days ago, and exploded with frightful effect, caus
ing the loss of eighteen lives. A letter gives the
following additional particulars:
A well which had been drilled over two hundred
feet by Hawley k Merrick, had struck oil, but the
yield being less than expected, the pumping was
abindoncd and drilling recommended. Over one
hundred feet further were drilled, when at half
past five on Wednesday eventing a suJfe t rush ot
oil through the five inches and a half tubing thiew
out the dt ills and gushed into the air forty leet
above the surface of the ground. At the least
computation it was throwing lrom seventy to one
hundred barrels an hour. Above this mass of oil,
the gas of benzine rose in a cloud, for fifty or sixty
feet. As soon as the oil commenced gushing
forth, all the fires of the engines in the neighbor-
hood were immediately extinguished.
At about half-past eleven, as a large number of
men and boys were around the well engaged in
saving the oil, the gas from the well, which had
spread in every direction, took fire front the engine
ot a well over four hundred rods distant, when in
a second the w hole air wa9 in a flame, with a crash
and a roar like discharges from a park of artillery.
As soon as the gas took fire, the head of the jet of
oil was in a furious blaze, and falling like water
from a fountain over a space one hundred feet in
diameter, each drop came down a blazing globe of
boiling oil. Instantly the ground was a flame,
constantly increased and augmented by the falling
oil. At once a scene of indisetibible horro’ took
place. Scores were thrown flat and tor a distance
of twenty feet, and numbers horribly burned rushed
blazing from the hell of misfortune, shrieking and
.•creaming iu their anguish.
Just within the circle of the flames could be seen
four bodies boiling in the seething oil, and one
man, who had been digging a ditch to convey
away the oil to a lower part of the grouud, was
killed as he dug, and could be seen as he fell over
the handle of his spade rousting in the fierce ele
ment. Mr. H. R. Rouse, of the firm of Rouse,
Mitchel & Brow n, of the village of Enterprise, War
ren county, a gentleman largely interested in wells
in this locality, and whose tucome from them
amounted to #I,OOO a day, was standing near the
pit, and was blown 20 feet by the explosion. He
got up and ran about 10 or 15 feet further, and
was dragged out by two men, and conveyed to a
shanty some dis ance from the well. When he
arrived, not aves ige of clothing was left upon
him except his stockings and boots. His hair was
burned off, as well as his finger nails, his ears aud
his eyelidr, while lhe balls of bid eyes were crisped
up to nothingness. In this condition he lived nine
hours made his will, leaving #IOO,OOO to the poor
of Warren county, the same amount to repair the
roads of Warren county aud SSOO a year to his
father, his only living relation for life. He died,
however, without signing the will.
The bodies ol five other men were recovered
and recognised in addition there are the skeletons
of five otiiers visible within the circle of flames, and
as many are misting—strangers, who came to wit
ness the operation of the wells. It is supposed
that a number of others have been burned to a
powder, close by the mouth of tbe well. Some
thirty-four were wounded.
At tbe time of the explosion, everything ib the
neighborhood—sixty or seventy rods—took fire,
and shanties, derricks, engine-houses and dwell
ings were at once involved in flames. The boiler
of Dodds’ well, eighty rods from the original well,
blew up with a tremendous explosion, killing in
stantly the engineer, Wesley Skinner, adding an
other intensity to the evenings horrors. At thi*
time the whole air was on tire. The jet of oil
rushing up forty feet was almost a pi'.ler of livid
flame, while the gas above it to the distance of a
hundred feet, was flashing, exploding, dashing to
wards the heavens and apparently licking the
clouds with its furious tongues of heat.
All this lime during this tremendeous combus
tion, the sounds of the explosions and burnings
were so tremendous and continuous that they
could be comptred to nothing but the rushing of a
hurricane or tornado through a forest. The heat
of the fire was so intense that no one could ap
proach within 150 feet without scorching their
skin or garments. It was the most frightful and
yet the grandest pyroteehnieal display every vouch
safed to a human being.
On Friday morning the oil was still rushing up, on
fire, with the same regularity and speed, throwing,
it was calculated, at least 100 barrels an hour, cov
ering an immense space with flaming oil—a loss to
the proprietor of the well of from $20,000 to $25,-
000 daily. No hitman power can extinguish the
flames, and the oil must burn on till the well is ex
hausted. No pen can describe it fierceness, no
tougue describe the magnitude of its horrors.—
Thousands of spectators visu the scene every day.
It seems the earth is really on tire, and its elements
about to melt with fervent heat. The flames were,
at last accounts, still ascending to the height of
eighty feet.
Floyd Rifle’s Quarters, )
Marine Hospital, April 25tb, 1861. )
The F:oyd Rifles deeply impressed, with the
liberal spirit, that characterized the citizens of Ma
con, on the eve of their departure from their
homes, cannot withhold an expression of their
gratitude.
Called horridly away, our wishes were anticipa
ted, our necessities provided lor, our wants sup
plied. We can not, (we would not if we could)
particularize, where all did so well.—We prefer
writing their names upon tbe tablets of grateful
hearts. Gratitude feels much, speaketh little, for
gets never.
Be it therefore resolved, That to the Mayor and
Council the noble hearted, committee—the gener
ous citizens who so liberally aided us with their
means, and encouraged us with their blessings
and their prayers, we only sav—from our hearts,
we thank you.—Your kindness is appreciated,
your memories will be cherished and your unpar
alleled liberality will strengthen our arms, and
nerve our hearts to act our part, worthy of friends
so generous—and a city so loved.
Resolved, That, to each and all, we say God
bless preserve and defend you—your homes, your
altars and your firesides.
Capt. T. Hardeman, Lieutt. Rots, Redding,
Turpin, and seventy men Committee.
On Tuesday night last, Vice President Stephens
made a short speech in Atlanta, in which he said,
as reported by the Confederacy:
A general opinion prevails that Washington
City is soon to be attack jd. On this subject I can
only say, our object is peace. We wish no ag
gressions on any one’s rights, and will make none.
But if Maryland secedes, the District of Columbia
will fall to her by reversionary right—the same as
Sumter to South Carolina—Pulaski to Georgia, and
Pickens to Florida. When we have the right, we
will demand the surrender of Washington, just as
we did in the other case, and will enforce our de
mand at every hazard, and at whatever cost. —
And here let me say that our policy and conduct
from the first has been right, and shall be to the
last. I glory in the consciousness of our recti
tude.
Anderson Indorsed. —The War Department at
Washington has issued the following:
“7b Major Anderson, late Commander of Fort
Sumter:
“I am directed by the President to communi
cate to you, and through you to the officers under
your command at Fort Sumter, the approbation
of the Government of your and their judicious and
gallant conduct there, and tender you and them
the thanks of the Government.”
The Montgomery correspondence of the Consti
tutionalist, dated the 2d, says :
The train from Pensacola has just arrived, and
brings several passengers, who left Warrington
and Pensacola yesterday afternoon. They tell me
that Gen. Bragg is progressing rapidly in his forti
fication, and is nearly ready to “entertain” the
forces at Pickens and those in the fleet, “in a hos
tile manner.” The troops of the Confederate
army are in good spirits, and are sanguine of suc
cess. Hut little sickness prevails, and the troops
generally are in good health, sun burnt, and ready
for the conflict.
Look 011 tliiii Picture and then on that.
Mr. Secretary Chase says to his Collectors;
“Grant no clearances to any vessel south of Ma
ryland until further ordered.”
Mr. Secretary Mentminger says to his:
“Let us abide by the Law of Nations, and pro
tect peaceful commerce which has trusted to our
hospitality. Tell your people to have patience.—
We gain more by respect lor law than from the
seizure of a few vessels.”
gjg"We learn from a gentleman who left Ptnsa
cnli on Monday evening last, that two of the sol
diers stationed at Fort Pickens had deserted and
were brought to the Navy Yard by one of tbe
boats of Gen. Bragg. They report that the ne
groes who were recently stolen from the Tortugas
are now on Santa Ilosa at work—that there are
about nine hundred men in the fort and on the
Island, besides sixty from ships—and that ouly
six vessels of war are pow off tbe harbor.—Mont
gomery.
MACON,
Wednesday, May 8, 1861.
FINE RAINS
Have visited us within the last few days, and
from every direction we have most encouraging
accounts of the crops.
CONFEDERATE FLAG-
A friend writes us from Oxford, that the Confed
erate Flag was raised by the students of Emory
upon the tower of their College edifice. A
patriotic and thrilling address was delivered to the
students and citizens assembled, by Rev. Dr. Means.
OUR SOLDIERY,
At Pensacola, Tybee, and Virginia, we are hap
py to learn are getting aloug as pleasanttly as
could be expected. We hope the false tumors in
regard to their health and comfort will not be
credited by their friends, who very naturally feel
quite anxious upon this subject. We regret to
learn that papers which we have sent them, do not
reach them regularly. We shall still send, as oc
casion may offer.
THEIR SPIRIT.
“We had a prayer meeting in our tent last
night.”
Thus writes a friend in Camp Oglethorpe, Pen
sacola. Georgia may well confide in such a sol
diery, and look with pride upon sons thus pano
plied, with the God of hosts for their “sun aDd
shield.” Such men must be invincible.
BE OF GOOD CHEER
We perceive the Philadelphia North American
and Gazette is alarmed at the prospect of “famine
after war.”
Let our Philadelphia contemporary be of good
cheer. Under the blessings of a good Providence,
if our present, hopes are realized, we will not let
our Northern friends starve. “If thine enemy hun
ger, feed him,” Ac.
THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE-
We need not urge the perusal of this admirable
state pap.:. . It contains ati uthful historical com
pendium of our political difficulties, and an admir
able exposition of the true theory of the old and
new Governments. Were it possible, the Lincoln
administration would do well to imitate its style
and tone.
GOVERNOR CAMPBELL NOMINATED.
Gen. W. B. Campbell was unanimously nom
inated for Governor, on Thursday last, by the
Union State Convention in Nashville, Tenn.
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL CONVENTION
Os the Methodist Church, within the bounds of
the Georgia Conference, met in this city on
Wednesday last. The venerable Dr. Lovic Pierce
was selected as President. Owing to the disturb
ed condition of the country, the attendance of del
egates was smaller than anticipated, though res
pectable in number and intelligence. Many inter
esting questions, involving the Sabbath School in
terest and the well-being of the rising generation,
were presented, which elicited a pleasant and
profitable interchange of views and feelings.
On Thursday night, Rev. Dr. Means delivered
an eloquent aDd earnest address to a large audi
ence, including quite a number of Sabbath School
teachers and Scholars, who, under the direction
of their efficient and w orthy superintendent, re
galed the audience with some delightful music.
Owing to the absence of the report of the busi
ness committee, we are compelled to defer the
publication of the proceedings of this important
body until next week, when we shall give them
entire.
FINE STRAWBERRIES.
A few days since we called at the Market Gar
den of Mr. Charles Collins, (which is located on the
Vineville Branch, in the out-skirts of our city,) to
take a look at his strawberries, which we under
stood were “something extra” in that line. We
found the favorite old “ Hovey’s Seedling,” of
“PeabQdy” notoriety, doing its best, and sustaining
its original character. Also several other kinds,
in fine bearing. But the great attraction of the
collection was a variety but recently cultivated
here, known as “ Fulton's Albany Seedling.” ‘l’he
berry approximates to the largest size, is of good
quality, and for productiveness far surpasses any
strawberry we have ever seen. Many of the sin
gle plants showed two hundred berries or more ;
and when ripe, would, no doubt amount to two
quarts—some of them would probably exceed it.
Each plant wa9 literally “a pile ” of strawberries.
This statement may appear to some readers,
who have not seen the fact, as it really presents
itself, as an “ expansion,” or “ giving a latitude to
the truth.” If any doubt it, let them go and see
for themselves; and Mr. Collins will be ready to
welcome all those that call, who can appreciate
such matters. These strawberries are grown on
a very common light sandy soil, somewhat moist,
and slightly manured—but we think they have had
good cultivation. From what we saw, we should
suppose that they would doubly compensate, for
the labor bestowed on them, to any variety we
have ever seen.
A CHALLENGE TO GOOD WORKS.
Mr. Kilpatrick, of this county, proposes to be
one of ten planters in this neighborhood, to cross
their cotton with corn, and turn over the proceeds
to the families of the absent soldiers. If he can
not find nine others, he will he one by himself to
do it. Who will respond to this challenge to good
works ?
We find the above patriotic proposition in the
Telegraph of Monday. We see it commended by
several planters, to adopt the plan of crossing
cotton rows with corn at intervals of twevle feet
w ith a farrow for corn and plant at the intersection
of every other cotton row—thinning out to two
stocks of corn. This diminishes the yield cf cotton
very shghtly and will bring a fair crop of corn.
EMORY COLLEGE.
The impression has gone abroad that this ex
cellent institution has suspended operations for
the present, owing to the disturbed condition of
the country and military ardor of the students.—
This is not true. A company of students has been
formed, and under Professor Orr, as their Captain,
are regularly drilled, and hold themselves in read
iness for any emergency, but the Professor very
properly writes, ‘
“We do not intend to suspend. Asa faculty,
we endeavor to teach our young men to attend to
present duty. The well performed duties of to
day, will fit us the better for those which arc to
come to-morrow.
THE GATHERING STORM
A glance at our exchanges renders it quite evi
dent that we are upon the eve of a fierce and de
vastating war. The South and the North are mar
shalling their hosts upon the borders of the two
hostile Republics, in fearful battle array. Before
another week, the two great armies which will
confront each other upon our Northern bouodarv,
will number respectively, probably, not less than
one hundred thousand men—perhaps more. The
war spirit is fully up in the North and West, which
may be said to be a unit in the present deceptive
aspects of the controversy. Equally united and
determined are the people of the Confederate
States. Tennessee has not yet fully defined her
position, though thousands of her patriotic sons
are rallying under the Confederate Flag. Ti e
same is true of Arkansas and Kentucky. The un
certain aud equivocal attitude of Maryland has
doubtless prevented an earlier hostile demonstra’
tion upon Washington City. But the storm is
gathering dark and angry, and unless rolled back
by Omnipotence, will carry sorrow and desolation
to many a heart aud home. Let us hope and pray
for the best but prepare for the worst.
Planters and farmers will do the State good
service in saving and preserving, as far as possible,
all provision aod forage crops,
Prayer far oar Cattntry.
There will be a prayer Meeting held at the Bapi
list Church in this city, tri-weekly at 5 o’clock, p.
m.; on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, for the
future. All Christians in the city who desire the
Divine protection expended to our* country and
soldiers, and a spiritual refreshing upon onr city,
are most cordially invited to unite with us in this
meeting. E. W. WARREN,
Macon, Maj 6. Pastor Bap. Chnrcb.
LIBERAL.
The Macon and Western Railroad Directory has
appropriated f1,700 dollars to needy families of
absent soldiers.
ARRIVAL OF TROOPS.
It was expected that ten companies of troops
would arrive in this city on last night or this mor
niog. Quartermaster General Jones is already
here.
WAR AND THE CHURCHES.
War is an evil, and results from the baser pas
sions of the heart. But when a treacherous enemy
invades us, we are in duty bound, to God and our
country, as patriots and Christians, to meet and
drive him back. lam proud to see with what lib
eral bauds and cheerful hearts every sacrifice of
men and money is made to meet the demands of
our country, to gain a complete triumph over the
enemy. With such a spirit of patriotism the Gov
ernment of the Confederate States will be a suc
cess.
But our Pastors are sadly neglected. They are
the champions and leaders of our spiritual hosts,
and must not be forgotten. Mo9t of them are
wholly dependent on their salary for a support.
As the Treasurer of the Baptist Church of this
city, I appeal to every member, aDd to the congre
gation to come up at once to the support of your
Pastor. You will thus strengthen the cause which
was so near the heart of the Savior, that He gave
his life for it. J. D. DeLoach, Treas.
By request, we publish with pleasure the above
pertinent appeal. With a noble liberality the peo
ple are contributing to the aid and relief of our
soldiers. This is right. Let them not, however,
lorget those who minister at the altar, visit the
sick, and bury the dead. The above hint is alike
appropriate to country and city.
Memphis, Tennessee, )
20th Aprl, 1861. f
Hon. M. S. Thompson :—Bear Sir :—Being here
on my way to Arkansas, my thoughts, in view oi
the exciting war news, are naturally turned home
ward.
I see that the City Council of Philadelphia have
appropriated $125,000 for the suport of the families
of soldiers who have enlisted to conqiter the South.
| Permit me to suggest, through you, to the City
Council of Macon, a similar policy, by making a
liberal appropriation for the support of the families
of our gallant soldiers who have volunteered for
the defence of the South ; and should it be neces
sary, I would suggest that an extra tux be levied
upon those who are able, aad no doubt willing to
respond. Very respectfully yours, <fco.,
N. BASS.
Acting upon the foregoing patriotic suggestions,
our City Council have levied an extra tax upon the
citizens of Macon. This is well. But it is sug
gested, that as all have a common interest and
destiny at stake in the pending struggle, all should
equally share its burdens and glory, ai far as may
be, and that the Justices of the Inferior Court at
once authorise the levy of a tax upon the citizens
of Bibb county residing out of the city limits, cor
responding with the one required of Hiose living
in Macon. This would be equitable and right.
The burdens which fall upon cities are, at this
time, particularly ouerous, but cheerfully borne.
Our country friends, who raise their own supplies,
are able, and we doubt not, willing to share them.
These hints are thrown out at the request of severs
influential citizens.
INTERESTING CORRESPONDENCE.
It will be seen by the following, that the young
ladies in our schools and codeges are all aglow
with the patriotism which now fires the Southern
heart:
To the Ladies of the Soldier's Relief Society:
Unwilling to know that so many of our friends
and relatives now in the battle field to guard our
liberties, are in need of articles of food aod cloth
ing, when we can assist them by lending our aid
in making garments, and in subscriptions to pro
cure provisions, we have formed a relief society,
which we hope you will consider auxiliary to your
own. We desite to be under your direction, and
although our time is limited, we hope to aid the
Confederate soldiers.
Our number averages front thirty to forty, and
we would like for you to have the garments cut,
as we have no experience in cutting clothing.
We will make subscriptions which shall be plac
ed in your hands, that you may expend them as
you think best.
School girls’hearts are filled with patriotism;
their hearts are truly touched at the condition of
brave Southern sons. We have willtug hands and
cheerful hearts, and are ready to engage in the
work. It is a worthy cause, aud we heartily ad
vocate it. Very respectfullv, &0.,
EMMA BELLAMY, President.
Sallie Hcdson, Vice l'res’t.
Amanda Barnett, Sec’y.
Kittie Cater, Treas.
Wesleyan F. College, May 2d, 1861.
On motion,
Resolved, That the petition of the Soldiers Re
lief Society, of the Wesleyan Female College, be
granted, and that it be enrolled as an auiilirry to
the Ladies’ Soldiers’ Relief Society at Macon.
On motion,
Resolved, That the young ladies of the Wesley
an Female College deserve and receive the highest
commendations for their timely and patriotic in
terest in this cause.
Resolved, That this letter be published, and en
tered upon the minutes of the Society.
MRS. WASHINGTON POE, Presd’t.
Miss Mary E. Bass, Sec’y.
May 6th, 1861.
military’ Moremenfa.
The Sumter Light Guards aud Dawson Greys
inarched through Broad street yesterday morn
ing, says the Augusta Constitutionalist of Satur
day,, and attracted geueral admiration for their
military bearing and deportment.
The Macon County Volunteers, and the South
ern Rifles, left our city yesterday morning for
Richmond, Va., by the South Carolina railroad.
The Sumter Light Guards and Albany Guards,
left for the same place, and by the same route,
last night.
The same paper of Sunday says :
The Dawson Greys left our city yesterday morn
ing, by the South Carolina railroad for Virginia.
The LaGrange Light Guards, tbe West Point
Guards, and the Albany Guards left on the same
road for the same destination last night. There
was a large crowd present to see them off.—
Speeches were made by private Bull, of the La-
Grange Light Guards, and private Lane of the
West Point Guards. aDd as the train moved off
hearty cheers were given by tbe citizens and sol
diers.
Gen. Jno. W. A. Sanford. —This distinguished
civilian aud soldier, and gallant, noble-hearted
gentleman has arrived in our city, says tbe Au
gusta Sentinel, with tbe intention of joining the
Baldwin Blues as a private. General Sanford
now quite advanced in years but bale and hearty,
whole-souled aud chivalrous, and when hiscouutry
needs him, he -is always ready. He has seen ser
vice before, as commander in the Cherokee nation,
during Gov. Gilnrer’g term, snd has filled various
offices of public trust. He had tbe confidence of
Gen. Jackson, and was by him appointed Comrnis
sioncr of Indian affairs. Many years ago Gen. San
ford was elected member of Cougress, and has fre
quently been proposed for Governor of the State.
All honor to the patriot soldier. He should be, at
least Colonel of tbe Regiment.
The First Regiment of Tennessee Volunteers
was mustered into service at Nashville on Friday
last, and the following officers elected. Colonel,
Geo. Mauey: Lieut, Colonel, T. F Sevier 5 Major!
A. M, Looney.
FROM PENSACOLA,
A friend writes as follows:
Camp Oolkthobpb, Fl*. >
May Ist, 1861. ’ (
“I arrived here last Saturday in good health and
fine spirits. Our trip all the way through j
a pleasant one, with but few exceptions. From Gar
land to Evergreen, we had to s age it aome twelve
miles over ave y hilljrand sandy rood. The Railroad
will be fiuished in a tew days, aud we c*n then get our
large cannon and mortar through without any difticul
ty. At Opelika, Ala., we met the Hon. Barnwell
Rhett, of South Carolina, and were highly et.tertair.od
with bis speeches all a'oog, as far as Montgomery. J
stood once by his side whi'e speaking, with iny little
Confederate Flag waiving over his head, amid the most
deafening cheers of the multitude.
Pensacola is a very old and dingy locking place, pe<e
pled*pretty much by Spauuids. The houses are old
and ditapida'e-i and hare the appearance of ail tea.
port towns on” a sraa'l sca'e. The breakfast we got
here was really a sp’endid affair, the best 1 have ever
seen this side of New Yo.k. Ciabs, fish, aud ovsters
may be had he-e at little expense and in great abuud
aoce. Our stay at Peasaco a was very short, as all tb<*
boys were exceedingly anxious to get duly icstal'.cd
into the ranks of the company, to share its destine.—
The Navy Yaid is rtallv a beautiful p'ace. The build
dings and wa'ks cancot be surpassed in Ametica—verr
level and well ornamented. Warring on is a small
village, ii.c’udii g the Navy Yard, with only a
shops aud nothing of any consequence to sell. En
closed Vou will find a diagiam of the diffeteut Forts,
which utay interest you.
I visi ed the teach, which is about one mile from our
camp, a d iy or two ag >, and with my telescope could
easily see the men iu Pickens throwing up brea--.
works, curs sting of sa-.d bags, Ac. They have alio
about oue bundled head of horses grazing quietly on
the Is’and, which are, undoubted y, intended for flVirg
artillery. They have made Pickeus a very strot
Fort, and if we take it the record will be, i u my jud •
meut, a bloody one.
Day before yesterday some two hundred men were
de’ailed to go down to the beach to haul up four large
cannon. While engaged at this work a heavy storm
of thunder and lightning, including tain, came up and
eve had a pretty severe time of it. I got thoroughly
S'taked, but up to this time I do not feel any unpleas,
ant effects from it. No one can ever know except bv
bitter experieoce the toils, plications and sacrifices of
a soldier’s life. We are deprived of a great many lib.
erties, and our fate, as a general thing, except when we
get boxes from home, consists off.ied bacon ami “slap
jacks,” which is a decoction of flour and water. We
are now living sumptuously and have more provisions
than we can eat. The citizens of Augusta raised a
liberal sum for our comfort.”
For the Journal and Messenger.
Departure of tbe Jlacon Cos. Volunteers.
Oglethorpe, Ga., April 29th, 1861.
Messrs. Editors: —The people of this county
have recently been made forcibly to feel of’ the
evils of the unnatural struggle now raging in our
midst. On last Saturday the “ Macon Countv Vol
unteers” left this place for the seat of war. Two
or three hundred people assembled at the depot to
witness their departure and bid them farewell. In
that crowd there was but few whose cheeks was
not moistened with tears. But while, in obedience
to nature, those fathers and mothers and associates
wept in having these dear friends lorn from their
embrace to try the dread realities of the battle
field, yet the sacrifice was freely made. Several
short and appropriate speeches were made on tbe
occasion, in which were expressed the sentiments
of the people in the words, “ Go, and defend our
homes, onr firesides and our altars!” And, Messts.
Editors, permit us to say that we believe this brave
band will lay their bodies upon their country’s
altar, if need be, in obedience to this injunction.
Many of them are young men of the first class
men of exalted views and principles. They have
responded to their country’s call, not from a love
of novelty and excitement, nor from the less inno
cent motive of evinciug military fame, but from a
deep sense of duty. Under their gallant leader,
Capt. Prothro, we expect no report of tbeir ac
tions, but such as shall make us proud to claim
them as citizens of our countv.
Messrs. Editors, if you can give this humble
communication a place in your columns you will,
by so doing, much oblige
Your ob’t serv’t,
PHILOS.
I3F - Attorcey-GeLetal Bates declares the retroc-exii*
of Alexandria to Vitgicia is unconstitutional, and un
der the decision, it isfgeoerally believed that Lincoln
will occupy Alexandria on Monday as part of the Dis
trict of Columbia. The inhabitants ate moving to the
country in consequence.
Surely tbe Governmeat at Washington was a long
time in finding that Alexandria is not legally in Vir
ginia.
Col. Geo. X. Ward.
Th : s gentleman, who declined at fitst to accept tbe
appointment as Delegate to the Provisional Goveru
meat to till the vacancy occasioned by the iasigo&t:on
of Col. J. P. Ande son, conferred upon him by the al
most uuaoimou-s vote ot the Convention on Ft iday, -J'ith
ult., (he prefeniug not to separa'e himself from the
military organization of the butte,) was, after several
bailotiugs uu Saturday last, iuduced to wiihdraw bis
resignation, aud to accept the apjiointment.
Col. Ward left Tallahassee for Montgomery on Mon
day last, whe-e we are muclt mistaken it his ability and
energy does not secure for him a high position.—Flor
idian.
Col. Ward is one of the ablest men in Floiida, and
we are glad to see him in the Southern Cougres.-.
Barbarism in New York.—G. B. Lamar, Esq.,
President of the Bank of the Republic of New
York, and for many years a resident of that city,
lately resigned that office. Soon after resignation
he was waited on by a Committee of the citizens,
and ordered to leave the city by a specified short
time.
It was Mr. Lamar’s desire and intention to leave
the citv, and his resignation was with reference to
this, but the critical illness of his wife —a fact that
must have been known to some of the mob —pre-
vented an early removal.
He informed the mob Committee that he could
not and would not leave at their orders, and here
the matter rested at our last accounts.
What a commentary, remarks the Charleston
Courier, on free speech, free action, and the abuse
which have been lavished on the South by Phari
saic New York ?
Rev. John H. Harris.
This devoted aud excellent minister of the Gos
pel, and pastor of the M. E. Church in this place, says
the Harris County Enterprise , having been elected
to the Chaplaincy of the Ilrrris Guards, has accept
ed, and declared his intention of casting his lot
with .the fortunes of his company. Mr. Harris,
though but a short time among us, has eodeared
himself to our people, and while they regret to
give him up, yet his devoted patriotism and fir®
determination to do his duty even on tbe batfi*
field, serves to reconcile us all to the loss.
that Divine being whom he has served so fai thfully
here, still hover over our beloved pastor and
those with whom he has cast his lot and protect
them from harm, is the prayer of all those who
are left behind.
Georgia State Agricultural Society*
The Executive Committee of the Georgia State
Agricultural Society, met in Atlanta on Monday,
29th ult., and after some discussion of the effect
of the present condition of affairs, the following
resolution was adopted :
Resolved, That it is inexpedient for the Execu
tive Committee now to determine the propriety of
holding for the present year the Annual Fair; but
should circumstances at auy time between this and
the 15th day of July, justify ihe holding of a Fair,
tbe President is in that case to call a meeting of
the Executive Committee.
Also resolutions appointing a committee to pre
pare an address to the people, offering the tent
cloths of the Association for the use of the troops,
and every doilaar in the treasury and the proceeds
of the sale of tbe silver ware on hand for tbe cause
of the South.
George Wilkea, editor of Wilkes’ Spirit, has left
Now York to join Cassius M. Clay’s regime ai
Washington,