Newspaper Page Text
end un4rn»fi,t nii<i no r!jP>t under the Cotifti- jj-id nH.ioprinte any provisit.u& or other auppliesof
lotion to draw upon it, sod a* the military fund | any rliHnmtor, nocc^nry fortho sulisiMeiice ami < om-
tulion to draw upon . ,
was lately exhausted ami the pefi'oua condition ol
the State required large expenditures ami prompt
action tor the deletion ot the C .'as!, it bet -tine nec
essary for me to uegolialv a further loan with She
Banks of Savannah to meet the emergency, till an
appropriation could he made. This 1 thought bet-
ter than to couveue the Legislature in extra aes-
aiou, a very short time pievious to the regular
suasion Tinier tins arrangement, 1 hate leoeiwd
trmuthe Hanks of Savannah through U U. Lamar,
Kaq , whose aelvices have bevu ot great va!Ue to
the estate both iu V-w York prior to the secession
of Georgia from the old Union, aud iu davauuah
siuce that time, such sums as the sesyteo requited
for the repayiaer>.t ot vvhick it will ho necessary to
provide out of the miuutry fuud to he appropriated
at the present tiessiou. the aiuouut adt aucud is
not yet aigo, but L will become ucceosaiv to in
crease it daily till au appropriation Is made to
meet the hea.y oxpe.uhture.s now being n-oumod
to sustain our troops.iu the lied. 1 eaiue.i y so
licit for this subject the oariy attontiou of the tlett
er*) Assembly.
'IUJs.VsI. R\ volts.
It is pos.-iuit: trio Slate might aud it difficult to
raise by trie sale of bonds, the portion of the nton
ey i.buve recommended to he raised iu that wav
for tie on.su.ng year. Should it he found that such
s the case. 1 recent iieud that the Treasurer of this
5vt-tte be authorised to rvsiie, under the uulei ot the
ttoveifioi , treasury Botes, situilai to those issued
by the Treasury Depai t incut of the Confederate
States , and that said notes he made receivable in
the payment of taxes, or any other debt due the
State, or the State Road.
And for the purpose of giving these notes credit
B8 currency, let provision be made by law, that
any persou presenting at the Treasury live hun
dred, or one thousand dollars of them, shall be en
titled to have and receive for said notes, a bond of
the State ot Georgia, for the same amount, hearing
eight per cent interest, payable semi-annually, the
principal to be paid at the end ot ten years ; with
the like piivilege for each additional amount of
five hundred or one thousand dollars presented.
This would place the notes upon a basis ofseett-
rity that tlie most cautious could not suspect, and
would doubtless enable the State to raise suca sums
as her necessities may require. With this securi
ty, it is believed that our Hanks could not fail to
receive the notes on deposit, and that they would
be received iu payment of debt*. and auswer all
the purposes of currency. As the faitu of the
State would bo pledged lor their redemption, no
higher security would b? asked by her citizens.
RELIEF TO TIIE TEOl’LE.
On account of the blockade of our ports, out-
planters are unable to sell tlieir cotton, which is
th-great staple production ol the State, and brings
iuto the State the money which stimulates and
sustains every other branch ot industry. The tax
es of the people, including the Confederate war
tax, must necessarily be far more burdensome this
year, than they have been any previous year, iu
the present generation. Unless something can be
realized by the sale of, or by an advance upon Cot
ton, it wiil be next to impossible for onr people to
raise the money with which to meet this heavy
burden. Such is the patriotism uf our people, and
such their zeal in the glorious cause of our inde
pendence. that nil seem perfectly willing to sub
mit to any amount of taxation, necessary to sustain
the Government, if they can taiso the money by
sale of the products of their labor; but they are
not willing to have large amounts of valuable
property sacrificed under the Sheriff's hammer, to
raise small sums of money to meet their taxes. In
this slate of things tt is the duly of the Govern
ment to do all that can be done, to afford relief.
As the best mode of relief which occurs to my
mind, I recommend the appointment of au officer
of ability and experience, with a competent salary,
which will enable him to devote his whole time to
the work, who shall be authoriz-d, on receiving
satisfactory evidence that any planter has deposit
ed bi3 cotton in any ware house in any interior
town of this State, and has insured the same against
loss by fire for twelve mouths, with any solvent
Insurance Company iu tire Slate, to adv- nee to
such planter two thirds of the maiket va.ue of his
crop, to be paid in Treasury notes of this State, se
cured as above piopos-d, which are to be received
iu payment of all public dues, and funded with
eight percent bonds when presented for that pur
pose, redeemable at the option of the State after a
shoit period.
The law should give the State the control of the
Cotton till sold, and make ample provision for the
repayment to the Treasury of the principal advan
ced, with eight per cent interest, the rate paid by
the State, when the blockade is removed, and the
Cotton sold. This would enable our planters to
realize upon their crops, a sufficient sum, to meet
tlieir current expenses, and to pay all taxes requir
ed of them for the necessary expense, and to pay
all taxes required of them tor the necessary ex
pense of the war, and the support of the Govern
ment. I think our people have a right to expect
some such relief as I have proposed at our hands ;
and I most respectfully, but earnestly invoke for
this subject Use attentive consideration of the Gen
eral Assembly,
STAY LAW.
In connection with the foregoing subject. I may
remark that my views on the subject of Hank sus
pensions and stay laws, having been frequently
promulgated, and well known to the people of this
State.
In ordinary times, and under ordinary circum
stances. I believe all such laws are wrong in prin.
ciple, corrupting in ptactice. and in violation of
that good faith which should characterize all com
mercial transactions between man and his fellow-
man Hence I have, on all previous occasions,
withheld my assent from all 3urh enactments ; be
lieving that they generally have their origin in un
just speculations ; and that they are used by the de
signing. to wrest from the hardy sous of toil, the
just incomes of tlieir daily labor.
But these are no ordinary times. We are in the
midst of revolution, and your predecessors have
authorized the suspension of the Hanks, and have
stayed the collection of debts till 1st December
next Our portsare blockaded so that our planters
cannot send their Cotton and other produce to mar
ket and it is impossible for our Hanks to import
specie at any price, with which to redeem their
bills. In this state of things, to require them to
resume, is to require an irnpossibi.ity. It occurs
to me therefore, that the most that can be done, is
to guard, by proper legislation, as far as possible,
against overissues and abuse of their privileges by
our Hanks during the suspension, so as to cause
them to do justice to the people, and prevent tlieir
insolvency when they shall, at a future day, be
called upon to resume specie payment.
It is also absolutely necessary to extend the stay
law between other debtors and creditors Should
creditors be permitted in ihe midst of the present
crisis, by legal process, to bring the pro petty of
debtors to sale by the Sheriff who is required by
law to sell for cash, the results would be deploys,
oie. Money is so scarce, CuSJ pTDptTty forced to
sale for cash, would not probably bring more than
one third to half as much as it would have brought
twelve OT eighteen month- rince. when the debt
was contracted. This would enable a few heartless
speculators, who happen to have funds at their
command, to buy up the properly of poor debtors,
at almost nominal prices ; and would cause an im
mense amount of suffering Hmotig helpless women
and children, w hose husbands and fathers, never
anticipating the present state of things, contracted
debts when money was plentiful, and the country
prosperous, which, had that state of things remain
ed, they could easily have paid ; but which their
whole property, if forced to sale by the Sheriff,
would now be insufficient to satisfy. Many of
these debtors, leaving a very email amount of
property for the support of their families at home,
are now in the Miiiiary service of the country,
risking themselves, and sacrificing all the pleas
ures ol home, in defence of our lives, liberties and
families. I can imagine no gieater crue'ty, than
to peruii; the creditor in the absence of the soldier,
to take from his family, the small pittance left for
their support. It is true, few creditors might be so
cruel as to attempt this, but the law should make
ample provision tor the protection of the weak and
the helpless, against those who might be prompted
Lyaiarice, to disregard the dictates of humanity.
I therefore in view of our necessities, waive for
the present, all my objections to this character of
legislation, and recommend the enactment of such
laws, as will continue the suspension, and protect
the poor and unfortunate from the grasp of the av
aricious and the powertul. till the establishment of
our independence shall have relieved us from the
embarrassassments which have grown out of the
revolution.
I'NPATRIOTIC SPECULATION.
It is a matter of the most profound regret that in the
present eventful crisis, when the whole energies of mir
people are being exerted to the utmost capacity in the
cause of our independence, and when thousands of
onr fellow citizens who have but little except tlieir
services to give, have uo'oly responded to their coun
try's call and rallied to her standard in the field, leav
ing helpless families behind with hut little means of
support except their daily lubor, that combinations
have been formed by hard-hearted and unpatriotic
speculators, to buy up aud engross almost the entire
supplies of the necessaries of file, without which
neither the families of soldiers nor others can subsist.
So soon as these unprincipled public plunderers have
obtained the control of any necessary commodity, they
have not only robbed the government bv demanding,
and compelling it to pay the most enormous profits,
but they have wronged our soldiers in the service, by
! n t of oiir ti oops, ot l'or tin it efficiency in the service,
wherevorto l»v found, iu the hands ol ninnularturus.
-pcunlatois or tmd, is, mid to pay or tender to such
uiauiti irturei . p,cnlator* ot trailer*, rcnaniiublr nod
just emiq ciisation then lor, to be fixed bv ei>mp< lent
valuing agents The price fixed as the tnniki t value
ot the aitk-lc needed l>v the Slate, which me nl-o tin
principal at tides needed by ihe community, would
very noon become the general uuiikit prices lullu
State, as the authorities could, on 1 ulotntaticn, *» U*
•implies for the Mate ill the Imnda cl swell poisons as
ivfused to sell at reasonable pines, «ml thus twins
dovv n those above, to medium >«l»s
f\,La legislation would i .d only bo owinpaltldo with
thedtictau-a of humanity uu.t ibe pUnw--» prim ipU* ,-t
natural justice but .1 violate* nm . watbmbu.wt 11*1(4 wl
the speculate!, fit veo-utvuiou awlkevl...
be government lo - take p.U ale p.vq eil.V IW i »t.
c u-x - by fiu.' O.lust V vwnp, Wsoilnu , and do.
i. i u ■ ; it v i . . o. . ume-d iu owe-It i . as in pat .«
Oihutu.d and umeasellable pi ices.
jevwnmvWvl lids stdllvw t tu lem *etb»U*iHtu*lileittllwu.
. , .• . do e it too Will dll all In mm pwiletluniu
... ■ v. Mat. ...d bv. clliaetis against llm wiA.-d
and ei m I designs et llies, w Item uv nt tee lends tn !m It
.ideas vat alike to tlie dictate* nt pall retrain and Im
uiaidty, and wbcaiviemlv tnsaeiiltee allthat la deal
to a people In -.oltstv tfieil own iimrtilunte de-slie t,u
g*tb
ot It moots IN III* MM |i
It Is impossible to bestow too I it licit pinlse upon cm
gallant troop* now limervire. Those of them who
Imve hiulmi opportunity to meet the enemy, linvriml
only sustained the high eharaett-i ol (lecrgia.bnt low •'
covered themselves w ith unlading.glory and iimnv nt
them, scaling their offering upon their country s nllm
with tlieir life's blood, have transmitted then names
to posterity upon history’s brightest page. 1 have not
tlu- slightest fear that we have a single Kcgimelit ol
Company in the field from tins State, that will ever
falter in the face of the enemy, or fail to perform the
higliest deeds id' heroism, whi n occasion is offered tor
-ucli display. It is a matter of profound regret that a
body of such troops as we 1 avesent to the field,should \
ever lack for anything necessary to tlieir comfort
while in service. 1 have rendered uil the aid possible
with the limited means at iny command, in clothing
and making them comfortable ; hut it hits not been in
iny power to do half as much as I wished to do. lie
tvim will consider that our military appropriation for
the year just closed was but $1 ,(H*HI,htltl, and that in
addition to the purchase of ordinance, ammunition ami
otner military stores, and the large sums expended iu
the organization of the Georgia Regular Army, the
Stale has more than 40,00(1 troops iu I lie field, over
half of whom she has fully armed, accoutred and
equipped, besides furnishing valuable supplies to Regi
ments not armed by her, n ml paying the expense of some
LDt’CATlOS.
The annual appropriation of one hundred thous
and doilais, and the dividends from the Hank
t-toek belonging to the State, and the interest up
on the oducational bonds, amount in tin aggre
gate to $l4,.,ll.M fill lor the past year. This will
fin distributed among the Counties lor school pur
poses. unless the Executive shall be otherwise di-
m ted by legislation anterior to the day fixed by
law for un> distribution While our financial em-
liaiu.ssincots plow mg out of the war inav be very
ccusidt t able. 1 riitcitnui the opinion that it would
fiofiidl. i l,.■ llm people to submit to the addition
al taxation oo, o-r 1.I I to iniso this sum. than to
,y alii.,.fil it n»ui ifioso entitled under existing leg
islation to pai lieipato in it* benefits.
i up aril i nN*itti tion.
I tm new I'.ioslilutinu pioposml by the State
l inn eiiil.ui im llio -J fid .t,n ol Mat ell hint, while
Iu session at .-la % auliali. w as. b | Miy proclamation,
01,1,milled to a vole ol Ibe psople ol Ibe Slate for
rati treat jolt ci i-ejactiun, on llm liist Tuesday in
July last film t olo i not *». qiiitn a small one.
owing doubtless, to llm tael, that llm thoughts of
out people weie »oione!i etlglossed with tile will',
that little attention was giieii to any other suh
|ect l and ns the t'.mslilnlion had received tho
sanction of ibe 1‘ottVenliutl, composed ns it was ol
•o tunny of tlm brightest intellect*, and best mull
ul tile State, the people Wele, it would seem, gen-
eially willing, to rutily their action without se
rious opposition The election returns received
at the Kxecutivo Department, show the following
result:
For Ratification 11,41)9 votes.
No Ratification ]U,To4 votes.
Majority for Ratification 79f> votes.
After the result was known, on the 2 ! 'tli day of
| August last, I issued my proclamation, as requir
ed by the resolution ot the Convention, declaiing
the proposed Constitution tube the Constitution of
this State.
Ol'U MILITIA SYSTEM.
I invite the attention of the General Assembly
to the suggestions contained in the report of the
Adjutant and Inspector General recommending a
revision of our Military Code. I would also sug
gest a change in the law relating to Volunteer
Companies. During the past year these have fre-
quently been formed, and after their officers were
nty-five hundred of these' troops for nearly two j commissioned aud they armed by the -State, have
months in camp of instruction, will readily see why it in a short time disbanded aud scattered tlieir
has not been in my power to do more.
HOSVITAL FOR THE SICK,
dose this reference to the condition and
r troops, without calling your attention to
I cannot
wants ol'o
the necessities of otrr sick and wounded soldiers in
Virginia. We are informed that tlieir suffering line
been very great fur want of proper nursing and lios
pital accommodations. A most patriotic association of i fi'Jrs beeom
Georgians has been formed for the purpose of allt-vi 1
ating the sufferings and supplying the want
sick and wounded. This association has established ,
arms, causing very considerable expense and trou-
] blc to the State to collect them again, and in some
| instances involving the entire loss of part of the
J guns to the State. Again, it has frequently hap-
I pened aftei companies have been formed and tlieir
I officers have expended large sums in uniforming
and equipping them, that a portrion of the mem-
dissatisfied with the organization,
of'tiie I or seeing as they believed, an opportunity to get
into service sooner with some other company.
pitals in Virginia and collected large sums of money have withdrawn, and reduced the Company to so
1 . i __ J A? . A Ih. .a: ! 11 „ »~
from onr citizens by donations, to sustain these insti
tutions; but the sums which will be required for the
ensuing year, will be greater than the association can
reasonably expect to raise by voluntary contribution.
1 contributed out of the military fund $5,000, to assist
in the establishment of the Hospital at Richmond; and
I recommend such liberal appropriation for the pur
pose of sustaining these institutions in future, as will
secure to the troops wherever they ma t
fined by afflict ion. all the attention and comfort which
can possibly be afforded to persons in their condition.
MANUFACTURE of arms.
So great are our necessities for anus, and such t
small a number as to compel the officers to dis
hand it. This has caused much" confusion, and
lias been very discouraging to those who have in-
: curred heavy expense in organizing arid equip
ping Companies for service. To prevent this state
of things iu future I recommend such legislation
; as will compel those who may hereafter enroll
y be, when cc.u- their names as members of a Volunteer Company
to adhere to the oiganization for at least twelve
months, and to respond to anv call which may.
HIS rtt'Btil ImHI
1'rtvrlom which hus
rot it-lnnsniirtfcnci*.
while bonding with it*
miDi t»T that
luna attriM ted toe
ej*h k. brown.
direct bet veett Savannah and sofflS CorafS5i : cial ;*haa submit to tUi„. t would ch.-erfutiy exps.a iu the
point in Europe, provided the guarantee of the of ..1.1, that (i.*d waluci giv^Vue'int-ugtii tt.'uv'hoidp»i-
6’tate should not exceed one hundred thousand dol*
lars, p*r annum, for five years. The act also madu
it the duty of the Governor to appoint a Conirnis- w ., r i, n,,. -pi T „i,
siotier to Europe to negotiate an arrangement tor
the line. In obedience to this requirement of the
statute, I appointed the Hon. T. Hutler King, Com
missioner, and sent him to Europe early in the
Spring. I have receiveJ-but a siDgledispafoh from
Mr. King since his departure. Iu this, heintoims
me that he has forwarded several others which 1
have not received.
As 'it is impossible tn foretell what may he the result
ol ilr. King’s mission, 1 beg leave to call the attention
of the General Assemblv to the fact that an associa
tion of Georgians of high character, and well known
financial and commercial ability, is now being formed,
tor the purpose id' establishing nt as early n day aspos-
sibie, a line of steamers between Savannah ami such
commercial port in Europe, as offers the greatest in
ducements aud facilities for direct trade andiutercourse.
If the legislature w*ill incorporate the company and
subscribe, tor the State, §200.000 to its capitalstock,
and grant to it a subsidy of fifty' thousand dollars per
niiniiiii, for five years, I am informed that the whole
capital stock will be at once taken, and the ships pur
chased, ready to be placed upon the line immediately
alter the removal of the blockade. This ivould cost
the State less than she has proposed to guarantee to a
foreign company. And as the line in this ease, would
lie owned jointly by the State, and au association of
her most enterprising citizens, tbeie would seem to be
weighty reasons, why onr people should prefer it, to
in v line controlled by foreign capitalists, who would
have no preference for a Georgia port as the American
terminus of the line, if superior imiucemt nts should at
any future time be offered by any other Southern
city.
So soon as the blockade is raised, it will become a
matter of the first importance that the line be immedi
ately put in operation, and that permanent and safe ar
rangements be made with European capitalists for ad
vances upon cotton, and for the regulation of our ex
changes upon a justand equitable basis.
No country on the globe possesses more naturul ad
vantages, and no country has suffered greater wrong
than hus been inflicted upon the South for the last
quarter of a century, under the unjust and iniquitous
system of legislation adopted by the Government ot
tile United States. The Union has at last been severed
beyond the possibility of reconstruction; and the
Southern States are no longer commercially, nor politi
cally, the appendages or provinces of the Northern
Government, bat ifiey are free, sovereign, and inde
pendent while that Government has become a Military
despotism. It the people of the South are true to their
own inteiv-ts, they w ill never iu future have any po
litical connection with the people of the North, nor per
mit their commercial relations to be controlled by Nor
thern legislation or Northern capital. The South was
not only the great productive section ofthe old Union,
furnishing most of it.- exports, but it was the balance
wheel which kept the machinery of Republican Gov
ernment in regular motion, audits trade was the great
artery of life to the Not them section. With every ad
vantage of soil and climate, and all the material ele
ments-if greatness, no longer compelled to submit to
an unjust draft upon her industrial pursuitstu build up
and pamper the power of a haughty rival section, the
South seems to hold in her own bauds, under the smiles
of a kind Providence, the high destiny of her own fu
ture.
OUR COMPETENCY FOR SELF-GOVERNMENT,
lie who has read history attentively, and studied care
fully the theory of Government, can have hut littledif-
ficnlty in arriving at the conclusion, that a Republican
j Government, can only be maintained upon the basis ol
domestic slavery. The assertion, so often repeated,
| that our people are competent for self-government, is
no doubt true when properly qualified; blit if it is iu-
I tended by the term, “y?ra/>/c” to include the whole p«o-
I pie, aud to permit all i f every class white and black in
di.-criminately to exercise political rights, it is then
within that time, be made upon them for active i doubtless uutiue. The capacity of the people lor sc-lt
ce in the field, and for such term of service
difficulties attending their importation, that I again j as may be required by the statutes under which
call the attention of the Gem-iui Assembly to this im- they may be called out for the defence of the State
portuut subject, and suggest the propriety of either ! 01 - the Couleder.'u
establishing a State Kouuury for their manufacture, or t
of guaranteeing to such Company as will engage to
manufacture them, such au .-1111011111 of patronage n„ |
will secure success. I am iufonued that Col. Isaac 1. j
Moses, a citizen of Columbus, of sufficient capital and j
great energy of character, acting iu conjunction w ith
Mr. John D. Gray, of Catoosa county, w ho
1 ion for energy and enterprise is well known to onr
people, is perfecting preparations to manufacture at
Columbus, excellent Rifles in large numbers, within
the next tw o or three months.
It is said they have already made considerable pro
gress in tlieir enterprise, and that Mr. Gray can furnish
stocks quite rapidly, and that w ith his aid Col. Moses
w ill soon be able to turn out the guns complete.—
Should it be found on a thorough investigation of this
subject by the military committee, that the enterprise
of Col. Moses and Mr. Gray will be successful, 1 re
commend that a contract be entered iuto with t lies
WESTERN AND ATLANTIC RAILROAD.
For a statement of the condition ofthe Western
and Atlantic Railroad, the General Ass-mbly is
reterred to the reporfiof the late able and faithful
i reputa- j Superintendent, Dr. John W. Lewis, whose re
signation took effect with the end of the fiscal
year of the Road, on the Tilth of September. Maj
John S. Rowland, ofthe county of Cass, who has
been appointed Superintendent, is energetically
and faithfully engaged in the discharge of his
duties. The other able officers of the Road gen
erally remain in their positions as heretofore.—
Their past fidelity and efficiency, together with
the well known character of the Superintendent
for honesty, integrity, practical business sense,
and financial ability, are, 1 trust, sufficient gtiaran-
gentlemen or with any others who may be prepared t y that the future management of the Road will
to furnish the arms f.ir sncli supply as the future neees-j be fajthful and successful. If the Blockade is
hities of the State may require.
In accordance with the recommendation8 of a con
! continued so as to prevent all exports of produce,
mention of Gun Smiths at Atlanta, I have appropriated I tajling off of freights during the ensuing’ year
a part of the forges in the machine shop of the State probably seriously affect the income of the
Road, to the purpose of forging gun barrels, and a ■ Road
number of hands are now engaged there in that busi
I have als
As will be seen, by reference to the Report of
ordered to he procured boring and ! the State Treasurer, he has received from the
rifling machines and turning lathes, and will be prepar R oad $438,000 of net iucomes for the past fiscal
ed in a few weeks to make nfle barrels complete - ; ye ell j iuff October last.
These barrels are to be given out to the gun-smitas,, “
FLORIDA ItOFNDARY LINE.
At the last session of the Legislature, a resolu
tion was adopted, directing me to re-open negotia-
rho, under contracts for that purpose are to finish the
guns after the pattern of the Harper’s Ferry rifle.
POWDER MATERIAL.
Soon after the State seceded from the Union, in tions with the authorities ot the Stated Florida,
view of onr perilous condition, and the great scar- ; in regard to the boundary line bstxveen the two
city of salt petre aud sulphur in the State, and in- j States, and to urge the adjustment of the disputed
deed ir. the South, I felt it my duty to use every , line, so as to ‘ protect the rights of citizenship of
exertion in mv pow-er to procure the material, with-i the people residing near the line, who have been
out which it would be impossible to make the sup- recognized by the laws and constitution of this
ply of powder absolutely necessary to onr safety State, as being citizens of Georgia, and so as also
and the success of our common cause. After much j to protect the titles of citizens to the lands which
exertion aud great risk, I succeeded in procuring; they hold under grants issued by the State ; and
a supply sufficient to make several hundred tons ; to have, if practicable, the boundary fixed so as to
of powder ; w hich was landed in the State a very retain and keep the fractional lots ol land sold by
short time prior to the commencement of the block- Georgia, within the jurisdiction of this State.”
ade of our ports. A short time after its importa-j Owing to the fact that the energies of both States
tiou. I offered the powder material aud the steamer | were taxed to their utmost capacity by the exist-
Huntrcss to the Secretary of War for the common ing war, aud that the official term of Gov. Perry
cause, at their original cost to the State without I was near its expiration, I dtlayed action till after
even charging interest on the money, during the j the inauguration of Gov. Milton, when I transmit-
ime intervening, between the purchase by the
State, and the proposed sale. This proposilion
was declined by the Secretary. At a later period
in the season, I renewed the prop- sition, with the
alternative that if the Secretary refused to take
the stiamer, which had been purchased by order
of the State Convention, and which xvas no long
er needed l>y the State, the Confederacy having
assumed the control of our naval affairs ; he could
have the powder material without the steamer at
its market value. This latter proposition was ac
cepted and the market value of the powder mate
ia! fixed by the Secretary himself at. f><) per cent up-
ted to him a copy of the resolutions of our last
Legfolature. and invited his attention to the sub
ject. He replied, that lie would lay the resolu
tions before the Legislature of Florida. I trans
mit herewith a copy of the correspondence, which
is all that has transpired since the adjournment of
the last session. Should I receive notice of any
action on the part ofthe Legislature of Florida on
this subject prior to your adjournment, you will
be promptly informed of the fact.
THE CONFEDERATE WAR TAX.
The twenty-fourth section of the Act passed by
on original cost. It was at the time worth intlie mar- j the Congress of the Confederate States for the
compelling them to nay two or .liree prices for articles
which were absolutely indispensable to their health und
comfort, and have raised the prices of many necessa-
sary articles of provision at home, till the families of
absent soldiers mid others who labor for a livelihood,
are obliged to live upon the most stinted allowance if
slot to endure actual suffering, on account of tlieir in
ability by tiieir labor, to purchase the necessaries of
1'b- It' 1 have not misconceived the true objects of
goverument,the soldiers iu the field from this State,
,, e , flies* families of manvof them nt home, and
", ” have suffered by the wicked avarice of
! t| C * lRve a right to demand at the bauds
° *'-M Assembly, the enactment of such laws
as WulI afford all the relief possible against such cruel
imposition in future.
L'nge amounts of provisions and other military sup-
plies must be fur lushed to our ur.ny during the ensuine-
year. If the .State submits to these impositions U [hf
the pricer, which she pays will become the ruling prices
in the market; aud others, however needy or unable
must jfey as much as the State pays, or they cannot
procurable articles of prime necessity.
I therefore recommend the enactment of a law
authorizing tlieGovernor of this State, or any military
sL er - n, ^ er command, by hia direction, (or such
plher ofiieer as the legislature may designate,) to seize
ket, over three hundred per cent upon the original
cost, but as it was no part of my purpose to specu
late for the State on that which was essential to the
success of our common cause, I permitted the Sec
retary of War to take it at his own price. The
State Treasurer had advanced the money to pur
chase the materia! at my request, w ithout warrant,
ami after the sale, as no warrant had passed, I re
funded to the Treasury the amount of money ad
vanced by the Treasurer. Hy this transaction J
ot only obtained aud turned over R? the Confed
eracy at a price several bundled told less than it
ould have been elsewhere obtained, a supply of
material of very great value, but also made a clear
profit of $22,133 70 for the State. As the drafts
upon the military fund were much heavier than
was anticipated when the appropriation was made,
I found it necessary to use this net profit which I
had made for the State, in the purchase of provis
ions and ether necessary supplies for our troops.—
1 therefore paid it over to the Quarter Master Gen
eral of the State, aud took his receipt for the
amount, which he has expended for the use of our
troops, and for which he will account in his report
I have ordered this receipt to be recorded on tbe
Executive minutes and the original to be tiled sub
ject to tin- inspection of any committee, or other
person interested.
PENITENTIARY.
You are referred to the report of Col. James A
Green, tbe active and energetic Priucipal Keeper
of the Penitentiary, for a statement of the opera
tions of that Institution, during the past fiscal
year. It will be seeu that after the payment of all
its indebtedness for the year, it has a handsome
sum to its credit; and that no appropriation is as
ked for its assistance or support for the ensuing
\ ear.
ASYLUM, AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS.
collection of a War Tax, is in these words :
“If any State shall, on or before the first day of
April next, pay, in the Treasury notes of the Con
federate States, or in specie, the taxes assessed
against the citizens of such State, less ten per
centum thereon.it shall be the duty of the Secre
tary of the Treasury to notify the same to the sev
eral tax collectois in such State, aud .'hereupon
their authority nt.uj dtl!y under this Act shall
eexse. ’
In a previous part of the Act, provision is made
for the appointment of Assessors by the Confede
rate Government, and tbe valuation of taxable
property iu each State. It would seem, therefore,
that there is no way of ascertaining the amount
which each State is required to pay till this assei-s-
ment is made. After this is done, aud the stun for
which the State is liable is known, each State may
pay this sum into the Treasury, in gold and silver,
or Confederate Treasury notes, less ten per cen
tum, and thereby prevent the collection ofthe same
by Confederate officers. While I would have
greatly preferred that Congress should have appor
tioned tliesum to be raised among the States, w ith
out. the intervention of Confederate Assessors, it is
much better, in my opinion, that we at least pre
vent the Confederate '1 ax-Gatherers from making
tlieir appearance among its, when we can save ten
per centum upon the whole sum by collecting it
tinder State authority, and paying it into the Con-
lederat.e Treasury ; and I think it would be more
satisfactory to our people that they lie visited oy
the Tax collectors of but one Government. I
therefore recommend such legislation as may be
necessary to secure the collection of Georgia’s quo
ta by Iter own State Collectors, either those who
collect the State tax, or others to be appointed by
State authority for that purpose, aud its payment,
when collected, into the Confederate Treasury.—
The State Collectors could afford to do the labor
government, depends upon then-virtue andinteliigenc
and the experiments made in Franco and other enlight
ened countries, where domestic slavery is not tolerated,
have shown that sufficient virtue and intelligence nev
er exist to enable the people to perform thetask, when
the whole muss of the people of every class are permit
ted to participate actively in the affairs of the State.—
Hence,the general rule, that a country which does not
tolerate domestic slavery, is governed by monarchy.—
It is admitted that the opposite of the rule is not always
true, as some countries, like Brazil und Spain, tolerate
domestic slavery, and are governed by monarchy. Nor
is the rule itself probably without a .-.ingle exception,
as in the case of Switzerland, which, on account of its
peculiar locality and condition, is toleratedas a Repub
lie by the other governments of Europe.
Take, as an illustration, the people of the Conteue-
rate States, and ofthe United States. We saythepeo-
ple ofthe Confederate States are competent to govern
themselves. This is true in the sense m which the ex
pression is used; but if we use the term “people" in its
broadest sense, and embrace the four millions of ne
groes as a part of the people, entitled to exercise politi
cal rights, then it is not true. The people of the United
States are intelligent and enlightened, but the whole
people, including menial servants, imported paupers,
and free negroes, all under their theory possessing and
exercising equal rights and equal power at the ballot
box, are eeitainly incompetent to govern themselves.
Hence that government must soon terminate iu mon
archy.
Intimately connected with the above cause, is
another that must tend to hasten the tesult. I al
lude to the irreconcilable conflict, which, undei
their domestic system, exists, and must continue
to increase, between capital and labor. There,
the capitalist who desires to employ lubor has no
interest in the person of the laborer, but only an
interest in bis day's w ork. He is under no obli
gation other than ihe common dictates of human
ity to provide for the wants of the laborer or his
family in case of sickness or other misfortune. It
follows that it is the interest of the combined cap
italists of the North to depress the price of labui
and procure work as low as possible. On the
other hand, the laboring class is interested it;
keeping up the price of labor. In this conflict, it
tin- laboring class strike, for higher wages, when
prices are no longer remunerative, the competi
tion for employment which will be produced by
the annual importation of very large numbers o.
foreign paupers, will give tho capitalists greatly
tbe advantage in tlieir efforts to maintain low
prices. This, together with the consequent necessi
ties of the laboring class, will naturally foster the
agrarian feeling already engendered, and tho con
flict will become constant and bitter. The laboring
class including tbe lowest menial servants, ana
naturalized foreign paupers, being voters will
naturally have tbe advantage at the ballot box, on
account of their superiority of numbers. This
will induce the capitalists, on the other hand, to
use their money freely to influence the electious
which will be productive of increased rottenness
and corruption in tbe body politic. Riots and
mobs will grow out ot the contest, till thinking
men, discovering the lot;eiing basis upon which
society rests, and the insecurity ot property, will
naturally be induced to seek protection in a
stronger form of government.
Amid this chaos and confusion, in the throes of
revolution, some master spirit with great ability
and ambition, will attract attention and win pop
ular applause. This will place him iu a position
to command, when appealing to tbe necessities ot
the capitalists he will engage Ir? make his swon.
their protector, aud to distribute the honors of the
Empire among them, if they' will make their gold
tlm pillars of his throue. The result will be, that
!• or a statement of the condition and wants of j f,, r a very small per cenlum on so large a sum.
the I-unat c Asylum. Academy for the Blind, and - - -
Institution for the Education of the Deaf and
Dumb, you are respect ully referred to the reports
of the officers in charge of these Institutions.
STATE UNIVERSITY
As required by the Statute, I transmit herewith
the Report of the Trustees of the State Uni
versity. So large a number of young men. who
would otherwise have been pursuing their Colle
giate studies, have volunteered, and gone to the
army, that the number of students in the Univer
si ty must be expected to be materially diminished
during the ensuing year.
GEORC1A MILITARY INSTITUTE.
I apprehend I need enter into no argument in
the present eventful period of our history, to satis
fy the General Assembly of the great utlility and
impoitance of the Military Institute to the State
and to the^outh. The friends and patrons of the
Institute have much reason to be proud of the
results of their labor. Most of its graduates hold
useful aud important positions in the service of
the State, or the Conf. dt-racy, while some have al
ready sacrificed their lives on the battle field gal
lantly leading their followers in the hour of victo
ry. I am happy to be able to state that tbe pros
pects of tbe Institute are at present very flatter
ing. Feeling that tlm State needed the services
and military skill of Maj. Capers, the Superintend
ent during the winter upon the coast, I have given
him a commission as Brigadier General, and as
signed him to the command of the second Brigade
of Gforgia State troops. As it is no* probable
that the campaign upon the Coast will last for
more than six months, it is hoped that General
Capers may be able to tesume bis position in the
Institute before tbe commencement of the next
summer. Considering his services of great im
portance to tbe State iu conducting the military-
education of our youth, tbe Board under whose
supervision the law has placed the Institute, could
not willingly consent that General Capers accept
such military commission as would catry him out
of the State, and sever his connection with the In
stitution where his services are so highly appreci
ated.
To sustain the Institute and place it upon a sol
id basis it will be necessary that such appropria
tions be made to endow it as will place the pro- , -. —»
fessors’ salaries beyond contingency, I commend I *“ e Governor to pledge the State to aecure to the
the Institute to the enlightened statesmanship, Company what was considered waaonable profits
While the iState. by the adoption of this policy,
would act upon a principle aiike compatible with
her dignity and sovereignty, she would save to her
Treasury a very considerable sum in the difference
between the actual cost of collection, and the sum
allowed her on that account. Should it become
the policy of tho Confederate Government in the
future, to abolish our tariff system, with all the ex
pense aud corruption that attended the system in
the oid Government, such a course might greatly
lessen the expenses of the Government, and cause
the people to hold their public servants to a much
more strict accountability for wasteful expendi
tures; and in that event, I am of opinion that the
amount necessary to the support of Government,
should be justly apportioned among the Sta'es,
and each State should be permitted, by her own
Collectors, if her people prefer it, to raise her own
quota, and pay it into the Treasury, without the
intervention of Confederate Collectors.
COMMERCIAL INDEPENDENCE.
The contest in which we are engaged must, it is
admitted by all, result in our political indepen
dence. But our deliverance from political bon
dage will be of little advantage if we remain in a
state of commercial dependence. If our exchan
ges at the end of the war. are still to be made
through New Y'ork and other Northern Ports ; our
Cotton shipped upon Northern ships by way of
New Y ork to Europe; taxed with inei eased freights,
insurance, commissions, wharfage, and other inci
dental expenses incurred upon that route : and our
goods imported over the same line burdened with
the usual expense to us, and profits to the North
ern merchants which must result from indirect im
portations ; we shall remain in fact, subject to
Northern role, and our political destinies will soon
be controlled by those who have our commercial
interests under their power. This evil can only be
prevented by the inauguration of a system which
wiil secure direct trade and direct exchanges with
Europe It is a question well worthy tbe consid
eration of Congress, whether this object cannot be
better accomplished by the establishment of fiee
trade with all the world. Your predecessors, at
the last session, duly appreciating the importance
of this question, pass 3d an aet incorporating the
“Belgian Americau Company,” and authorizing
and fostering care of tbe tieoeral Assembly.
| on the amount invested in a tin* of steamers to ran
the country will seek repose in the downfall ot
Republicanism, and the establ.shment of Mon
archy.
The very opposit** of all this i>» true in the Confederate States
Hen*, domestic slavery is n lundiuncnoal pert of our social sve-
t.-iii. We have over lotir^iniilioiirt of iiesroes who are the men
ial class of our society. They have no political riphts aud seek
none: they take no purtintUe povernment, but urt-u dependent
dn-8, penerally contented and happy, having all their naturul
wanttf supplied by those who are responsible under our laws
for their humane and kind treatment. In ease of sit knew*, or
permanent bodily infirmity, they are not left us are the pauper*
of th** North, to the . ..Id ehariti'e* of the world, for the urressn-
rien of life; but public opinion and the laws ofthe lund, compel
their owners to make provisions for the:r wunta and to treat them
with humanity and kindne«H. Here the WHITE class is the rul
ing class. When we Hity our people are competent to the task of
self-government, we mean white people. But it may be said,
the pauper* of the North, who participate in the govcrmn.iit, ure
penerally white people. This is admit ted, but many of them are
white peoph ofthe lowest menial clash ; so low that there is no
class below them, and they la< k not only inlellict nee hut pridecf
character. Hence their votes are b,night und sold iu the market.
Wi^h us every white man, whether native or of foreign biith.
feel* and knows that he belongs to the RULING class, aud that
there is b menial eld*s of millions of persons entirely below him.
Tills inspires him with pride of character which fits him to par
ticipate in the political adiur* of the State. If there are individ
ual exec tions to this rule, they are not sufficient!v numerous to
he si verely felt, ortoafii*ct matt rial y the results in the choice of
rulers. Again, instead of perpetual conflict under our social sy —
tein between CAPITAL and LABOR, we have the most jwrlect
harmony. We have few capitalists who are not slaveholders.
Each slaveholder has an intercut not only in the day's labor,
or the week’s labor, but in the PERSON of the laborer; in his fle*h
and his blood, In* muscle and his bone; in a word THE max is
his.’ If, therefore, the labor of the n un is worth one dollar
per day, the man, himself is worth one thousand to ti.teeu hun
dred dollars, and he who owns one hundred of these laborers is a
rich man, and enjoys all the importance uud position, which
wealth gives in society. Reduce the price of labor to ti ft v cents
per day, and you greatly reduce the \alue of the labou r in the
market, uud in like proportion, you reduce the value of the estate
of the owner. If you reduce the price of labor to twi nty-five
rents per day, the laborer cannot^ by ins lalmr, comfortably sup
port hi nisei! und family. In thisca**-. us his labor is worth nothing
to his owner, he .s valuel-ss, and the person who owns one hun
dred sucli.aborers with the re-p >nsil,i!.ties attaching to the owner
ship. is not only pour, but has a heavy but den annexed to his
poverty.
A* most of onr slaves ure owned by men of capital, and ns
capitalists, like other men, 1». »k to their'interests ami as the value
ol the estate of « acli slave-holder depends u{niu the value of labor,
it become* the interest of tin* combined eap.tal ofthe country to
koep up the price of lubor to sustain the value of property. The
poor white laborer is also-interested in ket ping up the price of
labor, as lie ha* to work to support him sell and family, and if he
is intelligent ami examines this question, he cannot iu'.l to see that
the surest way tm-keep up the puce of his own labor, is tosu*taiu
the institution of slavery. If tne labor of the negro is worth in
the market one dollar per day, the labor of the white man is
forth more, or certainly as much; ami while the institution ol
lavery is maintained, every capitalist in the country who own
laves, is interested iu, and ‘will use his influence to keep up, the
alue of labor, and the poor white mail gets the influence of hi*
lore wealthy and powerful neighbor iu sustaining the price of
his labor. On the other bund, if slavery is abolished, it becomes
e South, asit now ism the North, the interest of thecombin-
pital of the country to depress lubor, and get it us low as pos
sible, as the capitalist would tneu be no longer interest'd in tile
person of the laborer, aud the value of biN estate would Is- no long
er dependent upon the price of labor. The interest of the ■ apital-
ist iu the last ruse, would be to get labor low, and as tlie negro
would. wh« n tri e, be placed nearer a state of equality with the
white laborer, and would have a right to make Inn own contracts
he would come into direct competition with the p.»or white lab'.i-
er, uud would soon under-bid him, and reduce the price of labor
to as low a rate u» would sustain life. Tins would bring ruin up
on the poor white mmi, and degrade his fauiih far below their
present condition. It is very clear therefore, while the institution
of slavery exists, that it is file interest of the rich man to sustain
the price ot the labor ot the pour white laborer; ami that it i*, for
tli*- same reason, the interest of the pi"*r white* 1 iborer to sus
tain and perpetuate the institution of negro slavery. In other
words, tin* ricii uml poor arealike interested iu sustaining slavery
aud in sustaining the price of labor. The slaves thcinsehes ure
also interested, as tli**y are more civilized, more christianized,
audiu a bi tter condition than the like number of their race ever
were in any other country or climate. If the price of labor is
high,’and tne slave is worth u high price in the market, the own-
ih* a heavy pecuniary interest in addition to the common
pathv of our nature to prompt him to trtatthe slave well
os uis value to his owner depends upon the preservation of bishfj
and health, and these depend much upon the manner in which lie
is clothed, and fed, and attended to iu sickness.
From tin* foregoing reflections, it naturally follows, that
whole social system is one of perfect homogeneity of intei__...
where every class of society is interested in sustaining the inter
est of every other class. \Ve have all the harmonious elements
necessary to the perpetuity of that republican and rtligious
liberty bequeathed to us by our lathers; with none of the
distracting aud conflicting elements which mu>t destroy both
in the Northern States, aud which have already precipitated the
country into a bloody revolution, and attempted to hurl to the
groumf the iairest structure ever dedicated to Liberty on the face
of the Globe. To sustain this pi iceiess heritage is tire highest earth
ly duty of the Christian and patriot Ruthless and bloody hands
have been laid upon it. To wrest it from them may cost hun-
Goy. Brown’* In a ti:; lira I Addrcim.
Senators and Refkesen fatives : In response
to the call made upon tne at the ballot box, by tin*
people of our noble slate, I appear before you for
the purpose of taking the oath prescribed by the
Constitution, aud eutei ing upon the discharge ol
iny duties as the Executive of Georgia for a third
term.
Mindful of the fact that this is a compliment
which has not been paid, by the people, to any
other citizen of the State within the last half Cen
tury, I can assure you in the utmost candor that 1
feet most sincereiy and profoundly impressed, with
ttie weight of the responsibility, and the obligation
which it itnposes-
IIow changed arc all tilings around us since I
first stood upon this platform, and addressed your
predecessors, prior to assuming the obligatiou
which iuvested me with the power, and imposed
upon me the onerous duties ofthe Executve office
Then the bright suit of peace from a common
centre, scattered its divergent rays into the remo
test parts ofthe vast territory, which was en.bra
ced within Hie limits of the United States. Now
me dark clouds of war bang around us, martial
music is heard in our midst, and the din of battle
and clangor of arms resound in the distance —
l’hen the flag of the Union which waved over us,
was not only considered emblematic of power, but
of Justice, Truth, aud Equality among the States
Xowthatflag.no longer the ensign of republican
liberty, is only the emblem of despotism, and
waves over dungeons, and chains, and death,
when those born to freedom, lauguisa, with no re
dress against the wrongs inflicted at the tyrant’s
will. Such are the mutations of time, and such the
instability of human affairs.
From a small beginning the Government of the
United 5’tales, resting upon the broad and deep
foundations laid lor it, by the immortal heroes and
patriots of 177ti, had grown to be a power of the
tiist magnitude, challenging the admiration, aud
commanding the respect, of all the nations of the
earth The South ever loyal to the constitution,
aud ever mindful of tile obligations which it impos
'd, was ready to sacrifice all, except her equality,
aud iter honor, to maintain the integrity, of the
splendid Governmental structure, of which she
formed a most magnificent pait.
But unfortunately lor the peace of the world, the
restless fanatacism, canting hvpocricy, and insa
tiable avarice, of a majority of the people of the
Northern States, had c Used them to determine on
the subjugation of the Njuth, and that her equality
should cease to exist, though the accomplishment
ofthe design might involve the destruction of the
fondest hopes of ail true patriots, and frieuds of re
publican freedom.
Prompted onward in their mad career by lust for
power, and love of plunder, the people of that part
ofthe Union, found in the triumph of a great sec
tional party, the means of carrying into execution,
their long cherished design, of taking the Govern
ment into tlieir own bands, selecting ottr rulers for
to<, over our united opposition, and dictating to us
the laws by which in future we should be govern
ed. Thus the alternative was distinctly tendcreo
to us, and we were lett to choose, between the posi-
ion of subjugated provinces, yielding obedience
to unrestrained power ; or of sovereign states dis
daining submission to the encroachments of tyran
ny, or the mandates of any superior. Satisfied of
the justice o! our own cause, we chose the latteral-
reruative, aud appealing to the God of battles for
the rectitude of our intentions, and I trust humbly
and fervently invoking His aid and protection in
the mighty contest, we have risked ottr lives, our
fortunes, and our sacred honor, upon the stout
hearts, strong arms, and indomitable courage, of
our gallant and glorious troops in the field.
Since the commencement ot the revolution we
have labored under great disadvantages, against
superior numbers, and vastly superior military re
sources and preparations. Our enemy has had at
tiis command not only the regular army of the
United States, but her navy, and much the lar;-
portion of her military stores. Our ports have
(teen blockaded by ships built with our own money
I he rights of private property have been disre
garded, and the mo-t wanton cruelty inflicted up-
iu helpless and unoffending women and children
Under all these hardships and disadvantages
Heaven lias continued to smile propitiously upon
us,and itas crowned our eti’ortson the most impor-
ant fields ol conflict with tho most triumphant
tnd victorious results; f .r which we have abuu
lant reason to exclaim, in the language ofthe in
spired mau, ‘ Thanks be to God whogiveth us the
victory 1 ’
How long this unnatural war may last, or what
may be our privations or sufferings before its ter
mination, is only known to Him who rules the
nosts of Heaven as well as the armies of earth. I
tear that tho people of the United States, North
tnd South, had become too forgetful of the Great
Source whence we derived all our prosperity
as a nation, and all our blessings as individuals.
The Ruler of the Universe may have deteintiued
hat the pride of both sections of the old Union
shall be humbled, and that they shall be punished
luring this strife lor national wickedness in high
places, as well as for individual transgressions.
He may hive determined that the new Republic
shall be baptized in blood before it rises to its ma
jestic proportions as one of the great powers of the
earth.
However t! is may be, enough is revealed, that
none can doubt, that the separation between the
two sections is final and perpetual, and that the
independence ot the Confederate States must soon
tie acknovi leeged by all the civilized nations ot
the earth.
It will be my chief piidc as an individual, and
ny highest amt ition as an Executive officer, to
nd, with all the power I possess, all the re
sources at my command, aud all the mental aud
• hysical energies of my life, in the accomplish
ment of this grand and glorious result. That the
establishment of our independence is the object
near* st the heart of each and every one of you,
and in this utterance, that 1 only echo back the
unanimous sentiment of the noble constituency
ivho sent you here, 1 cannot for a moment doubt.
Let us then lay aside all past differences upon
minor questions—as brethren confer freely to
gether, and, as a band ot patriots, bury iu one
common grave every personal aspiration, and
every feeling of ambition, pride, or jealousy
which may tend to hinder united aud haimontous
iction, for the defence of our beloved old State,
ihe triumph of our glorious arms, and tne inde
pendence of that grand constellation of Southern
Confederate States, in which Georgia shines as
one oi iie most brilliant stars.
But the soil or our on ” beloved Georgia is now
threatened by the invader, wiivav powerful fleet
hovers near her shores, and menaces Iter commer
cial metropolis. This state of things calls not
only for prompt action, but for the highest degree
of liberality, prudence, wisdom aud firmness, on
the part ol her statesmen, and the most splendid
exhibitions of intrepid valor aud heroism
on the part of Iter people. Let us
meet tho invasion like men, and with a firm
reliance upon Almighty aid, we cannot doubt
that our efforts will be. crowned with ultimate
success.
Were we disposed to yield, it is now
too late to calculate the cost of submis
sion. He would hut feebly enumerate the resuits
ot our subjugation, who woulu remind us that it
would fasten upnu us the entire expense of the
war—load our industry and that of our posterity
for generations to come with burdens and taxa
tion too grievous to be borne—subject us to
military despotism, and compel us to main
tain standing armies quartered among us, to in
sult us with their insolence, while they riveted
more securely the chains of our bondage—de-
privo ns of our self-respect, aud break our spirits |
with the crushing weight ot our degradation.
•Sooner than submit to this, let tho last man in I
the Confederacy die nobly at the point of the bay- j
onet, and let our wives and our children, and all
the property we possess, perish together on one
common funeral pile; anil let the winds that pass
over our graves, and chant our funeiat diige, tell
to other generations in other climes, that we lived
treemen, and we died freemen.
State Rights, and Southern States’ Rights,
Reported exp.tssiy ft, r So. Fed. Union.
Glorious Victory in the West!
Columbus, Ivy.. Nov. 7. |,s,;|
Great battle occurred It,-re to day.
at II A. M., L isted til 5. 1>
Worth’s.Tappan'.s.W right- ,!‘-
Regiments, numbering 2,0 u men, were
Commenced
, ’ Ge '*- I 'How's
kets ana Ruaselr.
a'tac.ed
by c\00il Federals under Gen McClernanl
Bradford till I o'clock, with alternate j.,,,
reverses, and then we were reinforced s'i'
ly by Walker’s and Carroll's Uegini*,;,?,?*!*'
Gen Cheatham Pillow then ordered ll m k m""**
men!, and it was made, supported hv , ®'
~ | B jthn's Regiments, under the iinniediai'e * n ' 1
maud of Geu. Polk. The enemv fieri and Cu ®'
pursued to gunboats. Comp late route.
tilled with de i i and wounded, for seven*
SOUTHERN FEDERAL UNION,
(Corner of Hancock and Wilkinson streets,)
OPPOSITE THE COURT HOUSE.
BDICHTIH, YISBKT A BlIHES, Slate Printers
Terms—$2 00 Per Annum, in Advanrc.
Tuesday Morning, November 12, 1861.
Tlic Uorenior’* Message.
We place this very important document
before onr readers, today, to the exclusion
of much other matter. The message is very-
long, but we hope its length will not deter
any one from giving it a careful perusal; for con
sidering the great number and vast importance of
the subjects discussed, we do not see how it could
well have been made much shorter. In the first
place, the Governor draws a parallel between tin-
causes that produced the first Revolution, and the
dissolution of the union between the British em
pire and her American colonies, and the present
revolution,and tlie dissolution of the union be
tween the North and the South. The Governor
then discusses the doctrine of State Rights, and
shows the great danger of concentrating all pow
er in the central government. In our opinion,
this is one of the most important subjects discuss
ed in the message. If we give the central gov
ernment unlimited power over taxation and the
Militia, we put it in the power of some future am
bitious President to usurp whatever additional
power is necessary to make him a despot. We do
not apprehend any danger from the present Presi
dent, but we know not who may ho elected here
after ; and the present condition of the Northern
States under Lincoln, admonishes us to guard
strictly the portals of our liberties. The next
topic discussed iu the message is the defence ot
tin* State, and we believe that any candid man af
ter reading what the Governor says on that suh
ject, will admit that quite as great a liberality in
men, arms, and guns, lias been extended to tht-
centrai government as the safety of Georgia would
admit.
The recommendations of tlieGoveiuor concern
ing our financial affairs will, no doubt, receive as
they merit, the early attention ofthe Legislature.
Upon the subject ot powder material, we think the
plain statement of facts in the message will con
vince every' honest man thut the Executive o:
Georgia iu this, as we 1 as in many other things,
has not only been just, but liberal towards the
Confederate government.
The plan proposed by' the Governor for Georgia
to collect aud pay her proportion of the Confeder
ate War Tax, we think is a good one, and wi
hope it will meet the approval of our Legislature.
There are many other important topics discussed
in tlie message which we have not time or spact
to notice at present. We hope every white man
in Georgia will read the message, and judge of its
merits for themselves.
mile*
were "Hacked by
-»«i* Watsmdsbate’
■altzed itself I, ..A 7 ’
Transput ts and Gunboats
sharp s'nooti rs, ami the cables were c
c pitate embarkation followed
tinder Betzboover immortalized itself ) t ....
tured, and retaken. Our loss hi aw. but ]<•!!* C i ap '
that ot the enemy. Our loss from 4 to 5hi
Gen. Grant reported killed. We reeaiitnroH
of our men. Eveiy officer behaved ln ,„, “°j t
lau'ly. Prodigious valor, Gen. Cheatham £i "
shone the rest ir*. deeds of valor. Private rU*
patches sav, bloody battle, but brilliant vie! U 3 '
M1..MTIIIS, Nov. eS. An extra ofthe
to-day. contains lull accounts of the bloody J
hard fought battle near Columbus yesterday^ ^
Pillow's Brigade, 2,500 strong, composed c
rap pan s Arkansas Regiment, Freeut» •
Wright’s, and Picket's Tennessee Regimen's l ! ’
countered tbe enemy on tlie Missouri side o' ^
site Columbus, early this morninrr, 7u(o „ p P°'
under Gen. McLernnrd assisted bv Gsu Boris*?
Pi Ho w s brigade long t gallantly until ammani!
non exhausted,and then they were nverwl.r.;. ,
and retreated hack to the rivtr with heavy V'^
where they made a stand, lighting with their bay’
onets. Col. Watson’s battery was lost in the J
treat temporarily. At this critical moment, G *
Cheatham's brigade, composed ot Smith’s a^i
Russell’s regiments, and Col. Mark’s Louisiana
regiment, assisted.by Gen. Polk and Blythe's Mi
-ippi regiment, arrived and carried the fortunes of
the day. retaking Watson’s’battery and mutiny
the enemy, pursuing the enemy to tlieir boats
! vert miles, v here tlieir rout ended
lu ’guomignj
'munition
cap.
Strap.
flight. Large quantities of arms, am
tured. The road was strewed with coats, k
sacks, gnus, &e.
Gen Bowlin, captured by Rev. Jas. R 0 oer'
Tennessee regiment, who also took a stand ivonl 8
ors. C.d. Dougherty arid Col. Beaufort. amo „ e
the Federal prisoners. Our loss less than 2tm
enemy’s loss trout 500 tq 80(1. Battle lasted nearly
ill day. Terrific thougiiout. Gunboats ma( j’ e
simultaneous attacks on. Columbus batteries;
we lost several gallant company officers.
GEORGIA ^LEGISLATURE,
Wednesday, Nov. (itii, 101,101-8, A. M
Agreeably to the requirements of the Constitution
the Senators elect from tlie various Senatorial Districts
m the State of Geo-gia, assembled intlie Seuat- Clin'no
her of the Capitol at Milledgeville.amlon motion ofT
M- Furlow.E.-q., of tie- 13t!t .Senatorial District .Mr
William Mosely, of the 26th Senatorial District' was
called to the Chair for the purpose of oiganization'.
Mr. Mosely took the Chair, thanking the body for the
honor.
On motion of Mr. S ward of Thomas, the Secretary
of tho Senate. Frederick H. Y\Vst, Esq., called tne roll
when a quorum whs ascertained, to Ire preseut. ’
On motiunof Mr Brown of Lfooiy, the Senators came
forward to the desk of the Secretary in order to be
{ualified, aud took tire following oath, Judge K Ii
it 0
Fasting aud Prayer.
We publish below the Proclamation of Presi
dent Davis, appointing Friday, the 15th inst , a
day to be observed by the people of the Confeder
ate States, by fasting and prayer, as an evidence
of cur gratitude to God for the successes that
have thus far attended our young Republic, and
our dependence on His favor for continued bless
ings 011 our beloved laud. Let all business be sus
pended on the day appointed, and all our people
repair to their respective places of worship, that
the object of the proclamation may be attained.
IfGod he tor us, who shall be able to stand against
us !
BY THE PRESIDENT.
A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas, it hath pleased Almighty God. the
Sovereign Disposer of events, to protect and de
fend the Confederate States hitherto, in their con
flict with their enemies, and to be unto them a
shield :
And, whereas, with grateful thanks we recog
nize His hand, aud acknowledge that not unto
us. but unto Him belongeth the victory ; and in
humble dependence upon His Almighty strength,
and trusting in the justness of our cause, we ap
peal to Him, that he may set at Dauglit the effort.-
ot our enemies, and put them to confusion and
shame:
Now, therefore, I, JEFFERSON DAVIS, Presi
dent of the Confederate States, in view of the im
Worrell administering
"Each of you do swear, that you have not practiced
any unlawful means, ilircetiy or indirect I v, hoprncu-.-
your elertiuu. aud that you will support the ( onxtitn-
'i»u of the Cuufedurato states, ami of the State of
Georgia, so help yon t tod !"
Mr. Hill of Wilkes,moved that the Senate proceed
>1 elect a President. The n otion was egreedto.
Mr. Hansel! of Cobb, announced the mi ne (if Hen.
•John Billupe of Clarke for that office. Ilesaidbewas
sure he need not -peak to Georgians of the abi.ity and
worth ot the distinguished gentleman whose tmuie he
tad announced.
Mr-Garden of Chatham, announced the name of
lion. William Gibson of Richmond for the suiue of
fice.
The Senate proceeded to vote according to tbe pro
vision of the New Constitution, rira race, and at the
conclusion ofthe voting it was ascertained that Hon.
fohn Billups of the county of Clatke had received 3li
votes,^and Hon. William < Hbson of the county of Rieli-
nond •. Mr. Billups having received a majority of
the votes, was declared elected Ptesident of the
Senate.
On motion of Mr. Yason of Dougherty, a committee
if three, consisting of Messrs. Yason. Seward and
Brown were appointed to notify the President elect of
uis election, and conduct him to the Chair.
Before taking the Chair the President said:
Gentlemen, Fellow Senators : I am deeply, tlior-
mgbly impressed with the sense of my obligations to
you. To be selected to preside over tiie deUbertffSons
it such a body as this, is a distinction of which any
natt might be justly pruiid. It more titan fills the
Measure of my ambition. I cannot command lan
guage adequate to the expression of my sincere and
icarty acknowledgments.
Gentlemen, we have assembled at an extnwndiiiarv
ind critical juncture. Our country is invaded. The
clangor of deadly strife resounds on every hue of onr
frontier. A war is being waged against us, which for
indictive fury and malignity, a disregard of all the
hums of humanity, and a contempt even of tbe can
ons of civilization, is almost without a parallel in the
innals of onr race Tbe true character of this war
nav be rightly judged by the ends an 1 aims of the
M-Ingt-rei.i parties. We are assailed for the avowed
jurpuseof our complete and ignoble subjugation. For
wiiutare we contending? What motive prompts us
to engage in this coat st! It id the determination to
issert aud vindicate to tiie lust extremity a right iilie-
rent in every civil organization, the right to govern
mrselves. An axiomatic principle, one iu thatendeof
political law in which we have been instructed, nini it
ts a lesson which we mean to teach our desccndents
that whenever any government by reasons of its ex-
n-tions and oppressions becomes grievous and intolera
ble, it ri not only tho privilege, but the duty of the
lown-trodden aud degraded, to throw off that govetn-
nent.uiid erect in its stead one that will secure do
estic tranquility and all tlie blessings of liberty. It
pending conflict, do hereby set apatt FRIDAY, ri in defence of this sacred,-inestimable aud impretcrip
the 15th day ot November, as a day of fasting. ! abIe Utat Southern brethrenlmye baredthcii
humiliation and prayer; and Ido hereby invite bosoms and arrayed themselves agam.t themvrmtdom
the Reverend Cletgy, and the people of these
Confederate States, to repair on that day to tlieii
usual places of public worship, aud to implore the
blessing ot Almighty God upon onr arms, that h'
ntay give us victory over ottr enemies, preserve
our homes and altars from pollution, and secure to
us the restoration of peace and prosperity.
^ ) Given under my hand and the seal of
•- seal l-the Confederate States, at Richmond.
( ) 1 his thirty-first day of October, in t!i“
year of our Lord one thousaud eight hundred and
sixty-one.
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
By the President:
K. M H enter,
Secretary of State.
-1th Diatrict.
The indications are that Hon. A. H. Kenan is
elected to Congress from the 4th District by a
large majority. His vote in Bibb county was a
decided compliment, under the circumstances.
•iri-ii* of million* ot treasure, and tuun v thouiibuda of the most
liable live* of tiie Smith. But he who would Btoptocouut tbe cost,
would do well to auk himaell what isnij property worth when 1
am a slave? or, What ia my life worth, it. by aaviug it, I
transmit * heritage of bondage to ' * '
quered, onr
are slave 1 *
Reiiri'iitriii of (Urn. Wcoll — Hi* I.eltcr of K<-
•igitalinii to tin- Secretary of tYar, Ac.
Washington, November 1 —Tbe following 'r-tter
from General Scott was received by the President
on Thursday afternoon :
Head Quarters of tlie Army, )
Washington, Uctober 31, 18(>1. \
Hon S. Cimcron, Secretary of It'ar :
Slit: For more than tlnee years I have been
unable, from a hurt, to mount a horse, or to walk
more than a lew paces at a time, and that with
much pain. Other and new infirmities—dropsy
and vertigo—admonish me that the repose of mind
and body, with tho appliances of surgery and
medicine, arc necessary to add a little more to a
life already protracted much beyond the usual
space of men. It is under such circumstances,
made doubly painful by the unnatural aud unjust
rt beliioti now raging in the Southern States of
our so lately prosperous aud happy Union, that I
am compelled to request that my name be 1 laced
on the list of army officers retired from active ser
vice. As this request is founded on an absolute
right, granted by a recent act of Congress, I ant
entirely at liberty to say it is with regret that I
withdraw my sell in these momentous times from
the o.ders of a President who has treated me with
much distinguished kindness and courtesy ; w hom
I know, upon much personal intercourse, to be
patiiotic, without sectional partialities or preju
dices; to be highly conscientious iu the perform
ance of every duty, aud of unrivalled activity and
perservcrauce.
And to you. Mr. Secretary, whom I now official
ly address for the last time, I beg to acknowledge
many obligations for the uniform high considera
tion I have received at youi hand, and havo the
honor to remain, sir, with high respect, your obe
dient servant, WINGFIELD SCOTT.
Official vole for Governor.
In another column will be found a table contain-
_ jaunt l * ,e - official vote of every county in tbe State,
I Governor. I? will be seen that Gov. Brown’s
to Northern avarice and Northern iueoletice. Soouo t j majority is 13,691.
The I.adiex Concert
On Thursday night last was a decided success.
Die Hall was well tilled with a:i appreciative au-
j dience, and we hesitate not to say that every body
I was pleased. How could it have been otherwise !
; Beautiful children with voices like birds, decked
| with wreaths of flowers, and with all the winning
j ways ot the little “hindering things: ” Modest and
j pretty young ladies full of song and fired with pa-
* triotic zeal for tbe Soldier's cause—the inimitable
| Barnes, with his unsurpa=s«d improvisation—
I cutting into the hull oi the Yankee Ship of State,
like the steel prow of ihe Ram “Turkil” into the
Preble; and the good old straius yclept “Conti,
nentals," from the genial and gentlemanly “Tom
Lowe”—with such a variety of good things, how
we ask could any one fail to be pleased ? And
then the cause—the poor SolJier. God bless our
women—from the babies up to the venerable mat
rons of the land—they honor their country', and
their country is proud of them. The soldier will
dream ot them when he is asleep, and bless them,
in his dyiug prayer.
To the exertions and consummate management
of Mrs. A. M. Nisbet, and the patient labors of Mis i
Alex. Moffett who presided at tbe piano, the pub-!
lie is indebted for the great success and gratifica
tion of this Concert. They have had the entire
control and preparation, aud to them belongs the
credit. We accord to the young ladies (bow sweet
tliey looked) the highest praise for the part taken
by them, aud the little ones too deserve a whole
arm full of “good things” for their bird-like chirp
ings. To Mr. Barnesand Col. Lowe, the thanks of
the Ladies are returned for their kind and enter
taining assistance. The proceeds of the concert
amounted to near $2(J0,
gaipst the myrmidons
. it* depot ism.
Gentlemen. I need not say to you that it will be 1 ur
tiist, imr paramount duty to provide nil the means within
"ir legislative competency for a vigorous prosecution
and triumphant issueof this conflict. So far as it lios
progressed, our blessed old State has abundant cause
of grnt illation and gra itude. Georgia has been signal*
I , gloriously illustrated. On every gory field her gal
lant boys have stood side by side with "tlie bravest of
the brave. ( Applause.) Her banner lias ever been
borne aloft, her escutcheon is as vet without a blot:
and ere tlie eoncInsioD be arrived at riqnres no
prophetic ken to foresee that Southern arms w here
le.flie red deeds of prowess and chivalry destined to iie
chronicled b_v a future Live with matchless lnstre up
on the imlistructible records o. mankind and to lie em
balmed by some poet to the manor born with llome-
riau grandeur in the splendid immortality of epic
verse. (Applause.) To hold up the hands iifonrtml-
oiers, to supply all their wants to shield them firm
suffering in every shape, and to render them capable
of an efficient performance ol duty, we will, it need
he, call iuto requisition all the resources of this mighty
commonwealth.
Far be it from mo to counsel, or even to suggest what
we should or should not do. I may, however, witlnut
arrogance, say that of which you are ail fully awsie,
Unit our constituents expect this to be a short and ac
tive session. They require a retrenchment of expenses
in every department They demand that every ois-
bursemept of the public money be marked by the
strictest economy. 1 conceive it would illy become us
t> consume onr precious time in i He debate, orto make
extravagant drafts upon our exchequer, whilst our be-
I ruic sous are battling with the rigors of an inhospiri*
ble clime, trad are daily pouring out their heart’s huwl,
a free will libation on tlie altar of freedom.
But gentlemen amid the hurors and desolation which
on all sides environ us, here at home, among ourselves
a spectacle of moral sublimity is presented looming "P
iike a gr -en spot ia tlie dcseit to regale the vision.and
nerve t he arms and lire the soul of 1 very true patriot.
The paltry and driveling party fends*and divisiois
which so long distracted and cramped the energies G
this great State have disappeared. They have van
ished und left not a trace beuiud. They linve sunk in
to merited oblivion. (Applause) Our sky is cleat oso
serene, not a ripple disturbs tbe placid surface ot fra*
terua! love and concord. Our people are at last a unit,
oneandin lis-olable. But me purpose,one sentiment,
one heart, one mind pervades and animates our entire
population. But one voice is heard, ringing, cchoug
and reverberating throughout the length and breadth
ot our and, proclaiming in thtinjer tones to Liucji n
and Ilia minions, aye to ail earth, the stern, i;nmntnhl«
anddeti-iut resolve, that God helping us, we wiil be
free. (Loud applause.) ,
Once more, gentlemen, I earnestly and truly thank
you tor the honor you liaveeonfeired on me. R* as '
snred it is estimated at its full value. I cm conscious
the most acceptable return in my power to make, wm
be the honest endeavor at nil times faithfully and cu*
gently to discharge the duties of the station to winch 1
nave been elevated by your partiality. I crave in tne
outset your gcneious indulgence ot ali impelt'ectiens.
Kor. Brown’s Proclamation.
We baldly feel it necessary to call attention to
au impoi taut Proclamation from Gov. Brown in
relation to the reception of Volunteers for tbe de
fence of the State. Our brave men now have an
opportunity to march to the deience of their State
theii homes and fire sides. We doubt not more
companies will tender their services than are call
ed for by the Governor's Proclamation.
Bav. Brown’s Inaugural ISnit.
At his inauguration, Gov. Brown was dressed in a
full suit of home-made cloth, with a Georgia made hat
and a pair of boots. He was of the opinion that it was
his duty to encourage, in this public manner, our home
industry, and to show onr independence of Yankee
manufactures.
your genet ous indulgence ot ali iuipert
aud shall confidently rely upon your ready co-opera
tion in all efforts for tlie preservation of order, ana a
rigid enforcement of the rules you limy adopt for the
government of our body.
Mr. Hill of Wilkes moved that the Senate pro*
eeed to elect by ballot, a Secretary , the modon
was agreed to. . .
Mr. Vason announced the name of Frederick rt.
We.-t Esq , of Lee. The names also of .Mr. Ja" ies
W. Mubly of Harris, and of Mr. A. S Barnes ot
Richmond were anffouDced. Ou the third hallo
Mr. Mobly was elected Secretary ofthe Senate.
Mr. L. S. Stevva t of Hancock w as elected Mr*j
senger, and Mr. T, R. Christian of Bibb f wounds
at Manassas) Door Keeper
On motion of Mr Kendall of Talbot, the Secre
tary was ordered to inform tiie House of K^pre**®
tatives that the Senate was organized and re* J
for business. ,
Ou motion of Mr. ITanseil of Cobb tbe Sen
proceeded to draw for their seats- . r
Also, or. motion of Mr. Hansel 1 tire ru _ .
the last, were made the rules to govern the pres
Senate, aud 100 copies ordered to be printed.
Mr. Smith of Jones offered the follow mg- .
Whereas, by the revised Constitution ot
State, there has been a great reduction 1U
number of members of the Senate, and by
provisions of said Constitution the labor 0
Clerks of this body will be greatly dironiistreu.
Beit therefore Resolved. As tie sense of «•
Senate, that no other or more clerkships »"*
recognized or paid, than the folluw ing • - " „ n
ry, a Reading Clerk, a Journalizing Clerk, an
Engrossing and an Enrolling Clerk. mor .
I he resolution was laid on the table till t