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GEORGIA LEGISLATURE.
SEXATE.
Thursday December o, 1 Sti 1.
The Senate met at 10 o'clock A. M. pursuant to ad
journment, and was opened with prayer by Her Pro
fessor Lane.
The Journal was read.
The bill reducing the salaries of the officers and De
pot Agents of tiie \V Sc A li K was recommitted to the
committee of the whole.
The bill appropriating >,*00,000 to the Georgia Ke-
lief and Hospital Association was taken up.
Mr Beasley of Troup offered an amendment locating
the Association at Augustn Georgia.
Mr Hensley gave his reasons for the proposed change.
Mr Mitchell followed on the same side.
Mr Beasley explained that the intention of the amend
ment was to locate the Association not the Hospital at
Augusta.
The amendment was adopted.
Mr Beasley offered the following amendment, that
the money thus appropriated be applied exclusively for
the benefit of the sick and wounded in the different tem
porary hospitals located or to oe located at mill
tary stations in Virginia and elsewhere. Passed.
Mr Lewis of Greene offered an amendment providing
that >100,000 of the money proposed to be raised by
this bill, betaken from the money heretofore appropn
atedtotiie Public Educational Fund. Passed.
MrH rrris of Hancock offered an amendment provi
ding that the Association shall employ an agent or
agents to have hospital stores promptly forwarded to
their place of destination. Passed.
M r Furlow of Sumpter offered an amendment provi
ding that the Association shall locate their hospitals as
convenient as possible to the various military stations,
not exceeding ',*0 miles distant. Passed.
By unanimous consent ou motion of Mr Hausell
the word permanent was added iu the amend
ment of Mr Beasley. This leaves the money to
be applied to the Permanent and Temporary Hospitals
Si c. *
Mr Yason of Dougherty opposed the bill. He was
afraid the money would not accomplish the object for
which it was hi be appropriated. He only desired
that the greatest good should be accomplished by the
money, and was willing to go ns far ns the fartlitrcst iu
making appropriations to the sick and wounded.
The hill was passed.
On motion of Mr Ware the rules were suspended and
lie offered a resolution requiring the Secretary of State
to make new the mutilated maps and charts in the Sur
veyor General's office, and that lie shall receive as
compensation all the perquisites of the olfice. Passed
and transmitted forthwith to the House of Representa
tive!.
Tiie bill transferring the management oftlie Deaf ami
Dumb Asylum to certain commissioners thtrein named
was taken up.
Mr B -11 d -ired to know the reasons of the propossed
charge.
Mr Lewis responded giving the reasons.
Mr Bell moved that the bill lie on the table for the
present. Lost
Mr Bell moved an amendment that in case any one
of tlm commissioners should refuse to accept, the Gov
ernor shall appoint some one to fill such vacancy.
Mr Echols offered an amendment which was accep
ted providing that no person should be so appointed ns
commissioner who had been connected with the previ
ous difficulties of said Institution.
Mr Lewis offered a substitute which was accepted by
Mr Bell, that in case a majority () f the commissioners
appointed in the bill, accepted they should appoint the
third.
The bill as amended was passed.
The bill to prevent extortion and monopoly was ta
ken up and on motion of Mrilarris of Hancock it was
referred to the Jndiciary committee, and 50 copies order
ed to be printed.
The hill to change the act requiring the Superior
court of Cobb county to hold two weeks was passed.
The Senate then listened to the reading of House
bills the 1st time.
By unanimous consent Mr Gibson introduced a bill
fixing the bond of Receiver and collector of Taxes at
$ >0,0110.
The .Senate then adjourned till 10 o’clock tomorrow
morning.
HOUSE.
NIGHT SESSION.
Wednesday night, Dec. 4, 1861.
The House met at 7 o'clock.
Coi Aiken—Mr Bacon in the chair, moved to
take up for a third reading a bill to prescribe the
mode of serving process at common law, and in
it§ socket before be would do such injustice, or
cast such a reproach upon our coast troops. It was
effeminacy to entertain such a proposiiion.
Barnes was opposed to the bill because it was
violating the contract under which the troops had
entered the service. It turned them over to be of
ficered by the Confederate authorities, when they
had already selected their officers.
Mr Whittle argued that the bill did no injustice
to any of the troops unless it be to the Major and
Brigadier Generals. V
Capt Burke thought it improper to allude to
Gov Brown in this matter at all. He had done
his duty nobly—but the time has come when the
orces should be united.
Dr Cochran repelled to the intimation of Mr Big
ham that it is an imputation of cowardice and ef
feminacy to say that the Georgia troops will quit
the service il the bill passes. He believed it would
disorganize and disband the army, and ought to
do it.
Judge Cabiness thought it was time for the
committee to take an observation. There is noth
ing about unconditional surrender or disbanding
in the section under consideration.
Mr Hook desired to reiterate, with renewed em
phasis, iiis declaration on yesterday that this is
the most important measure before this body. He
illustrated, by the supposition, that if South Caro
lina had spent $IU,l)uU.0U(l iu protecting Port Roy
al, and saved its surrender, with $30,000,01)0 ol
property, she would have saved $2o,000,000. So.
if might be if we save Savannah with State troops.
Gentlemen talk of expense as though it were not
a common cause, and as though Georgia were to
lose the amountexpended. There is nocunflict with
the Confederate Government—her Generals are in
command, and President Davis desires the States
to co-operate with the Government, by raising
and supporting auxiliary forces. North Carolina,
Virginia, Tennessee, Louisiana, Florida, and
South Carolina, have State troops in the field, and
we hear of no contliet. If turned over, there would
be a conflict iu the number comprising companies,
and in the selection of officers, which the Constitu
tion expressly gives to the States, and which our
late Convention stipulated.
Smith of Towns made a stirring speech in de
fence of the bill.
Lester asked what right was denied to the Geor
gia troops in turning them over.
Hook replied that the Convention gave the
Governor the right to appoint Bngadier and Major
Generals, which the bill would defeat.
Lester argued against the policy of giving the
Governor control of an army, or of having two | < ’ e vri:ngs.
military heads.
Mr Moore moved the committee rise, report the
bill, substitute and amendments back to the
House, which motion prevailed.
Mr Lester moved to take up the substitute re
ported by - tic- committee, which was tarried, and
and lie then offered his amendment.
Mr Hook moved to add the words—“not distur
bing the State organization’’—which was ruled
out of order.
The question was divided, and the motion to
strike out prevailed.
Mr Bigham moved to till the place stricken out
with an amendment. The chair ruled the amend-
in -nt out of order, and subsequently changed his
ruling, and Mr Bigham’s amendment was read—
it was subsequently withdrawn.
Mr Whittle moved to strike out the words—
•‘he is hereby directed and required”—it was a
dictatoral form of expression toward the Gover
nor. The motion was lost, and the section was
agreed to.
Mr Bioodworth offered an amendment to the
next section of Mr Lester’s amendment, providing
for an honorable discharge of troops refusing to
be transferred.
Mr Gibson thought it was not competent for the
Legislature to define such a discharge as honor
able.
Mr Whittle desired the troops turned over, but
he would provide against disbanding our lorces iu
the face of the foe.
Mr Lester thought, if the troops went home,
tiie War Department could and should call out
others, and the people would respond to the call
Mr Mallard thought we should guard well
against possible disorganization of our forces.
Mr Schley moved to amend the clause in refer-
and continued therein until 3 o'clock p n>, at
which timo the Senate met. and after listening to
reading of House bills the first time, again went
iuto executive session.
.lifter continuing therein for some time, adjourn
ed till HI o’clock to morrow morning.
HOUSE.
Friday, Dec. Gtb 1861.
The House met at 9 o'clock.
Prayer by Rev. F M Hawkins, Member from For
ay h.
” The Journal of yesterday was read.
Mr Whittle moved to reconsider the vote of yester
day, by which the House refused to take up the Gov
ernor's Message. He thought we owed it to the Exec
utive, and to our own self-respect, to take such a course.
Air Mallard hoped the motion would prevail.
Air Washington denied the right of his colleague to
set up a standard of self-respect for others, and hoped
the House would not recede from its proper action on
yesterday.
Air Raiford sustained the motion to reconsider.
The chair decided the motion a. motion lost ou n pre
vious day, out of order.
Mr Norwood moved to reconsider the bill to provide
for the public defence, passed on yesterday, uud sus
tained the motion in a leugthy speech, iu which lie lor-
ciblv presented his objections to thesixth section of the
bill which docs not provide for the pay of the troops
should they be turned over.
Air Briscoe spoke in favor of reconsideration. He
desired to have the message from the Governor read
before final action, and to perfect some imperfect fea
tures of the bill.
Judge Cabiucss opposed the motion to reconsider.
Air Dever called the previous question, but withdrew
it.
Air Bryan of AVavne urged a reconsideration; it
would not do to hazard the disorganization of our army
on the coast when the enemy was there to incite a por
tion of our population to rebellion.
Air Tatum was opposed to reconsideration.
Mr Love, as a friend of the bill, desired it reconsider
ed and perfected.
Air Lester, and others made remarks explanatory of
the bill.
Col Aiken— Air Bacon iu the chair—asked for the
reading of the bill.
Air Zachry then called the previous question, and on
the motion to reconsider the ayes and nays were called,
and were ayes 8” nays 51.
Air Lester moved to take up the bill.
Judge Cochran hoped the motion would not prevail.
Air Whittle moved to amend the motion to take up,
so as to take up also, the Governor's Message. Air
Lester accepted the amendment to his motion.
Judge Cabiness explained bis objection to take op
the Alessage on yesterday. He disclaimed using the
word “impertinent,” ns reported, iu the published pro
equity on citizens of Georgia, who now are, or, , - . . , , , , , „
who hereafter may be in the military service of) ence to the disposition of bonds, so that the Gov-
,, f . . . ! orttAr mu u co!i rtv hvrtnt tmnata thorn \V hi r* n was
the btate. ana ot the Confederate States, and
prescribe the time citizens shall have in which to
make thi’ir defence to suits against them, and to
declare judgments against them null and void,
and to amend the Statute of limitations againts
such citizens, and for other purposes.
Lester stated the reasons which had caused the
committee to report against the bill. It was giv
ing the patties effected by it a very great advant
age over others, and it contained two subjects
matter, and was therefore unconstitutional. It
w as almost a copy of the alleviating law, which
almost every judge iu the State had declared un
constitutional. It was applicable to a class, and
was tor that reason unconstitutional.
Whittle also, considered it unconstitutional and
unjust to parties plaintiff. It impairs the right of
appeal to the courts. He suggested that it would
be right to pass a law allowing the soldier, alter
Lis return to re-open judgments.
Briscoe of Baldwin, objected to it for its retro
active operation.
Col Aiken reviewed the objections urged against
the bill. He ailuded to the hardship of subjecting
the gallant soldiers, who. while he was speaking
were shivering in snow up to their knees, to liti
gation without a hearing. It was competent to
alter, am-nd, or repeal the laws relating to per
sonal service. Gentlemen objected, that property
would be run out of the State, if judgments are
postponed, lie thought that weald be done soon
er without the bill, than with it. It was no more
unjust to delay a judgement, than to delay collec
tion, under the “ stay law." It there was a class
entitled to special protection by the law, it was
the absent soldier. He would not insist upon the
bill in its present shape, and moved its reference
to the judiciary committee for any amendment
deemed necessary, and that it be the special order
of Friday at 10 o’clock.
On motion the rules were suspended, and sever
al bills were read a second time.
The rules were suspended and a bill to legalize
the sale of Elmira Matthews into slavery was tak
en up.
Lee was opposed to this and all similar bills un
less the purchase money be paid to the State-
Lawson explained the peculiar merits of the
bill.
Whittle opposed the bill. He thought there were
niauy people, white and black, who would be bet
ter off in slavery, but such bills were unconstitu
tional, and would subject this helpless class to im
position by the unscrupulous.
Lester read a memorial, and favored the bi 11.-
Briscoe and Lavender opposed the bill.
On motion to lay the bill on the tabic for the
present, the ayes were 71, uays 2L
The regular order was
KILLS ON A THIRD READING,
A bill to define the liabilities of railroads, was
passed.
A bill to amend the charter oftlie Savannah, Al
bany and Gulf railroad company—allows exten
sion of road to Tybee. passed.
A bill to regulate the pay of volunteers—with
drawn.
Leave of absence was granted to Bird of Madi
son, on account of sinckness. Leave was asked
for Johnson of Echols, and Tomlinson of Clinch,
after Saturday next, gentlemen otjected, as we
might be left without a quorum, and leave was
not granted.
A bill to protect livery stables—indefinitely
postponed.
A bill to amend the act to prove opeu accouuts,
passed.
A bill to extend the time for the payment cf
taxes, and to prolong commissions, passed.
A bill to prescribe the mode of organizing mili
tary companies, laid on the table fur the balance
of the session.
A bill to incorporate the Direct Trading Com
pany of Georgia, passed.
A bill to allow the city council of Columbus to
issue change bills.
Messis Lee, Raiford Thomas and Tatum, sus
tained the bill.
Mr Washington felt constrained to oppose the
hill iu accordance with the precedent established
iu the defi-at ot similar bills. The bill was lost.
The House adjourned until 0 o’clock to-mor
row morning.
eruor may seli or hypothecate them, which was
adopted.
Air Washington moved that the bonds may
bear interest as high as 8 per cent.
A message was received from the Governor in
reference to the public defence.
Mr Bigham offered an amendment, Jiving the
Governor discret'on in issuing bonds or treasury
notes, and was speaking to the motion when the
hour for adjournment was announced.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The House met at 3 o’clock.
Mr Bigham concluded bis remarks on the amend
ment offered by him iu the morning.
Beall of Randolph, replied to the argument of
Colonel Aiken on yesterday, in reference to the
Central bank. It was because property was] , j - j , r. , , , . • , - „, „ „
, r r a or, lie decided Col. Aiken to be m order, ana the gi-n-
brought down to a specie cu.rency, that those t) enlar proC eeded to comment on the message, and the
bills depreciated, and was no aiguinent against I provisions of the bill. He hoped Mr Lester’s amend-
treasury uutes. He argued at length, iu favor of i me ut would be adopted.
He intended nothing disiespectful toHis Excellency,
I but he thought-it improper tor the Governor to thrust
an argument into tins assembly.
The motion to take up prevailed, and the Alessage
was read.
Judge Cabiness asked a suspension of the rules to of
fer a resolution, declaring the dissent of the House from
the action of the Governor, in interferring with its de
liberations, and that tlie Alessage be not entered upon
the Journal. The motion to suspend the rules required
a two thirds vote and was not sustained.
Air Lester moved to recommit the litli section of ike
bill, to the committee of the whole.
Judge Cochran thought other portions of the bill de
fective.
The motion of Air Lester was sustained, and the
House went into committee oftlie whole—Judge Coch
ran in the cliair.
Air Norwood offered ail amendment, providing for
the continuance in the service "f the State, of such
state troops as are not t transferred.
Air Lester offered to amend the amendment so as to
provide for the reception or rejection of the whole for
ces, and for their pay if turned over, or if refused to
be turned over in accordance with the provisions of the
act.
He made a bold and earnestt protest against what ho
termed a standing army in Georgia. It was no issue
with the Governor—everybody approved his course in
calling out the troops, but if the Confederate govern
ment would not receive them or defend our coast it is
time to set up on our own hook.
Air Whittle sustained Mr Lester’s substitute.
Air Hook could not understand how the gentleman
from Cobb could take his present position against sup
porting the forces of Georgia when he had voted lor
tIie bill of I860 authorizing tiie Governor to call out the
forces now sought to be disposed of.
Mr Lester replied that it was not a question of consis
tency, but of public policy.
Col Aiken remarked -judge Cochran in the chair—
that the Governor had offered the grossest indignity to
this House in the message thrust as an argument before
ns ou yesterday. He proceeded to review the message.
The Governor argued'that the troops would not submit
to the provisions of tne bill displacing their officers.—
He bid the commander in chief and nil his troops defi
ance to-day Let them come with bayonets in their
hands, ami drive us from these Hulls, if they are not
willing to acquiesce in Legislative action. He would
hare his bosom to their bayonets, and be the last to
jump from these windows in their approach. He ac
corded to the Governor purity of purpose and honesty
of intention, and proceeded to argue against the views
oftlie Governor.
Air Bigham rose to a point of order. The sixth sec
tion, and not the Governor's message, was under consid
eration.
Col Aiken claimed that the House is in committee of
the whole, and the rules oi the House were uot opera
tive.
Judge Cochran thought the rules of House practically
applied to the committee of the whole—but as the sixth
section embracedthe points considered by the Govern
On motion of Air Furlow the rules were sus
pended and a communication received from hi*
Excellency oil yesterday was taken up and read.
Air. Seward moved tiie reference of the message
to the Alilitary committee—cairied.
The Senate granted leave of absence for a few
hours to Alessrs. Hausell and Stafford, who had
been appointed a sub-comm'ttee to count the
money in the Treasury of the State.
Mr Seward moved the suspension of the rules to
take up for the first reading a House bill turning
over the State troops to the Confederate Govern
ment. The rules were suspended and the bill was
read.
Air Seward moved the printing of 59 copies.
Mr Gibson moved that the whereases be omitted.
Agreed to. The motion to print was then carried.
The Senate then took up a resolution of the house
to appoint a committee to act with a similar com
mittee on the part of the House to examine into
the state of the business belore the two houses
with tbc view of the earliest adjournment practi
cable. Agreed to, and Messrs. Lewis, ilill and
liter were appointed that committee.
On motion of Mr Gibson of Richmond the rules
were suspended and the bill making advances to
the State Printers was taken up and passed, and
transmitted forthwith to the House.
On motion of Air Jackson of the 43d the com
muuication received from his Excellency this
morning was taken up. The message was read,
and proved to he resolutions from a regiment in
the service of the State on the coast declaring it
io be their purpose to disband in case they were
turned over to the Confederate government.
Air Vason moved the reference of the message
to a special committee. Lost.
Mr Gibson moved its referenco to the Military
committee—carried.
The Senate then took tip House bills for a third
reading.
A bill to amend the several acts incorporating
Albany and Gulf R R Co., and to allow said com
pany to extend their Road io Tybee Island.
An amendment was offered by Mr Gordon which
was adopted, providing that said company shall
not discriminate iu their freight and passage
charges against the Central R R company.
The bill was passed.
A bill to legalize and make valid certain tax
levied by the interior Court of Butts co—passed
A bill to consolidate the offices of Ordinary and
Clerk of the Superior Court in the county of Gil
mer—passed.
A bill to define the liabilities of the various rail
roads in this State for the destruction of live stock
and other property—lost.
quate to the necessities of the people. He could see
unsafe alternative but the issue of treasury notes. It
the government would buy the whole crop, it would
give the people a sound currency amounting to >260,-
uOU.OliU, and the cottou would he a safe security for its
eventual conversion into specie or its equivalent.
England owed her own people about five billions of
money— this very debt strengthened the government
cementing it in the interest as well as affections of the
people. Tlie crop of Georgia would nt 10 eeuts per
pound give us >18,0M).1>01). Is it not fair, and safe, and
proper for the State to take one third of the crop, mid
give the people six millions ot money, according to the
provisions otthis bill. He argued in favor of treasury
notes, instead of bonds. The business of the world is
based ou well regulated credits. Ricardo and Adam
Smith agree in tlie- statement that specie is but as one
per cent to the capital of the world.
He compared the amount of taxes paid by the cotton
producers with the amount paid by the grain counties,
Io show that it was not unjust to upper Georgia for the
State to extend the proposed aid to the cotton planter.
Twenty two counties comprising Cherokee Georgia,
pay about >70,000 taxes, while twenty one average cot
ton growing counties pay $199,1109.
Air Bigham asked tiie speaker if the constitution
anywhere authorized the State to speculate in cotton.
Air Hook replied that the State had not hesitated to aid
railroads, take stock iu banks, steam ship lines, &c.,
and why should she not also nave power to invest in the
great stapleof the country.
Air Hook rcid letters from various planters sliowin
the popular interest in the subject.
Alrl andler would speak for a section of the State
which stood between the cotton-growing and grain pro
ducing section,—a section which hud little to sell, and
little interest iu the bill beyond a general interest in
the public welfare. He argued against the principle of
special, or class legislation, and then proceeded to dem
onstrnte, by au elaborate calculation that the scbem<
instead
extri
the State, in the following estimates :
Crop of Georgia, 45b,0U0 bales
One third, us the lull proposes 150,000 bale
value at >10. per bale. >0,000,000
Interest or. the amount, which is fundable iu 8 per
cent bonds. >480,000
Bay of Agents for purchase 37,o00
Insurance, Ware-house fees Ac. 300.000
Expense incurred first year 811,501)
He then continued the calculation on the supposition
that the war lists through Lincoln's administration.
Interest on >6,000,000 for 1863—>480,000. Interest on
one third the cropot 180;*, on supposition that only one
half as much is made as was made this year. Say
000 bales worth >3,000,000 240,01
Compensation of agents 18,71
Insurance aud Storage on 215,000 bales 450,01
hang* upon the result. If we are conquered, all
is lost. Is, it possible iu this state Of the case,
that wo can retus# to give five millions for the sup
port of our gallant troops who are now in the
field, ready to spili the last drop of their blood, to
defend aud secure our title ? Strong as the case
thus presented may be, this is a narrow contract
ed view of the subject. All the property and all
the money in the State is as nothing compared
with the principles involved, and the cousequen
ces to us and our posterity.
But do we get rid of the expense, by the pro
posed transfer f I maintain that it. does not in
t ° A *“‘ HARKl “ 0i *.So. *. «. A. Si (j. R. « (ix
At a meeting ofthe officers .h'cTk H' (f ^ ’
Regiment of Srate Volunteers ,,,, ” Chastain’s
John S. Fain the followim, .‘V" 1 ""! °t Captain
were unanimously adopted”; y eauml)le aud resolutions
A\ hereus, \\ e Iiave learned with
lution proposing to transfer ‘tat
teus to the service of the Confederate s ' Vo,u, “
ed the Senate ot the State of Georgia . p:lss -
meet with general favor in the House gT
lives. Therefore L 1,1 lu pre*catft-
. .a^ vvd K , T1 ' at pledge our property, our live
and our sacred honor to the maintenanceot tii* i
any view of the question save to the State one I honor ana cherished institutions - of ,,ur IHov-Jc:, 111 ' 1,
dollar. If the troops are transferred, the Ootifed- and the Confederate States. Notwithstanding wV,, 1 ,
’ that should the General
the State of Georgia force such .in alter,.,,n— ... y , f
tead oi affording relict', would involve the State in
rieably in debt. He illustrated tiie risk incurred by
Amount to be raised by taxation 18<>3
Interest on $^,U0o,000 paid out iu l8«il-2.
A bill to authorize the Governor to suspend the I . p]|tg 00 uTpV-u^ni'i,'*!i t<>r C "’ 1 ’ 1 ' 3
issuing of commissions to the Tax Collectors and Xusurance and Storage for 3 crops
Thursday, Dec 5, 1861.
The Ho use met at 9 o'clock. Prayer by Rev O
L Smith.
The Journal of yesterday was read.
Lester moved that the //ottse go into committee
of the whole on the unfinished business of yester
day, which was a bill to provide for the public de
fence—reported by the committee ou finance.
Hook offered a substitute, providing $1.(11)11,00(1
if the troops are turned over to the Confederate
authorities, aud $4,000,000 more, if such transfer
be not made.
The motion was to accept Mr Hook’s substitute
and it was lost.
Lester then offered three sections, making the
bill reported by the committee conform to the re
solutions adopted by the House two days ago, ten
dering the troops iu companies, battalions, regi-
m nts or brigades
Norwood moved to strike out the word compa
nies.
Tatum thought that would prevent independent
companies from being transferred. Mr Tatum
pitched into the Georgia army vigorously. He was
for turning “ the whole concern ” over Io
the Confederate States.
Lester amended his amendment so as to apply
to companies only when they are independent.
He advocated the biff as amended. It would save
the tax paying yeomanry of the country the ex
penses ol keeping a separate army—he would
request the Cuntederate authorities to recognize as
far as proper, the preseut organization of the Geor
gia forces.
v\ Little suggested that the arms and equipments
bi included iu the provisions of the bill.
Bighain thought we should suggest or prescribe
no terms whatever. He would transfer them un-
conditionally. lie alluded eloquently to the 40,-
L0 ) Gtcrgians now tracking with frost-bitten feet
the cold hills of Virginia without any condition
save the regulations of the Confederate service
Shall we. said he, claim for those on our coast.,
more thau lias been accorded to their brethren in
Virginia. He would see his right arm drop from {
treasuiy noles, fundable iu bonds
Waslfingtou of Bibb, argued against the issue
of treasury notes, on account of the danger of
their depreciation. The speaker had chaiged the
banks w ith depreciating the central bank notes
This was a mistake. The banks were interested
in a uniform currency. He explained how Gover
nor Crawford had brought the central bank bills
tip to par. lie arranged with the banks to take
$300,LOU in State bonds, on which their bills were
issued, and the issue of the central bank bills was
substituted at par.
Air Whittle regretted to differ with his col
league, and argued in favor of issuing a portion
of the proposed sum in treasury notes. It was
objected that they could not be issued iu time.
He stated that bauk paper was now being
made in Virginia equal to any ever used in this
country. Because the central bank bilis depreci
ated, is no argument that treasury notes now
would go down, auy more than that because the
i-tate Road had formerly made no money.it never
couid do so, or that because one bank or one farm
was mismanaged, all otbeis must be. We have
allowed a corporatiou to issue treasury notes—
shall we nut exercise as much confidence iu the
credit of the State, as we have in a city.
Air Bigham's amendment was agreed to.
Air Whittle moved to take up the governor's mes
sage, received this morning—il was in accordance wit ii
tbe provision of the Constitution, authorizing the Gov
eruor to make recommendations from time to time on
any matter ot public inter
.Mr Washington, Air Aloore of Thomas, and Air Big-
ham objected to taking up the Alessage. Dr Cochran
hoped th^message would be taken up. Every man
would jd|kom the dictates of his own judgment.
Mr thought the Governorhad no busincs: to
send a message at such a time.
Air Briscoe thought the Governor had a right to com
municate with the House at any time. The message
might contain information of importance to the subject
under discussion.
Judge Cabiness thought the sending of the message
nt such a time, and in such a way was an impertinent
interference iu the business of the House.
Air Hook favored taking up the message. The Gov
ernor certainly had a right to send it, ana ns a matter of
common courtesy we ought totuke it up.
Air Raiford was no apologist for tile treatment of Gov
Browu toward this huuse, but thought we ought to take
up the message.
The question was oil suspending the rules, and re
quired a two thirds vote. The ayes were 87 nays 54.—
So the message was not taken up.
Mr Whittle offered ail amendment that a registry of
the redemption of the notes, should be kept iu the
Comptroller General's office.
Air Schley opposed it,—it was adopted.
The section rclatiiigto penalty for counterfeiting' was
agreed to.
Tiie question then was upon agreeing to the report.—
Mr Hook then offered the substitute, which had
been discussed in committee of the whole, and
called the ayes and nays. The ayes were 25. nays
108.
The question was upon agreeing to the substi
tute of the committee. It was agreed to aud the
bill passed.
Leave of absence was granted to Messrs. How
ell of Lowndes, Royall of Camden and Cook of
Irwin, on account ol sickness, and to Hussey ol
Meriwether on special business.
The Ho use adjou^ided until 9 o'clock to-morrow
Mr Norwood thought tbe amendment interferred
with a previous section of the lull, which applies to
transferring the regiments or brigades as organized.
Air Lester explained the amendment and Air Nor
wood withdrew Iiis objections.
The committee rose, anil reported the bill back to tbe
House, ami the sixth section as amended, was agreed
to.
The House adjourned till 3 o’clock I*. M.
Friday, Dec. 6th. 1861.
The Senate met at 10 o'clock, A M„ and was
opened with prayer by Rev Mr Moseley. The
Journal was read.
Mr Hausell of the 35th offered a communication
from John H Rice of Atlanta giving a description
of a new common school gdKraphy
muuication recited 1 the grea^iujustice that was
done to the South iu ali the works ou Geography
iu common use. Tbe communication was referred
to tbe committee on Free Schools.
On motion of Air Boyd of the 32d the hill to re
duce the salaries of the officers and depot agents
of the W & A R R was taken up.
Air Mitchell ot the 42d offered a proviso which
was accepted by the mover of the bill (Mr Boyd)
that no depot agent shall receive more fur his ser
vices than is paid into the Treasury of the State
from freights at that station.
Mr Echols from the 30th offered an amendment
which was likewise accepted, providing that the
salaries of the Engineers should not be reduced.
Mr Jackson of tbe 43d offered an amendment
to one of the sections providing that the salary ol
Treasurer of that road shall be $loU(); and also
providing fur the reduction of the salaries of oth-
et oflicers of the road.
Mr Bell advocated the passage of the bill in
a brilliant speech.
Air Hansell replied.
Furlow of .Sumter, offered a substitute, to Mr
Jackson’s substitute, that thesalaries of the offi
cers. ageuts and workmen, amouutiug to $3000 be
reduced 20 per cent Those amouutiug to 2000
aud less than $3000, 15 per cent. Those amount
ing to $1500 and less thau $2000,124 percent
aud all other salaries be reduced 10 per cent. Tbe
substitute was lost.
Mr Gordou offered a substitute to the whole bill,
as follows: That the Governor be requested to
scrutinize the salaries of the officers and employees
of the IF Sc A R I£ , and wherever it can be done
with a due regard to the best iuterest of tbe road,
a fair and proper reduction of their salaries shall
be made. Tbe amendment was passed aud the
bill as amended was passed.
The Senate then went into executive session
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The Huuse met at 3 o’clock. Leave of absence was
granted to Air Gibbs of Wilcox, Air Baker of Gordon,
Mr Key of Clayton oil account, of sickness ; and Dr
Brnwner of Franklin to visit a sick relative ; also to Air
Patterson of Fannin on account of sickness, and to Air
Fainof Gilmer to accompany him.
The unfinished business ot the morning w-as taken up.
Judge Cochran moved to recommit the fourth section
of the bill.
Alessrs. Lester and Whittle explained the section
Judge Cochran thought tbe bill made no provision
for troops who declined to be transferred on account
commanders of Brigades and divisions not being :
ceived. There was a conflict between the fourth aud
sixtli sections.
Air Lester proposed, if the bill passed, a resolution
respectfully asking the War Department, to recognize
the commissions of Alessrs Gen's Jackson, Harrison
Capers and Wa ker.
Judge Cochran urged that if the principle was right
in the resolution, it was right in the bill. lie proceeded
to comment ou thp Governor's Alessage, when
Mr Bigham rose to a point of order—the same point
made on Col Aiken.
Mr Raiford urged another point—the remarks of Col
Aiken were in reference to the sixth section, which wa
iu direct reference to the subject matter of the message
while the fourth section was not.
Judge Live in the chair, overruled both points of or
der, and Judge Cochran proceeded.
He did not think the construction put upon the mes
fage in reference to the relusul ofthe troops to submit
to the transfer, was just to the Governor. There was
no evidence; and no reason to fear, that the Governor
intended to use the troops for personal aggrandizement
He reviewed the argument that six months troops
would become a standing army. He thought we should
he very cautious not to do anything to diminish our
force on the coast e.t this time, He spoke earnestly on
this point, and therefore urged the. recommittment of
the tourth section. His motion was lost.
The question was on the passage of the bill, and it
prevailed by p large majority.
The next business in order was the call for
Nf.w AJatter.
Air Zachry ol' Newlon offered a resolution that f
the balance of the session no member be allowed to
speak more than ten minutes.
Mr Adams of Clarke offered a substitute, limiting the
time to five minutes. Alessrs Hook. Thomas, Alulkey
mid Dubose opposed the resolution, nnd it was lost.
Air Trammell of Catoosa, offered a resolution
in reference to the Governor’s Alessage, repelling
the intimation of the Governor that the House
has been quibbling about dol'ara and cents, &c.
He moved to suspend the rules to take up the
resolution, which was lost.
Judge Cabiness offered a set of resolutions on
ti e same subject, and moved to take them up. Tbe
motion wag lost.
Sheat of Bartow offered a resolution requesting
the Post Alaster General to change the name of
the Post office formerly called CassvilJe, to Alanas-
sas, which was adopted.
Smith of Towns, a bill to authorize the Ordinary
of Towns to pay over the balance of the Educa
tional fund to the soldiers relief committee.
DcverofPolk, a resolution on the subject of
Pensions.
Bigham of Troup, a bill (o allow additional com
pensation to the Printer of the Code, John H Seals.
Alulkey of Talbot, a series of resolutions in re-
The *0001 i ference to the Governor’s second veto message.
Dr. Alulkey moved to tako up the resolutions,
which motion was lost.
Tatmn of Dade, a resolution requesting the
Governor to furnish certain volumes of law Jeports
to Dade county
Lester offered a resolution respectfully request
ing the liar Department to recognize the Generals
ot the Georgia army, after it shall have been trans
ferred.
The committee on petitions offered a bill to relieve
Henry Burt, of Chatham.
Also, a bill for the relief of John AI. Cooper.
Air. Smith, of Brooks, moved to take up a resolut ion
in behalf of Rev. C. W. Thomas—asking bis appoint
ment to a position in the service, lie haying been the
first to resigu in the old navy. Mr. Briscoe opposed
the precedent of Legislative interference iu such mat-
TOrs.
Air. Smith, of Brooks, and Air. Whittle sustained the
motion, and it prevailed.
Tbe resolution was adopted.
The rules were suspended and a bill to change the
line between Sumpter and Scliley counties was passed.
Also, a bill to incorporate the Warehouse Insurance
and Deposite Co., in Americas. Amended by Air. Ba
con so as to incorporate a like company in Albany,
passed.
Air. Norwood offered a resolution that the message of
Gov. Brown, on the public defence, be referred to a
special committee, to report whether it contains any
thing requiring action by the House, which was adopt
ed.
Mr Bigham offered a resolution thutwhentlieHouse
adjourn it be to 6 1-2 o’clock P. M. which wasamended
to 7 o’clock and passed.
The House then adjourned to 7 o'clock P. M.
Receivers to be elected iu .January next, until
AJarch following—passed.
A bill to incorporate the Direct Trading Com
pany. Passed.
A bill to alter the Patrol laws—passed.
A bill to provide for tbe assumption by the State
of the Confederate War Tax—passed.
A bill to consolidate tbe offices of Clerks of Su
perior and Inferior Courts in various counties.
On motion of Air Wright the county of John
son was added and the bill was passed
A bill to exempt slaves aud free persons of color
w ho liax-e gone with any of the volunteers from
the Slate from any penalty prescribed for persons
leaving tbe state—passed.
A bill iu relation to fines &c, specially applica
ble to several counties making tbe same applica
ble to Whitfield county. Passed.
A bill to amend the act incorporating the city of
Dalton—lost
A bill to designate the place for sale of proper
ty in the county of Muscogee—passed.
A bill to authorize tbe Inferior Court of Whit-
held to levy an extra tax for the families of volun
teers. The tax not to exceed 59 per cent of the
State tax—passed.
The Senate concurred in the resolution of the
House recommending the Rev C W Thomas of
Griffin to au appointment by the Confederate Gov
ernment ot the same grade as that which he re
signed under the United States government
The House resolution declaring that it was the
sense ot the people of Georgia that the separation
between the Confederate States aud United States
was final and irrevocable, and pledging all tbe re
sources of Georgia to a prosecution oftlie war un
til the independence aud sovereignty of the Con
federate States should be acknowledged, was con
curred in.
A resolution requiring the Comptroller General
to issue such instructions to tax receivers and col
lectors as will prevent the sale of land of alien
enemies until further action is had by the General
Aessmbly. Concurred in.
The resolution of house in reference to the
boundary line between Geoigia aud Florida was
concuired in.
The Senate took up the bill legalizing the acts
of the stockholders ot the Macon aud Brunswick
Railroad.
The judiciary committee-recommended the strik-
ing out of the 5th section which prevented the pro
hibiting by the stockholders of the running ol
trains on said road unless with the consent ol all
the stockholders.
Considerable discussion arose on the motion of
Mr Seward to disagree to tbe recommeudatoin
which was participated in by Messrs Seward aud
Vason for, aud Messis Gordon Jackson against the
motion.
Tbe motion of Mr Seward was lost.
The bill was on motion of Mr Seward recom
mitted, ays 17, nays 17, Mr GibsoD, President pro
tern in the cliair voting iu the affirmative.
The Senate granted leave of absence to the door
keeper until Alonday evening: also granted leave
of absence to tbe Senater from the JOtb, until
Wednesday next, aud to the senat r from the 44th
the balance of tbe session after Wednesday next.
Mr AJitchell introduced a resolution requesting
tir senators and representatives in Congress to
use their influence to have a law passed giving to
private soldi, rs $15 per month. Referred to the
military committee.
Air Boyd introduced a resolution that the hour
of assembling in tlie morning should be 9 o'clock.
On motion of Mr Ware tbe senate adjourned till
3/1 o’clock p. nt.
Amount of tax for the scheme 1864 >1,578,750
Interest ou >12,000,000, paid out iu 1861
'62 aud ’63 962,000
Interest on >3,000,000 crop of ’64. 240,000
Agents compensation 18,750
Insurance nud Storage ou 4 crops 750,UUO
Tax for lastyear of the scheme >1,968,750
War Tax Confederate States 3,000,000
State Tax 1,000,000
l’ax for State resulting from this scheme ’65 >5,968,750
On hand at the end of 4 years 375,000 bales, worth nt
the reduced price, likely to result from au accumulation
of four crops. >7,500,000
Cost to the State 15,000,000
Loss to the State >7,500,000
If everything works well—no waste—110 stealage—the
expense must be interest, insurance and Storgae >5,-
553,750.
Your reporter regrets that he cannot follow more ful
ly the eloquent and elaborate arguments of Air Cand
ler, in summing up bis objections to tiie scheme. His
speech elicited universal admiration, both for the co
gency and force of his reasoning, ami tbe admirable
style in which his thoughts were enforced. AlrCuud-
ler is a new member, and is probably the youngest man
on the floor. Tiiis was bis first appearance in debate in
a set argument, and he acquitted himself nobly.
Tbe committee ruse and reported the bill back to the
House without amendment.
Air Hargroves called tiie previous question, which
call was not sustained.
Air Whittle moved the indefinite postponement of the
bill and resolution. He proceeded in au elaborate re
view ofthe subject to illustrate tbe injustice aud impol
icy of the measure proposed.
Air Bioodworth argued iu fuvorof the passage of the
bill.
On motion tbe rules were suspended nnd a Senate
bill to allow volunteers to vote at places where they
were stationed, was read a first time.
A bill to allow additional pay to J II Seals Printer of
the Code, was made the special order for Monday.
House adjourned to 3 o’clock.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, ?
Milledoeville, Ga., Dec. 5th, 1861. j
HOUSE.
EVENING SESSION.
The Huuse met at 7 o cluck The tirnt business iu
order was the bill tu aid the (ieorgin Hospital and Ke-
lief Association, as amended by the Senate.
Mr Thomas moved to disagree with the Senate
amendment. He felt liimselt, the necessity of such a
fund, and was not surprised to iind those who have had
the advantage of an education ready to seize the last
dollar from the poor boys, but he would never give his
consent to such policy.
Mr Mallard sustained the motion, and Mr Kender op
posed it.
Mr Lester moved to agree to all the other amend
ments save that touching the school fund, which was
adopted.
Tiie motion to strike out the clause diverting $100,
000 ofthe school fund was renewed, and advocated
earnestly by Mr Raiford.
Mr Briscoe thought, in view of the stringency ofthe
times, it would be right to compromise, aud take
000 from the school tund.
Mr (jlriffiu of Berrien and Lee of Muscogee, favored
the Senate amendment.
Mr Lester moved to postpone the consideration of
the bill for the present—lost.
Messrs. Lester &. Whittle regretted the proposition to
interfere with the school fund, aud were constrained to
vote against the proposition from the Senate.
Mr Bacon moved to amend so that the diverson of
the school fund would be only for the next year.
Mr Mull, ■ns) of Cherokee, spoke against the amend
ment. He would show the Yankees tlmt we can fight
aud whip them without taking onr children from
ebook
Air Alallard renewed bis argument against tbe
amt nduient.
Air Aloore moved t lie reference of the bill to a spe-
ial committee with instructions to report to-morrow,
which motion prevailed.
On motion of Air Moore, tbe resolutions in reference
to the Georgia and Florida boundary line, were taken
up, adopted.
Bills on their passage.
A bill to amend the military laws of (this State—laid
on the table for the present.
A bill for tbe relief of J. II. Esters; referred to a
special committee.
A bill to authorize the election of a county treasurer
ill Ware county; passed.
\ bill to amend the certiorari laws in this State.
The committee reported a substitute, which was
agreed to and passed.
The rules were suspended and a bill to legalize nil
extra tax in Coweta county. Passed.
A bill to define the inode of inspecting nnd exam
ining county records. Lost.
A bitl to amend the revenue laws, referred to tbe
Judiciary committee.
A bill to authorize Susan B. G. Alaguirj to settle
with a certain minor; lost.
A bill to prevent the obstruction of Tuccoa river in
Fannin county.- passed.
Leave of absence wus granted to Alessrs, Neal and
Martin of Columbia, and to Smith of Brooks.
Air Lane of Hancock offered a resolution that a joint
ommittee be appointed to examine into the condiiiou
of business before the General Assembly, and report
business of a general character in view of au early
adjournment. The resolution was adopted.
A bill for the relief ot Wm. E. West of l’olk county.
Passed.
The House adjourned until 9 o’clock to morrow
morning
SENATE.
Saturday. Dec 7th, 1861.
The Senate met 10 o’clock. A M pursuant to ad
journment, and was opened with prayer by Rev
Mr Moseley, senator from the 26th district.
The Journal was read.
Saturday December 7, 1861
The House met at 9 o'clock. Prayer by Rev. F. AI.
Hawkins-
The Journal of yesterday was read.
Air Black of Floyd moved to reconsider a lost bill for
the relief, t SusanG AInguire, which motion prevailed.
Air Biglmm moved to take up a resolution usserting
Georgia's right, of eminent domain, aud to prevent the
sale ot realestate owned by alien enemies, sequestered
by the Confederate Government. The motion prevail
ed, and the resolution was adopted.
The immediate olueet ofthe resolution was to prevent
sales for taxes.
The sheriff of Telfair county has 264, 247 acres ad
vertised, which lormeriy belonged to tbe Georgiu Lum
ber company.
Air Lee moved to take up his resolution declaring (he
dissolution of the Uuiuu fixed, unalterable and perpetu
al, and expressive of Georgia's determination to prose
cute tbe war to the last extremity. The motion pre
vailed, and the resolutions were adopted unanimously.
Air Hook's resolution and bill for the purchase of the
cotton crop was the special order. The resolutions de
clare in favor of the purchase ofthe crop by the Con
federate States. The bill provides that the State shall
take it.
Mr Hook proceeded to review the propositions con
tained in Mr Aleminger’s pamphlet, and argued that
the relief proposed by him, in urging the people to raise
grain would destroy the grain growing section. With
an annual expense of >26U,0U0,0Q0 to carry on the war,
the >68,OOC,(M) of bank circulation was totally inade-
To the General Asssnnbty :
The correspondence between the Secretary of
YVar and myself which has been iaid before you,
shows, that I did all in my power to induce the
Government of the Confederate States to increase
the force upon our coast, and to make the neces
sary preparation for our defence, prior to the or
ganization by me ot tbo military forces now in
tbe service of tbe State. In making this stite-
ment, I do uot wish to be understood that I re
flect upon that Government, for a wilful neglect
of duty. I believe it is tbe wish and intention of
those in authority, to use the forces and means at
their command, in such manner, and at such places'
as will best promote the general good. But view
ing tbe field from the stand point which they oc
cupy, they have been of opinion, as their action
lias shown, that there was greater necessity for
the troops, and the resomces at their command, at
other points. Hence, they failed to make the nec
essary preparation for our defence.
Appreciating the difficulties with which the
Confederate Government had to contend, aud
hoping that they might make the necessary pre
parations for the detence of the -State, I delayed
action on State account as long as I could possi
bly do so. consistently with the public safety. Al-
mostevery newspaper received from the North in
tiie months of August and Sept , contained state
ments of the strength of tbe fleet which was being
fitted out by the enemy, and of the intention to
send it with an invading force agaiust our coast as
soou as the season wouid permit
In the formation of tbe Cousiitution of the Con
federate States, each State reserved to itself the
sovereign right to engage in liar when “actually
invaded, or in such imminent danger as will uot
admit of delay.” The statute of our own State
authorized me to accept the services of ten thous
and volunteers, of different arms, in such propor
tions as the exigences of the service might require
The people of the coast continually called on me
for protection. The general voice oftlie people of
the State was, that they were entitled to it, aud
that the safety of the whole State, depended in a
great degree, upon the sticcesfui defence of the
coast. 1 he Constitution gave me the right, and
tbe statute made it my duty to act. I did so ; but
not until the latest day, when I could have time
to organize and prepare tbe troops for service, be-
force tho invasion.
The organization has been conducted in strict
conformity to the requirements of the statute, and
the Generals lnve been appointed to cuinmaud
the troops, by aud with tbe advice and consent of
tbe Senate u. vv in session. Suppose 1 had made a
calculation, and determined that it would cost too
much lor the State to assist iu her own defence,
and had refused to call out the troops, and had
met the General Assembly, and informed you that
I had made no preparation for tlie detence of the
State, for the reason that it must cost a large sum
of money ; and that 1 bad again aud again asked
the Secretary ot YVar to delend us, and that I re
lied on tbe three or four thousand Confederate
troops then on our coast, to protect the city of Sa
vannah, and the whole coast against tbe power
ful force sent lor our subjugation; what would
have been the virdlet passed upon my conduct by
tbe General Assembly, and every intelligent pa-
riot iu Georgia ! YV’ould it not have been one of
universal and just condemnation f
Results have shown that 1 was not mistaken
when I decided that the danger was imminent,
and commenced active preparation to meet it
Tbe invader's troops are on our soil, and his
flag now waves over our territory, and insults the
diguity and sovereignty of our State.
Thus menaced with subjugation and degrada
tion, is it possible that we, as tbe representatives
of the people, and as co-ordinate branches ofthe
government, can spend our time iu discussions
about the cost of out defence; or whether the
State or Confederate Government shall for the
present, assume the burden, and make the ex
penditure; or that our action can be influenced by
party consideration, or by personal hatred, or per
sonal favoritism ; or that we can stop to consider
whether our action w ill tend to sustain, or to ad
vance the political fortunes of one man, or to in
jure those of another. Surely we have graver du
ties than these to perform, aud mightier responsi
bilities to meet.
We havenow been overfour weeks in session Our
troops in the field have been in need of supplies,
and we have made an appropriation of only one
hundred thousand dollars. This is not more than
halt the necessary expense of our military opera
tions, since the commencement of tbe session, and
is but little over double tbe sum necessary to pay
the expense which the General Assembly has coat
the {state for the same length of time.
I mention these things in no spirit of fault-find
ing. but iu the hope that dissensions aud jealou
sies, if they exist, may be banished from our midst,
aud that we may unite as one man, and promptly
provide the ntcessary means to defend the State,
aud drive the invader from her soil.
The organization cf the State troops is becom
ing a very efficient one, which will soon make
them terrible to the invader.
At this important period, in the face of the en
emy ; when organization and harmony are of the
utmost importance, a proposition is made that we
pause aud count the cost of our defence, aud that
we transfer our army to the Confederacy, by regi
ments. battalions or companies, and il they are nut
received, that we disband the troops and thus get
rid of the expense.
Let us examine this question of expense for a
moment. Suppose we dismiss from our breasts
every feeling of patriotism, aud every generous
impulse, with every desire for liberty or independ
ence, aud consider the question as one of sordid
gain, of mere dollars and cents. What reasonable
man, having an estate of seven hundred millions
of dollars, and iiuding it in litigation, aud the title
in a precarious condition, would hesitate a moment
to give able counsel five millions to defend aud se
cure tbe title 1 The property of the people of Geor
gia is worth seven hundred millions of dolla>s—
the State is now invaded, and evey dollar of it
eracy will pay tlieir expenses, and Geoigia, as a
member of tbe Confederacy, will have to meet her
part of it- If she retains them, at the end oftlie
war. the Confederacy will assume the expense of
the Georgia troops as well as of the troops of the
other States, and Georgia w ill only have to pay
her part. It the Confederacy does not receive the
troops, and they are disbanded, tbe city ot Savan
nah, and the whole sea coast, and tbe southern
part of the State, must fall into tbe hands of the
enemy, and the destruction of property will cost
us ten times as much as the highest appropriation
any one would ask to support the troops. There
is not, therefore, one dollar of economy or of saving
to tbe State in the propo ition.
Virginia. Tennessee. North and South Carolina,
Louisiana, and probably other States are calling,
and have called into the field, large numbers of
State troops, to repel the invasion and protect
their properly. At the end of the war, the ex
pense, incurred by each of these States, will be as
•suiued by the Confederacy, and Georgia will
have to pay her part of it If, while they defend
themselves, she permits her coast to fail into the
hands of the enemy, and her citizens to be plum
lered rather than incur the expense necessary, to
the protection of her people, the other States of
the Confederacy may be saved their part of the
expense which was necessary to her defence. But
instead of saving expense, is she not the loser!
Tennessee expended five niillons of dollars in
less than six months, aud no complaint is heard
rum her Legislators or her people, that they can*
not afford to incur the expense of self-defence.
Two other grave questions, iu this connection,
demand our careful consideration. Havewe tbe
power to transfer the troops to the Confederacy,
without their consent ? And has the President
tbo power to accept them even with their consent?
Neither is true
First, as to our power to transfer them ; the
troops in response t) the call of the Executive
of the State, have volunteered to serve the Stale
as State troops : and have been mustered into the
service ofthe State, and not into the service of the
Confederacy. It was no part of the contract be
tween the troops and the State, that they should
be transferred to the service of the Confederacy ;
aud tbe State has no right to make the trausfe
iartk has the nylit to transfer us to the Confederal 0
States service, or any o.her service, with.,nt our con
' “ l u ' ,d n ,” suc l> authority ought to be exercised
over a free people.
Resolved 3d. That we are not the property of iho
General Assembly ot Georgia, to be Sold and tnui'fe
red fiomi one owner to another like a promissory „„t L .
and that we hereby enter our solemn protest a-an t
any such sale.
i k r:' h ;'" l ; Ul - Tl , mt , il c ?Py T °, f thi * preamble and res.
olulious be forwarded to His Excellency Gov. Brown
with a request that he lay the same betore the General
Assembly ot the State ot Georgia 1
.. < S f. ne,l > . JOHN H. CRAVEN,President.
L B. Moork, Secretary.
Letter From « Moutbcru Lady in Prison i„
Seward The Cowardly Attrocitien of the
\Y anliiugtoii (torernii « it.
The Richmond ll'/ng obtained, through the in
strumentality of one of Seward s confidential
agents, the following letter, addressed by a ),rav s
and noble woman to Lincoln's Vivier. \Ve are
given to understand that the perusal of it was a it
w ithout visible effect upon tbe crafty Secretary
Hie twitchiogs of the muscles, and bis agitation
but a sense of personal insecurity at tbe hatuls 0 f
the avenging Nemesis. This letter of Airs. Green-
how is the most graphic sketch yet giv< n to the
world, of tho cruel and dastardly tyranny wnich
tiie Yankee Government has rstablislied "at YY’ash-
ingtou. The incarcaretion and torture ot helpless
women, end tbe outrages heaped Upou them, a 3
detailed iu this letter, w ill shock manly natures,
and stamp the Lincoln dynasty everywhere wnh
undying inGmy. The letter tells its own tale
and may be relied on as a true copy oi' the origi
nal, iu the hands of YY’illiam H. Seward :
YY'ashington, Nov. 17th, 18di; 398 16th Street.
To the Hon. If. 11. Seicard, Secret a ry of Slate.
Sir—For nearly threu months 1 have been con
fined, a close prisoner, shut out from air and ex-
ercise, aud denied all communication with family
and Irieuds.
.... , j ’Patience is said to be a great virtue," and 1
without their consent lliey are not cattle to be | have practlct . a it to my utmost capacity of eud u
bought and sold in the m.,rket. 1 hey are brave, lance J
generous, hightoued freemen, who have left their
homes at the call of their State, and are now un
dergoing all the fatigues and hardships of camp
life for her defence. YViiile they are brave enough
to defend tlieir rights, they are iuteligeut enough
to understand them ; and we are greatly mistaken
if we suppose they will submit to a change of their
present organization, or to an act of injustice to
those who have their confidence, and who have
been legally appointed to command them. ’lliey
are, as our statute which was passed to meet
this very emergency, required, organized into
companies, battallions, regiments, brigades, aud
a Division. If we disband the division and turn
over the brigades, we are, iu my opinion, guilty of
gross injustice to the gallant and chivalrous sou
ofGeorgia, whom we have just called from an hon
orable command in Y’irgiuia, where he lias render
ed distinguished service, and have invited to the
lommand of the troops of his native .State. In re-
ponse to the call made upon him by tbe Governor
\itli the advice and consent of the Senate, he has
resigned bis command in the Confederate service,
and is on bis way to Georgia ; and it is now pro
posed when be r a'hes tbo 6’tste, to inform him
that he has been deceived ; that we have changed
our policy, nnd that his services are not needed
If we disband tbe Drigades, we do injustice to
the Brigadier Generals, who have been called
from important pursuits, and invited by the high
est appointing power in the State to the commands
which they now hold. Among this number is tbe
gallant YValker, whose glorious deeds haveslted
ustre upon the character of the State, while his
blood has stained almost every battle-field where
bis country’s rights have been vindicated for the
last quarter of a century.
If we disband the regiments, wo do injustice to
the Colon. Is, who have been legally elected to
command them ; and if we disband the battalions
nd tender the troops by companies, we do like iu
ustice to the Lieutenant Colonels and Alajors. In
any, or either of riiese cases, we must expect that
the gallant men under their command, will make
be cause of their officeis common cause, and re
fuse to submit to such injustice. We have not,
therefore, the power to transfer the troops without
their eonsent; and I feel quite sure they will nev
er give their consent unless the whole organiza
tion is transferred in its tut ility. retaining every of
ficer from the Major General down to the lowest
grade in his position, with his rank and command.
Second. As to the power of the President to accept
the troops—the law passed by Congress authorises the
President to accept them by companies, battalions or
regiments, but gives him no authority to accept a brig
ade or division. The law also defines the number ot
which a company shall consist, and gives him no pow
er to accept a company with less than sixty-four no-
more than one hundred privates. It will be borne in
mind that the Stutute uses tiie term privates. Add to
these the four commissioned and eight non-commission
ed officers, and two musicians, and the minimum num
ber of a company which the law authorizes the Presi
dent to accept is seventy-eight, while tiie majritcum
number is one hundred and fourteen. The President
lias no more right under the Statute to accept a com
pany with less than sixty-four privates, and a propel
number of officers, than he lias to accept a brigade or
division. If the one is illegal the other is equally so.
The statute ofour own State declares tlmt a compa
ny of infantry shall consist of uot less than fifty nor
more than eighty hank and file. This term includes
non-commissioned officers and musicians ns well as pri
vates. Add the font commissioned officers and our
minimum number is fifty-four,and tbe maximum num
ber eighty-four. A company must, therefore, approxi
mate very near our largest number before it readies
the smallest number with which it can lie received into
the Confederate service. If I had had plenty of arms
with which to arm the Stale troops, I might have refus
ed to accept companies with less than the smallest Con
federate or lurgest State number. But I was compelled
to appeal to the companies to bring good country arms
with them, and as the number of these arms which
could be made efficient within the reach of a company
was generally limited, I was frequently obliged to ac
cept companies with little more than the smallest num
ber allowed by the Statute, orto rev-ct them and permit
them to disband. YVhile therefore, each and every
company is organized iu conformity to our own Statute
and 1ms a legal number, probably each one of two
thirds ofthe companies, has less than the smallest num
ber, authorized by tbe Confederate Statute, and could
not be accepted by tbe President or mustered iuto tbe
service of the Confederacy. If we could be supposed
to be capable ofthe injustice to the Generals, Colonels
Lt. Colonels and Alajors which would result from a dis
banding of the State organization, nud should tender
tbe troops by companies it is very clear that over two
thirds of them could not be accepted, and must, there
fore, be disbanded nnd sent home. No one who care
fully investigates this question can fail to see tlmt an
appropriation of money for the support of the troops,
which has a condition annexed to it, making the appro
priation dependent upon the tender ofthe troops to, and
their acceptance by the Confederacy, is equivalent to
a refusal to vote supplies for tlieir support, and an or
der to disband them in the face of the enemy. But it
may be said that Congress could pass a law authorizing
the 1’iesident, in this particular case, to receive the
companies with tlieir present organization consisting of
less thau sixty-four privates. This is true, nnd it is
equally true tlmt Congress could pass a law authorizing
the President to accept them ns organized by divisions
and brigades.
The troops might consent to the transfer on the latter
supposition, as this would dojustice to their officers and
maintain tlieir organization ns it was formed by the
State ; but it is very certain, in my opinion, that they
would not consent to the transfer upou any other terms.
If we disbaud these troops because we fail to stand by
our State organization, and protect tlieir rights, or be
cause we refuse to make the necessary appropriation to
maintain them in the field ; we disband un organization
of ns noble Georgians as ever assembled, with arms in
their hands, ready and willing if they can do so with
honor, to defend tlieir State, and it need be to sacrifice
their lives a willing ottering upon her altar. Do this,
and what encouragement do we offer to others to step
forward and tuke their places !
I deny that such notion would be just to out brave
Generals on the oue band, or to the companies in the
condition above described, on the other ; or indeed to
any company, which at the call ofthe State, hasorgan-
ized in conformity to her laws, and been accepted into
her service for her defence.
I deny tlmt it is just to the city of Savnnnali, or the
sea-const, by this extraordinary legislation to drive from
the field nearly ten thousand of Georgia’s most gHllant
sons, nnd leave these exposed points at the mercy of
the enemy. And I deuy that such legislation would
reflect the will of the noble consti’uency who sent us
here, and committed to our keeping their honor and
tlieir safety. They will never consent to sec Georgia’s
proud escutcheon tarnished, or her flag trailing in tile
lust befere her enemies because it must cost her a few
loliars to maintain her noble sons in the field for her de
fence. The ndoption of any policy looking to a trans
fer oftlie State troops, which may result iu tlieir disor
ganization, at a time when their services are so much
needed by the State, would be. in my opinion, not only
unwise but suicidal, and must result iu the tyost disas
trous consequences to the State.
If this fatal policy should be determined upon
by tbs General Assembly, I will bo responsible
for none of the consquences growing out of it;
and, in the Dame of the people ofGeorgia I now.
in advance, enter my solemn protest against it
If the State troops are disbauded, or the appro
priations to maintain them are made upon the con
dition that they be transferred cr disbanded,
which is equivalent to an order to disband them,
will become my duty, as the Executive of the
State to proclaim to her people, that, while the en
emy is thundering at her gates, her representa
tives have left me powerless for her defence, by
withholding the necessary means, and even
taking from me those already at my command.
If I have used strong language, I mean no dis
respect. When all that is dear to a people is at
stake, the occasion requires the utmost frankness
and candor.
JOSEPH E. BROWN.
Suuth Carolina Senator .—A dispatch from Colum
bia announces the election of Robt. W. Barnwell and
James L. Orr. Confederate Senators from the State of
South Carolina.
I atn told, sir, that upou your iuse diiil. the
fate of citizens depends, and that tbe sign-manu
al of the ministers ot Louis the Fourteenth ami
Fifteenth was not more potential iu their day,
than that ofthe Secretary ot State ot 1861.
I therefore most respectfu.ly submit, that on
Friday, August 23, without warrantor other show
of authority, 1 was arrested by tbe Detective Fe
lice, and my house taken in charge by them; that
all my private letters, and papers ot a life'time,
were read aud examined by them; that every law
of decency was violated iu the search of my house
and person, and the surveillance over me.
Y\ T e read iu history that t! • poor Alaria Antoi
nette had a paper torn from tier bosom by lawless
hands; and that even a change of liueu had to ba
effected in sight of her brutal captors. It is uiy
sad experience to record even more revolving out
rages than that, for duriug tbe first days of uiy
imprisonment, whatever necessity forced me to
seeK my chamber, a detective stood sentinel at the
open door. And thus for a period of seven days, I,
with my little child, was placed absolutely at the
mercy of men without character or responsibility;
that daring the liist evening, a portion of tle-se
men became brutally drunk, and boasted in my
hearing ofthe "nice times” they expected to have,
with the female prisoners; and that rude violence
was used towards a colored servant girl during
that evening, the extent of which I have not been
able to learn. For any show of decorum after
wards practised towards me, I was indebted to the
detective called Capt Dennis.
Iu the careful analysis of my papers I deny the
existence of a line I bad not a perfeet right to have
written, or to have received. Freedom of speech
and of opinion is the birthright of Americans,
guaranteed to us by our Charier of Liberty, the
Constitution ol the United States. I have exer
cised my p erogative, and have openly avowed try
sentiments. During the political struggle, 1 op
posed your Republican party with every instinct
of self preservation. 1 believed your success a
virtual nullilicatiou of the Constitution, aud that
it would entail upon us the directtul consequen
ces which have ensued. These sentiments have
iloumless been found recorded among my papers,
aud I bold them as rather a proud record of uiy sa
gacity.
I must be permitted to quote from i letter of
yours, iu regard to Russetl of the Loudon Tines,
which you conclude with these admirable words:
’ Individual errors of opinion may be tolerated, so
long as good sense is left to combat them.” By
way of illustrating theory and practice, here am
I, a prisoner in sight of the Executive Mansion,
in sight of the Capitol where the proud statesmen
of a land have sung their pit-aus to tbe blessings
ofour free institutions. Comment is idle. Free
dom of speech, freedom of thought, every right
pertaining to the citizen, has jbeen suspended by
what, [ suppose, the President calls a military ne
cessity.” A blow has been strujk, by this total
disregard of all civil rights, against the present
ystein ofGovernmet, far greater in its effects thau
lie severcnce of the Southern Slates. Our peo
ple have been taught to contemn tbe supremacy of
the law, to which all have hitherto bowed, and to
mok to the military power for protection against
its decrees.
A military spirit has been developed, which
will only be surbordinate to a Military Dictator
ship. Read history, and you will find, that the
causes which bring about a revolution rarely pre
dominate at its close, and no people have ever re
turned to the point from which they started. Evtn
should the Southern States be subdued and forced
back into tbe Union, (which I regard as impossi
ble. with a full knowledge of their resources.) a
different form of Government will be .found need
ful to meet that new dcvelupements of national
character. There is no class of society :io branch
of industry, which this change has not reached,
nit! ths dull, plodding, methodical habits of the
poor cau never be resumed.
Y’oti have held me sir, to a man's accountability,
and 1 therefore claim the right to speak on sub
jects usually considered beyond a woman’s ken.
and which you may cla«s as “errors of opinion.
I offer no excuse for this long digression, as a
three months’ imprisonment, without formula of
law, gives me authority lor occupying even the
precious moments of a Secretary of State.
My object is to call your attention to the fact:
that duriug this long imprisonment, lam yet ig
norant ot the causes of my arrest: that my house
lias been seiz:d and converted into a prison by
the Government; that the valuable furniture it
contained has been abused and destroyed; that
during some period of my imprisonment I have
suffered greatly for want of proper and sufficient
loud. Also, I have to complain that, more re
cently, a woman of bad character, recognized as
having been seen on the streets of Chicago as
such, by several of the guard, calling herself Airs.
Onderdonk , was placed here iu my house, oi 3
room adjoining mine.
In making this exposition. I have no ob ect of
appeal to your sy nipathies. If the justice of toy
complaint, and a decent regard for the worlds
opinion, do not move you, I should but waste
time to claim your attention on auy other score.
I may, however, recal to yotir mind, that buf
a little while since you were quite as much pro
scribed by public sentiment In-re, for the opinions
aud principles you held, as I am now for untie.
I could easily have escaped arrest, having bad
timely warning. I thought it impossible t liat
your statemanship might p e-eut such a procla
mation of weakness to the world, as even the
fragment of a once great Government turning 11=
arms against the breasts of woman and children.
You have the power, sir, and may still further
abuse it. Y’ou may prostrate the physical strength
by coutiuenieiit in close rooms and insufficient
food—you may subject me to harshc., ruder treat
ment than I have already reeeived, hut you can
not imprison the soul. Every cause worthy 0
success has had its martyrs. 'I he words ot ti e
heroine Corday are applicable here; ”C'est Iterant
qui faint la haute, ct non pas I'echafaut.” Alys ul ‘
teriugs will afford tv .significant lesson Jto the wo
men of the South, that sex or condition 13110
bulwark against tbe suigiug billows of the ‘ irre
pressible conflict.” , ,
The “iron heel of porter may keep it down,
it cannot crush out, the spirit of resistance m
people armed for the defence of their rights: an
I tell you now. sir, that you are standing over
crater, whose smothered tires in a moment may
Ourst forth. _ ,
It is your boast that thirty-three bris ling 101
fications now surrounded Washington- I“® 0
tifications of Paris jdid not protect Louis PhnhpP
when his hour had come. ■ B
In conclusion. I respectfully ask your at ^ en ^
to this, my protest, and have the honor to he, •*
(signed,) Rose O. N. Gkeeshow
Burying* at Pickens.—A correspondent '*‘ tb ® ‘
bile Register, from Fort Barrancas, near i 1 lr01Il
says there have been buryings at Piekens, a (W0
tne manner of the funeral doings it is thougut
officers were laid to rest,
Louisiana Confederate Senators. A dlt ‘P s ij !j riU n*
Baton Rouge states tliat Messrs. Spariow a it ,
have been elected Cuntederate Seuatois b„
lature of Louisiana. . „ i n the
Air. Sparrow has long been a pnoruinent a 41 .
State. Air. Semmes-wboin we take to be. theto .
torney Gen. Thomas S.Semmes-is a native * 1 ^ j.
town, D. C-, and a distant rt C ^‘ Brig**-
Semuies, now in command an 0 f much
at Centreviile. Re is said to be a young man
learning and eloquence.—& a v. Kep..
Memphis, Team, Dec. 4. - The rumored nom”^^
of Gen. Heuta to command the army u Al pout .
caus >dgreat dissatistaction m'bm section o
try, particularly among tb e Missou. ia •