Newspaper Page Text
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; .m md of curl conn tie*.
regard I'res- J
doiteg I
i
wrii • >! dated to tty tbs j
;’" r . '/ ■■ j- ii • eLerai.
“ ~, , , Ji-jl r dr-, bad given the j
< .’,'ntrv" •t- ii onfidMirs: in the wisdftm,
bief executive,
V, r,••••d whereas an expression of
people on this subject is be
parl of theii repre
o! ‘I i. ,t the thanks of the people of
<Wn*ia ■ i .lii" aiid hereby tendered to jetier
n Davie, 1 resid nt of the Confederate States,
sh-able, lei; !.• . and impartial conduct of
Guverurmi;; duilt., the pa and. year, and
; bat • ■ : • in bi.i v.i.-dom, purity, and
• ifriolistii : e:t and without abatement.
ih .'.oK 1. . luu a • »py of these revolutions
he forwarded by the Governor to the Presi
dent, and a an 1 : [ou io of Rep*
Congress, with
.’.le-cdhtj hi.«i;--. 'jdie siutiuus were taken
j. and unanimously adopted.
A epceia! liev.-jgo tram the Gomuor in re
h i; to Kxiltts, with the si port ol the Quar
'• r Master General were :cc -ived, and 50 cop.
i-i ordered printed.
heave i.fab-'. : ■vs • i used to the Presi
<l i*nt of tin* Senate for three days.
Tl oi 1 ■ i«ing bill won passed: a hill to I
incorporate the Imurante Company of Coluin-
Inn ;to clniiiei tii line he.tv.vru Glascock aud
Warren. -•
| iie iv.llo Vii g bill.* Were introduced : a hill
lo allow 'ii dilie; to di til within twenty miles
of railroads ; restrirling the planting of coltou
as lo allow live actes.
■r. vis —Kov: 11.
in the Senate a renolction was ottered to ;vl
uiiru oil t tic 2 1th iret.
Mr. C .u! . .veil I . r>- , Ie; 'dr. C'onu'a
of lhauki to ii idont Davis, adopt*
< and ou Saturday.
The Pr-. ident rnled ihejmdioa out of order
Mr. G.uiidrll slated that if ruled out of OK
<!•;', lie, ivilii nt t• ii i.atoi , would enter i;
the : übi si. lie , e 1 not . übiiiil, so the “gtipf
law''—by having no hi u'iug alter resolutions
am ;:,i!,i» t; and I hrouii in his ah- .Rice from Ids
seat. Mo e is. and with the iviipiutions in tho
main, 1m de iredfofnethe \ eihiigechanged.
Ilis re." ari * wi re ruled out of order, and lie
look hi i heat.
An solulion win enured that the military
c> mniitUe I se,llu - ted In e.\ imiuo into the
■ p ;ili i’.i!v o' and i !ki •or turning over to
lie Cml : two ate line
.
ikon u rendod as to fix
Thursday tho !Mtli, as the day lor adjournment.
11l toll ... i'ig-hi!!, w, i did . referred : A
hill 1" a nI an Act a proved Dec. U. 1 !2,
to rest: ie • 4id . . . • niton : (.i rep. -.1
. 1 N ■
1 m.'J, to !swell' the iii.oi-i -v.-ary consumption
ol grain by 'distillers and in iruifacturers of
t piritui>us iiqu to .‘liter Se tien i-t the
Code ol Ueoi . ia. ad at: a hill to allow heads
of families or their rapid: - ulafisev to distil or
brew (lu.iuMli of • -diit.i.,- ■ Honors in this
..
■ . . ; :
lo ex loud la ■ i: i a A .i the collection of taxes
due by citizen.; ..' t!;'. * de :an act. to amend
nit i. ■- t .qiiiro-.ed !. I ■ .ud amended
ouinptiun of gtaiu by di-iill. ; . übd manufac*
furors. ami to : ,'.'d’elid ml de .ai.- ; r.i! prosecu
l . odor and by i ir-
The Sen.iti agreed to !!:,• Mims'! re luiion
i *>i" Sfeite Pi inter on
iliea.
'J im House Mil an* tin* relief of warelrouse
inun ia ;!e a '; . -.! a; i ■ u.d .hu".
on Saturday, in ivhuiim to furnishing certain
counties 1f; ci.ui : il.<o jui'.-entoil a memo
rial.from the tl, - . Ui ay ton coutily, pray
iug for l'i lh i. .liltin , t!vli.. ;. ,".iv :;l".“iit 2,500
it ii 1 mules to move,
uad tli.it liu'V mu t ;•! 1: unless relief is af
forded ■ll ;•!. The E-jIL-u prevailed. Yeas
followi j a nd: A bill lo
relieve > T Upt ;’to change tlio
line ; between rula.-’.i >".n<l Teilaii ; to change
the line l«'tw?.-;i .* ; u*wart and i.Jfiitmaii■: to
amend SoeUona 712. 2:!I5 and 2'Mii of the
Code. I' laiivo to the Older of claims against
deceiißed p:-; sons : to increase tlio fees *•:' coun
tv officers.
'q he followi a ; bills Here lost A bill for tho
relief of i.ix pay ei.-i oi I '-eU county ; to
vluwge t.:u line- Letwc, n ( lay and Callronn
. otuitie.;; to punish persons tor tunning ol!
slaves; to change the line.; betweQil Coweta
olid Iforiwethcr.
The following in* -Ii: N ' were agreed to; a
resolution reque-.Uinr the G-n-emor lo tarnish
information a it»the miiuWt of Aidy-do Camp,
.
t mo. t’ t . nit informati sto the quantity
of, it',, -l puw ~a . tiy ! 1 .a.:., nil v.luu
disposition v ' !,! . . : requesting
IHe Governor Jo f'-trnieh ic.i. . ruatiou of the
working ot" Fee Card i : eiy , ; tht* Slate; j
asking tint lire tax iii LL. ; iu IV.dtou coiin
ty be ' ( Liter’s tamftios; also j
a resoluteut to print 200 cope oi' the report j
A bill lo amend ille halva cot pin law. ;vaa
taken up fora third readimr. A nubatiluto
that, wl an ida
Court the iti iho:!.i;H tiiay apply io ISaiv. :ior
Ootirt iu it’ii day ■ fin a writ . . ivriioiari and
tlie.lnKe -iIIU ii': .i order for a writ, ami
it relurii ahall he i.tide ol his .a.an as p. tj
».!«*. The Superior court hall allow'a lic*« ini'
b*u is de.ld i. . ■<» 1
The following new bitb. were introduced:
ii hill to punish any jutison tor settii ; the
woodson'fire; l» leva' y the proceedings of
uuilit>ri::o administrators,on property to remove j
:uoa -ro iae. Y»t > been iufi’raA.’d; to !
V lev..'’the ram. Mat the c only <i:e of flinch !
fro so hem .to . i or: i.ilio; a’.o a revolution !
oj haso the ttair.e t file i’.-.t Office ibii'oori
. i’> - ■' '*. .a . | (! 0,,
' 1 ;; as-1
.id Brigadier fit o. a. . 1 dXt.raVaa'i of ‘the \
k Ii m .
I'M ill. VtaiS bO, MM' Si.
r ; ; -...’v r’t'ered *
in their manufacture; to employ atlerk in
ihV- treasury Department; that both branches
' of the General Assembly adjourn, on Mednes
j day, 23d inst.
HOCRB— XOV. 14.
The following hid* were introduced.: a bill
Ito amend the 4476th sec*ion of the Code. It
relates, to maiming cattle; to authorise the sale
oi slaves belonging to widows and orphans in
; certain cases; in reference to the lees and costs
I of Solicitors.
The bill to repeal par. SSO. par 1, title 7
dwpter Ist, of the Code was tost.
A resolution to allow tax collectors the same
impeusation on the income tax that they
receive on the general tax. Lost.
'in.- Senate resolution on adjournment was
amended to Thursday, 24tb, and passed.
SENATE—NOV. 15.
The following new bids were introduced : a
bill for the relief of the Gwinnett Manufactur
ing Company from taxation, on the property
lost by tire: a bill to render all members and
officers of the General Assembly liable to Con
federate conscription; to define what kind of
currency certain contracts shall be paid in—
provides for their payment in Confederate cur
rency; to amend sections 841 and 852 of the
Code in reference to the time tax receivers and
collectors shall hold office.
The following hills ware passed : a bill to
define the lines between Muscogee and Chatta
hoochc ami Stewart counties; to allow contrac -
tors to distill Honors within 20 miles of rail
roadto allow the treasurer to make certain
advances.
'i'no following bills were : lost a House bill
to render administration unnecessary on es
tates not worth ever $2000; relieving ware- ,
housemen from tux on cotton returned and j
subsequently destroyed by the; to amend the
net nvtiicting the planting of cotton. Proposes
to allow six acres Ayes 11, nays 4.
'l'lic House resolution to adjourn sine dk at
12 M. ou the 24th inst., was concurred in.
A House resolution asking the passage of a
j law exempting breeding cattle and work oxen
from impressment, was lost.
HOI SB—NOV. 15.
The General appropriation bill was taken
up, and the blanks in the first section were
tilted.
The following bills were passed: a hill lo
authorize Urn impressment of negroes in Bald
win county to work on the fortifications around
the capital; prescribing the mode of distribu
ting the tund for soldiers’ families. It amends
tho act of last year so as to allow indigent
exiles and refugees whose protectors are iu
the army to share the fund; to limit the city
lax of Marietta to one twentieth ot,ouo per cent,
during tho war; to amend the act providing
for the distribution of clothing to soldiers
from Georgia; to add the county of Worth to
the South-western judicial circuit; to allow
tiie resignation of trusteeship in certain cases.
Provides that persons made trustees by mar
riage or wills, be allowed to resign the same as
guardians; lo allow Nauey Crockettto settle
with John S. Crockett; a bill lo change the
boundary of the town of Perry; for the relief
.of M. C. Pew, who paid SIOO tax on a negro
who was to hire his time, but afterwards did
net do so; to provide that counly Treasurers
be elected by the people for a term of two
years: to lepcal the is.id section of the Code;
I io declare leluros made out by ordinaries or
i the deputies void. A substitute was received,
j which allows Administiaturs &c , to make, re
t urns aud charge for the same; to exempt the
property of soldiersand their widows, not worth
over $2OllO, from taxation.
the following bills were lost: a bill to ex
empt blacksmiths from militia duty; to regulate
tins mode of carrying up exceptions iu certain
cases; to amend sections 4704 and 4708, in
inference to arson; to amend bill restricting
planting of cotton; to adopt the prices fixed
iiy the Confederate Commissaries, as the uni
form prices at which produce, &c., be sold; to
ddino Hie duties of Tax receivers and collec
tors. l’v quires them to meet the tax payers
two times iu each year at three difi'erent places
giving ten days notice; a bill to appropriate
funds for the Georgia Relief and Hospital As
sociation. U appropriates $500,000. The re
port ol the Hoard of Directors having failed
to come to hand, the bill was laid on the table
for the present.
* I KOtj MIBSOIIII.
The Grenada Motive says, we have just had a
toug conversation with a gentleman--an old
friend, and a man we knowingly vouch for—
wlii) left Ft. i,ouis a short time ago. His op
portunities were the very best for knowing
what was going ou in the State.
(den. l’riee has a firm foothold in Missouri,
lie is virtually in possession of four-fifths of
Hie - Lite, and no intelligent Federal officer be
lie: s they can force him out. When our in
formant. !<•('». General I’rieo had his headquarters
it YVavt'idy, and liis linos extending vixty miles
West. Rociflits are flocking to him daily
lr%m all parts of the State—old grey haired
men and young boys mingle in the ranks with
stout, halo men, in the bloom of youth and
prime of life. These recruits are the best men
in the Stale.
•intelligent Federal officers assured our y)-
linmant that not loss thau (55,000 recruits had
joined “ Old Rap 'up to the 30th of October,
i which would make his force fully sixty thou
sand .droti!*. Fagan with a small force had
>.,vn retiring before a force of Federals, near
Independence, *hich gavo rise to the oft re
put'd minor that Price was retreating. He
fi ts m*\or receded an inch since lie entered the
State, and has never lrad a Yankee force iu his
front aide to cope with him or willing to ut
icmptit. Hlark, Shelby and Kilt Anderson,
are uorlli of the Missouri river, tearing up rait
'oaiis, whipping Dutch, and “ obeying orders”
'generally.
io tlio Felicia affair Jeff. Thompson*captur
eu 2.200 men.
Hi n. Smith, tho worthy wlio burned Oxford,
ML , iu August last, bad been lying ten
nt ties above Charles City for two weeks-his
army loaded on 17 transports—and awaiting
orders from Washington City.
i hir friends in the noble old Stale are in fine
•pii it;- and look upon tlieir deliverance as cer
tain and immediate.
GOA. lilt©tv* »M» Mil. UAYLOH.
Miixeuoevills, Nov. 8, 1864.
a !': Uii'Oniite dt Sentinel:
I lu.ii. e iu tour paper a letter addressed by
f. (!. Baylor to myseil, from New York, in
which he prelemls, as Commissioner of Geor
d i, to cive.information of the political senti
i,.. at. anil opinions of the people of the North,
ml volunteers his advice as to the mode ot
tth me-nt which will lie necessary, Ro. Tlie
public has already been informed ol the uature
tii tlv t oimuorcial Uomuiission to Europe which
Mr. I. tylor held iu accordance with the resolu
tion of the Legislature of this State. I take
■ i i.’iie of stating that neither the commis
i.ci iH>r instructions to Mr. Baylor, clothed
liim with any political or diplomatic functions,
le was confined by botii strictly to the com
mercial objects expressed in the? resolution
ul the Legislature with no authority to trans
.a ui them, (hi learning that he had a-suuud
to i \ icisc diplomatic (unctions with which he
w . not clothed, and had gone to the enemy,
I ,- .. and a Proclamation revoking his cominis
i. i 11. 1 stati merit made in some of the pa
pers that In- wis ever a member of my staff is
wholly ijosuuite id truth.
llispublic speeches made prior to the date
ii b - cciauiission were as strongly Southern
Dial .a denunciatory ot the Noryiern peoplo
government as those made by the most ar
dj id tdiici,il ot the Confederate Slates.
Very r< -pectlHlly, your ob'dt. serve,
Joseph E. Rkown.
l iiovi yotlTH f AIIOLISA.
The Raleigh Progress of the 7th says: “We
a. of ui demonstration along the North
f rolina.coast. A gentlemen In this city has
r-••■veil a letter Irom a prominent citizen of
Martin county which states that onr forces
avc (alien back from Plymouth to Rainbow
bend, on tho Roanoke river. The same letter
a: :, .t Plymouth was nearly entirely des
*'• ; cd by lire during the bombardment or af
ter the evacuation. Washington, re think. ;
■ ci Mindy been evacuated by our troops and J
:i.v ,i by tlie enemy, but we have no ap- |
I' d •*' \ : iop of any thing in tbp shape cd a for- {
• *u> advance, is the force of the enemy is !
not equal Vo such a task.”
' f ' ■ ago, a small Mexican insect, promises
■ i iie a position in the world, a position in
I.- ban lor an ornament. It is said
■ !•,-*. - wcndertul qualities, beauty of color,
cid a bistre d»M.upg even thy diamond, and
a- varying in bright hues.
LETTKIIFHOM VICE-PKEMUEM sTJ#*HE.V- j
TO SENATOR SEMViKS.
CaAWKORBSYIi.i.E, Ga Nov. If. 186 4. ;
l&tssrs. Jjliiors LotixlihUiOiia-<st:
Dear Stas: Several articlce in your paper of \
late, some editorial and some taken trorn other !
papers, constrain me in asking you to allow |
rae. through your columns, to put myself right j
before your readers upon the question of a
(Jouventioa of the States, reconstruction, etc. j
This I cannot more effectually do, and with
less labor to myself, than by submitting to
their perusal the enclosed letter from me to
Senator •senuaes, ofc Louisiana. The letter ful
ly explains itself. It was written as soon as L
read his speech alluded to in your paper.
The elections are now over at the North, and
j the same reasons do not at present exist as
j did then for withholding from the public the
; views it contains; though nothiug but a strong
j desire that I may not be misuuderstood by any
; at home or broad, induces me, even now, lo
I 1 spread them before the public. All I ask of
you or my countrymen, on this as ou all other
questions, is, in the language of Themistocles.
I". Strike” but bear me.’
! The letter to Senator Semmes was entirely
private, and not intended at all for publication:
still 1 have no concealment;;, and the pubbe
are at all times perfectly welcome to my most
private views and opinions on public affairs,
whenever lam 6atilied that it is proper they
should have them for vindication of my own
conduct or motives.
Some parts of the letter, relating lo public
matters, not pertinent to my present object,
you wi'l see marked in pencil; these you will
; phase omit from public considerations— otheis
i similarly marked, relating exclusively to imli-
I vidual affairs, you will also please omit from
private considerations; noting the places of
omission hv asterisks.
PI ease publish this note with the enclosed
letter, and much oblige me.
Yours, most respectfully,
Alexander 11. Stephens.
CitAWFORDVILLE, Ga., Nov. 5 1864
Mv Dear Sir: I have just read a repo rt of
your speech at Mobile. From that report I
am persuaded you are greatly mistaken ns to
my views upon the subject ol a convention oi
the States and I trust you will excuse and par
don me lor this letter upon that subject. I
have by no means invited such a convention by
anything that f have said or written upon the
subject. It is not at all a favorite idea with
me as a mode of inaugurating negotiations for
peace. I see many difficulties attending it.
Hut as so respectable a body as the Chicago
Convention representing so large a portion of
the enemy had pledged themselves if brought
into power to tender such n proposition, i did
think aud do still think that it was highly poli
tic and wise ou our part to respond favorably
to that proposition, inasmuch as I saw no insu
perable objections to it with the limitations
and restrictions stated iu my letter. Indeed
with those limitations i saw uo objection at all
under present circumstances to acceding to
such a proposition pis. it should be made) as the
initiation of negotiations, it would bo the
tiißt step, and in all t-ncli casts the first slept is
often the most difficult. If tho Federal Gov
ernment slionld propose to ours a convention of
the Slates 1 do not see why it might not he
accepted simply as an advisory body as I sug
gested. I see no constitutional difficulties fn
the way. The Treaty Making Tower in both
Governments is ample to provide for it. The
Treaty Making Tower on both sides might
agree to submit the questions at issue io the
consideration of any body of men on earth; il
they choose and hear the report without any
pledge iu advance to be bound i>y that report.
In personal quarrels such submission is often
made; and to the honor ot humanity it may be
sai 1 that in most cases of this kind the result is
.an amicable and honorable settlement. Wheth
er such would b'e the result of a convention of
the Ssates in our case IS of course uncertain.—
The propabilities lam lree to say in my judg
ment are that it would. At any rate there is a
possibility that it might. When wo look at the
elements of such a body, if it. should ne tender
ed on the other side and accepted on ours, and
the true nature of the controversy, lam not
without strong hopes that it would so result. -
There is no prospect of such proposition .be
ing tendered unless McClellan should be elect
ed. He cannot l«e elected without carrying p
sufficient number of the States, which, if uni
ted with those of the Confederacy would make
a majority of the States. In such a convention,
then, so j'oruud, have we not strong reasons to
hope and expect that a resolution could be pass
ed denying the constitutional power of the Gov
ernment under the compact oi' 1787 to coerce a
State. The Chicago p triform virtually docs
this already. Would not such a convention
ntost probably re affirm the Kentucky and \ ir
ginia Resolutions of 1798 and ’!)■).' Are there
not strong reasons at least to induce u:» to hope
and believe that they might? If even that con’d
bedone it would end the war. It would reoog.-
ni/.s as the fundamental principle of American
Institutions the ultimate, absolute sovereignty
of thesever-al Slates. This fully covers our
independence, ns fully as 1 wish ever to see it
covered. I wish no other kind of recognition
whenever it comestiian that of George the HI,
of Knglaud, viz: the recognition of the sovar
iegnty and iudepen deuce ol each State separ
ately and by name. Our Confederation was
formed by sovereign and independent States. It
was formed lor the defence and maintenance of
the sovereignty of each. We have unity of name
and unity of action simply because tho cause of
each has become the cause of all. If then a
majority of allthc States should in solemn con -
veution settle this great principle, wonM ii
not virtually settle the eontroverys and end
tho war, covering everything for which we are
coutendiiig ? Would not the terms of «. final
treaty’of peace be easily adjusted after the
settlement of thisgreat principle ' And are
there not sufficient reasons to hope that such
might be the result in case a convention should
be proposed as I hate stated and accepted as
a mode ol inaugu rating negotiations of peace
to justify our making# favoracle iespouse to
the tender of it by the party at Chicago in case
they should be brought into powei To my
rnind it seems clear that they are.
You will also allow no to say, that I look up
on the election of McClellan as a mat ter of vast,
importance to ns in every posjible view of the
easy, and hence I thought it judicious, patriotic
and wise to do everything that could be prop
el ly done to aid his election. Whatever may
be his individual opinions, he is the candidate
of the States Rights parly at the Norih, in op
position io the Centralists and Consolidaticn
ists, whose Lobby now is abolitionism. I have
; thought from the beginning that cur true policy
was to build up and strerigthui such a patty at
the North, by a*l means iu our power. Hot
only upou the wise maxim of Philip oi Muee
don, to divide the enemy as a question of poli
cy merely, but from a higher and a much no
bler motive. Not only an early peace, but our
future safety, security and happiness required
it. The people of the North are obliged to be
our neighbors. It matters not how this war
may Unuinate, they are alongside of ns, and
must, with the generations after them, there re
j main forever.
It is of the utmost impmtance ions and our
posterity that they should be good neighbors,
whatever ba the relations existing between
them and us. To be good neighbors they muit
have a good government. It is almost as vi
tal to us that they have a good government, as
that we have such ourselves. It is much bet
ter to govern, if it can be done, by ideas than
the sworn If this war ehail result in the es
tablishment, permanently, of the fundamental
principle lying at the foundation of American
constitutional liberty, that is, the absolute, ul
timate sovereignty of the States, it will more
than compensate for all its sacrifices of blood
and treasure, great ns these have been, or may
be. It will secure peace on the continent for
ages to come. We therefore bave a great inter
est in fostering, cherishing and building up
and raising to power at the North any party
favoring these principles. If the proper line of
policy had been pursued by our authorities to
wards that element oi popular sentiment at the
I North from the beginning, I believe the State
Rights party there would have been 'triumph
: ant at the approaching election. I believe an
j out and out States Rightsmaa might and would
I have been nominated at Chicago, and elected.
I Rut the policy of our authorities seems to ice,
! as far as I can judge of it, to have leen direct
ed with a view to weaken, cripple and annihi
late that party. So far from acting even upon
’ the policy of dividing tho enemy, their object
seems to’have been to unite and inflame them.
I do, moreover, verilv believe that if Presi
dent Davis, even after McClellan's nomination,
had made a favorable respond to the Chicago
resOlnnou lookTngf 6 aie.;nvenlicin of the States,
as a mode of inaugurating negotiations of peace,
that have aided‘his election.
It m®fafc'Jia.Ve* secured it. All that he need
have said in some publi. manner was, that if
tmeh- stujuM' be tendered by the
i'c-<T;i'sf'Gpy^rhrheii!, lie would accede to it,
v. i; h ’BonfijVtijch limitations and restrictions as
shiteiUif Tu's-ia-lhe letter before alluded to.
The i< w. foat-i-pis eoujd not be constitutional- i
ly dyifcySs’sfeiwige to me. In the most objecc
tionahie view of the subject, delegates, one or
more from each Staite; Wjoutd be but couimis
stoueis-.pr pltuip6teg.ti irj*s front Govera
di pm’.oval ottheir Governments respectively.
\\ hjlStfcSwSlS<*(SciPy.oo'ftld'tiot be appointed in
this ar«lL*sjthy other, without any vi
olet tWP'trWhe-iSSflStftuaffix, Ido not see. The
tKaty-niakfng'ppwvr in both Governments is
am^|hi*4r'flhis‘{ : At least it seems so to
me. -SnilewJt* usl*h.»fvt3 said before, it seems
to iS lllitjuKoti-botli sides to submit
the b.tfc&idifi.-To.t'ife'ife lo the consideration
merely oi'any body oil earth. Bui enough of
tiri*-.-‘ : .% -ft*,iTt "** f’kt- •
TfctftM# theteiafa-niany persons amongst 114,
who's#! OGfldote-tuie entitled to high considera
tion, ■stiioTia tratagireAvi: h mo on the ques
tion of McClellan's election. They prefer Lin
the President be-
- judging from his acts, 1
should, itriuks he* did. 'Those ol the
class tt», qdryiji I* rolfer with whom I have met,
thlidc that if wiiqt'.'tbey term a conservative
man should.bs ( tented, .or any on the Chicago
plat foiyi'i even; 'Uiut suLh terms for a restoration
of the 1 fiToiAyophi .lj«.oflbred as our people
would accept." Thee ghost of the Union haunts
thi-lli.^ThC^peWre r»f r-«onstructioa rears its
gha-tly'iiLifd.iat? bveVy (tuner tp their imagin
.Hiticere.'*'fieri lutertuiii nonesuch myself. I
am lH.v bVftcyerdir ghosts of any kind. The old
UnioirujuFfiu? ©ld-Constitution are both dead—
doadtforvev., oxy-cei-it inso far as the constitu
tion has been preserved by us. There is for
the Ugi.cmas.,*-U. ysiys. nix -resurrection by any
pmvec-siiidrt'tbf -that -which brought Lazarus
fropi fhg tomb,.There, may be, and doubt
less. pro upiny At -tfio.Nprth and some at the
Soum who Ipp'i.forward to a restoration of the
Union and (JotistliqUon as it was; but such
ideas'anegs. vain. a’niV Illusory as the dreamy
imagittfh:&<if..tfie Indian warrior who in death
ciings'fodsUUiyejyio'ns in fond expectation that
he v'vill hkVt; (iselpr them beyond the grave iu
' other -LindsajuT neiv ljuutiiig grounds. These
tears of vriTiuTtary. lwohstruclian are but chi
merasd>rtlie:-‘hrahi.: No one need entertain
any eiioh from McClellan 'selection. But on the
tlfieik tjurt peace, and peace upon the
basis of q soparptiou the States and our inde
pendor.ee, would bo the almost certain ultimate
result,Jt'.oqi; ;iiUhoiatvfis should act wisely, in
the event tiflfin !*J'ectifc,u;'
My rpasous'fc'i; J|iis opinion are briefly these:
A pi'opostturfi for an -. armistice and a conven
tion of the Mutes .might he expected from him
into office. This on
our side being afiCedOd'to, as it ought to he,
some -would . elapse before the conferees
could ntebt.';' Xhq passions of the day on both
sides .yvould cjuiSidefably subside in the.in
teiiin. Tiie'Coiiyerftidn lii’ght adopt such a
rcgo.luti.on as stgted. Looking to its
p'rtsjb&Bfe cfiiApoeitionjjvs 'before stated, there
is streng probability *_fh:;t it would. That, as
before^,atedj’wouli’l end the matter, and to our
entire ■satisthctidii.' But take the worst sup
ppsable-yiqyj of it ' ' Suppose tiiat they should
wrangle, db'rlptUing and adjourn, and that no
Other ruode of VHtlenVeirt by negotiation should
be piTposejl.', How wm'rld matters then stand?
McClwaa w off Id tlojiibtle'ss, as his letter of ac
ceptance-' indicates he would do, renew the war
tor thojresiphttiffn'fif.tuo Union and thß old
CoostituHdn w'HjriH'dis guarantees. The mo
•mputiio Should do; this;’ the whole abolition
olMoent;at Iho' North, now tho life asrd the
son'! 'Arffflie'wiir, vvould, turn against it. The
old Uifibn with fh^lbiiCConstitution is just what
they do'ijot yitmt., They have always regarded
ik.au noDeHe* Ihiiu'’"a league with Satan and
covenant ryilli Hell.'’ The right arm of tho
wiU'sphrit of Hic-Ndi Ih will be paralysed the
lilffinent the war is put upon that footing.—
liosuleA tills tefcleant tVvo-lninle of McClellan’s
own, pin <y nrantrdly hold and proclaim the
doctriKi tiiat, thereUs no powpr in" the central
Governmf.-ut conrftiUitionally to coerce a State.
These two elements would constitute an over
wheliimvp. nwjotrly at (he Noith decidedly
agatufi’|.'Uvo flirt her -prosecution of the war.—
emhityassments would he
rloni’g.tlieir work.. The war would inevitably
fail iii'corisj'qut.'uco.' IVhyn all eiiorts to per
suade bur people tjogo back into the Union vol
tinlarily f:tilcd, as. tiiey would, if our authori
ti,is-shill-ro itet :is to seCure the hearts aud at
(eel i‘ifih'l6 the pOople-as they ought, then Mc-
Olelht'u would ultimately ho compelled to give
u'p the Te.-'tOLftiOu of tire Union as a forlorn
hope. Peace would'come 'slowly but surely
upon ■our. own Tomes .and without any more
lightuqj. But tiiis is not all. Other caustls
would .operate to (lie same result, which, ol
themjffiye,;,.qvuu wit!unit considering those
above :-fultd, would Abbot tho same thing.— *
The nunnimt'McU.lellaj should renew the war
wiiti the avowed .object of restoring the Union
n'.fli the ohl CousiUutipn.andall iis guarantees
thrf upunent, Or as"sqimtspossible, our recog
nition ii.tirond would mho. The silent sympa
thy ot Kngjaml, Uffn-ice ami other European
powers,Tit; present with Lincoln, arises entire
ly from, their fnania'upoh tlie suhject/of negro
Lively-.; 7 • o o o , o
LineOin had eTdier to witness our recogni
tion ahr’oad, 'tho moral power of which alone,
lie ••aw.woujd break down .the war, or to make
it ad eiirdneipatitili:warf He chose tho latter
alternative.'vupl tfie piore readily, because it
chiHieiUi;j so scy'or.hintly with the feelinga and
views of luso. ;.v[i party. This, in my ouinion,
is tho pjairi KpgTihh of this whelo matter; and
.rust an scion .us'•McClellan- should renew the
war will) ii Vjibw to itSsioro tho Union, the old
(.Vnstilutiou.witl!,slavery, ibe, would England,
France and other European Powers throw all
the. nioial poWi ! ; and inlluence of their recog
nition 3ji> ( ur'yide. lam not certain that they
would hot go Teriher, rather than see the Un
ion tluU restored, if'it should become necessary.
But it would hot'liecotne necessary. The oth
er causes alluded to would completely effect
our deiivrat'.oce'VVftvi.iSfi any material aid from
them. : ' r
*>> iu (iny-ftial .every view I can take of the
subject, I regard the election of McClellan and
tho success ot the States Rights Party at the
North, whose nominee be is, of tie; utmost im
poriance t.Yi'u. Witli these views you readily
perevivo how.l regarded tho action of the
Uh'icaGbrAVlt(fob as*“a ray of light, the first
ray of red light lb ad seen from the North since
i hi:? w,» began.’; You can also from these views
more cbrn ctly appieilaio my motives for giving
wh:itTu‘ofYkicf<.;<r a- favorable response to that
action. I fo-peiik yottr careful attention to tho
lanqur _;e of that ••response. From the report
of your V peach-t din led id infer that you cuter
tuiped thfeppinhui that l wns favoring and invit
ing a can vention ot *h.- States iu some outside
way arid, i.mlliicough tho organized channels of
the two. Governments. No such idea was iu my
mind milk never, can he until I am prepared lor
another revolution; —if secession be a revolu
tion. ‘For did Slates could not go Into such a
Convention as .you seem, from the vopoit of
your'hpfißeig.-to t’lrink' ! favored, without first
seceding from; their present alliances. This,
to my mind, is as cigar as ft is to youis.
Os Couise wfiiitT.'aid had to be brief, cover
ing only; gen/duf* joints. ligm’i not go into a
full exiifl'.na'ftWa' tjf,lny rfiqsfma for what I said,
because (Jnrf witbld have tltmedamage instead
of goqfi'lp the tpjhyj wlifcli l wished to aid.
I krtow iliany ot op? people think that any
allmdon Jtp. pfnctv.on-'euN ghje, or any public
expH'osLau of a lor peace, or the oiler of
torma cp’i'm wiich wo onght to be willing to
make peace, is indurious to our canst; that it
has a’BlSldeffhef r npf>l]‘ , 6OT armies and cneour
sge.3 the eneniy to-fight on under tho l~diet
that Mirii dfccb.itation.4 indicate a disposition to
yield < n oiiripefi. Seme’ go so far as to main
tain that die calfncf co.isjsfently with our pur
pose to eefa#o’fride|jeudei:pe.at all hazards, ea
terlam even any propositions ior negotiations
iiniess- aiey’Uc.basetfcpoa our independence,
or iUilt.-;i-ikb» be premised and granted ia the
oiler i-cOMMr.Hi Ttcie of this reasoning.
Nothing womo give us more strength at home
or tmuoad, wU.o .imr ty iruy.: the world, than
to kcc'> coh; tsuiiy Defote the public what we
are fighting for an.d.the terms upon which the
cciitcsb fi.ifc-r.l Upon us ran/, he ended. The
right ri,with us. Thd has of It
self great moral power if, properly used and
wielded. This Uepmifls upon what may lie
styled diplomacy. Diplomacy does not necej
sarily involve mtcrchango of views or
courso between parties, it should not be neg- I
lectcd in wars, even though the euemy should •
refuse to receive any ccmmunication. The j
result of most wars depends ns much upon di--
plomatic skill in it* proper souse, as it does upon J
arm?. The real statesman knows when aud
how to use the pen, as well as the sword. The
constant proclamation to the world of what we
are fighting for can never weaken our cause
with those who are perilling their lives in that
cause—especially if all cur acts towards them
and all others show that our professions eve
true; nor is there the slightest inconsistency,
in my opinion, between the most fixed deter
mination. on out part, to end the war upon no
terms short of Independence, and. at the same
time, entertaining, heaving and accepting of
fers to negotiate upon any oilier basis what-,
ever. The doors to treat, to negotiate, to cou- i
fer, to reason, should always be kept widely
open. Those who have the light cn their side, ]
should never shun or avoid reason. They ;
should never decline au encounter ou that are
na. I have been led, to the*) remarks more
with a view to self-vindication, than to the ex
pression or utterance of any recognised
truths.
On the question of Re construction, I stand
now just where l did in October. 1861. when I
wrote to a gentleman in answer to a letter from
him, stating that l was charged witli such sen
timents, aud desiring mo to give a public denial
of it. I told him, in reply, that 1 looked upon
such “a charge as no less an imputation upon
my intelligence than upon ms integrity. The
issue of this war, in my judgment, was subju
gation or independence, i so understood it when
the State of Georgia seceded, and it was with a
full consciousness of this fact, with all ils re
sponsibilities, sacrifices and perils thai 1 pledg
ed myself then and there to stand by her and
hey fortunes, whatever they miglfPbe, in the
course she had adopted.'' "As for making any
public denial of such a charge, I felt too much
self-respect to do it.’ ?
Yours truly,
Alexander 11. Stephens.
lion Thomas J. Semmes,
G. S. Senate, Richmond, Ya.
P. S.—lt is but proper that I should add;
cveu by post-Bcr pt, to this letter, long as it is,
that I was highly pleased with tho general
character and tone of your speech at Mobile, as
reported, It was well calculated to do much
good, and I doubt not it will.
A. 11. S.
rOM iCIlKii ViK STATIC* CUMiltm
£ecand Con&ri?-**.
EtfXATK—-NOV. 7.
Pursuant to adjournment,, tho Senate of thp
assembled at the Male Capi
tol in Richmond, this day, and were called to
order at 12 o’clock—Hon. !!. M. T. Hunter, of
Virginia, President pro teiu.
The roil was called, and thirteen Senators
answered to their tames.
A resolution was adopted for tho appoint
ment of a Committee to wait upon the Presi
dent, inform him that Congress was in session,
and ready to receive any communication he
might Lave to submit.
Toe House having concurred in this resolu
tion, tho following Committee on rihe part of
the Senate, was announced : Messrs. Mill,
Barnwell and Graham.
After the usual formalities, tho President's
message was received and road.
On motion, its various portions were refer
red to the several .Standing Committees : alter
which, ou motion, the Senate adjoiryied.
HOUSE.
The House met, when the roll was called,
and the representatives present answered to
tlieir names
The following bills were introduced and re
ferred to appropriate comrnitties: A bill re
pealing all exemptions and details, aud put
ting every white male between the ages of 18
ami 45 in the army of the Coni.'derate Siates;
to abolish promotions iu lire army according
to seniority, and hereafter to mi ke .them Be
pendeot atom* upon merit; to inquire into ttie
expediency nt l :t:i : she cavalry, so that
Government instead of the soldier shall be tin#
purchaser and owner ol his horse—and to fa
cilitate the payment for horsts ol officers kill
ed in battle; disavowing any sympathy with
the cilort to establish a monarchy in Mexico.
A resolution was Introduced declaring the in -
expediency of employing negroes as "soldiers
and discussed at some lenglh. U whs decided
to postpone tho subject until Tiiuisday.
Ou million, 200IJ fopii-s cd tin* President’s Mes
sage and the reports of the fc'ecrotaries of the
Treasury and War, tho Postmaster General and
the Attorney General, were ordered to be print
ed for the use of the House.
The President’s Message and accompanying
documents were referred^o appropriate com
mittees.*
senate-NOV f>.
lion. A. 11. Garland, member elect from Ar
kansas, elected to lilt the uticxpircd teim of
lion. C. 15. Mitchell, deceased, appeared and
took the usual oath ot*cffico. •
The following were referred: A Jill in refer
ence to salaries of heads of bureaus; deeiarirur
four per cent, bonds and certificates therefor
receivable in payment of all taxes duo and
payable for 18G4. *
The report of H e Secretary of the Treasury
was ordered to be printed for the usje of the
Senate.
i to USE.
.Messrs. Wilkes, if Missouri, and Rut'on, of
Arkansas, appeared, and bi-ing iluiy mvorn and
(pmlified, took their feats.
%he Speaker laid before the House a com
munication from Governor Smith, enclosing
the proceedings of tho Convention of the
Governors of the Southern Slates, recently
. assembled at Angnsdti, Georgia. On motion
the proceedings convention were or
dered to bo printed ana Spread upon the jour
nal of the House.
The following were referred: A bill to re
peal the act imposing certain restrictions on
the commerce of the Confederate Htatcs; that all
further attempts to obtain foreign recognition
be abandoned ami ail our diplomatic agents
withdrawn.
The following resolutions were adopted:
That the President bo requested so inform the
House if any appointments bad been made un
tier the act of the la.it Congress to provide and
organize a general staff ior armies in (he field;
and if not, why; that the Military Committee
inquire if the privates have liven paid by (he
Government, and if not, why; that the Mili
tary CommittJo enquire into kite cause of the
absence of so many officers from their com
mands; a joint resolution of thanks to General
John S. Wiilitams and officers and men oi his
command, for tliqir victory over the enemy at
SaHvillo, on the second of October; that the
Commissioner c( Exchange tie instructed (o
furnish a list <:J aii persons specially exchang
ed, with tho dale of their captuie, Ac; that
the Judiciary Commit(c<* enquire into the ex -
pediency of some legislation causing the re
turn to their homes of ail persons who have
Hod into the enemy’s Hues, and com polling
them to perform the iniiilary sendee required
of them, under pain of confljcaiion ol their
property or some other penalty; that tho Com
mittee; on <juaicermastei3 and Commissaries be
instructed to enquire whether it is true, as re
ported, that our soldiers have been supplied
with unsound and rotteu tobacco; that the
committee cn Quartermatiteis and (-ommissaries
inquire into the conduct of such odicers, with
a view to ascertain if additional legislation is
necessary to punish the fraudulent conduct of
said agents; that (ho same committee inquire
if any officers ot that branch of the Govern
ment agreed to pay thirty or forty doihus for
a bushel of wheat, and if so, the names of
such persons; a resolution setting forth that
the Army of Tennessee had net been paid for
eleven months, and directing that the Com
mittee on Ways and Means inquire into the
cause, &'c.
The following were introduced: A bill to
provide lor tho 'more, efficient punishment of
crimes and triDdemeanoiS against the Confede
rate Slates; regulating the compensation of
certain officers of the Government; for tho
suppression of intemperance in toe civil and
military departments ol the Confederate States;
joint resolution authorizing the raising and
organizing ol a Polish brigade; authorizing
the consolidation o* battalions and fteimeuts.
BKNATC—NOT. 0.
The following were reforied: A resolution I
to amend the law so as to allow farmers of!
plantations exempted from miiiiary service toj
barter or exchange so much of their products !
as uiay be uece.-sary to procure for their sever- j
cl farms or plantations the necessary quantity !
of salt. iron, .ve , under restrictions and limiia
tiooM bill fixing the salaries of certain officers
in the Trans-Mississippi l>epartment; to bite
negroe? as laborers iu the array.
The following was adopted: j
"Resolved, That tho Committee on Finance
be instructed to enquire aud report what addi
tional legislation, it any may be needed to se
cure prompt payihent of dues to the army.
"That the said Committee also ecqphe into .
the expediency of providing by law tor the y - j
celpt in payment of taxes mid other public j
dues of certificates and stated accounts’given '
by the authorized agents of the Government :
for property and supplies impressed or purchns- j
ed tor the use of the army and Government. v !
"Resolvedgpl'hat the President be requested
to communicate to the Senate. *>
“lot. The number of persons exempted
from military service on the several railroads
within the Confederacy, designating the num
ber so exempt on each road, and the number
of miles of each road in actual uso for military
transportation; and further, if tho presidents
or superintendents of said roads have nuuio
monthly returns in regard to exemptions
thereon, as required by law, aud if any have
failed to do so, the names of such officers and
the roads to which they belomg.
"2d. The number and their names of all
persons exempted in cases where raiiroads have !
fallen into the hands of the enemy and a per- j
tiou of the rolling stock of such roads is being 1
used on other roads. _
“fid. ■ The number of persons, if any, which
have been tietailed for duty to assist in repair-
runnipg any roads, or in repairing or
taking care of the rolling stock ou or belonging
to any of said railraods.
'•'-Ith. The number of persons exempted or
detailed for express and telegraph companies,
designating the number to each.
"sth. The number of persons exempted
from military service under tho provisions of
the act approved April 14, 18GI5, entitled an
to exempt contractors for carrying the mails
of tho Confederate States and tho *lrivers of
post coaches and hacks from military service.
"Gill. The numb'er of persons exempted or
detailed for agricultural purposes, who 'have
given bonds to-furnish supplies, us provided
by law.’’
"Resolved, That the Committee on Finance
be instructed to enquire and report, if *any and
what additional legislation is necessary to so
cure to the owner or hirer a credit upon the
amount of their tuxes equal to the tithe pro -
duced by the hirer provided such discount
does not exceed five par cent.
"Resolved, That the Committee on Mili
tary Affairs, be instructed to enquire into the
expediency of repealing that clause of the "act
to organize forces during the war, approved
on the 17th February, 1864, which exempts
from military service one person as overseer or
agriculturist on each farm or plantation upon
which they are or were, on the first day of
January last, fifteen able bodied field hands
between the ages of sixteen and fifty ; and also
the whole of section 11, of said act, which pro
vides that the President be authorised to grant
details when, in his judgment, justice, equality
and necessity require such details.”
HOUSE.
The following were referred : At) act to
provide means to carry on the war; an act
levyi% export duty ou cotton, tobacco and
naval stores ; to - consolidate the public debt ;
to increase the efficiency of the army by cm
ploying negroes, as teamsters, &3.; to a mem!
the sequestration law.
The following bills, &0., wore introduced: A
bill'to provide compensation for horses killed
in battle; to increase the compensation of ma
trons in hospitals; to amend the act to increase
the efficiency of the army by the employment
of slaves in certain capacities; to establish a
general intelligence office; petition of mail route
agents, asking an im reate of j ay.
The following were adopted: A* resolution
that tho Military Committee enquire into the
expediency of repealing that portion of the
exemption law that exempts farmers owning
fifteen hands between the ages of eighteen and
forty-five: that the tfadicary Commiltoo en
quire whether it Is expedient for tlio House to
establish a newspaper to publish the proceed
ings of that body; and that lha Committee ap
pointed by the lust Congress to make arrange
ments for Ihe publication of their proceedings
be requested to report to the House full infor
mation of what they have done in the matter:
that the Military Committee enquire into the
expediency of passing a law to provide for the
removal of negroes into our lines as the enemy
encroaches into the counffy; that the Military*
Committee inquire if any legislation is neces
sary to expedite tho sanding of conscripts io
the army.
senate—NOV. 10.
Tho following was referred : A bill to in
crease the rank of certain officers who have
been in service two years and upwards. Also,
che following :
" Whereas, tho depreciation in our currency
is, in a great measure, produced by the extor
tion of those who sell the necessaries of life ;
and whereas, such depreciation is ruinous to
the Confederacy and to the means of prosecu
ting file war, therefore the Congress of the
Confederate States of America do (as a neces
sary war ineasnre)jenaet, that tho prices as
sessed for the army by the Commissioners of
Assessment .shall ho the prices established for
all citiiiaus of the Confederate States ; and that
any person who shall charge any price beyond
suC'li assessment shall be deemed guilty of a
criminal offence and bo subject to a fine not
exceeding five thousand dollars, and io im
prisonment not exceeding one year.’’
HOUSE.
Hie following were referred : to amend the
laws, in relation to the receipt of counterfeit
Treasury notes by public officers ; to prevent
a malicious arrest of officers of the army.
The following were adopted :
Tiiat a special commiltoo of three ho up
pointed to enquire info the expediency of mi
appeal on the part of Congress to the several
States of the Confederacy, for a modification
of iheir laws exempting State officers and era
ployees from military service : calling for in
formation concerning tho tax in kind ; asking
information of the amount of appropriations
required for the support of the War Depart
ment ; to inquire what legislation may bo ne
cessary to remedy (lie abuse of the practice of
granting nulougsh by generals in tire field lor
reel uits.
’The special order- the subject of putting
negroes in the army as soldiers—was taken up
and discussed, when the House went into se
cret Bcssion. *
SENATE—NOV. 11.
The Senate was not iu session to day.
ItOCSH— xov. 11.
A select committee of three was appointed
to inquire into the expediency of un appeal in
the part of Congress to the several States for a
modification of their laws exempting State ol
fleers and other employees from military duty.
'1 he House wont into secret session.
SENATE—XOV. 14.
The following were refine!: A bill to ex
empt from taxation cotton and woolen cards,
paper, Ac., purchased by the State of Arkansas
tor the use of its citizens anil to carry on the
State Government; to repeal so much of the
20th section of the. act of Feb. 1 0, is 62, as
authorizes the payment of debis due to alien
enemies In the bonds of tho Confederate States.
The following were passed: A resolution
that-the President be requested to communi
cate to the Senato the official report of Gen.
Joseph E. Johnston, touching the operations
of Army of Tennessee from tho occupation of
Dalton to tli; date of his removal from corn
man i of that army; to amend the 3d section of
rim act to organize forces to serve during tim
war; to authorize the Secretary of the Trea
sury to exchange coupon bonds for 7.30 Trea
sury notes.
HOUSE—XOV. 14.
The Speaker laid beforo the House a com
munication from the President, transmitting
certain information from the Secretary of the
Treasury and the Secretary of War, called for
by resolution of the House, in relation to the
tax in kind and other taxes collected in 18G3.
Also a communication from the-President,
transmitting from the Secretary of War the
report of Major General Forrest of the battio
of Tishamingo creek.
The following weie introduced: A bill to
abolish distributing post offices and to provide
for sending all mail matter direct to its desti
nation; to increase the compensation of mail
route agents; to provide for the payment of ail
, propelty illegally impressed in the Trans-Mia
sissipgi department: to provide for the dis-
sobher.c nod their exemption from
military duty m certain eases; to faciliate tl o
Settlement •*>( c. hrs <6 deceased soldiers; t n
■ . : m nt of horses kilhu
1:1 battle.
K ; tiered, that the Military
’■ 111 •Uitve inquire into t'ao expediency of in
citee-ing the salarioi oi e.-l commissioned offi*
c'.ts below the rank brigadier General; that
racy impure what relief should l>e given by
Congress lo bonded orlcnlturists now : u the
uuUtai v service; ihv they inquire into the ex
pediency ot supplying commissioned officers
.v.v.h clothing; arms, accoutrements, So., at tho
expense oi Hie Government—referred.
That the Committee 011 Ways and Means in
quire into the expediency of framing a genetai
*ax law based on tHe pimcipl) ol advalorem
duty; that tho committee on Mo ileal Depart
meat inquire into the condition of the military
prisons iu Richmond. Ac , that the committee
on V. ays nuiDMeans inquire into the propriety
oi tii-.k.ng the < irtiiicate3 of indebtedness
given bv the purchasing agents of the Govern
ment receivable in payment of taxes.
A resolution was jid reduced recommending
a stricter observance of the Sabbath in the
army and navy, and that all military parades,
reviews, N.*., be dispensed with on that dav.
' : i'BOM UiISPI.L
An opinion prevails at Richmond that Gen.
Grant will lea\ 0 a portion of his army during
the winter, in Ids and take tluJ
rest down South against Wilmington and
Charleston, keeping the Weldon Road for
communic.'lleus aud using tho Ne.wLeru Road
and the Norfolk lload to supply himself from
.the rear.
The Petersburg express says each train
from Richmond brings reinforcements for Gen
era] Lee’s army in tho persons of detailed con
scripts and others 1 They are mostly noble
locking fellows, too- -halo, In arty aud fat, and
having the appearance of being able to with
stand tho hotest a campaign. Rut the
campaign this winter is destined to be a cold
one, and, we doubt.not, they will fully accom
modate liicmselvgjs to tiiat. The ranks are al
so being rapidly filled up by convalescent
and furloughed men rclurning to their com -
mands.
’J h« 5 nnliees are entirely driven from South
western \ irgmia. and there arc none of tin*
enemy this side of Ru’d’s gap on the Virginia
and Tennessee' railroad.
Sheridan has come to the conclusion to keep
as near Jim; er’h Ferry a? po.-sibh# and thus
prevent MoMiy from operating in bis rear.
I’,ally’s Lite stringent order in relation to
straggling is said to be working wonders, and
the airny is in the most excellent trim and in
the best po;.sib!c mood to retrieve the late dis
graceful disaster iu the loss of the fruits of a
thoroughly- vv<-n victory. There are no new
movements ol'trac'p?, The Yankees hare with
drawn from the vicinity of Manassas Gap rail -
road. r l hey commuted many depredations and
carried oil a number of citizens of Fau
quier and Rappahannock counties. The crops
are Still safe.
The Federals hold a small portion of Green
brier county; mainly that mutton which lies
around the Great Falls of New river aud tho
Blue Sulphur Springs. Rig Sowell mountain is
a retreat for them when pressed by our caval
ry. The Confederate* troops range through
Boone and Raleigh counties. In the upper
pnition of .Monroe ! curdy, bauds of lory mill
itia roam and depredate ami shoot our men
wherever they find them. Our boys are in tlm
habit of swinging He m to the first tree which
can bo foiqid after they are caught.
Gen. Early passed through Winchester Sat
urday, Nov. 12 at one o’clock, ou his way to
wards tho Potomac. His army is efficient anil
enthusiastic. Our eavairy had a successful
engagement with the enemy nt: Saturday soma
six or seven miles bcyouil Winchester, on Ilia
Marribsburg road.
Sheridan's mgny has been'weakened by the
sending of two army corps across tho I’otomao
iu the direction of Washing ion.
The Yankees 4 . enjoved thd rails on tha
Manassas Gap railroad as low down an the
junction with the Orange and Alexandria rail -
road.
A severe cavalry fig!if took place near Mid
•lieton, V • . n low day j aiuco. Tho enemy wore
driven hack.*.
—■run ——*■—.
Pavino T.yv V. u:i iliiNjcL— Our reader
.have already noiiced that’an important dccia
iuii upon tliis sui'j'.vl, has been givon in Rich -
mond by Judge ! Lilybmtoa. Wo proposo in a
few words, to give our readers a fair under
shoaling of the lucrils of the case, theenliro
deeision being too lengthy for our columns.
Tho act of Cotf.,l e;s ot tlio l'Hh February
list provides that lour per cent, bonds anil
certilieates Rim’d bo lvoeiveahle for all taxca
"payable in t m year Ibd !, except export and
import duties.” 'l’i.in act makes no exception
irt tbe cast ?. «:f void < r -ii .or coin, dust, bullion
slorliug cxelianc'!, credits mid Securities paya
ble in l'orei; u ("(iidUe?, ,'-v; but prey ides that
all taxes payable thin year may lie discharged
in these bonds, txc pt exports and import*.
On the 14th of June last Congress passed an
■ act to amend the at't of 17 th Februaiy declar
ing that the tax upon ail gold r,ud silver e#in,
gold dust, bullion, nu uc-vb held ttbintdNx bills
of exebang-e thervlor, promisory notes, rights,
crediis.j.aiu'i soctiriHcs payable in foreign coun
tries, rlion hi bo paid in specie, or Confederate
Treasury notes at ilieir value oa comjiarod with
s'peeie. ,
Ti'-o coniplaimat in Hih casfj held larga
credits in Kurope. and i’i IT-bi oaiy and March
last, :»lni ‘f. inm-.cdl:,!. ly niter 4lie jiassage of
tlm lutot IT.th lYluu iiyaion vetted a sufficient,
amount ot Coni .',a-..!t0 to; tea into four per cent
bonds lo pay tire- tar. cn his foreign securities.
He contended that the Government was bound
to accept there bonds in pin ment of his taxes,
and that subsequent legislation could not im
pair his right in make payment with them.
The Judge agreed to this, end awarded that
"tht act of 1 lib June do'-.-s not take away or
impair the right of peivcns who had previously
procured the i.ondu o; *ho government to pay
the tax on coin and moneys held abroad in
these bonds”.
We think the d?i a ion is a correct one.— Hui\
AVic.v. *
Harea:; Cokfuh Cases. — Several important
habeas corpus > s have recently been decid
ed in the Circuit Court of Pitk;yivania county
by Judge Wingfield. In regard to some mag
istrates who were duly elected to and wera
diurdiargiir; tho duties of their office, but who
had faired to obtain (•••; Governor’:! certificate
asking exemption. Ills S>Honor decided that
these msn wero S.r.!u ffikers anil weie entitled
tothi.ir release, with or without Governor
Smith’s cos tificafe. Mr. Geo. 0. Drown, Teller
in the clip' »f the P.w.k of Virginia, at Dan
ville, armed wild the G.iv<‘i«ior’a certificate to
the isec«*ity of H.I c x.-mpiiuiff but his servico
was demanded-by the R.u uau of Conscription
on the sound that, timugh holding thecertiti
cab; of the ICseciilivp, he wns not included in
the list of parsons exempted by tho Act of
Congress, arid the Judge decided that, Jtank
officers not bed:;:: Sfi.M . fibers, ho t-hooft bo
remand' and to lb military authorities.'—Lynch
bury Virijinit.il. r
—-rca--— — . —■ —
Important Dm;: ion. A few days since tha
policemen, cd' H i; city, were conecribed by thn
Enrolling officer, wiic-reupon they sued out a
wri! of habeas corpus, claiming that they weru
State officers and not •• üb.jyot to conscription.
The case was tried in this city on yesterday be
fore Chancellor John , ho decided that the city
marshal was a lato officer and not liable, buc
that Ihc policemen were not State officers, and
therefore subject to conscription.
Wo cut tin: above from the Selma MissiEsip
pian of the tith. We learned yesterday, that
the police of.Seim i t-aino to fids city, Mayor-
Henry accompanying them,and Gov. Waits pro
cured their rch:a..e !.;q tlm Conscript officer.
Having certified to tie : rexemption as State offi
cers, tinder the authority of-theactof CongretiH
of the 17 th of July, last, the Governor would
not consent to their being subject to the mili
tary service of the Confederate States. —itoriU
fjoitiCry Atlantis, c.
Sjiai.t. r„v.—Some excitement has prevailed
in the city for two week:; past on account of
the exist lice of r-m-ril pox amongst us. Wa
buiieve the cases are decreasing in number,
and no tears are entertained of a farther »piea.(
of toe diaca-e. —Milkdyentlle Union
Every man wlm is put into the United States
service in Concord, New Hampshire, has hi*
photograph accurate y taken. On the hack of
it. his deaeripHve list is placed, and it is the©
tiled away fox future referense.