A Journal of the proceedings of the House of Representatives of the ... General Assembly of the State of Florida, at its ... session

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I OUSE :JOURNAl'-12th Sess,

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O.F TIIE

HlOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
OF TIf

SGENER AL. E iBLY.,-
SOF* -V. I T
T L

.Begun an Held at the Oapitl in the City of Tahasee
on Monday, November 17, 1862. "

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OFFICE OF THE FLORIDIAN & JOUOIA .
PIuNED n l ) Y 6'YI &P I,g .. I .
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JOURNAL

Of the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of
S Florida, at the Twelfth Session thereof, begun and held at the
Capitol in the City of Tallahassee, in the State of Florida,
on ]Monday, the seventeenth day of November, in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty twzo
On which day, being that fixed by the Constitution of the State
of Florida for the meeting of the General Assembly, the House
.of Representatives was called to order. On motion the Hon. T.
SJ. EPPEs, of Franklin County, was appointed Chairman, and
HUGH A. CORLEY, Esq., was requested to act as Secretary pro
7 tern.
The roll of Counties being called, the following members ap-
peared, presented their certificates of election, and were several.
ly sworn by C. H. AusTIN, ESQ., Notary public, viz:
S1 om Escambia County- O. M Avery.
Valton-John L. Campbell.
Tolmes-Moses Hewett.
Jackson-Frederick R. Pittman, Felix Leslie and
"Washington Chapman.
ranklin-Thos. Jeff Eppes.
Gadsden-Norman T. Scott.
Liberty-Archibald Campbell.
,, Leon-Thomas Baltzell, James S. Rust, Jos. John Wil-
Sliams and Benjamin F. Allen.
Jefferson-W. H. Arendell and G. W. Blackburn.
Suwannee and Columbia-W. B. Ross, S. R. Sessions
and Joseph Price.
'Bradford and Baker-William C. Newbern.
Alachua-John W. Price.
MYarion-R. Y. H. Thomas and F. N. Foy.
Suwapter-Josiah A. Lee.
Orange-David Mlizell.

*~.~ 'f. "*"

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From Volusia-Abraham Richardson.
Levy-John F. Jackson.
Hernando-Cyprian T. Jenkins.
Iillsboro'-Samuel C. Craft.
nlanatee-William T. Duval.
Polkl-Henry S. Seward.
So there was a quorum present.
Mr. Williams moved that the House proceed to a permanent
organization;
Which motion was not agreed to.
On motion of Mr. Allen, the House adjourned until to-morrow,
12 o'clock, M.

TUESDAY, November 18, 1862.

The House met pursuant to adjournment.
The roll being called, the following members answered to their
names:
Messrs. Allen, Arendell, Avery, Baltzell, Blackburn, Campbell
of Liberty, Campbell of Walton, Chapmnan, Craft, Duval, Ei)pes,
Foy, Hewett, Jackson, Jenkins, Lee, Leslie, Mizell, Newbern,
Pittman, Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia, Richardson, Ross,
Scott, Sessions, Seward, Thomas and Williams.
So there was a quoium present.
The following members presented their credentials, and were
duly sworn by C. H. Austin, Notary Public, and took their seats:
From _Duval-Isidore V. Garnie.
From Gadsden---Wm. H-. Gee,
Thomas Y. Henry.
l'rom Madison, Lafayette and Taylor-A. Hampton,
Thos. J. McGehee.
AFrom Jefferson-James Y. Jones.
From Wakullac-Edward M. Mettauer.
From Brevarld-Henry Overstreet.
Prom a-milton-A. J. Polhill.
Fron. Clay-John G. Smith.
JFrom Washington-Thomas Hannah.

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On motion, the House proceeded to elect a Speaker.
Mr. Ross nominated Mr. Thomas J. Eppes, of Franklin
county.
Mr. Henry nominated Mr. William B. Ross, of Columbia
county.
The vote was:
FoR Mu. EPPES-Messrs. Allen, Arendell, Avery, Baltzell,
Blackburn, Campbell of Liberty, Campbell of Walton, Chapman,
Craft, Duval, Foy, Garnie, Hampton, Hannah, Hewett, Jack-
son, Jenkins, Jones, Lee, McGehee, Mettauer, Mizell, New-
bern, Overstreet, Pittman, Polhill, Price of Alachua, Price of
Columbia, Richardson, Ross, Sessions, Smith, Thomas and Wil-
liams-36.
FOR MR. Ross-Messrs. Eppes, Henry and Scott-3.
Mr. Eppes was declared duly elected Speaker of the House of
Representatives.
On motion of Mr. Williams, a Committee was appointed con-
sisting of Messrs. Williams and Ross to conduct the Speaker to
the Chair.
The Speaker, on taking the Chair, delivered the following ad-
dress :
Gentlemen of the IHouse of Rpres.cndties :
I thank you for this unexpected manifestation of your confi-
dence. In assuming the duties of the Chair, I feel that I take
upon myself no easy burthen.
Its duties are arduous! But I undertake them with an abid-
ing trust, that the kind partiality which has induced my election
will not be withdrawn, and that by your assistance, every rule
will be observed, order maintained, and the best interest of our
State guarded and advanced.
We meet, gentlemen, under a new Constitution, a starting
point, so to speak, in the Legislative History of Florida. Our
Sessions are limited. Let us by industry and close attention to
duty, make still shorter that limited period.
Much of the Legislation of past years-much of that mere lo-
cal Legislation which has heretofore incumbered the proceedings
of the General Assembly, in times like these can be postponed to
a more convenient season." And the present-the all absorb-
ing demands of the present, ought alone to absorb and engross
our attention.
War devastates our country; our own State is invaded by
the enemy; let us do all we can for the noble soldiers who are
now enduring the toils and hardships of the camp, and suffering
the dangers of the battle field in our defence; turn every
available means of our State to their protection, and for their

6

comfort; aid our common Government in clothing the naked
and needy, and let not the bleeding teet of our gallant brave ap-
peal in vain to Floridians.
Let them know that while battling in our defence-battling
in the cause of liberty and in defence of all that is sacred and
dear to freemen, they are not forgotten by an idle or careless
Legislature. Assure them that their cause is the first interest of
our hearts; their comfort and well being our constant study;
and convey this assurance to them in the tangible shape of imme-
diate aid. Do this, gentlemen! Lay aside all contention, all
mere formal legislation, all unnecessary changes of unnecessary
law, and organize the remainder of our State forces for home
defence. Do this, and, my word for it, when you return to your
constituents you will receive the merited tribute of "well done,
thou good and faithful servant."
Again, I thank you for your distinguished consideration.
The House then proceeded to the election of a Clerk.
Mr. Williams nominated Thomas B. Barefoot of Leon county.
On motion of Mr. Campbell of Liberty, Mr. Barefoot was
elected by acclamation.
The House then proceeded to the election of an Assistant
Clerk.
Mr. Hampton nominated Wmn. F. Bynum, of Lafayette county.
Mr. Pittman nominated Benjamin G. Alderman, of Jackson
county.
The vote was:
For BYvuni-M-r. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Baltzell, Black-
burn, Campbell of Liberty, Qraft, Duval, Foy, Garnie, Hampton,
Jackson, Jenkins, Jones, Lee, McGehee, Mettauer, Mizell, New-
bern, Overstreet, Polhill, Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia,
Richardson, Ross, Sessions, Seward, Smith, Thomas and Wil-
liams-29.
For ALDERMAN-M k, essrs. Allen, Avery, Campbell of Walton,
Chapman, Gee, Hannah, Henry, Hewett, Leslie, Pittman and
Scott-11.
Mr. Bynum was declared elected Assistant Clerk.
The House then proceeded to the election of an Engrossing
Clerk.
Mr. Williams nominated Thomas F. Williams of Leon county.
On motion, Mr. Thomas F. Williams was elected by acclama-
tion Engrossing Clerk.
The House then proceeded to the election of an Enrolling
Clerk.
Mr. Williams nominated W. M. McIntosh.
Mr. Lee nominated Mr. Trapnell.

7

Mr. Pittman nominated Benjamin G. Alderman.
The vote was:
For McINTosH-Messrs. Baltzell, Campbell of Liberty, Craft,
Garnie, Gee, Hampton, Henry, Jackson, Mizell, Polhill, Scott,
Sessions, Smith and Williams-14.
For ALDERIIAN-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allen, Arendell, Avery,
Blackburn, Campbell of Walton, Chapman, Duval, Foy, Hannah,
Hewett, Jenkins, Jones, Leslie, McGehee, Mettauer, Pittman,
Price of Alachua and Thomas-19.
For TRAPNELL-Messrs. Lee, Newbern, Overstreet, Price of
Columbia, Richardson, Ross and Seward-7.
No person having received a majority of the votes cast, the
Speaker declared there was no election.
The House proceeded to a second vote for Enrolling Clerk.
The vote was:
For McThIosH-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Baltzell, Campbell of Lib-
erty, Garnie, Hampton, Henry, Jackson, Jenkins, Mizell, New-
bern, Polhill, Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia, Ross, Scott,
SSessions, Smith and Williams-18.
For ALDEBRAN-Messrs. Allen, Arendell, Avery, Blackburn,
Campbell of Walton, Chapman, Duval, Foy, Gee, Hannah. Hew-
ett, Jones, Leslie, McGehee, Mettauer, Pittman and Thomas--17.
For TRAPNELL-MTessrs. Craft, Lee, Overstreet, Richardson
and Seward-5.
No person having received a majority of the votes cast, the
Speaker declared there was no election.
The House proceeded to a third vote for Enrolling Clerk.
The name of Mr. Trapnell was withdrawn.
The vote was:
For McINTOSH-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Baltzell, Black-
burn, Campbell of Liberty, Craft, Garnie, Hampton, Henry,
Jackson, Jenkins, Jones, Lee, McGehee, Mizell, Newbern, Over-
street, Polhill, Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia, Richardson,
Ross, Scott, Sessions, Seward, Smith and Williams-27.
For ALDERMAN-Messrs. Allen, Avery, Campbell of Walton,
Chapman, Duval, Foy, Gee, Hannah, Hewett, Leslie, Mettauer,
Pittman and Thomas-13.
Mr. McIntosh was declared duly elected Enrolling Clerk.
The House then proceeded to the election of Doorkeeper.
Mr. Hampton nominated Archibald Campbell.
On motion, Mr. Campbell was elected by acclamation.
The House then proceeded to the election of Sergeant-at-Arms.
Mr. Campbell of Liberty nominated George W. Floyd.
Mr. Allen nominated Joseph Roney.
The vote was:
For FLOYD-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Avery, Baltzell, Campbell

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of Liberty, Campbell of Walton, Chapman, Craft, Duval, Foy,
Garnie, Gee, Hampton, Henry, Hewett, Jackson, Jenkins, Leslie,
McGehee, Mettauer, Mizell, Newburn, Overstreet, Pittman, Pol-
hill, Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia, Richardson, Ross,
Scott, Sessions, Seward, Smith, Thomas-33.
For RoNEY-mMessrs. Allen, Arendell, Blackburn, Hannah,
Jones, Lee and Williams-7.
Mr. Floyd was duly elected Sergeant-at-Arms..
The House then proceeded to the election of Messenger.
Mr. Price of Columbia nominated John W. Tompkins.
On motion, Mr. Tompkins was elected Messenger by acclam-
ation.
The officers elected came forward and were duly sworn by C.
H. Austin, Esq., Notary Public.
On motion, a committee was appointed consisting of Messrs.
Arendell, Baltzell and Lee, to select a Chaplain for the House.
On motion of Mr. Avery, the Rules of the last House of Rep-
resentatives were adopted for the government of: the present
House.
SOn motion of Mr. Williams, the Sergeant-at-Arms was directed
to purchase stationery for the use of the members.
On motion of Mr. Avery, a committee of three was appointed,
consisting of Messrs. Avery, Henry and Williams, to inform the
Senate that the House is now organized and ready to proceed to
business.
On motion of Mr. Baltzell, 80 copies of the Rules of the House
were ordered to be printed for the use of the House during the
present session.
The committee appointed to inform the Senate of the organi-
zation of the House reported that they had performed that duty
and said committee was discharged.
On motion of Mr. Williams, the House proceeded to the elec-
tion of a Printer.
Mr. Williams nominated Messrs. Dyke & Carlisle.
On motion, Messrs. Dyke & Carlisle were elected by acclama-
tion.
Mr. Williams moved that a committee of three be appointed
to contract with the Printer.
Mr. Baltzell moved to amend the motion by adding and that
it be the duty of the said committee to ascertain if a more suita-
ble Ind less expensive mode of printing the Journal of the House
may not be adopted;"
Which amendment was accepted, and the motion agreed to..
The Speaker appointed Messrs. Williams, Baltzell and Allen,,
a Committee in accordance with: aid motion..

9

1Mr. Campbell moved that the House adjourn until to-morrow,
12 o'clock, M.
"Which was not agreed to.
Mr. Jones moved that the House adjourn until to-morrow,
9 o'clock, A. M.
Mr. Williams moved that the Houst adjourn until to-morrow,
11 o'clock, A. M.
The motion of Mr. Williams was agreed to, and the House
accordingly adjourned uutil to-morrow morning 11 o'clock.

STANDING RULES OF THE HOUSE.

RULE 1. The Speaker shalltake the Chair every day, precisely
at the hour to which the House shall have adjourned on the pre-
ceding day; shall immediately call the members to order, and,
on the appearance of a quorum, shall cause the Journal of the
proceeding day to be read.
2. He shall preserve order and decorum ; may speak to points
of order in preference to other members, rising from his seat for
that purpose; and shall decide questions of order, subject to an
appeal to the House by any two members; on which appeal no
member shall speak more than once, unless by leave of the
House.
3. He shall rise to put the question, but may state it sitting.
4. No member shall speak to any other, or otherwise interrupt
the business of the House, or read any newspaper, or other pa-
per, while the Journals or other public papers are being read,
nor pass between the Speaker and any other member who may
be addressing the House.
5. Every member, when he speaks, shall address the Chair,
standing in his place, and when he has finished shall sit down;
nor shall any member speak more than twice on any one subject
without leave of the House.
6. When two or more members shall arise at the same time,
the Speaker shall name the person entitled to proceed.
7. When a member shall be called to order, he shall sit down
until the Speaker shall have determined whether he is in order
or not; and every question of order shall be decided by the
Speaker, without debate, subject to an appeal to the House.
8. If a member shall be called to order for words spke-i, the
exceptionable words shall be immediately taken down in writing
by th. person objecting, that the speaker may be better able to
judge of the matter.
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9. No member shall absent himself from the service of the
House without leave of the House; and in case a less number
than a quorum shall convene, they are hereby authorized to send
the Sergeant-at-Arms for (any or) all absent memiber-, as the
majority of such members present shall agree, at the expense
of such absent members respectively, unless such excuse for
non-attendance shall be made as the House (when a quorum
is convened) shall judge sufficient.
10. No motion shall be debated until the same shall, be re-
duced to writing, delivered in at the table, read and seconded.
11. When a question is under debate, no motion shall be re-
ceived but to adjourn, to lay it on the table, to postpone indefin-
itely, to postpone to a certain day, to commit or to amend ; which
several motions shall have precedence in the order in which
they stand arranged; and the motion for adjournment shall al-
ways be in order, and the motions to adjourn or lay on the table
shall be decided without debate.
12. If the question in debate contains several points, any mem--
ber may have the same divided.
13. In filling up blanks, the largest sum and longest time shall
be first put.
14. When the reading of a paper is called for, and.the same is
objected to by any member, it shall be determined by vote of
the House, without debate.
15. When the yeas and nays shall be called for by two of the
members present, every member within the bar of the House at
the time the question was put by the Speaker, shall (unlks for
special reasons he be excused by the House,) declare openly and
without debate his assent or dissent to the question. In taking
the yeas and nays, and, upon the call of the House, the names of
the members shall be taken alphabetically and the Speaker shall
in all cases vote first.
16. No member shall be permitted to vote on any question
who was without the bar of the House at the time the question
was put, unless by consent of the House, and no motion to per-
mit sach member to vote shall be in order, unless it sh1ll be
made before the House shall proceed to other business.
17. On a motion made and seconded to shut the door of the
Iouse in the discussion of any business, in which discussion the
public safety may, in the opinion of the House, imperiously re-
quire secresy, the I-ouse shall direct the Speaker, to cause the
lobby to be cleared, and, during the discussing of such business,
the door shall remain shut, and no person shall be admitted ex-
cept by special order of the House.
18. The following order shall be observed in taking up the
business of the House, viz: 1st, motions; 2d, petitions, memori-

:als and other papers addressed either to the House or the Speak-
er thereof; 3rd resolutions ; 4th, reports of Standing Commit-
tees; 5th, reports of Select Committees ; 6th, messages from the
Senate lying on the table; and, lastly, orders of the day.
19. When a question has once been made and carried in the
affirmative or negative, it shall be in order for any member of
the majority to move for a reconsideration thereof; but no
motion for the reconsideration of any vote shall be in order
after a bill, resolution, message, report, amendment of motion
upon which the vote was taken, shall have gone out or posses-
sion of the House, announcing their decision; nor shall any mo-
tion for reconsideration be in order unless made on the same day
on which the vote was taken, or within the two next days of the
actual session of the House thereafter.
20. All'the questions shall be put by the Speaker of the House,
and the members shall signify their assent or dissent by answer-
ing vi-a voce, yea or nay, and in the event of a tie, the question
shall be decided in the negative.
21. The Speaker of the House, or the Speaker pro tem., shall
have the right' to name a member to perform the duties of the
Chair, but such substitution shall not extend beyond an adjourn-
ment.
22. Before any petition, memorial or other paper addressed
either to the House or to the Speaker thereof, shall be received
and read at the table, whether the same be introduced by the
Speaker or a member, a brief statement of the contents of the
petition, memorial, or other paper, shall be made by the introdu-
cer.
23. One day's notice at least shall be given of an intended mo-
tion for leave to bring in a bill, and no bill shall be written or
printed except by express order of the House.
24. Every bill and all resolutions of a public nature, or for the
appropriation of the public money, shall receive three readings
previously to the final passage of such bill or resolution, and the
Speaker shall give notice at each, whether it be the iirst, second
or third readings, which readings shall be on three different
days, unless four-fifths of the members shall otherwise direct.
25. At the second reading of any bill or resolution, it shall be
in order for any member to move its commitment to a Commit-
tee of the whole House; that it lay on the table; for its indefin-
ite postponement; for its postponement to a day certain, not
beyond the session; for its commitment to a Standing Commit-
tee; to a Select Committee; or to amend; which motions shall
have precedence in. the order above stated.
26. It shall not be in order to amend the title of any bill or
resolution until it shall have passed its third reading.

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27. The titles of bills, and such parts thereof only as shall be
affected by the proposed amendments, shall be inserted on the
journals.
28. The following Standing Committees, to consist of not less
than five members each, shall be appointed by the Speaker at the
commencement of each session, with leave to report by bill or
otherwise, viz: .A Committee on the Judiciary; a Committee on
the Militia; a Committee on Finance and Public Accounts; a
Committee on Claims; a Committee on Schools and Colleges; a
Committee on Internal Improvements; a Committee on Enrolled
Bills and Engrossed Bills; a Committee on Elections; a. Com-
mittee on Propositions and Grievances; a Committee on Con-
federate Relations; a Committee on Corporations ; a Committee
on Indian Affairs; a Committee on Agriculture; a Committee
on Commerce and Navigation; a Committee on Taxation and
Revenue, and a Committee on the State of the Commonwealth.
29. All confidential communications made by the Governor to
the House, and all business in the consideration of which the in-
junction of secresy shall have been imposed, shalibe by the mem-
bers thereof kept secret, until the House, by its resolution, shall
take off the injunction of secresy.
30. Each member of Select Committees shall, with their Chair-
man, sign every report made to the House, if they concur
therein.
31. Messages may be received at any stage of the business,
except while a question is being put, or while the yeas and nays
are being called.
32. The Governor and Secretary and members of the Senate
shall be admitted to a seat within the bar of the House, and any
other person shall be admitted in -like manner, upon being invited
by a member.
33. The Clerk, the Sergeant-at-Arms. and Door-Keeper shall
be severally sworn by a judicial officer of the State, well and
faithfully to discharge their respective duties, and to keep secret
the proceedings of the House when sitting with closed doors.
34. All acts, addresses and joint resolutions shall be signed by
the Speaker; and all writs, warrants and subpoenas issued by
order of the House, shall be under his hand and seal, and attested
by the Clerk.
35. In case of any disturbance or disorderly conduct in the
lobby, the Speaker or Chairman of the Committee of the Whole
House, shall have the power to order the same to be cleared.
36. Reporters wishing to take down the debates and proceed-
ings, may be admitted by the Speaker, who shall assign such
places to them on the floor, or elsewhere, as shall not interfere
with the convenience of the I-ouse.

13

37. No member shall vote on the question in the event of which
he may have a private or personal interest.
38. After a motion is stated by the Speaker or read by the
Clerk, it shall be deemed in possession of-the House, but may be
withdrawn at any time before a decision or amendment.
39. The previous question shall be in this form: Shall the
main question be now put ?" and shall be decided by a majority
of the members present, without debate; and until it is decided
shall preclude all amendments, and further debate of the main
question.
40. When a question is postponed indefinitely, the same shall
not be acted upon again during the session.
41. No motion or proposition on a subject different from that
under consideration, shall be admitted under color of amendment.
42. The unfinished business in which the House was e:igged
at the adjournment, shall have the preference in the orders of the
day, and no motion on any other-business shall be received without
special leave of the House, until the former is disposed of.
43. Upon the call of the House, the names of the members
shall be called over by the Clerk and the absentees noted; after
which, the names of the absentees shall again be called over, the
doors shall then be shut, and those for whom no excuse or in-
sufficient excuses are made, may, by order of those present, be
taken into custody as they appear, or may be sent for and taken
into custody wherever to be found by the Sergeant-at-Arms.
44. When a member shall be discharged from custody and
admitted to his seat, the House shall determine whether such
discharge shall be with or without paying fees.
45. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Elections to ex-
amine and report upon the .certificates of election, or other cre-
dentials, of the members returned to serve in this House, and to
take into their consideration all such petitions and other matters
touching elections and returns as shall or may be presented or
come into question, and be referred to them by the House.
4G. No committee shall sit during the sitting of the House
without special leave.
47. All bills ordered to be engrossed, shall be executed, in a
fair round hand and without erasures of interlineations.
48. Before a bill or resolution requiring three readings shall
be read tLe third time, it shall be carefully engrossed under the
direction of the Clerk, and upon the third reading of the bill or
resolution, it shall not be committed or amended without the con-
sent of three-fourths of the I-House.
49. No amendment by way of rider shall be received to any
bill on its third reading.

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50. When a bill or resolution shall have passed its third read-
ing, it shall be certified by the clerk endorsing thereon the day
of its passage, and be transmitted to the Senate, accompanied
with a message stating the title of the bill or resolution, and ask--
ing the concurrence of that body, and its transmission shall be
-entered upon the Journal.
51. Bills committed to a committee of the whole House shall
be first read throughout by the clerk, and then again read and
debated by clauses, leaving the preamble to be last considered.
The body of the said bill shall not be interlined and defaced,
but all'amendments, noting the page and line, shall be duly en-
tered by the clerk on a separate paper, as the same shall be
agreed to by the committee, and so reported to the House. Af-
ter report, the bill shall again be subject to be debated and
amended by clauses.
52. It shall be in order for the Committee on Enrolled and En-
grossed Bills to report at any time.
53. Messages shall be transmitted to the Governor and Sen-
ate by the Door-keeper, unless otherwise directed by the House.
54. No bill shall be introduced into the House on the last week
of the session, nor shall the rules, or any. of them, be rescinded
or suspended, unless two-thirds of the members present so di-
rect.
55. That upon the adjournment of the General Assembly, the
Clerk of the House shall be required to file in the office of the
Secretary of State, all papers on file with him relating to unfin-
ished business, all original papers and Journals of the House, and
that he be required to obtain a certificate from the Secretary of
State that such has been done, and file the same with the Treas-
urer before receiving his compensation.
56. In all cases not provided for by these Rules, pnrli:nmentary
practice, as laid down in Jefferson's Manual, is hereby adopted.

WEDNESDAY, November 19, 1862.

The House met pursuant to adjournment.
A quorum present.
The Rev. J. O. Branch officiated as Chaplain.
On motion of Mr. Williams, the reading of the journal of yes-
terday's proceedings were dispensed with.
Mr. Jackson moved that the Sergeant-at-Arms be instructed to
furnish the members of the House a copy ot journals of last Ses-

15

sion; also a copy of the Constitution and Ordinances of the Con-
vention.
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Baltzell moved that the Clerk of the House do record his
journal on each day, if possible, in time for the next morning.
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Allen gave notice that he would on some future day ask
leave to introduce the following bill:
A bill to be entitled an Act for the relief of families of indi-
gent soldiers.
Mr. Arendell, from a select committee, made the following re-
port:
The committee appointed yesterday to select a suitable person
for Chaplain of this House, have discharged that duty and report
the name of Rev. J. O. Branch.
W. H. ARENDELL,
J. A. LEE,
T. BALTZELL.
Which was received and read, and on motion concurred in.
On motion of Mr. Henry, the House adjourned until to-mor-
row morning, 11 o'clock.

THURSDAY, November 20th, 1862.

The House met pursuant to adjournment.
A qubrum present.
The Rev. J. O. Branch officiated as Chaplain.
The Journal of yesterday's proceedings was read and ap-
proved.
A Committee from the Senate appeared at the Bar and in-
formed the House that the Senate was now organized and ready
to proceed to business.
A Committee from the Senate appeared at the Bar and in-
formed the House that they had been appointed to act with a
similar Committee on the part of the House to wait upon his
Excellency the Governor, and inform him of the organization of
the General Assembly.

16

JMr. Allen moved that a Committee of three be appointed to
act With a similar Committee on the part of the Senate to wait
on his Excellency the Governor and inform him that the Gen-
eral A:-.enhly has organiized, and is ready to receive any com-
munication he may be pleased to make;
Which was agreed to, and Messrs. Allen, Arendell and Garnie
appointed said committee.
Mr. Scott moved that each member of the H-ouse be furnished
wtih a copy of the Acts of the last General Assembly if they can
be obtained;
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Jackson moved that the Messenger of the House be di-
rected to finish the Chaplain of the House with the journals of
the prc:'edings of the same on the morning previous to its ses-
sion of each day;
7Which was agreed to.
Notice was given of intention to introduce the following bills
at some future day, viz:
By iMr. Hampton :
A bill to be entitled an act to provide the indigent soldiers' fam-
ilies with salt and cotton cards, and for other purposes;
A bill to be entited an act to regulate and raise the price of
public lands to be sold or entered hereafter in the State of Flor-
ida; also,
A bill to be entitled an act to amend the election laws and to
prescribe the manner and mode of voting.
By Mr. Avery :
A bill to be entitled an act relating to right of way.
By M r. Jenkins:
A bill to be entitled an act to consolidated the offices of Si ;nrirj
and T;-: Assessor and Collector in Hernando county; also,
A bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act to facilitate the con-
struction of the St. Johns and Indian River Canal, approved Jan-
uary 1 1857, and for other purposes.
By Jr. Chlinpmn :
A bill to be entitled an act to regulate proceedings before Jus-
tices of the PT::'c in the trial of offences iomit t.ed by s!:ve.s
fiee ..: '.cs Iad mulattoes.
By Mr. Pittman :
A bill to be eiil'! an act for the relief of Jailers in the sev-
eral counties in this S1ite.
-y Mr. Lee:
-A bill to be 1 e it'.! an nat to levy a special tax on 10i:- lands
of non-rc.-dnts of the State.
Mr. Scott ,v,..,ed that a committee of five be appointed on
Public Lieds;

17

Mr. Avery moved to amend the motion by making the com-
mittee one of the standing committees;
Which amendment was accepted and the motion agreed to.
The Speaker announced the following Standing Committees :

STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE.

Committee on .Jaciary : On Internal Improvements :
Messrs. BALTZELL, Messrs. AVERY,
AVERY, JONES,
ALLEN, PITTMAN,
ROSS, HENRY,
CRAFT. LEE.

Finance d& Public Accounts: Propositions and Grievances :
Messrs. PRICE of Columbia, Messrs. HANNAH,
SCOTT, POLHILL,
LESLIE, GEE,
JENKINS, MIZELL,
CHAPMAN. ATKINS.

On Confederate -Relations: On Indian Affairs:
Messrs. ALLEN. Messrs. JENKINS,
ROSS, NEWBERN,
HEWETT, OVERSTREET,
DUVAL, CRAFT,
JONES. ANDREU.

On Corporations: On Elections:
Messrs. PRICE of Alachua, Messrs. GARNIE,
ANDREU, RUST,
CRAFT, CAMPBELL of Liberty
BALTZELL, WILLIAMS,
JACKSON. SESSIONS.

On Claims: On Militia:
Messrs. HAMPTON, Messrs. JONES,
HANNAH, JENKINS,
PITTMAN, THOMAS,
FOY, WILLIAMS,
JACKSON. ARENDELL.
3

18

On Commwerce anda ;lwyj.i : On' Schools and Colleges:
Messrs. ANDREU, Messrs. CAMPBELL, of0 Wialoi
ARENDELL, SMITH,
MicGEHEE, BALTZELL,
HENRY, ATKINS,
JACKSON. SEWARD.
On Taxation and Revenue: On EnAgrossed Bills :
Messrs. CHAPMAN, M7essrs. PITTMAN,
HAMPTON, RICHARDSON,
BLACKBURN, DUVAL,
METTAUER, ATKINS,
NEWBURN. THOMAS.
On Agriculture : On Eu nrIi:d 7Bils :
Miessrs. HENRY, Messrs. CRAFT,
WILLIAMS, GEE,
FOY, MIZELL,
RICHARDSON, LEE,
HIGGINBOTHAM. LESLIE.
On the State of the Comon1i 'ldth:
Messrs. ROSS, HIGGINBOTHA1I' ,
RUST, HEWITT.
BALTZELL,

The following communication from the State Treasurer wx:
received and read:
TREASURY OFFICE,
Tallahassee, Nov. 19, 1862.
To the Jioora.Jls the Prcs.idcnt of the Senate
and Speaker of the Hzouse of 'wscnt,..tfi:, :
SIrs-Several of the Tax Collectors offer to pay into the Treas-
ury considerable amounts of the Confederate Treasury Notes of
the Hoyer &F Ludwig issue-the issue upon which the counter-
feits were extensively perpetrated some three months since. :
is known that the Treasury Department at Richmond advertised
to redeem these notes by exchanging others for them and sto]
their longer circulation. The Banks refused to receive them, and
the consequence has been almost their general discredit. Patie
holding claims against the State refuse to receive them; and to
take them into the Treasury now may produce more emb:';ars--
ment and risk than would seem to be required without aiuthority
by law.
Respectfully,
C. H. AUSTIN, Treasurer.

19

On motion of Mr. Baltzell, the communication was referred to
the Committee on Taxation and Revenue.
Mr. Baltzell presented a petition from Needham Yates;
Which was read, and, on motion, referred to the Committee
on Elections.
The rules being waived, Mr. Duval gave notice that he would
on some future day introduce the following bill:
A bill to be entitled an act to consolidate the offices of Judge
of Probate and Clerk of the Circuit Court for Manatee county.
Mr. Chapman presented a petition from Nelson O. J. Staley,
Tax Assessor and Collector of Jackson county;
Which was read and referred to the Committee on Taxation
and Revenue.
The following message was received from the Senate:
SENATE CHAMBER,
Thursday Nov. 20th, 1862.
To the Hon. T. J. EPPES,
Speaker of the House of Relpresentatives:
SIr: The Senate has passed Joint Resolutions in relation to
-deceased soldiers.
Respectfully,
EDWARD J. JUDAH,
Sec'y Senate.
Which was read and the resolution placed among the orders
of the day.
On motion of Mr. Hampton, the rules were waived, and he
Granted leave of absence from the adjournment this day until
Monday next.
Mr. Jenkins introduced the following resolution:
-Be it Resolved by the Hlouse of Representatives, That the
.: Register of Public Lands be instructed to furnish this House
with a list of the names of such persons as have entered lands to
-the amount of six hundred and forty acres, or over, under the
SOrdinances of the late Convention, specifying the quantity of
land entered by each, and the price paid per acre--and the coun-
ties wherein such lands are situated.
Which was adopted.
The committee appointed to wait upon his Excellency the Gov-
ernor, and inform him of the organization of the General Assem-
bly, appeared at the bar and reported that they had performed
". their duty and were discharged.
~ ~~~~* ~~IUJ -C*i\- '1 VIV U~-V-' ~ i

20

ORDERS OF THE DAY.

Resolution in relation to deceased soldiers;
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
to-morrow.
The rules being waived, Mr. Williams moved that the journal
of Tuesday be so amended as to make his motion of that day au-
thorizing the Sergeant-at-Arms to purchase stationary, read as
follows:
Mr. Williams moved that the Sergeant-at-Armn be directed to
purchase stationary and lights for the use of the House
Which was agreed to.
The rules being waived, Mr. Baltzell moved that the clerk of
this House do make purchase of a record book in which to en-
ter its proceedings.
Which was agreed to.
The following communication was received from his Excellen-
cy the Governor:.

EXECUTIVE DEPAuTMENT,
Tallahassee, November 17, 1862.
lFellow Citizens of the Senate
candy House of Representatives : ,
Since the adjournment of the last General Assembly im-
portant events have occurred in the State. Our enemy, the
United States, have taken possession of Pensacola, Eernan-
dina, St. Augustine, and the St. John's River. The loss of
property to the State, and to many of our fellow citizens
individually, has been immense, but a brave and generous
people never complain of sacrifices necessary to the main-
tenance of their freedom and independence, and will ever
cheerfully and cordially exert themselves to uphold the gov-
ernment of their choice, to which they have confided all their
means of protection. The enemy threaten not simply to
subjugate Florida, but to drive off, rob or murder the citi-
zens, and to colonize the State with negroes and foreigners.
To give fearful effect to the diabolical threat, much reliance
is placed upon a recent proclamation of His Excellency
Abraham Lincoln, tie President of the United States. As
the means the most terrific which could be devised to alarm

"the people of the South, and t th termiinate the bloody war
inaugurated by the fanaticism -and wicked folly of the Abo-
litionists of the North, President Lincoln has been induced
to issue a Proclamation, attested by his distinguished Secre-
tary of State, Hon. William H. Seward, emancipating the
slaves in States which refuse to recognize his power, and to
he represented in the Congress of the United States.
The Proclanation has been regarded by the people of the
Confederate St t s with scorn and contempt, and the effects
produced by it uIc 1 the minds of enlightened and patriotic
statesmen in the United States and Europe, have presented
to the consideration of President Lincoln his own despicable
-character as a perjured usurper and malignant tyrant.
Thus placed hours de combat with the judgment of civilized
'nations, his pitying sympathizers, to relieve the distinguished
President from the disreputable position, have insinuated
!that he issued the Proclamation to convince pestiferous
fanatics of their folly, as an ancient king of England and
Denmark did, when, "to confound his flatterers, he seated
himself upon the strand and commanded the waves to retire."
But, unfortunately for his Excellency, his Proclamation
illustrates the wicked folly of Belshazzar, rather than the
Wisdom of Canute.
Belshazzar sacrilegiously polluted the golden vessels that
'were taken out of the house of God which was at Jerusalem.
Lincoln, with a traitor's ambition, has desecrated the Constitu-
tion of his country, which was revered as the palladium of
eivil liberty and the ark of its political safety. Under the
righteous condemnation of all statesmen of intelligence and
patriotism, President Lincoln now tremblingly -beholds
written upon the plaster of the wall", MENE, MENE,
TEKEL, UPHA.RSIN."

STATE TROOPS AND STATE DEFENCES.

Florida has responded fully to every call made for troops

4

22
to sustain the Confederate Government. Previous to the
Act of Congress known as the Conscript Act," nearly all
capable of clearing arms had volunteered for Confideratc
service.
When the last General Assembly adjourned, Middle Flo-
rida, and that part of West Florida between Apalachicola
and Choctawhatchee River, were defended exclusively and
successfully by troops in the service of the State.
There were no Confederate forces in the State East of
Ch:ct.iwhachee River, except those at Fernandina, at St.
August.ine, and near the St. John's River, and at Tampa.
On the 14th of January last there was a called Session
of the Convention, begun and held at the Capitol."
The President of the Convention, in his address to it, stated
that The principal cause which has moved me to call you
together on this occasion, is the danger that in my judgment
threatens the finances of the State. These are extraordinary
and lnolnentous times. The difficulties and embarrassments
that now press upon our whole country-growing out of the
war in which we are engaged-make it necessary to resort
to extraordinary means to enable the State to act her part in
conducting it.
The blockade has cut off all intercourse with other coun-
tries, and for the present, has rendered useless and valueless
the staples by which our people have heretofore been enabled
to raise money, and it has become necessary to raise and use
credit as a substitute. Accordingly, the General Assembly,
on the :4th of January last, passed an Act to authorize the
issue of $500,000 in Treasury Notes, to be used as money,
and to sustain their credit, provided that they should be
received in payment of all dues of the State, including the
Public Lands ; and on the same day passed also, An Act to
authorize the issue of Bonds to the amount of $500,000 by
the Commonwealth of Florida,' making an aggregate of
$1,000,000, Bonds and Treasury Notes.

23

Your Convention, on the 26th April, 1861, passed 'An
:Ordinance to raise money for the immediate exigencies of
the State, and for the payment of the public debt.' "
"In the first section of that ordinance it is ordained That
the Governor be and he is hereby authorized to borrow the
sum of $500,000, to be applied first to the debts of the State,
and secondly to such other purposes as the condition of the
country may render necessary.'
In the fourth section of this ordinance it is 'ordained
that the revenue arising from the sales of the Public Lands,
except the proceeds of the sales of lands specially set apart
for Education and Internal Improvement, shall be primarily
applied to the payment of the interest of the Bonds enacted
by this ordinance.'
On the 29th April, 1861, the Convention passed an or-
dinance supplemental to the ordinance just recited, the first
section of which is, Be it ordained by the People of the
State of Florida in Convention assembled, that the Register
of Public Lands of this State be and lie is hereby directed and
instructed to receive in payment for any lands heretofore
sold, or that may be hereafter sold, through or by his office,
nothing but gold or silver coin, or the bills of solvent Banks,
anything that may be contained in any act of the General
Assembly to the contrary notwithstanding.'
It is manifest, therefore, that the General Assembly and
the Convention felt the necessity of making preparation for
the crisis, and both did so but their schemes of finance are
in some respects inconsistent, and conflict.
The Act of the General Assembly authorizes the pur-
chase of Public Lands with Treasury Notes of the State-
the ordinance of the Convention forbids it. The ordinance
of the Convention also repealed the Act of the General
Assembly authorizing a loan of $500,000 upon Bonds of the
State, leaving in force the Act directing the issue of ;5<0,-
000 in Treasury Notes, and the ordinance of the Convention
authorizing the Governor to borrow $500,000 upon the 8

2.4

per cent. Coupon Bonds of: the- State. IIf the practical
working of these schemes of finance, it is found the Coupon:
Bonds of the State, authorized to be issued by the Conven-
tion, cannot be sold, and the money contemplated to be
raised by this means is not available, leaving the only
resource for the supply of money for the -State the Treasury
Notes.
"To sustain the credit of these notes, therefore, has
become a matter of vital importance to the State.. With
them she must pay her debts, meet her current expenses,
and defray the expenses of her army. To suffer them to
depreciate would entail upon her people a disaster that would
be appalling indeed.
How, it may be asked, can the Convention accomplish
this desirable object? Let it be replied, by the application
of every resource within her power or control."
The Act of the General Assembly of the 14th February,
1861, provides that they shall be received in all the dues of
the State. Let the Convention so modify, amend or repeal
the ordinances heretofore passed, that they may be received
in payment of the proceeds of the sales of public lands here-
tofore iimade or hlerceifter to be made, and authorize the hold--
ers to invest them in the 8 per cent. Coupon Bonds, directed
to be issued by Ordinance No. 34. These are the resources
of the State that occur to my mind as fairly and properly
applicable to the object of sustaining the credit of the Treas-
ury Notes. I commend the subject to the earnest consider-
ation of the Convention, hoping that by, your wisdom the
well-being of the commonwealth may be provided for through
the trying crisis in wh-l;ic we are involved."
It was no doubt presuneln1 when the Convention had as-
senmbled and nacemplished the alleged )purpose for which it
was called, it wouldl adjourn, but it continued in session from
the 14th to the 27thl of January, and passedd many important
ordinanlies, vitally affecting the best interests of the State...

\

25

It passed an ordinance in the following words, as appears by
the Journal of the Convention:
Be it ordain d1 by the People of the State of Florida in
Convention assembled, That, whereas, it is the sense of this
Convention, that in all Military operations a divided power
engenders confusion and weakness; that in prosecuting this
war of defence, the several States are a unit, represented by
the Confederate Government, to which the sole power and
management of such war of right belongs :
Be it therefore Ordaine!d, That the Governor be, and he
is hereby required, on or before the 10th day of March next,
to transfer into the Confederate service, all troops now in the
service of the State; and, if they fail, or refuse to go into
the Confederate service, said troops shall be disbanded."
The troops which were in the service of the State, were
well armed and finely disciplined; had rendered and were
rendering efficient service. They had protected from inva-
sion the portion of the State which they were intended to
protect; prevented slaves from escaping to the enemy; and
had effectually cut off communication between the enemy
and disloyal persons near the coast. Long previous to the
meeting of the Convention I had used every proper influence
to induce the volunteers in the State service to enter into,
and had applied to the Secretary of War to receive them in
the Confederate service, preserviirg their military org aniza-
tion; or if he would not do so, to assume the expenses incurred
for the maintenance of State troops in the defence of the
State. Called upon, by him, to co-operate in the defence of
the State with State troops, a doubt could not be reasonably
entertained of the willingness and duty of the Confederate
Government to defray all necessary expenses. For a prece-
dent to justify this opinion, consider the history of the
American Revolution, and of the United States Government
in the adjustment of Military claims. But the expense

26

should have been a matter of trivial consideration compared
with the objects to be accomplished.
I regretted very much and yet regret, the hasty action of
the Convention upon the subject. The effect of their Ordi-
nance was, in spite of every effort I could make, to disband
the State forces, and thus create the necessity of abandoning
Apalachicola and other important positions to the mercy of
the enemy. I believed then, and now believe, a more sue-
cessful defence could be made at the city of Apalachico:la,
than at any point on the river, and I believed also, that the
maintenance of our position at the city, was necessary to the
proper protection of Middle and West Florida.
Impressed with this belief, I used every effort in my po'w-
er to induce the Confederate Government to maintain the.
position, and I was inlfoirmed by the Secretary of War that
he could spare no forces for the purpose, but appealed for ac-
tive efforts on the part of the State. I then applied to the:
Governors of Georgia and Aliab]ma to aid me with forces to:
do it. The Governors of these States informed me that it
was out of their power to render assistance. Letters upon
the subject from the Secretary of War were submitted to the,
consideration of the Convention, and I appeared in person,
before their august body with the entire correspondence, and
appealed to them, by every argument which I had the ability
to make, to prevent their Ordinance going into effect-point-
ed out then whale would be, and have been, the disastrous
results of the Ordinance. But all efforts in my power were-
wholly unavailing.
No sooner was the.Ordinance and its effect upon the State
troops made known officially to the Confederate Government,
than, impressed with the imminent danger to which other im-
portant parts of the Confederac-y were thereby exposed, the
Confederate forces which were in service in East, South and.
Middle Florida, were ordered to the Chattahoochee River.
St. Augustine, Fernandina, the St. Johns River, Tampa and
even St. Marks, were ordered to be abandoned. The order

w:s indiscreet and extraordinary, and successful efforts were
made by me to have it revoked or modified-butprevious to
its revocation, all important positions in East Florida were
lost.
Unable to induce the troops at Apalachicola to volunteer
in the Confederate service, or continue them in the State
service at Apalachicola after the 10th arch, and no forces
having reached the river in time to occupy the position, I
was constrained to issue an order to Gen. R. F. Floyd, the
gallant officer in command of the troops, to dismount, his
',runs and retire with them out of the reach of the enemy.
The order was executed in the presence of the enemy with-
out the loss of a gun, any munitions of war, or any of the
commissary stores. The guns were brought up the river,
placed in battery at Rico's Bluff, and turned over to the of-
ficer then in command of the. Military Department. The
"St '-e troops having been paid off, were disbanded, except
the few who volunteered in Confederate service, upon con-
dition for furloughs to return home.
Such are the facts. But it is unnecessary to deplore the
past. The question is, what can now be done for the de-
fence of the State ? Shall we depend exclusively upon the
Confederate Government for defence? Shall we not do all
"in our power to aid the Government i-n our defence ? Ae
have no militia ready for service, and for reasons assigned in
a special message to the last General Assembly, and which
appear upon the Journals. The militia laws of the State
are worse than dead letters; they are a tissue of absurdities,
and I appeal to you to repeal the militia laws entirely, and
to enact a suitable law by which every man and boy between
the ages of 16 and 60, capable of bearing arms, may be im-
mediately organized into an effective body of militia and
prel:red for immediate service. Vacate the few militia of-
fices which have not been vacated by resignations, and let
suitable officers be elected or appointed to counmand.
Ignore the militia "beat lines as established, and organ-

28

ize companies, battalions and regiments, according to the
condition of our populiat ioIn. No man should be exempt
from militia service who is capable of bearing arms. Upon
your prompt and wise legislation upon this subject depend,
perhaps, the lives, liberty and property of your fellow citi-
zens-the existence and the honor of the State.
You may suppose the late act of Congress and its amend-
ments may interpose insuperable obstacles, in regard to those
between the ages of 18 and 45 years. Such, however, is
not the fact. Those between the ages of 1S and 35 have al-
ready been enrolled, and the nulmbler capable of efficient
military service are scarcely enough to make one company.
Thus, by the enforcement of the Coii:ncript act, the patrio-
tism evinced by Floridians in volunteering to fight the bat-
tles of the country has been attested and made manifest.
The act of Congress gives a discretion to the President of
the Confederate States, which, under the peculiar circumlstan-
ces of the State, he will exercise wisely and judiciously.
The militia may be organized so as to embrace those
under 18 and over 45, to act as minute men, when.l necessary
to co-operate with forces in Confederate service. Those be-
tween those ages, when organized, may be mustered into
Confederate service for the defences of the State.
The ]l:-nuber whio in Florida have volunteered in the
Confederatc service, and promptly obeyed orders to march
to Virginia, Georgia, Tenne.see and other States, has been
mnad known officially to the proper dcpartmelnt of Govern-
ment. In almost every battle that has been fought, Florida
has been honorably distinguished by her gallant sons. fMany
of them have nobly fallen, vindicating fearlessly and un-
fhli-.-ingly the sacred rights and high character of intelli-
gent freemen. Florida feels the inspiring loss, and should
be animated by it to sustain during the war, the distin-
gnis:hed position won by the chivalry of her sons.

29

THE CONSCRIPT ACT.

You may believe it to be my duty to express the opinions
I entertain, with regard to the constitutionality and expedi-
ency of the Act of Congress, called the Conscript Law.-
"When notified by the Secretary of War of the passage of the
Act, and when I read it, and reflected upon the causes which
induced Congress to pass it, the impression made upon my
mind was, that the extraordinary circumstances which threat-
ened the disbandment of the army in the field, and the Con-
federate States with subjugation by the enemy, demanded
of Congress extraordinary legislation, and that if the Act
was not constitutional, it was a judicial question, which should
be decided, if at all, by the proper department of Govern-
ment, and that each individual whose rights might be con-
sidered in jeopardy, would have the protection of an enlight-
ened judiciary. I did not consider it necessarily, a question
of political power between the Confederate and State Gov-
ernment. Moreover, in the existing condition of political
and social affairs, concert of action between the State Gov-
ernments and the Confederate Government was and is nec-
essary to the successful maintenance of the war wiith the
United States, the achievement of the independence of the
Confederate States, and the protection of the lives, liberty
and property of the citizens of the respective St-tes. I know
that it is frequently said, that : vigilance is the price of lib-
erty," and that the independence and sovereignty of the
States, should be equally guarded against the encroachments
of Confederate power. The unity of interest between the
States is such that I entertain no serious apprehension of
permanent detriment to tthe rights of the States, and while I
appreciate the axiom that vigilance is the price of liberty,"
I consider it much more important, during the. existence of
the war, to watch and baffle the purposes of the enemy, than
with skeptical apprehensions to criticise and defeat the pur-
poses of the Government of our choice, administered by

30

statesmen of our own selection. If circumstances would have
justified delay, it would have been much more satisfactory
for the General Assemb: l 'es of the respective States to have
enacted laws' for the neeolnplishment of the purposes de-
signed by the act of Congress, but the demand for immedi-
ate action in the premises was imperative. There was no
time for argument or controversy. The enemy had calcu-
lated the causes which threatened our armies with di-band-
ment, and Ioasted of the prospects nff:,oded for our subju-
gation. The war still rages with almost unabated fury
on the part of the enemy. Impending clouds of destruction
hover over, and threaten the destruction of our liberties, of
all rights of property, and the dishonor of oour wives and
children. These thre';.tenclod evils can only be prevented by
concert of action between the State Government, and the
Confederate Government, and the indomitable and invinci-
ble courage and mnfaltering patriotism of our entire popu-
lalion.
God forbid! that you, or I should do, directly or indirect-
ly, aught to impede the victory of our arms. Let us do all
in our power to animate our brave and suffering soldiers,
and to expedii-e the glorious triumph which awaits their
deeds: of generous daring.
Let Florida always be ready to yield upon the altar of the
country her la-.t son and her last dollar to maintain the
str-ugLle against the usurpation of the United States., in at-
tempting to deg;'de the women, children and freemen of
the South.

THE WAR TAX.

It afrords me plch reure to inform your honorable body, that
the War Tax im-,;-pod 1ast year by the Confederate Congress,
was' promptly p1aid as soon as the amount could be ascer-
tained, and without any discount or loss upon the Treasury
V notes aut.lorie: d by the General Assembly to be issued

31

for that purpose. The amount authorized to be issued was
$500,000, but only $233,000 was signed and prepared to
be issued. This amount proved to be more than was neces-
sary. But I supposed from the data before me at the time,
that it would be barely sufficient. Being called upon by
the officer in command of the department to advance, on
the credit of the Confederate Government, $9 6,436 and
eleven cents, to enable him to pay the Regiments who
were ordered from our State the amount which was due
them previous to their departure, I advanced the amount
upon the Confederate Treasurer's certificate of deposit. At
the time I had not been notified of the full amount of the
War Tax, the returns of assessment not having been com-
pleted, and believed that by advancing the amount in State
Treasury Notes, I would accomplished two objects, viz: the
payment of our troops, and in return for the amount ad-
vanced receive funds which were necessary to be had to
pay the balance of the War Tax. This amount is now in
the State Treasury to be applied to the payment of debts
which will be due from the State the first of January next.

TREASURY NOTES.

I would respectfully suggest to the General Assembly to
grant authority to arrange for, and deposit suitable funds
in solvent Banks in other States, to sustain the circulation
of the Treasury Notes of Florida in those States, and thus
enhance the value of the bonds of the State, as well as sus-
tain the credit of the Treasury notes as a circulating me-
dium.

REPORTS OF HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS.

-Herewith is submitted to your consideration reports made
to me by the Attorney General, the Coptroller, the .egis-
ter of lands, and the Treasurer.
Mlany important facts are stated, and valuable su-esti;on

32

made in the respective reports, to which your attention is
respectfully invited.
The Treasurer's and Comptroller's reports will exhibiit to
your consideration the fiscal affairs of the State. These re-
ports show, as usual, that the expenditures of the State, even
for civil piirposes, exceed the receipts. I have had no reason
to change the opinions which were expressed in a me-sage
to the last General Assemblly as to the most advisable plan of
reducing the expenditures. These opinions appear upon the
journal, and it is deemed unnecessary to repeat them.
To derive the means nece-ary to meet the expenditures
and sustain the Government, is a matter within your dis-
cretion, and is to be provided for by suitable legi-h tion.
It is difficult and perhaps extremely unjust to enforce laws
for the collection of taxes against the property of the brave
men who are absent from the State tigh ting the battles of
the country, and especially against the property of such as
are poor, and have left scarcely means enough, if enough, to
aid in the support of their families.
The amount which has been paid for military purpose
has been prepared, arranged in duplicate vouchers, and sub-
mitted through Col. Hugh Archer, the Adjutant and In-
spector General of the State, (as a special agent of the State,)
to the consideration of the proper department of the Con-
federate Government. His report relative thereto is here-
with submitted.

LOAN TO THE PENSACOLA AND GEORGIA RAIL ROAD.

Since the adjournment of the last General Assembn!y, and
at a time when an a--ault upon Fernandina was threatened
and expected, the Pensano:,l and Georgia Railroad Company
had the misfortune to lose by fire their foundry, machine
sh.ps, one of the :loco-otives, and all the oils and ianterii a
necessary to the op.rati:os of the road. I was inftrm- by
the President of the Road that owine to this inistbrtunne and

33

the consequent want of materials, as well as the want of
money to procure them, the order of the officers in command
of the Military Department could not be executed. Brig
General Trapier at the time was at Fernandina, gallantly
awaiting the expected attack of the enemy. The Confede-
rate Government had neither money nor agent here to sup-
ply the means, and agreeably to the authority vested in the
Governor of the State by the first section of the 34th ordi-
nance of the Convention then in force, as the Governor of
the State I procured by loan from the State Bank of Florida
Five Thousand Dollars, and advanced the amount to the
President of the Road, upon the faith of the Confederate
Government to refund money advanced necessary for the
support of military operations. The advancement of the
amount was necessary to ensure the transportation of the
forces and munitions of war requisite for the defences of
Fernandina and East Florida generally. The amount has
since been refunded to the State-the note given me has
been paid and cancelled.
THE $21,000 DRAFT.
It is perhaps due to the State and to myself to allude to
a circumstance referred to by a committee in a report to the
last Convention. In the report it is stated, Your com-
mittee cannot omit to note the fact that $21,000 of the funds
of the State were in the hands of the Governor at the time
his first communication in response to the resolution of the
Convention was made, and no information given thereof."
In regard to this matter there seems to have been a misap-
prehension of facts. By reference to the first communica-
tion made by me, according to the journal of their proceed-
ings, it will appear that I had expressed a desire to receive
a committee of discreet men, free from prejudices, to be sent
by the Convention, to whose prudence I could entrust a
knowledge of facts that I was unwilling, for the credit of the
5

34

State, to make public. One fact was that the Treasury oj
the State was empty; that to subsist our forces in service,
the only reliance, without unnecessary sacrifice, was a draft
of $21,419,50 which had not yet been discounted, and which,
if discounted and the proceeds placed in the Treasury, would
be drawn out upon warrants upon civil claims, and leave the
forces at Apalachicola without the means of subsistence.
"When the committee was appointed and visited the Execu-
tive Chamber this draft was exhibited to the committee, and
the reasons for my keeping control of it explained, and in
presence of gentlemen who were present, the committee ap-
proved of my course. The draft could not be discounted in
Tallahassee, but was soon after sent to Savannah and dis-
counted, the proceeds deposited in the Treasury and used
for the purposes for which the amount was intended. It is
not to be presumed that any members of the Convention
were anxious to have the draft discounted and the money
placed in the Treasury, drawn out to pay the expenses of
the Convention, and thus leave the troops to suffer for the
means of subsistence.

AID TO INDIGENT FAMILIES OF VOLUNTEERS, &C.
I would respectfully recommend to your honorable body
to make ample provisions to secure the necessary food and
clothing to the indigent families of those who have volun-
teered or been brought into service as conscripts. A fund
should be provided for the purpose by taxation, the amount
thus raised deposited in the State Treasury and prudently
distributed. In pursuance of the spirit manifested by Con-
gress in imposing "the War Tax" those who are in ser-
vice, whose entire property does not amount to five hundred
dollars, should be exempted from such taxation. The plan
of relief devised by the last Legislature is imperfect. There
are several counties in the State where the amount of prop-
erty is not sufficient to raise by a county tax the means ne-
cessary, and in these counties particularly, the citizens have

35

manifested their patriotism by volunteering and leaving their
parents, wives and children, dependent upon the good will
and faith of the State for their support.
In considering the provision made in other States for this
purpose, my mind has been favorably impressed with the
act passed by the General Assembly of Alabama, a copy of
which is herewith submitted, and to which your attention is
respectfully invited.

DISTILLERIES.

There is no statute of the State forbidding distilleries. Cir-
cumstances connected with the present war have exhibited
prominently the wicked influences of intemperance. Nev-
ertheless the Confederate Government have deemed it nec-
essary to have Whiskey and Alcohol distilled for medicinal
purposes, and a correspondence between Dr. E. W. Johns
the Medical Purveyor and myself is hereby attached, to
which your attention is respectfully invited. I am anxious
that Florida should afford every facility to the Confederate
Government to provide for the health and comfort of the
soldiers, but candor requires me to say, that with the pros-
pect before us of the continued scarcity of flour which is
now experienced, my judgment does not approve of the policy
of converting corn into whiskey or alcohol. The corn will be
needed by the people for bread, and to feed the immense
number of horses which are in use for military purposes
Notwithstanding the alleged bountiful crop of corn, it is al_
ready commanding high prices, and in proportion to the
amount which shall be distilled, the price will be increased,
and lessen the opportunities of the poor and needy 'to pro-
cure bread.
Moreover, experience has proved that in some instances,
intemperance has been the alleged cause of defeat to our
arms, and that among the healthy ardent spirits create a
morbid appetite which exerts the most demoralizing infinences

w

36

upon society. Especially while the wives and children of
our soldiers are intrusted to the care of the State, should
the use of ardent spirits be discountenanced.
I would respectfully recommend to your honorably body
the enactment of a law which will forbid, under severe
penalties, the distilling of whiskey or other spirituous liquors.
If permitted, heartless speculators will monopolize the corn
which is for sale, convert it into whiskey, and by its sale in
the State demoralize our citizens, or take it into other States
to the irijury of their citizens. The corn which should afford
bread to our needy citizens-the wives and children of our
soldiers-should not be converted into whiskey for any
purpose.
Previous to the planting of the last crop public sentiment
requiredcorn and grain crops to be planted to the exclusion
of cotton. If there shall have been made an abundant
crop of corn, (which the present prices would seem to
imply is not the fact), shall the abundance insure corn at
reasonable prices to the needy ? or shall it be decreased in
quantity by converting the grain into whiskey, thereby in-
creasing the price by producing a scarcity, and thus thwart-
ing the patriotic object the planters had in view in planting
corn to the exclusion of cotton ?
In connection with the subject I would respectfhlly invite
the attention of your honorable body to Ordinance No. 52,
of the last Convention, entitled An Ordinance for strength-
ening the Executive Department during the exigecnies of
the present war." .The gentlemen selected by the Conven-
tion as a Council passed an advisory resolution upon the
subject of distilleries, which will :ppear in the proced,(1 in'g
of the Council hereunto attached.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

Agreeably to the Ordinance above mentioned the Gover-
nor and Executive Council were invested, as far as the Con-

vention had the power to invest them, with extraordinary
power "to declare martial law, to such extent, in such
places and at such times as shall be required by the exigen-
cies of public affairs to arrest and detain all disloyal and
disaffected persons whose being at large they shall deem in-
consistent with the public safety; to order and enforce (sub-
ject to the owner's right to receive due compensation from
the State) such disposition or appropriation of private prop-
erty for public uses as the public necessity shall appear to
them to require; to make and cause to be executed all such
orders, regulations and amendments as they shall from time
to time find expedient, in cases of imminent danger from
invasion or otherwise, for bringing into service, organizing
and supporting the whole, or any part of the population of
the State, to be employed in the public service, and also for
maintaining such efficient police as shall by them be thought
necessary; to make, secure or employ arms or munitions of
war, and whatever else may be required for the defence of
the State; to constitute and appoint such agents as shall be
necessary for the more efficient execution of the powers
hereby confided to them; for these purposes to draw money
from the public Treasury by warrants from the Comptroller
for the same, which warrants the Comptroller is hereby re-
quired to issue on their demand; to make all such nomina-
tions and appointments for military offices as the Governor
has heretofore been authorized to make; to fill all offices and
appointments when there is any vacancy for default of action
by the General Assembly, or otherwise during a recess, and
to fill any vacancy which may occur in the Council by reason of
the death, resignation, or removal from the State, of any one
of the members thereof chosen by this Convention."
In the execution of these extraordinary powers it is pro-
vided in the 5th section of said Ordinance, "That the Gov-
ernor and any two of the members of Council shall consti-
tute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the con-

38

currency of a majority of all present shall be required for the
validity of any action in which the Governor and Council
are required to act conjointly."
"When the Convention assembled, soon after their organi-
zation, they informed me of their presence by a committee,
Composed of respectable gentlemen from various portions of
the State I extended the civilities due to fellow citizens of
commanding influence, but frankly expressed to them the
opinion which I then entertained, and now entertain, that
the powers with which they had been invested by the peo-
ple had ceased with the accomplishment of the objects for
which they had been elected as delegates to represent the
people in Convention, as well as by their own action in.
Convention, and by the terms of their own adjournment.
That I would not, howevever, arrogate the right of deciding.
"upon their claims to power, unless brought in conflict with
them-in the performance of duties incidental to my official
position, in which event I should, to the best of my ability,
'preserve, protect and defend' the Constitution, and enforce
the laws of the State-that I would extend to them the res-
pect which was due to gentlemen of intelligence, and afford
them every facility, as citizens of the State, fbr ascertaining
the true condition of State affairs-especially in regard to the
finances-and would be happy to co-operate with them con-
sistently with the Constitution and laws, in any practical
effort, to promote the welfare and dignity of the State."
The primary object and purpose of the Convention was to
decide whether or not Florida should secede from the United
States-and if she did, whether or not she would do so alone.
or co-operate with other States in dissolving the Union.
I have no reason to believe that any other questions were_
discussed by the people. Upon the issues incidental to these
questions alone, parties were arrayed and delegates to the
Convention elected.
Thepeople certainly didn't intend to in vest the Convention.

?I

39

"-with the ordinary legislative powers. Accustomed to act upon
-the principles which time immemorial had established as ne-
cessary to the preservation of civil liberty, they certainly
did not intend to intrust their liberty, lives and property to
the caprices of unrestrained legislation. The history of an-
cient Republics and of the United States, had taught then
to know the value of constitutional restraints upon legisla-
tion and the dangers incident to a majority despotism. The
-Congress of the United States and the General Assemblies
.of the several States, in their legislative action were subject-
edto Constitutional restraints, and no proposition would
have been considered by the intelligent people of Florida
more preposterous than a legislative body without restraint.
The Constitution of the Confederate States and the Consti-
tution of each of the Confederate States, provides for the ex-
ercise of the veto power, to restrain hasty and detrimental
legislation; Of all despotisms a majority despotism is most
dangerous to civil liberty. But if the people did intend
to invest the Convention with sovereign power and the
ordinary power of legislative assemblies, the Convention, by
the adoption of the Constitution which they promulgated on
the 27th day of April, 1861, as the supreme law of the State
of Florida, and which they themselves, (previous to their last
meeting,) and the civil and military officers of the State
had sworn to "preserve, protect and defend," had yielded
the powers of legislation in the terms of the Constitution.
In my judgment very erroneous opinions have prevailed
-on two subjects. First, that when the State seceded its own
organic Government ceased. Second, that the people of the
State are indebted to the Convention for the present Consti-
tution of the State.
If the first proposition were true, Florida was not an In-
dependent Sovereign State, but a mere appendage of the
United States Government, and had no right o secede in a
political character, although her people as individuals had
:the right, with the hazard of rebellion and revolution.

a

40

If the second proposition were true, it would be the inci-
dent of the first, and if Florida had no Constitution for the
Government and protection of the people, until the Conven-
tion adopted the Constitution, there are no statutes or laws
of force in the State, except such as have been enacted, or
adopted, since the adoption and publication of the Consti-
tution by the Convention.
The facts are, the Convention did no more than have re-
published the Constitution of the State which authorized
Florida, as a free, sovereign and Independent State, by the
will of her people, through a Convention to secede. The
Convention was authorized to make such amendments to
the Constitution as the cessation of political relations de-
manded, and for the amendments made by them, the peo-
ple are indebted to their wisdom.
The second article of the Constitution provides, 1st, that
"the powers of the Government of the State of Florida shall
be divided into three distinct departments, and each of
them confided to a separate body of magistracy, to-wit:
those which are Legislative to one; those which are Execu-
tive to another; and those which are Judicial to another."
2nd No person or collection of persons, being one of
these departments, shall exercise any power properly belong-
ing to either of the others, except in the instances expressly
provided for in the Consitution."
By the 1st section of the 3rd Article of the Constitution,
the supreme executive power is vested in a Chief Magis-
trate, who shall be styled the Governor of the State of Flor-
ida."
By the Ist section of the 4th Article, the Legislative
power of the State is vested in two distinct branches, the one
styled the Senate, the other the Iouse of Representatives,
and both together, the General Assembly of the State of
Florida.' "
The 1st section of the 5th Article vests the judicial power
of the State in a Supreme Court, Courts of Chancery, Circuit

"41

Courts and Justices of the Peace-and no one of .these de-
partments has any right to exercise any power belonging to
either of the other.
The Convention did not possess Executive, Legislative, or
Judicial powers, but simply delegated authority to exercise
the power of the people, in severing the relations of the
State, with the United States, and making such amendments
to the Constitution, as were necessary to Florida as a free
sovereign and independent State, separated from the other
States, without detriment to the Commonwealth.
The Convention had no power to destroy the Government
of the State as established by, the Constitution, and thus hurl
the people into a state of anarchy and confusion.
The Convention had no right therefore, to create an Ex-
ecutive Council and invest the Council with Supreme power
over the liberty, lives and property of the citizens.
These opinions I expressed respectfully to the gentlemen
whom the Convention elected as members of the Council,
and extended to them the courtesy due to gentlemen of in-
telligence, patriotism and integrity.
We had, as you will perceive by the copy of the proceed-
ings attached, several meetings, and adjourned on the 1st of
May last,'with mutual respect and kindness, to meet again
"on the 7th day of July, but none of them attended on that
day; and since that time I have not had the pleasure or
honor of meeting with them.
If the opinions I have entertained and expressed are erro-
neous, and the Convention possessed the powers it claimed,,
then in Florida there are three legislative bodies-the Con-
vention-the Executive Council-and the General Assem-
bly--the last the only one subject to constitutional restraint.
The causes assigned by the President of the Convention
why he called the Convention to its last session, viz: to
repeal an ordinance which repealed a statute of the General
Assembly-which statute a short experience had proved even
6 -

42

to the members of the Convention, to be necessary to the
credit and lighted faith of the State-proved conclusively,
at least in that particular, the superior wisdom of the Gene-
ral Assembly, which superior isdom I respectfully invoke
to repeal that portion of the 49th Ordinance of the Conven-
tion which authorizes the sale of the lands of the State at
nominal prices. The effects of the Ordinance have been to
enable speculators to purchase large bodies of land at much
less than their value, and in some instances, to deprive the
wives and children of our absent soldiers of homes, at which
.they had left their families under the protection of the State.
In my humble opinion, tlie sale of lands -in the State should
have been suspended during the war, that when it closed,
our gallant soldiers-honorably distinguished by their noble
deeds-should, upon their return, have been afforded the
opportunity of procuring in their own State comfortable
homes at reasonable prices. The ordinance of the Conven-
tion has a provision which was intended, no doubt, to pro-
tect soldiers in exemption rights, but there was no clause in
the provision which acconmplishcled the object.

CLASSIFICATION OF THE ORDINANCES.

By the 63rd ordinance the Convention classified their or-
dinances-, distinguishing such as they intended should be
peirmiaenit, and such as might be repealed by the General
,Assebl. Such ordinallnce as were not permanent in their
(chl:ar:1ter the 63rd ordinance makes repealable. For the
convenience of the General Assembly I present herewith an
analysis of all the ordinances of the Convention, to which
the attention of your honorable body is respectfully invited.

PUBLIC LANDS.

The resources of the State to redeem its Treasury Notes
and sustain its government, are the lands owned by the
State and taxation.

ad

43

The lands are ample for the purpose, if wisely disposed of.
I would respectfully recommend that the sale of lands be
postponed until the termini:ation of the existing war. That
then, those who have rendered military service should each
have secured to him or his heirs an exemption right of at
least one hupidred and sixty Wcres of land ; that having been
done, the remaining lands should be disposed of from time
to time, at public outery, after riisounable notice of the time-
of sale has been published in this State and the adjacent States.
The competition thus excited would secure reasonable prices,
and invite emigration to the State; and in proportion.,to the
property introduced by emigrants, and the improvements
which would be made on the lands-if the proceeds of the
sales should be insufficient to relieve the State from debt-
the weight of taxation would be lightened, and additional
facilities secured for the support of the government and the
prosperity of the State.
I recommend that returns of all taxable property should
be made under oath, and the owner, or owners, or agents be
required, to specify the tract or tracts of land owned agreea-
bly to the descriptions given in the patents of title or Reg-
ister's certificate; also that the returns should specify certain
ages of slaves, and a specific tax be imposed accordingly ,as
suggested in the Comptroller's report.

ESTATES.

The Treasury Notes of the Confederate Government
should be made receivable in payment of all dues to estates
of deceased persons, to remedy existing evils arising from
the hesitancy of Executors, Administrators and Guardians
to receive them in payment of claims. Executors, Admin-
istrators, and Guardians should be authorized to invest any
funds belonging to estates, or to minors in Confederate
bonds. I would also respectfully recommend such 'legisla-
tion as may be consistent with the Constitution to sustain

I'

44

the circulation of the Confederate Treasury Notes at par
value.

SALT.

In November last I was informed that there was a large
quantity of salt at Apalachicola, held for the purposes of spec
ulation. Citizens of this and adjacent States desired to
purchase, and a refusal to sell at.reasonable prices, produced
excitement which threatened to terminate in violenceiby the
seizure of the salt by a mob. At the time, Apalacihcola was
threatened by the enemy, and the salt was liable to fall into
their hands. The salt was much needed- fb the use of the
State Forces and their families and other citizens. General
Floyd, the officer in command,'was ordered to take posses-
sionl of the Salt and send it (except such as might be neces-
sary at Apalalcicola) to Ochesee, 90 miles above Apalachi-
cola, and store it there with Mr. Jason Gregory. The order
was executed. Suitable agents were app,,inted to dispose of
it, by sale to the solciers families and to other citizens. It
was distributed by sale as directed, except a small quantity
now in the Quarter-fa-tcer's Department, to be distrilted
gratuitously to citizens unable to purchase.
There was ti quantity of the salt owned by Mr. D. K. Dodge,
(agreeable to the information I had received,) a respectable
citizen and merchant of Apalachicola. Mr. Dodge visited
me at this place on the subject. I assigned to him the rea-
sons why the salt had been taken, and the conditions and
price, viz : five dollars per sack, ipon which it had been or-
dered to be disposed of, and offered to pay him five dollars
per sack at that time, or whenever he should desire it, fir the
qualntity which had been seized. HIe declined to receive the
miany, but ag'eel to receive in payment for a large portion
of the salt which had been sold by Mr. Isaac Ri. Harrris, of
G-ad-en, and Mr. Isaac Widgeon, of Jackson county, drafts
for the amount iwhiclh had been sold by these gentlemernl and

45

to receive the amount which would be due for the balance of
the salt whenever he might demand it.
I accordingly gave him drafts on Mr. Harris and on Mr.
Widgeon, but from some cause unknown to me, he did not
present the drafts to these gentlemen, or return them to me.
The proceeds of the sales are on special deposit in the State
Treasury, and herewith is submitted copies of the orders and
correspondence on the subject, together with a statement
specifying the sales made of the salt.
It has been an important question for some time past, what
provision shall be made to secure, to our citizens the salt
which will be needed in the State. Twelve thousand sacks
of ordinary size would be an abundant supply, and I should -
have endeavored to procure the quantity necessary, but I had
no authority to use the funds of the State for the purpose.-
During the last three or four months immense- quantities of
salt have been, and still are, being made in the State. Daily
thousands of bushels have been, and are being trans-
ported from the State.
The makers of salt have the protection of the State, and
have made, and are making immense profits in its man-
ufacture. The laborers and teams necessary to its manu-
facture and transportation have consumed, and are consum-
ing large quantities of grain which has been made in the
State, and in proportion to the quantity consumed, and be
ing consumed prices upon bread stuffs have been advanced,
and they rendered more difficult to procure.
Salt makers who make a maximum quantity per diem,
have been exempted by an act of Congress from the military
service of the Confederate States, and to secure at least
sufficient salt to supply the indigent families of those who
have volunteered and are in military service, or have been
conscripted, killed, wounded or been discharged for disability,
I would respectfully recommend to your honorable lody to
enact a law requiring those engaged in making salt to pay
for the privilege one tenth part of the salt manufactured or

46

hereafter to be manufactured in the State, to be appropriated
to the use of indigent families particular, and for the bene--
fit of the State generally, and by the same statute to pro-
vide for suitable agents to receive and distribute the sa-lt.
and for its enforcement.
While in other States hundreds of bushels have been man-
ufactured, thousands of bushels have been manufactured
in Florida. Daily hundreds of wagons and teams.
are passing to and fro through Florida from other
States, transporting salt manufactured in this State, con-
sunling our means of subsistence, contributing only to the
"cupidity of speculators, who refuse, if I am informed cor-
rectly, to receive the Treasury Notes of the State in all their
fiscal transactions, and thus while deriving subsistence from
the State, inflict injury upon its credit. It is said and
believed that parties engaged in making salt upon our coast,
soon after they commenced its manufacture sold it at three
dollars per bushed, and considered that price remunerative
for the labor and attention necessary to its manufacture.
But a wi-ked spirit of speculation induced a monopoly on
the part of some engaged in its manufacture, which has
caused the price to be advanced to sixteen and twenty dollars
per ,bushel. I appeal to the wisdom of your honorable
body for suitable remedies against the evils complained of,
compatible with-the comity and kindness of commercial in-
tercourse which should be maintained between the States.

MONOPOLIES.

The 24th section of the 1st article of the Constitution de-
clares, "that perpetuities and monopolies are contrary to
the genius of a free State and ought not to be allowed." In
pursuance of this wise provision of the Constitution, the last
General Assembly of the State enacted'a law to prevent mo-
nopolies, and the law, while generally considered of force,
restrained the cupidity of those disposed to monopolize and

47

speculate upon the prime necessities of life. But the Con-
vention at the last called session alluded to, repealed the act
of the General Assembly, and immediately, thereafter the
flood-gates of every species of villainy seemed to be un-
hinged, and from every portion of the State intelligence has
been received at the'Executive Department of the vile acts
of heartless villains, in monopolizing and speculating at the
most exorbitant prices upon salt, leather and other articles
of prime necessity.
Upon this subject, I have beeri requested by the Governor
of Georgia, made agreeably to a resolution of the General
Assembly of that State, to invite the attention of the Gener-
al Assembly of the State of Florida, to an act passed by the
General Assembly of Georgia, entitled An Act to prevent
during the existing war, monopolies, extortions and specula-
tions in breadstuffs and other articles of general use and con-
sumption, and to make such acts criminal, and to provide pen-
alties for the same."
The copy of the act is herewith submitted to- your serious
"consideration. I respectfully recommend to your honorable
body to enact a suitable act for the protection of the people
'of Florida.

HOSPITAL' IN VIRGINIA.

The hapless condition of troops from Florida in service in
"Virginia, made a hospital in Richmond necessary to their
personal comfort. By the patriotic and energetic efforts of
Gen. M. Whit Smith, Dr., Green H. Hunter, 2Mrs. M. AM.
Reid, and other good citizens, a suitable building was provi-
ded there, and to supply it with what was necessary, many
citizens have contributed generously, and as the Governor of
the State, I advanced the amount necessary to make up any
supposed deficiency. From a list annexed, your honorable
body may, ascertain the respective amounts subscribed by
communities and individuals, so far as they have been inade

48

known to me, and the amount advanced and applied by the
State. At the request of many prominent citizens, I agreed
to aid in the management of the Hospital, and for the pur-
pose have appointed Dr. Palmer Superintendent and Direc-
tor, and Dr. Green H. Hunter a special agent. I have recent-
ly been informed that Dr. E. T. Sabal, a Ivorthy citizen of this
State, a surgeon of distinguished ability, had been assigned
to the Hospital by Confederate authority, From the perso-
nal acquaintance which I have of Dr. Sabal as a patriotic
and intelligent gentleman, a learned and skilful physician
and surgeon, the intelligence of his appointment was entirely
agreeable to me and can but inspire the immediate relatives
and friends of those who may be inmates of the Hospital,
with confidence as to the kind and skilful treatment which
they will receive.
Like provision should be made for troops from Florida in
other States, and I would respectfully recommend to your
honorable body to make ample provisions to secure the com-
fort of the wounded, sick and needy soldiers of the State,
wherever they nay be. It would afford me pleasure to ren-
der any assistance, but the entire management of affairs nec-
essary to the accomplishment of the purpose, could and
would be much mdre efficiently conducted by special agents,
who could devote the personal attention necessary, and which
official duties render impossible on my part.

HOSPITAL IN FLORIDA.

In this city is a Hospital, which was established by the la-
dies'of Tallahassee. The 'commodious and pleasant building
occupied for the purpose, was generously offered to them,
free of expense to the State, by our worthy fellow-citizen,
Col. Alfred Fisher.
Every article which was necessary to the comfort of the
sick and wounded soldiers who had been or were in service,
was contributedby the ladies, and their personal attendance

49

and kindness, have gently imposed upon those who were in-
mates of the Hospital, and uporA the State 'generally, a sacred
debt of gratitude.
The generous citizens of M-onticello and of Lake City, also
provided and furnished I-tospitals in those places, which have
exalted the distinguished reputation of our citizens for char-
ity and generosity, :ond entitle them likewise, to the endear-
ing obligations of gratitude on the part of the State, and of
"the many soldie:;,s who experienced the blessings provided.
It is a proper subject of congratulation, that in every
village and, neighborhood throughout the State, the citizens
generally, anr the ladies particularly, have extended to every
passiCng soldier, sick or wounded, the attention and means
necessary to his personal comfort and relief: and whenever
and wherever efforts for relief have been unavailing and
death has ensued, the gallant soldier has been consigned to
the grave with appropriate ceremonies, with grief at his coun-
try's loss, and sympathy for his friends.

CLOTHING FOR THE SOLDIERS.

The vicissitudes of war movements have, according to in-
formation received, rendered many of the forces from this
State destitute of necessary clothing. ,The ample provision
which it was believed would be made by the War Depart-
ment-from causes that perhaps could not have been over-
come-it appears has not been made. In various portions
of the State, the citizens have contributed freely, and I
have exhausted all the resources authorized by law in efforts
to provide what was necessary.
The women of Florida God bless them," have signalized
themselves and our noble cause by their generous, patriotic
and untiring efforts to feed and clothe our gallant soldiers,
and cheer them on to victory in the achievement of our In-

50

dependence-by bold aid defiant resistance to villanous and
daring efforts of the enemy for our subjugation.
I would respectfully recommend to your honorable body,
to make liberal appropriations and suitable provisions to aid
the Confederate Government in clothing and supporting
the armies in the field.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS.

I would respectfully invite your attention to the fact, that
the construction placed by me on the latter' clause of the
16th section of the 3rd article of the Constita-tion-upon
which conshtrution I have acted, and shall conitiinme to act
while Governor of the State-is different from that given to
it by my immediate predecessors, who acted upon their own
construction. The clause alluded to is as follows: if any
bill shall not be returned by the Governor within five days,
(Sunday e:-cepted,) after it shall have been presented to
him, the same shall be a law in like manner, as if he had
signed it, unless the General Assembly by their adjourn-
ment prevent its return, in which case it shall not be a law."
The construction placed upon this clause of the Constitution
by my immediate predecessors was, that they had-the right
to sign bills after the adjournment of the General Assembly,
and they did sign many bills after the adjournment, all of
which, if in the course of litigation they had been submitted
to the consideration of an intelligent Court, would, in my
humble judgment, have been pronounced unconstitutional
and consequently of no legal force.
The last General Assembly passed many important bills
which had not been enrolled, others which had been enrolled
were not presented to my consideration previously to the
adjournment, consequently much of their arduous labor in
Legislation was useless and expensive to the State.
Your attention is invited to the subject, that, being ap-
prised of the opinion which I entertained, and upon which

*

51

I shall act, the legislation which your honorable body shall
deem necessary to the welfare of the State may be perfected
previous to your adjournment.
The attention of the General Assembly is respectfully
called to the twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh sectiolis of the
fourth article of the Constitution, with'a view to such legis-
lation as shall be needful in the exercise of the authority
therein granted. The twenty-sixth section, .directing the
removal of officers for incapacity, misconduct or neglect cf
duty, charges the General Assembly with the duty of pass-
ing a law providing the mode in which, all trials shall be
had, where no special mode is provided by the Constitution.
Asidefrom the importance of such a law, the duty of enact-
ing it will be seen to be imperative, and should not be over-
looked in your deliberations. It is believed that no simple
and expeditious means now exist to deprive incompetent and
inefficient officers of their commissions, however injurious
their continuance in office may be to the public interests,
and I therefore ihvoke your early attention to the subject,
in the hope that you will not suffer the present session to
expire without supplying the want which has been so se-
riously felt in the past.
The twenty-seventh section refers to the organization of a
Court for the trial of offences committed by slaves, free ne-
groes and mulattoes. The provision made in this section
for such trials was manifestly intended to be but temi;oi'n'y,
and until the General Assenmbly could act upon the subject.
Experience has proved that the court which !as been con-
stituted is extremely cumbersome, and indeed utterly unfit
for the due and proper examination and decision of the prin-
ciples of law involved in nearly every c-'imnin !!l trial. A
Court composed of fourteen persons to whom is coninitted
the decision of the law and the facts of a case, at once sug-
gests the difficulty in the way of arriving at a pronipt .l:
certain eonceluion in reference to all the poi-nts that arise in
ce;-aiu ~oii~l 1~10

52

the course of a trial. When we reflect too that two Justices
of the Peace and twelve citizens, unlearned in the law, com-
pose the Court as at present constituted, the necessity for a
change better suited to the end in view, and better calcu-
lated to insure the administration of justice,. becomes appa-
-rent.

THE BLOCKADE.

From the first moment that it was ascertained that foreign
nations, had signified their purpose to respect the blockade
of the ports of the Confederate States, made on the part of
the Lincoln Government, I entertained the opinion that the
policy of the South was, to remedy the imperfections of the
blockade, and to cut off entirely all commerce with the,Uni-
ted States and other foreign nations, until commercial neces-
sities should demand the recognition of the independence of
the Confederate States, and the removal of the blockade by
suitable commercial treaties.
In a letter addressed by me to the Senators and Represen-
tatives of Florida in Congress, my opinion alid knowledge of
facts to sustain it, was made k1iwn, as will appear by the
following extract from the letter:
The ability of the Confederate Government to coimnand
the respect and the recognition of the European Govern-
ments, and maintain the war successfully with the United
States, depends very much upon wise control of cotton. The
villainous traffic which is carried on by spqeculator-s, under
the plea of flurnishing the people of the South with the prime
necessities of life, should be suppressed.
"In November last I opposed vessels leaving Apalachicola
with cotton, but agreed, after consulting the Secretary of the
Navy, to let them depart with turpentine. In violation of
this understanding an attempt was made to leave the port
with a ship load of cotton, which was prevented by my order
to Gen. Floyd, then in command of the forces at Apnlchi-

53
cola. The Secretary of War, the Hon. J. P. Benjamin, in-
terposed, insisting on the right of the vessels to depart.
Agreeably to the views of the Secretary of War, five vessels
were permitted to leave the port, and were captured by the
enemy ifi transitu"
"Since then other vessels have left our pots with cotton,
some of which have returned with coffee, salt, an4 other ar-
ticles of merchandise, which the owners or their agents have
disposed of at the most exorbitant rates to the citizens of this
and adjacent States.
"Some ofthe goods were manufactured in the United States,
and over the manufacturers stamps upon these goods the
names of English manufacturers were stamped, which, upon
being removed exhibited the cunning device of Yankee vil-
lainy, 'thus confirming a suspicion which I had entertained
adn expressed,, thht frauds were perpetrated under the pre-
tence of loyalty to the South.
"After patient enquiries ofseveral months the evidence ob-
tained, satisfied me beyond doubt that individuals residing
in New York, Boston, Havanna and Nassau, and in some of
our Su:lthern cities had fornied co-partnerships by which to
carry on the most nefarious and profitable traffic under false
pretences. Partners residing in the South professing loyal-
ty to the South, partners residing at the 'North expressing
loyalty to the North, anc, partners at intermediate points
loyalty only to circumstances. The owners or agents in Ha-
vana or Nassau receive merchandise sent from Northern
cities and receive also cotton shipped from the Southern
ports; the merchandise to be sent to the Confederate States,
the cbtton to the United States, and thus the people North
and South have been and are fleeced by speculating traitors.
"." By such base means our citizens have been and are sub-
-jected to the vilest system of extortion for the prime neces-
sities of life," and not only has cotton been thus obtained by
Sthe enemy, but information prejudicial to our interests has

.~CIf

54

been obtained; our slaves have been corrupted and decoyed
off, and some of the more ignorant of our white population
made disloyal by the influence of traitorous speculators.
What would be the effect of an Act of Congress prohibi-
ting, under severe penalties, shipments of cotton or other
products from our ports, and nnder like penalties prohibiting
the introduction of merchandise, from not only the United
States, but all foreign countries which refuse or hesitate to
recognize the independence of the Confederate States of
America? Our people by industry and enterprise can make
all they absolutely need. The citizens of foreign nations,
anxious to trade with us, if prevented while our ports shall
be blockaded, by our own government and the patriotism of
the people, will have a direct and powerful interest in the
removal of the blockade.
"The love of speculation and profit which makes thous-
ands anxious for the continuance of the war, if all commerce
shall be interdicted, will make the lovers of traffic in the
Uniited States and Europe' anxious to terminate a war the
existence of which shall be ascertained to be the case of
cutting off all trade, legitimate or by fraudulent devices,
with the people of the Confederate States.
"But it may be said that some commerce is neces.siiy to
enable us to get guns, firearms, and munitions of war. Have
not the United States captured as many of these articles,
which were purchased by the agents of the Confederate Gov-
ernment, as have run the blockade ? In proportion to the
number captured by them, our enemies have been armed at
our expense for our subjugation. With the arms- and mu-
nitions of war now p)ossesed by the Confederate Governmlent,
courage and daring deeds well directed, will make us take
from the enemy what we need with less expense, and with
more glory, honor, and certainty, than we can obtain them
otherwise, while our ports shall continue blockaded, and for-
eign nations shall quietly submit to the blockade.
"It was said to be important to encourage a violation of

55

the blockade to prove to foreign nations its inefficiency,
and thus invite their opposition to it. The proof of its
inefficiency has been ample, but without producing the
desired effect.
"Foreign nations will not recognize the independence of
the Confederate States until commerce with the Confcdlrate
States will become not only desirable, but necessary to their
own prosperity. Then, and not until then, will our inde-
pendence be recognized, and suitable treaties be made to
regulate our political relations, and protect commerce with
other nations."
I am not informed that Congress has done anything upon
that subject. If your honorable body shall concur in the
opinions which I have expressed, it will be your duty to
enact a law for the protection of Florida, and the duty of the
Executive of the State to have it executed.

RAIL ROADS.

There are no means of transportation more safe and expe-
ditious than Railroads prudently and wisely conducted,
whether for the purposes of commerce in peace, or for the
concentration of troops, &c., in war.
The,Rail Road Companies of this State have been liberal-
ly aided by Government patronage. Frequent complaints,
however, have been made, that by mismanagement, they
have failed to afford to the military forces as well as the cit-
izens, the prompt, safe and expeditious means of transporta-
tion, which of right could reasonably have been expected.
Assembled from the respective counties of the State, 'your
honorable body -have the intelligence necessary to determine
the justice of thee complaints, and if true, the power to cor-
rect the evils complained of.
In connection with the military defences of the State, after
mature reflection, I still entertaiii the opinion expressed r year
ago, that the completion of the Pensacola & Georgia Rail

4*

56

Road to Chattahoochee, on the river of that name, is a mili-
tary, political and commercial necessity. It has been time
and again urged, that it is equally if not more important, to
make the connection at Houston or Monticcello, vith the Al-
bany & Gulf Railroad, leading from Savannah by Thomas-
ville and Bainbridge to the River. The reasons why I do
not yield to the latter opinion are:
First., That if it is a military necessity to connect with the
river, it is a pressing necessity; that to connect with the Al-
bany & Gulf Rail Road and complete it to the river, a dis-
tance of 10 miles has yet to be spanned, while the distance
is only'22 miles from Quincy to CLhttahoochee.
Second. That the Albany and Gulf Road is liable to in-
cursions on the part of the enemy, at various points be-
tween Savannah and the proposed points of connection,
while the route by Quincy could.only be interrupted at its
terminus by a large force ascending the river, provided the
means of defense of the Military Department should be ad-
equate, which would require a much less force than would
"-be necessary to protect the various points on the Albany
and Gulf Road, which is much more exposed to the enemy.
Third. When at Ohattahoochee the road will be extended
in the, direction originally designed, and required by the
charter acid necessary to the political, commercial and so-
cial relations of the State.
Fourth. If the connection should be made with the
Albany and Gulf Road, and it extended to the river, the
Pensacola and Georgia RPilroad will be entirely supplanted,
and'the receipts for transpor-tation upon it will not equal
the -expenses which will necessarily have to be incurred to
keep.it up, and the consequences will be ruinous to the
stock-holders, and to the best interests of the State, and
will demand for the relief of the State, the forfeiture of all
rights to lands which were.promised to the Company upon
their good faith and undertaking to complete the road.

/ ~v v~rvv~L V(L

57

Already West Florida complains reasonably and right-
fully at the immunities granted to the Road upon conditions
not complied with, and which have debarred the citizens
from the ownership, occupation and cultivation of valuable
lands. Important parts of West Florida have not even mail
facilities with the Capitol of the State, except by a route
through Georgia, and the only important political right
which the citizens there enjoy, is the right of representation
for taxation to support the State Government. The conse-
luence is, much dissatisfaction and serious complaints, which
end strongly and defiantly to the connection of that portion
of the State, with the State of Alabama.
In conclusion, permit me to invite your patriotic conside-
ration, agreeably to the request of the Governor and General
Assembly of the State of Georgia, to the following resolu-
tions, adopted by that proud, powerful and noble State, viz:
Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the State of Georgia in Gencral Asser8 bly met, That it is the
sense of this General Assembly, that the separation of those
States now forming the Confederate States of America, from
the United States, is, and ought to be, final and irrevtcable.
and that Georgia will, under no circumstances, entertain
any proposition from any quarter, which may have for its
object a restoration or reconstruction of the late Union, on
any terms or conditions whatever.
"Resolved, That the war which the United States are
waging upon the Confederate States should be met on our
part with the utmost vigor and energy, until our indepen-
dence and nationality are unconditionally acknowledged by
the.United States.
Resolved, That Georgia pledges herself to her sister States
of the Confederacy, that she will stand by them throughout
the struggle-she will contribute all the means which her
resources will supply, so far as the same may be necessary
to the support of the common cause, and will not consent to
8

lay down arms until peace is established on the basis of the
foregoing resolutions."
The Convention, at its called session already alluded to,
have endolrsedl in a proper spirit, and in appropriate lan-
guage, the independent and defiant position of Georgia.
Florida, with the least lmeman of defence, and more ex-
posed than any one of the Confederate States, will doubtle.ss
if need be, to the end of time, waive in bold defiance the flag
of the State in the face of the enemy, relying upon the wis-
dom, justice and courage which should inspire freemen to
resist usurpation and tyranny against all odds; with a firm
reliance that "In God is our Trust," and faithful to the
trust in the exercise of all means in their power, Floridians
will, at all hazards vindicate their rights, and cherish too
sacred a regard for the intelligence, virtue and patriotism of
their mothers, wives and daughters, and for the dignity and
honor of the State, ever to consent, under any circumstances,
to live under a government which has tolerated the abuse of
defenceless women and unproteteted children, by armed then,
claiming to be soldiers; or to be associated with a people
whose prime object seems to be social and political equality
with negroes, and who, in wicked disregard of the lawsof civ-
ilization, have dishonored and disgraced *by murder, rapine
and robbery, the flag of the chivalric and distinguished sires
of the American Revolution.
I have the honor to be, respectfully,
"Your fellow citizen,
JOHN MILTON.
On motion of Mr. Williams, the reading of the Message w dispensed with, and 500 copies, together with the accompanying
Documents, ordered to be printed for the use of the H-ouse.
On motion, the House adjourned until to-morrow 1mor;)ing
10 o'clock.

59

FRIDAY, November 21, 1862.

The House met pursuant to adjournment-a quorum present.
The journal of yesterday's proceedings was read and approved.
The Speaker announced the following Standing Committee on
Public Lands:
Committee on Public Lands:
Messrs. SCOTT, AVERY,
GARNIE, PITTMAN,
HAMPTON.
Mr. Avery moved that 80 copies of the Standing Committees,
including the Committee on Public Lands, be printed for the use
of the Senate and House;
Which was agreed to.
On motion of Mr. Baltzell, it was ordered, that so much of the
Governor's message as relates to the War Tax, the Conscript
Law, the receipt of Notes &c., of the Confederate government
and support of the credit be referred to the Committee on Fede-
ral Relations;
That so much of said message as relates to the State troops
and State defences and the discharge of said troops by the State
Convention, and as to the militia law, be referred to the Com-
mittee on the Militia;
That so much as relates to the resolutions of the State of
Georgia on the subject of the further continuance of the war and
the restoration of peace, be referred to the Committee on the
State of the Commonwealth;
That so much of said message as relates to the action of the
State Convention and the Executive Council, the return of bills
by the Governor, the removal of incompetent officers, the trial of
offences committed by slaves, free negroes and mulattoes, as to
monopolies and extortion, and the report of the Attorney Gene-
ral, be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary ;
That so much as relates to public lands and receipt of Treas-
ury Notes therefore, with the report of the Register of Public
Lands, be referred to the Committee on Public Lands;
That so much as relates to the subject of Treasury Notes to
sustain them as a circulating medium, to the hospitals as far as
refers to their expenditure of public money, the reports of the
Comptroller, Treasurer and Adjutant, be referred to the Com-
mittee on Finances and Public Accounts;
That so much as relates t', the relief of the families of indigent
soldiers, to a supply of clothing for the soldiers, the $21,000 draft,
the seizure of salt by order of the Governor, the loan to the Pen-

60

sacola & Georgia Railroad, be referred to the Committee on
Propositions and Grievances;
That so much as relates to the construction of a Railroad to
connect the Albany & Gulf Road with the Pensacola & Georgia
Road and to extend the latter to the Alabama river, be referred
to the Committee on Corporations;
That so much as relates to the taxation of salt, the reports of
the Treasurer, Comptroller, Attorney General and Adjut:nt and
Inspector, be referred to the Committee on Taxation and Rev-
enue;
That so much as relates to the blockade, the disposition of cot-
ton, turpentine, &c., and the importation of merchandize, &c.,
from abroad, be referred to the Committee on Commerce and
Navigation;
That so much of the message as refers to the report of the
Register in connection with the St. Johns and Indian River
Canal, be referred to the Committee on Internal Improvements.
Notice was given of the intention to introduce the following
bills at some future day, viz:
By Mr. Jackson,:
A bill to be entitled an act in relation to interest on debts and
liabilities of soldiers in the Confederate or State service.
By Mr. Campbell:
A bill to be entitled an act to change the times of holding the
Spring terms of the Circuit Court in the counties of Walton,
Holmes :and Washington.
By Mr. Jones:
A bill to be entitled an act to prevent.slaves from hiring their
time; also,
A bill to be entitled an act authorizing Executors, Adminis-
rators, Gunrdians and. Trustees, to invest funds of estates or
minors in the Treasury Notes of the State of Florida, and in Con-
federate Treasury Notes and Bonds of the Confederate States.
By Mr. Pittman:
A bill to be entitled an act to re-establish the records of any
county in this State which have been lost, mislaid or destroyed.
By Mr. Lee:
A bill to be entitled an act to allow the several Tax Collectors
to receive the outstanding Treasury Warrants for taxes.
By Mr. Ross:
A bill to be entitled an act revising the mode of assessing the
taxes in this State.
By Mr. Smith:
A bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act entitled an act to
authorize the Secretary of this State to appoint an assistant,

61

passed at the last session of the General Assembly, on the ground
of its unconstitutionality;
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Leander Hyers;
also,
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of M. J. Murphy.
Pursuant to previous notice, Mr. Avery introduced the follow-
ing bill:
A bill to be entitled an act relating to right of way;
Which was placed among the orders of the day.
Notice was given of the intention to introduce the following
bills on some future day, viz:
By Mr. Williams:
A bill to be entitled an act to restrain the removal of leather
and raw hides out of the State and to regulate the sale thereof;
A bill to be entitled an act to regulate the making and sale of
salt, and to provide by taxation for the supply for indigent fami-
lies, and for other purposes; and
A bill to be entitled an act to give greater efficiency to the
Executive departments of the State government.
By Mr. Newbern:
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Bradford and Baker
counties in regard to the school funds, and for other purposes.
By Mr. Allen:
A bill to be entitled an act to relieve certain persons from a
capatation tax and also to exempt a certain amount of their prop-
erty from taxation.
Pursuant to previous notice, Mr. Pittman introduced the fol-
lowing bill:
A bill to be entitled an act to establish the records of any
county in this State which have been lost, mislaid or destroyed.
General presentment of the Grand Jury of Hillsborough, ad-
dressed to the Speaker of the House, was opened;
On motion of Mr. Baltzell, thereading of the presentment was
dispensed with and it laid on the table.
The following communication was received from the Register
of Public Lands:
REGISTER'S OFFICE,
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA, Nov. 21, 1862.
Hon. T. J. EPPES,
Speaker of the House of -Representatives:
SIR-In compliance with the resolution adopted by the House
of Representatives on yesterday, instructing me to furnish cer-
tain information to the House, I have the honor herewith to
transmit a list of the names of such persons as have entered lands
under the ordinances of the late Convention to the extent of 640

62

acres and upwards, specifying the quantity of land entered by
each, the price paid per acre, and the counties in which the lands
are situated. This list embraces the entries made at Tallahassee
np to the present date and the entries made in the Western, Su-
wannee and Southern circuits, to the end of the last quarter, (30th
September, 1862.) No returns of the lands sold in the Eastern
Circuit have been received.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HUGH A. CORLEY,
Register of Public Lands.

63

List of the names of such persons as have entered lands under
the Ordinances of the Convention to the extent of 640 acres
and upwards, together with the quantity of land entered by
each, the price per acre, and the Counties in which such lands
are situated.

NAMES OF PURCHASERS. NO. OF ACRES PRICE IN WHAT COUNTY STITP-
PURCHASED. PER ACRE. ATED.

Early A. Allen ............ ..... 725 77 20c Hernando.
Thomas NM. Allen, ............... 641 00 lOc Taylor.
John M. Beggs,............... 1,002 33 10 Suwannee.
William M. Brow n,.............. 762 37 10c Taylor.
Mary Ellen Colbert,............... 640 25 10c Holmes.
Henry Crystie,....................... 874 84 20c Hernando.
R. A. Dewson,.................. 1,082 13 10c Alachua.
William J. J. Duncan,............ 1,288 60 10c Hamilton.
Reuben B. Franklin,............. 400 00 10c Washington.
.... ...... 240 00 75c (
David W. Gwynn, ............... 1,289 00 20c Suwannee,
Walter Gwynn,.................. 3.960 12 20c
"4 2,676 54 10c
Charlotte L. Helvenston,........ 789 98 10c Alachua.i
............... 6,990 07 20c Levy.
Neal Hendry,.................... 1,118 45 10c Taylor.
Robert M. Hendry,............... 762 96 10c
Daniel P. Holland, ............... 921 92 10c Calhoun.
John Holton,.................... 1,458 68 1Oc Hamilton.
.......... .. ... 157 00 1 25c
Henry W. Laird,................ 496 24 75c Holmes.
... 879 47 10e
Daniel G. Livingston,............ 559 75 10c Madison.
............... 642 00 20c Srwannee.
William A. Livij.ston,.......... 640 75 10c Lafayette.
Ann E: McDone,................. 4,244 13 10c Alachua.
"............... 1,397 56 10c Columbia.
.............. 680 42 $1 00 Alachua.
............... 113 26 1 00 Nassau.
J. F. McDonell,.................. 2,157 81 10c Alachua.
............... 519 33 10c Columbia.
1,120 00 20c Alachua.
John McDougall,................ 760 46 20c Suwannee.
George H. Meginniss,............ 2,513 38 20c
Margaret J. Moseley,............. 1,436 45 20c
.222 82 10e Lafayette.
William P. Moseley,............. 159 75 10c Columbia.
S............... 637 50 20c Suwannee.
"" ............... 120 00 75c Lafayette.
William P. Moseley and Wim. 880 42 oc
P. Moseley, Jr.,............. 8 42
J. W. Redding .................. 398 86 10c "
.... 1,279 00 20c Suwannee.
James MI. Robinson,............. 320 54 10c Lafayette.
"................. 321 12 10c Taylor.
Solomon Rouse,................. 1,035 34 lOc Hamilton.
Robert M. Sutton, ............... 1,082 74 10c Madison.
James H. Tate,................... 804 64 10c Holmes.
Joseph B. Watts, ................ 1,551 14 10c Hamilton.
................ 80 00 10c Lafayette.
Evan S. Wiley,............... .. 526 90 10c .Taylor.
". ................. 1,584 06 10e Hamilton.

Nov. 21, 1862. HUGH A. CORLEY, Register.

64

On motion of Mr. Allen, the reading of the communll;ic;tin-l was:
dispensed with, it referred to the Committee on Public L:nds,
and 80 copies ordered to be printed for the use of the House.
The rules being waived, Mr. Chapman asked leave to withdraw
the petition of N. O.J. Staley, Tax Assessor and Collector of
Jackson county, praying for relief, and which was referred to the
Committee on Taxation and Revenue, on yesterday.
Which was granted.
Mr. Williams introduced joint resolution to facilitate the pro-
curement of cotton and wool cards by the citizens of the Se:t e ;
Which was read and placed among the orders of the day.
The rules being ivaived, Mr. Sessions gave notice that he would
on some future day ask leave to introduce the following bill:
A bill to be entitled an act to provide for the support of the
destitute and needy families of citizens of Florida in the military
service and of'disabled soldiers, and for other purposes.
Mr. Avery introduced,a resolution relative to the management
of Railroads;
Which was placed among the orders of the day.
The Committee on Elections made the following report:
The Committee on Elections have the honor to

REPORT,

That the contested election, (case from lrevard county,)
that after careful investigation of the facts, and examination of
the certificate of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of said county,
now on file in the Secretary of State's office, of the election held
in said county, on the first Monday in October last, for Assem-
blymen, that Henry Overstreet, the present occupant of the seat
in this House, received a majority of the legal votes cast at the
time for Representative from said county to the General Assem-
bly, and is therefore entitled to retain the seat. And that Need-
ham Yates, the contestant, did not receive a majority of the legal
votes, therefore is not entitled to the certificate of election and
to the seat in this House as Representative from said county of
Brevard. Therefore,
Be it Resoler,: That Henry Overstreet continue to be recog-
nized by this body as the legal Representative from Brevard
county, and that he retain the seat as such.
The committee beg leave to be discharged from the further
consideration of said case.
I. V. GARNIE, Chm'n.
Which was received and read and the resolution placed among
the orders of the day.

S65

"ORDERS OF THE DAY.

Joint resolution to facilitate the procuemient of cotton and
wool cards by the citizens of the State,
Was read the first time, rules waived, read the second time
and referred to the Committee on Propositions and Grievances.
A bill to be entitled an act relating to right of way,
Was read the first time and placed among the orders of the
day for a second reading on to morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act to establish the records of any coun-
ty in this State, which have been lost, mislaid or destroyed,
Was read the first time, rules waived, read the second time by
its title and referred to the Committee on Finance and Public
Accounts.
Senate Resolution in relation to deceased soldiers,
Was read the second time and referred to the Committee on
the Militia.
Resolution reported by the Committee- on Elections was read
and adopted.
Resolution relating to the management of Railroads,
Was .read, and upon its adoption the yeas and nays were called
for by Messrs. Baltzell and Allen;
The vote was:
Yeas-Messrs. Avery, Campbell of Walton, Duval, Gee, Hew-
ett, Leslie, Mettauer, Pittman, Scott and Smith-10.
Nays-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allen, Arendell, Baltzell, Black-
burn, Campbell of Liberty, Craft, Foy, Garnie, Hannah, Henry,
Jackson, Jenkins, Jones, Lee, McGehee, Newbern, Overstreet,
Polhill, Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia, Richardson, Ross,
Rust, Sessions, Seward, Thomas and Williams-28.
So the resolution was lost.
The rules being waived, Mr. Williams moved that Mr. Mizell.
be excused from attendance upon this House until Monday, 24th
November; '
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Henry moved that the House adjourn until 2oiilnay 12
o'clock, M.
Which was not agreed to.
Onf motion of Mi. Williams, the House adIjourned until IMon-
day morning 10 o'clock.
9

K(

66

MONDAY, November 24, 1862:

The House met pursuant to adjournment-a quorum present.
On motion of Mr. Jackson, the reading of the journal of Sat-
urday's proceedings was dispensed with, and the journal correct-
ed and approved.
Mr. Thomas W. Higginbotham, member elect from Nassnu
county, presented his credentials, and was sworn in by T. J.
Eppes, Notary Public.
Mr. Avery moved that the rules be waived and that he be al-
lowed to introduce, without previous notice, the following bills:
A bill to be entitled an act requiring annual reports fiom the
Board of Internal Improvements; also,
A bill to be entitled an act authorizing the Executors of
James Abercrombie, senior, to sell property in certain cases;
Which was agreed to and the bills placed among the orders
of the day.
Mr. Ross presented a letter from Mr. Thomas A. Carruth of
Lake City, addressed to his Excellency the Governor, in regard
to procuring the services ofRev. Wmn. M. Kennedy, as Chaplain
of the Florida Hospital in Virginia;
Which, on motion, was read for the information of the House,
and on. motion of Mr.. Baltzell, referred to the Committee on Fi-
nance and Public Accounts.
The rules being waived, Mr. Hampton offered a resolution to
stay the sale and entry of Public Lands for the present;
Which was read and placed among the orders of the day.
The rules being waived, Mr. Avery offered a resolution pro-
viding for a temporary suspension of Public Land sales;
Which was read and placed among the orders of the day.
On motion of Mr. Baltzell, it was ordered that the Governor
be requested to inform the I-ouse whether location has been
made of the 500,000 acres of land given to the State by the Con-
gress of the United States in the year 1841, and of the value of
the said location, and whether any portion of the land re-
mained unsold, and also whether any appropriation hlas been
made of the proceeds to the objects to which the State c-nLagred
they should bd faitihfilly applied;" whether any bridges, roads,
canals and water courses in any county of the State, have been
improved and swamps drained, or to what purpose said land
has been applied.
Notice was given of the intention to introduce the following
bills on some future day:
By Mr. Baltzell:
A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the construction of the
Florida and Georgia Junction Railroad.

67

By Mr. Craft:
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act for the relief of
William H. Fanning, approved February 12th, 1861.
By Mr. Thomas:
A bill to be entitled an act to fix the time of meeting of the
Board of County Commissioners.
By Mr. Pittman :
A bill to be entitled an act to .repeal an act entitled an actc of
obstructions to the navigation of Robinson's Spring Creek.
By Mr. Foy:
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act to provide for the
establishment of two Seminaries of Learning.
By Mr. Sessions:
A bill to be entitled an act in -relation to persons exempt from
the military service by virtue of their owning or having charge
of negroes.
Mr. Campbell moved that a copy of Thompson's Digest be fur-
nished to, the Chairmen of Standing Committees for the use of
each committee; also, a copy of, the laws passed since the Di-
gest.
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Smith presented a petition from Mr. Lawrence Andreu;
Wiich was read and referred to the Committee on Elections.
By Mr. Jones:
Resolved, That ordinance No. 53 be submitted to the Stand-
ing Committee on-Elections.
Resolved, further, That said committee state in their report
whether or not said ordinance, in their opinion, shall be repealed
or amended;
which were adopted.
The rules being waived, Mr. Sessions introduced, in pursuance
of previous notice, the following'bill:
A bill to be entitled on act to provide for the support of desti-
tute families of citizens of this State in the military service, and
for other purposes;
Which was placed among the orders of the day.
The Committee on the Judiciary made the following report:
The Committee on the Judiciary have instructed me to report
a bill to secure the faithful performance of duty by the officers
of Government; "and a bill to be entitled an act to extend the
benefits of the Writ of Mandamus and for other purposes, and
recommend their passage.
T. BALTZELL, Chairman.
Which as received and read, and the bills placed among the
orders of the day.

S,68

The Committee on Propositions and Grievances made the fol-
lowing report:
The Committee to whom was referred the resolution for the
purchasing of wool and cotton cards, beg that said resolution be
passed with the following addition: That the Governor shall
cause said cards to be distributed to the different counties ac-
-cording to the voting population.of each county for 1860.
THOSE. HANNAH, Chairman.
Which was received and read and the resolution placed among
the orders of the day.
The Committee on Finance and Public Accounts made the
following report:
The Committee on Finance and Public Accounts, to whom
was referred a bill to be entitled ah act for the relief of Jailors in
the several counties in this State, have had the same under con-
sideration, and beg leave to report:
That they recommend the passage of the bill.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH PRICE, Chairman.
Which was received and read and the bill placed among the or-
ders' of the day.
ORDERS OF THE DAY.

A bill to be entitled an act relating to Right of Way,
Was read .the second time by its title, and" referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary.
The rules being waived, the following bills were introduced in
pursuance to previous notice, and placed among the orders of the
day:
By Mr. Jackson:
A bill to be entitled an act in relation to interest on debts and
liabilities of soldiers in the Confederate or State service:
By Mr. Chapman:
A bill to be entitled an act to regulate proceedings before Jus-
tices of the Peace in the trial of offences committed by slaves,
free negroes and mulattoes.
By Mr. Pittman:
A bill to be entitled an act to re-establish the records of any
county in this State which have been lost, mislaid or destroyed.
By Mr. Smith:
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of M. J. Murphy.
By Mr. Ross:
A bill to be entitled an act relative to the assessment of taxes.
By Mr. Smith:

69

A bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act to authorize the
Secretary of State to appoint an assistant.
A bill to be entitled an act authorizing the executors of James
Abererombie, senior, to sell property in certain cases,
Was read the first time, rules waived, read the second and third
times by its title, and put upon its passage, upon which the vote
"was:
Yeas-Messrs. Allen, Ayery, Baltzell, Campbell of Walton,
Chapman, Craft, Duval, Foy, Gee, Hampton. Hannah, Hewett,
Jadkson, Jenkins, Jones, Leslie, Newbern, Overstreet, Pittman,
Polhill, Price of Alachua, Richardson, Rust, Scott, Sessions, Se-
ward, Smith, Thomas and Williams-29.
Nays-None.
;So the bill passed-title as stated.
"Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
Resolution to stay the sale and entry of public lands for the
!present,
Was read the first time, rules waived, read the second and
third times by its title and adopted.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
A bill to be entitled an act requiring annual reports from the
Board of Internal Improvements,
Was read the first time, rules waived, read the second and
third times by its title, and put upon its passage, upon which the
vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allen, Avery, Baltzell, Campbell
of Liberty, Campbell of Walton, Chapman, Craft, Duval, Foy,
Gee, Hampton, Hannah, Jackson, Jenkins, Jones, Leslie, New-
bern, Overstreet, Pittman, Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia,
Richardson, Ross, Scott, Sessions, Seward, Smith, Thomas and
Williams-30.
Nays-None.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
A bill to be entitled an act to establish the records of any
county in this State which have been lost, mislaid or destroyed,
Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for a
third reading on to-morrow.
Joint resolution to facilitate the procurement of cotton and
wool cards by the citizens of the State,
Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for a
third reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act to provide for the support of desti-
tute families of citizens of this State in the military.service, and
for other purposes,
SWas read the first time, rules waived, read the second time by

4,

70

its title, and referred to the Committee on Taxation and Reve-
nue, and 80 copies ordered to be printed for the use of the House.
A bill to be entitled an act in relation to interest on debts and
liabilities of soldiers in the Confederate or State service,
Was read the first time, rules waived, read the second time by
its title, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
A bill to be entitled an act relative to the assessment of taxes,
Was read the first time, rules'waived, read the second timeby
its title, and referred to the Committee on Taxation and Revenue.
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of M. J. Murphy,
Was read the first time, rules waived, read the second time by
its title, and referred to the Committee on Claims and Accounts.
Resolution providing for a temporary suspension of public
land sales,
Was, on motion, laid on the table.
A bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act to authorize the
Secretai'y of State to appoint an assistant,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act to re-establish the records of any
county in this State which have been lost, mislaid or destroyed,
Was read the first time, rules waived, read the second time by
its title, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
A bill to be entitled an act to extend the benefits of the writ
of mandamus and for other purposes,
Was read the first time, rules waived, read the second time by
its title, and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on to-
morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act to secure the faithful performance
of duty by the officers of government,
Was read the first time, rules waived, read the second time by
its title, and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on to-
morrow, and 80 copies ordered to be printed for the use of the
House.
A bill to be entitled an act to regulate proceedings before Jus-
tices of the Peace in the trial of offences committed by slaves,
free negroes and mulattoes,
Was read the first time, rules waived, read the second time by
its title, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
The following message was received from his Excellency, the
Governor:
G n EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, )
Tallahassee, November 21st, 1862.
Fellow Citizens of the Senate and
House of Replresentatives:
Your attention is respectfully invited to the resolutions here-

with submitted, adopted by the General Assembly of Georgia on
the 11th December, 1861.
Agreeably to the resolutions the Honorable Arthur P. Wright
and the Hon. John Erskine, have been appointed Commissioners
"to negotiate and settle with the authorities of Florida, the
boundary line between the two States."
The material points concerning the disputed boundary were
stated in my Annual Message to the General Assembly, and it is
unnecessary'to recapitulate them. So far as the facts are recited
in the resolutions of the Legislature of Georgia, they correspond
almost entirely with those set forth in the message.
There are, however, several matters suggested by said resolu-
tions, to which I desire especially to call your attention.
The resolutions say "Florida insists that Mound B should be
regarded the fixed point to determine the head waters of the
river St. Marys," and thus evince a misapprehension of fact. I,
repeat most respectfully what I said in my last Annual Message:
"it was never insistedby Florida that such point should be so con-
sidered." Florida is now and always has been ready to acquiesce
in the establishment of Mound B, as the Eastern terminus of the
boundary on the St. Marys river, but is and has been equally
willing that the head waters of the St. Marys river should be es-
tablished as such terminus. It has never been admitted by Flor-
ida that the true source of the St. Marys river is at or near Mound
B, but on the contrary, it is claimed that the head of said river
is about fifteen miles North of said Mound.
The boundary between the States must be one of two lines-
either the one defined by the Treaty of 1795, to determine which,
if the Mound be rejected as a point, it will be necessary to ascer-
tain the head waters of the river St. Marys-or a new line to be
agreed upon by the two States.
"According to my understanding, the two States agreed to
adopt as their boundary a straight line to be run from the mouth
of Flint river to Mound B, and the line was run accordingly by
Messrs. Orr and Whitner, and ratified by tbe Legislatures of
both Georgia and Florida, and therefore, in view of the past ne-
gotiations between Georgia and Florida upon this subject, I can-
not comprehend the reasonableness of the present proposition.
The legislature of Georgia now proposed by the enclosed reso-
lutions to acquiesce in the terminal points of' the line so run, but
to deflect from a straight line Southwardly, and adopt the Wat-
son line as the boundary.
Georgia now appears to be desirous to secure to purchasers
from that State, the title to lots and fractional lots of land dis-
posed of by the State. Where such lands lie North of the McNeil
line, that security has already been afforded by the act of the

rl) \

72

Legislature of Florida of December 22d, 1859. Where such
lands lie between the Watson and McNeil lines, and have not
been purchased from the United States or Florida, the titles can
be confirmed by act of the General Assembly, and I recommend
that such an act be passed at the present session.
The quantity of land sold by Florida and the United States be-
tween the McNeil and Watson lines, I am informed by the Reg-
ister of Public Lands, amounts to about 2,300 acres. A part of
this was sold to citizens of Georgia and Florida who had previ-
ously purchased the same lands from Georgia. Thus a conflict
has arisen upon the question of title to probably less than 2,000
acres. An arrangement should be made whereby the purchasers
of this small quantity of land could have their interests fairly
adjusted and leave the boundary line where it has been run by
Messrs. Orr and Whitner, and established by the co-operation of
the States.
If the titles to the lands disposed of by Georgia be confirmed or
so arranged as to do no injustice to the purchasers, I cannot con-
ceive why that State should insist the lands should be included
within her limits and jurisdiction. It is no new thing for
citizens of the State of Georgia to own lands in Florida.--
It is true that under the present Constitution the General As-
sembly have the power to tax the lands of non-residents higher
than those of residents, but your body may stipulate with Geor-
gia that such power shall never be exercised with regard to the
lands now in dispute, and I recommend that an act be passed for
that purpose, provided Georgia will recede from her present de-
mancis.
Messrs. Wright and Erskine, the Commissioners on the part
of Georgia, have by the resohitions of that State no authority to
make any negotiation or settlement unless the Watson line is es-
tablished as the boundary. I cannot believe that Florida is wil-
ling to make a settlement upon these terms. I recommend how-
ever, most respectfully, that your honorable body should adopt
resolutions proposing to the State of Georgia a final settlement
upon such terms ais will be best calculated to do justice to the
citizens of Georgia and Florida, consistently with the claims and
dignity of both States.
I have the honor to be, respectfully,
JOHN MILTON.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
3Milledgeville, Georgia, Nov. 10th, 1862. )
ARTHUR P. WmIGHT, EsQ.:
Sm-Under and by virtue of a joint resolution passed by the
General Assembly of this State on the eleventh day of December,

in the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and sixty-one, relative
to the Boundary Line between the States of Georgia and Florida,
reposing especial trust and confidence in your wisdom, prudence,
fidelity and ability. I,-JosEPH E. Brlowx, Governor and Com-
mander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy of this State, and of the
Militia thereof, do hereby appoint and commission you, the said
Arthur P. Wright, as commissioner, to yisit the Seat of Govern-
ment of the State of Florida, and you, in conjunction with John
Erskine, Esq., are hereby clothed with authorityto negotiate and
settle with the authorities of Florida the Boundary Line between
the two States, upon the terms prescribed in the recital and pre-
amble of said resolution-a copy of which is here annexed--or
upon such other terms as will include within the limits of Geor-
gia, the lots and fractional lots of land disposed of by the author-
ities of this State'
Done at the Capitol, in Milledgeville, on the day and year
first above within. In testimony whereof, I have here-
[L. s.] unto set my.hand and caused to be affixed the great
Seal of the State.
JOSEPH E. BROWN,
Governor of Georgia.
By the Governor:
N. C. BARNETT, Secretary of State.

-Resolved by the Senate and IHouse qf _Representatiees, That
Georgia is deeply concerned in having the boundary line between
her and her sister State of Florida permanently settled and fixed.
An end to the unfortunate controversy which has been pending
so long is due alike-to the citizens of both States bordering upon
the line of dispute. The settlement of this question is demand-
ed that no infringement upon the sovereignty of either State shall
happen, nor any question arise as to conflicting jurisdictions.
The undisputed right of citizenship and allegiance should no
longer be kept in doubt, and the limits of the respective sove-
reignties should be fully determined, recognized and understood.
The Legislature of Georgia desires to address the Legislative
authority of Florida in a spirit of amity and kindness, and to ap-
peal to her, upon the principles of comity and good neighbor-
hood, to contribute everything she can .compatible with her
honor and sense of right, to the adjustment of our unsettled boun-
dary, a source of imitation, discontent and dissatisfaction.
The State of Georgia is not unaware of the points of difference
existing ever since the treaty between the United States and
Spain of 1795, (and even prior thereto). She understood her
10

74

boundary. The 3d Article of the Treaty of 1795 defines what
should be the correct line of division, which is in these words :
"The Southern boundary which divides their Territory from'the
Spanish Colonies of East and West Florida, shall be de-ig-iiated
by a iine beginning on the river Mlisissiplpi, at the northernmost
part of the thirty-first degree,of latitude North of the Equator,
which fiom thence shallbe drawn East to the middle of the river
Apalachicola or Cha.ttahoochee, thence along the middle thereof
to its junction with the Flint; thence straight to the head of the
St. Mary's River, and thence down the-middle thereof to the At-
lantic Ocean." Commissioners were appointed under the treaty
to perform their duty in running the, line designated by the
terms thereof; and the mode of proceeding by said treaty, is de-
clared thus: In order to carry the preceding Article (the third
Article) into effect, one Commissioner and one Surveyor shall be
appointed by each of the contracting parties, who shall meet at
Natche/z, on the other side of the Mississippi River, before the
expiration of six months from the ratification of this Convention;
and they shall proceed to run and mark this boundary according
to the stipulations of said Article. They shall make plats and
keep journals of the proceedings, which shall be considered part
of this Convention; and shall have the same force as if they were
inserted therein." From the Mississippi to the Chattahoochee
they executed their commission according to the stipulations of
the treaty. The remaining part of their duty they filed to per-
form. The point of departure and the point of termination are
both fixed by the treaty; and it is provided that said Co mmis-
sioners slonuld run and mark, to and from these points. The
points referred to are from the junction of the Flint and Chatta-
hoochee rivers to the head of the St. Marv's.
It is a historical fact that no surveys were made between the
junction of the Flint and Chattahoochee rivers and the head of
the St. Marys, on account of Indian disturbances ; that Ellicott
design tcd on hiMs plat, mound B, as being a little North of the head
waters of the St. M;ai y's nid being the northern branch of said river,
and consented that this point should indicate the true source of said
Sstrceinm, y prolhy]le insisted upon; lbut tlhe et is unlqesti.able
that no such power was given him; he having lJower to act as a
simple CoInissioner, his duties and powers being limited by the
treaty, which was the supreme'law of the land. The evidence
now exists that at the time the Commissioners were endeavoring
to certain the head of the St. M.ry's river, that on account of
the. heavy rains and heavy frieshets consequent therefrom, the low
flat district of country from whence the source of the river takes
its rise, it was impossible for them to determine the fact. In fact
mound B is not near the head source of said river; which is now,

/11

75

(since the counti'y is settled) capable of the fullest and most con-
clusive proof.
Flbrida insists that mound B should-be regarded the fixed point
to determine the head waters of the river St. Mary's. Georgia
insists that the most Southern branch of the river is the longest,
and has the greatest volume of water, and, therefore, that the
dividing line between the two States, from the junction of the
Flint and Chat tahooclhee rivers, should be run to the head of the
most Southern stream. Thus it will be seen, that if Georgia in-
sists upon her view of the subject, 'he will claim a considerable
portion of the territory of the State of Florida, and include many
valuable citizens within the jurisdiction of Georgia. On the oth-
er hand, if Florida should adhere to her views, she would em-
brace a part of the territory of Georgia and also take within her
jurisdiction many of the recognized citizens of Georgia. It is
obvious to the two States, holding these adverse positions, and
insisting upon the abstract rights set up by each, a settlement of
the contested boundary is impossible, without long and tedious
litigation between the two States, and before the Supreme Court
of the Confederate States.
The two sovereignties, from their position, being competent to
adjust these differences, it seems to the Legislatu.ie of Georgia
that the question of boundary between them can be settled in a
manner more compatible with"the dignity, peace, friendship, ami-
ty and aood will of both.
The General Assembly to avoid'further dispute, proposes to her
sister State, Florida, that what is denominated the Watson line
(which will leive in the limits of this State, the fractional lots of
land heretofore sold under an act of her Legislature) shall be
adopted as the boundary line. The settleniient upon this basis,
will not interfere with the rights of citizenship, as claimed by the
citizens of either State. The position of the two States, united
by a common interest, and sharing perils alike with each other in
resisting a common enemy, are considerations which require that
border difficulties and disputes, and all causes of irritation should
be put an end to. Be it therefore
Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor be requested to
transmit the foregoing preamble and these resolutions, to his Ex-
cellency, the Governor of Florida, with a request that he submit
the same to the Legislature of Florida. And
_Resolved further, That the Governor do appoint two Commis-
sioners to visit the seat of Government of the State of Florida,
who are hereby clothed with authority to negotiate and settle
the boundary line with the autlhorties of Florida, upon the terms
prescribed in the aforesaid recital and preamble, or upoi such
other terms as will include within the limits of Georgia the lots

and fractional lots of land disposed of by the authorities of the
State of Georgia.
Assented to December 11, 1861.

Which was read.
Mr. Baltzell loved that it be laid on the table..
Which was agreed to.
Mr. 7illi:ims moved that the vofe laying the message on the-
table be reconsidered.
Which was agreed to, and on motion the message and accom-
panying documents were referred to the Committee on the State
of the Commonwealth.
The following communication was received from the Senate:
SENATE CIHAMBEIR,
Satursdav Nov. 22, 1862.
To the Hon. T. J. EPPES,
S/c a'<' qof the IHiouse of ]Representatives:
Smn: The Senate has passed the following bills:
A bill to be entitled ai act to amend an act concerning Wills,
Letters Test:lnentary, and Letters of Administration, and the
duties of Executors, Administrators, and Guardians; and
A bill to be entitled an act to allow ofl-cers of Insurance Com-
panies to hold their oce until their oie successors are elected,
where such elections cannot be held on account of the war.
IRespect filly,
EDWARD J. JUDAI,
Sec'y Senate.
Which' was read and the bills placed among the orders of the
day.
Senate bill to be entitled an act to amend an act concerning
Wills, Letters Testamentary and Letter:s of Administration and
the duties of Executors, Administrators and Guardians,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
"to-mon" .
Senate bill to be entitled ain actto allow officers of iin-nce
Compi ii:s to hold their offices until their successors are elected,
where s ih elections cannot be lield on account of the war,
Was read tle first time, rules waived, read the second time
by its title and referred to the Commiitte on the Judiciary,
The rilps being. waived, Mr. Williams gave notice that he
will on some future day introduce a bill to be etitled an a.ct
fixing the -::l:,ries of State Officers."
The r.: es leing wv;iv:d, Mr. Allen was allowed to introduce
without previous notice:
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Joun P. Di al.

.1 l U '-0 I j I I J

77

Which was read the first time, ruleswaived, read the second
time by its title, and referred to the Committee on Claims and
Accounts.
,The rules being waived, Mr. Jones was allowed to introduce
without previous notice;
A bill to be entitled an act to prevent slaves hiring their own
time.
Which was read the Jrst time, rules waived, read the second
time by its title and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
On motion of Mr. Jenkins, the House adjourned until to-mor-
row morning, 10 o'clock.

TUESDAY, November 25th, 1862.

The House met pursuant to adjournment.
A quorum present.
The Rev. J. O. Branch officiated as Chaplain.
On motion, the reading of the journal of yesterday's proceed-
ings was dispensed with, and the journal corrected and approved.
Mr. J. P. Atkins. member elect from Calhoun county, pre-
sented his credentials and was sworn in by T. J. Eppes, Notary
Public.
Mr. Gee moved that leave of absence be granted to Dr. Henry
of Gadsden, for a few days, on account of the extreme illness of
his wife.
Which was agreed to.
The following bills were introduced in pursuance of previous
notice, and placed among the orders of the day:-
By Mr: Allen:
A bill to be entitled an act to relieve certain persons from a
poll or canpitation tax, and also a certain portion of their property
from taxation. Also,
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of families of indigent
Soldiers.
By Mr. Baltzell:
A bill to be entitled an act to construct a rail road from the
city of ,Monlticello to the State line between Georgia and Florida,
as the Florida and Georgia junction rail road.

By Mr. Hampton:
A bill to be entitled an act to amend the election laws of this
State as regards the manner of voting, and for other purposes.
By Mr. Jenkins:
A bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act to facilitate the
construction of the St. Johns and Indian river Canal, approved
January 1st, 1857, and for other purposes ; also,
A bill to be entitled an act to consolidate the offices of Sheriff
and Tax Assessor and Collector .in Hernando county.
By Mr. Jackson:
A bill. to be entitled an act to amend an act to provide for the
taking of M2arks and Brands of Cattle shipped or driven from the
counties of Sumter, Hillsborough and Manatee.
By Mr. Foy:
SA bill to be entitled an act to amend an act to provide for the
establishment of two Seminaries of Learning.
By Mr. Pittman:
A bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act "of Obstruction -
to the navigation of Robinson's Spring Creek.
By Mr. Craft:
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act for the relief of
Wm. H. Fannin.
By Mr. Campbell:
A bill to be entitled an act to change the times of holding the
Spring terms of the Circuit Court for the counties of Walton,
Holmes and Washington.
The rules being waived, the following bills were introduced
without previous notice, and placed among the orders of the day.
By.Mr. Williamis:
A bill to be entitled an act in relation to certain certificates is-
sued in payment of military services; also,
A bill to be entitled an act to provide for the payment of cer-
tain certificates issued by the State for military services.
By Mr, Allen:
A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the Circuit Courts of
this State to change the names of persons residing therein.
SMr. Jones gave notice that on some future day he would ash
leave to introduce a bill to' be entitled an act to prevent soldier's
homes from being entered from under them.
Mr. Price of Columbia, moved that the Committee on Finance
and Public Accounts be instructed to act with a similar commit-
tee on the part of the Senate.
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Price ot Columbia, moved that a committee of three be
appointed to wait upon the Senate and inform that body that
the Committee on Finance and Public Accounts has been ap-

79

pointed to act with a similar committee on the part of the Senate.
Which was agreed to, and Messrs. Price of Columbia, Jen-
kins and Lee appointed said committee.
Notice was given of the intention to introduce the following bills
Son some future day, viz:
By Mr. Jones
A bill to be entitled an act repealing ordinance numbered fifty-
two of the Convention of the State of Florida, entitled an ordinance
for strengthening the Executive department daring the exigencies
of the present war, and ordinance numbered fifty-eight of said Con-
vention, providing the mode of filling vacancies in the Executive
Council.
By Mr. Atkins:
A bill to be entitled an act to have the offices of Sheriff and Tax
Collector and -Assessor of Calhoun count-y consolidated.
By Mr. Jenkins:
A bill to be entitled an act for the payment of troops called into
- or remaining in the service after the 10th day of March, 1862.
By Mr. Ross :
A bill to be entitled an act for the payment of Capt. J. R. France's
company.
By Mr. McGehee:
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of J. J. Ward, Sheriff of
Lafayette county.
Mr. Pittman presented a petition from. sundry citizens of Jackson
county;
Which was received and read, and on motion, referred to the
Committee on Commerce and Navigation.-
Mr. Scott offered preamble and resolution asking the President of
the Confedt rate States to constitute' the State of Florida into one
military department, and to exempt the State from the operation
of the Conscript Law and to organize the men subject to conscrip-
tion for home defence, and to return the Florida troops, now serving
,out of the State, to the State for her defence during the winter;,
Which were read and placed among the orders of the day.
The rules being waived, Mr. Baltzefl moved that the Governor be
requested to inform the House what steps, if any have been taken,
to obtain part of the sums due on account of Railroad Iron on hand
and subject to duty at the time of secession, which was delivered
upon our pledge of payment of the same to the proper authority.
S That he inform the House of the state of the account between
the State and thelRailroad companies in the State, and whether any
debt or sum of money owed by either for principal or interest has
been paid by the State or any of its authorities, and why said pay-
ment was made, and whether there was inability or refusal of the
said companies to pay the same in the first instance;

80

Which was agreed to.
Mr. Polhill offered a resolution relative to the last meeting of the
State Conirention;
Which was placed among the orders of the day.
Mr. Avery, from the Committee on the Judiciary made the follow-
ing report: .
SThe Committee on the Judiciary to whom was referred the bill
to be entitled an act to allow officers of Insurance Companies to
hold their offices until their successors are elected, &c., ask leave to
report said bill back to the House and recommend the adoption of
the accompanying amendment: '
SECTION 2. Be it further enacted, That the provisions of this act
"shall be applicable to all incorporated companies in this Stdte which
are placed in circumstances like those mentioned in the first section
of this act.
They also recommend that the title be amended by striking out
the word "insurance" and inserting the word "Incorporated ;" also,
add to first section the words "first section."
0. \l. AVERY, Acting Chairman.
.Which was received and read, and the bill placed among the
orders of the day.
The Committee on Claims made the following report:
The Committee to whom was referred the bill entitled an act for
the relief of John P. Duval, have had the same'under consideration,
and report the same back to the House and recommend its passage.
A. Y. HA:MPTON, Chairman.
Which was received and read, and the bill placed among the
orders of the day.
The Committee on the Mlilitia made the following report
The Standing Committee on Militia, to whom was referred that
portion of the Governor's message to the General Assembly, on
Militia,

REPORT:

That they have had the same under consideration, and recom-
mend that the whole of the Militia and Patrol Laws now in exis-
tence or in force, be repealed. And that they will, at some future
day, introduce a bill for the reorganization of the militia of the
State.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
J. Y. JONES, Chairman.
,Which was received and read.
The Committee on Claims made the following report:
The Committee to whom was referred a bill entitled an act for

S- S1 .

the relief of M. J. iMuirpliy, have had the same under considera-
tion, and beg leave to

REPORT:

That we find Ordinance No. 62 of the Convention" pricludes
the payment of any accounts for miliitry services occurring be-
tween the first day of January, 1861, and the first day of March,
1862, which have not been presented'to a Comnission-' pro-
vided' for in said ordinance, by the 30th day, of June terai'er.
Such being the law, we report the same back to the House and
recommend that it do not pass.
Yet your Committee feel that it is due to the citizens of our
"State that such claims, of which we are advised there are .many,'
should not be barred'by such action, especially since the means
of acquiring information through the public prints have been for
the Iast twelve months denied them ; That it is butjuCst and
proper that some provision should made by this General As-
sembly to afford them ample facilities, with extended notice, to
,adjust their claims, many of which your Committee believe pos-
sess merit and should be paid.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
"" A. Y. HnATJPTON, CChlai n.,
Which was received a;nd read, and the bill place i am'ong"the
orders of the day..
"The Committee on the Judiciary made the following report:
Mr. Craft, fiom the Crommittee on the Judiciary, to whom was
referred "a bill to be entitled an act in relation to interest on debts
and-liabilities of soldiers in the Confederate States service," begs
leave to report said bill back to the House, with the following pro-
viso, to wit:
SProkI'iJ, /n':,?c;', That said abatement, provided for ii tis act,
does not come in conflict with the.Con:istitti.n. n
Which was received and'read, and the bill placed among the
orders of the day.
The Committee on Elections made the following re-port
The Committee on Elections, having ex:1mineid the proofs in the
case of Lawrence Andren, claiming to "be the member elect to this
House from St. John's county, beg leave to report:
That they find the facts in nacordinice with the climin;rts peti-
Stion, and respectfully rcolInunmed tlat hie be permitted to take his
seat. t
J. V. GARNIE, Chairmain.
,Which was received and read, and on motion concurred in,. and
11

82

Mr. Andren came forward and was sworn in by T. J. Eppes, Xotary
Public.
The Committee on Engrossed Bills made the following report:
The Committee on Eg!ro-ed Bills report th el :.'."i;g bills and
resolution as correctly engrossed :
A resolution to facilitate the procurement of cotton and wool
cards for the citizens of the State.
A bill to be entitled ain act for the relief of Jailors in the several
counties of this State.
A bill to be entitled an act to secure the faithful pI,;'1 ri:l:llr.. of
duty by the officers of government.
A. bill to be entitled an act to extend the benefits of the writ of
1(I a.dan ;c and for other purposes.
F. R. PITTMA' Chaitan .
Which wias received and read, and the bills placed among the
S orders of the day.
Mr. Villiamis, from.a Select Committee, made the following re-
port :
The Com-liite-:, appointed to contract with the printer elect, the
rates of charge for printing the proceedings of the House, and, also,
to "ascertain if a more suitable and less expi,,i n mode of pin.iin,
the Journal may not be adopted," have had the subject manittr under
consideration, and ask leave to

REPORT:

That they have received from Messrs. Dyke & Carlisle, the prin-
ters elect, the following communication, which is herewith submit-
ted as a part of this report:
FLORIDIAN AND JOURNAL OFFICE, r

Jos. Jonix WILLIAMS, EsQ.,

Sia : We propose to print te house r s at tle le in
,rates :
For all n;':-1lan-ou. printing, such as daily slips, bills. reports,
&c., th e.;-fourths (3-4) of a cent per every hundred words, c ng
ninety (90) c6pies.
F''o 500 copies of the Journal three collars and 3it\-c-:nt- (i::.50)
per p:a', couinc g one copy.
Til;: prices are the same as at the last Session, except in the
c'.lg.- per p;g., and the n;.ilc of copies for tie oiuti al. The
e::tr: :..i:;ey price and the scarcity of printing pape, ro-Z lc it

83

impossible to print work of lthe character of your Journal at any
t 0ing like the price of former years, when paper could be purchased
at 200 per cent. less than it can be bought at now.
Very respectfully, &c.,
DYKE & CARLIJ.LE.
Your Committee would further state, that they are advised and
believe that the/price at which the work is offered to be done, is
Reasonable and moderate, only affording a fair compensation for the
labor required and material cl-!asnml ;n and that they have been
unable to ascertain any other "more suitable and less expensive
mode of printing the Journal of the House" than the plan heretofore
adopted, which has been long pursued, and, as 'your Committee are
informed, has worked well, and is common to every State in the.
Confederacy.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
JOS. JOHN WILLIA I S, Chairman.
THO"AS BALTZELL,
SBENJ. F. ALLEN.
Which was received and read, and, on motion, concurred in.
The rule being waived, Mr. Baltzell moved thit a Committee of
-three be appointed to redraft the rules of the House, and to unite
with a Committee on the part of the Senate, to agree upon joint
rules for the Government of the two bodies.
\Which was agreed to, and Messrs. Baltzell, Averyand Craft ap-
pointed said Committee.
The following message was received from the Senate :
SENATE CHAMBER,
Tuesday, November 25th, 1862.
Hon. T. J.' EPPES,
SSpealcer of House of Rcpresc: (li'ec" :
Si : The Senate has passed the following House bill:
A bill to be entitled an act authorizing the executors of James
Abercrombie, Sr., to sell-property in certain cases.
Respectfully,
EDWARD J. JUDAH,
"Secretary 6f Senate.
Which was read and the bill ordered to be enrolled.
" Also the following:
SENATE CHAMBER,
Monday, November 24th, 1862.
IHon..T.J. EPPES,
Speaker of the House f Rejpresentatives :
Sim: The Senate has this day passed the following bills and reso
lution :

A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the removal of slaves and
other property from lthe State.
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Richard Sa';!r :-rs,
Sherif f of Leon county ; and
Resolution ielativ'oe to ail Route No. 65.
"Respectfully,
VEDWARD J. JUDAI.
"Secretary of Sen'ate.
Which was read, and the bills and resolution placed among the
orders of the day.
Also th.e following:
SENATE CHAiMBER,
Monday Nov. 24, 1862.
Hon T. J. EPPES,
Speaker of the House of Representatives:
SI-: The Senate has passed the enclosed joint resolution;
House resolution to stay the sale and entry of Public Lands for
the present.
Respectfully,
EDWARD J. JUDAIH,
Sec'v of Senate.
Which was read and the resolution ordered to be enrolled.
Also the following:
/ SEAT E CHAMBER.
Tnuesda', -ov. 25, 1862. j
Hon. T. J. EPES. 182.
Speaker of the House of Repre.-lative :
S,! : The Senate has passed the following joint resolution :
Resolution of thanks to Florida Troops.
S Respe1 i full y,
EDWARD J. JUDAT,
Sec'y of Senlate.
whichh was read and the resolution placed among the orders of
the day.

ORDERS OF THE DAY.

A bill to be entitled an act for tle relief of families of indigent

Was reacd the first time, rules wai-ed, read the second time b, its
title, and referred to a select committee ci:'sisting of IM.. _'A,'
villians, Avery, Lee andl Jones, who are to act with a like com-
mittee n thie part of the Sina t, as a joint select committee.

85'

A bill to be entitled an act to construct a Railroad from the city
Of Mjoioticello to the State line between Georgia and Florida, as the
Florida & Georgia Junction Railroad,
' Was read the first time, rules waived, read the second time by its
title, and referred to the Committee on Corporations and 90 copies
ordered to be printed for the use of the House.
The following bills were read the first time and ordered for a sec-
ond reading on to-morrow:
A bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act entitled an act of ob-
structions to the navigation of Robinson's Spring Creek;
A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the Circuit Courts of this
State .to change the names of persons residing therein ;
A bill to be entitled an act to provide for the payment of certain
certificates issued by this State for'military services;
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act to provide for the
taking of marks and brands of cattle shipped or driven from the
counties of Sumter, Hillsborough and Manatee;
A bill to be entitled an act to relieve certain persons from a poll
or capitation tax, and also" a certain portion of their property from,
taxation ;
A bill to be entitled an act in relation to certain certificates issued
in payment of military services;.
A bill to be entitled an act to change the times of holding the
Spring terms of the Circuit Courts for the counties of Walton,
Holmes and Washington;
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act to provide for the es-
tablishment of two Seminaries of Learning;
A bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act Ato facilitate the con-
struction of the St. Johns and Indian River Canal, approved January
1st, 1857, and for other purposes;
A bill to be entitled, an act to consolidate the offices of Sheriff
and Tax-Assessor and Collector in Hernando county;
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act for the relief of Win.
H. Fannen; and
A bill to be entitled an act to amend the election laws of this
State as regards the manner of voting and for other purposes.
A bill to be entitled an act to secure the faithful performance of
duty by the officers of Government,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yea;-.-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allen, Arendell, Atkins, Avery, Bait-
zell, Uilalckiurn, Campbell, of, Walton, Chapman, Craft, Duval, Foy,
Garnie, Gee, llampton, I-annah, H-ewett, Higginbotham, Jackson,
Jenkins, Jones, Lee,. Leslie, McGehee, Mettaurci, Mizell, Newbern,
Overstreet, Pitt man, Polhill, Price, of Alachua, Price, of Columbia,.

I-

86

Richardson, Ross, Rust, Scott, Sessions, Seward, Smith, Thomas and
Williams-41.
Nay-Mr. Campbell of Libertv-1.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
Resolution relative to the last meeting of the State 11onvciHion,
Was read the first time, rules waived and read the second time by
its title.
Mr. Jones moved its indefinite postponement"
Upon which the yeas and nays were called for by lesss ir. Wii-
liams and Rust, and were
Yeas-Messrs. Allen, Arendell, Ilackburn, Campbell, of Walton.
Gee, Jones, Mettauer, ewbern, Rust and William s10.
Nays-Mr. Sp aker, Messrs. Atkins, Avery, Baltzell, Campbell
of Liberty, Chapman, Craft; Duval, Foy, Garnie, Iaimpton, Hannah,
Hewett, .Higginbotham, J ckson, Jenkins, Lee, Leslie, lcGehee.
Overstreet, Pittman, Polhill, Price, of Alachut, Price, of Columbia.
Richardson, Ross, Scott, Sessions, Seward, Smith and Thomas-31.
So the motion was not agrred to.
The bill was then, on motion, referred to the Colmmittee on the
Judiciary.
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of John P. Duval,
Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for a third
reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act to authorize the Sec-
retary of State to appoint an assistant,
Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for a third
reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act to extend the benefits of the writ of
Smandamus and for other purposes,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was :
Y .as-Messrs. Allen, Andreu, Arendell, Atkins, Avery, Baltzell.
Blackburn, Campbell, of Liberty, C mpbell, of Walton, Chapman,
Craft, Duval, Foy, Garnie, Gee, Hampton, Hannah, !ievett, Higgin-
botham, Jackson, Jenkins, Jones, Lee, Leslie, McGehee, Mettauer,
Mizell, Newbern, Overstreet, Pittman, Polhill, Price, of. Alachua,
Price, of Columbia, Richardson, Ross, Rust, Scott, Sessions, Seward,
Smith, Thomas and Williams-43.
Nays-None.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
A bill to be entitled an act foi the relief of M. J. Murphy,
Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second time by its
title, and, on motion, laid on the table for the present.

e ,

87

A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Jailors in the several
counties in this State, -
Was read the third time and put upon its passage.
The vote was:
Yeqs-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allen, Arendell, Atkins, Avery, Balt-
zell, Blackburn, C(ampbell, of Liberty, Campbell, of EWalton, Chap-
,man, Craft, Duval, Foy, Garnie, Gee, Hampton, Hannah, Hewett,
Higginbotham, Jackson, Jenkins, Jones, Lee, Leslie, WecG6hee, Met-
tauer, Mizell, Newbern, Overstreet, Pittman, Polhill, Price, of Alach-
ua, Price, of Columbia, Richardson, Ross, Rust, Scott, Sessions, Sew-
ard, Smith, Thomas and Williams-41.
Nays -None.
So the bill passed-title'as stated.
-Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
Joint resolution to facilitate the procurement of cotton and wool
cards by the citizens of this; State,
"Was read the third time and put upon its passage.
The vote was :
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs, Andreu, Arendell, Atkins, Avery,
Blackburn. Campb1:1l, of Liberty, Campbell, of Walton, Chapman,
Craft, Foy, Garnie, Gee, Hampton, Hannah, Hewett, Higginbotham,
Jackson, Jenkins, Jones, Lee, Leslie, MeGehee, ettauer, .i-izell,
Newbern, Overstreet, Pittman, Polhill', Price, of Alachua, Richard-
son, Ross, Scott, Sessions, Seward, Smith, Thomas and illiams-37.
Nays-- Iessrs. Al-len, l ll, Duval and Pust-4.
So the resolution passed--tilltl as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate
S.i-na.to bill to"be entitled an act to nathlorize te t moval of slaves
and other property from the State,
as read the first time, rule waived, read the second and third
times by its title and put upon its passage.
The vote was
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allen, Andreu, Arendell, Atkins,
Avery, Baltzell, Blackburn, Cai:pll,11ll of Liberty, Campbell, of Wal-
ton, Chapman,, Craft, Duval, Foy, Garnie, Gee, I: illpt, Hannah,
Hewett, Higginbotham, Jackson, Jenkins, Jones, Lee, Leslie,
MAlCeehee, Mettauer,'Newbern, Overstreet, Pittman, Polhill, Price,
of 'lachu, Price, of Columbia iaro, Ross, ust, Sessios,
SeNard, Smith, Thomas and William!:-- 1.
Nays-None. "
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered tht the srnme be certified to the Senate.
A bill to be entitled an act iT relation to intere!r on debts and
liabilities of soldiers in the Confederate or State service,
"Was read the second time; and on mtiou of Mr. Jackson:, re-re-
ferred to the committee on the Judicary.
~I~ICCI V (:

/ :

Senate Resolution relative to mail route No. 65,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on to-
morrow.
Senate bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Richard Saunders
Sheriff of Leon county,
Was read the first time, rules waived, read the second time by it?
tile and referred to the Committee on Public Accounts.
Senate resolution of thali< to Florida TI;lnps,
Was read the first time, rules waived, read the second and third
times by its title and put upon its I:, .ge;.
The vote was :
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. I ,11en, Andr(e, Arendell, Atkis.,
Avery, 3Baltzell, Blackburn, iampbell of Liberty, Ca mpiill of'al-
ton, Chapman, Craft, Duval, Foy, Garnio, Gee, Hampton, Hannah,
IHwett, Ilio'inbothlam, Jacksoni Jen in s, ones, Lee, LO-It, 4 Ge-
hef, Metthur, A lize, LNwbern, Over'st'rt, Pittian, Polhill, Price of
Alachna, Price of Columbia, Richardson, o, Rust, Scott, Sessions.
Seward, Smith, Thomas and Williams-43.

So the resolution passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be ertifiedo t he Onate.
einat, bill to be entitled an act to allow officers of Insurance
Companies to hold their offices until their successors are 4. c 0d.
where such elections aiii- be held on account of the war,
Was read the second time and passed over informally.
Senate bill to be entitled an act to amend an atc oncernii' Wills,
Letters Testrmentary and Letters of Admiuit,'atin, and the, duties
of F.':,-utos', Adiniisitrat-'s and Guardi ns,
Was, read the ,cold time, and referred to the 'Committee on the
Judiciary.
Preamble and resolution asking the President of the C,',i.';-t
States to constitute the State of Florida into one Military D.i 't-
mient, and to exempt the State from the operation of the -cript
law, and to organize the men subject to conscription for home. de-
fence, and to return the Florida ti:,: now -..'vi out of t o ,ate
to the State for her defcie during the winter.
"Was read te fist time, rule waived, the st tie I ru al iead the second i i1 byv its
title, and referred to the Committee on the State of the Cominon-
wealth.
"The rule being waived, Mr. Williams introduced, in ip.-'.:.e of
previ us notice, the following bill :
A bill to be entitled a aact fi.:' the .- ar of Sit -. .
Was read the first time afnd .ii:-rd for a :w.od riig on to-
110 ITO NVW.
The rule being v...., Mr. ..::a, moved that- the voI re-re-
ferring to the Judiciary Committee a bill to be entitled an a-t in

89

relation to interest on debts and liabilities of soldiers in the Confede-
rate or State.service, be reconsidered,
Which was agreed to.
On 'motion, the House adjourned- until to-morrow niorning 10
o'clock.

WEDNESDAY, November 26, 1862.

The House met pursuant to adjournment. I
A quorum present.
The Rev. J. 0. Branch officiated as Chaplain.
On motion the reading of the'journal of yesterday's proceed-
ings was dispensed with, and the journal corrected and approved.
The rules being waived, i3Mr.Iizell introduced without previ-
ous notice,
A bill to be entitled an aet to organize the county of Brevard.
Thich was placed among the orders of the day.
[Mr. Avery gave notice that lie would on to-morrow ask leave
to introduce a bill to be entitled an act for the relief of soldiers
families in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Mr. Gee gave notice that he would on to-morrow introduce a
bill for the relief of J. N. Shepard and A. D. McDonald, of Gads-
den county.
Mr. Atkins gave notice that he would on some future day ask
leave to introduce a bill to be entitled an act in relation to the
county officers of Calhoun county. Also,
A bill to be entitled an act to establish the records of Calhoun
county.
S-Mr. Higginbotham gave notice that he would on some future
day ask leave to introduce a bill for the relief of the Tax Asses-
sor and Collector of Nassau county.
The rules being waived, MIr. Jenkins introduced without pre-
v-ious notice,
A bill to be entitled an act to regulate trade and intercourse
with the Indians.
Which was placed among the orders of the day.
12

t ^

90

The following bills were introduced in pursuance of previous
notice, and placed among the orders of the day, viz:
By.Mr. Duval:
A bill to be entitled anf act to consolidate the offices of Clerk
of the Circuit Court and Judge of Probate for Manatee county.
By Mr. Jenins :
A bill to be entitled an act to provide for the payment of troops
called into or remaining in the service of the State after the tenth
day of March, 1862.
By Mr. Garnie;
A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the Judge of the Cir-
cuit Court of Duval county to hold the sessions of Court at
Baldin.
By Mr. Jones:
A bill to be entitled an act to repeal Ordinance number fifty-
two (52) of the Convention of the State of Florida, entitled an
ordinance for strengthening the Executive Department during
the exigencies of the present war, and ordinance number fifty-
eight (58) of said Convention, providing the mode of filing va-
cancies in the Executive Council; also,
A bill to be entitled an act to prevent the entry-of Lands occu-
pied by soldiers/or other families during the continuance of the
priseni war.
By Mr. Se-rioSs:
A bill to be entitled an act in relation to persons claiming ex-
emption- from military service by virtue of their owning or having
charge of negroes or cattle.
BV Mr. A-tkins:
A bill to be entitled an act to consolidate the offices of Slheriff,
"Ti'x-sssessor and C.:llector of Calhoun county.
By 3r. Ross:
A bill to be entitled an act for the payment of Capt. France's
company.
By iMr. MI Iccllee:
A bill to be entitled art act for the relief of J. J. Ward, Sheriff
of Lafi ytte county.
A committee from the Senate appeared at te bar and informed
the House that the Senate had adopted a resolution instructing
the Committee on tlie Judiciary to examine the Constitution and
Ordinances and report to this body what laws. if any, are re-
quired under the new Constitution and Ordminances, and that the
House be requested to appoint the Standing Judiciary Committee
of the House to act with the same committee of the Senate as a
joint committee on this subject, and asked the concurrence of the
House in the same.

91

A committee from the Senate appeared at the bar and informed
the House that the Senate had adopted a resolution that the-Sen-
ate and House Committees on Public Lands, be a Special Joint
Committee to consider and report jointly upon all matters placed
before their consideration in relation to public lands, and asked
the concurrence of the House in the same.
The following message was received from his Excellency, the
Governor:
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
November 25, 1862. (
Hon. T. J. EPPES,
Speaker Ilouse of Representftives:
SIR: I am in receipt of the following resolution of theIIouse
of Representatives, "that the Governor be requested to inlfo-m
the HIouse whether location has been made of the 500,000 acres
of land given to the State by the Congress of the United States
in the year 1841, and of the value of the said location, and
whether any portion of the land was remaining unsoll,, and
also whether any appropriation has been made of the proceeds
to the objects to which the State engaged they should be ftith-
fully applied; whether any bridges, roads, canals and water
courses in any county of the State have been imliroved and
swamps drained, or to what purpose said lund has been ap-
plied."
In reply to this resolution I have to state that the lands of
which enquiry is made have all been located, except : fiew thou-
sand acres, the selections of which were rejected by the Govern-
ment. The estimated value of these lands is about one million
dollars, ($1,000,000.) Upwards of 300 000 arei' of' these lands
remain unsold. The proceeds o, tfhr as 4xpenled have been ap-
plied to aid thie construction oi' railroads and (c:1nals in the State.
under the provisions of lte lact known as the I" :1:, i J`i Jr've--
ment act. No bril.es. except railroad i, : -
structed. The Inilian river'-:ianal ]ias been ;.i *:. N<; x .i;,!-
tures have beelln na:le r drain a'e, but s'., ti .:r,: 1:;v.
beedi made or tilie s:nml, thoiiug not comilt)P''; .' :''
In order to (giec satisfactorv information i ._,:i'i Y'.' ma:-
ters inquired of, I called together the Boa:l i :;i :::1 in-
provements and consulted the records of the s:une. -
JOIN MILTON.
Which was read and ordered to be spread ,uponm t!:. jiiiu:al.
A committee fiont the Senate appeared at the :1ba :'iil i:trmiued
the House that the Senate h:al i:oi, ptel a reso!i:i; l :,-,iIiuc' tingl
the IIlouse to appoint the Stanlirl- Connimitee ,.I ii:i:ec ain
Public Acoi('lits to :ct with :a ke commiiittee oil tw I.:' irt of the

92

Senate as a joint committee, to. whom' shall be'referred all mo-
tions relating to finances and public accounts, and asked the con-
currence of the House in the same.
The committee appointed to inform the Senate that they had
been appointed to act with a similar committee on the part of the
Senate to draft rules for the regulation of the General Acsembly,
appeared at the bar and informed the House that they had per-
formed their duty and asked to be discharged.
A committee from the Senate appeared at the bar and informed
the House that the Senate had instructed the select committee to
whom was referred the message of the Governor on the subject
of the boundary between this State and Georgia, to act in con-
junction with the Committee of the House of Representatives on
the matters therein-referred to.
Mr. Craft presented a petition from sundry citizens of Hills-
borough county, Fla.
Which was read and placed among the orders of the day.
Mr. Jones offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That the General Assembly do, on Tuesday next,
Dec. 2d, proceed to the election of a Comptroller and Treasurer.
Which was read and adopted.
Mr. Craft offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That the House do now proceed to the election of a
Recording Clerk.
Which was agreed to.
The Speaker announced nominations for Recording Clerk in
order.
Mr. Arendell nominated F. M. -Bunker.
There being no other nominations, on motion of Mr. Jackson,
Mr. Bunker was declared elected Recording Clerk by acclama-
tion.
Mr. Pittman from the committee on Engrossed bills made the
following report:
The committee on Engrossed bills report the following bills as
correctly engrossed :
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of John P. Duval; add
A bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act to authorize the
Secretary of this State to appoint an assistant.
F. R. PITTMAN, Chm'n.
Which was received and read, and the bills placed among the
orders of the day.
Mr. Craft from the committee on Enrolled bills made the fol-
lowing report:
The committee on Enrolled bills beg leave to report the follow
ing bill and resolution as correctly enrolled, to-wit:

f4
lID

93

A bill to be entitled an act authorizing the executors of James
Abercrombie, sr., to sell property in certain cases; and
Resolution to stay the sale and entry of Public Lands for the
present. /
..SAM. C. CRAFT, Chm'n.
Which was received and read.
Mr. Chapman from the committee on Taxation and Revenue
made the following report :
The Committee on Taxation and Revenue to whom was referred
"the bill to be entitled an act relative to the assessment of Taxes,
ask leave to report the bill back to the House without amendments
and recommend its passage.
W. CHAPMAN, Chm'n.
Which was received and read and the bill placed among the
orders of the day.
JMr. Price fiom the committee on Finance and Public Accdunts
made the following report:
The. committee on Finance and Public Accounts to whom was
referred a bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Richard Saun-
ders, have had the same under consideration and beg, leave to re-
port that they recommend the passage of the bill.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH PRICE, Chm'n.
Which was received and read, and the bill placed among the
orders of the day.
Mr. Chapman from the committee on Taxation ,and Revenue
made the following report:
The Committee on Taxation and Revenue to whom was re-
ferred the bill to be entitled an act to provide ior the support of
distressed families and citizens of this State in the military ser-
vice, and for other purposes, ask leave to

REPORT

There being a number of bills before the Senate and House of
like character, they would suggest, that they all be referred to a
joint committee of both Hobuses, on Taxation and Revenue.
"W. CHAPMAN, Chm'n.
vWhich was received and read, and the bill placed among the
orders of the day.

.ORDERS OF THE DAY.

"Senate bill to be entitled an act to allow officers of Insurance
Conp-nie to hold their offices until their snceessors are cle-ted,
where such elections cannot be held on account of the war,

am

94

Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was :
Ycns-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allen; Andren, Arendell, Atkins.
Avery, Baltzell, Blackburn, Campbell of Walton, Clnpman,
Craft, Duval, Foy, Garnie, Gee, Hampton, Hannah, He wett.
Higginbotham, Jackson, Jenkins, Jones, Lee, Leslie, :McGehe.
Mettauer, Newburn, Overstreet, Pittman, Polhill, Price of Al-
achua, Price of Columbia, Richardson, Ross, Rust, Scott, Ses-
sions, Seward, Smith and Thomas-40.
Nays-none.
So.the bill passed-title as stated.
Ord ered that the same be certified to the Senate.
A committee from the Senate appeared at the bar and informed
the House that the Senate had adopted a resolution to go into
an election for certain State House officers this afternoon, and
asked the concurrence of the House in the same.
The reColution was received and placed among the orders of
the day.
Senate resolution to go into an election for certain State Housc
officers,
Was iead.
3Mr. Baltzell moved to :amend the resolution by inserting the-
words 'r 3[onday week, at 12 o'clock."
SMr1. 1,pes moved to lay the amendment on the table;
Upon which the yeas and nays were called for b) Messrs.
Epp l) and Arendell;
The vote was:
Ye Sp er, r. Andre, tkins, Avery, c1 -
burn, C:p o'ell of Liberty, C:unp-ll of Walton, Fo1y, G.:'!i
Gee, Himptou, I,Hwt .T-nkii- Lee, L -1, cGehe.
Ibeeri, Overstreet, Price of la;.;la, Riclrd!:I,-R tt
Session., reward d and Thomas-20.
S-Msrs. Allen, Aredel, I C ft
Val Ilin]}h r1 1!'11!1. To1--
val, Hamnah, Hi. inbai; 1,-. Jackson. Jones, Pitt'nii Po hill"
Price of Columbia, u1.st, Smith and "VLllias-10.
So the iinei1!.7 n was laid on the table.
The r.;lition :was then put upon its ,1{. ,
The vote was:
Ye--,r. peakc-e, ..s... Atkins, Avery, C:ipe] of Lib-
erty,- ),ell of Walton, Foy, Garnie, Gee, Hampton. wett,
Iil"',in1.a"i, Lee, Leslie, icGelhe, Newbern,- Over.treet
Pri-e -.-,. "Ai:,, lPrice of Cohumbia, ch:'i, Scot. Ses-
sions and Thomas-22.
I )--;-'-..-- :':.s Allen, And31eu, l .^ i. rlil^., B- nc,. nriu,
i-i,'.,, Craft, D uval', J _.':,. Ia l,.lii ;,, .To1eCs. lJC -

..W

95

nuer, Pittman, Polhill, Ross, Rust, Seward, Smith and Wil-
iiams-20.
So the resolution,was adopted.
Mr. Williams moved that a committee be appointed to certify
the same to the Senate;
Which. was agreed to, and Messrs. Williams, Garnie and Aren-
dell appointed said committee.
The committee retired and in a short time returned and in-
ored the House that they had performed their duty and were
dischargedge.
A committee from the Senate appeared at the bar and informed
the housee that the Senate lid passed a joint resolution in rela-
tion to rules governing the General Assembly, and asked the con-
.urrence of the House in the same.
The resolution was received and placed among the orders of
_.he, day.
A bill to be entitled an act in relation to certain certificates is-
- sued in payment of military services,
. Was read the second time and referred to the commit t_ on
Tlnaim: and Accounts.
A bill to be entitled an act in relation to interest on debts anid
liabiliti. of soldiers in the Confederate or State service,
VWas read the,second time and the amendment reported by the
,Tcicia' I Committee adopted.
Mr. very offered the'following as an additional proviso,:
Provided also, that the provisions of this act'shall not extend
"to c;ln tr'ets entered into subsequent to its passage;
WVhich was read and adopted.
The bill was then ordered t6obe engrossed as amended, for a
third reading on tomorrow.
A bill to be entitled an act to provide for the payment of cer-
tain certificates issued by the State for military services,
Was read the second time and referred to the committee on
Claims.
A bill to bb entitled an act to authorize the Circuit Courts of
this SL:t-ae' to change the names of persons residing therein,
Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for a
1th ird reading on to-morrow.
A bil! to be entitled an act to repeal an act entitled an act of
'bstutiolns to the navigation of Robinson's Spring Creek,
,Was read the. second time and referred to the committee on
Commerce and Navigation.
A bill to be entitled an act to amennd the election laws of this
Stalt and for other purposes,
WTas read the second time and referred to the committee, on
Electionn, and 90 copies ordered to be printed.

96

A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act for the relief of
Wi. I-. Fannin,
Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for a
-third reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act to consolidate the offices of Sher-ifr
and Tax Assessor and Collector in Hernando county,
Was read the second time and referred to the committee on
Propositions and Grievances.
"A bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act to facilitate the
construction of the St. Johns and Indian river Canal, approved
Jaimary 1st, 1857, and for other purposes,
Was read the second time and referred to the Committee on
Internal Improvements. 0
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act to provide for the
establishment of two Seminaries of Learning,
Was read the second time and referred to .the Committee on
Schools and Colleges.
A bill to be entitled an act to change e te times of holding the
Spring terms of of the Circuit Courts for"the counties of W;I on
Holmes and Washington,
Was read the second time and referred to the Committee on
the Judiciary.
A bill to be entitled an act to relieve certain persons fiom a
poll or capitation tax, and also a certain portion of tl.ir property
from taxation,
Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for a
third reading on to-morrow.
Resolution relative to mail route No. 65,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act fiilg the salaries of State -.'fers,
Was read the second time and ordered to be e!g'il'o.cd fc r a
third reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act to provide ior the
taking of marks and brands of cattle shipped or driven from the
counties of'Sumter and Manatee,
Was read the second time.
Mr. McGehee moved that the bill be amended by adding La-
fayette county;
Which amendment was adopted, and the bill as amended or-
dc'ed to be engrossed for a third reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act to provide for the support of desti-
tute fhimilies of citizens of this State in the military service, and
for other purposes,
Was read the second time and referred to the Joint Commit-
tee'on Taxation and Revenue.

Senate bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Richard Saufi-
ders, Sheriff of Leon county,.
Was read the second time and placed among the orders of the
day for a third reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act relative to the assessment of taxes,
Was read the second time.
Mr. Avery moved that the word now" where it occurs in the
first and second sections be stricken out;
Which amendment was adopted, and the bill as amended or-*
dered to be engrossed for a th1id reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act to repeal ant act to authorize the
Secretary of this State to appoint an assistant,
SWas read the third time and put upon its passage
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs, Arendell, Atkins, Avery, Black-
burn, Cambell, o'f Liberty, Campbell, of Walton, Chapman,
.Craft, Duval, Foy, Garnie, Gee, Hampton, Hannah, Hew-
ett, Jones, Lee, M ehee,eee Mettauer, Newbern, Overstreet,
Pittman, Polhill, Price, of Alachua'and Smith-26.
Nays-Messrs. Allen; Andren, Jackson, Jenkins, Leslie, Mi-
zell, Price, of Columbia, Richardson, Ross, Rust, Scott, Sessions,
Seward, Thomas and Williams-15.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to. the Senate.
A bill to be entitled' an act for the relief of John P. Duval,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
'The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allen, Andreu, Arendell, Atkins,
Avery, Baltzell, Blackburn, Campbell, of Liberty, Campbell, of
Walton, Chapman,- Craft, Foy, Garnie, Gee, Hamfton, Hannah,
Hewett, Higginbotham, Jackson, Jenkins, Jones, Leslie, McGe-
hee, Newbern, Overstreet, Pittman, Polhill, Price, of Alachua,
Price, of Columbia, Sessions, Seward, Smith and Williamns-34.
Nays-M-essrs. Duval, Lee, Mettauer, Mizell an son-75.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
A bill to be entitled an act in relation to persons claiming ex-
emption from military service by virtue of their owning or hav-
ing charge of negroes or cattle,
Was read the first time, rules waived, read the second time
by its title and referred to the Committee on Taxation and Rev-
enue.
The following bills were read the first time and ordered for a
second reading on to-morrow: :
13

\- -

98

A bill to be entitled an act to repeal Ordinance number fifty-
two, (52) of the Convention of the State of Florida for strength-
ening the Executive Department during the exigencies of the
present war, and Ordinance number fifty-eight, (58,) of said
Convention, providing the mode of filling vacancies in the Exec-
utive Council;
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of J. J. Ward, Sheriff
of Lafayette county;
" A bill to be entitled an act to provide for the payment of
troops called into or remaining in the service of the State after
the 10th day of MaIh 1862;
A bill to be entitled an act to consolidate the offices of Sheriff
and Tax Assessor and Collector of Calhoun county;
A bill to be entitled an Act to prevent the entry of lands occu-
pied by soldiers or their families, during the continuance of the
present war;
A bill to be entitled an act to organize the county of Brevard
A bill to be entitled an act to consolidate the offices of Clerk of
the Circuit Court and Judge of Probate in and for Manatee
county.;
A bill to be entitled an act for the payment of Capt. France's
company; and
A bill to be entitled an act to authoiize the Judge of the Circuit
Court for Duval county, to hold the sessions of Court at Bald-
win.
A bill to be entitled an act to regulate trade and intercourse
with the Indians,
Was read the first time, rules waived, read the second time by
its title and referred to the committee on Indian Affairs.
Senate joint resolution in relation to rules governing the Gene-
ral Assembly,
Was read and adopted.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
The rules being waived, Mr. Williams moved that the stand-
ing committee on the 'Militia of the House, be constituted a joint
committee to act with a similar committee on the part of the
Senate.
Which was .greed to.
On motion the House took a recess until half-past two o'clock,
P. M.

,-

99

TIALF-PAST 2 O'CLOCK, P. M.

The House resumed its session-a qnornm present.
On motion of Mr. Arendell, the House took a recess until five
minutes of 3 o'clock, P. M:

FIVE MINUTES TO 3 O'CLOCK, P. M.

The House resumed its session-a quorum present.
Mr. Allen moved that a committee of three be appointed to in-
form the Senate that the House was now ready to go into the
election of State Treasurer and Comptroller of Public Accounts;
Which was agreed to, and Messrs. Allen, Williams and Duval
appointed said committee.
The committee retired and after a short absencereturned and
reported that they had performed their duty and were discharged.
The Senate entered the Hall-the President took the Chair by
invitation of the Speaker.
The President announced nominations for Comptroller of Pub-
lic Accounts in order.
Mr. Hogue nominated Walter Gwynn.
Mr. Holland nominated Samuel Benezett.
The vote was:
Fou GwYN-rx-Senate 10. House-Messrs. Allen, Arendell.
Baltzell, Blackburn, Campbell of Liberty, Campbell of Waltone
Craft, Duval, Foy, Hampton, Hannah, Hewett, Jackson, Jen-
kins, Jones, Leslie, McGehee, Mettauer, Mizell, Newbern, Pitt-
man, Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia, Richardson, Ross,
Rust, Sessions, Seward and Williams-29. Total 39.
FoR BENEZET-Senate 3. House-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. An-
dreu, Atkins, Avery, Garnie, Gee, Higginbotham, Lee, Over-
street, Scott and Smith-11. Total 14.
BLANK-Senate, 2. House-Messrs. Chapman, Polhill and
Thomas--3. Total 5.
Mr. Gwynn having received the requisite constitutional major-
ity, the President announced him duly elected Comptroller of
Public Accounts.
The President announced nominations for State Treasurer in
order.
Mr. Williams nominated C. H. Austin.
The vote was:
FoR AusTIN-Senate 12.- House-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Al-
len, Arendell, Atkins, *Avery, Baltzell, Blackburn, Campbell of
'Liberty, Campbell of !Walton, Chapman, Craft, Duval, Foy, Gar-

100
t
nie, Gee, Hanpton, Hannah, H-ewett, THggiinLotln, Jackson,
Jenkins, Jones, Lee, Leslie, McGehee, ':tiner, Mizell, N'ew-
burn, Overstreet, Pittman, Polhill, Price of Aln, Price of
Columbia, Richar.,, .Ross, Pust, Scott, Se. ions, Seward,
Smith, Thomas and Willians-42. Total 54.
BLANK-Senat 3. Ho ie- A renu-1. Total 4.
Mr. Austi having received the requisite constitutional major-
ity, the President nlinounce him duly elected State Treasurer.
Mr. Holland moved that the Joint Assembly now adjourn
"Which was agreed to, and the Senate returned to their Cham-
ber. '
Mr. Hampton moved that the I-louse adjourn until to-morrow
morning, 9 o'clock;
Which was not agreed to.
On motion of Mr. Rust, the H-ouse adjourned until to-morrow
morning, 10 o'clock.

THURSDAY, November 27th, 1862.

The House met pursuant to adjourinmenit- quorum present.
The Rev. ,T. 0. Branch officiated as Chaplain.
On motion,,the reading of the Journal of yesterday's proceed-
ings was dispensed with and the Journal approved.
Notice was given of the intention to introduce the following
'bills on some future day:
By Mr. Duval:
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Sheriffs and Tax
Collectors.
By Mr. Craft:
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Kennedy & Dar-
ling; also,
A bill to be entitled an act to prohibit Sheriffs and Clerks of
the Circuit Courts from appointing and having deputies during
0 -the existence of the present war.
By Mr. Pittman:
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Gen. Wmi. E. An-
derson and others.
By iMr. -He wett:

*

	Title Page
	November 1862
	December 1862
	Documents Accompanying the Governor's...

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