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

HOUSE.- OURNAL--12th

Session,

A

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE '-

HOUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES

". OF THE

SsRAL AgSE] BLY
OF THE

STATE OF FLORIDA,
AT ITS

Gb

TWELFTH

SESSION,

regun and held at the Capitol, in the City of Tallahasse,
on Monday, November 16th, 1863.

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. OFFICE OF THE FLORIDIAN & JOURNAL.
PRINTED BY DYKE & CARLISLE.

1863.

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JOURNAL

Of the Hlouse of Representatives of the State of Florida, at
the Second Session of the Twelfth General Assembly, begun
and held at the Capitol, in the City of Tallahassee, in the
State of Florida, on Monday, the sixteenth day of November,
in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-
three :

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, at twelve o'clock,
by Hon. T. J. Eppes, Speaker.
The roll being called, the following members answered to their
names, viz:
Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Avery, Baltzell, Campbell, Duval, Gee,
Greeley, Henry, Jackson, Overstreet, Pittman, Price of Alachua,
Scott and Williams-14.
There not being a quorum present, on motion of Mr. Jackson,
the House took a recess until half-past three o'clock, P. M.

HALF-PAST THREE O'CLOCK, P. M.

The House resumed its session.
The following members answered to their names:
Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Avery, Baltzell, Campbell, Du-
val, Gee, Greeley, Hendry, Henry, Jackson, Lee, McGehee, Mizell,
Overstreet, Pittman, Polhill, Price of Alachua, Price of Colum-
bia, Ross, Scott, Sessions and Williams-23.
There not being a quorum present, Mr. Avery moved that the
members elect, that have not been sworn in, be now allowed to
present their credentials;
Which was agreed to.
Thomas D. Nixon of Liberty county, James M. Amos of San-
ta Rosa county, Alexander Cromartie of Leon county and Lewis
Deshong of Hillsborough county, came forward and presented
their credentials, and were sworn in by T. J. Eppes, Notary
Public.
The roll being again called, the following members answered
to their names :
Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Avery, Baltzell, Camp-

4

bell, Cromartie, Deshong, Duval, Gee, Greeley, Hendry, Hen-
ry, Jackson, Lee, McGehee, Mizell, Nixon, Overstreet, Pittman,
Polhill, Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia, Ross, Scott, Ses-
sions and Williams-26.
A quorum present.
Mr. Baltzell moved that the officers of the last session, that
were present, be constituted officers of this House;
Which was agreed to.
The office of Messenger being vacant, Mr. Williams moved to
proceed to the election of a Messenger.
Mr. Lp moved to combine the offices of Messenger and Door-
Keeper;
Which was not agreed to.
The House then proceeded to the election of a Messenger.
Mr. Henry nominated Mr. J. S. Bird, of Jackson county.
Mr. Ross nominated Mr. J. J. Whitehurst, of Leon county.
The vote was:
FOR WHITEHURST-Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Avery, Baltzell,
Campbell, Cromartie, Deshong, Duval, Greeley, Hampton, Jack-
son, Lee, McGehee, Nixon, Overstreet, Pittman, Polhill, Price ot
Alachua, Price of Columbia, Ross, Sessions and Williams-22.
FOR BIRD-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Gee, Hendry, Henry and
Scott-5.
Mr. Whitehurst was declared elected Messenger of the House.
Mr. Baltzell moved that a committee of three be appointed to
wait on the Senate and inform that body that the House was
now organized;
Which was agreed to, and Messrs. Baltzell, Hampton and
Henry appointed said committee.
Mr. Jackson moved that a committee of three be appointed to
act with a similar committee on the part of the Senate, to wait
upon his Excellency the Governor and inform him that the Gen-
eral Assembly is now organized and ready to receive any com-
municatiofi he may be pleased to make;
Which was agreed to, and Messrs. Jackson, Avery and Wil-
liams appointed said committee.
Mr. Baltzell moved that a committee of three be appointed to
act with a similar committee on the part of the Senate, to draft
Joint Rules for the government of both Houses;
Which was agreed to, and Messrs. Baltzell, Polhill and Ross
appointed said committee.
Notice was given of intention to introduce the following bills
at some future day, viz:
By Mr. Avery:
A bill to be entitled an act to amend the charter of the city of
Pensacola;

A bill to be entitled an act to amend the charter of the .Ala-
bama and Florida Railroad Company; also,
A bill to be entitled an act to increase the fees of the officers
of the several counties in the State.
Mr. Henry moved that the Sergeant-at-Arms be instructed to
procure the necessary stationery for the use of the House.;
Which was agreed to.
On motion of Mr. Baltzell, the. House adjourned until to-mor-
row morning, 10 o'clock.

TUESDAY, November 17th, 1863.

The House met pursuant to adjournment-a quorum present.
On motion, the reading of the journal of yesterday's proceed-
ings was dispensed with and the journal approved.
TV. B. Wynn, member elect from Jackson county, presented
his credentials and was sworn in by Hon. T. J. Eppes, Notary
Public, and took his seat.
Mr. Henry moved that a committee of three be appointed to
select a Chaplain for the House;
Which was agreed to, and Messrs. Henry, Garnie and Nixon
appointed said committee.
Notice was given of intention to introduce the following bills
at some future day, viz:
By Mr. Jackson:
A bill to be entitled an act to furnish to each regiment or bat-
talion of Florida troops now out of the State or that may be or-
dered out a regimental flag;
A bill to be entitled an act for the protection of cattle owners
in the county of Levy; and,
A bill to be entitled an act to prevent and punish the planting
and cultivating in the State of Florida over a certain quantity of
land in cotton during the present war.
By Mr. Pittman :
A bill to be entitled an act to extend the provisions of an act
entitled an act for the relief of Gen. Williaml E. Anderson and
others, approved December 10th, 1863.
Mr. Jackson moved that the Sergeant-at-Arms be instructed
to furnish the members of the House with a copy of the amended
Constitution*;
Which was agreed to.
Notice was given of intention to introduce the following bills
at some future day, viz:
By Mr. Greeley:

6

A bill to be entitled an act to change the place of holding the
Circuit Court from Palatka to some safe point in the county.
By Mr. Henry:
A bill to be entitled an act to amend the road laws of this
State; also,
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act passed at the last
session of this House to provide for the support, &c., of soldiers'
families.
Mr. Avery moved that the Speaker be requested to revise or
reform at his discretion, the Standing Committees, the number
"-f new members rendering this measure both just and expedient;
Which was agreed to.
Notice was given of intention to introduce the following bills
at some future day, viz:
By Mr. Eppes:
A bill to be entitled an act relative to property confiscated to
the use of the State.
By Mr. Avery:
A bill to be entitled an act to fix the salaries of the public of-
ficers of this State.
Mr. A-very moved that a committee of five be appointed by
the Speaker to take into consideration the subject of relief for
those persons, citizens of this State, who, in consequence of the
present war, require pecuniary assistance. This committee to
act in conjunction with any similar committee which may be
appointed by the Senate, and to report by bill or otherwise;
Which was agreed to, and Messrs. Avery, Hampton, Ross,
Lee and Scott appointed said committee.
Pursuant to previous notice Mr. Avery introduced the follow-
ing bills:
A bill to be entitled an act amending the Charter. of the City
of Pensacola;
A bill to be entitled an act amending the Charter of the Ala-
bama & Florida Railroad Company; and
A bill to be entitled an act increasing the fees of county offi-
cers ;
Which were placed among the orders of the day.
The following communication was read:
Hon. THOMAS J. EPPES:
Speaker of the House of Representatives,
State of Florida:
SIR: Cyprian T. Tenkins, a representative from the bounty of
Hernando, was taken prisoner by the enemy, and, when last
heard from, he was incarcerated in Fort Warren, Boston Harbor.
Citizens of Hernando county requested the Probate Judge therot

P

7

to order an election to fill the unexpired term of Cyprian T.
Jenkins, a prisoner of war. The Probate Judge did refuse to
comply with the wishes of citizens of Hernando county. Cit-
izens then, at the general election, voted for and elected Frederick
Lykes, without his knowledge or consent. He entertains doubts
whether the honorable body over which you preside will admit
to him a seat, though your honorable body is the sole judge of the
qualifications of its own members. By the request of citizens of
Hernando, I ask is Frederick Lykes entitled to his seat ? "
JOSEPH M. TAYLOR,
Senator 20th District.
On motion, the communication was referred to a committee
consisting of Messrs. Ross, Garnie, Avery, Williams and Wynn.
A committee from the Senate appeared at the bar and informed
the House that the Senate is now organized, and that they had
also been instructed to act with a similar committee on the part
of the House to inform his Excellency the Governor that the
General Assembly is now organized and ready to receive any
communication which it may please him to make.
The committee appointed to inform the Senate that the House
was organized, appeared at the bar and reported that they had
performed their duty and were discharged.
The committee appointed to act with a similar committee on
the part of the Senate to inform his Excellency the Governor
that the General Assembly was now organized, and ready to re-
ceive any communication which he may be pleased to make, ap-
peared at the bar and reported that they had performed their du-
ty and were discharged.
The committee appointed to act with a similar committee on
the part of the Senate to draft joint rules for the government of
both Houses, appeared at the bar and reported that they had per-
formed their duty and were discharged.
The following message was received from his Excellency the
Governor:

8

GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
TALLAHASSEE, Nov. 16th, 1863. f
Fellow-Citizens of the Senate
and tHouse of Representatives :
From the commencement of the war on the part of the
United States,. waged under the despotic sway of Abraham
Lincoln to subjugate the Confederate States of America, its
progress has enriched the annals of nations with an additional
illustration that a brave people, who. know their rights and
resolve to maintain them under the government of their
choice, are invincible. The boast and solemn assurance
given by President Lincoln- to Foreign Nations and to his
own subjects was, that in ninety days he would conquer
the South. To accomplish it, he ordered seventy-five thou-
sand of his victims to arms. This mighty army at Manassas
was distinguished by the wild confusion in which it fled from
the battle-field. Since then large armies, composed of citi-
zens of the United States and of the deluded hirelings of
foreign nations, have been brought into military service, and
a debt of upwards of twio thousand millions of dollars has
been incurred by the United States. Unable to win con-
quests upon fields of battle, notwithstanding their vast num-
ber, and warlike preparations, they have resorted to rapine,
robbery and murder, and thus excited the unrelenting hate
of the people of the Confederate States of America and the
disgust of humane and intelligent citizens of other civilized
nations. Well assured of their inability to triumph by arms,
and aided by their vile feats of rapine, robbery and murder,
they have sought by emissaries, under the guise of loyalty to
the Confederate States of America, to create distrust, dissen-
sion and partizan strife among the people of the South by
inspiring the weak-minded, ignorant and timid, who would
sell their birthright-for a mess of pottage," with the hope
of reconstruction-of again living in harmony as one people
under the same government. The intelligent, brave and
loyal citizens of the Confederate States of America will ever
regard with contempt any proposition which may be made

9

for peace with the United States, except under a separate
government, recognized by the United States as the govern-
ment of the tree, sovereign, independent and Confederate
States of America.
It is possible, and even probable, that when the Southern
States seceded, if the United States had recognized their
political right to do so as free, sovereign and independent
States-a character which each of the- United States had
uniformly and proudly claimed-and had manifested a will-
i ngness to adjust the terms of separation equitably; or with
justice and dignity had proposed to remove the causes which
induced the separation, the States would have been reunited.
But, under the control of the abolition party, President Lin-
coln resolved upon war for the emancipation of the slaves
:tnd the subjugation of the South; the result of which has
been military despotism in the United States, and -will be
to insure the permanent independence and prosperity of the
(G)nfederate States of America.
To achieve the recognition of. the Confederat& States of
A merica by thle United States and other foreign govern-
ments, events have proved conclusively that our people must
rely exclusively upon their own exertions, courage and forti-
tude, under the guidance and protection of Almighty God,.
whose wisdom and mercy they should seek to insure by the
exercise of christian virtues. We have more to dread from
the wicked practices anc thoughtlessness of some of our own
people than from the arms, cruelty and chicanery of the
enmey. The love of money has been said to be the root of
1al evil, and this vile affection has induced many, capable of
being good citizens and valuable soldiers, to seek wealth by
speculation and extortion, and to avoid honorable service as
soldiers in the war ib'- the achievement of our independence,
and with it the enjoyment of all political and civil rights.
To your wisdom and patriotism is entrusted the right and
powei to remedy evils which threaten injury to the State,
ito devise measures to protect the rights of the citizens and
ft maintain the peace and dignity of the State.
The Constitution makes it the duty of the Governor of
the State to recommend to the consideration of the General
Assembly such measures as he may deem expedient. If the
General Assembly shall not concur in opinion with the Gov-
ernor upon such measures as he may recommend, it is their
2

10

duty not to adopt them; but it may be due to the intelli-
gence of the people whom they represent to make known
the reasons of difference upon important measures, inasmuch
as the people, by the Constitution, have made it the solemn
duty of the Governor to recommend to the consideration of
the General Assembly such measures as he may deem expe-
dient, and inasmuch as the Governor represents a distinct
department of government of equal dignity. In performance
of the duty thus enjoined by the Constitution of the State,
I had the honor at the last session of the General Assembly
to recommend to your honorable body the absolute necessity
for a change in the militia laws of the State; and I again
most respectfully invite your attention to this subject, and
and recommend to your honorable body to repeal the ex-
isting militia laws," which are incomprehensible and, for
practical purposes, inefficient; to vacate the few militia offi-
ces which have not been vacated; and to enact laws suitable
to the condition of the State, adapted to its defence, and
which can be enforced. Every man and boy capable of
bearing arms, not already in the military service of the Con-
federate States, or liable to conscription therein-embracing,
those who have substitutes iq the Confederate service, those
who have resided in the State five days, those who are or
may be in it one hour ?or the purpose of speculation, and
not excluding those who may claim to be aliens-should be
organized as State Troops, armed and occasionally drilled,
but not subject to be ordered into Confederate service, nor
from their ordinary pursuits, except to repel invasions and to
maintain suitable police regulations for the protection of the
lives and property of the citizens generally, and especially
of the lives and property of the families of those who are
absent in the military service of the Confederate States. All
persons who are intended to be liable to militia duty, under
the existing laws, are subject to be conscripted into the Con-
federate service, except such as have substitutes in the service
or are specially exempted by law. There are but few per-
sons holding commissions under the existing militia laws, and
of them none between the ages of 18 and 45 years have been
exempted from Confederate service by me, nor is there any
reason why they should be, there being no organization of
militia arid no organization being practicable under the ex-
isting laws of the State and of the Confederate States. Im-
portant parts of the State are now in possession of the ene-

11

my, our citizens are constantly subject to be harassed by
them and the State generally is under a constant threat of
invasion; therefore I respectfully recommend to your hono-
table body to enact promptly suitable laws to aid in the pro-
rection of the lives, liberty and property of your fellow-citi-
zens and the political existence and honor of the State.
The Congress of the Confederate States of America, by an
act approved May 1st, 1863, repealed certain clauses of an
act entitled an act to exempt certain persons from military
service," &c., approved October 11, 1862. So much of the
latter act was repealed as exempts from military service
one person, either as agent, owner or overseer oon each
plantation on which one white person is required to be kept
by the laws or ordinances of any State, and on which there
is no white male adult not liable to military service, and in
States having no such law, one person as agent, owner, or
overseer, on each plantation of twenty negroes, and on which
there is no white male adult not liable to military service;"-
and also the following clause in said act, to-wit : and, further-
more, for additional police for every twenty negroes on two
or more plantations, within five miles of each other, and each
having less than twenty negroes, and on which there is no
male adult not liable to military duty, one person, being the
oldest of the owners or overseers on such plantations." By
the 2d section of the act approved May 1st, 1863, it is enact-
ed, that for the police and management of slaves there
shall be exempted one person on each farm or plantation, the
sole property of a minor, a person of unsound mind, a feme
sole, or a person absent from home in the military or naval
service of the Confederacy, on which there are twenty or
more slaves: Provided, the person so exempted was em-
ployed and acting as an overseer previous to the sixteenth
April, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, and there
is no white male adult on said farm or plantation who is not
liable to military duty, which fact shall be verified by the
affidavit of said person and two respectable citizens, and
shall be filed with the enrolling officer: And provided, the
owner of such farm or plantation, his agent or legal repre-
sentative, shall make affidavit and deliver the same to the
enrolling officer, that, after diligent effort, no overseer can
be procured for such farm or plantation not liable to military
duty: Provided, further, That this clause shall not extend
to any farm or plantation on which the negroes have been

12

placed by division from any other farm or plantation silce
the eleventh day of October, one thousand eight hundred
and sixty-two : Provided, further, That for every person ex-
empted, as aforesaid, and during the period of such exemp-
tion, there shall be paid annually into the public treasury,
by the owner of such slaves, the sum of five hundred dol-
lars." By the 3rd section of the same act it is enacted, that
"such other persons shall be exempted as the President
shall be satisfied ought to be exempted in districts of country
deprived of white or slave labor indispensable to the produ(--
tion of grain, or provisions necessary for the support of the(
population remaining at home, and also on account of jus-
tice, equity and necessity."
And by the 4th section it is enacted that in addition t&n
the State officers exempted by the act of October eleventh
one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, there shall also
be exempted all State officers whom the Governor of any
State may claim to have exempted for the due administra-
tion of the government and laws thereof; but this exemp-
tioni shall not continue in any State after the adjournment
of the next regular session of its Legislature, unless such
Legislature shall, by law, exempt them from military dut-y
in the Provisional Army of the Confederate States."
The Congress of the Confederate States also passed an
act to authorize the discharge of certain civil officers fiomi
the military service of the Confederate States," approved
April 2, 1863.- The act declares that any officer, non-
commissioned officer or private now in the military service
of the Confederate States, who has been elected or ap-
pointed since entering said service, or who may hereafter
be elected or appointed a Senator or Representative in Con-
gress, or in any State Legislature, a Judge of the Circuit,
District or Superior Courts of law or equity in any State of
the Confederacy, District Attorney, Clerk of.any Court of
Record, Sheriff, Ordinary, Judge of any Court of Probate,
Collector of State taxes, not to exceed one for each county,
Parish Recorder, upon furnishing the Secretary of War
with evidence of such election or appointment, if an officer,
his resignation shall be promptly accepted, and if a non-
coanmissioned officer or private, he shall be honorably dis-
charged by the Secretary of War."
To these acts of Congress I invite your attention and de-
liberate consideration.

13

The maintenance of our armies in the field, of the fami-
lies of those in military service, of the civil governments of
the Confederate States and the States separately-in a word,
not cnly the liberty, but the lives of the people of the
States-depend upon agricultural labor. The agricultural
labor of the Southern States is mainly slave labor.-
The advocates of slavery in our national councils, and
throughout the various forms of argument to justify and
sustain the institution, have contended forcibly and truth-
fully that negroes had not the inclination or ability t(
labor successfully without the superior skill and intelligence
of the white man to enforce and direct their labor. The
experience of mankind is, that Africans, when free, will not
engage in aggriculture for their own support. It is not rea-
so1nable to suppose that, as slaves, they will voluntarily
labor in a manner to secure subsistence for the armies, in-
sure t le support of families at home and raise the revenues
necessary to sustain the Confederate and State Govern-
ments. Th. e most reasonable presumption is, that if left
without the control of overseers, to whom they have been
accustomed to yield obedience, the'result will be insubordi-
nation and insurrection.
In my humble judgment, therefore, a more effectual aux-
iliary could not be devised to ensure success to the emanci-
pation scheme of the President of the United States, to
destroy tlhe sovereignty of the States and to subjugate the
people of the several States to a military despotism than an
act of Congress which (if it were respected by the States)
would entrust the agriculture of the country and the .lives
of families to the slaves unrestrained by the presence, au-
thority and skill of overseers. I say overseers-and not
owners of slaves-because, as a general rule, slaves- have
been managed by overseers, and but few owners have mani-
fested the industry, skill and energy necessary to successful
agriculture.
In a time of profound peace, when not the slightest an-
ticipation of war could have reasonably existed, the. General
Assembly of this State enacted a law requiring a white per-
son, either the owner or overseer, to reside on the planta-
tion where slaves lived, for their proper control and govern-
ment, for the protection of the property of others as well as
that of their owners, and to avoid the dangerous conse-
quences resulting from idleness and insubordination. Each

14

of the other States had passed a similar law. Judging
from the debates which occurred in Congress upon the sub-
ject, the belief was entertained that a sufficient number of
men over forty-five years old could be obtained who were
qualified to perform the necessary duties of overseers. But
such was not and is not the fact. Persons over that age,
who, perhaps, might have been competent and have been
hired as overseers, had been generally employed and received
into the Confederate military service as substitutes for those
under that age who were liable to conscription or had vol-
unteered. The prices paid to overseers ranged generally
from two to six hundred dollars per annum. The prices
offered and paid to substitutes have ranged from five hun-
dred to five thousand dollars. You may readily believe,
therefore, that the class of men who have been generally
employed as overseers-a class whose habits of industry,
skill and integrity qualified them to direct the agricultural
labor of the country-would enter into the military service
for an amount sufficient in itself to secure a permanent sup-
port to their families, and especially with the arguments
used to induce the belief that the war would be of short du-
ration, that it would terminate gloriously and that they
would have the honor of having their names identified with
it, rather than to oversee for an amount which, at the pres-
ent high prices of the necessaries of life, would be scarcely
more than sufficient to pay current expenses.
The number of persons engaged in overseeing was small
in proportion to the population generally, and their services
in the management of agricultural interests will contribute
much more to the general welfare in the performance of
their duties on plantations than in military service.
The exemption of overseers was not for the benefit of the
rich, as was alleged. Those who were engaged as overseers
were themselves generally poor men, distinguished for their
industry and integrity; and their occupation was necessary
to secure subsistence to our armies and support to the fami-
lies of soldiers absent in military service; to protect the
property of the poor as well as the rich from the effects of
insubordination and violence on the part of the slaves, and,
by the skillful management of the agricultural labor of the
country, to ensure the means of support to the government
of the Confederate States and of each of the States. Much
complaint is now made of the high prices and scarcity of

15

the necessaries of life, and if the agriculture of the country
shall be entrusted to those incompetent to direct it, a general
famine throughout the Confederacy may be the result-a
result which would produce the most fearful and fatal con-
sequences.
When "the Conscript Act" was passed by the Congress
and approved by the President of the Confederate States-
and while it operated alone upon citizens not necessary to
the due administration of the State Government and not
required by the laws of the State to maintain police regula-
tions necessary for the protection of the property and lives
of the citizens of the State-I regarded the question of its
constitutionality as a judicial question, and to the best of
my ability, as the Executive of the State, was ready Afnd
willing to sustain whatever decision might be made upon
the subject by the proper department of the Government.
But when its enforcement threatened to subject to its opera-
tion citizens required by the laws of the State to maintain
suitable police regulations, I did not then consider it exclu-
sively a judicial question, and, for reasons assigned, respect-
fully protested officially to the President of the Confederate
States against its enforcement contrary to the laws of the
State intended to insure proper police regulations for the
government of slaves and necessary to the most sacred rights
of citizens.
All between the ages of 18 and 45, not absolutely neces-
sary for the police of slaves and administration of civil gov-
ernment, and physically qualified, should perhaps have con-
stituted the armies in Confederate service for the defence of
the country. Those over the age of 45 should have been,
and yet should be, devoted to agriculture and other neces-
sary employment, but organized as State troops, to maintain
suitable police regulations, and to co-operate when necessary
with Confederate forces in the defence of their respective
States. These views were submitted respectfully by me to
his Excellency, the President of the Confederate States, and
to the honorable Senators and Representatives of this State
in Congress. If your honorable body shall concur with me
in the opinion just expressed, I respectfully ask the adoption
of such measures by legislation as the safety of the State de-
mands. If you shall not concur in this opinion, then I re-
commend to your honorable body to repeal the Act which
makes it unlawful for the owner or proprietor of any farm

16

or plantation upon which slaves are or shall be employed, to
leave the same without any white person residing thereon,"
and thus relieve the citizens of the State from their liability
to indictment and punishment, and avoid a conflict of author-
ity upon the subject between the State and Confederate Gov-
ernment.
I have not deemed.it necessary to a due administration of
the State government to exempt any State officers not ex-
empted by the 4th section of the act of Congress approved
, May 1st, 1863. The act of Congress approved April 22d,
1863, does not entitle any person, who since its enactment
may have been elected Justices of the Peace, County Com-
missioners, Coroners and other minor offices not specified in
the act, to be discharged from the military service of the Con-
federate States; nor, in my humble judgment, is there any
good reason why they should be discharged, as their military
services are necessary to the country and there are enough
citizens not in military service, or liable even to conscription,
willing and qualified to discharge the duties of these minor
offices. The reports generally having been made agreeably
to the act entitled an act to aid the families of soldiers that
require assistance," there will not perhaps be any necessity
for so nany Justices of the Peace as are now authorized by
law.
Since the adjournment of the last General Assembly, com-
plaints have been made to me of ial-practice or inefficiency
of some of the county officers, and to remedy the evils com-
plained of no legal authority existed. The Board of Com-
missioners in one county held a public meeting at the Court
House and passed the following resolutions:
Resolved, That the Judge of Probate be and lie is here-
by requested to inform the Governor of the State of Florida
of tl!e neglect of Sheriff in the performance of his du-
ties as assessor of the taxes of this county, caused by con-
tinuned intemperance..
Resolved, That the, authorities be and they are hereby
requested to take immediate steps for his removal from office."
These resolutions were certified under the seal of the coun-
ty, by- the Judge of Probate, forwarded to -and received by
me, but no legal remedy had been. provided by statute for
the relief of the county, and protection of.the public interests.

17

All) TO SOLDIERS' FAMILIES.
I had the honor to recommend to the General Assembly.
at its last session, to make ample provisions to secure the
necessary food and clothing for the indigent families of those
who have volunteered or been mustered into military ser-
vice as conscripts, that a fund should be provided by taxa-
tion, the amount thus raised deposited in the State treasury
and prudently distributed." To supply the fund supposed
to be sufficient, your honorable body enacted a statute an-
thorizing an additional issue of treasury notes. Under the
provisions of the act, much difficulty has been experienced
in extending tIe required assistance to soldiers' families, and
complaints have beei made from several counties against
county officers whose duty it was, with the money in their
possession, or at their comn and, by a compliance with the
statute, to supply the wants of the families. The co-opera-
tion of so many officers was made necessary by the statute,
that, in some instances, their movements were, perhaps,
unavoidably dilatory.
No duty can be more sacred, the performance of none
more honorable, than that which devolves upon the authori-
ties and citizens of the State to provide for the wives, and
children, and indigent parents, and families of the brave
men who are in military service, exposed to the dangers and
hardships of the war.
The number of families reported as needing assistance, is
three thousand( three hundred and ninety-eight, comprising
eleven thousand six hundred and seventy-three persons.
Whether the assistance heretofore rendered shall be ex-
tended by a fi-'th1er appropriation of money, to be raised by
taxation, and in wat manner, or by the issue of an addi-
tional amount of treasury notes, or by a tax in kind, is
worthy the serious consideration of your honorable body. It
is better, in my judgment, to resort to taxation than to in-
crease the amount of treasury notes in circulation. To a
considerable.extent, it would reduce the amount in circula-
tion, enhance the value of the currency and check the spirit
for speculation of which there is much complaint.
The Judg. of Probate and County Commissioners should
lye authorized to increase the taxation in the several coun-
ties where it can be justly done, and to receive the amount
-O0

18

in provisions or money. There are several counties which
have suffered from invasions of the enemy, which should be
relieved from this taxation and special appropriations made
for their benefit.
The reports from the several counties being complete, to
insure justice to those who may need assistance, I would re-
spectfully suggest the appointment of an intelligent and re-
sponsible agent in each judicial district to ascertain and sup-
ply their wants,-that the agents should be required to give
good and sufficient securities, 'to be approved by the Judge
of the Circuit before entering upon their duties, for their
faithful performance; to report their acting and doings to
the Executive Department every ninety days, and upon their
failure or neglect of duty, to be dismissed from office, a judg-
ment summarily entered u against them and their securi-
ties by the Judge of the Circuit at term time or at Cham-
bers, and other appointments made.
To ascertain errors, if any existed, in the reports made
from the several counties, I have caused the names of those
who have been mustered into Confederate service, as ap-
pears from the muster rolls filed in the War Department
at Richmond, to be arranged alphabetically, and also the
names of those whose families are reported as requiring as-
sistance. Since the muster rolls were field, there have been
many- others mustered whose names have not been made
known to me.
CLOTHING FOR TROOPS.

I am not informed of any proceedings on the part of the
Commissioners of the several counties, under the provisions
of the act entitled an act to authorize the Board of County
Commissioners of the several counties in this State to levy a
specific tax for the relief of the soldiers in the service of the
State, or of the Confederate States," approved December
12th, 1862. The sixth section of said act; required the sev-
eral Boards of County. Commissioners to keep a just and
correct account of all monies expended by them under the
authority of the act, and, upon turning over any clothing
or other supplies necessary for the comfort of their respect
tive companies, the President of the respective Boards shall
take, or cause to be taken, the receipt of the Quarter Mas-
ter of the regiment to which said company may belong,
specifying the number and nature of the pieces, and the

19

estimated value thereof, so turned over as aforesaid, with
the view of adjusting the same with the Government of the
Confederate States upon the establishment of peace." There
is no provision in the act requiring information to be given
to any of the Executive Departments of the State, and con-
sequently no information has been received.
The report of the Q. M. General will make known to your
honorable body the amount of clothing and other supplies
furnished to soldiers in service from Florida by the praise-
worthy exertions of the Q. M. General, aided by the self-
sacrificing patriotism and indomitable energy of the ladies
of the State. For the -supply of materials, at -reasonable
prices, to supply the wants of the soldiers and their families,
the State is much indebted to the patriotism and generosity
of our worthy fellow-citizen, General William Bailey. With
the thread and osnaburgs made at the factory owned by him,
the soldiers' families have been supplied at $3.50 and $4.00
per bunch of five pounds for the former, and at 25 to 75
cents per yard for the latter. If I am correctly informed,
these prices are much lower than has been paid in our sister
States for these articles for the same purposes. The State is
also under obligations of kindness to the Augusta Manufac-
turing Company of Georgia, and to Mr. H. Bacon of that
State, at whose instance the accomplished President of the
Company, William E. Jackson, Esq., supplied sheeting, shirt-
ing, &c., at reasonable prices for the benefit of needy fam-
ilies of soldiers and refugees. Mr. Bacon, with the home-
spun he obtained, has aided, as I am credibly informed, eleven
hundred and one families in Columbia, Nassau, Duval, Brad-
ford, Baker, Hamilton, Suwannee, Putnam and St. Johns
counties, by distributing amongst them twenty-seven thou-
sand cne hundred and twenty yards of homespun, at an av-
erage of sixty cents per yard, while goods of like character
was generally selling from one dollar and seventy-five cents
to two dollars and fifty-cents per yard, thus saving to the
families in the State who have received it over thirty thou-
sand dollars in the aggregate. Among those assisted by Mr.
Bacon was one hundred and forty-seven widows, whose hus-
bands have been killed in battle, died from wounds received,
or from sickness contracted while in service. Mr. Bacon is
a refugee from Georgia, and I have deemed it an act of sim-
ple justice to his benevolence to present the foregoing state-
ment of facts to the consideration of your honorable body.

20

CARDS.

Unable, with the amount appropriated by the G(eneral
Assembly, to make any satisfactory arrangement for tile im-
portation or purchase of a sufficient number of cards, or even
approximating to a sufficient number, needed fr 1indigent
families, I made a contract with Messrs. Bailey, Williams,
Barnard and Cardy, to furnisli three thousand: d pair, at six
dollars per pair, and to be manufactured in the State. A
copy of the contract is herewith submitted. The report of
the Q. A1. General will exhibit the number so far distribu-
ted, and to what counties. The balance will be distributed
as fast as manufactured.

SALT.

It is important to the welfare of the Stat that some ar-
rangement should be made by legal authority to provide
salt, not only for soldiers' families, but for all indigent citi-
zens who have not the physical ability to make it, or the
means otherwise to procure it. This arrangement should
be either by an appropriation of money to purchase, by
authority on the part of the State to have it made, ,r by a
revenue derived from the labor of those engaged in making
it.
A large quantity of salt is made within the limits of the
State by our own and by the citizens of other States, many
of whom have and are no.w realizing large profits in its man-
ufacture.
While Florida has extended the privilege to citizens of
other States to make salt within her jurisdiction and upon
her lands, and has invited them to avail themselves of a
privilege which has been largely accepted, and has proved
of inestimable benefit, I regret to say that the vile spirit of
speculation and extortion has gone hand in hand and thrown
obstacles in the way of the cheap manufacture of this article,
so indispensable to the citizens generally. In no way has
this vile spirit been exhibited in a more oppressive and con-
temptible light than in the purchase of large tracts of land
by our own and by citizens of other States, and the letting
out or sale of mere fractions of it at exhorbitant rates, thus
depriving citizens of our own and other States, of limited
Means, of the right or opportunity to manufacture cheaply,

21

or even to use their own industry in the exercise and enjoy-
ment of a privilege extended alike to the poor and the rich.
To check in a measure this growing evil, the lands in such
localities were withdrawn from market.
A reasonable tax in kind upon all salt manufactured in
the State would, in my opinion, yield a sufficient supply for
the purposes which I have suggested, and is preferable to
either of the other methods, and possibly might check the
exorbitant price demanded for it.

FISHERIES.

Upon equitable and reciprocal terms, Florida should spare
no exertion to furnish the means of subsistence to our armies
and to the people of the Confederate States generally. Al-
mighty God in his infinite wisdom has blessed the patriotism
and industry of our people with abundant crops of corn, po-
tatoes, and sugar cane, and with an ample supply of bacon,
pork and beef. Our coast has been visited by vast numbers
of fish, unprecedented in the history of the State and upon
the waters adjacent thereto, a vast amount of salt has been
manufactured, while from other parts of the Confederacy,
from our armies, and from fellow-citizens in peaceful pur-
suits, we hear of a scarcity of food. Why should not suita-
ble efforts be made to provide fish to remedy any want of
supplies of meat ? Prompt efforts on the part of the States
and of the Confederate Government would secure a large
quantity of fish to aid in the support of citizens and soldiers,
and would prepare the way for future subsistence should a
future scarcity of provisions prevail. To attain so desirable
an object, companies now scattered throughout the State
might be so disposed as effectually to guard and defend the
fisheries that may be established. I recommend this subject
to your serious consideration, that you may adopt suitable
measures relative to it.

HOSPITALS.

The amount appropriated for the establishment and sup-
port of hospitals, was thirty-five thousand dollars. Of this
amount it has not been necessary to use more than five
thousand four hundred and twenty dollars and thirty-three
cents, of which three thousand one hundred dollars has been

22

used in support of the hospitals at Richmond, and two thou-
sand three hundred and twenty-two dollars and thirty-three
cents in aid of the sick and wounded soldiers of the army of
the West in the various hospitals.
The expenditure of a larger sum by the State upon the
hospital at Richmond was rendered unnecessary by the large
and liberal subscriptions of patriotic citizens for its support.
The amount derived from this source was four thousand fbur
hundred and thirty-eight dollars. How it was expended is
explained in the report of Messrs. Papy and Baker, which is
herewith submitted.
Under the superintendence and direction of Dr. Thomas
M. Palmer and Mrs. M. M. Reid, the hospital at Richmond.
has been ably and efficiently managed.
It has not been deemed necessary or practical to establish
a hospital for the use of soldiers from Florida in the Western
army, as will appear by the accompanying report of Dr. T.
Y. Henry, who, with full authority upon the subject, visited
and consulted with the officers in command of that military
department.
The facts stated and opinions expressed by Dr. Henry
have been fully sustained by information received from
other reliable sources.
In connection with Dr. Henry's report, I am prevented
from submitting to your consideration a report of the Hon,
J. Wayles Baker and other gentlemen, in consequence of
the inability of Judge Baker, from sickness, to prepare the
report; but hope that the cause will soon cease to exist, and
that I shall be able to do so in a few days.

ISSUE OF TREASURY NOTES.

Under authority of the act entitled an act to aid the fam-
ilies of soldiers that require assistance," approved Dec. 6th,
1862, I have caused to bs signed the sum of four hundred
and seventy-eight thousand three hundred and ten dollars;
and, under the act of Dec. 13th, 1862, entitled an act to
provide for an additional issue of Treasury Notes," I have
caused to be prepared and signed the sum of one hundred
and sixty-four thousand six hundred and thirty-five dollars
and twenty cents, all of which has been paid over. to the
Treasurer, as required by law. The Comptroller has also
signed and delivered to the Treasurer one hundred and fifty-

23

nine thousand six hundred and five dollars of war tax treas-
ury notes, signed and issued under the act to aid the families
of soldiers that require assistance.
The aggregate amount, therefore, of war tax and treasury
note blanks signed and paid over to the Treasurer is eight
hundred aud two thousand five hundred and fifty dollars and
twenty cents.
The amount authorized to be issued by the Legislature for
"the purposes of the government" far exceeded the necessi-
ties of the State.
Under the act to authorize an additional issue of treasury
notes, the sum of one hundred and thirty-five thousand three
hundred and sixty-four dollars and eighty cents is still en-
titled to be issued. No blanks have been prepared for the
twenty, fifty and one hundred dollar bills authorized by that
act, and amountingin all to one hundred thousand dollars.
It was early discovered that there were too many large bills
in circulation, and that there was a great demand for notes
of a small denomimetion, particularly for fractional parts of
a dollar. In lieu, therefore, of the blanks for $50,000.00 in
bills of the denomination of one hundred dollars, I had that
amount of blanks in fractional parts of a dollar engraved, but
as the amount was not needed in the treasury, they were not
prepared and issued. It is for your honorable body to deter-
mine whether they shall be used or not. I would suggest,
however, that they be prepared and placed in the treasury,
and paid out only in exchange for State treasury notes of the
denomination of twenty dollars and upwards.

DISTILLERIES.

Agreeably to the act approved Dec. 15th, 1862, regulating
distilleries, only three licenses have been issued to parties
who had made contracts with the proper officers of the Con-
federate Government to distil spirituous liquors. I am not
informed that the Confederate Government has derived any
benefit from these contracts; but am informed that in no
instance has a contract been complied with.
I would therefore respectfully again recommend to your
honorable body the enactment of a law which will forbid al-
together, under severe penalties, the distilling of whiskey or
other spirituous liquors. To grant the opportunity of distil-
ling to supply the Confederate Government does not insure

24

a compliance with contracts, but affords facilities to individ-
uals to monopolize the wight of distilling and to demand ex-
horbitant prices from individuals for the liquor which they
distill. It is believed that the amount of cereals produced
this, is not as great as was made last year. Ilighedr prices
are being asked for corn, sugar, syrup, potatoes, &c., and the
means of subsistence should not be decreased by converting
any of tiem into spirituous liquors. Much complaint is
made of the high prices of provisions, but little of the price
of spirituous liquors.. Some individuals, who reluctantly
- pay two dollars per bushel for corn or potatoes, cheerfully
pay fifteen or twenty dollars per quart for whiskey or rum.
Mean rum and whiskey, manufactured in the State, or brought
into it by evading the blockade, has sold for more per quart
than the amount allowed to each member of a soldier's fam-
ily for a year's support. The. common-use of spirituous
li(quors is an evil of the most degrading character, which
should, if possible, be remedied by enlightened public senti-
ment and stringent legislation.

CROPS.

No doubt is entertained that abundant crops of cereals
have been made in the State, except in localities where, in
despite of public sentiment, cotton was planted.
With regard to the constitutional right of the General
Assembly to impose a tax upon cotton, your attention is re-
spectfully invited to the accompanying opinion of the At-
torney General of the State.
To ensure ample supplies of subsistence for the support of
the citizens and the armies in the field, no doubt, it seems to
me, can be longer reasonably entertained that the induce-
ment to make cotton and tobacco for the accumulation of
wealth must be overcome by suitable legislation.
To clothe the people of the Confederate States, it is neces-
sary ,orne cotton should be made, but excessive crops, which
endanger the armies and people to the want of subsistence,
should be prevented. In my humble judgment, the most
effective means will be to prevent any cotton being exported
from the State except on account of the Confederate or State
Government, and by an act of the Legislature to impose a
heavy tax on all cotton made over a given amount per hand
engaged in its cultivation.

25

THE BLOCKADE.

For reasons assigned in my last annual message to the
General Assembly, and which may be found upon your jour-
nals, and for the reasons assigned in a correspondence be-
tween the Governors of Georgia and Alabama and myself,
which is hereto attached, and to which your attention is re-
spectfully invited, I recommend to your honorable body to
make a statute which, by the severe penalties it shall impose,
may prevent the citizens of this State from engaging in the
fraudulent speculations and demoralizing influences incident
to running the blockade."
It may be a question for your consideration- whether the
State Legislattire has the authority to enact any law concern-
ing the running of the blockade. Before examining whether,
under the Constitution, any law can be enacted concerning
the subject of running the blockade itself, I will make known
to you the opinion I entertain as to the rightful power of the
State to control the action of its citizens and the exportation
of any of the products of its soil. I do not believe that a
law to control the citizens of the State in reference to any
action which is injurious to the public or detrimental to their
welfare can with truth be said to come in conflict with the
right or power to regulate commerce, which by the constitu-
tion has been delegated to the Congress of the Confederate
States.
Each State must be the judge for itself as to what acts of
its citizens operate injuriously on the public interests, and has
the right by the law to restrain them. .To hold otherwise
would be to surrender one of the most important rights of
sovereignty, and to deprive a State of one of the most essen-
tial powers for the regulation of its internal affairs. This
right and power has been decided to exist. In the case of
Cribb vs. the State, in the 9th volume of Florida Reports,
page 147, the Supreme Court declares, there can be no
question that each State, being sovereign and independent,
possesses and must possess the inherent right and power
over her citizens and of controlling her inhabitants or resi-
dents while they remain residents. This is a matter of po-
lice and internal arrangement for the common welfare of all,
the people being the judges for themselves what shall be a
grievance as well as a matter of public convenience or in-
4

26

convenience. Under this power, the State has a right to
declare what is a public grievance," &c.
Can the State, also, by legislation, prohibit the exporta-
tion of any.of the products of its soil? The principle which
sustains its right to control its inhabitants applies, I think,
with equal force to its productions. Indeed, it would be
difficult to conceive how the latter could*be excluded when
the former is within the operation of the rule. The Su-
preme Court of the United States, in the case of Gibbon vs.
Ogden, 9 Wheat., 1, affirmed that, in the mass of power not
surrendered to the General Government, inspection laws,
quarantine laws, health laws, as well as laws for regulating
the internal commerce of a State, are included, and they re-
affirm this declaration in the case of the city of New. York.
vs. Milne, 11 Peters, 102, subsequently decided. The Court
in the.case last cited also held, "that a State has the same.
undeniable and unlimited jurisdiction over all persons and:
things within its territorial limits as any foreign nation,
where that jurisdiction is not surrendered or restrained by
the Constitution of the United States. That by virtue of
this it is not only the right, but the bounden and solemn
duty of a State, to advance the safety, happiness and pros-
perity of its people and.to provide for its general welfare
by any and every act of its Legislature which it may deem
to be conducive to these ends, where the power over the
particular subject or the manner of its exercise is not sur-
rendered or restricted in the manner just stated; that all
these powers, which relate to merely municipal legislation,
or what may, perhaps, more properly be called internal po-
lice, are not thus surrendered or restrained, and that, conse-
quently, in relation to these, the authority of a State is com-
plete, unqualified and exclusive."
SI come now to the question, can the State legislate direct-
ly on the subject of blockade running within its limits?
This is a more delicate question and more difficult to be
solved. It is an established principle, as well by the decis-
ions of the Supreme Court of the United States as of this
State, that in the grant of power to Congress to regulate
commerce, the States did not entirely divest themselves of
all right over the subject. In the absence of the exercise
by Congress of the power thus granted, the States have a
concurrent power to legislate, and it is only when Congress
has exerted the power that the States cannot act. This re-

27

-suits from the provision of the Constitution declaring that
Ithe laws made in pursuance thereof shall be the supreme law
,of the land. Now, as the grant of commercial power did
not per 8e exclude the States from exercising authority over
.the subject matter, and as in order to prevent the States
from legislating, a law of Congress must have been enacted-
for, without such law there would be nothing in congress-
ional action to be supreme-it follows that the State may
legislate in the absence of congressional regulations.
I am not advised of any special legislation by Congress
upon the subject, except an act entitled an act to encour-
age the manufacture of clothing and shoes for the army,"
approved October 8th, 1862. By that act the President is
"authorized to import, duty free, cards or card cloth, or any
machinery or materials necessary for increasing the manu-
facture of clothing for the army, or any articles necessary for
supplying the deficiency of clothing or shoes, or materials
for shoes, for. the army;" also, that any machinery, or
parts of machinery or materials imported as aforesaid, may
be worked on government account, or leased or sold, at the
discretion of the President." It is further provided, that
:the President may extend the privileges of this act to com-
panies or individuals, subject to such regulations as he may
prescribe."
Do the laws regulating legitimate trade and commerce
'control the subject? are the requirements of these laws in
reference to clearances, entrances, &c., complied with ? and,
if not, are the consequences which attach to such non-ob-
servance simply overlooked ? I understand that the most of
the vessels arriving from foreign ports are not cleared for
any port in the Confederacy, but are cleared for some other
port; foreign and not within the limits of the Confederate
States. If the laws of Congress do not warrant the manner
in which vessels enter our waters, and such entries are sim-
ply permissive, then, in the absence of legislation by Con-
gress directly on the subject, the State may and should
adopt such measures as may be deemed best to subserve the
interests and welfare of her people.
It is only when a law of the State comes in conflict with
a law of Congress on the subject matter, where Congress has
the right to legislate, that it must yield to the latter, under the
constitutional provision already referred to. The General
Assembly of Georgia passed resolutions on the subject, which

28

are annexed, and to which your attention is respectfully
invited.
Believing that your honorable body has the right to enact
a statute prohibiting the introduction into the State of all
articles except such as are provided for in the act of Con-
gress to encourage the manufacture of clothing and shoes
or the army," I recommend most respectfully the exercise
of that right, prohibiting, under the severest penalties, the
introduction into the State of any other, articles by evasions
of the blockade, and only admitting those provided for by
the act of Congress, and in strict compliance with the pro-
visions of the act.
CURRENCY.

Much anxiety prevails relative to the depreciated curren-
cy of the Confederate States, and it is important to the gen-
eral welfare that the causes which have produced it should
be considered and suitable constitutional measures adopted
by the Confederate Government, the State Governments
and the people*'of the respective States to remedy an evil of
such fearful tendencies and, if possible, prevent the most
disastrous results.
In my humble judgment, the most prominent cause is the
nefarious traffic carried -on by running the blockade. Many
of the individuals engaged in this lawless trade are persons
who claim the protection of foreign governments against
military service in the army. of the Confederate States, and
have never, perhaps, been honorably identified with the le-
gal commerce of the States. Others have been favorably
nown as intelligent and loyal citizens, but the general con-
duct of the traffic has not produced distinctive results favor-
able to their character for disinterested patriotism or true
loyalty to the South.
"Ootton has been purchased and paid for with the treasury
notes of the Confederate States, passed through the blockade
to foreign ports and sold at much higher prices in gold, or
its equivalent, than it cost in Confederate treasury notes.-
The proceeds thus obtained have been invested in merchan-
dize at current prices in foreign ports. The articles thus
purchased have been brought into the Confederate States
through the blockade and, under "a hue and cry" against
the Confederate currency, made chiefly by those engaged in
running the blockade, the articles have been sold to the citi-

29

zens of this and other States at the most exhorbitantprices,
payable in Confederate treasury notes or cotton. For in-
stance, calicoes, which cost per yard from ten to thirty cts.,
in a specie currency, have been sold at from four to eight
dollars per yard; rum, that cost from- fifteen to twenty cents
per gallon in a specie currency, has been sold at from forty
to eighty dollars per gallon, payable in Confederate treasury.
notes. The examples given might be multiplied to embrace
all articles of merchandize thus imported. The Confederate
treasury notes received in payment have been again invested
in cotton, the cotton shipped to foreign ports and sold as
was the first, the proceeds invested in merchandize, brought
into the country and disposed of as above described; and by
the same routine the traffic is carried on ad infinitum.
Previous to the war, the proceeds of a bushel of corn, sold
at fifty cents, would have purchased from two to five yards
of calico, or one gallon of rum. Now, if sold at fifty cents,
the proceeds of eight or sixteen bushels of corn would be re-
quired to purchase one yard of calico, and the proceeds of
eigthy or one hundred and sixty bushels to purchase one
gallon of rum. Occasionally, a man esteemed as a good citi-
zen will censure the planter for asking two dollars per bush-
el for his corn, and, without complaint, will pay four or
eight dollars for a yard of calico and twenty dollars for a
bottle of rum. But it is said, planters should not pay such
prices for calico, that their wives and daughters should wear
homespun, and that planters should not buy or drink rum or
whiskey. That is true. Men should not bet at faro-yet,
to restrain them, it is necessary to prevent the dealing of
faro by stringent enactments. The only certain' way of
avoiding vice is to be freed from its temptation. The eva-
sions of the blockade should be prevented by legal provis-
ions, inflicting the most summary and severe punishments,
and the currency would to a certain extent be promptly im-
proved.
Another cause of a depreciated currency has been the is-
sue of treasury notes to meet expenses unnecessarily and un-
wisely incurred. The expenses of the Confederate Govern-
ment should be retrenched by reducing the number of civil
and military officers, and by all other practical means con-
sistent with the due administration of the government.-
The systems of taxation adopted are either in tithes or ad
valorem. The ad valorem system existed in the States pre-

30

vio'-s to its adoption by Congress. Why, by the concurrent
Legislation of Congress and the State Legislatures, could
not the revenues of the Confederate Government be assessed
and collected by the State officers, and thus save a large
amount of the expenditures of the Confederate Government
and increase the army by a large number of able-bodied
young men, whose uniforms in military service.in the pres-
ence of the enemy would be more appropriately displayed
than in assessing and collecting taxes or measuring corn and
potatoes? 'Uniform has ceased to be the honorable badge of
position in military service,-because its admirers cannot dis-
tingiish the gallant officer, who has fought bravely in many
battles, from the peaceful citizen who has measured thou-
sands of bushels of corn and potatoes, or conducted a thou-
sand cars upon a railroad. To lessen the number of offi-
cers, or prevent the increase of their number, would it not
be wiser and more just to fillup the ranks of brigades, which
by the casualties of war have been reduced, and, as was the
true intention of the Conscript law, rather than to form new
brigades out of recruits, with untried officers appointed to
command them, and thus forcing upon the veterans of the
war the necessity of being reduced from brigades to regi-
ments, from regiments to battalions and from battalions to
companies, and then consolidating them under a new organi-
zation, and thus compelling tried officers to retire from posi-
tions in the service which they have nobly occupied and
whose courage and fortitude should entitle them to more ex-
alted positions. Shall the swords so often crossed in deadly
conflict with-the enemy in defence of our political and civil
rights, of our lives and liberties, of the honor of our mothers,
wives and daughters, be taken from the hands of our brave
and noble defenders to gratify the ambition of gentlemen
who (however honorable) have not yet faced the enemy ?-
Shall the brave defenders of our most sacred rights be hurl-
ed from positions of honor and trust, most nobly maintain
ed, and be subjected to conscription?
The Florida Brigade in Virginia, as well as the Brigades
in the army of the West (from the casualties of war, in
which they became honorably distinguished,) have become
reduced to a small number, while the recruits with which
their ranks should have been filled have been formed into
new regiments or battallions and placed under the command
of newly appointed officers. Has this course been just to

31

these Brigades and Regiments, wise in the conduct of the
war, or consistent with the intent of the "Conscript Act,"
or the. general legislation of Congress upon military sub-
jects ? The effect of new organizations has been to increase
the expenses of the Government and to deprive the veteran
Brigades of .their just and legal claims to the recruits to
which they were entitled in order to maintain their organiza-
tion, and, where the recruits under the command of ex-
perienced officers, and associated with veterans in arms,
would have been sooner disciplined in military service, and
have become more efficient. Why should not a large portion
of the cavalry, now maintained at an enormous expense and
consuming an immense amount of subsistence, be at once
rendered more serviceable and efficient by being dismounted
and turned into infantry-a much more efficient and less ex-
pensive arm of service-the horses, together with the mules
used in transporting provender for them, returned to the
plough, where they would be of greSter service and from
which perhaps it would have been better if they had nev-
er been taken ?
I confess I had not the ability to appreciate the necessity
of the assessments made by the Confederate Government to
ascertain and collect the amount of the late war tax. As-
sessments having already been made in the several States,
the desired information could have been obtained at the offi-
ces of the respective Comptrollers of the several States with-
in a few days and at an expense of a few hundred dollars;
to obtain which information months of time were consumed
at a cost to the Confederate Government of hundreds of
thousands of dollars.
The principal measures which suggest themselves to my
mind, to relieve from embarrassment the currency of the
Confederate States, are, first, to prohibit the evasions of the
blockade, except on government account and by its authority.
Second, to reduce the expenditures of the government by
lopping off all unnecessary offices, civil and military. Third,
for the several States to issue no more treasury notes, except
change bills below the denomination of one dollar; and,
where they have the means, to retire all ai ove that denom-
ination which they may have in circulation, and thus create
the necessity for making Confederate treasury notes the cur-
rency. Fourth, direct taxation for an amount sufficient to

32

call in a large portion of the Confederate notes now in cir-
culation.

PUBLIC LANDS.

Citizens of this and other States are purchasing large quan-
tities of land in this State, not so mcuh, perhaps, with the
view of cultivation as of holding them on speculation. I
would respectfully repeat the recommendation made in a
previous annual message:
The resources of the.State to redeem its treasury notes
and sustain its government, are the lands owned by the State
and taxation.
The lands are ample for the purpose, if wisely disposed of.
I would respectfully recommend that the sale of lands be
postponed until the termination 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 hundred and sixty acres of land; that having been
done,the remaining lands should be disposed of from time
to time, at public outcry, after reasonable notice of the time
of sale has been published in this State and the adjacent
States. The competition thus excited would secure reason-
able prices, and invite emigration to the State, and in pro-
portion to the property introduced by emigrants, and the im-
provements which would be made on the lands-if the pro-
ceeds 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 govern-
ment and the prosperity of the State."

THE ARSENAL.

The conversion of the Arsenal into a Military Academy
has been, time and again, recommended. Its non-use expo-
ses it to dilapidation and creates the necessity of expense for
its protection and repair, while it is no service to the State.
This property is too valuable not to be used for some impor-
tant or useful purpose.
Upon the application of the officer, who at the time was
in command of this military district, the privilege of its tem-
porary occupation by Confederate troops was granted upon
suitable conditions. The Arsenal and the appendages should

33

be made useful to the State; or, for a valuable consideration,
should be transferred to the Confederate States, upon condi-
tion that a Military Institute shall be established there; or
that it shall be made use of as an Arsenal of Construction.
REPORTS FROM HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS.
The Reports of the Comptroller, Treasurer, Land Regis-
ter, Attorney General and of the Trustees of the Internal
Improvement Fund are herewith submitted to your respect-
ful consideration.
Permit me, in conclusion, to congratulate your honorable
body upon the distinguished character Florida has acquired
by the gallantry of her sons in arms, by their chivalry in
battle and by their honorable deportment in camps, as well
as by the generosity and patriotism of her citizens-upon
the abiding confidence of the people of the Confederate
States, in the wisdom, integrity and patriotism which have
distinguished the noble statesman and gallant soldier, his
Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, in the administration of the
Government of the Confederate States of America in the
estimation of foreign nations as well as of our own people
-upon the Christian fortitude and invincible courage of our
armies and the determined and heroic purpose of soldiers
and citizens-men, women and children-to spurn with bold
defiance unto death all overtures which our enemies may-
make for peace, except upon the unconditional recognition
of the independence of the Confederate States of America.
I have the honor to be, respectfully,
Your fellow-citizen,
JOHN MILTON,
Governor of Florida.
Oi motion of Mr. Williams, the reading of the message was
dispensed with.
Mr. Arendell moved that a committee of three be appointed to
contract for the printing of the House at its present session ;
Which -was agreed to, and Messrs. Arendell, Williams and Hen-
ry appomtted said conimittee.
ORDERS OF THE DAY.

A bill to be entittld an l:t amending the Charter of the City
of Penliacola,

34

Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act amending the Charter of the Ala-
bama & Florida Railroad Company,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
to-morning.
A bill to be entitled an act increasing the fees of county offi-
cers,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
to-morrow.
A committee from the Senate appeared at the bar and inform-
ed the House that.they had been appointed to transmit the fol-
lowing resolution which had been adopted by the Senate, and to
ask the concurrence of the House in the same at the earliest prac-
tical moment:
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed by the Sen-
ate, and that the House of Representatives be requested to ap-
point a like committee, to act as a joint and select committee, to
report a bill providing for the ample support and maintenance of
families of soldiers who require assistance, and of those who died
in battle, or who have died from disease, or who by wounds or
disease are incapable of rendering military service, and that said
bill provide for the support of all indigent persons in this State,
Which was received and read.
On motion of Mr. Baltzell, the House amended by striking out
the words and that said bill provide for the support of all indi-
gent persons in this State."
The resolution was then adopted as amended.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
The order of the day being exhausted, on motion of Mr. Ross
the House adjourned until to-morrow morning 9- o'clock.

WEDNESDAY, November 18th, 1863.

The House met pursuant to adjournment-a quorum present.
The Rev. Mr. Ellis officiated as Chaplain.
On motion, the reading of the journal of yesterday's proceed-
ings was dispensed with and the journal approved.
A committee from the Senate appeared at the bar and inform-
ed the House that they had been appointed to convey to the House
joint resolutions relative to the election of a Senator to represent
the State of Florida in the Senate of the Confederate States ; also
the election of a Secretary of State ; also a joint resolution in rela-

35

tion to adjournment, and to ask the concurrence of the House in
the same.
The resolutions were received and placed among the orders of
the day.
Mr. R. H Bradford, member elect from Leon county, present-
ed his credentials, and was sworn in by Hon. T. J. Eppes, Notary
Public.
Pursuant to previous notice, the following bills were introduced
and placed among the orders of the day, viz:
By Mr. Jackson:
A bill to be entitled an act to prevent and punish the planting
and cultivation, in the State of Florida, over a certain quantity
of land in cotton during the present war ;
A bill to be entitled an act to provide for furnishing to each
regiment and battalion in Confederate service from this State, a
suitable flag or ensign, also a flag for the use of the Capitol; and,
A bill to be entitled an act for the protection of cattle owners
of the county of Levy, in this State.
By Mr. Eppes:
A bill to be entitled an act relating to property confiscated to
the use of the State.
By Mr. Avery:
A bill to be entitled an act to fix the salaries of the Public Of-
ficers in this State.
Notice was given of intention to introduce the following bills
at some future day:
By Mr. Ross:
A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the several Banks in
this State to issue change bills
By Mr. Polhill:
A bill to be entitled an act to amend the law in relation to sol-
diers voting.
By Mr. Avery:
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of certain persons
therein named.
By Mr. Nixon:
A bill to be entitled an act to prevent the distilling of spirituous
liquors in this State.
By Mr. Sessions:
A bill to be entitled an act to levy a tax in kind for the relief
of soldiers' families, and wounded or disabled soldiers either in
State or Confederate States service.
By Mr. Dishong :
A bill to be entitled an act making it the duty of the County
Commissioners of Hillsborough county to levy an additional tax
for the relief of indigent families of soldiers who are now or may

36

hereafter be in the State or the Confederate States service from
said county of Hillsborough.
By Mr. Duval:
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of James D. Green.
The committee appointed to select a Chaplain for the House,
made the following report:
The committee appointed to provide a Chaplain for this House,
beg leave to report that, the Rev. Mr. Ellis has consented to offi-
ciate as Chaplain.
THOMAS Y. HENRY, Chairman.
A committee from the Senate appeared at the bar and inform-
ed the House that they had been appointed to act with the com-
mittee on the part of the House to draft joint rules for the gov-
ernment of both Houses.
Mr. Hampton presented a petition from Ex-Gov. M. S. Perry,
praying that a committee be appointed to investigate and settle
his accounts with the State;
Which was received and read, and
On motion, Messrs. Hampton, Greeley and Bradford appoint-
ed said committee.
Mr. Dishong presented a petition from sundry citizens of Hills-
borough county, praying for the passage of a law authorizing
the County Commissioners of that. county to levy a tax of one
per centum per annum upon all property for'the support of indi-
gent families;
Which was received and read, and referred to the Joint Select
Committee on that subject.
Mr. Wynn offered the following preamble and resolution:
WHEREAS, It is incumbent on a people whose dearest rights
and interests, and whose liberties are involved in a contest such
as that in which we are engaged, to provide for the wants of the
wives and families of the gallant soldiers through whom we can
alone hope for a successful issue from this struggle; And where-
as, Owing to the conduct of speculators and others engaged in
an unrighteous traffic, the price of the necessaries of life has at-
tained a point beyond the reach of those dependent upon the
slender means at the command of their husbands and fathers,
who are breasting the storm of battle, and destitution and suffer-
ing are likely to ensue unless provision is made in their behalf;
therefore-
Be it resolved, That a Joint Select Committee of the two
Houses be appointed, to consider and report to the General As-
sembly such measures as shall secure the most ample provisions
for the wives and families of the soldiers in the Confederate ser-
vice from this State;
Which were read and adopted.

37

ORDERS OF THE DAY.

Senate joint resolution in relation to adjournment,
Was read the first time.
Mr. Williams moved its indefinite postponement;
Which was not agreed to.
Mr. Henry moved to amend the resolution by inserting "12
o'clock" ;
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Price moved that the resolution be put upon its adoption;
Which was not agreed to.
The resolution was then ordered for a second reading on to-
morrow.
Senate joint resolution relative to the election of a Senator to
represent the State of Florida in the Senate of the Confederate
States; also the election of a Secretary of State,
Was read and adopted.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
Mr. McGehee moved to reconsider the vote just taken on the
adoption of the resolution;
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Baltzell moved to amend the resolution by inserting At-
torney General;
Upon which the yeas and nays were called for by Messrs. Balt-
zell and Hampton, and were:
Yeas-Messrs. Baltzell, Blackburn, Garnie,,Gee, Greeley,
Hampton, Hendry, Hewet, McGehee, Pittman, Polhill, Ross and
Sessions-- 4.
Nays-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Avery, Brad-
ford, Campbell, Cromartie, Dishong, Duval, Foy, Henry, Jack-
son, Lee, Mettauer, Newbern, Nixon, Overstreet, Price of
Alachua, Price of Columbia, Scott and Williams-21.
So the motion was not agreed to.
The resolution was then put upon its adoption,
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Avery, Black-
burn, Bradford, Campbell, Cromartie, Dishong, Duval, Foy, Gar-
nie, Gee, Hampton, Hendry, Henry, Hewett, Jackson, Lee, Mc-
Gehee, Mettauer, Newbern, Nixon, Overstreet, Pittman, Polhill,
Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia, Ross, Scott, Sessions and
Williams-33.
Nays-Messrs. Baltzell and Wynn-2.
So the resolution was adopted.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
A committee from the Senate appeared at the bar and informed

38

the House that they had been appointed to return to the House
the following resolution, the Senate having refused to concur irI
the House amendment, and to ask the House to recede from its
amendment:
-Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed by the Sen-
ate, and that the House of Representatives be requested to ap-
point a like committee, to act as a joint and select committee, to
report a bill providing for the ample support and maintenance of
families of soldiers who require assistance, and of those who died
in battle, or who have died from disease, or who by wounds or
disease are incapable of rendering military service, and that said
bill provide for the support of all indigent persons in this State;
Which was received, and on motion of Mr. Avery, the House
receded from its amendment.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
The following bills were read the second time and referred to
the Committee on the Judiciary, viz:
A bill to be entitled an act amending the Charter of the City
of Pensacola;
A bill to be entitled an act increasing the fees of county offi-
cers; and,
A bill to be entitled an act amending the Charter of the Ala-
bama & Florida Railroad Company.
The following bills were read the first time and ordered for a,
second reading on to-morrow, viz:
A bill to beentitled an act to fix the salaries of the public offi-
cers of this State; .
A bill to be entitled an act to prevent and punish the planting
and cultivation, in the State of Florida, over a certain quantity of
land in cotton during the present war; and,
A bill to be entitled an act to provide for furnishing to each
regiment and battalion in Confederate service from this State, a
suitable flag or ensign, also a flag for the use of the Capitol.
A bill for the protection of cattle owners of the county of
Levy in this State,
Was read the first time, rule waived and read the second time
by its title;
Mr. Henry moved to amend by adding the counties of Lafay-
ette and Taylor;
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Price of Alachna, moved to amend by adding the county
of Alachua;
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Mettauer moved to amend by adding the county of Wa-
kulla;
Which was agreed to.

39

The bill as amended was then ordered to be engrossed for a
third reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act relative to property confiscated to
the use of the State,
Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second time by
its title, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
The rule being waived, Mr. Baltzell from tho Joint Committee
to draft rules for the government of both Houses of the General
Assembly, made the following report:
The Joint Committee on Rules have instructed me to report
the following as the rules adopted by them:

JOINT RUELS.

Ru-ci 1. Messages from either House to the other shall be
sent by such persons as a sense of propriety in each House may
determine.
t. afterr a bill shal have passed both Houses, it shall be duly
enrolcld by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, or by
the Secretary of the Setnate, as the bill may have originated in
one or the other House.
:3. When bills hall be enrolled, they shall be examined by a
Joint Conun'ittee of at least two from the Senate, and two from
the House of Representatives, appointed as a Standing Commit-
tee for that purpose, who shall forthwith make report.
4. When a bill or resolution, which shall have passed in one
House is rejected in the other, notice thereof shall be given to
the House in which the same may have passed.
When a bill or resolution which has been passed in one
House, shall be rejected in the other, it shall not be brought in
during the same session, without notice of ten days, and leaveof
two-thirds of that House in which it shall be moved.
6. Each House shall transmit to the other all papers on which
anv bill or resolution shall be founded.
7. After each Hlouse shall have adhered to their disagreement,
a bill or resolution shall be lost.
8. When elections are required to be made by joint vote of the
two Houses, the time of electing shall be previously agreed upon.
9. In every Joint Committee the member first named on the
part of the House first proposing such Committee, shall convene
the sale.
10. During the elections of officers there shall be no motions
entertained, except to adjourn, to proceed to vote, to nominate
and to withdraw a candidate-which motions shall have prece-
dence in the order they stand.
11. The doings throughout shall proceed without debate.

40

12. Communications shall be made on paper, and signed by
the Secretary of each House, and transmitted by the Messenger,
or Doorkeeper.
13. In every case of disagreement between the Senate and
House of Representatives, either House may suggest conference,
and appoint a Committee for thatpurpose, and the other House
shall also appoint a Committee to confer at a convenient hour, to
be designated by the Chairman; said Committees shall meet
and confer freely on the subject of disagreement.
14. Whenever a public bill or resolution is ordered to be
printed for the use of either House, a number shall be ordered
sufficient for the use of both Houses; and it shall be the duty
of the Secretary of the Senate or Clerk of the House, as the case
may be, to inform the other House of such order, and to trans-
mit to that House the requisite number of printed copies.
They have further instructed me to propose the following res
solution:
Resolved, That the two rooms adjoining the Senate Chamber
be appropriated to Joint Committees of both Houses, to Com-
mittees sitting during the session of the two Houses, and to the
Judiciary Committees thereof. The Eastern room to the Sen-
ate-the Western to the House. And that the Secretary of State
prepare the said rooms for immediate use, with pen, ink and pa-
per, with copies of Thompson's Digest, the Journals of both
Houses for five years past, the Supreme Court Reports, and all
the Laws of the State since the date of Thompson's Digest.
THOMAS BALTZELL.
Which was read and concurred in.
The following communication was received from his Excellen-
cy the Governor:
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,
Tallahassee, Nov. 18th, 1863.
THON. T. J. EPPES,
Speaker of the .ouse of Representatives:
SIr.: I respectfully recommend the following nomination for
the advice and consent of the General Assembly, viz:
WILLIA, H. MEIS,
Auctioneer for the Coudty ('of 7er..ado.
Very respectfully,
JOHN MILTON.
Which was read, and the nomination advised (tla consentted to.
Also1 the following :
I0"

41

EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,
Tallahassee, Nov. 18th, 1863.
HON. T. J. EPPES,
Speaker of the House of Representatives:
SIR: On the 13th day of January last, the Hon. F. L. Villi-
pigue resigned the office of Secretary of State, whereupon I ap-
pointed the Hon. B. F. Allen to fill the vacancy, who has, with
industry and efficiency up to this time, discharged the duties of
the office.
The election of a Secretary of State now devolves upon your
honorable body.
Herewith is submitted a report of the Secretary of State, of a
correct catalogue of all the books in the Executive, Legislative
and Judicial Libraries of this State, of which he is Librarian.
I have the honor to be, respectfully,
JOHN MILTON.
STATE DEPARTMENT,
TALLAHASSEE, NOV. 10th, 1863:
To His Excellency JOHN MILTON,
Governor of Florida:
SIR: In compliance with a resolution of the General Assembly,
approved Nov. 30th, 1861, requesting the Secretary of State "to
furnish the General Assembly with a correct Catalogue of all the
Books in the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Libraries of
this State, of which he is Librarian," I proceeded, in the month
of September last, to take a list of said Books, and have the honor
to report to your Excellency the following "as a correct Cata-
logue of all Books," in said Libraries:
BOOKS IN OFFICE SECRETARY OF STATE.
Congressional Documents, Senate and House; Executive, Re
ports of Committees, &c., consisting of some 400 volumes.
Journals of the Territorial Legislature, from 1836 to 1844 in-
clusive, 30 volumes.
Journals of the General Assembly of the State of Florida, from
1845 to 1862, (except the year 1847,) making some 250 volumes.
Acts General Assembly, bound volumes, from 1850 to 1862,
about 100 volumes. Also Thompson's Digest, 10.volumes.
Florida Reports, 72 volumes- 2, 6, 7, 6, 2, 6, 35.
i 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
Constitution of Florida, Ordinances, and Journal of the Pro-
ceedings of State Convention, 30 volumes.
Valuable Miscellaneous Works, being contributions by Con-
6

42

gress and several States-Historical, Scientific, &c.-consisting
of about 125 richly bound volumes. In taking a list of these
books, I discovered a number of volumes missing, most of which
have since been found; and no book from this valuable contribu-
tion is allowed to be taken out of the office.
In "the two rooms at the South end of the Capitol, adjoining
Senate Chamber, set apart for Library rooms," are Congressional
Documents-Executive and Legislative, Reports of Committees,
&c., comprising some 1500 volumes. Also Journals-Senate and
House-Florida, from 1840 to 1862, inclusive, (except the year
1857,) which appears to be missing. Also Reports Supreme
Court of Florida, from 1851 to 1862, consisting in all of some
300 volumes.
JUDICIAL LIBRARY.
In taking a Catalogue of the Books in this Library, which I
considered by far the most valuable, and which I am informed
has been growing small by degrees for some years past, I was
very particular to take an account of every volume in this De-
partment. I found the work tedious, and with a view to sim-
plify it as far as practicable, I arranged the Books of each State
under its appropriate head, a Catalogue of which is hereto an-
nexed.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
e B. F. ALLEN,
Secretary of State and Librarian.

Catalogue of Books int the Judicial Library of Florida, Sep-
tember 1st, 1863.
FLORIDA.
Florida Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 2, 3, 5, 5, 7, 7.
Laws-Thompson's Digest;
Duval's Compilation;
Acts &c.
GEORGIA.
Kelly's Reports, Vols, 1, 2.
Georgia Reports, Vol. 14.
Laws of Georgia, from 1800 to 1810 inclusive, in three large
Vols., with Digest in one Vol.
Dawson's Compilations, Vol. 1.
Acts from 1853 to 1858, inclusive.

43

ALABAMA.
Alabama Reports, Vols. 15.
Acts from 1838 to 1858.
ARKANSAS.
English's Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 7.
Arkansas Reports, Vols. 4, 5, 16.
English's Digest, Vol. 1.
Acts of.
KENTUCKY.

Reports of J. J. Marshall, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Reports of A. K. Marshall, Vols. 1, 2, 3.
Reports of Bibb, Vol. 1, 2, 3, 4.
Reports of B. Monroe 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, -, 10, 11, 12, -,
14, 15, 16, 17, 18.
Dana's Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Thomas B. Monroe's Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3 4, 5, 6, 7.
Little's Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Metcalf's Reports, Vol. 1.
Kentucky Code of Practice, Vol. 1.
Littells & Swyart's Digest of the Laws, Vols. 1, 2.
Stanton's Digest, Vols. 1, 2.
Revised Statutes of Kentucky, Vols. 1, 2.
INDIANNA.
Blackford's Reports, 8 Vols.
Tanner's Reports, Vols. 8, 9, 12.
Porter's Reports, Vols. 4, 7.
Carter's Reports, Vol. 2.
Revised Statutes, 1843, Vol. 1.
Revised Statutes, 1852 Vols. 1, 2.
Acts from 1829 to 1859.
CALIFORNIA.
t
California Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8,
9, 9, 10, 10, 11, 11, 13, 13, 15.
Land Laws, Vols. 1, 2.
Land Laws, California, Oregon & Texas, Vols. 1, 2.
Acts from 1850 to 1859.
MISSOURI.
Missouri Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 5, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13j 14,
16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29.
Geyer's Digest of Statutes, Vol. 1.
Revised Statutes, 1835.

*

44

0

Revised Statutes, 1845.
Acts of 1838 to 1859.

MISSISSIPPI.
Howard's Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Smedes & Marshall, Vols. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.
Mississippi Reports,, Vols. 3, 4.
Digest of Laws, 1824-1838.
MARYLAND.
Harris & Gill's Reports, Vols. 1, 2.
Harris & Johnson's Reports, Vols. 2, 3, 4, 6, 7.
Harris & McHenry's Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4.
Gill & Johnson's, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12.
Gill's Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9.
Maryland Reports, Vols. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14.
Maryland Chancery Decisions, Vols. 3, 4.
Dorsey's Laws, Vols. 1, 2, 3.
Maryland Digest of Reports, Vol. 1.
Index to the Aws, Vol. 1.
Acts from 1853 to 1858, in 4 volumes.
LOUISIANA.

Robinson's Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
Louisiana Annual Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
11, 12, 13.
Acts from 1827 to 1860.

9, 10, 11, 12.
6, 7, -, 9, 10,

ILLINOIS.

Gilman's Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Illinois Reports, Vols. 11, 12, 13, 14,
21, 22.
Scammon's Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4.
Revised Laws, 1833, Vol. 1.
Revised Statutes, 1845, Vol. 1.
Revised Statutes, 1858, Vols. 1, 2.
Acts from 1830 to 1859.

15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,

PENNSYLVANIA.
Pennsylvania Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, -, 7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10,
11, 12, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30.
Watts & Seargeant's Reports, Vol. 2.
Revised Statutes, 1859, Vol. 1.
Laws of Pennsylvania, Vol. 10.
Colonial Records of Penn., Vols. 1, 2, 3.
Acts of 1838 to 1858.

45

TENNESSEE.
Sneed's Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Swan's Reports, Vols. 1, 2.
Humphries' Reports, Vols. 7, 8, 11.
Compilation of Statutes, 1836.
Code of Tennessee, 1858, 1 Vol.
Acts from 1832 to 1858.
SOUTH CAROLINA. 0
Richardson's Law Reports, Vols. 5, 7, 8, 9.
Richardson's Equity Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6.
Strobhart's Law Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Strobhart's Equity Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Speer's Equity Cases, Vol. 1.
Rice's Reports, Vol. 1.
Riley's Chancery Cases, Vol. 1.
Baily's Equity Reports, Vol. 1.
McMullan's Reports, Vol. 1.
Statutes at Large, Vols. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
Acts from 1848 to 1856.
NORTH CAROLINA.
Iredell's Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 5, 5, 6, 7,
Iredell's Law Reports, Vols. 8, 9, 10, 12, 13.
Iredell's Equity Cases, Vols. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
Jones' Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7.
Jones' Equity Reports, Vols. 2, 4, 5.
Busbee's Equity Reports, Vol. 1.
Busbee's Law Reports, Vol. 1.
Revised Statutes, Vols. 1, 2.
Revised Code, 1855, 2 Vols.
Revised Code, 1850-54, 1 Vol.
Jones' Digest, Vol. 1.
Laws of N. Carolina, from 1844-5, to 1859, inclusive, 8 Vols
NEW JERSEY.
Green's Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3.
Green's Law Reports, Vol. 3.
Zabraskie's Reports, Vols. 2, 3, 4.
Harrison's Reports, Vols, 3, 4.
Dutcher's Reports, Vols. 1, 2.
Stocton's Chancery, Vols. 1, 2, 3.
Spencer's Reports, Vol. 1.
Halstead's Chancery, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4.
Revised Statutes, 1847, Vol. 1.

46

Nixon's Digest of Laws, Vol. 1.
Compilation of Laws, 1833, Vol. 2.
Acts from 1851 to 1859.
Beasley's Reports, I Vol., 1860.
OHIO.
State Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8.
Ohio Reports, Vols. 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.
Index to the Laws, Vol. 1.
Revised Statutes, 1841, 1 Vol.
Acts from 1831 to 1858, in 20 Vols.
ENGLISH REPORTS.
East Reports, Vols. 12, 16.
Exchequer Reports, 33 Vols.
English Common Law Reports, 25 Vols.
Ecclesiastical Reports, Vol. 1.
MICHIGAN.
Douglass' Reports, Vols. 1, 2.
Michigan Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7.
Walker's Chancery Reports, Vol. 1.
Acts of 1837 up to 1859, in 23 Vols.
VIRGINIA.
Gratton's Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 12,
13, 14, 15.
Henning's Statutes at Large, Vols. 1 to 13.
Acts from 1842 to 1858, in 13 Vols.
Board of Public Works.
TEXAS.
Texas Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14,
16, 17, 18, 19, 20.
Texas Digest, Vol. 1.
Oldham & White's Digest of Laws, Vol. 1.
Acts of 1846 to 1858.
RHODE ISLAND.
Rhode Island Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Revised Statutes, 1844.
Revised Statutes, 1857.
Supplement to do., 3 Vols.
Acts from 1852 to 1859.
Index to Acts & Resolutions from 1758 to 1850.
*

47

WISCONSIN.

Wisconsin Reports, Vols. 1,
Chandler's Reports, Vols. 1,
Laws, 5 Vols., with Journal
Acts 1853, 1 Vol.
Acts from 1853 to 1857.
Revised Statutes, in 3 Vols.

6, 7, 9.
2, 3, 4.
of Convention.

MINNESOTA.
Minnesota Reports, Vol. 1.
Revised Statutes, 1851.
Statutes of Minnesota, 1849-'58.
IOWA.

Morris' Reports, Vol. 1.
Green's Reports, Vols. 1,
Iowa Reports, Vols. 1, 2,
Code of Iowa, 1851.
Revised Statutes, 1860.
Acts from 1851 to 1858.

2, 3, 4.
3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

KANSAS.

Statutes, Vol. 1.
Acts from 1857 to 1858.
NEBRASKA.
Laws of 1858.
CHICKASAWS.
Constitution, Laws and Treaties, Vol. 1.
NOVA SCOTIA.
James' Reports, Vol. 1.
American State Papers, 42 Vols.
Congressional Globe, 7 Vols.
Appendix to same, 3 Vols.
American Archives, 3 Vols.
United States Statutes at Large, 1 Vol.
Digest of Revenue Laws, Vol. 1.
Commercial Regulations, Vol. 1.
Public LamIs, Laws, Instructions and Opinions, 1 Vol.
Senate Documents, 2, Vols., 1854-'5, 1854-'5.

UNITED

STATES' REPORTS.

Sucpemli Court IRelorts, Howarld, Vol. 2.

48

Peters', Vol. 16.
Crabb's District Court, Vol. 1.
Senate United States Documents, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
Executive Documents, Vols. 1, 2, 3.
Laws United States Statutes at Large, Vols. 4, (1, 2, 3, 4, 5.)
NEW YORK.
Barbour's Reports, 24 Vols.
New York Reports, 5 Vols.
Hill's Reports, Vols. 2, 6.
Parker's Criminal Reports, Vol. 1.
Comstock's Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 4.
Kernan's Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3.
Selden's Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6.
Deniv's Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3.
Index to Documents, Vol. 1.
Acts from 1848 to 1859.
MASSACHIITSETTS.
Metcalf's Reports, Vols. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.
Cushing's Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9, 11, 12.
Gray's Reports, Vols. 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 13.
Revised Statutes, 1860.
SCONNECTICUT.
Connecticut Reports, Vols. 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28.
Revised Statutes, 1849.
Compilation of Statutes, 1854.
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
New Hampshire Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3,5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12,13,
14, 19, 20, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39.
Foster's Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.
Gilchrist's Digest of Reports, Vol. 1.
Bell's Digest of Reports, Vol. 1.
MAINE.
Maine Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 36, 37, 40, 41
42, 43, 44, 45.
Fairfield's Reports, Vols. 1, 2, 3.
Virgin's Digest of Reports, Vol. 1.
Revised Statutes, 1840, Vol. 1.
Revised Statutes, 1857, Vols. 1, 2.

49

VERMONT.
Vermont Reports, Vols. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30.
Washburn's Digest of Reports, Vol. 1.
Revised Statutes, 1850, 1 Vol.
DELAWARE.
Revised Statutes, 1829, 2 copies.
Acts 1859, 3 copies.
Which was read.
The rule being waived, Mr. Arendell, from the committee to
contract for the printing for the House, made the following re-
port:
TALLAHASSEE, Nov. 18th, 1863.
To W. H. ARENDELL, ESQ.,
Chairman House Committee on Printing:
SI : We propose to print the House proceedings at the fol-
lowing rates:
For all miscellaneous printing, such as daily slips, bills, reports,
&c., 1-I cent per hundred words, counting 100 copies.
For 200 copies of the journal, $3.00 per page.
DYKE & CARLISLE.
Your committee would recommend the adoption of the above,
being fully satisfied, under the circumstances, it is the best that
can be done.
WM. H. ARENDELL, Chairman.
JOS. JOHN WILLIAMS,
THOMAS Y. HENRY.
Which was read and concurred in.
The rule being waived, Mr. Jackson moved that 100 copies of
the Governor's Message be printed for the use of the House;
Which was agreed to.
The orders of the day being exhausted, on motion of Mr. Gar-
nie, the House took a recess until five minutes before 12,.m.

FIVE MINUTES BEFORE 12 O'CLOCK, M.
The House resumed its session-a quorum present.
On motion, a committee consisting of Messrs. Hampton, Gar-
nie and Greeley were appointed to inform the Senate that the
House was now ready to go into the election of Senator and Sec-
retary of State.
7

50

The committee retired and in a short time returned and report-
ed that they had performed their duty and were discharged.
The hour having arrived to go into the election of a Confede-
rate States Senator and a Secretary of State, the Senators en-
tered the Hall.
The President, by invitation of the Speaker, took the Chair.
The President announced nominations for Senator in order.
Mr. Wynn nominated Hon. James M. Baker;
The vote was:
For BAKEr-Senate 14. House-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos,
Arendell, Avery, Baltzell, Blackburn, Bradford, Campbell, Cro-
martie, Dishong, Duval, Foy, Garnie, Gee, Greeley, Hampton,
Hendry, Henry, Hewett, Jackson, Lee, McGehee, Mettauer,
Mizell, Newbern, Nixon, Overstreet, Pittman, Polhill, Price of
Alachua, Price of Columbia, Ross, Scott, Sessions, Williams and
Wynn-36. Total-50.
BLANK--Senate 2.
Mr. Baker, having received the requisite constitutional majority,
was declared elected.
The President announced nominations for Secretary of State
in order.
Mr. Hogue nominated B. F. Allen.
Mr. Russell of Jefferson, nominated Wm. Scott.
The vote was:
For ALLEN-Senate 13. House-Messrs. Amos, Avery, Balt-
zell, Bradford, Campbell, Cromartie, Dishong, Duval, Foy, Gar-
nie, Gee, Greeley, Hendry, Henry, Hewett, Jackson, Lee, Met-
tauer, Mizell, Nixon, Overstreet, Pittman, Polhill, Price of Alach-
ua, Price of Columbia, Ross, Scott, Sessions, Williams and Wynrn
-30. Total-43.
For ScoTT-Senate 3. House-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Aren-
dell, Blackburn, Hampton, McGehee and Newbhrn-6. Total
-9.
Mr. Allen, havingreceived the requisite constitutional miln; jrity,
was declared elected Secretary of State..
The object of the joint assembly having been accomplished
on motion, the joint assembly adjourned, and the Senators re
turned to their chamber.
Mr. Hampton moved that the vote concurring in the report of
the Joint Committee to draft rules for the government of the two,
Houses of the General Assembly be reconsidered;
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Williams moved that so much of the resolution appended
to said report as refers to the West room be stricken out;
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Hampton moved that a committee of three be appointed

51

to wait upon the Senate and inform that body of the action of
the House on said resolution;
Which was agreed to, and Messrs. Hampton, Baltzell and Wynn
appointed said committee.
The committee retired and in a short time returned and re-
ported that they had performed their duty and were discharged.
A committee from the Senate appeared at the bar and informed
the House that they had been appointed to notify the House that
the Senate had refused to adopt the resolution appended to the
report of the Joint Committee appointed to draft rules for the
government of the two Houses of the General Assembly. 4
'On motion of Mr. Williams, the House adjourned uutil to-
morrow morning, 10 o'clock.

"THURSDAY, November 19th, 1863.

The House met pursuant to adjournment-a quorum present.
The Rev. Mr. Ellis officiated as Chaplain.
On motion, the reading of the journal of yesterday's proceed-
ings was dispensed with, and the journal approved.
The Speaker announced the following Standing Committees:

STANDING COMMITTEES.

SCommittee on Judiciary:

On Internal Improvements:

BALTZELL,
AVERY,
BRADFORD,
ROSS,
PITTMAN,

AVERY,
JONES,
PITTMAN,
HENRY,
LEE.

.Jinance and Public Accounts: Propositions and Grievances:,

Messrs.

PRICE of Columbia,
SCOTT,
LESLIE,
TIFT,
SESSIONS.

Messrs.

HANNAH,
POLHILL,
GEE,
MIZELL,
ATKINS.

'C"''
9.

On Confederate Relations:

On Indian Affairs:

Messrs.

WYNN,
ROSS,
HEWETT,
DUVAL,
JONES.

Messrs.

DISHONG,
NEWBERN,
OVERSTREET,
GREELEY,
ANDREU.

1 Messrs.

Messrs.

52

On" Corporations :
Messrs, PRICE of Alachua,
ARDREU,
NIXON,
BALTZELL,
JACKSON.
On Claims:

Messrs.

Messrs. HAMPTON,
HANNAH,
GREELEY,
FOY,
JACKSON.

On Commerce and Navigation:

On Elections:
GARNIE,
BRADFORD,
AMOS,
WILLIAMS,
SESSIONS.
On Militia:
JONES,
GREELEY,
THOMAS,
WILLIAMS,
ARENDELL.

On Schools and Colleges:

Messrs.

ANDREU,
ARENDELL,
DISHONG,
HENDRY,
JACKSON.

Messrs.

CAMPBELL,
SMITH,
CROMARTIE,
ATKINS,
SEWARD.

On Taxation and .Revenue:

Messrs.

GREELEY,
HAMPTON,
GEE,
METTAUER,
NEWBURN.
On Agriculture:

On Engrossed .Bills:
Messrs. PITTMAN,
RICHARDSON,
DUVAL,
ATKINS,
THOMAS.
On Enrolled .Bills:

Messrs. HENRY,
WILLIAMS,
FOY,
RICHARDSON,
HIGGINBOTHAM.

Messrs.

McGEHEE,
BLACKBURN,
MIZELL,
LEE,
LESLIE.

On State of the Commonwealth:
Messrs. ROSS,
CROMARTIE,
BALTZELL,
HIGGINBOTHAM,
HEWETT.

On Public Lands:
Messrs. SCOTT,
GARNIE,
HAMPTON,
AVERY,
PITTMAN.

On motion of Mr. Avery, 80 copies of
tees were ordered to be printed for the
Senate.

the Standing Commit-
use of the House and

p

-Messss.

53

The Speaker asked leave of absence until Tuesday next, in con-
sequence of the illness of his family;
Which was granted.
Mr. Garnie moved that Mr. Williams act as Speaker pro. tem.
during the Speaker's absence;
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Hampton moved that Mr. Wynn, of Jackson county, be
added to the Joint Committee appointed for the purpose of draw#-
ing a bill for the support of families of soldiers, and others;
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Hampton moved that Wm. M. McIntosh, Enrolling Clerk,
be excused from his duty until Monday next, in consequence of
the ill health of his family;
Which was agreed to.
Pursuant to previous notice, the following bills were introdu-
ced and placed among the orders of the day:
By Mr. Avery:
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of certain persons
therein named.
By Mr. Greeley:
A bill to be entitled an act to change the place of holding Courts
in Putnam county; and
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of R. E. Seyle.
Notice was given of intention to introduce the following bill
at some future day:
By Mr. Overstreet:
A bill to be entitled an act for the purpose of creating pre-
cincts in Brevard county.
By Mr. Pittman:
A bill to be entitled an act to amend the sixth section of an
act entitled an act to change the mode of selecting Grand and
Petit Jurors in this State.
By Mr. Hendry:
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of James W. John-
son of Taylor county; and,
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Edward Jordan,
Sheriff of Taylor county.
Mr. Greeley presented a petition from R. E. Seyle,
Which was read.
Mr. Jackson offered preamble and resolutions of thanks to Gen.
Wm. Bailey and Dr. Henry Bacon;
Which were read and adopted.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
The following communication was received from the Senate:

54

SENATE CIIAMBER,
November 18, 1863.
Hon. T. J. EPPES,
Speaker of the Hiouse of Representatives:
SIR: The Senate has this day passed the following resolution,
viz:
Resolution of thanks to our soldiers.
Very respectfully,
JOHN B. WHITEHURST,
Secretary of the Senate.
Which was read and the resolution placed among the orders
of the day.
The committee, to whom was referred a petition in reference to
an election in Hernando county, made the following report:
The committee, to whom was referred a petition in reference
to an election in Hernando county, beg leave to
REPORT,
That they have had the said petition under advisement. The fact
that the Hon. Cyprian T. Jenkins is a prisoner of war, and therefore
involuntarily absent, does not create a vacancy. While the es-
timable character of Frederick Lykes bids fair to render him an
important member of this House, your committee are constrained
to declare that Cyprian T. Jenkins is entitled to the seat.
WM'. B. ROSS, Chairman.
Which was read and concurred in.
The committee on Engrossed Bills made the following report:
The committee on Engrossed Bills, to whom was referred the
following bill, report that they have examined the same and find
it correctly engrossed:
A bill to be entitled an act for the protection of cattle owners
in the counties of Levy, Lafayette, Taylor, Alachua and Wa-
kulla.
F. R. PITTMAN, Chairman.
Which was received and read, and the bill placed among the
orders of the day.

ORDERS OF THE DAY.

Senate joint resolution in relation to adjournment,
Was read the second time and adopted.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
A bill to be entitled an act to prevent and punish the planting
and cultivation in the State of Florida over a certain quantity of
land in cotton during the present war,

55

Was read the second time and referred to a select committee,-
consisting of Messrs. Jones, Jackson, Cromartie, Hampton and
Greeley.
Engrossed bill to be entitled an act for the protection of cattle
owners in the counties of Levy, Lafayette, Taylor, Alachua and
Wakulla,
Was read the third time.
On motion of Mr. Garnie, the rule was waived, and Duval
county added.
The bill was then put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Avery, Black-
burn, Bradford, Campbell, Cromartie, Dishong, Duvaj, Foy, Gar-
nie, Gee, Greeley, Hampton, Hannah, Hendry, Henry, Hewett,
Higginbotham, Jackson, Jones, Lee, McGehee, Mettauer, Mizell,
Newbern, Nixon, Overstreet, Pittman, Polhill, Price of Alachua,
Price of Columbia, Richardson, Ross, Scott, Sessions, Seward,
Williams and Wynn-40.
Nays-none.
So the bill passed.
Mr. Jackson moved to amend the title of the bill by adding
the county of Duval;
Which was agreed to.
Ordered that the passage of the bill be certified to the Senate.
A bill to be entitled an act to fix the salaries of the public offi-
cers of this State,
Was read the second time and referred to the Committee on
Taxation and Revenue.
A bill to be entitled an act to provide for furnishing to each
regiment and battalion in Confederate service from this State, a
suitable flag or ensign, als, a fla ffor the use of the Capitol,
Was\ read the second time and referred to the Committee on
the Militia.
A bill to be entitled an act to change the place of holding
Courts in Putnam county,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
to-n or'row.
A bill to be entitled an act tor the relief of certain n persons
therein named,
Was read the first time, rules waived, read the second time by
its title, and referred to the committee on claims.
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of R. E. Legle,
WaVs read the first time, rules waived, read the second time by
its title, and referred to the Committee Public Lands.
Senate resolution of thanks to our soldiers,
Was read and adopted.

56

Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
The orders of the day being exhausted, Mr. Duval moved to
take a recess until 3 o'clock p. m.;
Which was not agreed to.
Mr. Williams moved to 'adjourn until 10 o'clock to-morrow
morning,
Which was not agreed to.
On motion of Mr. Ross, the House adjourned until to-morrow
morning 9- o'clock.

FRIDAY, November 20th, 1863.

The House met pursuant to adjournment-a quorum present.
Mr. Williams in the Chair.
The Rev. Mr. Ellis officiated as Chaplain.
On motion, the reading of the journal of yesterday's proceed-
ings was dispensed with and the journal approved.
The rule being waived, the following bills were introduced
without previous notice, and placed among the orders of the day:
By Mr. Polhill:
A bill to be entitled an act to amend ordinance No. 53 of the
Convention, in relation to soldiers voting.
By Mr. Arendell:
A bill to be entitled an act requiring sheriffs to give additional
security in certain cases.
By Mr. McGehee:
A bill to be entitled an act for the protection of stock in the
counties of Lafayette and Taylor.
Notice was given of intention to introduce the following bills
at some future day:
By Mr. Sessions:
A bill to be entitled an act to change the line dividing Su-
wannee and Columbia county.
By Mr. Price:
A bill to be entitled an act to encourage the raising of stock in
this State.
Mr. Gee moved that leave of absence be granted Mr. Henrv
until Monday next;
Which was granted.
Mr. Scott moved that leave of absence be granted to Mr. Cro-
martie until Monday, 10 o'clock;
Which was granted.
Mr. Greeley asked leave to withdraw a bill introduced by him
on yesterday, for the relief of R. E. Scyle ;

57

Which was granted.
Mr. Newbern gave notice that he would on. some future day
introduce the following bill:
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Bradford county,
and for other purposes.
Mr. Jones moved, that his colleague, Mr. W. H. Arendell, be
excused from further attendance on the House from to-day and
during next week;
Which was granted.
Pursuant to previous notice, the following bills were intro-
duced and placed among the orders of the day:
By Mr. Iendry:
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Edward Jordan,
Sheriff of Taylor county; and
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of James W. Johnson
of Taylor county.
By Mr. Nixon:
A bill to be entitled an to prevent the distilling of spirituous
liquors in this State.
Mr. Sessions offered a resolution asking the Governor not to
license any more distilleries until further action by the Legisla-
ture ;
Which was read and adopted.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
Mr. Avery offered resolutions relating to the appointment of
an agent for soldiers' families in the counties of Santa Rosa and
Escambia;
Which were read and adopted.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
Mr. Avery presented a petition from sundry citizens of Escam-
bia county;
Which was read.
The Committee on Taxation and Revenue made the following
report:
The committee, to whom was referred the bill relative to fixing
the salaries of State officers, have had the same inder considera-
tion, and respectfully recommend that the bill be laid on the table.
Respectfully submitted,
J. C. QREELEY, Chairman.
Which was received and read and bill placed among the or-
iers of the day.
Mr. Scott, from the Committee on Public Lands, made the fol-
lowing report:
The committee to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an
zct for the relief of R. E. Seyle, beg leave to
8

58

REPORT,

That they have had the same under consideration, and ask that
the enclosed bill be substituted for the original, and recommend
its passage.
N. T. SCOTT, Chairman.
,Which was received and read and the bill placed among the
orders of the day.
Mr. Jones, from a select committee, made the following report:
Your committee, who have had under consideration a bill to
be entitled an act to prevent and punish all persons planting and
cultivating, in the State of Florida, over a certain quantity of land
in cotton during the continuance of the present war, have had
the same under consideration, and beg leave to

REPORT,

That they have.drawn a new bill setting forth the main points
of the original with some amendments, with an additional clause,
which they offer as a substitute for the original and recommend
its passage.
paJ. Y. JONES, Chairman,
JNO. F. JACKSON,
A. Y. HAMPTON,
A. CROMARTIE,
J. C. GREELEY.
Which was received and read and the bill placed among the
orders of the day.
The rules being waived, Mr. Hampton moved that a sufficient
number of the printed copies of the Governor's message, which
are now printed for the House, be sent to the Senate;
Which was agreed to.

ORDERS OF THE DAY.

A bill to be entitled an act to change the place of holding
Courts in Putnam county,
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 prevent and punish the planting
and cultivation, in the State of Florida, over a certain quantity of
land in cotton during the present war,
Was read the second time and the bill presented by the Com-.
mittee substituted in lieu of the original bill.
The substitute was then read.

59

Mr. McGehee moved to amend by inserting, as an additional
section, that no planter in this State shall be permitted to plant
more tobacco than a sufficiency for the use of himself and family
for one year;
Which was not agreed to.
Mr. Ross moved to amend by allowing one acre to be planted
in tobacco;
Which was lost.
Mr. Greeley moved to recommit the bill to the Committee.
Which was agreed to.
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of R. E. Seyle,
Was read the second time, and the bill presented by the Com-
mittee, to-wit: a bill to be entitled an act to legalize entries of
public lands made after the secession of Florida, and requiring
the Receivers to account for the monies received therefore, sub-
stituted in lieu of the original bill;
The bill was then read the second time and ordered to be en-
grossed for third reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Edward Jordan,
Sheriff of Taylor county,
Was read the first time, rfle waived, read the second time by
its title, and referred to the Committe on Claims.
A bill to be entitled an act to amend ordinance No. 53 of the
Convention, in relation to soldiers voting,
Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second and third
times by its title rnd put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Avery, Black-
burn, Bradford, Campbell, Cromartie, Dishong, Foy, Garnie,
Gee, Greeley, Hampton, Hannah, Hendry, Hewett, Higginboth-
am, Jackson, Jones, Lee, McGehee, Mettauer, Mizell, Newbern,
Nixon, Overstreet, Pittman, Polhill, Price, ot Alachua, Price of
Columbia, Richardson, Ross, Scott, Sessions, Seward and Wynn
-37.
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 for the protection of the stock of
citizens in the counties of Lafayette and Taylor,
Was read the first time, rule waived and read the second time
by its title.
Mr. Jackson moved to amend by adding the county of Levy;
Which was agreed to.
The bill was then referred to the Committee on Propositions
and Grievances.

60

A bill to be entitled an act to fix thi salaries of the public
officers of this State,
Was read the second time, and, on motion, laid on the table
until Friday next.
A bill to be entitled an act requiring sheriffs to give additional
security in certain cases,
Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second time )by
its title, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act in
regard to grand jurors,
Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second time by
its title, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Jas. W. Johnson,
of Taylor county;
Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second time by
its title, and referred to the Committee on Propositions and
Grievances.
A bill to be entitled an act to prevent the distilling of spiritu-
ous liquors in this State,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
to-morrow.
The rule being waived, the following bill was. introduced pur-
suant to previous notice, viz:
By Mr. Pittman:
A bill to be entitled an act to extend the. provisions of an act
entitled an act for the relief of General William E. Anderson and
others, approved Dec. 10th, 1862;
Which was placed among the orders of the day.
A bill to be entitled an act to extend the provisions of an act
entitled an act for the relief of General William E. Anderson and
others, approved Dec. 10th, 1862,
Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second time
and referred to the Cbmmittee on Claims.
The following message was received from the Senate:
SENATE CHAMBER,
November 19th, 1863.
HoN. THOMAS J. EPPES:
Speaker of the IHouse of Representatives:
SIR: The Senate has this day passed the following bills, viz:
A bill to be entitled an act to allow the Judges of the Circuit
Court of this State to appoint sheriffs in certain cases; also,
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to

61

protect the interests of stock owners in this State, approved De-
cember 13, 1862.
Very respectfully,
JOHN B. WHITEHURST,
Sec'y of the Senate.
Which was read, and said bills placed among the orders of the
day.
Senate bill to be entitled an act to allow the Judges of the
Circuit Court of this State to appoint Sheriffs in certain cases, *
Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second time by
its title and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
Senate bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an
act to protect the interests of stock owners in this State, approved
December 13, 1862,
VWas read the first time, rule waived, read the second time by
its title and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
The rule being waived, Mr. Ross introduced, pursuant to pre-
vious notice, the following bill:
A bill to be entitled an act to authorize Banks in this State to
issue change bills;
Which was received and placed among the orders of the day.
A bill to be entitled an act to authorize Banks in this State to
issue change bills,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
to-morrow.
The orders of the day being exhausted, on motion of Mr.
Jackson, the House took a recess until 3 o'clock, p. m.

THREE O'CLOCK, P. M.

The House resumed its session-a quorum present.
Mr. Williams in the Chair.
The rule being waived, Mr. Hampton moved that Mr. Floyd,
Sergeant-at-Arms, be excused from his duties from Saturday, 12
o'clock, M., until Monday morning;
Which was granted.
The rule being waived, Mr. Scott moved that so much of the
Governor's Message as refers to soldiers' families, be referred to
the Special Joint Committee of both Houses;
That so much as relates to "'cards, salt, distilleries, fisheries
and hospitals," be referred to the Committee on Propositions
and Grievances;
That so much as relates to crops, be referred to the Commit-
tee on Agriculture;

62

That so much as relates to the blockade, be referred to the
Committee on Commerce and Navigatio ;
That so much as relates to the issue of Treasury Notes, be re-
ferred to the Committee on Finance and Public Accounts;
That so much as relates to public lands, be referred to the
Committee on Public Lands;
That so much as relates to currency, be referred to the Com-
mittee on Taxation and Revenue;
That so much as relates to militia, be referred to the Commit-
tee on Militia;
Which was agreed to.
The following communication was received from the Senate:
SENATE CHAMBER,
November 20th, 1863.
Hon. T. J. EPPES,
Speaker of the IHouse of Representatives :
Sm : The Senate has this day passed the following bill and re.-
olution, viz:
A bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act entitled an act to
regulate trade and intercourse with the Indians; and
A bill to be entitled an act to change the name of Levy county,
in this State, to fie name of Ward county; also,
House resolution of thanks to Gen. Wim. Bailey and Dr. Hen-
rv Bacon, with amendments.
Very respectfully,
JOHN B. WHITEHURST,
See'y of the Senate.
Which was read and the bills and resolution placed among the
orders of the day.
The rule being waived, Mr. Jones from a select committee,
made the following report:
Your Committee, to whom was recommitted a bill to be enti-
tled an act to prevent and punish all persons planting and culti-
vating in the State of Florida over a certain quantity of land in
cotton during the continuance of the present war, have had the
same under consideration, and recommend its passage, with the
following amendments:
Insert after the fifth section-
Be it further enacted, That no owner or owners, or employers
of slaves in this State, shall plant more than one-tenth of an acre
of land in tobacco to the hand, and, any person so offending, shall

63

be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, be subject to
the penalties of the foregoing section of this act.
Very respectfully,
J. Y. JONES, Chairman.
JOHN F. JACKSON,
A. Y. HAMPTON,
A. CROMARTIE.
Which was received and read and the bill placed among the
orders of the day. .
Mr. Garnie moved that'the House adjourn until to-morrow
morning, 9 o'clock;
Which was not agreed to.
The rule being waived, Mr. Hannah, from the Committee on
Propositions and Greivances, made the following report:
The Committee on Propositions and Grievances, to whom was
referred a bill to be entitled ain act for the relief of J. W. John-
son, and a bill to be entitled an act for the protection of the Stock
of Lafayette, Taylor and Levy counties, respectfully report, that
they have had the same under consideration, and recommend
their passage.
THOSE. HANNAH, Chairman.
Which was. received and read and the bills placed among the
orders of the day.
Resolution of thanks to Gen. Wml. Bailey and Dr. Henry Ba-
con,
"Was read, and on motion, the Senate amendment concurred in.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate, and that the
resolution as amended be enrolled.
Mr. Price of Columbia, moved that the House adjourn until 9
o'clock, to-morrow;
Which was not agreed to.
Senate bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act entitled an act
to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indians,
Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second time by
its title, and referred to the Committee on Indians Affairs.
Senate bill to be entitled an act to change the name of Levy
county, in this State, to the name of Ward county,
Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second time by
its title, and on motion of Mr. Jackson, indefinitely postponed.
On motion of Mr. Arendell, the House adjourned until to-mor-
wow morning, 10 o'clock.

64

SATURDAY, November 21st, 1863.

The House met pursuant to adjournment-a quorum present.
Mr. Williams in the Chair.
On motion the reading of the Journals of yesterday's proceed-
ings was dispensed with and the Journal approved.
Mr. Avery moved that the clerk of the House be instructed to
riake out a list of the names of the members, stating the county
which each member represents, a list of the counties not repre-
sented; also, a list of the Senators, stating the district they repre-
sent and the county or counties comprising the district, and, if
any, what Senatorial district is at present unrepresented ; also,
that 80 copies be printed for the use of the House and Senate;
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Ross moved that Mr. Hampton be excused from serving
on the Committee on the unsettled accounts of Ex-Gov. Perry,
and that S. R. Sessions be appointed in his place,
Which was aWgreed to.
Mr. Greeley moved that Judge Hampton be excused from fur-
ther attendance on this House until Monday 3 o'clock p. m.;
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Blackburn moved that Mr. Jones be excused from further
attendance on this House until Monday;
Which was granted.
The rules being waived, Mr. Scott introduced without previous
notice the following bill:
A bill to be er.titled an act to require purchasers of Public
Lands to make payment therefore to the Treasurer;
Which was received and placed among the orders of the day.
Pursuant to previous notice, Mr. Sessions introduced the fol-
lowing bill:
A bill to be entitled an act to change the county line dividing
the counties of Columbia and Suwannee.
Which was received and placed among the orders of the day.
Mr. Foy offered the following preamble and resolution :
NVHEREAS, the exportation of cotton, tobacco and other products
from the Confederate States by private enterprise, and tior pri-
vate emolument, tends to depreciate the currency, to corrupt
public morals, to lessen the production of food and otherwise
to injure the cause for which we are fighting,
Be it therefore resolved by the Senqate and .House of' Reipre-
sentatives ofthe State of Florida in General Asse bly conened
That our Senators and Representatives in Congres be requested
to inquire into the expediency of causing such legislation as will
prevent all commercial intercourse with foreign countries not

65

recognizing us, except by and for the benefit of the Confederate
or State Government.
Which were read and referred to the Committee on the State
of the Commonwealth.
Mr. Dishong, from the Committee on Indian Affairs, made the
following report:
Your Committee, to whom was referred the bill entitled an
act to repeal an act relating to Indian Affairs, have had the same
under consideration and recommend its passage.
Respectfully submitted,
LEWIS DISHONG, Chm'n.
W. C. NEWBERN,
J. C. GREELEY,
H. OVERSTREET.
Which was received and read and the bill placed among the
orders of the day.
Mr. Pittman from the Committee on Engrossed Bills, made the
following report:
The Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom was referred the
following bills, beg leave to report that they have examined the
same and find them correctly engrossed.
A bill to be entitled an act to change the place of holding the
Circuit Court for Putnam county; and
A bill to be entitled an act to legalize entries of public lands
made after the secession of Florida, and requiring the Receivers
to account for the monies received therefore.
F. R. PITTMAN_ Chairman.
Which was received and read and the bills placed among the
orders of the day.
Mr. Baltzell, from the Judiciary Committee, made the follow-
ing report:
The Judiciary Committee have instructed me to report favora-
bly on the Senate bill entitled an act to allow the Judges of the
Circuit Courts of this State to appoint Sheriffs, in certain cases,
with an amendment, after the words Sheriffs in this State," in
the 3rd line of the first section, to insert the words and Cor-
oner," and to request its passage.
Favorably on the act requiring Sheriffs to give additional se-
curity in certain cases.
Favorably on the"act relating to property confiscated to the
use of the State, with an amendment at the close of the 4th sec-
tion, so as to strike out the words after the passage of this act
or after," and insert after public notice in the newspapers," so
as to read shall be filed within sixty days after public notice in
the newspapers of the judgment of confiscation.
9

66

Favorably as to the bill to increase the fees of the several offi-
cers of the several counties in the State.
Favorably on the bill entitled an act to amend the Charter of
the Alabama and Florida Railroad Company, with an amend-
ment in the first section, so as to insert after the words said
Railroad Company shallhave power" "with the assent of the Stock-
holders in general meeting" to aid in the construction, &c.
SFavorably on the bill to be entitled an act amending the Char-
ter of the City of Pensacola, with an amendment as to the sec-
ond section after the words ." authorized to perform," strike out
the words all the duties appertaining to said office as prescribed
in the Charter of said City," and insert, such duties appertain-
ing to said office as may be required to protect the interests of the
said City in this emergency," and to strike out the 9th, 10th, 11th
and 12th sections, of said bill.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
THOMAS BALTZELL Chairman.
Which was received and read and the bills placed among the
orders of the day.

ORDERS OF THE DAY.

A bill to be entitled an act to authorize Banks in the State of
Florida to issue change bills,
Was read the second time and referred to the Committee on
Corporations.
A bill to be entitled an act to prevent and punish the planting
and cultivating in the State of Florida over a certain quantity of
land in cotton during the present war,
Was read the second time, and on motion of Mr. Baltzell, re-
ferred to the committee of the whole House on Tuesday next,
and 80 copies ordered to be'printed.
A billto be entitled an act for the protection of the stock of
citizens in the counties of Lafayette, Taylor and Levy,
Was read the second time,
Mr. Overstreet moved to amend the bill by adding the coun-
ties of Orange and Brevard;
Which was agreed to.
The bill was then ordered to be engrossed for a third reading
on Monday next. .
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of James W. Johnson
of Taylor county,
Was read the second time and ordered to be efigrossed for a
third reading on Monday next.
A bill to be entitled an act to prevent the distilling of spirituous
liquors in this State,

67

Was read the second time and referred to the Judiciary Com-
mittee.
The rule being waived, Mr. B)altzell offered the following res-
olution :
Resolved by the Senate and House ofRepresentatives of the
State of Floridtd in General Assembly convened, That the Gov-
ernor be and he is hereby authorized and requested to take early
and immediate measures for the establishment of a Hospital jn
the West, so as to give suitable and adequate relief to our sol-
diers, and also to such of other States as may be in need of assis-
tance ;
Which was read the first time, rule waived, read the second
time and referred to the Committee on Propositions and Griev-
ances.
A bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act entitled an act to
regulate trade and intercourse with the Indians,
Was read the second time, rule waived, read the third time by
its title and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-M-r. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Avery, Baltzell, Blackburn,
Bradford, Campbell, Dishong, Duval, Foy, Garnie, Gee, Greeley,
Hannah, Hendry, Hewett, Higginbotham, Jackson, Lee, Mc-
Gehee, Mettauer, Mizell, Newbern, Nixon, Overstreet, Pittman,
Polhill, Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia, Richardson, Ross,
Scott, Sessions, Seward; Smith, Thomas and Wynn-37.
Nays-none.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
Engrossed bill to be entitled an act to change the place of hold-
ing the Circuit Court for Putnam county,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Avery, Baltzell, Blackburn,
Bradford, Campbell, Dishong, Duval, Foy, Garnie, Gee, Gree-
ley, Hendry, Hewett, Higginbotham, Jackson, Lee; McGehee,
Mettauer, Mizell, Newbern, Nixon, Overstreet, Pittman, Polhill,
Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia, Richardson, Ross, Scott,
Sessions, Seward, Smith, Thomas and Wynn-36.
Nays-none.-
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same .be certified to the Senate.
Engrossed bill to be entitled an act to legalize entries of public
lands made after the secession of Florida, and requiring the Re-
ceivers to account for the monies received therefore.
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:

68

Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Avery, Baltzell, Blackburn,
Bradford, Campbell, Dishong. Duval, Foy, Garnie, Greeley,
Hendry, Hewett, Higginbotham, Jackson, Lee, McGehee, Mett-
auer, Mizell, Newbern, Nixon, Overstreet, Pittman, Polhill,
Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia, Richardson, Ross, Scott,
Sessions, Seward, Smith, Thomas and Wynn-35.
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 change the county line dividing
the counties of Columbia and Suwannee,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
Monday next.
A bill to be entitled an act to require purchasers of public
lands to make payment therefore to the Treasurer,
Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second time by
its title and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.
Senate bill to be entitled an act to allow the Judges of the Cir-
cuit Courts of this State to appoint Sheriffs in certain cases,
Was read the second time, and the amendment recommended
by the Committee on the Judiciary adopted.
On motion, the rule was waived, and the bill read a third time
by its title and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Avery, Baltzell, Blackburn,
Bradford Campbell, Dishong, Duval, Foy, Garnie, Gee,-Greeley,
Hannah, Hendry, Hewett, Higginbotham, Jackson, Lee, Mc-
Gehee, Mettauer, Mizell, Newbern, Nixon, Overstreet, Pittman,
Polhill, Price of Alachua,Price of Columbia, Richardson, Ross,
Scott, Sessions, Seward, Smith, Thomas and Wynn-37.
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 increasing the fees of county officers,
Was read the second time.
Mr. Pittman offered the following amendment:
Provided, in no case shall any of the above officers be entitled
to the provisions of this act where he or they have been or are
now exempted from conscription by reason of his or their elec-
tion or appointment to said office, or where he or they have been
discharged from the military service of the Confederate States
by reason of his or their appointment or election to any of said
offices;
Which was adopted.
Mr. McGehee moved to lay the bill on the table,
Which was agreed to.

69

A bill to be entitled an act amending the Charter of the Ala-
bama & Florida Railroad Company,
Was read the second time and on motion of Mr. Baltzell laid
on the table until Monday next.
A bill to be entitled an act to amend the sixth section of an
act to change the mode of selecting Grand and Petit Jurors in
thisnState,
Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for a
third reading on Monday next.
A bill to be entitled an act requiring Sheriffs to give addition-
al security in certain cases,
Was read the second time and ordered to be' engrossed for a
third reading on Monday next.
A bill to be entitled an act amending the Charter of the City
of Pensacola,
Was read the second time, and on motion of Mr. Baltzell, laid
on the table until Monday next.
A bill to be entitled an act relating to property confiscated to
the use of the State,
Was read the second time, and on motion of Mr. Baltzell, laid
on the table until Monday next.
The orders of the day being exhausted, on motion of Mr. Pol-
hill, the House adjourned until Monday morning 10 o'clock.

MONDAY, November 23d,

1863.

The House met pursuant to adjournment-a quorum present.
Mr. Williams in the Chair.
The Rev. Mr. Ellis officiated as Chaplain.
On motion, the reading of the journal of Saturday's proceed-
ings was dispensed with and the journal approved.
The Speaker entered and took his seat.
Mr. Hannah moved that Judge Baltzell be added to the Com-
mittee on Propositions and Grievances;
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Duval moved that Mr. Seward be excused from further at-
tendance on this House until to-morrow;
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Baltzell moved that the Committee on PropositiYns 'anl
Grievances have power to send for witnesses;
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Baltzell moved that the Governor be requested to furnish
any additional information on the subject of Hospitals;
Which was agreed to.

I

L

70

Pursuant to previous notice, Mr. Price of Alachua introduced
the following bill:
A bill to be entitled an act to encourage the raising of stock ill
this State;
Which was received and placed among the orders of the day.
Mr. Gee presented the proceedings of a meeting of the cit-
izens of Gadsden county, held on Saturday, November 7th, 1863 ;
Which was read, and on motion, laid on the table.
Mr. Baltzell offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improve-
ment Fund inform this House to whom payments have been
made of $20,581, $105, $3,220, $9,000 and $3,220 on account of
the Pensacola & Georgia and Florida Railroads, and whether
the persons receiving the same were holders or owners of such
bonds. And whether the said Board holds the fuid in their
charge subject to pay interest on bonds when the principal, the
companies for which it assumes to be security, are fully solvent
and able to pay.
Which was adopted.
Mr. Pittman, from the Committee on Engrossed Bills, made
the following report:
The Committee on Engrossed Bills, to whom was referred the
following bills report, that they have examined the same and find
them correctly engrossed:
A bill to be entitled an act to amend the sixth section of an act
entitled an act to change the mode of selecting Grand and Petit
Jurors in thisState, approved February 8th, ,1861;
A bill to be entitled an act for'the relief of James W. Johnson
of Taylor county
A bill to be entitled an act requiring Sheriffs to give additional
security in certain cases; also,
A bill to be entitled an act for the protection of the stock of
citizens in the counties of Lafayette, Taylor, Levy, Orange and
Brevard.
F. R. PITTMAN, Chairman.
Which was read and the accompanying bills placed among the
orders of the day.
Mr. Hannah, from the Committee on Claims, made the follow-
ing report:
The Committee on Claims, to whom was referred a bill to be
entitled an act for the relief of Edward Jordan, Sheriff of Taylor
county, and a bill to be entitled an act to extend the provisions
of an act for the relief of General Wmn. E. Anderson and others,
approved Dec. 10th, 1862, respectfully report that they have had
the same under consideration and recofmI, e1rtle d their p1assae.
TIIOS. HANNAH, Chairman pro tem.

71

Which was read and the accompanying bills placed among
the orders of the day.
Mr. Price, from the Committee on Corporations, made the fol-
lowing report:
Your C.ommittee, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled
an act to authorize the Banks in the State of Florida to issue
change bills, beg leave to report that they have had the same
under consideration and recommend its passage.
J. W. PRICE, Chairman. o
Which was read and the accompanying bill placed among the
orders of the day.
The following message was received fiom the Senate:
SENATE CHAMBER,
November 21st, 1863.
HON. T. J. EPPES,
speaker of the Hol.use of Riepresentatives:
SIR: The Senate has this day passed the following bill and res-
olution, viz:
A bill to be entitled an act in relation to forfeited bonds of
criminals; and
House resolution asking the Governor not to license any more
distilleries until the further action of the Legislature.
Very respectfully,
JOHN B. WHITEHURST,
Secretary of the Senate.
Which was read and the Senate bill placed among the orders
of the day and the House resolution ordered to be enrolled.

ORDERS OF THE DAY.

A bill to be entitled an act to change the county line dividing
the counties of Columbia and Suwannee,
Was read the second time, rule waived, read the third time
by its title and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Avery, Baltzell, Blackburn,
Bradford, Campbell, Cromartie, Dishong, Duval, Foy, Gee, Gree-
ley, Hannah, Hendry, Henry, Hewett, Higginbotham, Jackson,
Lee, Leslie, McGehee, Mizell, Newbern, Nixon, Overstreet, Pitt-
man, Polhill, Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia, Richardson,
Ross, Scott, Sessions, Smith, Thomas, Williams and Wynn-38.
Nays-None.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.

72

A bill to be entitled an act relating to property confiscated to
the use of the State,
Was read the second time, and, on motion, the amendment
proposed by the Judiciary Committee, adopted.
Said bill was then ordered to be engrossed, as amended, for a
third reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act amending the Charter of the Ala-
tama & Florida Railroad Company,
Was read the second time, and, on motion, the amendment
proposed by the Judiciary Committee, adopted.
Said bill wasthen ordered to be engrossed, as amended, for a
third reading on to-morrow.
The rule being waived, Mr. Greeley introduced, without pre-
vious notice, the following bill, viz:
A bill to be entitled an act to raise the salary of the State
Treasurer;
"Which was placed among the orders of the day.
A bill to be entitled an act to amend the charter of the city of
Pensacola,
Was read the second time, and, on motion, the first amend-
mnnt proposed by the Judiciary Committee, adopted.
Pending the adoption of the second amendment proposed by
the Judiciary Committee, Mr. Avery offered the following:
That the 9th, 10th, llth and 12th sections be separated from
the bill to be entitled an act amending the Charter of the City of
Pensacola and be presented in a separate bill.
The Speaker decided the motion to be out of order, it being
contrary to Parliamentary usage.
Mr. Avery appealed from the decision of the Chair.
Upon putting the question shall the decision of the Chair be
sustained," the vote was in the affirmative.
The second amendment proposed by the Judiciary Committee
was then adopted, and the bill ordered to be engrossed, as
amended, for a third reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the Banks of this State
to issue change bills,
Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for a
third reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Edward Jordan,
Sheriff of Taylor county,
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 provisions of an act
entitled an act for the relief of Gen. Win. E. Anderson and oth-
ers, approved December 10, 1863,

73

Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for a
third reading on to-morrow.
Engrossed bill to be entitled an act for the protection of the
stock of citizens in the counties of Lafayette, Taylor, Levy, Or-
ange and Brevard,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Avery, Baltzell, Blackburn
Bradford, Campbell, Cromartie, Dishong, Duval, Foy, Garnie,
Gee, Greeley, Hannah, Hendry, Henry, Hewett, Higginbotham,
Jackson, Lee, Leslie, McGehee, Mizell, Newbern, Nixon, Over-
street, Pittman; Polhill, Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia,
Richardson, Ross, Scott, Sessions, Smith, Thomas, Williams and
Wynn-39.
Nays-none.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
Engrossed bill to be entitled an act to amend the sixth section
of an act entitled an act to change the mode of selecting Grand
and Petit Jurors in this State, approved February 8, 1861,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Avery, Baltzell, Blackburn,
Bradford, Campbell, Cromartie, Dishong, Duval, Foy, Garnie,
Gee, Greeley, Hannah, Hendry, Henry, Hewett, Higginbotham,
Jackson, Lee, Leslie, McGehee, Newbern, Nixon, Overstreet,
Pittman, Polhill, Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia, Richard-
son, Ross, Scott, Sessions, Smith, Thomas, Williams and Wynn
-38.
Nays-none.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
Engrossed bill to be entitled an act requiring Sheriffs to give
additional security in certain cases,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Avery, Baltzell, Blackburn,
Bradford, Campbell, Cromartie, Dishong, Duval, Foy, Garnie,
Gee, Greeley, Hannah, Hendry, Henry Hewett, Higginbotham,
Jackson, Lee, Leslie, McGehee, Newbern, Nixon, Overstreet,
Pittman, Polhill, Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia, Richard-
son, Scott, Sessions, Smith, Thomas, Williams and Wynn-37.
Nays-none.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
10

74

Engrossed bill to be entitled an act for the relief of James W.
Johnson, of Taylor county,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Avery, Baltzell, Blackburn,
Bradford, Campbell, Cromartie, Dishong, Duval, Foy, G:arnic,
Gee, Greeley, Hannah, Hendry, Henry, HIewett, Hligginbotham,
JaQkson, Lee, Leslie, McGehee, Newbern, Nixon, Overstreet.
Pittman, Polhill, Price of Alachna, Price of Columbia, richard-
son, Ross, Scott, Sessions, Smith, Thomas, Williams and Wynn

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 raise the salary of the

Treasurer,
Was read the first time and

ordered for a

to-morrow.
Senate bill to be entitled an act in relation to
of criminals,
Was read the frs't time and ordered for a s

Stata:

second reading on

forfeited bonds

second reading on

to-morrow.
The following communication was received from the Senate :

a

SENATE CITAM[BER,
Tallahassee, November 23d, 1863.

Hon. T. J. EPPEs,,
Speaker If the fHouse of ,epresc atis
SI: Tihe Senate has this day refused. to concur in the House
amendment to Senate bill to allow the Judges of the Circuit
Courts of this State to appoint Sheriffl in certain casPs.
Very respectfully,
JOHN B. WHITEHURST,
"Secretary of the Senate.

Which was read, and on motion, the House refused to recede
from its amendment.
Ordered that the same, be certified to the Senate.
A bill to be entitled an act to encourage the raising of stock in
this State,
Was read the first time, and on motion, laid on the table.
The following communication was received from his Excollcr.
cy, the Governor:

s(

75

EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, 1
TALLAHASSEE, Nov. 23rd, 1863.
Fellow Citizens :f the Senate and
House of Reresentatives :
"I have. no reason to believe that any appeal has ever been made
to the authorities or citizens of the State, to supply or aid in sup-
plying subsistence to the armies in the Confederate service, cR to
sustain the Confederate Government by taxation or otherwise, that
has not been prolpptly responded to. In proportion to her popula-
tion, resources and means of transportation, no State has afforded a4
greater number of gallant men in military service; more grain,
beef, syrup, sugar, wool, leather, &c., to maintain the Government,
than has Florida; nor has any restraint by State authority been
placed on the trade or exchange of commodities for the accommo-
dation of citizens of other States. It is not claimed that Florida
has done more than her duty to the Government and to her sister
States, but she has performed that duty cheerfully, and wi h the'noble
spirit which should animate a brave and christian people. It is
possible, that in some few instances, individuals may.nort have heed-
ed the calls made upon them-calls made by those whom they did
not believe authorized to purchase provisions for the Government-
and for this there has been much reason. The press of this and
other States, for the protection of credulous and worthy citizens,
have made known the most shameless frauds, practiced by impos-
tors, claiming to be officers or agents in Confederate service.
N Now and then it has happened that gentlemen in the Confeder-
ate service, as officers, (and worthily so) have exceeded their author-
ity, from a misapprehension of the orders of superior officers; and
now and then it has occurred, that general orders have been issued
which were not consistent with or justified by any act of Congress,
and.whic-h orders havi )g been enforced, proved to be unjust and op-
pressive.
It affords me much pleasure, however, to inform your honorable
body, that the President of the Confederate States and the distin-
guished gentlemen, the heads of the different Departments, who
compose his Cabinet, have consistently acknowledged the right of
the States whenever their attention has been invited to interfer-
ence with them ; nevertheless, in a few instances, insurmountable.
obstacles have prevented a compliance with applications, the justice
and propriety of which were not disputed. Nor has'Florida any
cause to complain of the distinguished officer who commands this
M military Department-for none is entitled to more of her confidence
and respect. But the multiplicity of important events of the war,
pressing on each oilier with rapid succession, and endangering more
important parts of the Confederacy, nmkes it necessary that Florida

76

should not exclusively depend upon the Confederate authorities for
the civil, religious arid political rights of her citizens, and that the
State Government, whenever at all necessary, should be sufficient in
itself to protect the rights of her citizens and shield them from op-
pression.
As the Executive of the State, I feel it my duty to invite your at
tention to matters of recent occurrence, which threaten to result
disastrously to the welfare of the citizens and the peace and digni
ty of the State, if no preventive measures shall be promptly adop-
ted and authority given, by suitable legislation, to prevent their re-
currence.
Within the last few days, notices have been served upon many
citizens of this and other counties of the State, of a like character
or similar to the following, viz:
OFFICE DISTRICT COIMISSARY,
SECOND DISTmICT, TALLAHASSEE, FLA.,
November 1863.)
MR. G. D. CHAIRS :
Sir: The head of beeves and pounds of bacon which you now
have on hand is needed for the use of the armies of the Confed-
erate States. For this purpose I will pay you at the rate of
schedule price per --.
If this price is not satisfactory to you, compensation for the
property will be made according to the act of Congress passed
for the regulation of impressments; and you are hereby notified,
that, in pursuance of the provisions of said act, the Government
requires you to hold said property subject to my order, and not
to remove it until the business be concluded between us in terms
of the law in such case made and provided.
This notice is intended to be applied to all bacon and beeves,
any other article of subsistence required for the. use. of the
army in your possession, giving marks, description of packages,
and by whom owned, as in the event of your failure so to do, it
will become my duty to make the forcible search and seizure
authorized by law.
By order of Major A. B. Noyes, District Commissary.
Very respectfully, your ob't serv't,
M. S. ELKIN,
Commissary Agent."
Your attention'is particularly called io the phraseology of these
extraordinary and illegal notices. There is no legal authority to
justify the issue and service of these extraordinary notices.-
They are incompatible with the rights of the citizens and insult-
"ing to freemen who know their rights and have proved their loy-
alty to the Government established by them for the protection

77

of their rights. Could the ingenuity of man have framed an in-
strument more directly, absolutely and completely opposed to
the plain, palpable and simple provisions of the 7th section of the
act of Congress regulating impressments ? The notice makes
no exceptions, makes no reservations; all is to be.held subject to
the order of the military dictator, and on refusal, the party is to
be subjected to a forceable search and .seizure," authorized by
no law, justified by no necessity, and which should be resisted at
every and any sacrifice-even that of life itself.
The 7th section of the act of Congress regulating impress-
ments is in these words,.viz: The.property necessary for the
support of the owner and his family, and to carry on his ordinary
agricultural and mechanical business, to be ascertained by the
appraisers, to be appointed as provided in the first section of this
act, under oath, shall not be taken or impressed for the public
use; and when the impressing officer and the owner cannot agree
as to the quantity of property necessary,. as aforesaid, then the
decision of the said appraisers shall be binding on the officer and
all other persons." Can anything be plainer? Can language be
more simple, more explicit ? "The property necessary for the
support of the owner and his family," &c., &c., shall not be
taken or impressed for the public use," says the act of Congsess.
"All bacon and beeves, any other article of subsistence required
for the use of the army in your possession," says the notice.
In the Quincy Dispatch of the 21st instant, the following ap-
pears:
"CIRCULAR."
HEAD-QUARTERS,
DEPARTMENT WEST FLORIDA,
QUINCY, Nov. 20, 1863.
Commanders of posts are hereby instructed to give all the aid
in their power to the Commissaries and their agents throughout
this District in the impressment of subsistence stores. They
will grant such details as may be required by the Commissaries
or their agents in the procuring of subsistence, and will furnish
a guard, whenever necessary, to protect any subsistence stores
which may be seized for use of the Government. They will in-
struct their commands accordingly.
By command of
Brig. Gen., GARDNER.
S. S. CARLISLE, A. A: A. G.
Is there any law which authorizes an officer in the Commissary
Department to employ a civil officer of the State, or to use a
private citizen, in making impressments ?-or is there any good

0

78

reason why a citizen, liable to conscription, who would be will-
ing to be such an ag ent, should not be mustered into the military
service of the Confederate States and placed in the ranks with a
musket at his shoulder ? Why should any citizen be clothed with
military authority which would enable him to.intrude himself
into the sacred precincts of the family circle, and when reproved
or repulsed for his intrusion, then, with an armed force at his
4nack, to return and make unlawful searches and seizures?
Is there !ay act of Congress which can justify uch extraordi-
nary measures ? tHas Congress the constitutional right to an-
thorize such proceedings ?. If nay, is it then to be considered as
a right incidental to thle military power of a Government, design-
ed for the protection of civil liberty by the guarantees of a Con-
stitution regarded as a compact between free, sovereign and in-
dependent States ?
Congress caUnot rightfully exercise any power not granted by
the Constitution; nor should any Depa'rtment of the Government
be permitted to do so, without respectful complaint and, if need
be, determined resistance. The Constitution should be respect-
ed and. uncompromisingly maiintained as the ark of ou political
and the Paladiunm of our religious, civij and personal liberties.
It is painfull to me to believe, and to express ,he opinion, that
there exists a necessity for the interposition of State authority to
protect the rights, lives and liberty of't"e citizens aiginst the
military orders of Confederate officers for whom personally I en-
tertain the kindest feelings and utmost respect. But I would be
recreant to the high trust confided to me by the citizens of Flor-
ida, if I were to hesitate a moment in the defenc. of their rights,
when I believe them in jeopardy.
Where is the propriety of any legislation on the. part of your
honorable body t'o provide for the support of the families of your
brave fellow-citizens,.who, while in arms to defend your rights,
have entrusted their wives, children and aged mothers to the
care and protection of the authorities of the State, and of you, their
fellow-citizens,'if you shall permit an order to be.enforced which
deprives then of the only means of support, when )by suitable
legislation, it may and should be prevented? If the order shall
be,enforced upon the notices given, how can the families of the
soldiers-how ian unfortunate citizens driven from their holmes
and dependent upon your hospitality-how can citizens not en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits or in military service-be saved
from starvation?. Shall the planters of'-Florida "' crook the preg-
nant hinges of the knee to the military authorities for the hum-
ble privilege of saving, by the fruits of their own industry, the
families of the soldiers and their unfortunate fellow-citizens from
starvation ?

0

79

May God forbid that any citizen of Florida who commands
the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens should be so lost
to the genial influences of patriotism and christianity as ever to
hesitate a moment to offer his last cent,.and with it, if need be,
his life, to sustain the Confederate authorities in appropriate ef-
forts to supply the wants of the noble armies now struggling to
achieve the independence qf the Confederate States, and thus, by
the only ;.ieans, sae the people from su1tjugatio;n, utter ruin and
final di ;race, or hesitate a moment to divide his last grain of corf
or ounce of meat with the soldiers' family or an'y patriotic citi-.
zen driven penniless from home by the enemy! And may He,
also, in the exercise of infinite mercy, forbid that any citizen of
Florida should ever b.e so base and cowardly as to yield willing-
ly to any Government, or to any usurpation of power, the means of
deprivingihim vi et armis of the most sacred rights guaranteed
by the Constitution and intrusted to worthy descendents of the
sires of the American revolution," rather than to meet death
without fear in their vindication.
I have unlimited confidence in the wisdom and integrity of the
SConfederate Government, when justly administered;'but, at the
same time, can ctnly be sensible of its appropriate influence in the
maintenance of the sovereignty of the States. Better that Flor-
ida should be a waste of flowers, enriched w ith the blood of her
brave citizens, than to be inhabited by them as slaves or willing
to be slaves.
I recommend to your honorable body to enact promptly a law
which will protect the rights of the citizens and punish severely
any person who may illegally interfere with them.
I have the honor to be, respectfully,
JOHN MILTON,
Governor of Florida.
Whi;ih ws :re1ad, and on moionh, referriI to a comittee of
three, consistingg of IMesrs. McGehee, IBradford \:Ad s, to ,t
with :. similar committee on th:e part of the S n"z :. a Joint
Select Committee, and 200 copies ordered to be ip;';l fotr the
use of the House.
Mr. Ross moved that the joint resolution, ptis l by both
Houses, of the General Assembly, be rescind ]so ii Ie .; relates
to the adjournment of the General Assembly oni Moiday next;
'Which was lost.
Mr. I)uval asked to be excused from attendant on the House
for three days, in consequence of illness in his kiily;
Which was granted.
The orders of the day being exhausted, on motion of Mr. Lee,
the House adjourned until to-morrow morning, 10 o' L .ck.

80

TUESDAY, November 24th, 1863.

The House,met pursuant to adjournment-a quorum present.
The Rev. Mr. Ellis officiated as Chaplain.
On motion, the reading of the journal of yesterday's proceed-
ings was dispensed with, and the journal approved.
On motion of Mr. Seward, Mr. Lee was excused from atten-
dance on the House to-day.
Pursuant to previous notice, Mr. Sessions introduced the fol-
lowing bill:
A bill to be entitled an act to levy a tax in kind for the relief
of soldiers' families aud wounded and disabled soldiers of this
State;
Which was received and placed among the orders of the day.
Mr. Polhill gave notice that he would on some future day ask
leave to introduce the following bill:
A bill to be entitled an act to repeal the law relative to the as-
sessment of taxes.
Mr. Baltzell offered the following resolutions:
.Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the State of Florida in General Assembly convened, That to
supply the soldiers in the field and our armies now engaged in
the most desperate strife at a most critical period of the strug-
gle, is the highest and most imperative duty, both of the Con-
federate and State Governments, and of every loyal citizen; that
all should contribute in this emergency by voluntary contribution,
or by a warm, earnest and cordial support of the laws made to
that end, that the cause of our country may not be imperilled
for want of such support.
2nd. Resolved, That it is more particularly the duty of those
having large means and property, left at home for this very pur-
pose, and who have a superfluity on hand, not to hold back, but
to come forth in a commendable spirit, that the confidence re-
posed in them be not abused; and that they do not sell for- spec-
ulation for their own enrichment, but contribute a part to their
country, that all that is dear to them, their lives, liberty and
property, may be saved from the grasp of-an insolent tyrant; that
any failure in this respect may expect neither smypathy, counte-
nance nor support from this Legislature, but, on the contrary, the
severest condemnation and censure, and may make themselves
responsible for their country's ruin.
3rd. Resolved That every law is liable to abuse, and whilst
every violation of it for improper purposes should meet with
prompt resistance and exposure, yet that this by no means estab-
tablishes the impropriety of the law which contemplates no such
result, and is not rightly ameanable for such abuse. That in this

81

instance, as well as all others of asserted improper action by the
Confederate authorities, the proper corrective is by application
and remonstrance to the heads of that government under which
they hold their office.
4th. Resolved, That we have the most entire confidence in the
wisdom, integrity and patriotism of the venerated Chief Magis-
trate JEFFERSON DAVIS, and entertain the fullest conviction that
with proper representations and exposure of the alleged miscon-
duct complained of, the appropriate remedy will be cheerfully
and satisfactorily applied.
5th. Resolved, That we deprecate all and every action, how-
ever well meant, on the part of the State officers, calculated to
embarrass the Confederate Government in its proper functions,
and that the Legislature pledge themselves to the support, not
only of tlis, but of other laws within the rightful province of the
Confederate Congress.
6th. Resolved, That the Committee charged with the Gov-
ernor's Message on this subject, on. yesterday, be discharged from
the further consideration of the subject.
Which were received and read and placed among the orders of
the day.
Mr. Hampton, from the Committee on Claims, made the follow-
ing report:
Your committee, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an
act for the relief of certain persons therein named, have had the
same under consideration, and beg leave to report, that they find
the claims just, so far as appears before them, and suggest that
the accompanying bill be substituted for the original bill, and re-
commend its passage.
A. Y. HAMPTON, Chm'n.
Which was read and the accompanying bill placed among the
orders of the day.
The Clerk submitted the following statement, called for under
motion of Mr. Avery on Saturday last:
List of Counties and Senatorial Districts, with the names of the
Senators and Members representing each, madc and printed
by order of the House.
SENATORS.
1st District.-Escambia county, James Abercrombie.
2nd. Santa Rosa, E. C. Cater.
3rd. Walton, J. D. Clary.
4th. Washington and Holmes, William Jones.
5th. Franklin and Calhoun, D. P. Holland.
11

82

J

6th. Jackson, Jesse Norwood.
7th. Gadsden and Liberty, A. K. Allison, not present.
8th. Leon, D. P. Hogue.
9th. Wakulla, J. P. Carter.
10th. Jefferson, J. S. Russell.
l1th. Madison, Taylor and Lafayette, E. J. Vann.
12th. Hamilton, J. B. Smith.
13th. Columbia, Bradford, Baker and Suwannee, J. L. King
14th. Alachua, J. M. Arnow.
15th. Nassau, J. G. Cooper.
16th. Duval and Clay, Edward Hopkins.
17th. St. Johns and Putnam, T. T. Russell.
.18th. Marion, J. Scott.
19th. Orange, Volusia and Brevard, W. C. Roper.
20th. Hernando, Hillsborough, Polk, Sumter and Manatee.
r. M. Taylor.
21st. Monroe and Dade, J. P. Baldwin, not present.

REPRESENTATIVES.

Escambia county, 0. M. Avery.
Santa Rosa, James M. Amos.
Jackson, Felix Leslie, F. R. Pittman and "W. B. Wynn.
Franklin, T. J. Eppes.
Holmes, Moses Hewett.
Walton, J. L. Campbell.
Washington, T. Hannah.
Calhoun, J. P. Atkins, not present.
Liberty, T. D. Nixon.
Gansden, T. Y. Henry, W. H. Gee and N. T. Scott.
Leon, Thos. Baltzell, R. H. Bradford, Alex. Cromartie and Jo-
seph Tno. Williams.
Wakulla, E. M. Mettauer.
Jefferson, W. H. Arendell, J. Y. Jones and G. W. Blackburn.
Madison, A. Y. Hampton.
Lafayette, T. J. McGehee.
Taylor, Neil Hendry.
Suwannee, S. R. Sessions.
Hamilton, A. J. Polhill.
Columbia, Joseph Price and W. B. Ross.
Nassau, T. J. W. Higginbotham.
Duval, I. V. Garnie.
St. Johns, L. Andreu, not present.
Putnam, J. C. Greeley.
Alachua, J. W. Price.
Marion, J. N. Foy and R. T. H. Thomas.

>

83

Levy, John F. Jackson.
Hernando, C. T. Jenkins, not present.
Hillsborough, Lewis Dishong.
Sumter, J. A. Lee.
Volasia, A. Richardson.
Brevard, Henry Overstreet.
Orange, David Mizell.
Manatee, W. T. Duval.
Polk, H. J. Seward.
Monroe, Asa Tift, not present.
Dade, not represented.
Clay, John G. Smith.
Bradford and Baker, W. C. Newbern.
Mr. Pittman, from the Committee on Engrossed Bills, made the
following report:
The committee on Engrossed Bills, to whom was referred the
following bills, report that they have examined the same and find
them correctly engrossed:
A bill to be entitled an act amending the Charter of the City
of Pensacola;
A bill to be entitled an act amending the Charter of the Ala-
bama & Florida Railroad Company;
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Edward Jordan,
Sheriff of Taylor county;
A bill to be entitled an act to authorize Banks in this State to
issue change bills;
A bill to be entitled an act to extend the provisions of an act
entitled an act for the relief of General William E. Anderson and
others, approved Dec. 10th, 1862; and
A bill to be entitled an act relating to property confiscated to
the use of the State.
F. R. PITTMAN, Chairman.
Which was received and read, and the bills placed among the
orders of the day.
Mr. Avery, from the Joint and Select Committee, appointed to
report a bill providing for the ample support and maintenance of
families of soldiers who require assistance, &c., made the follow-
ing report:
To the Senate and House of Representatives
of the State of Florida:
The undersigned, majority of the Joint and Select Committee
appointed by the Senate and House of Representatives to report
a bill providing for the ample support and maintenance of fami-
lies of soldiers who require assistance, and those who died in

84

battle, or who have died from disease, or who by wounds or dis-
ease are incapable of rendering military service, and that said bill
provide for all indigent persons in this State, beg leave to

REPORT:
That after much labor and careful investigation of the whole,
subject referred to them, they have prepared the bill annexed
herewith; that they find that to guard the Treasury from furnish-
ing aid to persons not contemplated by law, and to furnish the
required assistance to those whom the law should provide for,
that the bill prepared by them is absolutely necessary. The prin-
ciple upon which it is drafted is, that all property should furnish
the necessary &id; that law is required not to reach him who will
voluntarily give, but the avaricious, the pernicious, the extortion-
er, the disaffected, the blockade and the estates in law and equity.
They annex to this report the amount of relief furnished to the
several counties and the number of persons levied in each county
by the law passed at the last session. This will exhibit the neces-
sity of a change acquired and the recommendation, cfthe Gover-
nor in his message. Your Committee have sent the bill prepared
by them to the Senate, from whence the resolution emanated, and
they recommend its passage. They return the bills on this sub-
ject referred to them, and recommend that they do not pass.-
Your committee see no necessity for the passage of a special bil-
for Leon county, as the committee bill provides the same prinl
ciple contained in the bill for Leon county.
Your committee recommend that 80 copies of said bill and
annexed statement or report be printed for the use of the Gener-
al Assembly.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
D. P. HOLLAND,
Chairman Senate Committee.
THOSE. J. RUSSELL.
O. M. AVERY,
Chairman House Committee.
WM. B. ROSS,
SA. Y. HAMPTON.
Which was read.
Mr. Pittman, from the Joint and Select Committee on books
and accounts of the Comptroller and Treasurer, under resolution
of last session of'the General Assembly, made the following re-
port:
To the Senate and House of .Representatives
of the State of Florida:
The Joint Committee appointed by the presiding officers of

85

the Senate and House of Representatives of the last General As-
sembly of the State of Florida, under resolution of the same,
approved December the 15th, 1862, providing for a Committee
of three from each House, whose duty it should be to meet at
the Capitol, on the first Monday in November inst., for the pur-
pose of examining the books, accounts and other matters of the
Comptroller's and Treasurer's office which, in their opinion,
necessarily appertained to a proper understanding of such books
and accounts, and making it the duty of said Committee to make
a report of their examination to the present General Assembry,
beg leave to
REPORT,

That they met in pursuance of the resolution under which
they were appointed, and submit the following as the result of
their investigation:
By reference to the resolution under which your Committee
were appointed, it will readily appear that the resolution is com-
prehensive in the extreme, and, perhaps, in this respect, defec-
tive. There being no specific duties pointed out to your Com-
mittee by the resolution itself, they have been necessarily com-
pelled to decide for themselves some course for their government
in the extent of their labors, as it would perhaps require months
to make a thorough examination of all the matters pertaining to
those offices which might be necessary to a proper understand-
ing of the same. Your Committee, however, have given such
attention to the most important matters pertaining to these of-
fices as the time allowed and the evidence before them would
permit.
Your Committee have carefully examined the Comptroller"-
and Treasurer's books, and report the same carefully kept and
supported by the proper vouchers. Your Committee further re--
port, that in the investigation of the books and accounts belong-
ing to those offices there appears to have been drawn out of those
offices by Ex-Gov. M. S. Perry, while Governor of the State,
from time to time, under various ordinances of the Convention
and acts o'f the General Assembly, the following sums, to wit:
From the Treasurer's office, Virginia and North parolina bonds,
forty-one thousand dollars; of Virginia, North Carolina and
Georgia bonds, forty-eight thousand dollars; of State bonds, fif-
ty thousand dollars; treasury notes, eighteen thousand dollars;
State Bank of Florida, ten thousand dollars;.check on Charleston,
ten thousand five hundred dollars; check on N. Y., two thousand
dollars; from Gen'l Joseph E. Finegan, since paid by the State,
five thousand one hundred and sixty-six 65-100 dollars, making,

86

in the aggregate, the sum of one hundred and eighty-four thou-
sand seven hundred and fifty-one dollars and sixty-five cents.
From the Comptroller's office, ten five hundred dollar 6 per
cent. stocks of Georgia, six one thousand dollar S. C. 6 per cent.
stocks, one fourteen hundred and ninety-two and 48-100 dollars
S. C 6 per cent. stocks, thirty one thousand dollar S. C. 6 per
cent stocks, thirty five hundred dollar Georgia 6 per cent. stocks,
making, in the aggregate, the sum of fifty-seven thousand four
"hundred and ninety-two and 45-100 dollars, and making the sum
total from the two offices two hundred and forty-two thousand
two hundred and forty-four dollars and ten cents. Of these
sums Gov. Perry has credits in the Treasurer's office amounting
to twenty-nine thousand five hundred dollars, bonds returned;
and, in the Comptroller's office, he has vouchers which have been
allowed by the Comptroller the sum of one hundred and fifty-
seven thousand seven hundred and eighty-five dollars and eighty-
five cents, making, in the aggregate, accounted for, the sum of
one hundred and eighty-seven thousand two hundred and eighty-
five dollars and eighty-five cents, leaving unsettled the sum of
fifty-four thousand nine hundred and fifty-eight dollars and
twenty-five cents, which unsettled account has been referred to
a Special Committee for settlement, who have reported upon the
same.
Your Committee also report that they have examined the un-
settled accounts of H. V. Snell, Q. M. G., and from the debits
in the Comptroller's office, together with his own acknowledge-
ments, he appears to have received from the State the sum of
two hundred and fourteen thousand six hundred and twenty-five
dollars and fifteen cents, while he presents vouchers amounting
to the sum of. two hundred and twenty-four thousand one hun-
dred and ninety-three and 84-100 dollars, making an indebted-
ness in his favor against the State (after deducting two hundred
and sixty-nine dollars and seventy-seven cents for an error which
your Committee detected in the additions of his vouchers in fa-
vor of himself) of eight thousand two hundred and ninety-eight
and 92-100 dollars.
Since, however, yotr Committee examined the debits and
vouchers of Q. M. Snell, your Committee have learned from the
vouchers of Ex-Gov. Perry that he has Q. M. Snell charged with
four thousand dollars more than appears against him by the debits
and acknowledgements in the Comptroller's office, which would
leave an indebtedness on the part of the State to Q. M. Snell of
the sum of four thousand two hundred and ninety-eight dollars
and ninety-two cents.
The account of Q. M. Snell, however, are yet unsettled, and
must remain so until a full settlement is had with Gov. Perry, at

87

least, of all the money transactions between him and Q. M. Snell.
Your Committee would further report, that there appears from
an acknowledgement of John W. Pearson, special agent to set-
tle claims against the State arising under the Indian difficulties
of 1856, remaining since the year 1859 in his hands, belonging
to the State, the sum of twenty-eight thousand six hundred and
eighty-four dollars. Your Committee are informed by the Comp-
troller, that he has called upon Mr. Pearson for a settlement,
which he has never made.
Your Committee would also state, for your information, that
among the vouchers of Q. M. Snell, which has been allowed by
the Comptroller, there is one of eleven thousand four hundred
dollars, paid to R. C. Williams, paym:aster, which your Commit-
tee are informed R. C. Williams has never accounted for, either
to Q. M. Snell or the Comptroller.
Your Committee further report, that they examined the ac-
counts of Dr. John W. Eppes, former paymaster, and find that
he has accounted for all monies received by him, excepting about
five hundred dollars, for which he has vouchers, but which the
Comptroller has refused to audit and allow in consequence of the
same not being receipted by the parties from whom they were
obtained.
Your Committee have thought it not improper, in this connec-
tion, to call the attention of the General Assembly to the careless
and unguarded manner in which Tax-Assessors and Collectors in
this State discharged the duties required of them by law, as well
as the inadequacy of the laws upon that subject; and also the
necessity. of passing some law which will enable the Comptroller
to compel more prompt action on the part of Solicitors when
claims against any defaulting officer are placed in their hands.
The entire tax of Alachua county, for the year 1855, remains
open, there being no report of the same ever having been assessed
or collected; and in several of the counties there has been no re-
port from the Tax-Assessor or Collector for two or three years;
and. this does not include counties which have been exempted
from taxation by reason of their occupancy by the enemy.
In conclusion, your Committee herewith submit the following
bills for your consideration.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
JESSE NORWOOD,
Chairman Senate Committee.
D. P. HOGUE,
JAMES G. COOPER.
F. R. PITTMAN,
Ch'n pro tem. House Committee.

88

Which was received and read.
The following message was received from the Senate:
SENATE CHAMBER,
November 23d, 1863.
HON. THOMAS J. EPPES:
Speaker of the House of Representatives:
SIR: The Senate has this day passed the following bill, viz:
A bill to be entitled an act to amend ordinance No. 53 of the
Convention, in relation to soldiers voting.
Very respectfully,
JOHN B. WHITEHURST,
Sec'y of the Senate.
Which was read and the bill ordered to be enrolled.
Also the following:
SENATE CHAMBER,
November 23, 1863.
Hon. T. J. EPPES,
Speaker of the House of Representatives:
SIR: The Senate has this day passed the following bill, viz:
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to
provide for an additional issue of Treasury Notes.
Very respectfully,
JOHN B. WHITEHURST,
Secretary of the Senate.
Which was read and the accompanying bill placed among the
orders of the day.
Also the following:
SENATE CHAMBER,
November 23rd, 1863.
IHon. T. J. EPPES,
Speaker of the Hfouse of Representatives:
SIR: The Senate has this day passed the following bill, viz:
Senate bill to be entitled an act authorizing publication to be
made ,out of the State of sales by administrators and executors
in certain cases.
Very respectfully,
JOHN B. WHITEHURST,
Sec'y of the Senate.
Which wa, read and the accompanying bill placed among the
orders of the day.
Also :he following:

89

SENATE CHAMBER,
November 23rd, 1863.
Hon. T. J. EPPES,
Speaker of the House of Representatives :
SIR: The Senate has this day passed the following bill and
resolution, viz:
A bill to be entitled an act to change the place of holding
Circuit Court for Putnam county; and
House resolution relative to the appointment of agent for scl-
diers' families in the counties of Escambia and Santa Rosa.
Very respectfully,
JOHN B. WHITEHURST,
Secretary of the Senate.
Which was read and the accompanying bill and resolution or-
dered to be enrolled.

ORDERS OF THE DAY.

A bill to be entitled an act to prevent and punish the planting
and cultivation, in the State of Florida, over a certain quantity of
land in cotton during the present war,
Was read the second time, and the House resolved itself into
a committee of the whole for the consideration of said bill-Mr.
Baltzell in the Chair.-
After some time spent therein, the committee rose, and, through
their Chairman, reported the bill.back to the House with amend-
ments.
On motion, the report of the committee of the whole was re-
ceived and the bill ordered to be engrossed as amended for a
third reading on to-morrow.
A committee from the Senate appeared at the bar and informed
the House that they had been. appointed to act with a similar
committee on the part of the House a committee of conference
on the House amendment to Senate fill to be entitled an act to
allow the Judges of the Circuit Court of this State to appoint
Sheriffs in certain cases.
A bill to be entitled an act to raise the salary of the State
Treasurer,
Was read the second time.
Mr. Bradford offered the following amendment:
SEC. 2. Be it further enacted, That the Attorney General and
clerk in the office of the Register of Public Lands shall receive
three hundred dollars in addition to the compensation now' al-
lowed by law, and the private secretary of the Governor shall
12

90

receive four hundred dollars in addition to the compensation now
allowed him by law.
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Henry offered the following amendment:
And that the Solicitors of the several Circuits receive two
hundred dollars in addition to their present salary;
SWhich was agreed to.
Mr. Foy moved the indefinite postponement of the bill;
SWhich was not agreed to.
The bill was then ordered to be engrossed, as amended, for a
third reading on to-morrow. .
^ Senate bill to be entitled an act in relation to forfeited bonds
of criminals,
Was read the second time and referred to the Committee on
the Judiciary.
A bill to be entitled an act providing for the payment of cer-
tain claims against the State,
Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for a
third reading on to-morrow.
Engrossed bill to be entitled an act relating to property confis-
cated to the use of the State,
Was read the third time, and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Avery, Baltzell, Blackburn,
Bradford, Campbell, Cromartie, Dishong, Foy, Garnie, Gee, Gree-
ley, Hampton, Hannah, Hendry, Henry, Hewett, Higginbotham,
Jackson, Jones, Leslie, McGehee, Mettauer, Mizell, Newbern,
Nixon, Overstreet, Pittman, Polhill, Price of Alachua, Price of
Columbia, Richardson, Ross, Scott, Sessions, Seward, Smith,
Thomas, Williams and Wynn-41.
Nays-None.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
Engrossed bill to be entied an act to authorize Banks in the
State of Florida to issue change bills,
Was read the third time.
The rules being waived, Mr. Williams moved that the bill be
placed back upon its second reading;
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Williams then offered the following amendment:
Provided, That no Banks shall issue more than one dollar in
such change bills tor every five dollars they are authorized to is-
sue under their respective charters ;
Which was adopted.
The bill was then ordered to be re-engrossed for a third read-
ing on to-morrow.

91

Engrossed bill to be entitled an act to extend the provisions
of an act entitled an act for the relief of Gen. Wm. E. Anderson
and others, approved December 10th,-1862.
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Avery, Baltzell, Blackburn,
Bradford, Campbell, Cromartie, Dishong, Foy, Garnie, Gee,
Hampton, Hannah, Hendry, Henry, Hewett, Higginbothant,
Jones, Leslie, McGehee, Mettauer, Mizell, Newbern, Nixon, Over-
street, Pittman, Polhill, Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia,
Richardson, Ross, Scott, Sessions, Seward, Smith, Thomas,
Williams and Wynn-39.
Nay-Mr. Jackson-1.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
Engrossed bill to be entitled an act amending the Charter of
the Alabama & Florida Railroad Company,
W.Is read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was :
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Avery, Baltzell, Blackburn,
Caipbell, Cromartie, Dishong, Foy, Garnie, Greeley, Hampton,
Hannahl, Hendry, Henry, Hewett, Jones, Leslie, McGehee, Met-
tauer Mizell, Newbern, Nixon, Overstreet, Pittman, Polhill,
Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia, Richardson, Ross, Scott,
Sessions, Smith, Thomas and Williams-35.
Nays -Messrs. Gee, IHigginbotham and Seward-3.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
Engrossed bill to be entitled an act amending the Charter of
the Cit v of Pensacr:.la,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Am#s, Avery, Baltzell, Black-
burn, Campbell, Cromartie, Dishong, Garnie, Greeley, Hampton,
Hannah, Hendry, Hewett, Jackson, Jones, Leslie, McGehee,
Mettauer, Mizell, Newbern, Nixon, Overstreet, Pittman, Polhill,
Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia, Richardson, Ross, Scott,
Sessions, Seward, Smith and Thomas-34.
NYys-M-essrs. Foy, Gee, Henry and Higginbotham-4. ,
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
Engrossed bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Edward
Jordan, Sheriff of Taylor county,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was :
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Avery, Baltzell, Blackburn,

92

Campbell, Cromartie, Dishong, Foy, Garnie, Gee, Hampton,
Hannah, Hendry, Henry, Hewett, Higginbotham, Jackson, Jones,
Leslie, McGehee, Mettauer, Mizell, Newbern, Nixon, Overstreet,
Pittman, Polhili, Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia, Richard-
",son, Ross, Scott, Sessions, Seward, Smith, Thomas, Williams
and Wynn-39.
N ays-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 levy a tax in kind for the relief
* of soldiers' families and wounded and disabled soldiers of this
State,
Was read the first time and, on motion of Mr. Williams, passed
over informally for the present.
Senate bill to be entitled an act authorizing publication to be
made out of the State of sales by administrators and executors
in certain cases,
Was 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. Amos, Avery, Baltzell, Blackburn,
Campbell, Cromartie, Dishong, Foy, Garnie, Gee, Greeley, Hamp-
ton, Hannah, Hendry, Henry, Hewett, Higginbotham, Jackson,
Jones, Leslie, McGehee, Mettauer, Mizell, Newbern, Nixon, Over-
street, Pittman, Polhill, Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia,
Richardson, Ross, Scott, Sessions, Seward, Smith, Thomas, Wil-
liams and Wynn-40.
Nays-none.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
Senate bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act
to provide for an additional issue of Treasury Notes,
"Was read the first time ad ordered for a second reading on
to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the Comptroller to set-
tle the accounts of Ex-Gov. M. S. Perry with the State,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
to-morrow.
TIhe rule being waived, Mr. Wynn, from the Committee on
Confederate relations, made the following report:
The Committee on Confederate Relations beg leave to report
as follows:
WHEREAS, The principles of civil liberty transmitted to us by
our fathers are of paramount importance to the people of this
State, and are consecrated to us not only by our own experi-
ence of their dignity and worth, but by the approval of the

93

great and wise men who stand pre-eminent in the admiration
and esteem of mankind; and that the continued inculcation of
those precepts is highly important to us as the citizens of a
sovereignty; therefore-
Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the State of Florida in General Assembly convened, That the
civil authority is the supreme and paramount power in this State,
to which the military authority is in all cases strictly and abso-
lutely subordinate. That all laws, both civil or military, derive
their just and only wise interpretation through the judicial tribu-
nals of the State and Confederate Governments, each acting in
their own prescribed spheres. That the General Assembly of
this State, while deeply sensible of its obligations to the Confed-
erate Government, recognize no power or authority supreme
over it in the discharge of its lawful and recognized duties in the
making of such laws as are necessary for the well being and pro-
tection of the people of the State of Florida. That this General
Assembly, in the name of the people of Florida and of their
sovereignty, expresses its profound disapproval and censure of
all officers in the military service who are forgetful that the ten-
ure of their authority is derived from the will of the people ex-
pressed through the forms of civil law, and will tolerate no as-
sumption of arbitrary authority within her limits.
Signed.
WM. B. WYNN, Chairman,
WM. B. ROSS,
MOSES HEWETT,
JAS. Y. JONES.
Which was read and the accompanying preamble and resolu-
tion placed among the orders of the day.
The rule being waived, Mr. Wynn introduced, without pre-
vious notice, the following bill:
A bill to be entitled an act relative to interest on judge-
ments;
Which was received and placed among the orders of the day.
The rule being waived; Mr. Hampton introduced a resolution
relative to tax in kind;
Which was read and adopted.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
A bill to be entitled an act relative to interest on judgments,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
to-morrow.
Mr. Price, of Alachua, moved to adjourn until to-morrow morn-
ing, 10 o'clock;
"Which was not agreed to.

94

Mr. Jackson moved that the House adjourn until to-morrow
morning, 99 o'clock;
Which was not agreed to.
The ril', being waived, Mr. Newbern introduced, without pre-
vious notice, the following bill:
A bill to be entitled an act to organize a new Senatorial dis-
trict, conmp)osed of the counties of Bradford and Baker, in this
State;
Which was read the first time and ordered for a second reading
on to-morrow.
On motion of Mr. McGehee, the House took a recess until 31
o'clock, P. M.

HALF-PAST THREE O'CLOCK, P. M.

The Hou-e :'su. :ed its session-a (quorum present.
The Pders ,f the day were resumed.
The fo!Iew' connnication was received from the Senate:
SENATE CHAMBER,
November 24th, 1863.
Hon. Tr. J. Eris,
t:akbi' of the House of ?representatives :
SIR: The STnate has this day reconsidered, and passed with
amendment, thlie tfllowing bill, viz:
A bill t: be oititled on act for the protection of cattle owners
in the counties of Levy, Lafhyette, Taylor, Alachua, Wakulla
and Duvrl.
Very respectfully,
JOHN B. WHITEHURST,
Secretary of the Senate.
Which \-:is :'e:, and on motion, the Senate amendment con-
curred inl, and the bill ordered to be enrolled.
Also thie followingg:
SENATE CHAMBER,
November 24th, 1863.
Hon. T. J. EJT'rs,
e2 t), cr of the House of Representatives :
SIR : The Senate has this day passed the following resolution:
ResolutionI in relation to Richard E. Frier, &c.
Very rcespec'tfully
JOHN B. WHITEHURST,
Secretary of the Senate.

95

Which was read and the resolution placed among the
of the day.
Senate resolution in relation to Richard E. Frier,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second read

orders

ling

on

to-morrow.
The following communication was received from the State
Treasurer:

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, TREASURY
Tallahassee, Fla., November 24,

OFFICE,
1863.

ASp:eaker:

SIR: I am requested by the Board of Trustees to furnish in-
formation relative to the payment of certain sums to railroads
referred to in Mr. Baltzell's resolution of yesterday.
The items of $20,381.75 and $3,220 have been paid under the
11th section of the Internal Improvement law, which requires
that the Railroad Companies shall pay to the Internal Improve-
ment Fund fifty per cent. of their net earnings every six months,
and that the Trustees shall apply the amounts to the payment
of the interest of any bond issued by said Companies. It
will be observed by my report that the Pensacola and Geor-
gia Railroad Company paid in $20,550.61 on her net earn-
ings account at the time the payment of $20,581.75 was
made to her, for interest, and that the Florida Railro:, Company
paid $3,197.65 at the time of the $3,220 payment to her.
The items of $105, $9,000.25 and $2,450 have been paid by
action of the Board under the same general law requiring pay-
ment of interest upon the bonds of the several railroad, and the
parties before the Board representing the bondholde'rs have been
Presidents and Treasurers of the Railroad Companies.
Respectfully,
C H. H.ITSTIN,
Treas. Bd. Int. In)p. Fund.

Which was read.
The following message was received from his E, eieLyv
Governor:
EXECUTIVE DEPAR''TME:; T',
Tallahassee, Nov. 24thi, 1 s80i3

the

HoN. T.

J. EPPES,
Speaker of the House of Representativels :

SIR: I respectfully recommend the following nominations for
the advice and consent of the General Assembly, viz:
Madison Post, Auctioneer for Hillsborough county.
William M. Duke, Auctioneer for Columbia county.
Samuel Conden, Auctioneer for Levy county.

Hon. T. J. FPPES,

96

Edward Bradford, Jr., Auctioneer for Leon county.
Respectfully,
JOHN MILTON,
Governor of Florida.
Which was read and the nominations therein contained ad-
vised and consented to.
Also the following:
EXECUTIVE CHAMEBRE,
"Tallahassee, November 24th, 1863.
Hon. T. J. EPPES,
Speaker of the House of Representatives:
SIR: Agreeably to a resolution passed by the House of Repre-
sentatives, "that the Governor be requested to furnish to the
House any additional information on the subject of Hospitals,"
I herewith submit copies of letters from the Rev. Wm. E. Ham-
ilton, Col. Thos. T. Long and Dr. Thos. M. Palmer. Neither
the Rev. Wm. E. Hamilton or Col. Thos. T. Long was a special
agent to enquire into the necessity of establishing a hospital; but
I submit their opinions on the subject as worthy of consideration.
Mr. Hamilton visited the army with supplies contributed by
private citizens and as a mission of Christian charity, to adminis-
ter to the wants of sick and wounded soldiers.
Col. Long, at the request of citizens in East Florida, made
known by him, was appointed an agent to take supplies furnished
by them to the soldiers in the several hospitals in Georgia, free
of expense to the State; and was requested to confer with Messrs.
McNaught & Ormond, at Atlanta, and ascertain where and upon
what terms a suitable building and furniture could be obtained,
and upon what terms, if it should be considered necessary, to
establish a hospital.
The Hon. J. Wayles Baker was appointed a special agent, to
enquire into the propriety and necessity of establishing a hospi-
tal, and also into the condition of soldiers from Florida, gener-
ally, in the Western army; and provided with money to supply
the necessities of any soldier from the State who might need as-
sistance.
The continued ill health of Judge Baker has prevented him from
making a written report, but from conversations had by me with
him on the subject, I entertain no doubt that his report will be
entirely satisfactory on the subject. His report will, I presume,
be prepared and submitted to your consideration in a few days,
and I may be permitted to express the hope, that no final action
will be had upon the subject by your honorable body until the
report to be made by Judge Baker shall be submitted to your
consideration.

97

No other State, if I am correctly informed, has a separate State
Hospital-not even Georgia, with her wealth, and the war upon
her borders. The sick and wounded soldiers from each State
fighting in a common cause have been the recipients of general
hospitality, and it has been deemed by me prudent to consider,
whether, under such circumstances, the establishment of a sepa-
rate hospital for Florida troops, where they exclusively would
enjoy the bountiful supplies forwarded from the State, would re-
sult in benefit even to the soldiers themselves and might not be
a reproach to the State.
Very respectfully,
JOHN MILTON,
Governor of Florida.
Which was read and ordered to be spread upon the journal.
[For Hospital Letters see Appendix.]
Also the following:
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
TALLAHASSEE, FLA., NOV. 23, 1863.
Fellow-citizens of the Senate a,zd House of _Representatives:
Enclosed I transmit the report of the Trustees of the Internal
Improvement Fund relative to the Indian River Canal, under
the provisions of the 5th section of the act approved December
10th, 1862, 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."
Respectfully,
JOHN MILTON,
Gov. and Pres't of Board Trus. of Int. Im. Fund.
Which was read and ordered to be spread upon the journal.
[For Report of Trustees of Internal Improvement Fund see Ap-
pendix.]
Mr. McGehee, from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, made the
following report:
The Committee on Enrolled Bills, beg leave to report the fol-
lowing resolutions as correctly enrolled, viz:
Resolution asking the Governor not to license any more dis-
tilleries until the further action of the Legislature; also,
Resolution of thanks to Gen. William Bailey and Dr. Henry
Bacon.
THOS. J. McGEHEE, Chairman.
Which was read.
On motion of Mr. Henry, the House adjourned until-10 o'clock,
t O-41 1O W.
18

98

WEDNESDAY, November 25th, 1863.
The House met pursuant to adjournment-a quorum present.
The Rev. Mr. Ellis officiated as Chaplain.
On motion the reading of the Journals of yesterday's proceed-
ings was dispensed with and the Journal approved.
ir. Hewett moved that Mr. Lee be excused from attendance
on the House for a few days, ou account of sickness;
Which was granted.
Mr. McGehee moved that Mr. Polhill be excused from attend-
ance on the House to-day;
Which was granted.
Mr. Greeley moved that the report of the committee, (who
were appointed to examine Gov. Perry's accounts,) be recommit-
ted to said committee; also that the report of the special commit-
tee who were appointed to examine the Treasurer's and Comp-
troller's books, be recommitted to said committees, and the same
be required to act with a similar committee appointed by the
Senate, to adjust the difference between the two reports of Gov.
Perry's accounts;
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Hampton moved that Mr. Whitehurst, Messenger, be ex-
cused for a few days, on account of ill health;
Which was granted.
The rule being .waived, the following bills were introduced
without previous notice, and placed among the orders of the day:
By Mr. Williams:
A bill to be entitled an act to increase the fees of the various
officers of this State.
By Mr. Newbern:
A bill to be entitled an apt to repeal Ordinance No. 60, passed
by the Convention on the 27th day of January, 1862.
By Mr. Pittman:
A bill to be entitled an act in relation to gaming.
By Mr. Jones:
A bill to be entitled au act to provide clothing for troops from
Florida in the service of the Confederate State; and,
A bill to be entitled an act to facilitate the transaction of busi-
ness in the Quarter Master General's office.
Mr. Pittman, fiom the Committee on Engrossed Bills, made
the following report:
The Committee on Engrossed Bills, report the following bills,
as correctly engrossed, viz:
A bill to.be entitled an act to authorize Banks in the State of
Florida to issue change bills;

99

A bill to be entitled an act providing for the payment of cer-
tain claims against the State;
A bill to be entitled an act to raise the salary of the State
Treasurer; and, 4
A bill to be entitled an act to prevent and punish all persons
planting and cultivating in the State of Florida over a certain
quantity of land in cotton during the continuance of the present
war.
F. R. PITTMAN, Chairman. "
Which was received and read and the bills placed among the
orders of the day.

ORDERS OF THE DAY.

A bill to be entitled an act relative to interest on judgment,
Was read the second time and referred to the Judiciary Com-
mittee.
Resolution relative to the civil authority of the State of Florida,
Was read and adopted.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
A bill to be entitled-an act to organize a new Senatorial Dis-
trict composed of the counties of Bradford and Baker in this
State,
Was read the second time and referred to the Committee on
Propositions and Grievances.
Senate bill to be entitled an act to amend an act to provide for
an additional issue of Treasury notes,
Was read the second time and referred to the Committee on
Finance and Public Accounts.
Engrossed bill to be entitled an act to authorize Banks in the
State Florida to issue change bills,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Atkins, Avery, Bradford,
Campbell, Cromartie, Dishong, Foy, Garnie, Greeley, Hampton,
Hannah, Hendry, Henry, Hewett, Higginbotham, Jackson, Les-
lie, McGehee, Mettauer, Mizell, Newbern, Nixon, Overstreet, Pitt-
man, Price of Alachua,:Price of Columbia, Ross, Sessions, Sew-
ard, Smith, Thomas, Williams and Wynn-35.
Nays-Messrs. Blackburn, Gee, Jones, Richardson and Ross
-5.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same te certified to the Senate.
Senate resolution in relation to Richard E. Frier,
Was read the second time.

100

Mr. Williams moved to strike out the words five hundred
dollars" and insert the words three hundred dollars ;"
Which was agreed to.
The resolution was then ordered for a third reading on to-mor-

Engrossed bill to be entitled an act providing for the payment
of certain claims against the State,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
,' The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Atkins, Avery, Blackburn,
Bradford, Campbell, Cromartie, Dishong, Garnie, Gee, Greeley,
, Hampton, Hannah, Iendry, Henry, Hewett, Higginbotham,
Jones, Leslie, McGehee, Mettauer Mizell, Newbern, Nixon, Over-
street, Pittman, Price of Alachua, Price of Columbia, Richard-
son, Ross, Scott, Sessions, Seward, Smith, Thomas, Williams and
Wynn-38.
Nays-Messrs. Foy and Jackson-2.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
Engrossed bill to be entitled an act to raise the salary of the
State Treasurer,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
-Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Atkins, Avery, Bradford,
Campbell, Cromartie, Dishoug, Garnie, Greeley, Hampton, Han-
nah, Hendry, Henry, Hewett, Jones, McGeehee, Mettauer, Mi-
zell, Newbern, Nixon, Overstreet, Price of Columbia, Scott, Ses-
sions, Seward, Smith, Williams and Wynn-29.
Nays-Messrs. Blackburn, Foy, Gee, Higginbotham, Jackson,
Leslie, Pittman, Price of Alachua, Richardson, Ross and Thomas
-11.
So the bill passed.
Mr. Hamptou moved to amend the title of the bill by adding
the words and other officers therein named ;"
Which was agreed to.
The passage of the bill was then ordered to be certified to the
Senate.
The rule being waived, Mr. Wynn, from a Joint Select Com-
mittee, made the following minority report:
The undersigned, a member of the Joint Select Committee of
the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Florida,
to take into consideration the emergency of providing for the
indigent families of the brave and gallant soldiers who are doing
battle and suffering privations for our*common country in the
trenches and fields of war far away from their homes, and to de-
vise certain means for their most ample support during the ab-

MILLISECOND	CLASS.METHOD	MESSAGE
0	sobekcm_page_globals.constructor
0	sobekcm_page_globals.constructor	Application State validated or built
0	sobekcm_database.verify_item_lookup_object
0	sobekcm_page_globals.constructor	Navigation Object created from URI query string
0	sobekcm_database.verify_item_lookup_object
0	sobekcm_page_globals.display_item	Retrieving item or group information
0	sobekcm_page_globals.get_entire_collection_hierarchy	Retrieving hierarchy information
0	sobekcm_assistant.get_entire_collection_hierarchy
0	cached_data_manager.retrieve_item_aggregation
0	cached_data_manager.retrieve_item_aggregation	Found item aggregation on local cache
0	item_aggregation_builder.get_item_aggregation	Found 'all' item aggregation in cache
0	system.web.ui.page.page_load (ufdc.page_load)
0	sobekcm_page_globals.constructor.on_page_load
0	html_echo_mainwriter.add_style_references	Adding style references to HTML
0	html_echo_mainwriter.add_text_to_page	Reading the text from the file and echoing back to the output stream
3	html_echo_mainwriter.add_text_to_page	Finished reading and writing the file