HOUSE JOURNAL---13th Session.

A .

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
OF THE

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
OF ,THE
if) acaV' ^*i.p JIF r 'Vv2"i .L r "'" j =-, A-

OF THE11

STATE OF FLORIDA,-
AT ITS

THIRTEENTH SESSION,
Begun and Held at the Capitol, in the City of Tallahassee,
"on Monday, November 21st, 1864.

TALLAHASSEE:
OFFICE OF THE FLORIDIAN & JOURNAL
PRINTED BY DYKE & SPARHAWK.

"1 8"6 4

t- '1

Iq H

JOURNAL
Of the House of Representatives of the State of Florida, at the
S First Session of the Thirteenth General Assembly, begun and
held at the Ceapitol, in the City of Tallahasseein the State of
Florida, on Monday, the twenty-first cay of November, in ti7
Year of our Lord, one, thousand eight hundred and sixty-
four
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 Dr. William F. Bynum, former clerk.
On motion, the Hon. Jos. J. Williams was called to the chair
for the purpose of organizing the House.
The roll of counties being called, the following members ap-
peared and presented their certificates of election, viz:
From Alachua County-Philip Dell.
Brevard-James F. P. Johnston.
F ranklin-Thomas Jeff. Eppes.
Gadsden-Thorias Y. Henry.
Hernando-Samuel E. Hope.
Hillsborough-Henry L. Mitchell.
Jackson-James S. Baker.
L' Leon--Joseph Jno. Williams.
Levy-Elias Turner.
Liberty-Thomas D. Nixon.
fMadison, LaFayette and Taylo2r-Chandler IH. S mit.
arlon)-George M. Bates and Hiram T. Mann.
Wakulla-James W. Smith.
Walton-James L. Campbell.
Washington-Wilson W. Poe.
On motion, the. members present were severally sworn by the
Hon. T. J. Eppes, Notary Public.
Hon. Mr. Eppes was sworn by F. M. Bunker, Esq., Justice of
Peace.
S So there was not a quorum present.
"On motion of Mr. Eppes, the House adjourned intil to-morrow,
12 oclock, M.

., *. i35 o4 -: /

4"

TUESDAY, November 22, 1864.

The House met pursuant to adjournment.
The roll being called, the following members answered to their
names:
Messrs: Baker, Bates, Campbell, Dell, Eppes, Henry, Hope,
Johnston, Mann, Mitchell, Nixon, Poe, Smith 6f Madison, Smith
of Wakulla, Turner and Williams-l16.
The following members presented their credentials and were
duly swvorn in by Hon. T. J. Eppes, Notary Public:
S.Fonl Calhoun County-J. P. Atkins.
Columbia and uwadnnee-Wmi. B. Ross, G. H. Hunter
Sand Arthur Roberts.
Duval-J-ames A. Peden.
_Escambia-O Avery.
Gadsden-Norman T. Scott and C. E. L. Allison.
tHamilton-Robert. J. Bevel.
Jefferson- Richard Turnbull.
Leon-Richard H. Bradford.
Jladison, Lafayette and Taylor-Thomas Langford.
". .Jmantce-W. A. Griffin.
""" Polk--Robert Wilkison.
On motion of Mr. Henry, the House proceeded to the election
of a Speaker.
Mr. Henry nominated the Hon. Philip Dell of Alachua county.
Mr. Avery nominated the Hon. T. J. Eppes of Franklin county.
Mr. Eppes declined the nomination. ,
No other nominations being made, on motion of Mr. Eppes,
the Hton. Mr. Dell was elected by acclamation.
On motion, the Speaker elect was conducted to his seat byja
committee consisting of Messrs. Eppes, Peden and Ross.
The House then proceeded to the election of a Chief Clerk.
Mr. Williams nominated Wm. F. Bynum of Lafayette county.
There being no'other nomination, on motion, Mr. Bynum was
declared elected by acclamation.
The House then proceeded to the election of an Assistant
Clerk.
Mr. Griffin nominated John L. Tatum.
Mr. Campbell nominated Alexander D. McLean.
Mr. Langford nominated Arthur J. T. Wright.
Mr. Ross nominated Oscar Hart.
The vote was:
For Mr. WRIGHT-MTr. Speaker, Messrs. Bates, Bevel, Hope,
Hunter, Langford, Mann, Roberts, Smith of Madison and Wil-
kison-10.

5 ~
For Mr.,McLEAN-M-fessrs. Allison, Atkins, Avery, Baker,
Campbell, Henry, Nixon and Poe-8.
For Mr. TATur--Messrs. Bradford, Griffin, Mitchell, Scott,
Turfibull and Williams-6.
For Mr. HART-Meessrs. Eppes, Johnston, Peden, Ross, Smith
of Wakulla and Turner-6.
The Speaker announced that Mr. Wright was duly elected As-
sistant Clerk.
Mr. Avery appealed fiom the decision of the Chair.
Upon the question shall the decision of the Chair be sustained,
the vote was:
Yeas-Messrs. Hope, Hunter, Johnston, Peden, Roberts, Ross,
Turner and Wilkison-8.
Nays-Messrs. Allison, Atkins, Avery, Baker, Bates, Bevel,
Bradford, Campbell, Eppes, Griffin, Henry, Langford, Mann,
Mitchell, Nixon, 'Poe, Scott, Smith of Madison, Smith of Wakul-
la, Turnbull and Williams--21.
"So the decision of the Chair was not sustained.
The House then proceeded to a second vote for. Assistant
Clerk, which resulted as follows:
For ARTHU J. T. Wr.IGHT-Mr. Speaker,Messrs. Bates, Bevel,
Hope, Hunter, Johnston, Langford, Mann, Peden, Roberts,
Ross, Smith of Madison, Smith of Wakulla, Turner and Wilki-
son-15.
For ALEXANDER 1). McLEAN-Messrs. Allison, Atkins, Avery,
Baker, Campbell, Eppes, Henry, Nixon and'Poe-9.
For JOHN L. TATUi-Messrs. Bradford, Griffin, Mitchell, Scott,
Turnbull and Williams- 6.
So there was no election.
The House proceeded to a third vote for. Assistant Clerk, with
the following result :
For Mr. W:IGTr- Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Bates, Bevel, Hope,
Hunter, Johnston, Langford, Mann Peden, Roberts, Ross, Smith
of Ma'ilison, Smith of Wvkulila, Turner and Wilkinson-15.
For Mr. McLEAx-Mlessrs. Allison, Atkins, Avery, Baker,
Campbell, Eppes, Henry, Nixon, Poe and Scott-10.
For Mr. TATC-Messrs. Bradford, Griffin, Mitchell, Turn-
bull and Williams--5.
So there was no election.
The House proceeded to a fourth vote foi Assistant Clerk,
with the following result :
For Mr. WRIGHT-Mi. Speaker, Messrs. Bates, Bevel, IHope,
Hunter, Johnstoni, Langford, Mann, Peden, Roberts, Ross, Smith
of Madison, Smith of Wakulla, Turner, Wilkison and Williams
-16.

S6 .

For Mr. McLEAN-Messrs. Allison, Atkins, Avery, Baker,
Bradford, Campbell, Eppes, Henry, Nixon, Poe and Scott-11.
For Mr. TATru--MIessrs. Griffin, Mitchell and Turnbull-3.
Mr. Arthur J..T. Wright was declared duly elected Assistant
Clerk.
The House then proceeded *to the election of an Engrossing
Clerk.
Mr. Smith, of Madison, nominated David Bell.
1Mr. Williams nominated John L. Tatum.
The vote was:
For Jxo. L. TATUM-Messrs. Bradford, Carqpbell, Eppes,
Hope, Johnston, Ross, Scott, Turnbull and Williams-9.
For DAVID BELL-M-r. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Atkihs, Ave-
ry, Baker, Bates, Bevel, Griffin, Henry, Hunter, Langford,- Mann,
Mitchel, ,Sixon, Peden, Poe, Roberts. Smith of Madison, Smith
of Wakulla, Turner and Wilkinson--21.
Mr. Bell was declared duly elected Engrossing Clerk.
The House then proceeded to the election of an Enrolling.
Clerk.
Mr. Ross nominated William M. McIntosh.
Mr. Mitchell nominated Alexander D. McLean.
Mr. Williams nominated E. L. T. Blake.
The vote was:
Fon MS. E. L. T. BLAKE-Messrs. Bradford, Mann, Turnbull
and Williams-4..
Fon MEn. A. D. McLEAN-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Atkins, Ave-
ry, Baker, Campbell, Eppes, Hope, Mitchell and Poe-9.
SFo Ms. Wg.' Mcl Nrosu- -esrs. Allison, Bates, Bevel,
Griffin, Henry, Hunter, Johnston, Langford, Nixon, Peden, Rob-
erts, Ross, Scott, Smith of Madison, Smith of Wakulla, Turner
and Wilkison-17.
Mr. MIcntosh was declared duly elected Enrolling Clerk.
The House then proceeded to the election of Doorkeeper.
Mr. Henry nominated G. C. Townsend.
There being no other nominations, Mr. Townsend was declared
unanimously elected Doorkeeper.
"On motion of Mr. Ross, the office of Sergeant-at-Arms and
Messenger were consolidated.
The House then proceeded to the election of Sergeant-at Arms
ahd Messenger.
Mr. Ross nominated G. W. Floyd. :
There being no other nominations, Mr. Floyd was declared
unanimously elected Sergeant-at-Arms and Messenger.
The House then proceeded to the election of Recording Clerk.
SMr. Dell nominated Franklin M. Bunker.

There being no other nominations, Mr. Bunker was declared
unanimously elected Recording Clerk.
On motion, the officers were sworn by the Hon. T. J. Eppes,
Notary Public.
On motion of Mr. Eppes, the rules of the last House of Repre-
sentatives be in force until otherwise ordered by the House.
On motion of Mr. Henry, a committee was appointed, consist-
ing of Messrs. Henry, Williams and Avery, to select a Chaplain
for the House.
Mr. Henry moved that a committee of three be appointed to
contract for the printing for the House at the present session ;
Which motion was agreed to.
On motion of Mr. Ross, the Sergeant-at-Arms was instructed
to purchase stationery and candles for the use of the members.
On motion of Mr. Williams, a committee -was appointed, con-
sisting of Messrs. Williams, Avery and Peden, to inform the
Senate and His Excellency the Governor that the House was or-
ganized and ready to proceed to business.
On motion of Mr. Turnbull, the House adjourned until 11
o'clock A. M. to-morrow.

WEDNESDAY, November 23, 1864.

The House met pursuant to adjournment.
A quorum present.
On motion, the Journal of yesterday's proceedings was read
and approved.
SThe following members appeared, presented their credentials
and were qualified by F. M. Bunker, Justice of the Peace:
.From Orange County-Wm. M. Woodruff.
Jefferson-James Y. Jones and K. M. Moore.
Banta .Rosa-Duncan McMillan.
A committee from the Senate appeared at the bar and informed
the House that the Senate was organized and ready to proceed
to business.
The following message was received from his Excellency the
Governor:

GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
Tallahassee, November 21, 1864.
WFellow-Citizens of the Senate
and Sfouse of 2cp' i Cs ati cs:
Another year of war 'has been added to the history of our
country since you were last assembled, and yet no material
change has taken place in the circumstances of the contest
in which we are engaged. I had hoped to congratulate you
at this time on the return of peace and the recognition of-
the independence of the Confederate States; but our enemy,
instigated by pride, fanaticism, revenge and hate, still press
on in the vain hope of accomplishing our subjugation and
ruin. In this contest, Florida has done her whole duty.
Her sons have been sent to all parts of the Confederacy, and
to her Roll of Honor has been added many precious names
since the year began. Her resources have been poured forth
with an open hand, and to the extent of her capacity she
has, by every means aided to sustain our glorious cause.
Nor has our State escaped her full share of the miseries of
war. Our cities and towns have been occupied and sacked,
our fields'laid waste, our servants stolen and corrupted, our
subsistence destroyed, our citizens killed, and the flaming
roofs of their homes have lighted helpless women and child-.
ren on the way to exile and destitution. The footsteps of a
remorseless foe have devastated some of the fairest portions
of our State.' But the people of Florida have exhibited a
spirit worthy of the cause and the country for which they
suffer. They have borne their' afflictions with fortitude;
they have met the enemy with courage, and their indomi-
table resolution to maintain the rights and liberties of their
country has never been shaken. The enemy has not inva-

9

ded our State with impunity,.but have on almost every
Occasion met with a bloody chastisement. In the east at
Olustee, at Gainesville, and in numerous smaller engage-
ments, they have been utterly defeated and severely-pun-
isled, and at 1Marianna they have learnt how citizen soldiers
can fight in defence of their homes.
It is but natural that the miseries of a contest so long and
severe should produce in the hearts of all a desire for peace
and this, indeed, is the unanimous wish of -the Southern
people.- But as earnestly as we desire peace, a dishonorable
peace is not for a moment to be contemplated. The ignominy
of such an event would be intolerable, rendering life itself
a burthen and a curse. -The people of the f Confederate
States have asserted that independence to which they are
entitled by every principle of right, human and divine, and
to yield'that right while, resistance is possible, would be
pusillanimous and base. A peace that does not secure our
independence would be an affliction at least as great as war
itself.: Anything less than independence is subjugation, and
would entail upon us and our children social and political
evils of the greatest magnitude. The design of our enemies
is far beyond the ordinary purposes of war.; they aim to
overthrow our whole social fabric, and their character forbids
the idea that they would show mercy to a subjugated people.
The reconstruction of the American Union, as it existed
under the Constitution of the United States, is now impos-
sible, under any circumstances that can be imagined.
That was a Union of consent. It was based upon a com-
promise of the conflicting interests of widely .separated
States, and as long as the purposes and obligations of the
Constitution were observed by the States of the North, the-
South, though her interests were continually suffering by
the union, steadfastly abided by its engagements. When
that compact which formed the Union was broken by our en-
2

10

"emies, the tie no longer existed, it had been severed by them
and the South .was left free to direct her own political
destiny. But our enemies, not satisfied with violating
the Constitution, determined to compel us to submit to
their lawless goveinment,- and in the bonds of a hat4d
union to endure their loathsome embrace. To accom-
plish this nefarious design they have brought against us
vast armies, assisted by mechanical arts and .arms of the
greatest perfection, backed by immense resources. The
people of the Confederacy have successfully resisted every
effort of the enemy to subdue them. In this conflict the.
baseness, cruelty and perfidy of our foe have exceeded all
precedent; they have developed a character so odious that
death would be perferable to reunion with them. The men
who have slain our fathers, sons and brothers, insulted bur
women and ravaged our counti'y, cannot be again united with
us by any tie under: even. It is treason against our cbun-
try and against humanity to entertain such a thought. This
is the sentiment of all true S6uthern men. In all legisla-
tion, therefore, the consequences of this fixed determination
of the South should be kept in mind, .and nothing should be
omitted that can strengthen us in making good this great
resolve.
.There is but one way by which peace can be at-
tained, and that is a recognition of the independence and
rights of the Confederate States by the Goverment of the
United States. This will only be done when the people of
the North are fully satisfied that the subjugation of the
South and the re-establishment.of the Union are impossible,
and they can only be satisfied of this fact by being beaten in
the field. Some Southern statesmen, whose patriotism I do
not question, have.thought that other means, not incompat-
ible with the interests and dignity of the Confederate States,
might be adopted by which peace might be obtained. A
Convention of the States North and South has been propos-
ed as a feasible plan, a means of arriving at a peacable settle-

. '. / .

ment of this controversy and stopping the further. effusion
of blood. I think it will be found that any hopes based
upon such a policy as this will prove tobe utterly fallacious.
"There could be no object for such a Convention, uness it
was to compromise the questions involved in this contest.
The Confederate States have no compromise to offer or ac-
cept. They have .but one desire-independence-and this
does not admit of degrees. If the Government and people of
the Noorth are willing to recognize this, there is no necessity for
a Convention. If they are not, the Convention could do no
good. The treaty-making power of the Confederate Gov-
ernment and the Government of the United States, as dele-
gated by sovereign States claiming to be independent, is am- -
pily sufficient to arrange the terms of peace, when peace
shall be. desired and determined upon by the Northern peo-
ple. All irregular and questionable ways t6 peace should
be regarded with disfavor and suspicion.. .They create false
hopes and false issues amongst our people, and are calcula-
ted to lower the tone of public sentiment.in regard to the
great purpose of this strife. Nothing is further from me
than to condemn the honest exertions of any to put an send
to this horrible war by an honorable peace, but I cannot con-
ceive how it is possible.to.settle so simljle a question as the
recognition of the Independence of the Confederate States by
the complications and discussions of a Convention of ques-
tionable authority anrd discordant elements. These reasons
are in addition to the great objection that, in order to enter
.such a Convention as this, the States must again resume the
rights and powers which they have delegated to the Confede-
rate Govermnent, thereby destroying the bond of Southern
unity in a common cause, tonmaintain which so much blood
and.treasure have been"expended. It is not to be supposed
that the people of the United States would consent to such
a Convention unless they expected to obtain some advan-
tage thereby, and our experience of that people has estab-
lshed the fact that, at least in regard to ourselves they con-

*~he th fl* hat at. a.

12

sider themselves bound by no pledges and no principles of
honesty or honor. Besides, the men who have deliberately
trampled upon the.ancient and sacred Constitution of their
country and violated the compacts made by our fathers would
hardly be bound by the pledges or agreements made with
those who had humbled their pride and -taken away their
greatness, any longer than it would be their interest to do so.
I regard, therefore, this project of a Convention of States as
a snare and a delusion. Let us make up our minds to the
"stern conditions of the contest. We must place the enemy
Sin a position in which they will desire peace with' us; we
rust meet and defeat their armies and the brigands whom
"they send to desolate our country; we must fully convince
them that it will be worse for them to continue this war
than to put an end to it, and dispel the delusion that they
can subjugate and make provinces and dependencies of these
Confederate States. When this is done, there will be .no
difficulty about the method of arriving at peace. Until it is
done, there can be no peace. For this reason every energy
of the Government and people of the Confederacy should be
bent upon the successful prosecution of-the war, and every
private interest should be made subordinate to the public
welfare.

'STATE DEFENSES.

The attention of the General Assembly has been fre-
Vquently, earnestly, and heretofore unsuccessfully, invited by
me to the necessity for the enactment of laws requisite to
secure a proper military organization of all persons capable
of bearing arms who are not in the military service of the
Confederate States. The condition of the State and country
"are such as to induce me again to press upon your considera-
tion a matter sovital to the welfare and safety of our State
and her citizens. Since the last session of the General
Assembly the enemy has made repeated efforts to occupy

various sections, of the State. They- still occupy many por-
tions on our coast, and are doubtless contemplating other
raids and advances into the interior. The necessity for a
proper organization of all the available strength of the
State is more imperative now than when I'urged it hereto-
fore. I regard this as a subject of paramount consideration,
calling for your earnest and prompt action. In the progress
of the: war the time has arrived when every mian in the
State able to bear arms must be placed in position for the
defence of his country, his family and property. The State
has sent into the armies of the Confederacy all her able-
bodied men not engaged in necessary pusuits at home.
The majority of these have gone to distant fields, where
they have won imperishable renown for themselves and the
State they have represented so gallantly, leaving but a small
proportion for the defence of Florida, who, although as
brave and gallant as their brothers in arms now serving in
other parts of the Confederacy, ar< not sufficient for the
proper defence, of the State. The exigencies of the war
have rendered it necessary for the Confederate government
to rely, to a great degree, on the remaining population of
the State for support and co-operation. Properly organized,
armed and equipped, the militia of the States has proved a
most important auxiliary in the public defence, and. in our
own State this class of our troops, with imperfect organiza-
tion and indifferent arms, has, on the occasion of meeting
the enemy, .fought like, veterans. Suitable laws are, how-
ever, the only means by which a large and important class
of our citizens can be put in position to'render military
service in 'cases of emergency. The necessities of the
,country will not permit that every able-bodied man should
be sent permanently into the field. There are duties to be
performed and services to be rendered at home, by persons
occupied in various useful pursuits,-which are as necessary
to the public defence as the army itself, and without
which it could not subsist a single day. Personsof certain

occupations are necessarily exempted from service in the field.
By proper enactments, these men thus exempted can be made
Available for temporary service, in case of necessity, with-
Sout materially interfering with their pursuits. Agriculture,
and the useful arts, and the operations of. the civil govern-
ment, need not be interrupted seriously by such service.
The existing militia laws are totally impractieable, con-
flicting and impossible to be carried into effect. These laws
were adopted for an entirely different state of circumstances
from those which now exist,and are altogether inapplicable in
the present condition of affairs. In order to render the
organization of the forces of the State efficient, stringent
provisions should be enacted to enforce obedience to the law
by both officers a.d men, and such penalties annexed to a
violation or neglect of the law as will effectually compel
prompt compliance with all its provisions. Any military
law, without sufficient penalties for disobedience, will fail in
accomplishing the end proposed.. The willing and patriotic
should not be expected to yield their cheerful service, even
t.hongh it be temporary, while the indifferent and timid can
evade it.
The defence of the State and its protection from occupa-
tion, devastation and pillage by the enemy having rendered
it necessary that our whole available force should be put in
condition and preparation to meet the threatened raids of
: the enemy, I issued'a Proclamation on the 30th July last,
Scaling upon all the citizens of Florid- 'capable of 'bearing
arms, regardless of age or occupation, to organize into com-
panies, and directing the enrollment nlid manner iof organi-
zation of all such persons. The response to this call toWarms
S was general anid enthusiastic throughout the entire State.
With one impose, the people met and organized into com-
-panies, Some of which have rendered valuable service, co-
operating with the Confederate forces, and in re.spocne to
orders to march to. points threatened by the enemy. The
organization of infantry in Middle Florida being sufficient

'. ^ .b

15

to form a regiment, they were so organized with the neces-
sary field officers. At the same time orders were issued for
the-formation of a regiment of cavalry in East Florida, and-
a battalion., of cavalry in East, Middle and West Florida
respectively. Objections occurred that induced me to
believe that, under the .existing circumstances, the cavalry
companies, acting independently, could render more efficient
service and prevent embarrassment. After the elections
were ordered, I was informed that the State troops would
not be subsisted by the Confederate government, unless for
tthe time being mustered into the Confederate service, and
Sno leg l1 provision had been made by the State to subsist
"such. troops. As. colipainies they could report to and be
placed under .the orders. of a captain of the Confederate
army, as fianiy of then did in East Florida. As'a regiment,
theycould o0t pro14 erly have reported to an officer of this
rank, or any Confederate officer at 'that ime 'in East Florida.
The caalrhy companies in West and Middle Florida ex:
preSsed a preference -to remain independent, I therefore
caused the latter orders to be suspended. Circumstances
have, however, changed, and I recommend that a provision
be mi'de authorizing their formation into battalions and
.regiments.
In eflfectiing .the organization of these troops it was neces-
sary to depart somewhat from the letter of the existing
militiaa laws, which as before stated are impracticable to a
certain extent. The spirit and.intention of the law, how-
ever, has, I think, been carefully observed, and the spirit of
the people and 'the exigencies of the times did not admit of
legal scruples when t-he safety of the State. and its citizens
was in. hazard. If the course I have pursued meets your
sanction, I shall conclude' that .you appreciate the earnest
Ssolicitide I feel for the safety and protection of Florida. The
accompanying Report of the Adjutant and Inspector General
-will inform you of the number and locality of these organi
zations: As far as I can learn, the companies have efficient

16'

officers, and, with a proper military law, can be made still
mdre effective. I would recommend that, if consistent with
the views of the members .of the 'General Assembly, the
present organization be recognized and continued, and that
a suitable law be enacted to make them efficient, and to
require all persons capable bf bearing aiins, and not in the
military service of the Confederate States, to unite with
some company of their respective counties for service in
Cases of emergency.

STATE OFFICERS.

Since the session of the last General Assembly the ene-
i1my have'captured, taken off and hold as prisoners the lHon
Allen II. push, Judge of the Western Judicial Circuit, the
Hlon. Jesse Norwood, Senatoi', the lon. Joseph B. Roulhad,
pne of the -epresenatives, and Wm. I-iKimbeil, Esq.,|tSher-
iff of Jackson County, the Ion. William Jopes, Senator
from Washington County, and several county officers in oth-
er parts of the Sltate. Under existing statutes, no provisions
of law exist to remedy tlhe evils to the public interests caus-
ed by the absence of these officers. For the suitable reme-
dies to be provided under the circumstances and for' infor-
*natibn as to the amendments considered necessary to be
Made to existing laws, you are" respectfully referred 'to the
able report of the Attorney General.

FINANCE^..

"When Florida seceded from the United States,, her Treas-
"ury was empty. The system very properly adopted had
Seen merely to raise by taxation an amount of revenue bare.
ly sufficient to defray the current expenses of the Civil Gov-
ernment iii a time of profound peace.' The exigencies of an
unexpected and unparalleled war required that the credit of
" .he State should be used to meet the pUiblic expenditures.
It.was found impracticable to raise means by the ordinary

X eas by '-'

method of loans sufficient for the increased expenditures ren-
dered necessary. The General'A assembly, therefore, adopted
the system of issuing Treasury Notes to defray the increas-
ed expenses of the State, and the. Convention by an iriepeala-
ble ordinance pledged the public lands of the State for
the redemption of these notes exclusively. The faith of
the State and the public domain of the State are, there-
fore, pledged for the redemption of these notes, dollar for
dollar in specie. The amount of treasury notes now in
circulation is, according to' the report of the treasurer,
$1,103,622.07. This constitutes the principal and only debt
of the State, except a bond debt of $370,617. The ex-
penses of the Government have been largely increased
by a depreciation'-in her Treasury Notes, sympathizing
with the Confederate currency, the depreciation of vhich has
been caused as much by acts of questionable financial policy
on the part of the Confederate Government as by the redun-
dancyof that currency itself. The State of Florida has received
Confederate Treasury Notes in all payment of taxes and for all
other public dues, except the purchase of the lands pledged
for the redemption of our own Treasury Notes. The con-
sequence has been that while we have paid out a large
amount of our notes, very few if any of them come back to
the Treasury, except in the purchase of lands, almost all
taxes and all other public dues being paid in Confederate
currency. This is owing to the fact that the currency of
the State is held at a small premium and for the purchase of
lands. The present systemamounts simply. to the loan or
endorsement each year to the Confederate Government of
the amount of the revenue of the State, substituting our own-
Treasury notes for those of the Confederate States to that
extent. The effect is continually to increase the amount of
State currency, without any means, except the partial sales
of public lands, of retiring any portion of the same. I think
it will be admitted that a system like this is not compatible
3

18

with.the interests of the State, and not at all necessary to
sustain the credit of the Confederate Government. It would
be much better for the State'to appropriate this amount to
be paid absolutely or loaned to the Confederate Government,
than to continue the evils arising from the two currencies in
the management of the finances of the State. The conse-
quence of these causes is, that although the debt of the State
is hot large and the security ample, the currency of the
State, which is to be redeemed and must be redeeined in
gold or its equivalent, is very greatly depreciated, making
still larger expenditures necessary and constantly increasing
the public debt. I would therefore recommend to the Gen-
eral Assembly one of two measures in regard to this subject;
either to.make the Treasury notes to be 'hereafter issued by
the State redeemable in Confederate currency, or to receive
no other but State Treasury notes in payment of State Tax-
es. It is n6t my purpose to recommend any measure that
would tend to depreciate or discredit the Confederate curren-
cy, nor do I think that either of the measures proposed would
have this effect. Other States of the Confederacy have bas-
ed their financial policy on one or the other of these plans,
and the Confederate Gov-ernment itselfonly receives its own
notes in the payment of Confederate taxes. It is expected
that the State of Florida will attend to her own interests in
this matter. It is the duty of her Government to do so. It
is not considered necessary to identify the credit of our
State in its whole financial policy with that of the Confede-
rate States in a manner entirely, different from that of any
other State in the Confederacy. I am satisfied that some
other policy should be adopted better calculated to produce
harmony in our financial plan and to establish definitely our
systemof receipts and disbursements, that the State may not
pay out one currency and receive her dues in another. I
think that no inconvenience' can arise to tax-payers from the
adoption of such a system. There is amply sufficient State
currency extant to enable every tax-payer to obtain enough

19

for the payment of all State taxes. Although the law of
the State positively fixes no specified currency 'in which our
taxes shall be paid, other than specie or our own Treasury
notes, yet the resolutions of the General Assembly in rela-
tion to Confederate Currency have been of such a character
as to amount to an authorization of the receipt of this cur-
rency by the State and a condemnation of its refusal. Under
these circumstances, I concurred with the Treasurer in his
view in regard to the receiving of Confederate Treasury notes
in the payment of all public dues.
You are referred to the reports, of the Comptroller and
Treasurer for information relative to the revenue and ex-
penditures for the past year.

TAXES.

.In connection with the above-mentioned subject, allow me
to direct your attention to the propriety of increasing the
taxes, at least to a certain extent: The taxes remain the
same that they were at the commencement of the war, one-
sixth of one per cent., yielding a revenue estimated, the last
fiscal year, at $138,103, while the -expenditures of the
State for the same time was $508,676. The present tax
being intended merely to meet the expenses of the govern-
ment in time of peace, furnishes but a small part of the ex-
penses that are now necessary on account of the war. It has
been thought desirable, in consideration of the large Con-
federate taxes, to avoid,.if possible, the imposition of an in-
creased State tax, and this, to a certain extent, is correct pol-
icy. The credit of the State should be used, as it has been,
to sustain the expenses of the war in part. In order, how-
ever, to sustain that credit and make it continue available for
this purpose, it must not be strained beyond a certain reason-
able extent. The credit of thte State will be much more
available when it is understood that she does not rely upon
that credit almost entirely for her expenditures. I think

20

good policy requires that the income of the State be some-
what increased, if not, in proportion to the increase of ex-
penditures, at least to a sufficient extent to prevent our debt
from becoming large enough to impair credit or further de-
preciate the currency. The present tax is, I believe, smaller
than that of any other State in the Confederacy, and might
"be doubled without inconvenience to our people. The tax
which they would thus at this time be required to pay would
not only appreciate the value of the money in which the
State pays her dues, but would thus have a double effect to
prevent the accumulation of a large debt and the necessity
for heavy future taxation, when the debt of the State may be
held or accumulated by comparatively a few persons, who,
having acquired it at a time of depreciation, will reap most
of the benefit of a mistaken policy in regard to taxation and
finances at this time. That repugnance.on the part of leg-
islators in popular governments to increase taxation should
not be indulged at the expense of sound policy and the pub-
lic credit. That people is not intelligent enough to be free
who cannot perceive the necessities and are not willing to
submit to the burthens that the preservation and proper ad-
ministration of their government require. Our people, I am
satisfied, will cheerfully respond' to the increased demand on
their means for the necessary support of their' government,
even although suffering under the pressure of the times.
,I would further suggest, that the General Assembly take
into consideration the propriety of changing the mode of as-
sessing taxes on slaves from the ad volorem to a specific tax.
The ad valorem system, although theoretically the best and
most just manner of taxation, cannot be made applicable to
this species of property, being impracticable in assessment.
The same objection, it is true, will apply equally to some
other species of property; bIt as slaves constitute a large
portion of the taxable property in the State, and is a species
of property of a peculiar character, I think the objection to
the ad valorem system as applicable to them is more forcible

21

than to other objects of taxation. Taxes, as at present as-
sessed, are.not the same throughout the State, the Commis
sioners of the several counties fixing different values on
slaves and other objects of taxation. This is contrary to the
letter and spirit of the Constitution, and shows thfe practical
impossibility of assessing an ad valorem tax with any justice
or uniformity on certain kinds of property. I think it will be
found that a specific tax on certain principal subjects of tax-
ation is more just, practical and in conformity with the in-
"tention of the Constitution.

PUBLIC LANDS.

The Public Lands belonging to the State, amounting to
about thirteen millions of acres, have been pledged for the
redemption of the State Treasury Notes, for which alone they
can be sold. The policy adopted by the Convention and the
Legislature in regard to the sale of these lands, though it may
have been. proper at the time when the existing laws on the
silbject were passed, should not, I think, owing to the pecu-
liar condition of affairs, be continued. As the currency is
depreciated and the price of the lands low, they are liable to
he entered largely by persons, not for the purpose of settle-
ment or cultivation, but merely as ani investment or for spec-
ulation. A great many of the citizens of the State, who are
the actual cultivators of the soil, are absent in the military
service, and unable to attend to their affairs at home, the
purchase of lands or the increase of their farms. Under
these circumstances, the best lands in the State are liable
to fall into the hands of persons, many of. them citizens of
other States, who do not purchase them for cultivation -
and improvement, and the absent soldiers deprived of the
opportunity of purchasing homesteads from the State on
their return from the war. This is unjust and unwise, and
the impolicy of the system is aggravated by the fact that the
purchasers of these lands can obtain them at their legal price

22

with currency that they in most instances only received at
a great depreciation. As the evil of this system becomes
every day more apparent, I would suggest that you consider
whether or not, a suspension of the sale of these lands would
be advisable until the termination of the war; but little in-
convergence can arise to citizens from such a course, and, I
think, upon due consideration, the policy of such a measure
will appear. If, however, it be not deemed advisable to stop
the sale of these lands altogether, I think- it beyond question
that their price should be increased. Notwithstanding the
ample security of our Treasury Notes and the comparative
smallness of our debt, these Notes are depreciated so that
those who receive them for purchases made by the State only
take them five or ten times less than their face value. Un-
der these circumstances, the State must protect her interests
and take care of the security of her public debt. Land is a
species of property that has not depreciated in value rela-
tively to other property, and there is no reason why the'State
should sell her lands for less than the reasonable market value
of such lands, if they were private property. If the chief
purchasers were settlers or soldiers, this principle might not
apply, but there is no particular reason at present why those
who are the purchasers of these lands should get them for
one-tenth of their real value relatively to other lands of the
same kind. The debt of the State, for which these lands
are pledged, has been incurred principally in the sacred duty
of aiding in the support of soldiers' families, and I think
there is no reason why the State should not demand for them
the highest price compatible with sound policy and justice.
It will readily occur to"you, that in case hostilities should
terminate, or the prospect should appear of a near approach
of peace and thefinal and unquestionable establishment of
our rights as a sovereign State over this domain, that the
sale of lands would greatly and immediately increase, and at
the present rate the most valuable lands would be bought
up by persons not designing to occupy or settle them.

23

SOLDIERS' FAMILIES.

The General Assembly, by an act for the relief of sol-
diers' families," incurred the charge of assisting the families
of soldiers who needed aid, designing thereby to prevent
distress amongst those whose husbands, fathers or sons were
in the service of their country, and directed the Governor to
disburse the'fund that was appropriated to this purpose ac-
cording to his knowledge of their several necessities, the price
of provisions, clothing and supplies." It will be seen that
the most difficult part of the execution, of this intention of
the Legislature to relieve soldiers' families was that discrimi-
nation in, regard to the necessities of counties and even of
individuals that was necessary to make the amount most
available for the.purpose for which it was appropriated. To
ascertain the actual and comparative wants of counties and
families, even imperfectly, is a matter of great difficulty.
I have, however, endeavored to make a distribution of this
fund in such proportions as from the data before me seemed
"to be the most just and expedient. The county officers
have generally discharged their duties under the act more
promptly and efficiently during the past year than the year
previous. Only two counties have made reports how and
in what manner the amount received by them has been
expended. The reports froi the Judges of Probate have
been defective in not furnishing or giving an estimate of the
price of provisions, clothing and supplies, which. is a very
material point in regulating a distribution under the act and
in arriving at a proper concluhision as to the necessities of the
several counties. It has not been possible to do .so during:
the past year, and, to obviate the difficulty, a portion of the-
fund has been reserved to meet the wants of counties where-
the distributions, as made, did not, owing to the high prices
and extravagant cost of transportation, give them an equal
proportion of benefit with those cournies where prices were
lower and transportation less.

24

I think the efficiency of this act for the relief of those
entitled to receive its benefits might be materially increased
by an amendment providing for a general agent, whose duty
it would be to visit all the counties, examine the returns,
confer with the Judges of Probate and County Colnmission-
ers and ascertain the Wants of the counties, the prices of
provisions, &c., to. make. purchases and to be at all times
subject to my control and removable for -iiefficiency or
neglect. This agent should, of course, receive a suitable
compensation and traveling expenses. It is unreasonable to
expect the county officers to bear the heavy expenses of a
journey to the capital to receive the fund due to the coun-
ties and the expense is almost invariably .paid out of the
amount to be distributed to the counties. Some of the
counties have received no relief, owing to the inability of
the Judges of Probate or other officers to leave home in the
disturbed and unsettled condition of affairs in their counties
This difficulty could be obviated by the appointment of a
general agent who could place funds at a point near to and
accessible to them. These advantages are obvious from the
method proposed. Nor can the expense of such an agent
be an objection, for, as before mentioned, the expense-
incurred by county officers in coming to receive their funds
must exceed the cost of a single agent appointed for thal
purpose. Besides, I am satisfied that the increased know-
ledge which such a plan would give of the affairs of the sev-
eral counties in this particular would not only promote a
more just distribution of the fund, but would actually save
a considerable amount to the State.
In addition to this provision for a general agent, I would
recommend that the county officers be required to make re-
ports quarterly of their proceedings and of the distribution
of the funds entrusted to them, and that authority be given
to withhold all payments under the act to any county, the
officers of which havoc not made the report and returns re-
quired by law until such time as they comply with its pro-

25

visions and requirements. This would stimulate county of-
ficers to a more perfect and prompt discharge of their duties
in this respect. With these amendments, the law as it now
stands is, perhaps' -as effective as, under the circumstances,
it can be made.
The accompanying report of my Private Secretary will
inform you of details on this subject. The number of fami-
lies reported as e titled to relief under the provisions of the
act is 3,633, comprising 13,248 persons. The fund for this
purpose was more than sufficient. The aggregate amount"
paid out to the respective counties up to the 16th instant is
$290,441.90, and there has been paid for salt for distribu-
tion $21,001.50. In most counties the amount paid them
has been sufficient to meet their wants for the ensuing year.
In some counties, owing to their peculiar situation, further
payments will be necessary. Three counties have received
no relief; owing to the difficulty of obtaining information
concerning them, and the almost impossibility of -conveying
money to them. It is estimated that for the ensuing year
a much smaller appropriation than that made for the past
year will, added to the unexpended balance of the appro-
priation -of Dec. 3, 1863, be sufficient for the relief of all
who require assistance.

SPECULATION AND EXTORTION.

I am inclined to the belief that the most efficient remedy
to prevent speculation and extortion upon the necessaries of
life, during the existing war, would be for the several State
Legislatures (which they have the constitutional right to do)
to establish by law maximum pricesand to require as a tax
the excess of prices received, and such excess to be applied
to the support of all indigent families, especially the fami-
lies of those who are in military service. Would not such
legislation on the part of the several States supercede the
4 '

26

necessity of having commissioners to regulate prices, and
to a great extent dispose of the necessity for impressments,
loe more equitable and satisfactory to the citizens of the'
States, and curtail largely the expenses of the Confederate
government?

EDUCATION OF SOLDIERS' CHILDREN.

I would recommend that the' General Assembly take into
,consideration the propriety of making some provision for
fte 'education of the orphan children of deceased soldiers.
Argument is entirely unnecessary to show the duty and the
policy of the State in this respect. It is a subject that ap-
"peals to the heart as well as the head, and is suggested by
that wisdom which teaches us that it is good policy to obey
ihe nobler impulses of our nature. A large number of
children in our State have been, by 'the cruel hand of war,
deprived of their fathers, brothers and other natural pro-
*tectors. They have been, in many instances, left destitute
or in very needy circumstances. Many of them have not
the opportunity or the means of receiving that instruction
which is necessary to make them intelligent citizen's3 and
which they are entitled to by every principle of justice and
public policy.. The brave men that have given their lives
for their country are not only entitled to the gratitude of
that country, but have purchased the right that their child-
Zen, shall be taught to read the history of their glorious
struggle and achievements. The duty of the State, in this
respect, is perfectly obvious; the only subject for considera-
tion is thenmeans and method by which it should be carried
"out. On this subject, I am not prepared to make any defi-
raite recommendation at. this time. The wisdom of the
General Assembly can probably devise some method by
-which this great public duty can be effectually discharged.
An orphan of this war has claims upon the State that no
consideration of convenience or economy can put off or deny.

27

CLOTHING FOR TROOPS.

"The appropriation for clothing for Florida troops in the
Confederate service, made last year, has not been all expend-
ed, but the'contract for cloth now being filled and the ex-
penses incident to making up the clothing will exhaust the
balance of it. The balance will be sufficient to meet the ex-
isting contract and the expenses referred to. 'Clothingis
now being made up as rapidly as possible, arid as fast as the
cloth is received from the factory. The report of the Quar-
termaster General will inform you how the clothing has been
distributed..
In the preparation of these clothes I have received mate-
rial assistance from the ladies, who in this, as in every other
matter that has the good of their country for its object, have
exhibited that' patriotism, industry and devotion to the pub-
lie cause that they have shown from fhe commencement of
this war. The experience of the past has, however, satisfied
me that it is expedient to leave the clothing of the troops al-
most entirely to the Confederate Government which has ua-
dertaken this business. The Confederate .Government lav-
ing made extensive arrangem@hts for this purpose, can effe'-r
it at less expense and with much better materials than the-
State; and that government being entirely responsible or
the clothing of the soldiers, there is no uncertainty as to th
source from whence'they are to expect supplies and no valid
excuse for neglect or failure in this respect. No arrangement
can be made by the State for the purchase and manufacture
of the clothing designed for our soldiers, which will ensure s
certainty of supply. And as it is not contemplated to sup-
ply all of them, partiality cannot be avoided. 1 do not ap-
prehend any actual destitution amongst our Florida soldiers
in this respect. A fund might be .properly appropriated
however, to meet contingencies and to be used only in case
of necessity and for special occasions and circumstances.

28

CARDS.'

You are referred to the report of the Quartermaster Gen-
eral for information in regard to the expenditure of the ap-
propriation for the purchase and distribution of cotton cards.
The cards that have been purchased could probably have
been obtained at a lower price had I been authorized by the
law to make arrangements for purchasing them abroad This
I did not think myself warranted in doing. .I would.recom-
mend that discretion be allowed in this respect, if an appro-
priation shall be made for the purchase and distribution of
cards or clothing for soldiers for the ensuing year.

SALT.

Having ascertained the great convenience' and advantage
of contracting for the purchase of salt to be bought in quan-
tity by the State for the use of soldiers' families, I devoted a
portion of the amount appropriated for the relief of soldiers'
families to the purchase of salt, which has been distributed
in lieu of the money which would have been -expended 'for
its purchase by families at a much greater, price than that
for which it was obtained. This method has operated well,
and I would recommend that a specific appropriation be
made for the purchase of salt for distribution to those coun-
ties where it is most difficult to be obtained and most costly.

H HOSPITALS.

"The circumstances of the war have rendered the State
Hospitals which were established for the particular use of
the troops from this State no longer necessary, and they have
been discontinued. At Richmond, however, one ward in
the Howard Grove Hospital has been specially assigned to
Floridians and is under the charge and efficient management
of Mrs. M. M. Reid, who there continues her work of mercy
and usefulness. This ward is designated the Florida Hos-

29

pital, and I recommend a special appropriation for its ben-
efit.
In place of a general appropriation for hospitals, I think it
would be better if provision was made and a fund appropri-
ated for relief societies, to be furnished them at discretion
and to be applied to the relief and assistance of our sick,
wounded and needy soldiers in all parts of the Confederacy.
I am satisfied thatthe patriotic men who have and will un-
dertake the sacred duty of attending. our sick and wounded
soldiers can expend to great advantage any sum that the
State may deem it proper to devote to this purpose.

DISTILLERIES.

In my last annual message I took occasion to show the
propriety of entirely suppressing and prohibiting the distil-
-lation of spirituous liquors in this State. Since that time
my opinion in regard to the matter has been confirmed. I
believe that the entire and absolute prohibition of all distil-
leries in the State is necessary to prevent a great evil. There
has been some difficulty in applying the law, as it now ex-
ists, to the entire suppression of distillation of liquor. I have
not hesitated to construe the'law in such manner as I deemed
the interest of the State and of the people required. I re-
gard the licensing of particular contractors to distil spirits
as a measure fraught with much evil. This construction
of the law, so far from operating to prevent.unlawful distil-
lation, only operates to effect a gross monopoly by which
those who ar favored with contracts by the Confederate
Government make large profit' by distilling into vile whis-
key the bread that should feed the people. I am informed
that in no instance in this State has the contract with the
Government been fulfilled by .any distiller. These persons
find it more profitable to dispose of their condemned liquor
to private persons than'to comply with their engagements
with the'Governmient. It is useless to endeavor to search

30

out-these persons through the various devices by which they.
evade the law. Nothing but positive prohibition can pre-
vent these frauds. This policy I have adopted. Any other
construction of the law would render it totally inefficient.
So satisfied am I of the abuses practiced under the system of
licensing contractors, that I would prefer to see all laws
against distillation repealed outright rather flian that an
iniquitous monopoly of the profits of this damaging business
should continue. I am aware that the power of the State
to prohibit her citizens from contracting with the Confede-
rate Government and fulfilling their contracts with that Gov-
ernment has been questioned, and that it is represented that
there is a necessity:for spirits for the medical department of
Sthe service. I apprehend, however, that the Confederate
-Government can adopt a means of supply more compatible
-with the morals and support of our people than this, and I
.am sure there could be no other means resorted to obtain
this article foir medical purposes that could be more dil-
itory and less satisfactory.

REPORTS OF HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS.

The Reports of the Comptroller, Treasurer, Register of
Public Lands and Attorney General are herewith submitted.
The facts and suggestions contained in them will be found
interesting and will materially assist you in legislating upon
. the subjects td which they refer.

Your attention is respectfully invited to the annexed Res-
olutions, adopted at a meeting of the Governors of several
of the Confederate States, held at Augusta Georgia in Oc-
tober last.

Since the secession of the State and the commencement
of the war, the extraordinary circumstances of the country
have rendered fniusual and unprecedented legislation neces-
sary, such as as been, in many instances, difficult of practical

application, and execution. It is, however, a subject of con-
gratulation, that in the progress of a conflict in which every
fibre of the body politic has been shaken to its foundation,
in a country surrounded by dangers of the greatest magni-
tude and exigencies of the most pressing character, the sn-
permacy of the law has been maintained throughout all parts
of the State not occupied by the enemy. This is the surest
evidence of the capacity'of a people for the enjoyment of
freedom and constitutional liberty; for lawlessless is the in-
evitable road to despotism. The preservation of 'our insti-
tutions of government is a bright harbinger of success in the
establishment of our liberties. Nor is there anything in the
present aspect of the affairs of the Confederate States that
should cause us to doubt the triumph of our arms and the
glorious termination of this great contest. It is true that
the enemy have penetrated our country in some parts; that
they have inflicted immense sufferings on our people; that
they have slain many of our noblest citizens and have deso-
lated their path with fire and sword. It is also true that
they now threaten us with large armies and seem still to
cherish the hope of our destruction. But this they can nev-
er accomplish. Our armies confront them wherever they
appear. They have defeated them on almost every battle
field, and we have reason to believe that our fo2 can never
again make as formidable efforts as he has heretofore made.
He has not the men, the money or the credit to do it. Our
armies, although diminished by the war, are comparatively su-
perior to those of the enemy-superior in discipline, in cour-
age, in endurance and in the inspiring consciousness of a
great and holy cause. Heaven has mercifully blessed us
with good crops, sufficient to supply the necessities and sus-
tain the life of the country, if properly used. The adminis-
tration of the Confederate Government has caused a well-
placed reliancein the hearts of the people that the best use will
be made of the public resources for defence. The President

32

of the Confederate States deserves and receives the confi-
dence of the great mass of his fellow)vcitizens. His lofty
character, noble virtues and great abilities qualify him for
a position surrounded by difficulties of an unparalleled kind,
and to be the leader in a great revolution; nor can the ef-
forts of his enemies, public or private, shake him, from the
eminence that h'e holds so gloriously for himself and so for-
tunatelyfor his country. United in the support of their
Government and the defence of their rights and country, the
people of the Confederate States cannot be conquered. The
*'varioLs events and causes by which the secession of these
States and. this great conflict were brought to pass show
that God' designed it thus to be. In Him, therefore, let us
pht our trust, and commend ourselves to his favor and mer-
cy, that he may give us strength iu arms and inspire us with
wisdom in council and in legislation, that vwe may be enabled
to accomplish the great destiny to which our people and
country are called.
I have the honor to be, respectfully,
Your fellow-citizen,
"JOHN MILTON,
"Governor of Florida.

On motion or Mr. Williams, the reading of the message was
dispersed with, and 200 copies ordered to be printed for'the use
*of the House. :
The Speaker announced the following Standing Committees:

STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE.

SCommittee on Judiciary: On Claims:
IMessrs. EPPES, Messrs. LANGFORD,
PEDEN,. BROWN,
MITCHELL, SCOTT,
ROSS, BRADFORD,
WILLIAMS. MONROE.

33

Finance & Public Accounts: On Commerce and Navigation:
Messrs. ROSS, Messrs. PEDEN,
SMITH of Madison, ROBERTS,
SMITH of Wakulla, McMILLAN,
GRIEFIN, GRIFFIN,
ROULHAC. POE.

On Confederate Relations: On Taxation and Revenue:
Messrs. HENRY, Messrs. JONES,
AVERY, BEVILL,
MOORE, CAMPBELL,
JOHNSTON, BATES,
DAVIS. ODOM.

On Corporations : On Agriculture:
Messrs. AVERY, Messrs. MANN,
HUNTER, MURPHY,
MOORE, TURNBULL,
HOPE, NIXON,
TURNER. BRADFORD.

State of the Commqnwealth: On Elections:
Messrs. WILLIAMS, Messrs. BATES,
WILKISON, HENRY,
WOODRUFF, ROSS,
BROWN, WILLIAMS,
LANGFORD. GRIFFIN.

On Internal Iprovenients: On Militia:
Messrs. HOPE, Messrs. JONES,
SMITH of Madison, ALLISON,
TURNER, BRYAN,
SROULHAC, ERWIN,
JOHNSTON, BATES.

Propositions and Grievances: On Schools anq# Colleges:
Messrs SCOTT, Messrs. TURNBTUIL,
BEVILL, KNIGHT,
SDAVIS, ROULHAC,
McMILLAN, AVERY,
POE.. BAKER.
5 .

34

"On Indian ,Afa-irs: On Enrolled Bills:
Messrs. Griffin, Messrs. SMITH of Wakulla,
MITCHELL, WOODRUFF,
WILKISON, BROWN,
PACETTY, ODOM,
ROBERTS. MONROE.

On Engrossed Bills: On Public Accounts:
Messrs. GRIFFIN, Messrs. AVERY,
WILKISON, BRADFORD,
McMILLAN, JOHNSTON,
MOORE, HUNTER,
BEVILL. RUTLAND.

On motion of Mr. Williams, 100 copies of the Standing'Com-
mittees were ordered to be printed for the use of the House.
The Speaker appointed Messrs. Henry, Williams and Smith of
Wakulla a committee to contract for printing.
Mr. Avery gave notice that he will on to-morrow ask leave tc
introduce the following bills:
A bill to be entitled an act providing for the appointment of
county officers in certain cases; and,
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act ,t
allow the Supreme hnd Circuit Courts of this State extra terms
in certain cases therein specified, approved December 28, 185&L
Mr. Williams moved that the Representative Hall be tenderedg
to the Hon. Mr. Law of Georgia for the purpose of delivering :a
lecture for the benefit of the Atlanta refugees;
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Peden gave notice that he will on some future day ask
leave to introduce the following bill:
A bill to be entitled an act relative to fines and penalties.
Mr. Avery moved that a committee of five be appointed to act
with a similar committee on the part of the Senate to take into
consideration the relief of soldiers' families and report such a-
tionhlereon -as they deem necessary;
Which was agreed to, and Messrs, Avery, Henry, Peder,
Roberts and Mann appointed said committee.
Notice was given of intention to introduce the following bilk
at some future day, viz:
SBy Mr. Peden:
A bill to amend an act entitled 'An act to suspend the collec-
tion of taxes in counties held or controlled by the enemy.'

35

By Mr. Bevill:
A bill to be entitled 'An act to. change the name of Angeline
S that of Angeline Johnings, and for other purposes.
Mr. Smith, of Madison, offered. the following resolution, .viz:
Resolution for the relief of the Tax Collector of Madison coun-

Which was placed among the orders of the day. :
On motion of Mr. Baker, the House adjournediuntil to-morrow
"at 11 o'clock.

THURSDAY, November 24, 1864.

The House met pursuant to adjournment.
A quorum present .
The Rev. Dr. DuBose officiated as Chaplain.
.Mr. W. W. Browii of Holmes and C. H. Davis of Nassau pre-
eir credentials and .were duly sworn in by the Hon. T.
-1- Notary Public, and took their seats.
Mr. Avery gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave
":..:- .... ice the following bill, viz :
A bill to be entitled an act providing for a Digest of the Stat-
this State.
Mr. Ross moved that a committee of three be .appointed to
similar committee on the part of the Senate in exam-
"offices of the Comptroller and Treasurer.
A committee from the Senate appeared at the bar and notified
House that they had been appointed to act with a similar
e oni the part of the House, to confer with the Govern-
-ig. Gen. Miller, commanding the Confederate forces in
tmd report by bill for the organization of the Militia for
-- ce of the State of Florida.,
Pursuant,to previous notice, the following bills were introduced
aid placed among the orders of the day, viz:
By Mr. Peden:
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act to suspend the col-
of taxes in counties held or controlled by the enemy.
By Mr. Avery:
A bill to be entitled an act to provide foir the appointment of
county officers in certain cases; and,
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to
the Supreme Court of the State to hold extra terms in
certain cases therein specified, approved Decenrber 28, 1854.

36

The rule being waived, the following bills and resolution were
without previous notice introduced and placed among the orders
of the day, viz:
By Mr. Avery: i
A bill to be entitled an act to provide for the taking of the
census in the year 1865, in this State; and,
And a bill to be entitled an act for the relief of soldiers' fam-
ilies.
By Mr. Peden:
A bill to be entitled an act in relation to fines, bonds and the
accounts of administrators.
By Mr. Jones.:
A bill to be entitled an act to import articles of necessity for
the State of Florida from foreign countries.
By Mr. Ross:
Resolution in relation to pay of members of the present ses-
sion.
The following Message was received from His Excellency the
Governor:
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
Tallahassee, Nov. 24th, 1864.
Hon. PHILIP DELL,
Speaker of the House of Representatives :
SIR---I respectfully recommend the following nominations for
the advice and consent of the General Assembly, viz:
THOMAS SIMroNs-Auctioneer for the County of Jefferson.
ALEXANDER PNICHOLSON, ( Escambia.
":Very respectfully,
JOHN MILTON.
Which was read, and thd nominations therein contained ad-
vised arid consented to.
Mr. Henry, Chairman of the Select Committee to coutiract for
the Public Printing of the House, made the following report :
FLORIDIN AND JoUrNAL OFFICE,
S : Tallahassee, Nov. 23, 1864,
Dr. T. Y. HENRY,
Chairman House Committee on Printing:
SIR :-We propose to print the House proceedings at the fol-
lowing rates:
For all miscellaneous printing, such as dailyslips, bills, re-
ports, &c., five cents'per hundred words, counting one hundred
copies. .
S ix dollars.per page for two hundred copies of the Journal.
Respectfully, &c.,
DYKE & SPARHAWK.

37

Your committee would respectfully recommend the adoption
of the above, being fully satisfied, under the circumstances, it is
the best that can be done.
Respectfully,
THOMAS Y. HENRY,,
,'Chairman.,
JOS. JOHN 'WILLIAMS,
JAS. W. SMITH.
Which was adopted.
lMr. Henry offered the following resolution of thanks&:-
Whereas, Captain J. J. Dickison, ;Co. D, 2d Fla. Cavalry, -by
his high soldierly qualities and daring acts as a: military leader,
has challenged the admiration of the pe ofFlorida and won
their confidence to the utmost extent; and whereas, Captain-
Dickison has repeatedly defended and protected the people of
Florida from the harassing and destructive raids by the public
enemy, therefore be it-
Resolved by the &Senate and JHouse of Representatives of the
State of -Florida in General Assembly convened, That the
thanks of the people of Florida are eminently 'due, and are here-
by cordially tendered Captain J. J. Dickisoti and his brave com-
mand, and that we d&o recommend Captain J. J. Dickison for.
that promotion he has so gallantly won and richly merits, and
that the Governor be requested to- have a copy of these resolu-:
tions transmitted to Captain Dickison and his command.
Which Was read and adopted.
Mr. Eppes moved that 70 copies of the Standing Rules of the
House be printed for the use of the House;
Which was agreed to. ,

STANDING RULES OF THE HOUSE.

RULE 1. The Speaker shall take the Chair every day, precisely
at the hour to which the House shall have adjourned on the pre-
ceding day; shall immediately call the inembers to order, and,.
on the appearance of a quorum, shall cause the Journal:of the
preceding day to be read.
2. He shall preserve order and decorum; may speak to points
of order in preference to other members, Tising from his seat for
that purpose; anil shall decide questions of order, subject to an
appeal to the House by any two members; on- which appeal no
member shall speak 'more than once, unless! by leave -of the
House;.
3. He shall rise to put-th'equestion, but may state it sitting.,.

"38

4. No member shall speak to 'any other, or otherwise interrupt
the business of the House, or read any newspaper, or other pa-
per, while the Journals or other public papers are being read,
nor pass between the Speaker arid any other member who may
"be addressing the House.
5. Every member, when he speaks, shall address the Chair,
standing in his place, and when Ihe has finished shall sit down;
nor shall any member speak more than. twice on any one subject
without leave of the House.
6. When two or more members shall, arise at the same time,
the Speaker shall name the person entitled to proceed..
7. When a member shall be called to order, he shall sit down
until the Speaker shall have determined whether he is in order
or not; and every question of order shall be decided by the
Speaker, without debate, subject to an appeal to the House.
8. If a member shall be called to, order for words spoken, the
exceptionable-words shall be immediately taken down in writing
by the person objecting, that the speaker may, be better able to"
judge of the matter.. .
9. No member shall absent himself from the service of the
House without leave of the House; and in case a less number
than a quorum shall .convene,'they are hereby authorized to send
"the Sergeant-at-Arms .for (any or) all absent members,; as the.
majority of such members present, shall agree, at the expense
of such absent members respectively, unless such excuse for
non-attendance shall be made as the; House (when a quorum
is convened) shall judge sufficient.
10. No motion shall, be debated until the same shall be re-
duced to writing, delivered in at the table, read and seconded.
11. When a question is under debate, no motion shall be re-
eeived but to adjourn, to lay it on the.table, to postpone indefin-
itely, to postpone to a certain day, to commit or to amend; which
several motions .shall have precedence in the order in which
they stand arranged; and the motion for adjournment shall al-
ways be in order, and the motions to adjourn or lay on the table
shall be decided without debate.
12. If the question in debate contains several points, any mem-
ber may have the same divided.
13. In filling up blanks,.the largest sum and longest time shall
be first put. .,
14. When: the reading of a paper is called for, and the same is
objected to by any member, it shall be determined by vote of
the House, without debate.
15. When the yeas and nays shall be called for by two of the
members present, every member within the bar of the House at
the time the question was put by the Speaker, shall (unless for

40

39

special reasons he be excused by the House,) declare openly and
without debate his assent or dissent to the question. In taking
yeas and nay, an upon the call o the House, the name of
the members shall be taken alphabetically and the Speaker shall
in all cases yote first.
16. No member shall be permitted to vote on any question
who was without the 'a, 6of the House at the .time the question
was put, unless by consent of the House, and no motion to per-
mit such member to vote. shall be in order, unless it shall be
made before the House 'shall proceed to other business.
17. On a motion made arid seconded to shut the door of the
House in the discussion of any business, in which discussion the.
public safety may, in the opinion of the House, imperiously re-
quire secresy, the House shall direct the Speaker to cause the
lobby to be cleared, and, during the discussing of such business
the door shall remain hut, and no person shall be admitted ex-
cept by special order of the House.
18. The following order shall be observed in taking up the
business of the House, viz: 1st, motions.;2d, petitions, memori-
als and other papers addressed either to the House or the Speak-
er thereof; 3rd, resolutions; 4th, reports of Standing Commit-
tees; 5th; reports of Select Committees; 6th, messages from the
Senate lying on the.table and5 lastly, orders of the day.
19. When a question has once been made and carried in the
affirmative or negative, it shall be in order for any member of the
majority to move for a reconsideration thereof; but no motion
for the reconsideration of any vote shall be in order after a bill
resolution,, message, report, amendment of motion upon which
the vote was' taken, shall have gone out of possession of the
House, announcing their decision; nor shall any motion for re-
consideration be in order unless made on the same day. on which
the vote was taken, or within the wo next days of the actual
session of the House thereafter.
20. All the questions shall be put by the Speaker of the House,
and the members shall ignify their assent or dissent by answer-
ing viva.voce, yea or nay, and in the event of a tie, the question
shall be decided in the negative. .
"21. The Speaker of the House, or the Speaker pro tern., shall
have the right tp name a member to perform' the duties of the
Chair, but such substitution shall not extend beyond an adjourn-
ment.
22. Before any petition, memorial or other paper addressed
either to the House or to the Speaker thereof, shall be received
and read at the "table, whether the same be introduced by the
Speaker or a member, a brief statement of the contents of the

40

petition, memorial, or other paper, shall be made by the intro-
ducer.
23. One day's notice at least shall be given of an intended mo-
tion for leave to bring in a, bill, and no bill shall be written or
printed except by express order of the House.
24. Every bill and all resolutions of a public nature, or for the
appropriation of the public money, shall receive three readings
previously to the final passage of such bill or resolution, and the
Speaker shall give notice at each, whether itbe the first, second
olr third readings, which readings shall be on three different
days, unless four-fifths of the members shall otherwise direct.
25. At the second leading of any bill or resolution, it shall be
-in order for any member to move its commitment to a Commit-
tee of the whole House ; that it lay on the table; for its indefin-
ite postponement; for its postponement to a day certain, not be-
yond the session; for its commitment to a StandingiCommittee;
to a Select Committee; or to amend; which motions shall have
precedence in the order above stated.
26. It shall not be in order to amend the title of any bill or
resolution until it shall have passed its third reading.
27. The titles of bills, and such parts thereof only as shall be
affected by the proposed amendments, shall be inserted on the
journals.
28. The following Standing Committees, to consist of not less
than five members each, shall be appointed by the Speaker at the
commencement of each session, with leave to report by bill or
otherwise, viz: A Committee on the Judiciary; a Committee
on the Militia; a Committee on Finance and Public Accounts; a
Committee on Claims; a Committee oih Schools and Colleges; a
Committee on Internal Improvements; a Committee on Enrolled
SBills and Engrossed Bills; a Committee on Elections; a Com-
mittee .on Propositions and Grievances ;* Committee on Con-
federate relations; a Committee on Corporations; ,a Committee
on Indian Affairs; a Committee on Agriculture; a Committee on
Commerce and Navigation; a Committee on Taxation.and Rev-
enue, and a Committee on the State of the Commonwealth.
29. All confidential communications made by the Governor to
the House, and all business in the consideration of which the in-
" junction of secresy shall have been imposed, shall .be: by the
Members thereof kept secret, until the House, by its resolution,
shall take off the injunction of secresy.
30. Each member of Select Committees shall, with their Chair-
man, sign every report made to theHouse, if they concur there-
in.
31. Messages maybe received at any stage ofthe business,

S41

except while a question is being put, or while the yeas and nays
are being called.
32. The Governor and Secretary-and members of the Senate
hall be admitted to a seat within the bar of the House, and any
other person shall be admitted in like manner, upon being invited
1v a member.
S33. The Clerk, the Sergeant-at-Arms and: Door-Keeper
shall be severally sworn by a judicial officer of the State, well and
faithfully to discharge their respective duties, and to keep secret
the proceedings of the House when sitting with closed doors.
34. All aets, addresses and joint resolutions shall be sighed by
"the Speaker; and all writs, warrants and subpoenas issued by or-
der of the House, shall be under his hand and seal, and attested
"by the Clerk.
35. In case of any disturbance or disorderly conduct in the"
lobby, the Speaker or Chairman of the Committee of the Whole
House, shall have the power to order the same to be cleared.
36. Reporters wishing to take down the debates and proceed-
ings, may be admitted by the Speaker, who shall assign such
places to them on the floor, or elsewhere, as shall not interfere
with the convenience of the House.
371 No member shall vote on the question in the event of
which he may have a private or personal interest.
381 After a motion is stated by the Speaker or read by the
Clerk, it shall be deemed in possession of the House, but may be
withdrawn at any time before a decision or amendment.
39. The previous'question shall be ii this form: "Shall the
'main question be now put ?" and shall be decided'by a majority
of the members present, without debate; and until it is decided
shall preclude all amendments, and further debate of the main
question.
40. When a question is postponed indefinitely, the same shall
not be acted upon again during the session.
41. No motion or proposition on a subject different from that
r-ider consideration, shall be admitted under color of amendment.
42. The unfinished business in which the House was engaged
a the adjournment, shall have the preference in the orders of the
day, and no motion on any other business shall be received with-
cut special leave of the House, until the former is disposed of.
- 43. Upon the call of the House, the names of the member
hall be called over by the Clerk and the absentees noted; after
which, the nafies of the absentees shall again be called over, the
doors shall then be shut, and those for whom rio excuse or in-
sufficient excuses are made, may, by order of those present, be
taken into custody as they appear, or may be sent for and taken

42

into custocly wherever to be found by the Sergeant-at-Arms.
44. When, a member shall be discharged from custody and
admitted to his seat, the Iouse shall determine whether such
discharge shall be with or without paying fees, .
45. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Elections to ex-
amine and report upon the certificates of election, or other cre-
dentials, of the members returned to serve in this (House, and to
take into their consideration all such petitions and other matters
touching elections -and: returns as shall or may be pr*ielutd or
come into question, and be referred to thiemn by the House.
46.' No committee shall sit.during the sitting. of the nIouse
without special leave. :
47. All bills ordered to be engrossed, shall be executed, in a:
"fair round hand d and without erasures or interlineations.
48., Before -a bill or resolution requiring,three re:diing,- shall
be read the third time, it,shall be carefully engrossed under -the
direction of the Clerk,; and upon the third readiiig of the bill or
resolution,-it shall not be committed or amended without the con-
sent of three-fourths of the House.
49. No amendment by way of rider shall be received: to any
bill on its third reading. ,
50. When a bill or resolution shall have, pias;:d its third read-
ing, it shall be certified by the clerk endorsing thereon the day
of its passage, and be transmitted to the Senate,' naeonp'lied
with a message stating the title of the bill or resohlitio,, ;I d ask-
ing the concurrence of tlhat body, .and its tra);nsmia:;ion shall be
entered upon the Journal.
51. Bills committed to, a committee of the whole House .shall.
be first rend throughout by the 'clerk, and then again read and
debated by clauses, leaving the preamble to be last considered.
The body of the said bill shall not be.interlined an! decleeil but
'all amendments, noting the.page and line, shall be .duly entered
by the clerk on a separate ,paper, as the same. shall le agreed to
by thecommittee, and so reported to the House. -Aftie report,
the bill shall again be subject to be debated .a'd. mnl c0ded by
clauses. :- .
52. It shall be in ordcer,foi the Committee on E inrolled and En-
grossed Bills to report t any time.
53. Messages shall be transmitted to the Governor and ,, atfe
by the Door-keeper, unless otherwise.directed by the House.
54. No bill shall be introduced into the House on the last week
*of the session, nor shall the rules, or any of them, be rescinded
.or suspended, unless two-thirds of the members preiseit so direct.
55. That uplon the adjourmuenit of the General AXseibly, the
Clerk of the House shall be required to file in the office of the
Secretary of State, all papers on file with him relating tb unfin

43

ished business, all original papers and Journals of the House, and
that he be required to obtain a certificate from the Secretary of
:State that suchl has been done, and file the: sme with the !Treas-
urer before receiving his compensation.
56. In :llcases not provided for by these Rules, parliamentary
practice, as laid down ii Jefferson's Manual, is hereby adopted.

The following message was received from the Senate -
SENATE CHAMBER )
Tallahassee, N0o. 23, 1864.
*Hon. PHILIP DELL, ,
"Speaker of thb House of Representatives:
S SIn: The Senate has this day passed the following resolution
Resolved,' That the House of Representatives be notified that
the Senate will be ready on to-morrow to enter into election of
officers required by tiis General :Assembly, on joint ballot, at
such hbur as the House may determine. -
Very respectfully,
'F. L. VILLEPIGUE,
Sec. of the Senate.
Which. was read and. the resolution contained therein concur-
red in, and the Ho.use.selected half-past 12 o'clock on to-mor-
row.
"The following report was received from Mr. Benezet, Account-
ent,'&c., appointed last session of the General Assembly:
: : TALH.1ASEE, Nov. 23d,;1864.
HIon. PHILIP DELL,
S peak er of the House of Representatives:
SIR: I have the honor to report that I have adjiisted the ac-
counts of H. V. Snell, Quartermaster General, J. W. Pearson,
SDisbursing Agent, and Ex-Governor M 'S. SPerry, and the result
is as follows, viz:
There is dud to H V. Snell, Quartermaster General, iby the
"State of Florida, the sutni often thiiusand two' hundredd dollars
and thirty-five cents.' .
SThere is due to the State of Florida by J. W. Pearson, Dis-
bursing Agent, the sum of thirteen 'thousand six hundred and
eighty-four dollars. In December last, Mr. Pearson remitted to
me a check for three thousand dollars, which' his been jaid into
the Treasury. : He wrote that the 'amount- was "a balance re-

44

mnaining in my (his) hands after paying some militia claim
placed in my -(his) hands by Governor Perry. As soon as E
can, will come to Tallahassee and make a final settlement of the
whole matter.,.The fact of my being in the service for the last
two years has prevented me from making this settlement .long
since. The claims have pretty much all been paid, with the ex-
ception of a few Quartermaster's accounts. The pay rolls, or the
amount due on them, have all been paid; and you will please
have them so marked with pencil on the rolls that arein the
hands of the State Paymaster. I have the vouchers, and will
have them properly receipted when I come to Tallahassee." I
have been informed that Mr. Pearson is dead.
The whole amount chargeable to M. S. Perry is two hundred
and forty-one thousand nine hundred and seventy-seven dollars
"and twenty-six cents. I have allowed him credits to the amount
of two hundred and forty-three thousand four hundred and eighty-
. four dollars and thirty-five cents, which leaves a balance due him
amounting to fifteen hundred and seven dollars and nine cents.
Governor Perry claims a further allowance of five thousand
and sixty dollars, which I have not felt authorized to allow. The
amount consists of the following items, viz
: i checks on New York, fcb $500 each, is ....... $1,000 00
1 check on New Orleans, for.................. 500 01
Premium on checks above,............ ......... 60 00
S' Cash,.. .. .. ............. ... ...... ...... 3,500 00

Tbotal, :' $5,060 00
drawn from the State Bank of Florida on the 14th day of Janu-
Sary, 1861, and being part of an item of $10,260 charged to him
on that day in the Bank account current. This amount Gover-
nor Perry claims to have been disbursed for the benefit of the
State, but, as no vouchers therefore have been exhibited, I have
not allowed the same. I am thus particularly ip.stating the mat-
ter,in order that he may derive the benefit of producing the vouch-
ers hereafter. -I would further state,. that, owig to the contin-
ned sickness of Governor Perry, he has not had an opportunity
of explaining or examining the account with me since the receipt
,ofthe cothe copyofhtle adjustment which I forwarded to him.
Very respectfiilly,:' :
:....,. .. SAMUEL BENEZET,
Accountant.
W which was read and referred to a select committee, consisting
Sof Messrs. Eppes, Hope and Bates.:,
Mr. :Peden offered the following resolution:
Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of

_. 45

the State of Florida, in General Assembly 'convened, That the
Committee on the Judiciary be instructed to enquire and to re-
port by bill or otherwise, what amendment or compilation of the
laws and ordinances ot the State is practicable, or what substitute
can be adopted having reference to .cheapness and efficiency.
Which was read and adopted..
Mr. Dell presented a petition from certain citizens of Alachua
county, which was read, and, on motion, referred to the com-
mittee on Propositions and Grievances.

ORDERS OF THE DAY.

A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to'
allow the Supreme Court of this State to hold. extra terms in cer-
tain cases therein specified, approved December 28, 1854,
SWas read the first time, rule waived, read a 'second time by
its title, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
A bill to be entitled an act to provide for.the taking the census
in the year 1865, in this State, ,
Was read the first time, rule waived, read a second time by
its title, and referred to the Judiciary Cohmittee. :
A bill to be entitled an act in relation to fines, bonds and the
accounts of administrators,
Was read the first time, rule waived, read a second time' by
its, title, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
.A bill to be entitled' an act to provide for the appointment of
county officers in certain cases,
Was read the first time, rule waived, read a second time by-
its title, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
S A bill to be entitled an act to suspend the collection of taxes
in counties held or controlled by the enemy,.
Was read the first time, rule waived, read a second time by.
its title, and referred td the Committee 6n Taxation and Revenue.
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of soldiers' families,
Was read the first time, ruled waived, read a second time by
its title, and referred to the Joint Select Committee for the relief
of soldiers' famnfilies. ,
A bill to be entitled an act to import articles of necessity for
Sthe State of Florida from foreign countries,
SWas read' the first time and ordered for a second reading or
to-morrow.
Resolution in relation to the pay of members of the present.
session, -
Was read the first time and ordered- for a second reading on
to-morrow. ,

S46

Resolution for the relief of the Tax Collector for Madison
county,
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. Wil-
liams, the House adjourned until 11 o'clock to-morrow morning.

FRIDAY, November 25th, 1864.

The House niet pursuant to adjournment.
A quorum present.
The Rev. Dr. DuBose officiated as Chaplain.
On motion of Mr. Eppes, the reading of the journal of yester-
day's proceedings was dispensed with and the journal approved.
Notice was given of intention to introduce the following bills
on some future day, viz:
By Mr. Turner :'
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act for the protection
of cattle owners in the counties of Levy, Lafayette, Taylor Wa-
.killa and Duval.
By Mr. Griffin :
A bill to be entitled an act to consolidate the offices of Clerk.
of the Circuit Court and Judge of Probate in and for the county
of Manatee; also,
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act'entitled an act to
establish'and permanently locate the county site of Manatee
county.
SBy Mr. Baker: -
SA bill to be entitled an act to amend the first and fifth sections
of an a:ct to facilitate the construction of public defence, ap-
proved December 15, 1862.
By Mi. Hope:'
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Berinjamin J. Hag-
ler, of Hillsboro county.
Mr. Smith of Madison moved that 200 additional copies of the
Governor's Message arid accompanying documents be printed for
the use of this House;
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Avery moved that the President of the Board of Trustees
of the Internal Improvement Fund be: requested to inform the
House if any, and if any, whataction has been taken by said Board

"47

under an act granting alternate sections of swamp and over-
flowed lands to the Perdido Railroad .Company, approved De-
cember 22, 1859;
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Allison moved that so much of the Governor's message as
relates to federal relations, be referred to the Committee on
Confederate Relations.
That so much as relates to State defences, be referred to the
Committee on the Militia.
That so much as relates to State officers, be referred to the
Committee on the State of the Commonwealth.
That so much as relates to finances and taxes, be referred to
the Committee ori Taxation and Revenue.
That so much as relates to public lands, be referred,to the Com-
mittee on Public Lands.
That so much as relates to the :education of soldiers' children,
be referred to the Committee on Schools and Colleges.
That so much as relates to the report of the Attorney General
be referred to the'Conmittee on the Judiciary.
That so much as relates to clothing for troops, cards and salt,,
be referred to a select committee of three: to be appointed by the
Chair.
That so much as relates to hospitals, be referred to a similar
committee.
Which was agreed to, and Messrs. Allison, Williams and
Manm appointed a committee relative to clothing, &c.; and
Messrs. Hunter, Bates and Bevill appointed a committeerelative
to hospitals, & Mr. Scott, fiomi the QConmittee on Propositions and Grievances,
made the following report:
The Committee on Propositions and Grievances, to whom was
referred the petition of James Pendarvis, H. A. Underwood, G.:
W. Sanchez and Isham B. Thomas, have lad the same consider-
ation and recommend that the Legislature enact the following
bill for the relief of David A. Friar, Tax Assessor and Collector
of Alachua county, Fla. :
N. T. SCOTT, Chm'n.
Which was received and read;and, the bill placed among the
orders of the day.
Mr. Eppes, from the Judiciary Committee, made the following
.report:.
The Judiciary Committee, to whom a bill to be entitled an act
to provide for taking the Census in the year 1865, in this State,
was referred, report the bill back to the House with the recom-,

48

nmendation it be acted on in committee of the whole House, or be
referred to the. Standing Committee of the Commonwealth.
Respectfully submitted,
T; J. EPPES,
Chm'n Judiciary Comittee. .
Which was received and read and the bill placed among the
orders of the day.
Also the following:
The Judiciary Committee, to whom the following bills were re-
ferred, to-wit:
A' bill to be entitled an act to amend an act to allow the Su-
preme Court of this State to hold extra terms in certain cases
therein specified, approved December 28, 1854; and,
A bill to be entitled an act in relation to 'fines, bonds and the
=counts of administrators,
Report, they have examined the same and recommend their
-assage.
"T. J. EPPES,
C i Chm'n Judiciary Committee.
Your Committee further report that they have examined a bill
to provide for the appointment of county officers in certain cases,
and recommend its passage, with the following amendment to sec-
tion 2d:
"Provided, however, this act shall not be construed to deprive
or take away the power vested by law in any Judge of a Circuit
-when vacancy in the office of Clerk or Sheriff occurs, if the said
Judge is in the discharge of his duties.
Respectfully submitted,
ST. J. EPPES,
Chm'n Judiciary Committee.
Which was received and read and the bills placed among the
orders of the day.
Mr Jones, from the Joint Select Committee, made the follow-
ing report.
SThe Joint Select Committee who were .appointed by the Sen-
,ate and House of Representatives, and instructed to report by
bill for the organization of. the Militia, beg leave to

REPORT,

That they have performed that duty iand report a bill to be en-
titled an act to organize State troops for the State of Florida,"
for the action of the General Assembly, and that said bill has

49

been sent to the Senate.
Respectfully submitted,
D. P. HOLLAND,
"Chm'n Senate Committee.
JAS. Y. JONES,
Chm'n House Committee.
S Which was received and read.
Mr. Avery, from the Joint Select Committee of the House, made
the following report:.
The Joint Select Committee appointed for the purpose of ta-
king into consideration the relief of soldiers' families, and to
whom was referred the bill entitled "An act for the relief of
soldiers' families," ask leave to report as follows:
They recommend that the blank be.filled in the.first section
with the words five hundred thousand."
That in the second section the words "to make purchases" be
stricken out.
That in the third section the blank be filled with the words
"fifteen hundred."
With these amendments they recommend the passage of the
bill.
EDWARD HOPKINS,
"Chm'n Senate Committee,
JOHN SCOTT,
E. J. VANN,
JAS. L. KING.
O. X. AVERY,
Chm'n House Committee,
THOSE. Y. HENRY,
ARTHUR ROBERTS,
JAS. A. PEDEN,
HIRAM T. MANN.
Which was received and read and the bills placed among the
orders of the day.
The rule being waived, the following bills were introduced
without previous notice, and placed among the orders of the day,
viz:
By Mr. Avery:
Abill to be entitled an act for a digest of the statutes of this
State.
By Mr. Jones:
A bill to be entitled an act to amend the laws providing for a
stay of executions; and,
7

50

A bill to be entitled an act in relation to appeals from municipal
courts.

ORDERS OF THE DAY.

A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to
allow the Supreme Court of this State to hold 'extra terms in
certain cases therein specified, approved December 28, 1854,
Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for a
third reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act in relation to bonds, fines and the
accounts of administrators,
Was read the second time and ordered that 70 copies be print-
ed for the use' of the House.
A bill to be entitled ail act for the relief of soldiers' families,
Was read the second time and amended, and ordered that 70
copies be printed for the use of the House.
" A bill to be entitled an act to provide for the appointment of
of county officers in certain cases,
Was read the second time, the amendment reported by the
Judiciary Committee adopted and ordered, to be engrossed as
amended for a third reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled "An Act to provide for taking the census
for the year 1865,in this State','
Was read the second time and referred to the committee on
State of Commonwehlth.
S A resolution in relation to the pay of members of the present
session,
Was read second time and referred to committee on Finance
and Public Accounts.
A bill to be entitled "An Act to import articles of necessity.
for the State of Florida from Foreign countries,"
Was read second time and referred to the committee on Com-
merce and Navigation.
A bill to be entitled "An Act providing for a Digest of the
Statutes of this State,"
Was read first 'time, .rules waived, read second time by its
title and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
A bill to be entitled "An A6t to amend the laws providing for
:a stay of executions,"
Was read first time-rules waived, read second time by its
title and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
A bill to be entitled "An Act in relation to appeals from Mu-
nicipal Courts,"
Was read first time-rules waived, read a second time by its
title and referred to the Judiciary Committee:

I,

51

A bill for the relief of David A. Fryar, Tax Assessor and Col-
lector of Alachua county,
Was read first time, and ordered for a second reading on to-
morrow.
"A Resolution for the relief of the Tax Collecter of Madison
county,
Was read a second time and ordered to be engrossed for a third
reading on to-morrow.
On motion of Mr. Jones, the House took a recess until 25 min-
utes past 12 o'clock P. iM.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

"25 MINUTEs PAST 12 O'CLOCK P. M.
The House resumed its session, a quorum present.
Mr. Turnblull moved that a committee of three be appointed
to inform the Senate that the House was ready to go into the
election of State Treasurer, Comptroller of Public Accounts, Sec-
retary of State, and Attorney General;
Which was agreed to, and Messrs. Turnbull, Bates and Hope
appointed said committee.
The-committee retired, and after a short absence returned and
reported that they had performed their duty, and were dischar-
ged. "
The Senate entered the Hall.
The President took the Chair by invitation of the Speaker.
Mr. Williams moved to go into the election of Attorney Gen-
eral;
Which was agreed to.
The President announced nominations for Attorney General in
order.
-IMr. Allison nominated John B. Galbraith.
The vote was:,
SFo- Mr. GALBRAITH-- Senate 11. House-Mr. Speaker,
M:essrs. Allison, Atkins, Avery, Baker, Bates, Bevill, Bradford,
"Brown, Campbell, Davis, Eppes, Griffin, Henry, Hope, Hunter,
Johnston, Jones, Langford, Mann, McMillan, Mitchell, Moore,
Nixon, Peden; Poe, Robei-ts, Ross, Scott, Smith of Madison,
Smith of Wakulla, Turnbull, Turner, Wilkison, Williams and
Woodruff-36. Total-47. -
Mr. Galbraith having received the requisite constitutional ma-
jority, the President announced him duly elected Attorney Gen-
eral.

52

The President announced nominations for Secretary of State
in order.
Mr. Johnston, of Brevard, nominated Mr. B. F. Allen.
The vote was:
'on B. F. ALLEN--Senate 11. House-Mr. Speaker, Messrs.
Allison, Atkins, Avery, Baker, Bates, Bevill, Bradford, Brown,
Campbell, Davis, Eppes, Griffin, Henry, Hope, Hunter, Johns-
ton, Jones, Langford, Mann, McMillan, Mitchell, Moore, Nixon,
Peden, Poe, Roberts, Ross, Scott, Smith of Madison, Smith of
Wakulla, Turnbull, Turner, Wilkison, Williams and Woodruff
-36. Total 47.
Mr. Allen having received the requisite constitutional majori-
ty, the President announced him duly elected Secretary of State.
The President announced nominations for Comptroller of Pub-
lic Accounts in order.
Mr. Hopkins nominated Walter Gwynn.
Mr. Henry nominatedaSarnuel S. Benezet.
The vote was:
FOE Mr. GWYNN-Senate 5. House-Messrs. Avery, Bates,
Bevill, -Bradford, Brown, Campbell, Davis, Hunter, Johnston,
Jones, Langford, Mann, McMillan, Peden, Roberts, Ross, Scott,
SSmith of Madison, Smith of Wakulla, Turner, Wilkison, Wil-
liams and Woodruff-23. Total 28.
FoR Min. BENEZET-Senate 6. House-Mr. Speaker, Messrs.
Allison, Atkins, Bhker, Eppes, Griffin, Henry, Hope, Mitchell,
Moore, Nixon, Poe and Turnbull--13. Total 19.
Mr. Gywnn having received the requisite constitutional major-
ity, the President announced him duly elected Comptroller of
Public Accounts.
The President announced nominations for State Treasurer in
order.
Mrd. Turnbull nominated C. H. Austin.
The vote was.
Fon Mr. AusTIN-Senate 11. House-Mr. Speaker, Messrs.
Allison, Avery, Baker, Bates, Bevill, Bradford, Brown, Camp-
bell, Davis, Eppes, Griffin, Henry, Hope, Hunter, Johnston,
Jones, Langford, Mann, McMillan, Mitchell, Moore, Peden, Rob-
erts, Ross, Scott, Smith of Madison, Smith of Wakulla, Turnbull,
Turner, Wilkison, Williams and Woodruff--33. Total-44.
Mr. Austin having received,the requisite constitutional major-
ity, the President announced him duly elected State Treasurer.
Mr. Russell moved that the joint assembly now adjourn.
Which was agreed to, and the Senate returned to their cham-
-ber.
On motion of Mr. Smith of Madison, the House adjourned until
to-morrow morning 11 o'clock.

53

SATURDAY, November 26th, 1864.

The House met pursuant to adjournment.
A quorum present.
The Rev. Dr. DuBose officiated as Chaplain.
On motion of Mr. Scott, the reading of the Journals of yester-
day's proceedings was dispensed with, and the Journal approved
On motion, Mr. Jones, of Jefferson, was excused from attend-
ance upon this House uhtil one o'clock Monday.
On motion of Mr. Scott, Mr. Nixon was excused until Tues-
day 10 o'clock A. M.
On motion of Mr. Allison, Mr. Henry was excused until Mon
day 10 o'clock A. M.
On motion of Mr. Scott, the Sergeant-at-Armis was excused
until Monday 11 o'clock A.'M.
On motion of Mr. Avery, the rule was waived and he allowed
to introduce, without giving previous notice, a bill to be entitled
"An Act for the Education of Soldiers' Children;"7
Which was agreed to, and the bill placed among the orders of
day.
Mr. Bradford, of Leon, presented the following Memorial:
TALLAHASSEE, LEON COUNTY, Nov. 25, 1864.
7te Mlfemorial of W. E. Danellg, .Judge of P'Pobate for thc
County of Leon, to the Honorable Geneeral Assembly of 4,;:
State of Florida, respectfully e2)reesents :
That he is, by law, ex-officio a member and Secretary of -tlc.
_Board of Education for the Seminary West, located at Ta&.s-
hassee, and that the duties of that position are, at all times, i-
compatible with his office, of Judge of Probate, and by with-
drawing him from his usual and regular functions, are a serious
inconvenience frequently to the public; but at this time, wTa:
his duties, in consequence of the war, and the attention neces.r.y
to be given to the matter of providing for the destitute families
of Soldiers, are greatly multiplied, and demand every momc-.i
he can spare, this inconvenience is greatly augmented. Your
memorialist further shews unto your Honorable body that, be-
side the addition of business thrown fipon this office in providing
for the wants of the said families, the calamities of war have
thrown therein a larger amount of its usual business of admninzs-
tration than common, and that every moment of time which he
can devote to these two matters, and to the county business, is
absolutely necessary to do justice thereto. Your memorialist,
therefore, respectfully prays that your Honorable body will re-
move him from the said position of member 'and Seceetary of the
said Board, at least until. the'termination of the war, conscier-

tiously believing that he.cannot do justice to all this business,
and that the attempt to do so will, as it already has done, by a
constant confinement, seriously impair his health, and, so far
from benefitting, will injure the public. And your memorialist
will, as in duty bound, ever pray for your Honorable body.
SW. E. DANELLY,
Judge of Probate, Leon County.
Which was read and referred to'committee on Schools and
Colleges.
Mr. McMillan presented the following resolution:
That a Joint Committee of three, on the part of each House,
be appointed to examine the office of Register of Public Lands;
Which was read and adopted.
Mr. Avery offered the following resolution in regard to Pub-
lic Lands:
That the price of the public lands in this State shall be five
times the price last fixed by law;
Which was read first time-rules waived, read second time by
title and referred to committee on Public Lands.
The following resolutions were presented:
By Mr. Griffin:
A resolution for the relief of J. N. Andrews;
Which was placed among the orders of the day.
By Mr. Smith, of Wakulla:
A resolution relative to relief of Soldiers' families;
Which was read and adopted.
Mr. Peden, Chairman of the committee on Commerce and
Navigation, made the following report:
The undersigned committee, to whom was. referred a bill to
be entitled an act to import articles of necessity for the use of
the State of Florida from foreign countries," beg leave to report'
by their Chairman, that they have had said bill under considera-
tion -and recommend a'bill for the purpose of nut.horizino the
importation of materials for clothing, cotton cards for the use, of'
indigent soldiers' families, implements of husbandry and for their
manufacture, and that such bill contain specific requirements.and
directions as to such fund as shall be appropriated.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES A PEDEN, Chm'n..
Which was read, and bill placed among the orders of the day.
Mr. Griffin, from the Committee on Engrossed BillP made the
following report:
The committee, to whom was referred the following bills, have
examined the same and beg leave to report that they are cor-
rectly engrossed: .

A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to
allow the Supreme Courts of this State to hold extra: terms in
certain cases therein specified, approved December 28, 1854;
SA bill to be entitled an act to provide for the appointment of
county officers in certain cases- and,
Resolution for the relief of the Tax Collector for Madison
county.
W. A. GRIFFIN, Chm'n.
Which was received and the bills and resolutions placed among
the orders of the day.
Mr. Ross, from the Committee on Finance and Public Ac-
counts, made the following Report:
The Committee on Finance and Public Accounts, to whom
was submitted a resolution relative to the pay of members of the
General Assembly ask leave to

REPORT:

They recommend as a substitute for said resolution the follow-
ing:
WHEnEAs, The act fixing the pay of members of the General As-
sembly at five dollars per. day, and the mileage at ten cents per
mile, was passed at a time when the currency of the country
was upon a specie basis; and whereas, the members of the pres-
ent General' Assembly do not feel that they would be justified
in requiring a literal compliance with the law and accepting
five dollars per day for services, and ten cents per mile for
traveling expenses in specie or its equivalent-
Therefore resolved by the Senae and H.ouse of Representatives
of the State of Florida in General Assembly convened, That
the Committee which may have in charge the making of the
appropriation bill. f the present session, be and they are hereby
instructed to allow to each 'member of the General Assembly
the amount required to pay the usual and proper traveling ex-
penses attendant upon a journey from his county to the Capitol,
and also the amount required to pay the usual and proper Hotel
bills, and the several members hereby relinquish all claim for
further compensation.
SWM. B. ROSS, Cham'n.
Which was received and read the resolution placed among the
orders of the day.
Mr. Eppes, from a Select Committee, made the following re-
port:
Your C- mmittee, appointed to examine the report of Samuel
Benezet, Esq., accountant appointed under act of the Legislature

56

aU adjust the.accounts. of Ex-Governor M. S. Perry, H. V. Snell,
te Quarter Master General, and of'J. W. Pearson, Disbursing
Agent, beg leave to
REPORT:

They have carefully examined said matters, and find certain
1..hnces in favor of Ex-Governor M. S. Perry, and of H. V. Snell,
Ihto Quarter Master General. These balances were arrived at
3y the accountant, after a long and tedious examination of pa-
pers, and evince a care and labor on his part worthy of all praise.
Your Committee have drafted a bill, herewith submitted, enti-
":d "An act relating to the accounts of Ex-Governor M. S. Per-
y and of H. V. Snell, late Quarter Master General'," authorising
r payment to them of the balances found due, and making com-
-ensation to the accountant for his services in behalf of said par-
i' -3 and the State, and respectfully recommend its passage.
T. J. EPPES, Chairman
SAMUEL E. HOPE,
GEO. M. BATES.
Which was received and read and the bill placed among the
..c.rs of the dny.
Mr. Eppes, from the Judiciary Committee, made the following

The Judiciary Conmi.ttee beg leave to

REPORT:

S They have had under consideration a bill to be entitled an act
: relation to appeals from Municipal Courts, and recommend it
o not pass. The bill indirectly affects matters that are regula-
I by Chharter, and the Constitution forbids any amendment to
W, rma.de to Charters without a certain specified notice.
Your committee also examined a bill referred to them entitled
r-m. act providing for a Digest of the Statutes of the State, and.
r rrort: '
'They concur in the belief that our laws require a digest, but
'Uink the unsettled state of our country renders it inexpedient to
io. this at present. Besides the cost, for the mere article of pa-
pe, if made and published now, would be enormous, exceeding
ten times the cost it would be in more peaceful times. For these
S-2.sons, without approving or disapproving the plan proposed,
7our committee recommend the postponement of the subject.
T. J. EPPES,
Chairman Judiciary Committee.

57

Which was received and the bills placed among the orders of
the day.
The following message was received from the Senate:
SENATE COAAMBEE,
Tallahassee, Nov. 25, 1864.
Hon. PHILIP DELL,
Speaker of the House of Representatives:
SIR:-The Senate has this day, passed the following bills and
resolutions, viz:
A bill to be entitled an act to provide for taking the census of
1865;
A bill to be entitled an act to create- special tribunals for the
trial of capital offences, committed by slaves, free negroes and
mulattoes;
House resolution of thanks to Capt. J. J. Dickison; and,,
House resolution of enquiry in relation to the amendment of
the laws.
Veiy Respectfully,
F. L. VILLEPIGUE,
Secretary of Senate.
Which was read and the Seniate bills placed among the orders
of the day, and the House" resolutions ordered to be enrolled.
Mr. Eppes, from the Judiciary Comhmittee, made the following
report:
The Judiciary Committee, to whom a bill to be entitled an act
to amend the laws providing for a stay of executions was. referr-
ed report the bill back with the following amendment, iLpon the
adoption of which they recommend its passage.
Respectfully submitted,
T. J. EPPES,
Cham'n Judiciary Committee.
Which was read and the bill placed among the orders of the
day.
ORDERS OF THE DAY.

A bill relating to the accounts of Ex-Gov. M. S. Perry and H.
V. Snell, late Quartermaster General,
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-Mir. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Atkins, Avery, Baker,
8

58

Bates, Bevill, Bradford, Brown, Campbell, Davis, Eppes, Griffin,
Hope, Htunter, Johnston, Langford, Mann, McMillan, Mitchell,
Moore, Nixon, Peden, Roberts, Ross, Scott, Smith of Madison,
Smith of Wakulla, Turnbull, Wilkison, Williams and Woodruff
-32.
Nays-None.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that thee same be certified to the Senate.
A bill to be entitled an act providing for a Digest of the Stat-
utes of this State,
Was read the second time.
On motion of Mr. Avery, the above bill was laid upon the table.
A bill to be entitled an act in relation to appeals from Munici-
pal Courts,
Was read the second time by its title, and on motion of Mr.
"Ross, was indefinitely postponed.
A resolution for the relief of the Tax-collector for Madison
county,
*Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
.The vote was:
Yeas-Messrs. Avery, Baker, Bevill, Campbell, Eppes, Hope,
HunFter, Langford, Mann, McMillan, Peden, Poe, Scott, Smith of
M )adison and Smith of Wakulla-15.
1TNays3-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Atkins, Bates, Bradford,
Griffin, Mitchell, Moore, Nixon, Turnbull, Williams and Wood-
ruff--12.
So the resolution passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate,
A bill to be entitled an act to provide for appointment of
county officers in certain cases,
Was read the third time and .put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-M'r. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Atkins, Avery, Baker,
Bates, Bevill, Bradford, Brown, Campbell, Davis, Eppes, Griffin,
Rope, Hunter, Johnston, Langford, Mann, 2McMillan, Mitchell-
Mo.r,-, Nixon, Peden, Poe, Roberts, Scott, Smith of Madison,
Smith of Wakulla, Turnbull, Wilkison,. Williams and Wood-
ruff---32.
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 amend an act entitled an act to
allow the Supreme Court of this State to hold extra terms in
"certain cases therein specified, approved Deceniber 28, 1864,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:

v

'59

Yeas-MIr. Speaker, Messrs. Atkins, Avery, .Baker, Bates,
Bradford, Brown, Campbell, Davis, Eppes, Griffin, Hope, Hun-
ter, Langford, Mann, McMillan, Mitchell, Moore,'Nixon, Peden,
Poe, Roberts, Ross, Scott; Smith of Madison, Smith of Wakulla,
Turnbull, Turner, Wilkinson and Williams-30.
SNays-Messrs. Allison, Bevill and Woodruff--3.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
Resolution in relation to the.pay of the members of the Gen-
eral Assembly,
Was read the second time, the substitute resolution adopted
in lieu of the original resolution, and ordered to be engrossed
for a third reading on Monday.
A bill to be entitled an act to import articles of necessity for
the State of Florida from foreign countries,
Was read the'second time and passed over informally.
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Soldiers' families,
Was read second time, and, upon motion, passed over inform-
ally and made special order for Monday next.
A bill for the relief of David A. Frier, Tax Assessor of Ala-
chua county,
Was read second time, and referred to committee on Claims.
A bill to be entitled an act to amend the laws providing for a
stay of executions,
Was read second time and passed over informally, and made
special order of the day for next Monday.
A resolution for the relief of Wm. H. Durance and W. S..Spen-
cer, Sheriffs,
Was read first time, and ordered for a second reading on Mon-
day next.
SThe following message was received from the Senate:
SENATE CHAMBER, j
Nov. 26th, 1864.
Hon. PHILIP DELL,
Speaker of the House of Representatives :
SmI :-The Senate has this day passed the following bills and
resolutions, viz:
Bill to be entitled an act in relation to estates in this State;
Bill to be entitled an act to amend the laws relative to slaves;
Resolution making valid the election held in Duval county on
the 1st Monday in October, 1864; and,
Resolution relative to pay of. soldiers in the Confederate
service.
Very respectfully,
F. L. VILLEPIGUE,
"Secretary of the Senate.

60

Which was read and placed among the orders of the day.
Mr. Baker-the rules being waived-was allowed to introduce,
without previous notice,
A bill to be entitled an act to amend the first and fifth sections.
of an act entitled "an act to facilitate the construction of public
defenses," approved December 15 1862;
Which was placed among the orders of the day.
Mr. Moore-the rules being waived-was allowed to introduce
A bill to be entitled an act for the education of Soldiers' chil-
dren ;
Which was placed among the orders of the day.
A bill to be entitled an act in relation to fines, bonds and the
accounts of administrators,
Was read the second time, and on motion, passed over infor-
mally.
Resolution for the relief of J. N. Andress,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
Monday.
Senate resolution relative to pay of soldiers in the Confederate
service,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
3Monday. .
Senate bill to.be entitled an act to amend the laws relative to
slaves,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
Monday.
Senate bill to be entitled an act in relation to estates in this
State,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
Monday.
Senate resolution making valid the election held in Duval coun-
ty, on the first Monday in October, 1864,
Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second and third
times by its it ttle and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Atkins, Avery, Baker, Bevill,
Campbell, Davis, Eppes, Griffin, Hope, Hunter, Langford, Mann,
McMillan, Mitchell, Moore, Peden, Poe, Roberts, Ross, Smith of
]Madison, Smith of Wakulla, Turnbull, Wilkison and Williams-
25.
Nays-Messrs. Allison, Bradford and Brown-3.
So the resolution passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
Senate bill, to be entitled an act to create special tribunals for
the trial of capital offences committed by slaves, free negroes
and mulattoes,

61

Was read first time-irules waived, read second time by its
title and referred to the Judiciary Committee, and seventy co-
pies ordered to be printed.
Senate bill, to be entitled an act to provide for taking the cen-
sus of 1865,
Was read first time-rules waived, read second time by its
title and referred to committee on the State of the Commonwealth.
House bill, to be entitled an act to amend the first and fifth
sections of an aet entitled "an act to facilitate the construction of
public defences," approved Dec. 15, 1862,
Was read first time and ordered to be engrossed for a second
reading on Monday next.
A bill to be entitled an act for the education of Soldiers' chil-
dren,
Was read first time-rules waived, read second time by its
title and referred to committee on Schools and Colleges, and 70
copies ordered to be printed.
On motion of Mr. Eppes, the House adjourned until 11 o'clock
A. M. on Monday next.

MONDAY, November. 28, 1864.

The House met pursuant to adjournment.
A quorum present.
The Rev. Dr. DuBose officiated as Chaplain.
On motion of Mr. Johnston, the reading of Saturday's Journal
was dispensed with, and the same approved.
Mr. Peter Monroe, from the County of Putnam, presented his
credentials, and was duly sworn by the Hon. T. J. Eppes, a No-
tary Public, and took his seat..
Pursuant to previous notice, the following bills were intro-
duced' and placed among the orders of the day:
By, Mr. Griffin:
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled "an act to
establish and permanently locate the county site of Manatee
County,"'approved Dec. 5th, 1861.
By Mr. Griffin: .
A bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act to consolidate the
offices of clerk of the Circuit Court and Judge of Probate in and
for Manatee County, approved Dec. 8th, 1862.
Notice was given of intention to introduce at some future day
the following bills:
By Mr. Ross:
A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the Administrator on

62

the estate of Anna L. Casey, late of Columbia county, to make
titles to certain lots of land to the Catholic Church, or the Trus-
tees thereof, in the town of Lake City.
By. Mr. Johnston:
A bill to be entitled an act to locate the county site of Brevard
county.
The rule being waived, the following bills were introduced
without previous notice, and placed amopg the orders of the day,
viz:
By Mr. Brown:
A bill to be entitled an act for the purchase of corn.
By Mr. Smith of Madison:
A bill to be entitled an act relative to holding Commissioners'
Court of Lafayette county.
By Mr. Turnbull:
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of our sick and wound-
ed soldiers.
Mr. Henry offered the following resolution:
Resolution to permit B. Gardner to fulfil a contract with the
Confederate States;
Which was read and placed among t rr the orders of the day.
Mr. Avery, from the Committee on Public Lands, made the
following report:
Mr. Avery, from the Committee on Public Lands, asked leave
to report back the "resolution in regard to the Public Lands"
and recommend -its passage.
They find the price as fixed by law and regulation is, on lands
acquired by secession:
For pine lands, one dollar per acre.
hammock lands, two dollars per acre.
"'" School the price is $1.25 to $10 per acre.
"' Seminary $1.87 to 87.50 per acre.
The lands obtained by virtue of secession can be entered only
upon payment of State Treasury notes. This is a provision of
an ordinance of th6 State Convention. The School andSemi-
nary lands may be entered upon payment of Confederate obliga-
tions.
The credit of the State issues is based upon our public lands.
The committee do not deem it wise to dose the door upon all
sales, but the depreciation in the currency admonishes them to
provide against that waste of the resources of the State which
must result from a continuance of the present prices.
0. M. AVERY,
Chm'n Com. Public Lands.
Which was read and the resolution placed among the orders
of the day.

I

63

Mr. Eppes, from the Judiciary Committee, made the following
report:
Your committee, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an
act to create special tribunals for the trial of capital offences com-
mitted by slaves, free negroes and mulattoes, beg leave to report
the same back to the House and recommend its passage.
Respectfully submitted,
T. J. EPPES,
Chm'n Judiciary Committee.

Which was received and read and the bill placed among the
orders of the day.
Mr. Griffin, from the Committee on Engrossed Bills, made the
following report:
The Committee on Engrossed Bills, having examined the fol-
lowing, resolution, report the same to be correctly engrossed:
A Resolution in relation to the pay of members of the pres-
ent session.
W. A. GRIFFIN, Chm'n.

Which was read and resolution placed among the orders of
the day.
The following message was received from the Senate:
SENATE CHAMBER,
STallahassee, Nov. 28, 1864.
Hon. PHILIP' DELL,
Speaker of the House of Representatives:
SIR :-The Senate has this day passed the following resolution:
"Resolution for the destruction of redeemed State Treasury
notes, and bonds of 1856 and 1861.
Very respectfully,
F. L. VILLEPIGUE,
Sec. of the Senate.
Which was read, and the Senate resolution placed among the
orders of the day.

ORDERS OF THE DAY.

A bill to be entitled "an Act for there relief of Soldiers' fami
lies,"
Was read the second time.
Mr. Ross offered the following amendment:
Strike out sections 2 and 3." In the 4th section, 4th line af-
ter the word them, insert the words "and stating the wants of

64

their respective counties, price of provisions, salt, &c., amount
of provisions, supplies, &c., that can be purchased, and rates of
transportation and any other information that may be necessary
to carry out the provisions of the act to which this an amend-
ment."
"Which was read and adopted.
Mr. Smith, of Madison, offered the following amendment:
SEC. 3. Be. it further enacted, That in addition to the duties
required of the Justices of the Peace by an act entitled an act
to provide for the relief of soldiers' families, and others requiring
assistance," approved Dec. 3d, 1863, they shall assist the Board
of County Commissioners or Trustees of their respective coun-
ties in the distribution of the finds and supplies which may be
furnished them by the said Board of County Commmissioners or
Trustees, in their respective districts, under the direction of said
Board of County Commissioners or Trustees; and the said Jus-
tices of the Peace shall make returns in writing, under oath, to
the same Board of County Commissioners, as often as they may
direct, of the manner in which the funds and supplies entrusted
to them shall have been distributed; and in case any Justice of
the Peace shall fail or refuse to faithfully discharge the duties
imposed upon. him by this act, and the act to which this is an
amendment, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon con-
viction thereof, shall be fined not less than one thousand dollars
or imprisoned not less than six months, at the discretion of the
Court.
SEC. 4. Be it further e enacted, That any Judge of Probate,
County Commissioner or Trustee, who has oir shall hereafter
assume the duties imposed upon him by this act, and the act to
which this is an amendment, and shall fail or neglect to faithfiuly
discharge the same, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and,- upon
conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than two thousand dol-
lars or imprisoned not less than six months..
Which was read.
Mr. Turnbull moved to fill the first blank, in third section, with
"81,000," and the second blank with "six months;"
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Smith, of Madison, moved to fill the first blank in the 2d
section with "82,000."
Mr. Moore moved to fill the blank with "8,5000;"
Which was lost.
Mr. Jones moved to fill the blank with $4,500;
Which was lost.
On motion, the blank was filled with $2,000.
Mr. Ross moved to fill the 2nd blank with six months;
Which was agreed to.

S65

Mr. Smith of Madison moved to amend by striking out the
word "quarterly," in the second line of Sec. 2, and insert the
words "semi-annually ;"
"Which was lost.
Mr. Allison-moved to insert after the word "proceedings" in 2d
section as follows: Which shall contain a detailed statement of
receipts and expenditures, and of distribution of funds entrusted
to theri; and also cause a copy thereof to be posted up at the
Court -House or wherever practicable in their respective coun-
ties;
Which was adopted.
On motion of Mr.'Eppes, the bill was read as amended, and 70
copies be printed for the use of the House.
Senate bill to be entitled an act to create special tribunals for
trials of capital offences committed by slaves, free negroes and
mulattoes,
Was read the 2nd time.
Mr. Williams moved to strike out te word "or" in the 4th
line of the 4th Section,: and insert "and belief;"
Which was adopted.
Mr. Eppes offered the following amendment at the end of
Sec. 8, after the word "appoint" add the following, and in case
said justices cannot agree, they shall call ii a third justice as
umpire to decide;
Which was adopted, and bill as amended, ordered for a third
reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled at act in relation to fines, bonds, and ac-
counts of Administrators,'
Was read the 2nd time.
Mr. Peden offered the following amendment:
In section 1st, 3d line strike out the words or Jury."
In section 1st, 4th line, after the word currency" and before
the word "as," insert the words and when any fines or forfeit-
ures are hereafter imposed by any Jury in this State, the Court
shall state and declare whether the satAe shall be paid in specie
or currency,"
In section 1st, 5th line, strike out the words "required to be
paid" and insert in lieu thereof the words collected;" strike out
the words dcterrnb.cd by the officer collecting it" and insert in
lieu thereof the words declared."
In section 2d, 5th line, after the word State" and before tile
word shall" insert the words "in favor of minor children or
estates of deceased persons."
Which was adopted, and 70 copies of the bill as amended or-
dered to be printed for the use of the House.
-9 "

66

Resolution in regard to Public Lands,
Was read the 2nd time, and ordered to be engrossed for a
third reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act to import articles of necessity for
the State of Florida from foreign countries,
Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for a
third reading on to-morrow.
"The rule being waved, Mr. Jones moved that a Joint Select
Committee be appointed on the part of both Houses to take
into consideration the propriety of encouraging import and ex-
port trade;
Which was adopted.
A bill to be entitled an act to amend the laws providing for a
stay of executions,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading
on to-morrow and 70 copies ordered to be printed for the use of
the House.
A bill to be entitled ar act to amend the first and fifth sections
of an .act to' facilitate the construction of public defences, ap-
proved December 15, 1862,
Was read the second time and referred to the Committee on
Confederate Relations.
Senate bill to be entitled an act in relation to estates in this
State,
Was read the second time and referred to the Judiciary Com-
mittee.
Senate resolution relative to pay of soldiers in the Confederate
service,
Was reid the second time and referred to the Committee on
Confederate Relations.
Senate bill to be entitled an act to'amend the laws relative to
slaves,
Was read the second time.
On notion of Mr. Eppes, the bill was indefinitely postponed.
Resolution for 'the relief of J. N. Andrews,
Was read the second time.
On motion of Mr. Williams, the resolution was laid on the
table.
Resolution for the relief of Wm. H. Durance and W. S. Spen-
cer, Sheriffs,
Was read the second time and referred to the Committee on
Taxation and Revenue.
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of our sick and wound-
ed soldiers,
SWas read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
to-morrow.

67

A bill to be entitled an act for the purchase of corn for sol-
diers' families,
Was read the first time and ordered. for a second reading on
to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act relative to holding Commissioners'
Courts of Lafayette county,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act to consolidate the
offices of Clerk of the Circuit Court and Judge of Probate of
Manatee county, approved December 8, 1862,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second leading on
to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act to establish and
locate permanently the county site of Manatee county, approved
December 5, 1861,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
to-morrow.
Resolution to permit B. Gardner to fulfil a contract with the
Confederate States,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
to-morrow.
Senate resolution for the destruction of redeemed Treasury
notes and bonds of 1856 and 1861,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
to-morrow.
The rules being waived, Mr. Turner, of Levy, introduced,
without previous notice, the following bill:
A bill to be entitled an act to amend "an act for the protection
of cattle owners in. the counties of Levy, Lafayette, Taylor, Wa-
kulla and Duval," approved Nov..27, 1863 ;
Which was read first time, and ordered for a second leading
on to-morrow.
The following message was received from the Senate:
SENATE CHAMBER, .
Nov. 28, 1864.
Hoir. PmLIP DELL,
Speaker of the Touse of Representatives:
SmR:-The Senate has this day passed the following resolution
for the relief of Perry L. Barrington and John Dugger.
Resolution of confidence in and thanks to President Jefferson
Davis.
Respectfully, :
F. L. VILLEPIGUE,
:Secretary of Senate.

68

Which was read, and the.resolutions placed among the orders
of the day.
Senate resolution of confidence in, and thanks to, President
Jefferson Davis,
Was read, and, on motion of Mr. Eppes, was adopted by ac-
clamation.
Senate resolution for the relief of Perry L. Barrington and
John Dugger,
Was read and referred to the committee on Confederate Re-
lations.
House resolution in relation to pay of members of the present
session,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage.
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Atkins, Avery, Baker, Bates,
Brown, Campbell, Davis, Hunter, Mann, McMillan, Peden, Poe,
Roberts, Ross, Wilkison, Woodruff-1 7.
Nays-Messrs. Allison, Bevell, Bradford, Eppes, Griffin,
Henry; Hope, Johnston, Jones, Langford, Mitchell, Monroe,
Moore, Scott, Smith of Smith o isonSmith of Wakulla, Turnbull,
Turner, Williams-19.
So the resolution was lost.
On motion of Mr. Smith, of Madison, the House adjourned
until to-morrow morning 10 o'clock.

'TUESDAY, November 29, 1864.

The House met pursuant to adjournment.
A quorum present.
SThe Rev. Dr. DuBose officiated as Chaplain.
On motion of Mr. Eppes, the reading of the Journal of yes-
terday's proceedings was dispensed with and the Journal ap-
proved.
On motion of Mr. Jones, the vote on the resolution in relation
to the pay of members of the present session, which was lost
on yesterday, was reconsidered and the resolution placed among
the orders of the day.
The rule being waived, Mr. Bates was allowed to introduce,
without previous notice, the following bill:
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act to prevent and
punish all persons planting and cultivating in the State of Flor-

69

ida a certain quantity of land in cotton and tobacco during the
continuance of the present war";
Which was read and placed among the orders of the day.
The rule being waived, Mr. Johnston moved that His Excellen-
cy, the Governor, be requested to forward a copy of the resolu-
tion of thanks to Capt. J. J. Dickison, which passed the House
on the inst., and the Senate on the inst., to His Excellen-
cy, the President of the Confederate States, the Secretary of
War, and our Senators and Representatives in Congress;
Which was read and adopted.
The rule being waived, Mr. Baker offered the following reso-
lution relative to the examination of the offices of Comptroller,
Treasurer and Register of Public Lands:
Resolved by the Senate and .House of Representatives of the
State of Florida in General Assembly convened, That a Joint
Committee of three from each House shall be appointed, whose
duty it shall be, at some proper time before the next meeting of
the General Assembly, to examine the offices of Comptrdller and
Treasurer and make the reports as to the said offices which are
required by the acts under which they are organized.
Resolved, 2cd, That it shall be the duty of said Committee to
examine into the condition of the offices of Register of Public
Lands, and report at the next session of the General Assembly.
all facts in relation to the affairs of said office which may be nec-
essary t6 a clear understanding as to how its business has been
and is being conducted.
"Which was read and adopted.
Mr. Turnbull, from the Committee on Schools and Colleges,
made the followingreport:
The committee,-to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an
act for the education of soldiers' children, ask leave to

REPORT,

That they have had the same under consideration, and approving
the purpose of the bill, recommend its passage, with the follow-
ing amendments.:
In the first section, after the word payment," in the 15th line
of the printed bill, add the words "but if he shall disapprove of
the same, it shall be sent back to the County Commissioners for
correction,"
Also in section 3d, fill the blank with the words one-third of
one-sixth of one."
The committee find from the best data within their reach, that
there are probably ten thousand children in the State who should
be beneficiaries of this fund, and that the amount of tax proposed,

taking the last tax returns as a basis for their calculation, will
yield about forty thousand dollars.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
R. TURNBULL,
.Chm'n Com. on Schools and Colleges.
Which Was read and the bill placed among the orders of the
day.
SThe Speaker announced Messrs. Ross, Moore and Mitchell as
a Joint Select Committee on the part of the House to take into
consideration the propriety of encouraging import and export
trade.
Mr. Henry, from the Committee on Confederate R'elations,
made the following report:
The Committee on Confederate Relations, to whom was refer-
red the resolution relative to pay of soldiers in the Confederate
service, ask leave to report:
That they do not approve of the. suggestion to pay the soldiers
in certificates of indebtedness, and believe it best to leave the
matter- entirely to the Wisdom of Congress.
We therefore recommend that the resolution do not pass.
THOMAS Y. HENRY, Chm'n.
Which was read and the resolution placed among the orders
kf the day.
Also the following
The Committee on Confederate Relations, to whom was refer-
zed, a bill to be entitled an act to amend the first and fifth sec-
tions of an act entitled an act to facilitate the construction of pub-
lic defence, approved December 15th, 1862, ask leave to report
the; said bill back to the House and recommend its passage.
THOSE. Y. HENRY, Chm'n.
Which was read and the bill placed among the orders of the
day.
Also the following:
The Committee on Confederate Relations, to whom was refer-
red the resolution for the relief of Perry L. Barrington and John.
Dugger, have had the same under consideration, report the.same
back to the House and recommend its passage.
THOSE. Y. HENRY, Chm'n.
Which was read and the resolution placed among the orders
of the day.
Mr. Griffin, from the Committee on Engrossed Bills, made the
following report:

The Committee on Engrossed Bills, to whom was referred the
following bills, have examined the same and beg leave to report
that they are correctly engrossed:
A Bill to be entitled An Act to import articles of necessity
for the State of Florida from foreign counties."
A Resolution in relation to Public Lands."
W. A. GRIFFIN, Chm'n.
Which were read and bill and resolution placed among the or-
ders of the day.
Mr. Smith, 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 of inquiry in relation to the amendment of the
laws; and
Resolution of thanks to Capt. J. J. Dickison.
Respectfully,
SJAMES W. SMITH, Chm'n.
Which was read and placed among the'orders of the day.
The Select Committee, appointed by the Speaker to take int/
consideration so much of the Governor's message as relates to
Hospitals, have had the same under consideration and do recom-
mend that the Legislature enact the following bill, viz:
A bill to be entitled an act to provide for Hospitals and the
assistance of sick and wounded soldiers from this State. All o6
which is respectfully submitted.
G. H. HUNTER, Chm!'n,
GEO. M. BATES,
ROBERT J. BEVILL.
Which was read and the bill placed among the orders of the
day.

ORDERS OF THE DAY.

A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of soldiers' families,
Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for s
third reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act to amend the laws providing for s
stay of executions,
Was read the second time.
Mr. Brown offered the following amendment:
In 7th line, after dollars." insert in "specie."
Which was adopted.
Mr. Peden offered the following amendment:

72

In the third line, after the word "States," insert "and either
served out their time or be honorably discharged therefrom."
Which was adopted.
The bill as amended, was then ordered to be engrossed for a
third reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act in relation to fines, bonds and the
accounts of Administrators,
Was read the second time.
Mr. Henry moved an indefinite postponement of the bill;
'Which was lost.
Mr. Smith of Madison moved to strike out the 2d section of
the bill;
Which was agreed to.
The bill as amended was oi'dered to be engrossed for a third
reading on to-m rrow.
Senate resolution for the relief of Perry L. Barrington and
John 'Dugger,
Was read and lost.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
A 'bill to be entitled an act for the education of soldiers' chil-
dren,
Was read, amendments adopted, and the bill ordered to be en-
grossed for a third reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of our sick and wound-
ed soldiers, .
Was read the second time and ordered t6 be engrossed for a
third reading on to-morrow.
A Bill to be entitled An Act to amend the first and fifth seec-
tions of An Act entitled An Act to facilitate the. construction
of Public Defences,'" approved December 15, 1862,
Was read the second time and 70 copies ordered to be printed
for the use of the General Assembly.
Resolution relative to pay of soldiers in the Confederate ser-
vice,
Was read and on motion of Mr. Bradford, laid on the table.
Resolution to permit Bryant Gardner to fulfil a contract with
the Confederate States,
Was read the second time,
On motion of Mr. Avery,. referred to Committee on Proposi-
tions and Grievances.
A Bill to be entitled An Act for the purchase of corn,"
Was-read the second time, and on motion of Mr. Smith, of
Madison, 70 copies ordered to be printed for the use of the Gen-
eral Assembly. .
A Bill to be entitled "An Act relative to holding Commission-
ers' Courts of Lafayette 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 amend an act entitled an act 't
establish and permanently locate the county site of Manatee cona-
ty, approved December5, 186.1,
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 amend an act entitled an act for
the protection of cattle owners in the counties of Levy, Lafay-
ette, Wakulla and Duval, approved November 27, 1863,
Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for a
third reading on to-morrow.
Senate bill to be entitled an act to-create special tribunals for
the trial of capital offences committed by slaves, free negroes and
mulattoes,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allisbn, Atkins,. Avery, Baker,
Bates, Bradford, Brown, Campbell, Davis, Eppes, Griffin, Henry,
Hope, Hunter, Johnston, Jones, Langford, Mann, McMillan,
Mitchell, Moore, Nixon, Peden, Poe, Roberts, Scott, Smith ce
Madison, Smith of Wakulla, Turnbull, Turner, Wilkison and.
Woodruff-34.
Nay--Mr. Bevill-1.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
A bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act to consolidate tbt
offices of Clerk of the Circuit Court and Judge of Probate in a.r
for Manatee county, approved December 8, 1862,
Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for a
third reading on to-morrow.
Senate resolution for the destruction of redeemed State Tress-
ury Notes and bonds of 1856 and 1861,
Was read the second time, rule waived, read the third tin-
by its title and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas---Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allison; Atkins, Avery, Baker,
Bates, Bevill, Bradford, Brown, Campbell, Davis, Eppes, Griffin,
Henry, Hope, Hunter, Johnston, Jones, Langford, Mann, Me-
Millan, Mitchell, Monroe, Moore, Nixon, Peden, Poe, Roberts,
Scott, Smith of Madison, Smith of. Wakulla, Turnbull, Turner,
Williams and Woodruff--36.
Nays-None.
So the resolution passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
10

74

Resolution in relation to Public Lands,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs.: Allison, Atkins, Avery, Baker,
Bevill, Bradford, Brown, Campbell, Davis, Eppes, Griffin, Hen-
ry, Hope, Hunter, Johnston, Jones, Langford, McMillan, Mon-
roe, Moore, Nixon, Poe, Roberts, Scott, Turnbull, Turner, Wilk-
ison and Woodruff---29.
Nays-Messrs. Bates, Mitchell and Smith of Madion-3.
So the resolution passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
Resolution in relation to the pay of members of the General
Assembly,
Was read, and upon motion of Mr. Peden, passed over infor-
mally.
A bill to be entitled an act to import articles of necessity for
the State of Florida from foreign countries,
Was read the third time.
On motion of Mr. Avery, the rule was waived and the bill
placed back upon its second reading, and referred to the Joint.
Select Committee appointed to take into consideration the pro-
priety of encouraging import and export trade.
Mr. Alexander Cromartie, member elect from the County of
Leon, presented his credentials and was duly sworn by the lHon.
Thomas Jeff. Eppes, a Notary Pilblic, and took his seat.
A Bill to be entitled An Act to provide for'hospitals and the
assistance of'the sick and wounded soldiers from this State,"
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
to-morrow,
The rule being waived, pursuant to previous notice, Mr. John-
ston introduced-the following bill:
A Bill to be entitled "An Act to fix the County Site of Bre-
vard County and for other purposes,"
Which was read, the first time, rule waived, read the second
time by its title and ordered for a third reading on to-morrow.
On motion of Mr. Mitchell, of Hillsborough, the rule was waiv-
ed and he be allowed to introduce the following resolution:
Resolution for the relief of A. J. T. Wright, David Bell and
others;
"Which was read the first time and ordered for a second read-
ing on to-morrow.
On motion, of Mr. Turnbull, the House adjourned until to-mor-
row morning, 11 o'clock.

/ WEDNESDAY, November 30, 1864.

The House met pursuant to adjournment.
A quorum present.
The Rev. Dr. DuBose officiated as Chaplain.
On motion of Mr. Williams,'the'reading of the Journal of yes-
terday's proceedings was dispensed with, and the Journal cor-
rected and approved.
The following members presented their credentials, viz:
J. M. F. Erwin of Jhckson, R. W. Rutland of Sumter and L.
W. Odom of Volusin counties, and were sworn in by Hon. T. J.
Eppes, Notary Public.
Mr. Moore offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That the Standing Committtes on Taxation and
Revenue of both Houses, shall form a.Joint Committee, and are.
instructed to report by bill providing for the raising of the sums
of money necessary to meet the appropriation- made by this Gei'-
eral Assembly, and that the said Committee report as speedily as
practicable,
"Which was read and adopted.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
Mr. IMcMillan offered the following resolution :
Resolved by the Senate and louse of representatives of the
State of Florida in General Ass;)dIly coh vecrned, That this Gen-
eral As:sembly will adjourn sine die on Monday next, at 9 o'clock,
P. M. ; "
"WAhich was read and adopted.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
".Mr. Peden offered the following resolution:
Be it resolved, That the Joint Rules of the last session of the
General Assembly be adopted for the government of the Senate
and House at its present session;
Which was read and adopted.
The Speaker announced Messrs. McMillan, Moore and Peden
as a Joint Select Committee to examine the office of Register of
Public Lands.
Mr. Langford, from the Committee on Claims, made the fol-
lowing report:
The Committee-on Claims, to whom was referred "a bill for
the relief of David A. Frier, Tax-Assessor and Collector of Alach-
ua county," have had the samd under consideration, and beg
leave to

76

REPORT:

That they find that the warrants issued by the State Comp-
troller, and mentioned in the bill referred to the Committee,
were issued under an act entitled an act to provide for the
payment of the Florida Volunteers and others who have not
leen paid for services actually rendered the State of Florida in
the last war with the Seminole Indians;" approved February 8,
i8G1;: that by Ordinance No. 60, done in open Convention, Jan-
.ary 27, 1862, said act was repealed, and the payment of all
-sarrants issued by the Comptroller under'said act was suspend-
e.d; and that by Ordinance No. 63, Ordinance No. 60 was de-
ch-red to be of" a permanent character and not repealable by or-
linarvy legislation." '
The Committee therefore recommend that the bill do not pass.
STHIOS. LANGFORD, Chm'n.
"W which was received ancl read and the bill placed among the
orders of the day.
1Mr. Jones, from the Committee on Taxation and .e venue,
made the following report:
The Committee on Taxation and Revenue, to whom was re-
I.rre2 a bill to be entitled an act to amend "An Act entitled an
S'.Act 'to suspend the collection of Taxes" in counties held or
controlled by the enemy, beg leave to report that they have had
;.L same under consideration, and recommend the passage of the
csame with the following amendment: That the words, "without
h.e sale of a portion of their property," be stricken out.
Respectfully, &c.,
JAS. Y. JONES,
Chairman.
W-hichl was received and read and the bill placed among the
orders of the day.
M'r. Scott, from the Committee on Propositions and Grievances
-iade the following -report:
The Committee on Propositions and Grievances, to whom was
referred the resolution to permit Bryan Gardner to fulfil a con-
tract with the Confederate States, beg leave to state that they
have had the resolution under consideration and report the same
I ....k to the House and recommend its passage.
N T. SCOTT, Chm'n.
Which was received and read the resolution placed among the
orders of the day.
Mr. Griffin, from the Committee on Engrossed Bills, made the
fnobowing report:
The committee, to whom was referred the following bills, have

examined the same and beg leave to report that they are cor-
rectly engrossed:
A bill to be entitled an act for the education of Soldiers' chil-
dren;
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of our sick and wound-
ed soldiers.
A bill to be entitled an act relative to holding Commissioners'
Court of Lafayette county;
A bill to be entitled an act in relation to bonds, fines and the
accounts of administrators;
A bill to be entitled "An Act to amend the laws providing for
a stay of executions ;"
A bill to be entitled an.act to amend an act entitled an act for
the protection of cattle owners in the counties of. Levy, Lafay-
ette, Taylor, Wakulla and Duval, approved November 27, 1863 ;
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled "an act to
establish and permanently locate the county* site of Manatee
County," approved Dec. 5th, 1861;
A bill to be entitled an act to locate the county site of Brevard
county, and for other purposes;
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Soldiers' families;
=nd,
A bill to be entitled an act to consolidate the offices of clerk
of the Circuit Court and Judge of Probate in and for Manatee
County, approved Dec. 8th, 1862.
W. A. GRIFFIN, Chm'n.
Which was read and the bills placed among the orders of 1he
day.
Mr. Williams, from the Committee on the State of the Corn-
monwealth, made the following report:
The Committee on the State of the Commonwealth, to which
was referred a Senate bill to be entitled an act to provide for ta-
king the census of 1865; also, House bill to be entitled an act to
provide for taking the census in the year 1865 in this State, have
had the same under consideration, and beg leave to

REPORT:

T t they oi n the passage of the House bill as a sub-
stittte for thflof thie Senate. The intention and main features
of the bills are the same. The House bill, however, provides
that the census or enumeration shall be made by the Tax-Asses-
sors and Collectors of the several counties, and this is, in the
opinion of your Committee, the best method of taking the same,
salvng expense and a multiplicity of officers.
J. JOHN WILLIAMS, Chm'n.

78

Which was received and read and the bills placed among the
orders of the day.
The following message was received from the Senate:
SENATE CHAMBER,
Tallahassee, Nov. 29, 1864.
Hon. PnIrP DELL,
Speaker of the House of Representatives:
SSI :-The Senate has this day passed the following bill and
resolutions, viz:
A bill to be entitled an act to facilitate business in the Quarter-
master General's Department;
Joint resolution to appoint an agent at Columbus, Georgia;
and,
House resolution relative to relief for soldiers' families.
Very Respectfully,
"F. L. VILLEPIGE E,
Secretary of Senate.
Which was read and the Senate bill and resolution placed
among the orders of the day, and the House resolution ordered
to be enrolled.
The following message was received from the Senate:
SENATE CHAMBER,
Tallalassee, Nov. 30, 1864.
Hon. PHILIP DELL,
Speaker of the House of Represe.nttives:
Sir :-The Senate has this day passed the following bill:
Bill to be entitled "An Act to organize the Militia of the State
of Florida."
Very respectfully,
F. L. VILLEPIGUJE,
Sec. of the Senate.
Which was read and the bill placed among the orders of 'the
day.

ORDERS OF THE DAY.

A bill to be entitled an act to amend the fistf ai'i ifth sect- iis
of an act entitled "an act to facilitate the construction of public
defeices," approved December 15, 1862,
Was read the second time.
On motion, all the words after "him,".on 5th line sec. 2, were
stricken out, and he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and up-
on conviction be fined not less than five hundred dollars," inserted
in lieu thereof, and strike out all of section 3.
I

S79.

Which was adopted.
Mr. Williams moved to amend by inserting on the 7th line, 1st
section, the words pro rata."
SWhich was adopted.
Mr. AMitchell moved to strike out the words "or him," in 7th
line, 1st section;'"
Which, was adopted.
The bill was then ordered to be engrossed as amended for, a
third reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act to provide for hospitals and the as-
sistance of sick add wounded soldiers from this State,
Was read the second time.
Mr. Turnbull offered the following substitute:
A bill to be entitled an act to provide for Wayside Homes or
Hospitals in this State.
Mr. Henry moved that the bill be.passed over informally;
Which was agreed to.
The following message was received from His Excellency, the
Governor, as President of the Board of Trustees of the Interna
Improvement Fund:
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA,
November 29, 1864.
To the Hon. PHILIP DELL,
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Sir :-In compliance with the resolution adopted on yesterday
by the House of Representatives, requesting to be informed if
any and what action has been taken by the Board of Trustees of
the Internal Improvement Fund, under an act granting alternate
sections of swamp and overflowed lands to the Perdido Railroad
Company, approved December 22d, 1859, I have the honor to
state that, on the 10th day of December, 1861, a communication
was received by the Board from Hugh P. Watson, President of
the Pensacola and Mobile Railroad and Manufacturing Company,
asking the Trustees to grant the alternate sections of swamp and
overflowed lands to said Company under the provisions of the
act above recited, whereupon the following resolution was adop-
ted by the Board:
Resolved, That the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improve-
ment Fund, by virtue of an act to grant alternate sections of
lands patented to the State of Florida as swamp and overflowed
lands to the Perdido Railroad Company, approved December
22d, 1859, passed pursuant to the 29th section of the Internal
Improvement Act, do hereby grant to the said Perdido Railroad
Company all alternate sections (commencing with either the even
or odd-numbered sections) of swamp and overflowed lands be-

80

longing to the State or the Internal. Improvement Fund of the
State of Florida, lying and being in the county of Escambia, and
for six miles on each side of said Railroad: Provided, that the
said Railroatd be constructed and drained according to the pro-
visions of "an Act to provide for and encourage a liberal system
of Internal Improvements in this State," and the sale and transfer
of the alternate sections thus granted shall be in accordance with
the provisions of said last mentioned act.
Very respectfully,
JOHN MILTON,
President of the Board of Trustees of Int. Imp. Fund.
Which was read and ordered to be spread upon the Journals
of the House.
A resolution for the relief of A. J. T. Wright, David Bell and
others,
Was read the second time.
Mr. Jones moved to lay it on the table;
Which was lost.
Mr. Henry moved to strike out the first section;
Which was lost.
Mr. Avery offered the following amendment:
After the word elected," on the last line, add until other-
wise ordered by the House-;"
Which was adopted.
The resolution was then ordered to be engrossed as amended
for a third reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an net for the purchase of corn,
Was read the second time.
Mr. Turner moved to'strike out "and removed from their res-
pective offices," and strike out" one," in 8th line and insert "ten ;"
SWhich was agreed to.
On motion the bill was indefinitely postponed.
A bill to be entitled an act to provide for taking the census in
the year 1865 in this State,
Was read- the second tinie.
Mr. Avery moved to fill the first blank with ten," the second
blank with "six," the third blank with "four," and the fourth
with sixteen ;"
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Bradford moved to strike out the fifth section and add the
following section in lieu:
SEc. 5. If any Tax-Assessor shall fail or neglect the duties im-
-posed by this act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon con-
viction shall be subject to a fine of not less than one thousand
dollars at'the discretion of the Court;

81

Which was agreed to.
"On motion of Mr. Avery the blank in 4th section was filled
with ten thousand dollars.
The bill with amendments was then ordered to be engrossed
for a third reading on to-morrow
The following Message was received from'His Excellency the
Governor ..
G .or o EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
Tallchassee, Nov. 29th, 1864.
Hon. PHILIPr DELL, ..
"" :Speaker of the House of Representatives:
SIR :-I respectfully recommend the following nomination for
the advice and consent of the General Assembly, viz:
F. B. BOLE, Auctioneer for the, county of Escambia.
S: : Very respectfully,
JOHN MILTON.
Which was read, and the: nomination therein.contained ad-
vised and consented to.
A bill to be 'entitled an act to amend an actto suspend the
collection of taxes in counties held or controlled by the enemy,
Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for a
t third reading on to-morrow..
A resolution to permit Bryan Gardner to fulfil a contract
with the Confederate States,
Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for a
third reading on to-morrow. ...
Senate bill to be entitled an act to provide for taking the cen-
sus of 1865,: :
Was read the second, time,. and on motiq- laid on the table.
: bA bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to
prevent and punish all persons planting and cultivating in the
State of Florida, a certain quantity of land in cotton and tobacco
during the present war,
Was read the second time..
r. Cromartie moved the indefinite ppostponement of the bill;
S; -Upon" which motion the yeas and nays were called for by
SMessrs. Williams and Brown, and were:
S e: s.Yeas-Messrs. Bevill, Bradford, Brown, Campbell, Cromartie.
Davis, Eppes, Griffin, Hope,:Hunter, Jones, Langford, Mitchell
M Ionroe, Moore, Odom, 'Smith of Madison, Smith of Wakulla
Turnbull, Williams and Woodruff-I21. -
Nays-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Atkins, Avery, :Baker,
SBattes, Henry, Johnston, 'Mann, McMillan,.- Nixon, Peden, Poe,
Roberts, Ross, Rutland, Scott, Turner and Wilkison- -19.
I 1 -:. ;-' :- :. ^ -

82

"So the bill was indefinitely postponed.
Resolution in relation to the pay of members of tho present
session,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Atkins, Avery, Baker, Brown,
Campbell, Davis, Griffin, Hunter, Johnston, Manni,' McMillan,
Monroe, Moore, Nixon, Odom, Peden, Poe, Roberts,Ross, Scott,
Smith of Wakulla, -ilkison, and Woodruff--24.
Nays-Messrs. Allison, Bevill, Bradford, Cromartie, Eppes,
Henry, Hope Jones, Langford, Mitchell, Rutland, Smith of Mad-
ison, Turnbul, Turner and Williams-16.
So the resolution passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to'the Senate.
A bill to be entitled an act for the education of soldiers' child-
ren,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage';
The vote was:
Yeas--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Atkins, Avery, Baker,
Bates, Bevill, Bradford, Brown, Campbell, Cromartie, Davis,
Eppes, Griffin, Henry, Hope, Hunter, Johnston, Jones, Lang-
ford, Mann, McMillan, Mitchell, Monroe, Moore, Nixon, Odom,
Peden, Poe, Roberts, Ross, Rutland, Scott, Smith of Madison,
Smith of Wakulla, Turnbull, Wilkison, Williams and Woodruff
-40.
Nays-None.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered tliat'the same be certified to the Senate.
A bill to be *,titled an act to amend an act for the protection
of cattle owners in the counties of Levy, Lafayette, Wakulla and
Duval, approved Nov. 27, 1863,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Atkins, Avery, Baker,
Bates, Bevill, Bradford, Campbell, Cromartie, Davis, Eppes,
Griffin, Henry, Hope, Hunter, Johnston, Jones, Mann, McMillan,
MIitchell, Monroe, Moore, Nixon, Odom, Peden, Poe, Roberts,
Ross, Rutland, Scott, Smith of Wakulla, Turnbull, Turner, Wil-
kison, Williams and Woodruff-37:
Nays-Messrs. Brown, Langford and Smith of Madison-3.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of our sick and wound-
ed soldiers,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:

83

Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Avery, Baker, Bevill,
Bradford, Brown, Campbell, Cromartie, Davis, Eppes, Erwin,
Griffin, Henry, Hope, Hunter, Johnston, Jones, Langford, Mann,
McMillan, Mitchell, Monroe, Moore, Nixon, Odom, Peden, Poe,
Roberts, Ross, Rutland, Scott, Smith of Madison, Smith of Wa-
kulla, Turnbull, Turner, Wilkison, Williams and Woodruff-39.
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 amend the laws providing for a
stay of execution,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Avery, Baker, Bates,
Bevill, Bradford, Brown, Campbell, Cromartie, Davis, Eppes,
Erwin Griffin, Henry, Hope,'Hunter, Johnston, Jones, Langford,
Mann, McMillan, Mitchell, Monroe, Moore, Nixon, Odom, Peden,
Poe, Roberts, Ross, Rutland, Scott, Smith of Madison, Smith of
Wakulla, Turnbull, Turner, Wilkison and Williams-39.
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 fix the county site of Brevard
county and for other purposes.
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was.
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Avery, Baker, Bates,
Bevill, Bradford,: Brown, Campbell, Cromartie, Davis, Eppes,"
Griffin, Hope, Hunter, Johnston, Jones, Langford, Mann, Mc-
Millan, Mitchell, Monroe, Moore, Nixon, Odom, Peden, Poe,
Roberts, Ross, Rutland, Scott, Smith of Madison, Smith of Wa-
kulla, Turnbull, Turner -Wilkison and Williams-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 in relation to fines, bonds and the
accounts of administrators,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Messrs. Smith of Madison and Smith of Wakulla-2.
Nays-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Averp, Baker, Bates,
Bevill, Brown, Campbell, Cromartie, Davis, Eppes, Griffin, Hen-
ry, Hope, Hunter, Johnston, Jones, Langford, Mann, McMillan,
Mitchell, Monroe, Moore, Nixon, Odom, Peden, Poe, Roberts,
Ross, Rutland, Scott, Turnbull, Turner, Wilkison and Williams
-36.

84:

So the bill was lost.
The rules being waived, without previous notice Mr. Brown
introduced the following bill:
A bill to be entitled an act authorizing and requiring the Gov-
ernor to purchase salt for the use of soldiers' families;
Which. was received and ordered to be placed among- the 6r-
ders of the day..
A bill to'be entitled an act to. amend an act entitled an act to
establish and permanently locate the county site of M3anatee
county, approved December 5, 1861,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Avery, Baker, Bates,
Bevill, Bradford, Brown, Campbell, Cromartie, Davis, Eppes,
Griffin, Hope, Hunter, Johnston, Jones, Langford, Mann, Mc-
Millan, Mitchell, Monroe, Moore, Ni:ion; Odom, Peden, Poe,
Roberts, Ross, Rutland, Scott, Smith of Madison, Smith of Wa-
kulla, Turnbull, Turner and Wilkison--3G.
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 relative to holding Commissioners'
Courts of Lafayette county,
" Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas--Mr. Speaker, M-essrs. Allison, Avery, Baker, Bates,
Bevill, Brown, Campbell, Cromartie, Davis Eppes, Griffin, Hope,
Hunter, Johnston, Jones, Langford, Mann, McMilan, Mitchell,
Monroe, Moore,tNixon, Odom, Peden, Poe, Roberts, Ross, Rut.:
land, Scott, Smith of Madison, Smith of Wakulla, Turnbull, Tur-
ner, Wilkison and Williams-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 relief of Soldiers' families,
Was read the third time and put upon its 1)pssage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Avery, Baker, Bates,
Bevill; Bradford, Brown, Campbell, Cromartie, Davis, Eppes, Er-
win, Griffin, Hope, Hunter, Johnston, Langford, Mann, McMillau,
Mitchell, Monroe, Moore, Nixon, Odom, Peden,,'Poe, Roberts,
Ross, Rutland, Scott, Smith of Madison, .Smith of Wakfilla,
Turnbull, Turner, Wilkison, and Williamis- 36.
Nays-None.
So the bill passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.

85

A bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act entitled an act to
consolidate the offices of clerk of the Circuit Court and Judge of
Probate in and for Manatee county, approved December 8th,
1862, I .y approd. .
Was read third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was: .
YEAS-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Avery, Baker, Bates,
Bevill, Brown, Campbell, Cromartie, Davis, Eppes, Griffin, Hope,
Hunter, Johnston, Jones, Langford, Mann, McMillan, Mitchell,
Monroe, Moore Nixon, Odom, Peden; Poe, Roberts, Ross, Rut-
land, Scott, Smith of Madison, Smith of Wakulla, Turnbull, Tur-
ner; Wilkison, Williams-36. 3.
NAYs-Mr. Bradford--1.. .
So the bill passed title as stated.
Odlered, that the same be certified to the Senate.
A bill to be entitled an act authorizing and requiring the Gov-
ernor to purchase salt for the use of Soldiers'families,
Was read first time and ordered for a second reading on to-
morrow.
The following message was received from the Senate:
SENATE CHAMBEnR,
Tallahassee, N6vember, 1864.
Hon. PHILIP DELL,
.Speaker of the House of Representatives:
Sir:-The Senate hahs this day passed the following resolu-
tion :
Resolution relative to the examination of the offices ofComp-
troller, Treasurer and Register of Public Lands.
The: Senate has also adopted the enclosed motion relative to
the joint rules for. the government-of botih Houses of the General
Assembly."
Very respectfully,
F L. VILtEPIGUE,
Secretary of the Senate.
Which was read, and the resolution ..ordered to, be. enrolled..
The House also concurred in the Senate motion relative to
joint riles for the government of this General Assembly.
Seriateejoint resolution to appoint an agent-at Columbus, Geor-.
g ia,
S Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second tine by
its title and referred to the Committee on the State. of the. Com-
monwealth.
Senate bill to be entitled an act to facilitate business in thee
Quartermaster General's Department,

86

Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
to-morrow.
Senate bill to be entitled an ac) to amend the laws relative to
slaves, indefinitely postponed on yesterday, on motion, the same
was taken up and read the second time and ordered for a third
reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act to organize the militia of the State
of. Florida,
Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second time by
its title and on motion cf Mr. Williams, 70 copies ordered to be
printed for the use of the House.
The rule being waived, Mr. Peden introduced, without pre-
vious notice, the following bill:
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to
amend the election laws of this State as regards the mode of vo-
ting, and for other purposes;
Which was read the first time -and ordered for a second read-
ing on to-morrow.
On motion of Mr. Baker, the House adjourned until to-mor-
row morning, 10 o'clock.

THURSDAY, December 1st, 1864.

The House met pursuant to adjournment.
A quorum- present.
The Rev. Dr. DuBose officiated as Chaplain.
On motion of Mr. Smith of Madison, the reading of the jour-
nal of yesterday's proceedings was dispensed with, and the jour-
nal corrected and approved.
Mr. Erwin, of Jackson, was allowed to record his vote in cer-
tain cases. .
The following bills were introduced without previous notice
and placed among the orders of the day, viz:
By Mr. Baker:
.A bill tobe entitled an act to relieve the citizens of the State
of Florida from taxation on property destroyed or carried off by
the enemy.
By Mr. Hope:
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Benjamin J. Hag-
ler 'of Hillsborough county.
,By Mr. Ross:

87

A bill to be entitled An act to authorize the administrator of
the estate of Anna L. Casey to make titles to certain lots in Co-
lumbia county.,
By Mr. IDell:
A bill to be entitled an act for.thd better protection of stock
owners in this State.
Mr. Eppes offered the following resolution:
Resolution of thanks to our soldiers;
Which was read and adopted.
Mr. McMillan offered the following resolution:
Resolved by the Senate and House qf Representatives of the
State of Florida in General Assembly convened, That the Fi-
nance Committee of the Senate and House be and they are here-
by instructed to act as a Joint Committee to make up and re-
Sprt, as soon as practicable, the appropriation bill of the present
session;
Which was read and adopted.
Mr. Baker offered the following resolution in relation to new
business:
Resolved, That no new bill shall be introduced after tomorrow,
except the usual appropriation bills, without the unanimous con-
sent of the House;
Which was read and adopted.
Mr. Hunter moved to reconsider the vote upon the indefinite
postponement of a bill to be entitled an act to amend an act en-
titled an act to prevent and punish all persons planting and cul-
tivating in the State of Florida, a certain quantity of land in cot-
ton and tobacco during the present war;
Upon which the yeas and nays were called for by Messrs.
Smith of Madison and Eppes.
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Atkins, Avery, Bates, Bradford,
Campbell, Eppes, Griffin, Henry, Hunter, Mann, McMillan, Nix-
on, Peden, Poe, Roberts, Ross, Rutland, Turner, Wilkison and
"Woodruff-21.
Nays-Messrs. Allison, Bevill, Brown, Cromartie, Davis,
Hope, Johnston, Langford, Mitchell, Monroe, Odom, Scott, Smith
of Madison and Turnbull-1-4.
So the vote was reconsidered and the bill ordered to be placed
among the orders of the day.
Mr. Mathew A. Knight, member elect from the counties of Brad-
ford and Baker, presented his credentials and was sworn in by
Hon. T. J. Eppes, Notary Public.
1Mr. Peden introduced the following resolution:
A resolution in relation to the rights of the States;

88

: Which was read and the yeas and nays called for by Messrs.
Peden and Ross. .
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Atkins, Avery, Baker,
Bates, Bevill, Bradford, Brown, Campbell, Cromartie, Davis,
Erwin, Eppes, Griffin, Henry, Hope, Hunter, Johnstori; Jones,
Knight, Langford, Mann, McMillan, Mitchell, Monroe, Moore,
Nixon, Odom, Peden,: Poe, Roberts, Ross, Rutland, Scott, Smith
of Madison, Smith of Wakulla, Turnbull, Turner, Wilkison, Wil-
'liams and Woodruff---42.
Nays-None.
So the resolution passed-title as stated.,
Ordered that the same be certified.to the Senate.
SMr. Pedea offered the following resolution:
R solutionn in relation to estates of deceased persons, orphans,
minor children and their protection from fraud.
Mr. Jones moved to lay the resolution on the table;
Upon'which the yeas and hays were called for by Messrs. Eppes
and Mann.
SThe vote was: '
Yea-Mr. Jones-1,
Nays-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Atkins, Avery, Baker
Bates, Bevill, Bradford, Brown, Campbell, Cromartie, Davis, Er-
win, Eppes, Griffin, Henry, Hople, Hunter, Johnston,. Knight,
Langford, Mann, ]McMillan, Mitchell, Monroe, Moore, Nixon,
O. dom, Peden,. Poe, Roberts, Rutland, Scott, Smith of Madison,
SSmith of Wakulla, Turnbull, Turner, Wilkison, Williams and
Woodruff-40.
So the motion was lost.
Which was read and adopted.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
IiMr. Williams introduced the following resolution, viz:
Resolution for the relief of the Tax Assessor of Leon county"
1" ..hich was read-and placed among the orcdeis of the day.
The rule being waived, Mr. Williams introduced, without pre-
vious notice, the following.bill, tiz:
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of L. Demilly;
Which was read and placed among the orders of the day.
: The rule being waived, M'r., Allison introduced, without pre-
vious notice, the following bill, viz .
SA bill to be entitled on act to punish traitors and disaffected
persons;
Which was read and placed among- the orders of the day.
Mr. Allison, from a Select Committee, made the following re-
port; :

,89

The Select Committee, to. which was referred so much of the
Governor's message as relates to clothing for the troops in the
Confederate service, cards and salt, have considered the same,
and report the following bill:
A bill to be entitled an act to appropriate a fund for clothing
of troops from. Florida, in the Confederate. service, to purchase
and distribute cards and salt, and recommend its passage.
C. E. L. ALLISON, Chm'n,
JOS. JOHN WILLIAMS,
HIRAM T. MANN.
Which was read and the bill placed among the orders of the
day. *
Mr. Williams, from the Committee on the State of the Com-
monwealth, to whom was. referred the resolution to appoint an
agent at Columbus, Ga., ask leave to report said resolution back
to the House, and recommend its passage;
Which was read and the resolution placed among the orders
of the day.
Mr. Ross, from a Joint and Select Committee, made the fol-
lowing report:
The Joint Select Committee, towhom was referred House bill
to be entitled an act'to import articles of necessity for the State
of Floilda from foreign countries, and to take into consideration
the propriety of encouraging an import and export trade on the
part of the State of Florida, beg leave to

REPORT:

That they have discharged their duty, and report the bill here-
with presented as.n substitute to the House bill referred to them.
Your committee, in the substitute, have endeavored to enconr-
age importation so far as the necessities of the State require her
to procure articles fbr which she is now compelled to pay enor-
mous prices, and fIr which she gives her own money, which must
be redeemed and which to her is equival to to its face in gold.
If, then, these articles can be procured by importation, it is greatly
to her advantage. The substitute has guarded -the interest of
the State, 1st, by requiring the agents to be citizens of the State,
and 'compelling them to give security for all .moneys placed in
their hands; the funds necessary it proposes-to raise by the sale
of checks, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and South Caro-
lina bonds, amounting to about $28,000, now in the hands of the
the Comptroller, which, if.sold for, say, four for 'one in Confed-
erate Treasury Notes, would give 8112,000; but your Commitee
12

90

think they will command a high premium. The balance is pro-
posed to be raised by State of Florida Treasury Notes, redeem-
able only in Confederate States Treasury Notes. Your Com-
mittee is of opinion that unless such notes can be made available,
she cannot invest at, present for importation more than the bonds
and checks aforesaid; that it would not be judicious to make
them either receivable for public dues or secured by the public
lands.
The importation of goods by the States of the Confederacy who
have engaged in it has been highly advantageous to them, and
promotive of the comfort of their soldiers and families. The bus-
iness qualifications of our citizens and the abilities of our Gov.er-
nor are not inferior to either of our sisters States, and warrants
your Comiittee in the expectation of like favorable results to the
State of Florida.
That the amount authorized will not be invested in one enter-
prise or hazarded more than the natural danger of running the
blockade requires, and that it will be used with economy and
wisdom, we believe; because the substitute rests the.whole mat-
ter in the discretion of the Governor.
Respectfully submitted,
D. P. HOLLAND,
"Chairman Senate Committee.
JOHN SCOTT.
WM. B. ROSS,
Chairman House Committee.
K MOORE.
Which was read and the bills placed among the orders of the
day.
SMr. Griffin, from the committee on Engrossed Bills, made the
following report:
The Committee on Engrossed Bills beg leave to report that
they have carefully examined the following bills and report the
.same as correctly engrossed:
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to
suspend the collection of taxes in counties held or controlled by
the enemy.
A bill to be entitled an act to amend the first and fifth sections
of an act entitled an act to facilitate the construction of Public
Defence, approved Dec. 15, 1862.
A bill to be entitled an act to provide for taking the census in
the year 1865, in this State.
A resolution entitled a Resolution for the relief of A. J. T.
Wright, David Bell and others,

91

A resolution to permit Bryan Gardner to fulfil a contract
with the Confederate States.
W. A. GRIFFIN, Chm'n.
Which was read, and the bills placed among the orders of the
day.
The following message was received from the Senate:
SENATE CHAMBER,
December 1, 1864.
ion. PHILIP DEL,
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Sir :-The Senate has this day passed the following Bill and
Resolution:
A bill to be entitled "an act to amend an act to raise the sala-
ries of the State Treasurer and other officers therein named."
Joint Resolution authorizing and requiring the Attorney Gen-
eral to print a General Index of the Decisions of the Supreme
Court.
Very respectfUlly,
F. L. VILLEPIGUE,
Sec'y of the Senate.
Which was read, and the bill and resolution ordered to be
placed among the orders of the day.
A bill to be entitled an act authorizing and requiring the Gov-
ernor to purchase salt for the use. of Soldiers' families,
Was read second time;
On motion of Mr. Brown, was withdrawn.

ORDERS OF THE DAY.

Senate Joint Resolution to appoint an Agent at Columbus,
Georgia,
Was read first time, rules waived, readsecond and third times
by its title and put upon its passage.
The vote was:
AYEs--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Atkins, Avery, Baker,
Bates, Bevill, Bradford, Brown, Campbell, Cromartie, Davis,Er-
win, Eppes, Griffin, Henry, Hope, Hunter, Johnston, Jones,
Knight, Langford, Mann, McMillan, Mitchell, Monroe, Moore;
Nixon, Odom, Peden, Poe, Roberts, Ross, Rutland, Scott,
Smith of Madison, Smith of Wakulla, Turnbull, Turner, Wilki-
son, Williams, Woodruff--42.
NAYs--None.
So the resolution was passed, title as stated. Ordered that the
same be certified to the Senate.

92

A bill to be entitled "an act to amend an act entitled an act
to amend the Election Laws of this State as regards the mode
of voting, aind for other purposes,"
Was read second time and ordered to be engrossed for a third
reading on to-morrow. .
Senate bill to be entitled an act to facilitate business in the
Quartermaster General's department,
Was read second time and ordered to be engrossed for a third
reading on to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to
prevent and punish all persons planting and cultivating, in the
State of Florida, a certain quantity of land in cotton and tobacco
during the continuance of the present war,
"Was read.second time and passed over informally.
Resolution for the relief of A. J .T. Wright, David Bell and
others,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage.
The vote was.:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Atkins, Bates, Bevill, Brown,
Cromnrtie, Dais, Eppes,Griffin, Hope, Hunter, Johnston, Knight,
Langford, Mann, Mitchell, Monroe, Odom, Peden, Poe, Roberts,
Ross, Rutland, Scott, Smith of Madison, Turner, Wilkisori, Wil-
liams and Woodruff-29 ..
Nays-Messrs. Allison,. Avrery, Baker, Bradford, Campbell,
Jones, McElillan, Moore, Nixon, Smith of Wakulla and Turn-
bull--11.
So the resolution passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be spread upon the journal and certified
to the Governor.
A resolution for the relief of A. J. T. Wright, David Bell and
others.
WHEREAS, A. J. T. Wright, Assistant Clerk of the House of
Representatives of the State of Florida, a private in Company
F, 9th Regiment, Florida Volunteers, and David Bell, En-
grossing Clerk, a Conscript, have been examined bya Medi-
cal Board and.recommended for light duty,
:lt. Resolved by the .Fouse of Represntatives of the State of
Florida, That His Excellency Gov. Milton be requested to use
his bei;t endeavors to have the said A. J. T. Wright and David
Bell discharged' from the military service of the Confederate
States..
2d. That the Clerks, ,Assistant [Clerks, Sergeant-at-Arms,
Door-keeper and Messenger,of the House shall continue in office
during th teterm for.which the present Representatives are elect-
ed, unless otherwise ordered by the H-ouse.

93

A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to
suspend the collection of taxes ii couihties held or controlled by
the enemy, .
Was read the third time.
Mr. Jones moved to lay it on the table; .:;
Which was not agreed to.' :
Mr. Peden moved that the rule be waived and the bill placed
"back on its second reading, thathe be allowed to make a motion;
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Jones moved -hat the bill be referred to a Special Commit-
tee;
Which was agreed to.
Messrs. Jones, Atkins and Avery were appointed said commit-
tee.
Mr. Avery moved that Mr. Baker be added to said committee;
Which was agreed to.
A bill to be entitled an act to provide for taking the census in
the year 1865, in this State,'
Was read the third time and put upon its passage.
The vote was: .
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Atkins, Avery, Baker,
Bates, Bevill, Bradford, Brown, campbell, Croinartie, Davis, Er-
win, Eppes, Griffin, Henry, Hope, Hunter, Jbhnston, Jones,
Knight, Langford, Ma nn, lMcMillan, Mitchell, Monroe, Moore,
Nixon, Odom, Peden; RIoberts, Ross, Rutland, Scott,' Smith of
Madison, Smith of Wakulla, Turnbull, Turner, Wilkison, Wil-
liams and Woodruff-41. .
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 amend the first and fifth sections
to facilitate thq construction of public defence, ap-
ecember 15, 1862,
Was read the third time.
Mr. Smith of Madison moved that the rule be.waived and that
Saved to introduce the following:.
Staike out the words or in the performance of any labor
cessary for the public, service;"
Which-was not agreed to.
was then put upon its passage.
The vote was:
Yeas-Messrs. Allison, Avery, Baker, Bradford, Campbell,
Erwin, Eppes, Griffin, Henry, Hope, Johnston, Jones,
I-Z.M, Mitchell, Moore, Ross, Scott, Turnbull,.Williams and
.21. .
r. Speaker, Messrs. Atkins, Bates, Bevill, Brown, Da-

94

vis, Hunter, Knight, Langford, Mann, Monroe, Nixon, Odom, Pe-
den, Poe, Roberts, Rutland, Smith of Madison, Smith of Wa-
kulla, Turner and Wilkison-21.
So the bill was lost.
A bill to be entitled an act to release the citizens of the State
of Florida from taxation on property destroyed or carried off by
the enemy,
Was read the first time and on motion of lMr. Baker was with-
drawn.
A resolution to permit Bryan Gardner to fulfil a contract with
the Confederate States,
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Atkins, Avery, Baker, Bates, Bev-
-i, Bradford, Brown, Campbell, Cromartie, Davis Erwin, Eppes,
Henry, Hunter, Johnston, Jones, Knight, Mann, McMillan, Mon-
roe, Moore, Pedeh, Poe, Roberts, Ross, Rutland, Scott, Turn-
bull, Wilkison, Williams and Woodruff-32.
Nays-Messrs. Allison, Griffin, Langford, Mitchell, Nixon,
Odom, Smith of Madison, Smith of Wakulla and Turner-9.
So the resolution passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
A bill to be entitled anr act to amend an act to raise the sala-
ies of the State Treasurer, and pther officers therein named,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
o-morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act to punish traitors and disattecteu
.persons,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
to-morrow.
A joint resolution authorizing and requiring the
General to have printed a general index of the decisions
Supreme Court,
Was read the first time, rule waived, and read the second
time by its title.-
Mr. Peden moved to refer the resolution to a Sele c ..u

Which was agreed to.
S The Speaker appointed Messrs. Peden, Williams and Eppe
said Committee,
A bill to be entitled an act to amend the laws relate
Was read the third time and put upon its passage;
The vote was :
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Atkins, B
Bradford, Brown, Cromartie, Davis, Erwin, Eppes,
1, HIope, Hunter, Johnston, Jones, Knight, Langfortu, i

95

Mitchell, Monroe, Moore, Nixon, Odom, Poe, Roberts, Rutland,
Scott, Turnbull, Wilkison, Williams and Woddruff-33.
Nays-Messrs. Avery, Bevill, Campbell, McMillan, Peden,
Ross, Smith of Madison, Smith of Wakulla and Turner-9.
So the resolution passed-title as stated.
Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate.
A bill to be entitled an act to import articles of necessity for
the State of Florida from foreign countries,
Was read the second time 'and substitute bill reported by the
Joint Select Committee adopted.
Mr. Ross moved to amend by inserting the words "or other"
after the word "steam;;"
Which was adopted and 70 copies ordered to be printed for
the use of the House.
A bill to be entitled an act to appropriate a fund for clothing
of troops from Florida in the Confederate service, to purchase
and distribute cards and salt,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on
to-morrow.
A bill to be entitled .an act for the better protection of stock
owners in this State,
Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on to-
morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Benjamin Hagler,
of Hillsborough county,
Was read first time and ordered for a second reading onto-
morrow.
Resolution for the relief of the Tax Assessor of Leon county,\
Was read first time and ordered for a secofid reading on to-
morrow.
A bill to be entitled an act -to authorize the Administrator of
the estate of Anna L. Casey to make title to certain lots in C-
lumbia county,
Was read first time and ordered for a second reading on to-
morrow.
The rules being waived, Mr. Turnbull, Chairman of Committee
on Schools ard Colleges, made the following report:
The Committee on Schools and Colleges, to whom was refer-
red the Memorial of W. E. Danelly, have had the same under
consideration, and report "A bill to be entitled 'an act to amend
an act to provide for the establishment of two Seminaries of
Learning,'"' to. meet the requirements of said Memorial, and
they recommend the passage of the same.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
SdR. e TURNBULL,
Chairman Committee on Schools and Colleges:

96

Which was 'read and the bill placed amoung.the orders of the
day.
A bill to be entitled :n act foi 'the relief of.L. C. Demilly,
Was read fiirst time and ordered for a secorid reading on to-
morrow.
A bill to be entitled in act id amend an act to provide for the
establishment of two Seminaries of Learning,
Was read first time and ordered for a second reading on to-
morrow,
On motion of Mr. Hunter, the House took a recess until 3
o'clock P. M.

"t :: :; THREE O'CLOCK,. P. M..

The House resumed its session.
The following members answered to their names:
Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Atkins, Avery, Baker, Bates,
Bevill, Bradford, Brown, Campbell, Cromartie, Davis, ErWin,
Eppes, Griffin, Henry,. Hope, Hunter, Johnston, Jones, Knight,
Langtord, Mann, McMillan, Mitchell, Monroe, Moore, cNixon,
Odom, Peden, Poe, Roberts, Ross, Rutland, Scott, Smith of
Madison, Smith of Wakulla, Turnbull, Tuner, WVilkison, Wil-
liams and Woodruff-40. .
A quorum present.
The rule being waived, AMr. Ross moved that Mr. Scott be ad-
ded'to the Committee on Filance and Public Accounts, in place
of Mr. Roulhac, vho is a prisoner in the hands of the enemy;
SW ic'! wn.. reed to.
The rules being waived, Mr. Allison, of Gadsde introduced
without pirevios notice, the following resolution :
Resolution for the relief Archibald C. Black, Tax-Assessor and
Collector fdr Gadsden county';
Which. was read and placed among the orders, of the day.
On motion of Mr. Bakel, ir. Erwin was exiused from attt nd.
ance upon this House fo five days from Saturdayi nfet.
The orders of the weredi rescue ic ili .
The following bill, being tfI special, of-der of ti:he d was taken
up;
A bill to be entitled "Ani Act to oirganize Militia troops for
the State of Florida."
On motion of Mr. Williams,, the Ioise1 resol itciself into a
Committee of the Whole for the consideration of s:id bill.
Mr. Williams'in the Chair. -

97

After some time spent therein, the Committee arose and re-
ported progress.
Mr. Smith, of Madison, moved to amend Sect. 1., as follows:
Insert between the words "State" and "sixteen," in third
line, the words "between the ages of," and insert after the word
"sixteen" the words and fifty-five," and strike out the words
"of age and over," in third line.
So that, when amended, the section will read as follows:
"That every able-bodied white male inhabitant in this State,
between the ages of sixteen and fifty-five years, not included in
the military service of the Confederate States,'' &c., &c.,
Mr. Smith, of Madison, moved that the amendments proposed
by the Committee, be adopted;
Upon which, the yeas and nays were called for by Messrs.
Eppes and Baker.
The vote was:
Yeas--XcIessrs. Avery,. Bevill, Bradford, Brown, Campbell,
Cromartie, Griffin, Hunter, Knight, Langford, McM-illnn Mon-.
roe, Peden, Poe, Roberts, Ross, Rutland, Smith of Madison,
Smith of Wakulla, Turner, Williams and Woodruff-22.
Nays-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Atkins, Baker, Bates,
Davis, ENrwin, Eppes, Henry, Johnston, Jones, Mann, IMitchell,
Moore, Nixon, Odom, Turnbull and Wilkison-18. '
So the amendment was adopted.
Mr. Eppes moved to adjourn until 10 o'clock, to-morrow
morning;
Upon Which, the yeas and nays were called for by Messrs.
Eppes iu'l TVillinms.
The vote va: .
SYEs-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Atkins Bates, Brown, Davis,
Erwin, Eppes, Henry, Johnston, Jones, Langford, Mann, Mon-
roe, Odom, Peden, Roberts, Rutland, Turner, Wilkison-18.
NAYI -Messrs. Avery, Baker, Bevill, Bradford, Campbell,
Cromartie, Griffin, Hunter, Knight, -McMillan, Mitchell', Moore,
ANixon, Poe, Ross, Scott, Smith of Madison, Smith of W-akulla,
Turnbull, Williams, Woodruff-21.
So the motion was lost.
On motion of Mr. Baker, the House took a recess until.7.-
o'clock, P. M.
13

98

"HALF-PAST SEVEN O'CLOCK, P. M.

The House resumed its session.
A quorum present.
The orders of the day were resumed.
Mr. Peden offered the following amendment:
In 4th line, section 1, after the word "perform," insert "active,"
-after the word "duty," insert "in the field."
Upon which the yeas and nays were called for by Messrs.
Jones and Williams.
The vote was:
Yens--Messrs. Avery, Bevill, Brown; Campbell, Cromartie,
Davis, Griffin, Hunter, Knight, Langford, McMillan, Odom, Pe-
"den, Poe, Roberts, Smith of Madison, Turner and Woodruff- -7.
Nays-M-r. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Baker, Bates, Bradford,
EErwin, Henry, Hope, Johbnston, Jones, Mann, Mitchell, Monroe,
Moore, Nixon, Rutland, Turnbull, Wilkion and Williams-19.
So, the amendment was lost.
Mr. Jones moved a call of the IIouse, when the U following
members ai\sweredo to their names:
Mr. Speaker, Mess:s. Allison, Atis, Avery, Baker, Bates,
Bevill, Bradford, B;own, C:ampell, Cromartie, Erwin, Eppes,
Griffin, l,-Ienry e,ope, hunter, Johnston, Jones, i.Kiglht, Lang-
ford, Mann; McMill:n, Miit.chli, Moniroe, Moore, Nixon, Odom,
Peden,. Poe, Robert uhI!-nd, Scott, Smniih of Madison, Smith of
Wakulla, Turnbull, Turner, Wilkison, Willinams and Woodruff
-39.
M-r. Langfordd ove that the Sergeant-at-Arms be sent for the
absentees;
Which was adopted.
Mr. Eppes moved the further call of the House be. suspended .c
Which was not adopted.
On motion of Mr. Williams, the further call of the House waz-
sus!ended.
Mr. Johnston moved that the House adjourn until to-morrov:7
morning at 10 o'clock.
The yeas and nays having been called for by Messrs. Avery
and Mitchell, the vote was :
,YEAs-Messrs. Eppes, Henry, Johnston, Odom, Turner-5.
NaYs-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Atkins, Avery, Baker.
Bates, Bevill, Bradford, Brown, Campbell, Cromartie, Erwin,
Griffin, Hope, Hunter, Jone's, Knight, Langford, Mann, McMil-
lan, Mitchell, Monroe, Moore, Nixon, Peden, Poe, Roberts, Rut-
land, Scott, Smith of Madison, Smith of Wakulla, Turnbull, Wil-
kison, Williams, Woodruff-35.
So the motion was lost.

99

Mr. Peden offered the following amendment:
In the 5th line, after the word "sojourner," insert "with the
exceptions hereinafter specified."
The yeas and nays having been called for by Messrs. Eppes
and Johnston, the following was the vote :
YEAS-Messrs, Avery, Bates, Bevill, Brown, Campbell, Cro-
martie, Griffin, Hunter, Knight, Langford, Mann, McMillan,
Monroe, Odom, Peden, Poe, Roberts, Smith of Madison, Smith
of Wakulla, Turner, Wilkison, Woodruff-22.
NYs--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allisdn, Atkins, Baker, Brad-
ford, Davis, Erwin, Eppes, Henry, Hope, Jones, Mitchell, Moore,
Nixon, Rutland, Scott, Turnbull, Williams-18.
So the amendment was adopted.
Mr. Avery presented the following amendment
Provided, that the provisions of this act shall not be held to
apply to the counties of Escambia and Santa Rosa.
The yeas and nays having been called for by Messrs. Avery
and McMillan, the following was the vote :
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Atkins, Avery, Bates, Brown,
Campbell,-Johnston, Mann, McMillan, Peden, Poe, Scott, Smith
of Wakulla-13.
Nays-Messrs. Allison, Baker, Bevill, Bradford, Cromartie,
Davis, Erwin, Eppes, Griffin, Henry, Hope, Hunter, Jones,
Knight, Langford, Mitchell, Monroe, Moore, Nixon, Odom, Rob-
erts, Rutland, Smith of Madison, :Turnbull, Turner, Wilkison,
Williams, Woodruff-28.
So the amendment was not adopted.,
Mr. Avery presented the following amendment:
"Provided, That the Governor be and- he is hereby author-.
ized to exempt from the provisions of this act ariy county or
counties where, on account of the sparseness of the population,
or from other causes, its provisions may operate oppressively;"
Upon which the yeas and nays were called for by Messrs.
Avery and 3McMillan.
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Atkins, Avery, Bates, Brown,
Campbell, Davis, McMillan, Odom, Peden, Poe, Smith of Madi-
son, Smith of Wakulla and Woodruff-14.
Nays-Messrs. Allison, Baker, Bevill, Bradford, Cromartie,
Erwin, Eppes, Griffin, Henry, Hope, Hunter, Jones, Knight,
Langford, Mann, Mitchell, Monroe, Moore, Nixon, Roberts, Rut-
land, Scott, Turnbull, Turner, Wilkison and Williams-26.
So the amendment was not adopted.
Mr. Brown presented the following amendment:
Provided, That the citizens of Holmes county shall only be

100

enrolled for county defence, and drill in squads once every t wo
"weeks, and in company once a month."
Which was not adopted
Mr. Jones offered the following amendment:
"That 16 be stricken out and 15 inserted;"
"Upon which, the yeas and nays were called for- by Messrs.
Jones and Moore.
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs, Allison, Atkins, Baker, Brown,
Eppes, Hope, Johnston, Jones, Moore, Turnbull 'and Williams
-12,
Nays--essrs. Avery, Bates, Bevill, Bradford, Campbell, Cro-
martie, Davis, Erwin, Griffin, Henry, Hunter, Knight, Langford,
Mann, McMllan, Mitchell, Monroe, Nixon, Odom, Peden, Poe,
Roberts, Rutland, Scott, Smith of Madison, Smith of Wakulla,
Turner, Wilkison and Woodruff-29.
So the amendment was lost.
Mr. Allison offered the following amendment, that sixty be
substituted instead of fifty-five:
Upon which the yeas and nays were called for by Messrs. Al-
lison and Jones.
The vote was-:
Yeas--Mr.. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Atkins, Baker, Brown,
Davis, Eppes, Henry, Hope, Johnston, Jones, Mitchell, Moore,
Nixon and Turnbull-15.
Nays-Messrs..Avery, Bates, Bevill, Bradford, Campbell, Cro-
martie, Erwin, Griffin, Hunter, Knight, Langford, Mann, McMil-
lan, Monroe, Odom, Peden, Poe, Roberts, Rutland, Scott, Smith
of Madison, Smith of Wakulla, Turner, Williams and Woodruff
-25.
So the amendment was lost.
Mr. Jones moved that all the amendments in the 1st section
be stricken out and the section stand as it was in the original
Senate bill,
Upon which the yeas and nays were called for by Messrs.
Jones and Turnbull.
The vote was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allison, Baker, Erwin, Eppes,
Henry, Hope, Jones, Mitchell, Moore and Turnbull-- 1.
Nays-Messrs. Avery, Bates, Bevill, Bradford, Brown, Camp-
bell, Cromartie, Davis, Griffin, Hunter, Johnston, Knight, Lang-
ford, Mann, McMillan, Monroe, Nixon, Odom, Peden, Poe, Rob-
erts, Rutland, Scott, Smith of Madison, Smith of Wakulla, Tur-
ner, Williams and Woodruff-28.
So the motion was lost.

	Title Page
	November 1864
	December 1864
	Appendix