MESSAGE.
Vi» Senalt and Mow of Rep-
®f anprMedeajtod political trou
w* hatn:uause ofgMt gnaitade to Ood
ro
ui You idjll not- bu'Krrprised to learn
teat in thepecuHw exig«Bcie»of the times our
Mtereoarse with foreign nations has been «t
-with profound solicitude, chiefly turn
ing updtrour own domestic affaire. A disloyal
portion of the American people.have during the
•hole year been engaged in an attempt to di
vide and destroy the Union. A nation which
40Hvta factions domestic divisions is exposed
to disrespect abroad, and one party, if not both
is mute sooner or later to invoke foreign inter
vention. Kations thus tempted to interfere are
not always able to resist the counsels of seem
ing expediency and ungenerous ambition, al
though measures adopted under such influences
seldom fail to be unfortunate and injurious to
those adopting them.
The disloyal eitixens of the United States,
<ftho hate, offered the ruin of our country in re
turn.for the aid and comfort which they hare
invoked abroad, hare received less patronage
and encouragement than they probably expec
ted. If it were just to suppose, os the insur
gent* have seemed to assume, that foreign na
tions, in this ease, discarding all moral, soeial
And treaty] obligations, would act solely and
selfishly for the most speedy restoration of com
merce, including especially the acquisition of
cotton, - those nations appear, as yet, not to
have seen their way to their object more direct
ly or clearly through the destruction than
through the preservation of the Union, If we
could dare to believe that foreign nations are
actuated by.no higher principle than this 1 am
<jnite sure a sound argument could be made to
•bow them that they ran reach (heir aim more
readily and easily by aiding to crash this re
bellion tbau by giving encouragement to it;—
The principal lever relied on by the insurgents
ftt exciting foreign nations to hostility against
us, as already intimated, is the embarrassment
of commerce. Those nations, however, not im
probably, saw from the first that it was the
Union which made as well our foreign as our
domestic commerce. They can scarcely hove
failed to perceive that the effort for disunion
produces the existing difficulty, and that one
strong nation promises more durable peace
and a more extensive, valuable and reliable
commerce than can the same nation' bro
ken into hostile fragments. It is not my pur
pose to review our discussions Vith foreign
States, because whatever might betheir wishes
or dispositions, the integrity of ear country and
the stability of Government mainly depend, not
upon them, bat ion the loyalty, virtue, patriot
ism and intelligence of the American people
The correspondence itself, with the usual res
ervations, is herewith submitted. I venture to
hope that it will appear that we have practiced
prudence and liberality towards foreign pow
ers, averting causes of irritation, and with firm
ness maintaining our own rights and honor.—
Since, however, it is apparent that here as in
every other State, foreign dangers necessarily
attend domestic difficulties 1 recommend that
adequate and ample measures be adopted for
maintaining the public defenses on every side.
While under Ibis general recommendation pro
vision for defending our sea coast line already
occurs to the mind, 1 also in the same connec
tion, a*k the attention of Congress to oar great
lakes and rivers. It is believed that some for
tifications and depots of anus and munitions,
Vfith harbor and navigation improvements, all
trt well selected points upon these, would be of
great importance to the national defence and
preservation.
I ask attention to the views of the Secretary
of War expressed in his report upon tab same
genera! subject. I deem it of importance that
die loyal regions of East Tennessee - and West
ern North Carolina should be connected with
Kentucky and other faithful parts of the Union
by railroad. I therefore recommend, os a mil-.
it*ry measure, that Congress provide for tbe
Cbnstrnction of snch a road ns speedily as pos
sible. Kentucky no donbt will co-operate, and
through her Legislature make the most judi
cious selection of a line. Tbe northern termi
nus must connect with some existing railroad,
and whether the route shall be from Lexington
or Nicholasvilte to the Cumberland Gap, or
from Lebanon to Ibe Tennessee line in the di
nelion of Knoxville, or on some still different
line, can easily be determined. Kentucky and
the general governmeat co-operating, tbe work
eon be completed inn very short time, and
when done it will be not only of vast present
usefulness, but also a valuable permanent im
provement, worth its cost in all the temporary
.future.
Some treaties, designed chiefly for the inter
ests of.commerce, and having no grave politi
cal importance, have been negotiated and will
"be submitted to the Senate for their considera
tion. Although we“ Rave failed to induce some
of the commercial Powers to adopt desirable
melioration of the rigor of maratime war, we
have removed all obstructions from the iway of
this humane reform, except such os are laerely
of an accidental occurrence.
1 invite your attention to the correspondence
between'her Britinnic Majesty’s Minister, ac
eredited to this Government, and the Secretary
pf State, relative to the detention of the Brit
ish Sh ip 'Perthshire, in June last, by the United
States steamer Massachusetts, for a supposed
breach of the blockade. As this detention was
occasioned by an obvious misapprehension of
* the foot* amiss justice requires that we should
commit no belligerent act not founded onistrict
right, as sanctioned by public law, I recomend
that an appropriation be made to satisfy the.
reasonable demand of the owners of the vessel
for her detention.
I repeat the recommendation of my predeces
sor.in bis annual message to Congress in De
cember last, in regard to the disposition of the
surplus which will probably remain after satis
fying the claims of American oirisens against
China, pursuant to the awards of the commis
sioners, under the Act of the 3rd of March.
1869. If, however, it should not be deemed
advisable to carry that recommendation into ef
fect, 1 would suggest that authority be given
for investing the principal over the proceeds of
thesnrptus referred to, in good securities, with
a view to the satisfaction of such other just
.claims of our citizens against Chinn as are not
unlikely to arise hereafter in the course of our
creative trade with that empire.
- By the Act of the sth of August last. Congress
aMborixed.the President to instruct the com
manders of suitable'vessels to defend themselves
against and to capture piratesi This authority
bis been exercise i in a single instances only.
For the more effectual protection of our exten
sile and valuable commerce, in the Eastern
especially, it’seems-to me that it would also
'be ad visable to authorize the commanders of sail
jpg vessels to recapture any prizes which pi
, pates may make of United States vessels and
their en'tgpes. and-the Consular Courts now es
tsffilisbed by law in Eastern countries to adju
dicate the oases in event that this should not
be objected to by the local authorities.
.- Jt any good reason exists why we should
persevere longer in withholding buprecognition
of the independence and sovereignty of Hayti
asd'Liberia, l am unable to discern it—unwil
ling. however, to tnaogiirato a novel policy in
jrfpffd; ~|ft 'then without approbation of Con-
consideration; the expedi
an appropriation for maintaining a
•harge-de-adein-oesr each of those new States.
Jideeftnol admit of doubt that important oom
'SetawtUee*,ltt^ 10 b« eecnrod bj farora
. .
periodTtSich bos elapsed since your adjourn
ment have been conducted with Signal success.
The patriotism of the peopte has placed at the
dispptul of the goveaument the large means de
manded by the public exigencies. Much of
the National Loan has been token by citizens of
the industrial classes, whose confidence in
their country’s faith end seal for their coun
try’s deliverance from; present peril have indu
ced them to contribute to the support of the
government the whole, of their limited acquisi
tions. This fact imposes peculiar obligations
to economy in disbursement and energy in ac
tion. r
Tbe revenue from all sources far the financial
year endiug on the 80th of June, 1861, was
$80,835,900.27, and the expenditures for the'
some period, including payments on account of
tbe public debt, were $84,578,834,47, leaving a
balance in tbe Treasury on the Ist of July, of
$2,257,065.80. For the first quarter of tbe
financial year, ending on the 30th of September,
1801, the receipts from all sources, including
the balance of Ist of July, were $102,000,509.27,
and the expenses $98,239,738 09, leaving a
balance on the Ist of October, 1861, of $4,292,-
776 18.
Estimates for the remaining | of the year, and
far tbe financial year 1863, together with bis
views of ways and means for meeting the de
mands contemplated by them, will be submitted
to Congress'hy the Secretary of the Treasury.
It is gratifying to know that the expenditures
made necessary by the rebellion are not be
yond tbe resources of. the loyal people, knd to
believe that the same patriotism which has thus
far sustained the Government, will continue to
sustain it til! peace and union shall again bless
the laud.
I respectfully refer to the report of the Secre
tary of War for information respecting tbe nu
merical strength of. the army, and for recom
mendations having in view an increase’of its
efficiency and the well being of the various
branches of tbe service entrusted to bis care.
It is gratifying to know that the patriotism of
the people has proved equal to the occasion,
and that the number qf troops tendered greatly
exceeds the forck-which Congress authorized me
to call into the field. I refer with pleasure to
those portions of his report which make allu
sion to the credible degree of discipline already
attained by our troops, and to the excellent
sanitary condition of the entire army. The
recommendation of the Secretary for the organi
zation of the militia upon a uniform basis is a
subject of vital importance to the future safety
of the country, and iecommended to the serious
attention of Congtess. The large addition to
the regular army, in connection with the defec
tion that has so considerably diminished the
number of its officers, gives peculiar importance
to bis recommendation for increasing the corps
of cadets to the greatest capacity of the mili
tary academy. By mere omission. I presume,
Congress has failed to provide Chaplains for
hospitals occupied by volunteers.' This subject
was brought to my notice and I was induced to
draw up the form of a letter, one Copy of which,
properly addressed, has been delivered to each
of the persons, and at the dates respectively
named, and stated in a schedule containing also
the form of the letter marked A, and herewith
transmitted. These gentlemen, :X understand,
entered upon the duties designated, at the limes
respectively stated in' the schedule, and have
labored faithfully therein ever since, and I there
fore recommend that they be compensated at the
same rate os Chaplains in the army, and further
suggest that general provision be made for Chap
lains to serve at hospitals as well as with regi
ments.
The report of the Secretary of the Navy pre
sents in detail the operations of that branch of
the service, the activity and energy which have
.characterised its administration, and the results
of measures to increase its efficiency and power.
Such have been tbe additions, by construction
and purchase, that it may almost be said a navy
has been created and brought into active service
since our diffiulties commenced. Besides blocka
ding our extensive coast, squadrons larger than
evdr before assembled under our flag have been
put afloat, and performed deeds which have in
creased our naval renown.
■ I would iuvite special attention to the recom
mendation of the Secretary for a more perfect
organization of the navy, by introducing addi
tronal grades in the service. The present or
ganization is defective and unsatisfactory, and
the suggestions submitted by the department
will, it. is believed, if adopted, obviate the diffi
culties alluded to, promote harmony, and in
crease the efficiency of the navy.
There arc three vacancies on the bench of the
Supreme Court—two by the decease of Justices
Daniel and McLean, mad. one by the. resignation
of Justice Campbell. I- have so far forborne
making nominations to fill these vacancies, for
reasons which I will: now : state. Two of the
outgoing Judges resided within the States now
overrun by revolt, so that if successors were
appointed in the same localities they could not
now serve upon their circuits, and many of the
most competent men there 'probably would not
take the personal hazard of accepting to serve
even here upon the Supreme Bench. I have
been unwilling to throw all the appointments
Northward, thus disabling myself from doing
justice to the South on the return of peace,
although I may remark, that to transfer to the
North one. which has heretofore been in the
South, wohld cot, with reference to territory
and ; population, be nnjust. During the long
MidJmUiant judicial career of Judge McLean,
his circuit grew into an empire, although too
large "for anyonejudge to give the coarts therein
too re than a nominal attendance! arising in popu
lation from 1,470.018 in the yearlB3oto6,lsi;-
405 in the year 18G0 Besides this the country
generally has outgrown our present judiciary.
If uniformity was at all intended, the system
requires that all the - States shall be accommo
dated with Circuit Courts, attended by Supreme
Judges; while, in foot, Wisconsin,- Minnesota,
lowa, Kansas, Florida, Texas, - California and
Oregon have never had any 1 snch Courts. Nor
can this well be remedied .without a change of
the system, because the adding oif Judges to the
Supreme Court, enough fori the accommodation
of ail parts of; the country with Circuit Courts,
would create a,Court altogether: too numerous
for a judicial body of any sort—and the evil of
it be one which wilt increase as new Statescomc
into the Union. Circuit Courts, too, are useful
or theyare hot useful. If useful, noStato should
be denied them. If not useful, no State should
have them. Let them bo provided for all, or
abolished ns to all. Three modifications occur
to me, either of which, I 'think, would bo an
improvement upon our present system: Let
the Supreme Court be of convenient number in
every eveut; then, first, let the whole country
be divided into Circuits of convenient size, the
Supremo Judges to serve ina nuinberof them
corresponding to their own number, and inde
pendent Circuit Judges be provided for all the
rest; or secondly, let the Supreme Judges be
relieved from Circuit duties; and Circuit Judges
provided for ail the Circuits; or, thirdly dis
pense with Circuit Com ts altogether, leaving
the judicial function' wholly to the District
Courts and an independent Supreme Court.
. 1 respectfully recommend to the considera
tion of Congress the present condition of the
statute laws, with the hope that Congress will
be able to find an easy remedy for many of the
inconveniences and evils which constantly em
barrass those engaged; in the practical admiatra
tion of them. Since the organization of the
Government, Congress has enacted some five
thousand acts and joint resolutions, which fill
more than air thousand closely printed pages,
and - are scattered through many volumes.
Many of these' acts have been drawn in and
without sufficient caption, so shat thegr provis
ioas are often obscure in themselves or in oon-
Jlet with; eaeh other, or at least so doubtful as
to iender it very difficult for even tbs bestin
formed persons to ascertain precisely wbat the
I statute law really is. It seems tS6 me very im* i
| portent that the statute laws should be made as !
plain and intelligible as possible, and be seduced |
: to as small a compass' as may consist with the J
l fullness and precision of the will of the Legis- j
! Istnrfe and the perspicuity of its language.—
I This, weli done, would, I think, greatly facili
j tate the labors of those whose duty it is to as*
I sist in the administration of the laws, and would j
1 be a lasting benefit to the people, by placing j
J before them in a more accessible and Intelligi
■ ble form, the laws which so deeply concern I
j their interests and their duties. lam informed, j
I by some whose opinions I respect, that all the •
; Acts of Congress now in force and of a perma- !
| oent and general nature, might be revised and |
| re-written so as to be embraced in one volume, :
j or at most, two volumes, of ordinary and couveni- \
! ent size; and I respectfully recommend to Con* |
gress to consider the subject, and if my sag- j
gestion be approved, to devise such plan as in ,
their judgment shall seem proper for the attain* i
ment of the end proposed. \
One of the unavoidable consequences of the j
present insurrection is the entire suppression, I
in many places, of all ordinary means of adotin. i
istering civil justice by the officers and in the forms ;
of existing law. This is the case, in whole or in
part, in all the insurgent States; and as our or- j
■ mies advance upon and take possession of parts !
I of those States, the evil becomes more apparent. j
There are no courts nor officers to whom citi- :
zens of other States may apply for the enforce* j
meat of their lawful claims against citizens of 1
j the insurgent States, and there is avastamount
of debt constituting such claims. Some have
estimated it as high ns $200,000,000 due in a
large part from insurgents in open rebellion, to
loyal citizens Who are even now making great
sacrifice in the discharge o, their patriotic duty
to support the Government. Under these circum - j
stances I have beep urgently solicited ttrestab- (
Usb, by military power, courts to administer 1
summary justice iu such cases. I have thus far )
declined todo it; not because I had any doubt !
that the end proposed—the collection of the j
debts—was just and right, but because I have *
been unwilling to go beyond the pressure of ne- 1
; ceasity in the unusual exercise of powers; but I
j the powers, of Congress, I suppose, are equal to j
the anomalous occasion; and therefore I refer*
the whole matter to Congress, with a hope that
a plan may be devised for the administration o£
justice in all such parts of the insurgent States
and territories as may be under the control of
this Government, whether by a voluntary return
to allegiance and order, or by the power of our
arms. This, however, jnot to be a permanent
institution, bat a temporary substitute, and to
cease as soon as the ordinary courts can bo ro
establisbed in peace.
It i« important that some more convenient means should
be provided, if possible, for the adjustment of claims
against the government, especially in view of the increased
number by reason of the war. It is as much the duty of
the government to render prompt justice against itself in
favor of .citizens, as it U to administer the same between
private individuals. The investigation and njudlcation of
claims in their nature belong to thejudici.il department
besides i* is apparent that t£»e attention of Congress will
be more than usually engaged for some time to come with
great National questions. It was intended by the organi
zation of the Court of Claims mainly to remove this branch
of business from the hailsof Congress, but while the Court
has proved to bo an effective and valuable moans of inves
tigation, it in a great degree foils to effect the object of its
creation, fur want of power to make its judgments final.—
Fully aware of the delicacy (not to say the danger) of the
subject, I commend to your careful consideration, whether
this power of making judgments final may not properly
be given to the ,Court, reserving the right of appeal on
questions of law, to the Supreme Court, with such other
provisions as experience may have shown to be necessary.
I oak attention to th** report of the Postmaster General,
the following being a summary statement of the condition
of the Department. The revenue from all sources, during
iho fiscal year ending Juno 30, 1801, including the annual
permanent appropriation of $700,000 for the transportation
of free in ail mutter, was $9,049,206 40, belngabuut two per
cent, less than the revenue for 1860. In the same time the
expenditures: were $13,606,759 11, showing a decrease of
more than eight per cent, os compared with those of the
previous year, and leaving an excess of expenditures over
the revenue for the last fiscal year of $4,557,462 71. The
gross revenue for the year ending June 30th, 1863. U esti
mated at on increase of four percent, on that of 1861, ma
king $0,683,000, to which should bo added the earning of
the department In carrying free matter, viz: s7uff,ooo,
making $9,383,000. The total expenditures for 1863 are
estimated at $12,528,000, leaving an estimated deficiency
of $3,145,000, to bo supplied from the Treasury in addition
to tin) permanent appropriation. The present insurrection
shows, I think, that the extension of this District across
the Potomac river at the time of establishing the Capitol
here was eminently wise, and consequently that the relin
quishment of that portion of it which lies within the State
of Virginia was unwise and dangerous. I submit for your
conslderatiori tho expediency of requiring that part of the
District am! the restoration of tho original boundaries
thereof, through negotiations with the State of Virginia.
The reporter he Secretary of the Interior, with the ac
companying documents, exhibits the condition of the sev
eral branches of the public business pertaining to tho De
partment. The depressing influences of tho insurrection
have been especially felt in the operations of tho Patent
and General Dand Offices. The cash receipts from the safe
of public lands during the past year have exceeded the ex
penses of our land system only about $200,000. The sales
have suspended in the Southern States, while
tho interruptions to the business of tbe country, and the
diversion of large numbers of men from labor to military
service have obstructed settlements in the new States and
Territories of the Northwest.
Tuo receipts of the Patent Office liavo declined in nine
mouths about rendering a large reduction of the
force employed necessary to make itself-snstaining. The
demand upon the Pension Office will be largely increased
hy the insurrection. Numerous applications for pensions,
hosed upon the carnalities of the existing war have already
been made. There is reason to believe that many who are
now upon the pension rolls and in receipt of the bounty of
the goreinoient are in the ranks of the iusurgcutarmv, or
giving them old comfort. The Secretary or the Interior
has directed a suspension of the payment of tho pensions
of such persons open proof of their disloyalty. 1 recom
mend that Congress authorize that officer to cause the
names of such persons to be stricken from the pension rolls.
The relation* of the government with the ludian tribes
have been greatly disturbed by the insurrection, especially
in the Southern shperintendency and in that of New Mex
ico, The Indian country South of-Kaneas is in possession
of insurgents from Texas and Arkansas. Agents of the
United States, appointed since tho 4th of March for this
snperintendency, have been unable to reach their posts,
while the most of those who were In office before that time
have espoused the insurrectionary cause and assume to
exercise tho powers of agents, by virtue of commissions
from the insurrectionists, Ifhas been stated in tho pub
lic press that a portion of these Indians have been organ
ized as a military force, and are attached to the army of
the insurgents. Although tho government has no official
information upon this subject, letters have been written
to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, by several promi
nent chiefs, giving assurance of their loyalty to the United
States, and expressing a wish fer the presence of Federal
troops to prefect them. It is believed that upon the re
possession of the country by tho Federal forces; thelmlians
will readily cease all hostile demonstrations and resume
their former rulntkma - k o the government.
Agriculture, confessedly the largest interest of tho na
tion, has not a department nor a bureau, but a clerkship
assigned to it in tho government. While it is fortunate
that this great interest is so independent In its nature as
not to have demanded and extorted more from the govern
ment, 1 respectfully ask Congress to consider whether
something more cannot be given voluntarily with' general
advantage.
Annual reports exhibiting the condition of oar agricul
ture, commerce am! manufacture would present a fond of
information of great practical value to tho country. While
I make no suggestion os to details. I venture the opinion
that an agricultural and statistical bureau might profitably
be organized. Tho execution of tho laws fur the suppres
sion of the African slave trade has been confined to tho
Uepaitment of tho Interior. It is a subject of gratuation
that the efforts whi :h have been made for the suppression
of this inhuman traffic have been recently attended with
unusual success. Five vessels being fitted out for the slave
trade bate been seized and condemned. Two mates of ves
sels engaged in the tiadc and one person in equipping a
vessel as a slaver have been convicted and subjected to the
penalty of fine and imprisonment, and onb captain taken
with a cargo of Africans on board his vessel has been con
victed of the .highest grade of offence nnder our laws, the
punishment of which is death. The territories ef Colorado,
Dekotah and Nevada, created by the last Congress, bare
been organized.and civil administration has been Inaugura
ted therein, under auspices especially gratifying, when it Is
considered that the leaven of treason was found existing In
some of these new cnnntries when the Federal officers ar
rived there. The abundant natural resources of these Ter
ritories, with the security and protection afforded by or
ganized government, will doubtless invite to them a large
immigratiun;wbeo peace shall restore tho business of the
country to its accustom -d channels.
. I submit the molntMns of the Legislature of Colorado,
which evidence the patriotic spirit of the pt*oplo of the tor
litory.- So far, the authority of the United States has been
upheld hi all the territories, as it is hoped It will be In
future. I commend their Interests and defence to the en
lightened and generous care of Congress. I recommend to
the favorable consideration of Congress the interests of the
District of Columbia. The Insurrection has been the cause
of much suffering and sacrifice to its inhabitants, and as
they have no representative in Congress, that should
not overlook their Jnst chums upon the Government. At
your late session » Joint resolution was adopted, gutbor
king the President to take measures for Gkcilliating a pro
per representation of the industrial Interests of the United
States at the exhibition of the industry of all nations, to be
holden at London In the year 1862.
I regret to say 1 have been unable to give personal at
tention to this subject—-a subject at once so interesting in
Itself and so extensively and Intimately connected with the
toeterial prosperity of the world. Through the fiecrrtarlss
of State pud of the Interior a plan or system has been de-
Tined sad partly teat wed, and which will bo told before
you. Under tad by vfttOe of the act of Cangreet entitled
«in Act to confiscate property used for taeaiTectioaary pnt
poteg”—approved Anguet 6,1861, the legal claims of eer>
persona to the labor and service of certain oth
er persons bare become forfeited and numbers of the
Utter, thus liberated, am already dependent on the
United States and most be provided for in some way. Be
sides (his it Is not impossible that some of the States will
pass enactments for their own benefits respectively,
and by operation of which persons of the same class will
be thrown open them for disposal. In such case 1 recom
mend that Congress provide for accepting soch persona
from snch States, according to tome mode of valuation is
lien profc&nto of direct* taxes or open some other plan to be
agreed on with each Stated respectively that snch persons*
on such acceptance by the genera! government, be at once
declared free, and that In auy event, steps be taken for col
onizing both classes, or (he one first mentioned, if the
other shall not he brought into existence, at some place or
places in a climate congenial to (hem. it might be well
to consider, too, whether the free colored people alrerdy in
the United States could not, so for as individuals may desire,
be included in such colonization. To carry out the plan of
colonization may involve the acquiring of territory, and
also the appropriation of money beyond that to be expen
ded in the territorial acquisition, paring practiced the
acquisition of territory fur nearly sixty years, the question
of constitutional power to do so is no longer an open one.
With us the power was questioned at first by Mr. Jefferson,
who, however, In the purchase of Louisiana, yielded bis
scruples on the plea of great expediency. If it be said that
the only legitimate object of acquiring territory is to fur
nish homes for white men, this measure effects that object,
for the emigration of colored men leaves additional room
for white men remaining or coming here. Air. Jefforson,
however, placed the importance of procuring Louisiana
more on political and commercial grounds than procuring
room for population.
6a the whole proposition, including the appropriation of ]
money, with the acquisition of territory, does not the ex
pediency amount to absolute necessity that without which
the government itself cannot be perpetuated!
Thu war continues. In considering the policy to bo adop
ted for suppic&siog the insurrection, 1 have been anxious
and careful that the inevitable conflict fortbepurposeshall
not degenerate into a violent and remorseless revolution-'
ary struggle. 1 have, therefore, in every wase, thought U r
proper to keep-tfau integrity of the Union prominent as the ;
primary object of the contest on our part, leaving all qnes- j
li-ma which are not of vital military importance to the j
more deliberate action of tbe Legislature. In the exercise I
of my best discretion 1 have Adhered to the blsckiideof tho j
ports held by the insurgents Instead of putting in force by i
proclamation the law of Congress, enacted at the late soe
ston, for closing those ports. So also, obeying the dictates
of prudeucc, os well as the obligations of lows, instead of
transcending. 1 have adhered to the act of Congress to con
fiscate property used for insurrectionary purposes. If a
new law upon the same subject shall be pioposcd. its pro
priety will be duly considered. The Union must be pre
served, and hence, all iudispcnsiole means must be cm
ploed. We should nut be in I taste to determine that rad
ical and extreme measures, which may reach tbe loyal as
well as the disloyal, are indhpeusiblo.. Tbe inaugural ad
dress, at the beginning of the administration, m.d the mes
sage to Congress at the late special session, were both main
ly devoted to tbe domestic controversy ont of which tbe
insurrection and consequent w»r have sprung. Nothing
now occurs to add to or subtract fjvm the principles or
general purposes stated and expressed in tliosedocumcnts.
The last ray of hope for preserving tbe Uition peaceably
expired with the assault upon Fort Sumpter, and a gener
al review of what has occurred since may not be unprofit
able What was painfully uncertain then is much better
defined and mere distinct, aud the progress of events is
plainly in tbe right diction. The in-urgent* claimed a
strong support from North of Mahon's and Dixon's line, -
and the friends of the Union were not free from apprehen
sion on that point. This, however, was soon settled defi
nitely, and on the right side. South of the line, noble lit
tle Delaware led off right from the first, Maryland was
made to seem against the Union, and our soldiers were as
sailed, bridges were burned nud railroads were turn up
within her limit*, and we were many days, at one time,
without the ability to bring a single regiment over her soil
to the capital. Nov her bridge*and railroads are repaired
and open to the government. She already give* seven re
giments to the cause of tho Union, and none. to‘he enemy,
and her people, ut a regular election, huve sustained the
cause of the Union by a larger majority and a larger ag
gregate rote than they ever before gave to any cundkhltc
o« any question. Kentucky, tou, for wme time in doubt,
is now decidedly, and, 1 think, unchangeably ranged on
the side of the Union. Missouri is comparatively quiet,
and, 1 believe, cannot again be overrun by the insurrec
tionists.' These three States, Maryland. Kentucky and
Missouri, neither of which would premise a single soldier
at first, have now an aggregate of not less than 40,000 iu
the field for the Union, while of their certainly not
more than a third of that number, and they of doubtful
whereabout* and doubtful existence, are In arms against
it. After a a mewlmt bloody struggle of mouths, winter
closes on the Union people of Ve,-tern Virginia leaving
them musters of their own country.' An Insurgent force
of about 1.600 for months dominating the narrow peninsu
lar region constituting the comities of Accomec and North
ampton, and known as the Eat-tern Shore of Virginia, to
gether with some contiguous parts of Maryland, have laid
down their arms, aud the people there have renewed their
allegience and accepted the protection of the old flag.
This leaves no armed insurrectionists North of (ho J*oto
mne, nor Erst of the Chesapeake. Also we have obtained
a footing at each of the Isolated points on tbe Southern
coast of Hatteras, Port Royal. Tybee Island, nev Savan
nah, and Ship Island, and we likewise have some general
accounts of popular movements in behalf of the Union in
North Carolina and Tennessee. These things demonstrate
that tho cause of tho Union is advancing steadily South
ward.
Since your lari adjournment Lieut Gen Scott hee retired
from the hcau of tho army. During his long life the*oa
tion has nut been unmindful of his merit, yet on calling to
mind how’faithfully and brilliantly he has served thecoun
try from a time fat back in our history, when few of the
now living had been born, and thenceforward continually.
I cannot but think w« are still his debtors. 1 submit,
therefore, for your consideration, what further mark of
recognition la due to him and ourselves as a grateful peo
ple. With tho retirement of Gen. Scott came the Kxecu
tlve duty of api»ointing in his stead a general-in-chief of
the army. It is a fortunate -drcumriance that neither in
council or couulay was there, so fur as known, any'differ
ence of opinion os to the proper person to be selected.
The retiring chief repeatedly expressed his judgment in
favor of Gen. McClelland for the position, anti in this the
nation seemed to give a unanimous concurrence. Thcdes
ignation of Gen. McClelland is, therefore, in a considera
ble degree, the selection of the country, as well ns of the
Executive, and hence there is letter reason to hope there
will be him the confidence and cordial support thus
by fair implication promised, and without which he cannot
with so full efficiency serve the country. It is said one bad
General is better than two good ones, and thesaying is
true if taken to mean no more than that an army Is bet
ter directed by a single mind, though inferior, than by two
superior ones at variance and cross purposes with each
other, and the same is true in all joint operations wherein
those engaged can have none but a common end In view,
and can differ only as ?■< the choice of moans. In a storm
at sea, no one on board can wish the ship to sink, and yet,
not nnfrequently all go down together, because toomanv
will direct, and no single mind can be allowed to control it.
Every day continues to develop© that the insurrection is
largely, if not exclusively, a war upon tho first principles
.of popular government, the rights of tho people. Conclu
sive evidence of this is found in tho most grave and ma
turely considered public documents, as well as in the gen
eral tone of the insurgents. In those documents; we find
the abridgement of tho existing right of suffrage and the
denial to the people of all right to participate in theselec
lion of public officer?, except the legislature, boldly advo
cated with Inhered arguments to prove that large control
of the people In the government is the source of all politi
cal evil. Monarchy itself is sometimes hinted at as a pos
sible refuge from the power of the people. In the present
position, I could scarcely be justified were I to omit raising
voice against thisapproach of returning despotism
'♦lt is not needed, nor fitting here, that a general argu
ment should be made in favor of popular institutions, but
there is one point, with its connection, not so hackneyed
as most others, to which I ask a brief attention. It Is the
effort to place capital on an equal footing with. If not above
labor, in the structure of government It is presumed
that labor is available only In connection with capital;
that nobody labors unless somebody else owinng capital,
somehow, by the use of it, induces him to labor. This as
sumed. it is next considered whether it is best that capital
shall hire laborers, nnd thus induce them to workbythelr
own consent, or buy them, and drive them to it without
their consent. Having proceeded so fiir, it la naturally con
cluded that ail laborers are either hired laborers or what
we call slaves; and further, it Is assumed that whoever is
once a hired laborer is fixed in that condition for life.—
Now there is no sucli relation between capital and labor as
assumed, nor Is there any such thing as a free man being
fixed for life in the condition of a hired Wbcrer. Both
these assumptions are false, and all inferences from them
are groundless. Labor is prior to and independent of cap
ital. Capital i* only tho fruits of labor, and could never
hare existed if labor liad not first existed. Labor is supe
rior to capital, and deserves much thebigherconaldoratlou.
Capital has Its rights, which are as worthy of protection
asany other rights; nor Is it denied that there Is, and
probably always will be, a relation between tabor aful cap
ital producing mutual benefits. The error is in assnming
that the whole laboring community exists >rithin that re
lation. A few men own capita! aud that feyr would labor
themselves, and with their capital hire or buy another few
to labor for them. A large majority belong to neither
class; neither work for others nor have others working for
them. In most of the Southern States a majority of tho
people of all colors nro neither slaves nor masters, while
in tho Northern States a largo majority are neither hirers
or hired. Men. with their families, wives, suns and dangh
tors, work for themselves on their farms, in their homes
and in their shops, taking the whole product to themselves
and asking no favors of capital on theonehnndnorofhlrcd
laborers on tho ether. It is not forgotten that a conaWer
able number of persona mingle their own labor with capi
tal, that is they lal»or with their own hands and also buy
or hire others to labor for them, but this is only a mixed
and not n distinct class No principle stated is disturbed
by the existence of this class. Again, as has already been
sa»d, there is not. of necessity, any snch thing as the free
hired laborer being fixed to that condition for life. Many
independent mou everywhere in these Status, a few yetre
back in their 1 Ives, were hired laborers. The prudent, nen
cllcss beginner in-the world labors for wag“ 4 awhile, saves
a surplus with which to buy tools or land for himself, then
labors on his own account another while, and at length
hires nnothea new beginner tn help him. TblsW thetust
and generous and prosperous system, which opens the way
to all. gives hope to all and consequently energy and pro
” a *‘- No men living are more worthy to be trusted
than those who toil np from poverty, none less inclined to
take or touch anght which they have not faooestlv earned.
Let them bewrtre of surrendering a poheal 1 power which
‘ nd bordcß ’ *l°* thtm
From the first taking of our National Census to the last.
Jf" P'r*”’J' nd »* flßd ourpopoUtion it the end of
the period elghttime. u greet uif was at the beginning.
i “ r .'*“ or <•«>« thing, which men deeSux* <£
lirihle, ha. been neo g renter. tfe thm Hite itbobvicw
Iwbot tlw popular pr’aclph applied throogh
■ the machinery of the State* aad tbe Union has
i in a gins time, aad alto whet, if fimlr mttataiaed, It
j promisee for tbe tatnre. Tbereare already among nethate
■ who, if tbe Unlos be pn-eemd, will IH« toeee It contain
. 250.000,000. The struggle of to-day ie net altogether for
1 today—it t*tur« vest feture aleo» With a reliance on
! Providence all the more firm tad earnest, let a* proceed
io the greatfoMk which event* beer devolved mum no.
AttUIUMUNCOLN.
: WauumMii Dee. 3d» 186 V
OCR ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.
Camp Hamilton, near Forint* Monroe, IV, \
November 23d, 1801. J
Missus. Editom: —l suppose yimr readers,
and particularly those having friends in the 76th
| Regiment P. V., will be glad to hear of our
I whereabouts. Well, on Sunday morning- last,
we were notified at Camp Cameron, that on Mon
day we would leave for Washington. All that
day everything waa bustle aud excitement, and
on Monday morning our tents were.struck,,the
baggage was packed up, and at 4.30 P. M. ire
bade farewell to Camp Cameron and our many
. new-fonnd friends, and took up our march for
: Harrisburg. Tbe Regiment marched directly to
I the rear of tbe Capitol, where we found the
65th Pennsylvania drawn up in line, awaiting
our arrival. The State Colors Were then pre
seated to the two regiments, by the Governor,
who. informed us that we would go to South
i Carolina, and that he hoped we would be present
[at the burning of Charleston. Rev. Agaew,
Chaplain of our regiment, responded on behalf
;of Col. Power. The ceremony being ended ne
marched to the P. R. B. depot, and at 9 P. M.
we took seats in tbe oars for Baltimore. We
reached that city at 8.30 A. M., and marched
direct to the Camden street depot. Dinner was
provided by the Relief Committee of Baltimore,
when we were ordered to fall in and march.—
Then we found .that our destination, was changed;
that, instead of going to Washingtpn, we were
to go direct to Portress Monroe. The boats
“Georgiana” and “Louisiana” were provided
for our use, and we - accordingly marched on
board of tbe two steamers. It was fully dark
when wo cast loose from the wharf and bade
good-bye to friendly soil. After we'bad pro
ceeded a few miles down tbe bay, the moon rose
in all its glory—os it were, from tbe bosom of
the deep—and a prettier sight it has never been
my. privilege to behold. Tbe bay seemed tobe
one vast sheet of silver, and 1 sat long gazing
upon it, thinking of home and the many friends
I bad left behind, and wandering whether I
should ever have the privilege of meeting them
once more.
We passed several places of interest on the
way. Among them tho most conspicuous are
Sorts McHenry and Carroll. Fort McHenry
was bombaftled by the British in the last war
with England and is rendered memorable as
furnishing tbe occasion for the composition of
that glorious old song, “The S:nr Spangled
Banner,” while the- engagement was going on.
It is now in good condition for defence, having
one of the most powerful water batteries in the
United States. It is also well protected on the
land side, and well garrisoned.
Fort Carroll is placed in the middle of the
bay, about six miles below Fort McHenry.- It
was constructed by driving piles in tbe bed of
the bay, so as to form a sort of pen or enclo
sure, and then filfing op with stones, of large
size It is yet in an incomplete state. A re
markable feature in this Fort, is, Unit it contains
an artesian well which penetrates Beneath the
bottom of the bay and supplies large quanti
ties of fresh water.
About 5 A. M-, on Wednesday we arrived at
Fortress Monroe, and fastened to the wharf.
By noon we hud landed and marched out to
withiu about a mile of tho village of Hampton,
and within about four miles of (he enemy’s
pickets. There were four regiments encamped
in the vicinity of th« Fortress when we arrived;
and since wc landed, the doth, 55th, and 97th
Pennsylvania Regiments have arrived and en
camped near us. Others are expected shortly.
From our camp we can see Sewell’s Point, New
port News, and, with the aid pf a glass. Craney
Island and some of the batteries on the James
River. , For the first time I sow, yesterday, the
rebel flag. It was floating in the breeze on one
side of the bay, and the Union ensign on the
other.
I will close this letter, already too lengthy,
by giving you a list of the Field, Staff and
Company Officers of thd 76th Regiment P. V.:
Colonel, John M. Power, Johnstown, Pa,
Lieut Colonel, D 11. Wallace, New Castle.
Major. 0. M. Irwin, of Blair county.
Quartermaster, Cbas. Garrelson, of York Co.
Quartermaster Sergeant, W. King, Bedford.
Commissary Sergeant, W. F. Rysinger, York.
S.erg t Major, J. M Cormick, Iloliidaysburg,
Surgeon, K. R. Soboll, Reading. *
Assistant Surgeon, J. Siemens, "Easton.
Chaplain, B. L. Agnew, Cambria county.
Co. A, Captain J. C. Campbell, Lawrence Co.
"o, “ Strawbridge, Mercer 41
“C, •• J. W. Hicks. Blair
“ I>. “ C. Biller, Yor.k
“E, “ Henry Rice, Bedford “
“V, *< Henry Wayne, Blair <<
“ G. “ J. J. Baird. Indiana •«
" a, ** A. Hamilton, Luzerne lt
“ L “ H. C., Mclntire, York “
“ Kj “ J. S. Littell, Beaver ••
In my next I shall give you' a description of
my first visit to tho burnt village of Hampton,
together with any items of information regard
ing daily events, which I may imagine will in
terest your readers. ’ J. R, F.
Soldier Killed.— Last Friday morning the
body of a soldier wag found lying across the
railroad track, in tho lower part of the town,
and upon examination! it wait found to have
beep run over by cars; the right arm was si
most cut from the shoulder, and the wheel had
evidently passed over the breist and the upper
part of the abdomen. A corronerVinquestwaa
held by Esquire Snare, and a verdict of death
from injuries received by being run over by the
cars, rendered. The name of I the deceased was
Patrick McLaughlin, a private in the McClellan
regiment, tbe same individual Who bad his
thumb shot off in the fight in! this place a few
weeks ngo. He had been lying around intoxi
cated in this place for several days, and it is
supposed was overcome by liquor, and unable
to get off the track when run over. The body
was placed in a hastily constructed box and
sent. east. —Huntingdon Journal,
Wbat a delightful place Id litre ia New
must be! The leveed deserted—ships
rotting py the riverside—storehouse abandoned
to the rats—shops closed at noon en Canal and
St. Ctmrles streets—the gross cropping from
the chinks of the pavements i Nothing “doing”
—no vessels coining in or gping pat—nobody
bnvlßg any money—nobody paying his debts.
*£!s * ve J7‘l>«ng so aristocratically dear!
f or * per barrel; lard -45 cents per pound:
bacon 86 and .40 eents per pound—and no po>
tatoesm market, hi addition to this, crime
rampant—drunkenness and licentiousness put
*f n ? PjW*® decency to the blush—* hostile
Heef a few hours distant,; threatening to destroy
Oiopityi. 8o early and terribly h£e been the
frafte of treason cipsnSd! / J - ;*r
letter froth Xlaaoorj'
[Through the kindeeea of Dr. J. jj. c I
we are permitted towepy the I
from a letter receivedby him, tifrwdly, ■ I
from an old reeiderit'ef Alexandria, I
cowty, bat more recently of Ebenabtto J
raHietis Wwadi] • ***l
Cbauiwi Co . \r„ I
■November 81st,- ’\ I
D»- J. M. OcMlW—2>«oriSnr;—• ♦ , J I
was seven yean, on the 11th of thi* 0 I
since we left Ebensburg, end in that leagu I
time I bare bad to pare through many M,r|
some of which were rather severe, bat
theless, I bare had some sweet with the bit I
We hare all had goad health,' and enjoyed ]
selves very much, part of the time. I h I
worked hard in opening np and enclosing
ninety acres of ground, and putting , p J
necessary buildings, and was jnst about fiw
as I thought, tp live comfortably; but thj
how uncertain is everything in the
of aome men, and I appear to be one of
fated some. This unfortunate war has bluy
all my hopes, so for es Missouri is
You are, no doubt, informed that our Stste
rebellion against the general Government,
aa a necessary consequence, is at war withjj
herself. -We stand, at present, pretty equaHy
divided—loyal and rebel —and, as is the caati»
all civil wars and rebellions, we ar* very bittj
one against the other—so mnch so that inmuj
places it is unsafe to go about alone.
Doctor, you (who I trust are living in peaces 1
harmony in old Pennsylvania,) can fora N
idea of bow bad it really is in this State, fh
rebels, in some instances, have shot down tit
sens while at their work. At one time th t , Jlk
two children tchile at their plays, and at nuothn
time a young girl of seventeen was shot d on
without eanse 1
I have been living in suspense since A up,
last. For six weeks I watched every night [
have saved myself and horses thus far, mj u
things look now, and have for some time p ast i
expect to weather it through— at least uaiiii
can dispose of what I haye, and then I B (U bij
good-bye to Missouri.
This State is financially ruined, and, in aj I
opinion, will be a battle-ground for years u I
come/ Indeed, I cannot see how it can be oii. I
erwise. The people are of that material I
know no such word as -surrender, and one »fj I
Hot give up to the other. Nearly all the Uij, I
slave-holders are Union men, while four-fifth I
of the others—at least that portion in the rebel I
nrmy—are men and boys who never did 1
never will be able to own a slave, in a neigh- I
boring county it has been ascertained that thru I
out of every four that are in the rebel arc; I
can neither read nor write. This county [ I
hove no doubt, shout like the one referred to, 1
The rebels arc largely in-the majority hen. I
There are not more than two hundred loyal men I
in this county, and more than half of thentn I
in this township. Wo have about thirty men is I
the United States service, among them my w I
Marshal!. They are taking a great deal of cot I
trnband property, breaking up rebel camps, uj I
killing some of them as a matter of consequence, 1
The regiment is commanded by Col. John D, I
Forster, a native of Missouri and a slave-ovate, I
who has no mercy on the rebels with whom be |
comes in contact. The rebels call him-as they I
do all Union men—an Abolitionist The head-1
quarters of the regiment is at Macon City, abut
twenty-five miles from this place, on the Ilanni
bal & St- Joseph Bail Road, which, by the by,
has suffered considerable loss from the depre
dations of cowardly febels, who are afraid is
go into the army and fight manfully. Amatj
them is a certain old Jjmmy Vincent, a Presby
terian preacher, whp was shot in the back while
endeavoring to bum-the Thayer bridge. (Pit;
it had not been in his-old head!) Just here I
will remark that the preachers of the 51. E
Church South are rebels, to a man. A ter I
weeks since, when the Conference was in sessist *
in Glasgow, a man camo to the door of tic t
church and told the preachers that the I. tj I
troops were codling. Immediately the preaches I
left the stand and ail broke and ran; two d I
them left town without their horses.' It vu 1 1
false alarm, bat shows that “the wicked fits'l
when no man pursueth.” Such is secession - I
these parts. {
I'have beard of several secessionists, or fare I
sympathizers, iu the North, but I trust you in I
not of that number, and 1 therefore will nr I
ture to make a few more remarks on tbj I
ject of this unfortunate war, by way of opino.r I
and first let me say that I am in no way ny-' I
sible for assisting to bring on this trouble, larij I
been n ward! supporter of Stephen A. Doojia I
and I would to God that he had beca eiedfi I
and lived. lam not the apologist of the pij I
in power, bat lam the friend of what I beii* ll I
to ho the best Government on earth, and thnr I
believing, I must be allowed to snpponib
present Administration in helping to save it- I
must admit that in my opinion it is weak, id
in some instances, I fear, reckless —at It* 3
manages badly. I fear it Jrill (but I ardently
hope it won’t—no, never!) agree to a coop*-
raise.* We must save the old Flag and Govtn
meut, or let her be struck from the map of **■
tions. Let ns spend -the last dollar and give d*
last man before wo submit to the latter, fit
neither are worth saving if this Government ii
either lost or divided. To divide it is to loo*
it in subdivided fragments (see Mexico,) whieh
will besoms an. easy prey to the vultures that
are hovering around it. I fear the rebels ha*
been underrated thus far, but for the future 1
look for better. I nm still unchanged in
opinion Hk to the length of the struggle; it
be long and dreadful, but cheap at any cost of
life and treasure if the Government is only ssvrii
as I firmly believe it will be.
Onr old Legislature, that was decapitated W
the Convention, has met again, near the South
ern line of the State, and passed another
secession,, and sent on an agent to be admiU®
into the would-be Southern Confederacy.
this matters not'; we have a Provisional Gotti*--
menf that is loyal tor the United States.-
* * * •- *- * * *
Your* truly, 5 ROBERT GARMON
t* Our elroog old Colon fHend need hote no
pneoeot idffllnWnrtwi compromising with the teW*,,
wo thiok on thii, if he cut get the new* we h»« hJSj
It moro thnn eeer eooTinced of the eocceM of li e
oothorttieo. Thotnuutgetneot ofmfflrtre in Ml*** oo ’
h»i iwt been itetlt fimiH bo,hoe creeled
■Oludt of the China people ofttateieUoo, hot unaw™’
new Wgulotlooo wo hope ell win oo»» ont rlght.-»»i
fkpoim:
If ,'t / 3 i
'i :c
ALTOON
Thursday, dec:
TkWPMtIMU* BBk
V> P»J“ C “
potion*. It i< tl>
BTfbtlioathf. Whfre »df«r
»uikU*m«'«y. »J»etbff ono.
gi.. tho »d«rti»*r Uif full It
8. SI. PETTI*
DIUM itral, Booton, «t* I
JViiiow, and th* Moit lofluo'
yitqmtli lit tbe Onlml I#
•r* ontlwriud to eoutr*et£»r
■Taw M*BBAO*.r
Qtsi of James P• Bar
burgh Morning Pott ,
ait early extra con tail
coin’s Annual Mess
to present our readen
tk|ia mornipg. It h
usual variety, but th
message will induce i
look our shortcoming
Pott has our hearty th
illo&RIBLE Ap
(Wednesday) moruii
hauling one of the U
bptwecn.this place a
np while standing on
ton Hamilton station,
ohgineer, Daniel FLs
Benjamin Gushard.
thrown about sevent
engine and was horr
fireman was also thro
taneo and terribly ct
ether persons about t
have been able to let
Fisher was brought t
he resided, on the
leaves a wife and twi
was a single man a
Patterson, to which j
taken for interment.
Sab Calamity.-
tressing accidents w
notice, occurred it
County, on Wcdnesi
appears that Mr. 1\ i
a short time previou
pounds of powder
blasting a well. II
damped be placed it
:the stove, to dry,
dent occurred, Mi
something on the
a portion of the pot
the remainder on
took a broom and
the stove, by which
became ignited, pre
plosion, and burninj
child ’■ in a most ho
child died on the F
• T
Ing from the effects
H. is now lying in i
hopes of her rccovt
-Her face, arms and
( burned and much s 1
a pi table sight to ic
badly burned on thi
they are not nccessa
We were ini
ting that J. Wells
vis one of the tu«
Body Guard. He I
moot therein, if w«
hat did not report
neglected at the sd
Max. Kephart, foi
the.shops in this f
The Guard passed 1
tbair way to Kent
A finer looking and
( of men we have
appointments are
ii armed with a ei
revolver and a bon
log ia of the very
trimmed neatly wi
Thek half-hats h
a small black pit
The appearance ol
it to the State, an
denee that theirac
ihe oiticcn soldtc
HI- 0 " iriend|
atairs, are oontin
factions of thei
W|| of ladies' ft
are now opening
of «hawla, cloaks,
at bargains. Cal
rf them even the
wil tako p