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The Statutes at Large of the Confederate States of America,
Passed at the Third Session of the First Congress; 1863.
Carefully Collated with the Originals at Richmond
Public Laws of the Confederate States of America,
Passed at the Third Session of the First Congress; 1863.
Private Laws of the Confederate States of America,
Passed at the Third Session of the First Congress; 1863:
Electronic Edition.

Confederate States of America.

Matthews, James M. (James Muscoe), b. 1822, Ed.

Funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services
supported the electronic publication of this title.

Text transcribed by Apex Data Services, Inc.
Images scanned by Bryan Sinche
Text encoded by Apex Data Services, Inc., Melissa Graham, and Jill Kuhn Sexton
First edition, 2000
ca. 560K
Academic Affairs Library, UNC-CH
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
2000.

        © This work is the property of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It may be used freely by individuals for research, teaching and personal use as long as this statement of availability is included in the text.

Source Description:
(cover) The Statutes at Large of the Confederate States of America, Passed at the Third Session of the First Congress; 1863. Carefully Collated with the Originals at Richmond
(title page 1) Public Laws of the Confederate States of America, Passed at the Third Session of the First Congress; 1863. Carefully Collated with the Originals at Richmond
(title page 2) Private Laws of the Confederate States of America, Passed at the Third Session of the First Congress; 1863. Carefully Collated with the Originals at Richmond
(uniform) Laws, etc. (Statutes at large of the Confederate States of America)
Confederate States of America.
Matthews, James M. (James Muscoe), b. 1822, Ed.
viii, [93]-170, xx, [9]-11 p.
Richmond
R. M. Smith, Printer to Congress
1863
Call number 22 Conf. (Rare Book Collection, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)


        The electronic edition is a part of the UNC-CH digitization project, Documenting the American South.
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Library of Congress Subject Headings, 21st edition, 1998

Languages Used:

LC Subject Headings:

Revision History:

        

By Authority.
THE STATUTES AT LARGE
OF THE
Confederate States of America,
PASSED AT THE THIRD SESSION OF THE
FIRST CONGRESS;
1863.

Carefully collated with the Originals at Richmond.

EDITED BY
JAMES M. MATTHEWS,
ATTORNEY AT LAW,
AND LAW CLERK IN THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.

TO BE CONTINUED ANNUALLY.

RICHMOND:
R. M. SMITH, PRINTER TO CONGRESS.
1863.

PUBLIC LAWS
OF THE
CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,
PASSED AT THE THIRD SESSION
OF THE
FIRST CONGRESS;
1863.

Carefully collated with the Originals at Richmond.

EDITED BY
JAMES M. MATTHEWS,
ATTORNEY AT LAW,
AND LAW CLERK IN THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.

TO BE CONTINUED ANNUALLY.

RICHMOND:
R. M. SMITH, PRINTER TO CONGRESS.
1863.

Page v

LIST
OF THE
PUBLIC ACTS AND RESOLUTIONS
OF CONGRESS.

Acts of the First Congress of the Confederate States.
STATUTE III.--1863.

PUBLIC RESOLUTIONS.

Page 93

PUBLIC ACTS OF THE FIRST CONGRESS
OF THE
CONFEDERATE STATES,

Passed at the third session, which was begun and held at the City of Richmond, in the State of Virginia, on Monday, the twelfth day of January, A. D., 1863, and ended on Friday, the first day of May, A. D., 1863.

        JEFFERSON DAVIS, President. ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS, Vice-President, and President of the Senate. THOMAS S. BOCOCK, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

CHAP. I.--An Act making appropriations to meet the increase of pay authorized by the Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to increase the pay of certain officers and employees in the Executive and Legislative Departments," approved October thirteenth, eighteen hundred and sixty-two.

        January 30, 1863.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the following amounts be paid out of any money not otherwise appropriated, to-wit:

        Appropriations to meet increase of pay to certain officers and employees of the government.


        In Treasury Department.


        For deficiency in appropriation for compensation of the Secretary of the Treasury, Assistant Secretary, Comptroller, Auditors, Treasurer and Register, and clerks and messengers in the Treasury Department, from the thirteenth of October, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, to January the thirty-first, eighteen hundred and sixty-three, to-wit: For increase of pay of clerks, &c., under the act aforesaid, sixty-eight thousand dollars.

        War Department.


        For deficiency in appropriation for compensation of the Secretary of War, Assistant Secretary, Chief of Bureaus, clerks, messengers, &c., from the thirteenth October, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, to January the thirty-first, eighteen hundred and sixty-three, to-wit: For increase of pay of clerks, &c., under the act aforesaid, twenty-one thousand, eight hundred and eighty-eight dollars and twenty-three cents.

        Post-Office Department.


        For deficiency in appropriation for compensation of the clerks, messengers and laborers in the Post-Office Department, from the thirteenth October, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, to January the thirty-first, eighteen hundred and sixty-three, seven thousand, seven hundred and fifteen dollars and twenty-four cents.

        Navy Department


        For deficiency in appropriation for compensation of the clerks and

Page 94

employees in the Navy Department, from the thirteenth October, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, to January the thirty-first, eighteen hundred and sixty-three, nine hundred and seventy-three dollars and fifteen cents.

APPROVED January 30, 1863.

CHAP. II.--An Act to provide for transportation of persons who have been mustered into the service for the war.

        February 7, 1863.


        Transportation allowed persons mustered into the service for the war.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That non-commissioned officers and privates who have been mustered into service for the war, and to whom furloughs may be granted for not more than sixty days, shall be entitled to transportation home and back: Provided, That this allowance shall only be made once during the term of enlistment of such non-commissioned officers and privates.

APPROVED February 7, 1863.

CHAP. III.--An Act making appropriations for the support of the Government, for the period from February first, to June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and sixty-three, inclusive, and to supply deficiencies arising prior thereto.

        February 10, 1863.


        Appropriations for support of the government, from Feb. 1, to June 30, 1863.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That there be appropriated and paid out of any money in the treasury, not otherwise appropriated, the following sums of money, and for the following purposes, viz:

        Legislative Department.


        Legislative.--For compensation and mileage of members and delegates of the House of Representatives, one hundred and seventy-four thousand, two hundred dollars.

        For compensation of officers, clerks, &c., of the House of Representatives, five thousand, five hundred dollars.

        For contingent expenses of the House of Representatives, ten thousand dollars.

        For compensation and mileage of members of the Senate, twenty-nine thousand, nine hundred dollars.

        For compensation of officers, clerks, &c., of the Senate, six thousand dollars.

        For contingent expenses of the Senate, six thousand dollars.

        Executive Department.



        President.


        Executive.--For compensation of the President of the Confederate States, six thousand, two hundred and fifty dollars.

        Vice President.


        For compensation of the Vice President of the Confederate States, one thousand, five hundred dollars.

        Private secretary and messenger of the President.


        For compensation of the private secretary and messenger of the President, one thousand and seven dollars and thirteen cents.

        Private secretary of the Vice President.


        For compensation of the private secretary of the Vice President, seven hundred and fourteen dollars and forty cents.

        Contingent and telegraphic expenses.


        For contingent and telegraphic expenses of the Executive office, four thousand dollars.

        Treasury Department.

        Secretary's office.


        Treasury Department.--For compensation of the Secretary of the Treasury, Assistant Secretary, Comptroller, Auditors, Treasurer and Register, and clerks and messengers in said department, three hundred and fifty-seven thousand, eight hundred and ninety-seven dollars and ten cents.

Page 95

        Contingent expenses.


        For incidental and contingent expenses of the treasury department, twenty-one thousand, eight hundred dollars.

        Interest on public debt.


        For interest on the public debt, twenty million dollars.

        Treasury notes, &c.


        For engraving and printing treasury notes, bonds and certificates of stock, and for paper for the same, three hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

        Transfer of funds.


        For the transfer of funds to foreign parts, five million dollars.

        For the transmission of Confederate States funds, two hundred thousand dollars.


        War Department.



        Secretary's office.


        War Department.--For compensation of the Secretary of War, Assistant Secretary, Chief of Bureau, clerks, messengers, &c., in said department, ninety-six thousand, seven hundred and fifty dollars.

        Contingent expenses.


        For incidental and contingent expenses of the war department, fifty-four thousand dollars.


        Quartermaster's Department.



        Pay of the army.


        Quartermaster's Department.--For the pay of the army, one hundred and nineteen million, two hundred and seventy thousand, seven hundred and seventy-one dollars.

        Transportation of troops, stores, purchase of horses, lumber, etc.


        For the transportation of troops and their baggage, of quartermaster's stores, subsistence, ordnance and ordnance stores, from place of purchase to troops in the field, purchase of horses, mules, wagons and harness, purchase of lumber, nails, iron and steel for erecting storehouses, quarters for troops and other repairs, hire of teamsters, laborers, &c., forty-seven million, seven hundred and eight thousand, three hundred and eight dollars.

        Horses.


        For pay for horses of non-commissioned officers and privates killed in battle, under Act No. 48, section 7, and for which provision is to be made, one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars.

        Property pressed into service.


        For pay for property pressed into the servive of the Confederate States, under appraisement, said property having been either lost or applied to the public service, one hundred and eighty-seven thousand, five hundred dollars.

        Prisoners of war.


        For the sustenance of prisoners of war, under Act No. 181, section 1, and the hire of the necessary prisons, guard houses, &c., for the safe keeping of the same, or so much thereof as may be necessary, one million dollars.

        Bounty.


        For the bounty of fifty dollars to each non-commissioned officer, musician and private now in the service for three years or for the war, to be paid at the expiration of the first year's service, on the basis that sixty thousand men will have to be paid, three million dollars.

        Officers on duty in certain offices.


        For pay of the officers on duty in the offices of Adjutant and Inspector General's Department, the Quartermaster General's Department, medical, engineer, ordnance and subsistence departments, three hundred and twenty-three thousand, three hundred and fifty dollars.

        Commissary Department.


        Commissary Department.--For the purchase of subsistence stores and commissary property, forty-eight million, six hundred and fifty-six thousand, five hundred dollars.

        Ordnance Department.


        Ordnance Department.--For the ordnance service in all its branches, twelve million, five hundred thousand dollars.

        Iron.


        For the purchase of pig and rolled iron, three million dollars.

        Nitre.


        For the purchase and manufacture of nitre, four hundred thousand dollars.

        Engineer Department.


        Engineer Department.--For the engineer service, three million dollars.

        Medical Department.

        Private physicians.


        Medical Department.--For pay of private physicians employed by contract, one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

        Nurses and cooks.


        For pay of nurses and cooks, not enlisted or volunteers, two hundred and forty thousand dollars.

Page 96

        Hospital stewards.


        For pay of hospital stewards, sixty thousand dollars.

        Matrons.


        For pay of matrons, assistant matrons, and ward matrons, two hundred and forty thousand dollars.

        Ward masters.


        For pay of ward masters, one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

        Laundresses.


        For pay of hospital laundresses, fifty thousand dollars.

        Medical and hospital supplies.


        For medical and hospital supplies, two million, five hundred thousand dollars.

        For the establishment and support of military hospitals, one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

        Navy Department.


        Secretary's office.


        Navy Department.--For compensation of the Secretary of the Navy, clerks and messenger, twelve thousand, one hundred and sixty-three dollars and thirty-nine cents.

        Incidental expenses.


        For incidental and contingent expenses of the navy department, ten thousand dollars.

        Navy.


        For pay of the navy, one million, three hundred and ninety-nine thousand, five hundred and seventy-one dollars and twenty-five cents.

        Provisions, &c., in Paymaster's Department.


        For provisions and contingencies in the paymaster's department, one million, three hundred and twenty-one thousand, six hundred and fifty dollars.

        Iron-clad and other vessels.


        For construction of iron-clad and other vessels in the Confederate States, three million dollars.

        Ordnance and ordnance stores.


        For ordnance and ordnance stores, one million, eight hundred and seventeen thousand, five hundred dollars.

        Nautical instruments, &c.


        For purchase of nautical instruments, books and charts, fifteen thousand dollars.

        Equipment and repair of vessels.


        For equipment and repair of vessels, two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

        Fuel.


        For fuel for steamers, navy yards and stations, three hundred thousand dollars.

        Contingent enumerated.


        For contingent enumerated, two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

        Surgeon's necessaries.


        For surgeon's necessaries, one hundred thousand dollars.

        Marine corps.


        For support of the marine corps, two hundred and sixty-eight thousand, six hundred and twenty-seven dollars.

        State Department.

        Secretary's office.


        State Department.--For compensation of the Secretary of State, clerks, messenger and laborer, five thousand, three hundred and fifty-three dollars.

        Consuls and commercial agents


        For salaries of consuls and commercial agents, ten thousand dollars.

        Commissioners and secretaries.


        For salaries of commissioners and secretaries, twenty-three thousand, four hundred dollars.

        Foreign intercourse.


        For incidental and contingent expenses of foreign intercourse, ten thousand dollars.

        Necessities and exigencies.


        For necessities and exigencies under laws already passed, or which may be passed, or from causes which now exist or may hereafter arise, and unforseen emergencies, subject to the requisition, and under the control of the President of the Confederate States, one hundred thousand dollars.

        Department of justice.

        Attorney General's office.


        Department of Justice.--For compensation of the Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General, clerks and messenger, including pay of messenger prior to March ninth, eighteen hundred and sixty-one, six thousand and six dollars, and eighty-five cents.

        Contingent expenses.


        For incidental and contingent expenses of the Department of Justice, one thousand, two hundred and fifty dollars.

        Supt. of public printing, clerk and messenger.


        For the salaries of Superintendent of Public Printing, clerk and messenger, two thousand and sixty-two dollars and fifty cents.

        Arizona Territory.


        For compensation of commissioner of Indian Affairs, and Governor, secretary, judges, attorney and marshal of Arizona Territory, four thousand, five hundred and ten dollars.

Page 97

        For incidental and contingent expenses of Arizona Territory, to be expended by the Governor, four hundred and seventy-eight dollars and fifty cents.

        Printing and binding.


        For printing, binding and ruling for the several Executive Departments, seventy-five thousand dollars.

        For printing and binding for both Houses of Congress, including the printing of the laws and journals in book form, twenty-five thousand dollars.

        Paper.


        For purchase of paper for the Executive Departments and Congress, twenty-five thousand dollars.

        Judges, attorneys, and marshals and expenses of courts


        For salaries of judges, attorneys and marshals, and incidental and contingent expenses of courts, twenty-five thousand dollars.

        Commissioners under sequestration act, clerk hire.


        For compensation of three commissioners, appointed under the sequestration act, and for clerk hire and contingent expenses, five thousand, three hundred and twenty-five dollars.

        Post-Office Department.

        Office of Postmaster General.


        Post-Office Department.--For compensation of the Postmaster General, Chiefs of Bureaux, clerks, messengers, watchmen and laborers, forty-seven thousand, four hundred and eight dollars and thirty-four cents.

        Contingent expenses.


        For incidental and contingent expenses of the Post-Office Department, five thousand dollars.

        Miscellaneous.

        Rent of executive buildings.


        Miscellaneous.--For rent of executive buildings and President's house, ten thousand dollars.

        Telegraph lines.


        For compensation of agents, cost of materials and constructing, repairing and operating telegraph lines, fifty thousand dollars.

APPROVED February 10, 1863.

CHAP. IV.--An Act to authorize the appointment of assistants to the Resister in signing Bonds and Certificates.

        February 14, 1863.



        Appointment of clerks to sign bonds and certificates of stock.



        Compensation.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorized to appoint two clerks, if so many be necessary, to assist the Register in signing bonds and certificates of stock, with the salary of principal clerks in the department; and every bond and certificate signed by one of the said clerks for the Resister, shall be as valid and effectual, to all intents and purposes, as though the same were actually signed by the Register in his proper hand writing.

APPROVED February 14, 1863.

CHAP. V.--An Act to authorize the issue of Bonds for funding Treasury Notes.

        February 20, 1863.


        Issue of bonds and certificates of stock authorized, in exchange for treasury notes, fundable in eight per cent. bonds, &c.,


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the Secretary of the Treasury be, and he is hereby authorized to issue coupon bonds and certificates of stock, with interest, payable semi-annually, at the yearly rate of eight per cent., for such amount as may be required in exchange for all treasury notes which are now fundable in eight per cent. bonds, and also to pay for any subscription to the Produce Loan which may remain unpaid after exhausting the one hundred million loan.

        and in exchange for treasury notes fundable in seven per cent. bonds.


        SEC. 2. That the said Secretary is also authorized to issue coupon bonds, and certificates of stock, with interest at the yearly rate of seven

Page 98

per cent., payable semi-annually, for such amount as may be required, in exchange for all treasury notes which are now fundable in seven per cent. bonds.

        Bonds, when redeemable.


        SEC. 3. That all bonds issued under this act shall be made redeemable at the pleasure of the government, after the expiration of five years from their respective dates, but the faith of the government shall be pledged to redeem the same at the expiration of thirty years from such dates.

        Certificates may be issued until bonds can be prepared.


        SEC. 4. That until the bonds authorized by this act can be prepared, the Secretary may issue in their stead certificates showing the right of the holders to demand bonds of like date and amount, as soon as the same can be prepared.

APPROVED February 20, 1863.

CHAP. VI. An Act to provide for refunding to the State of Alabama the amount overpaid by said State on account of the war tax, of eighteen hundred and sixty-two.

        February 20 1863.


        Amount overpaid by State of Alabama, on acco nt of the war tax of 1862, to be ascertained and refunded.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the Secretary of the Treasury shall have power to adjust and ascertain the true amount of tax due from the State of Alabama, under the "Act to authorize the issue of treasury notes, and to provide a war tax for their redemption," and the acts supplementary thereto; and upon such accounting, said Secretary of the Treasury shall refund to the said State whatever sum may have been overpaid by the authorities thereof, under said act.

APPROVED February 20, 1863.

CHAP. VII.--An Act to provide and organize Engineer Troops to serve during the war.

        March 20, 1863.


        Companies of engineer troops to be organized.


        How long to serve.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That there shall be selected, in such manner as the Secretary of War may direct, from each division of infantry in service, one company of engineer troops, to consist of one hundred men, chosen with a view to their mechanical skill and physical fitness, and that the men assigned to such company shall be required to serve in the same only during the balance of their term of service, respectively.

        Of what persons composed.


        SEC. 2. That each company shall consist of eight sergeants, seven corporals, forty artificers, and forty-five laborers, and that two musicians may be added.

        Commissioned officers.


        Vacancies in companies, how filled.


        SEC. 3. That the commissioned officers of each company shall consist of one captain, one first lieutenant, and two second lieutenants; and that the original vacancies in these companies shall be filled by the transfer of officers of corresponding grade from the engineer corps, if practicable, and where not, then from the other corps, or from the line or staff of the army, reference being always had to their qualification as engineers, or by selection; but no one shall be selected who is not now serving in or with the army, unless he is a military or civil engineer.

        Companies organized into regiments.

        Field and staff officers.

        Original vacancies in regiments filled as in companies.


        SEC. 4. That the companies shall be organized into regiments of ten companies each, and that the field and staff officers shall consist of one colonel, one lieutenant colonel, one major, one adjutant with the rank of first lieutenant, one quartermaster sergeant, and one sergeant major; and that the original vacancies in the regiments shall be filled in the manner

Page 99

provided for filling the same in the companies, by the third section of this act; and that the sergeant major and the quartermaster sergeant shall be selected from the enlisted men of the army.

        Sergeant major and quartermaster sergeant, how selected.


        SEC. 5. That in each regiment two of the companies shall be assigned to duty as pontoniers, and each be furnished with a bridge train complete.

        Pontoniers.

        Engineer bureau to prescribe the number, &c., of wagons, pontoons, &c.


        SEC. 6. That the officer in charge of the engineer bureau, subject to the approval of the Secretary of War, shall prescribe the number, form and dimensions of the wagons, pontoons, treastles, tools, implements, arms and other necessaries for all the troops organized by this act.

        Certain vacancies filled by promotion according to seniority.


        SEC. 7. That vacancies in the established regiments to, and including the rank of colonel, shall be filled by promotion, regimentally, according to seniority, except in case of disablity or other incompetency.

        Monthly pay of officers.


        SEC. 8. That the monthly pay of the engineer troops shall be as follows: Of a colonel, two hundred and ten dollars; of a lieutenant colonel, one hundred and eighty-five dollars; of a major, one hundred and sixty-two dollars; of a captain, one hundred and forty dollars; of a first lieutenant, one hundred dollars; of a second lieutenant, ninety dollars; and the adjutant shall receive ten dollars per month in addition to his pay as lieutenant.

        Monthly pay of enlisted men.


        SEC. 9. That the pay of the enlisted men, per month, shall be as follows: The sergeant major and quartermaster sergeant, each, twenty-one dollars; sergeants, thirty-four dollars; corporals, twenty dollars; artificers, seventeen dollars; laborers and musicians, thirteen dollars.

        Mounted engineer troops selected from the cavalry; how organized.


        SEC. 10. That mounted engineer troops may be selected from the cavalry, and be organized according to the provisions of this act, for engineer troops, as hereinbefore specified.

APPROVED March 20, 1863.

CHAP. VIII.--An Act to amend "An Act for the establishment and organization of a General Staff for the Army of the Confederate States."

        March 20, 1863.


        Rank, pay, &c., of Quartermaster General.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That from and after the passage of this act, the rank, pay and allowances attached to the office of Quartermaster General of the army of the Confederate States, shall be those of a Brigadier General in the Provisional Army.

APPROVED March 20, 1863.

CHAP. IX.--An Act to provide for the funding and further issue of Treasury Notes.

        March 23, 1863.


        Funding of treasury notes issued prior to December 1, 1862.


        When they cease to be fundable.


        Funding of treasury notes issued after that time and within ten days after the passage of this act.


        Funding of call certificates.


        Certificates outstanding the 1st July, 1863, deemed to be bonds bearing interest.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That all treasury notes not bearing interest, issued previous to the first day of December, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, shall be fundable in eight per cent. bonds or stock, until the twenty-second day of April, eighteen hundred and sixty-three; that from that date until the first day of August, eighteen hundred and sixty-three, they shall be fundable in seven per cent, bonds or stocks, and after the said first day of August, they shall no longer be fundable at the pleasure of the holder, but shall be receivable in payment of public dues, except the export duty on cotton, and payable six months after the ratification of a treaty of peace, as specified on their face. All treasury notes not bearing interest, issued after the first day of December, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, and

Page 100

within ten days after the passage of this act, shall be fundable in seven per cent. bonds or stock until the first day of August next; and after the said first day of August, shall be fundable only in bonds bearing interest at the rate of four per cent. per annum, and payable at any time not exceeding thirty years from the date thereof; and all such notes not funded, shall be receivable in payment of all public dues except the export duty on cotton, and shall be payable six months after the ratification of a treaty of peace between the Confederate Government and the United States. All call certificates, bearing eight per cent. interest, shall, with the accrued interest, be fundable on or before the first day of July, eighteen hundred and sixty-three, into bonds of the Confederate States, bearing interest at the rate of eight per cent. per annum, and payable at any time not exceeding thirty years after their date: Provided, That the accrued interest aforesaid, may, at the option of the holder, be paid instead of being funded. All call certificates of every description, outstanding on the first day of July, eighteen hundred and sixty-three, shall, after that date, be deemed to be bonds bearing an annual interest of six per cent., and payable at a date not exceeding thirty years from the said first day of July, eighteen hundred and sixty-three.

        Monthly issue of treasury notes authorized, not exceeding $50,000,000.


        Funding of said notes.


        Interest thereon.


        Notes to bear on their face the month and year of their issue.


        SEC. 2. In lieu of the power heretofore given by law to the Secretary of the Treasury, to issue treasury notes, he shall be authorized to issue monthly, an amount of such notes, bearing no interest, not exceeding fifty millions of dollars, which shall be receivable in payment of all public dues, except the export duty on cotton, and payable within two years after the ratification of a treaty of peace between the Confederate States and the United States, and fundable at the pleasure of the holder, during twelve months from the first day of the month of their issue, in bonds of the Confederate States, payable at any time not exceeding thirty years after date, and bearing rates of interest as follows: If funded within twelve months from the first day of the month of their issue, the bonds shall bear six per cent. interest per annum; if funded after that period they shall be fundable into bonds bearing four per cent interest per annum. These notes shall bear upon their face the month and year of their issue, and if not funded, shall be paid at the time specified on the face, without interest.

        Authority heretofore given to issue call certificates to cease. Notes fundable into 6 per cent. bonds, made convertible into call certificates.

        Reconvertibility of the call certificates into notes.

        Exchange of certificates not reconverted, for bonds.

        Notes fundable into bonds bearing 4 per cent. interest made convertible into call certificates bearing like interest, and said certificates made reconvertible into notes fundable in 4 per cent. bonds.

        When the certificates may be redeemed.


        SEC. 3. After the passage of this act the authority heretofore given to issue call certificates shall cease, but the notes fundable into six per cent. bonds may be converted at the pleasure of the holder, into call certificates, bearing interest at the rate of five per cent. per annum, from the date of their issue. That every such certificate shall bear upon its face the monthly date of the oldest of the notes which it represents, and be convertible into like notes at any time within six months from the first day of the month of its monthly date aforesaid. But every certificate not reconverted within six months from the first day of its monthly date, shall be exchanged for a bond payable at any time not exceeding thirty years from the expiration of the said six months, and bearing interest at the rate of six per centum per annum. Treasury notes which, by the operation of this act, become fundable into bonds, bearing a yearly interest of four per cent., may be converted, at the pleasure of the holder, into call certificates, bearing interest at the rate of four per cent. per annum from their date, until reconverted or paid; the said certificates beings reconvertible at any time by the holder, into notes fundable in four per cent. bonds, and payable and receivable as heretofore prescribed; but the said certificates may be redeemed by the government, after six months from the ratification of a treaty of peace between the Confederate States and the United States.

        Bonds or stock authorized by this act, when payable and redeemable.


        SEC. 4. That all bonds or registered stock authorized to be issued by

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this act, shall be payable not less than thirty years after date; but shall be redeemable five years after date, at the pleasure of the government, and shall in other respects conform to existing laws.

        Purchase of treasary notes.


        SEC. 5. The Secretary of the Treasury shall use any disposable means in the treasury, which can be applied to that purpose without injury to the public service, to the purchase of treasury notes bearing no interest, and issued after the passage of this act, until the whole amount of treasury notes in circulation, shall not exceed one hundred and seventy-five millions of dollars.

        Denomination of notes.


        When authority to issue notes to cease.


        SEC. 6. The treasury notes hereby allowed to be issued, shall be of any denomination of not less than five dollars, which is now authorized by law, that the Secretary of the Treasury may direct. The authority hereby given shall cease at the expiration of the first session of Congress, after the ratification of a treaty of peace, or at the end of two years, should the war continue so long.

        Notes may be issued of the denomination of $1 and $2, and 50 cents.


        When payable.


        SEC. 7. In addition to the authority hereinbefore given to the Secretary of the Treasury to issue treasury notes, he shall be allowed to issue notes of the denominations of one dollar, and of two dollars, and of fifty cents, to such an amount as, in addition to the notes of the denomination of one dollar, heretofore issued, shall not exceed the sum of fifteen millions of dollars; and said notes shall be payable six months after the ratification of a treaty of peace between the Confederate States and the United States, and receivable in payment of all public dues except the export duty on cotton, but shall not be fundable.

        Sale of bonds bearing 6 per cent. per annum to any of the States, for notes issued since Dec. 1, 1862; or, when guaranteed by any of the States, for other notes.


        Proviso.


        Further proviso.


        Secretary of the Treasury authorized to issue and sell coupon bonds.


        The coupons to be paid either in currency or cotton certificates.

        Cotton to be paid at what rate, and when and where to be delivered.


        Proviso.


        SEC. 8. That the Secretary of the Treasury be authorized to sell bonds bearing six per cent. interest per annum, and payable as hereinbefore directed, at par for treasury notes issued since the first of December, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, to such of the Confederate States as may desire to purchase the same; or he may sell such bonds, when guaranteed by any of the States of the Confederacy, upon such plan as may be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, for treasury notes, on such terms as he may deem advisable, to the highest bidder, and not below par: Provided, however, That the whole amount of such bonds shall not exceed two hundred millions of dollars: And provided further, That the treasury notes thus purchased shall not be reissued, if the effect of such reissue would be to increase the whole amount of treasury notes, bearing no interest, which are in circulation, to a sum greater than one hundred and seventy-five millions of dollars. And the Secretary of the Treasury is also authorized, at his option, after the first of July, eighteen hundred and sixty-three, to issue and sell, at not less than par, as estimated in treasury notes, coupon bonds of the Confederate States, bearing six per cent. interest per annum, and payable as hereinbefore directed. The said coupons to be paid at the pleasure of the owner, either in the currency in which interest is paid on other bonds of the Confederate States, or else in cotton certificates which pledge the government to pay the same in cotton of the quality of New Orleans middlings. The said cotton to be paid at the rate of eight pence sterling per pound, and to be delivered at any time within six months after the ratification of a treaty of peace between the Confederate States and the United States, at any or all of the ports of New Orleans, Mobile, Savannah, Charleston or Wilmington, as the Secretary of the Treasury may direct: Provided, however, That the bonds hereby authorized, shall not exceed one hundred millions of dollars, and shall be applied only to the absorption of treasury notes, as prescribed in this act.

        Publication of this act to be made in each State.


        SEC. 9. That it shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Treasury, immediately after the passage of this act, to make publication of a copy

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thereof in each State, in at least two newspapers published in the State, and to have said publication continued until the first day of August, eighteen hundred and sixty-three.

APPROVED March 23, 1863.

CHAP. X.--An Act to Regulate Impressments.

        March 26, 1863.


        Impressments of forage or other property authorized, when nessessary for the army.


        Value thereof to be determined by appraisement.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That whenever the exigencies of any army in the field are such as to make impressments of forage, articles of subsistence or other property absolutely necessary, then such impressments may be made by the officer or officers whose duty it is to furnish such forage, articles of subsistence or other property for such army. In cases where the owner of such property and the impressing officer cannot agree upon the value therof, it shall be the duty of such impressing officer, upon an affidavit in writing of the owner of such property, or his agent, that such property was grown, raised or produced by said owner, or is held or has been purchased by him, not for sale or speculation, but for his own use or consumption, to cause the same to be ascertained and determined by the judgement of two loyal and disinterested citizens of the city, county or parish in which such impressments may be made; one to be selected by the owner; one by the impressing officer; and in the event of their disagreement, these two shall choose an umpire of like qualifications, whose decision shall be final. The persons thus selected, after an oath to appraise the property impressed, fairly and impartially, (which oath, as well as the affidavit provided for in this section, the impressing officer is hereby authorized to administer and certify,) shall proceed to assess just compensation for the property so impressed, whether the absolute ownership, or the temporary use therof, only is required.

        Payment to owners of property, of compensation fixed by the appraisers.

        Certificate to be given by the officer making the impressment, to the owner. What to be recited in the certificate.

        Certificate taken as evidence for the owner.


        When payment to be made by disbursing officer.


        SEC. 2. That the officer or person impressing property, as aforesaid, shall, at the time of said taking, pay to the owner, his agent or attorney, the compensation fixed by said appraisers; and shall also give to the owner, or person controlling said property, a certificate, over his official signature, specifying the battalion, regiment, brigade, division or corps to which he belongs; that said property is essential for the use of the army, could not be otherwise procured, and was taken through absolute necessity; setting forth the time and place, when and where taken, the the amount of compensation fixed by said appraisers, and the sum, if any, paid for the same. Said certificate shall be evidence for the owner, as well of the taking of said property for the public use, as the right of the owner to the amount of compensation fixed as aforesaid. And in case said officer or person taking said property shall have failed to pay the owner or his agent, said compensation as hereinbefore required, then said owner shall be entitled to the speedy payment of the same by the proper disbursing officer; which, when so paid, shall be in full satisfaction of all claims against the government of the Confederate States.

        How value of the property assessed, when appraisement impracticable at time of impressment.


        SEC. 3. Whenever the appraisement provided for in the first section of this act, shall, for any reason, be impracticable at the time of said impressment, then and in that case the value of the property impressed shall be assessed as soon as possible, by two loyal and disinterested citizens of the city, county or parish, wherein the property was taken, chosen as follows: One by the owner, and one by the Commissary or Quartermaster General, or his agent, who, in case of disagreement, shall choose a third citizen, of like qualifications, as an umpire, to decide the matters in dispute; who shall be sworn as aforesaid, who shall hear the

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proofs adduced by the parties, as to the value of said property, and assess a just compensation therefor, according to the testimony.

        Secretary of War may take private property for public use.


        Compensation to owner to be determined as in case of impressment.


        SEC. 4. That whenever the Secretary of war shall be of opinion that it is necessary to take private property for public use, by reason of the impracticability of procuring the same by purchase, so as to accumulate necessary supplies for the army, or the good of the service, in any locality, he may, by general order, through the proper subordinate officers, authorize such property to be taken for the public use; the compensation due the owner for the same to be determined, and the value fixed as provided for in the first and second sections of this act.

        Commissioners to be appointed in each State.


        Their pay and mileage.


        To constitute a board.

        Their duties.


        Proviso.


        SEC. 5. That it shall be the duty of the President, as early as practicable after the passage of this act, to appoint a commissioner in each State where property shall be taken for the public use, and request the Governor of such of the States in which the President shall appoint said commissioner, to appoint another commissioner, to act in conjunction with the commissioner appointed by the President, who shall receive the compensation or eight dollars per day, and ten cents per mile as mileage, to be paid by the Confederate Government. Said commissioners shall constitute a board, whose duty it shall be to fix upon the prices to be paid by the government, for all property impressed or taken for the public use as aforesaid, so as to afford just compensation to the owners thereof. Said commisssoners shall agree upon and publish a schedule of prices every two months, or oftner if they shall deem it proper; and in the event they shall not be able to agree in any matter confided to them in this act, they shall have power to appoint an umpire to decide the matter in dispute, whose decision shall be the decision of the board; and said umpire shall receive the same rate of compensation for the time he shall serve, allowed to said commissioners respectively: Provided, That said commissioners shall be residents of the State for which they shall be appointed; and if the Governor of any State shall refuse or neglect to appoint said commissioner within ten days after a request to do so by the President, then the President shall appoint both commissioners, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

        What property to be paid for according to the schedule of prices fixed by the commissioners.


        Quality of the property or article impressed or taken, how ascertained.


        Proviso.


        SEC. 6. That all property impressed or taken for the public use, as aforesaid, in the hands of any person other than the persons who have raised, grown or produced the same, or persons holding the same for their own use or consumption, and who shall make the affidavit as hereinbefore required, shall be paid for according to the schedule of prices fixed by the commissioners as aforesaid. But if the officer impressing or taking for the public use such property, and the owner shall differ as to the quality of the article or property impressed or taken, as aforesaid, thereby making it fall within a higher or lower price named in the schedule, then the owner or agent, and the officer impressing or taking, as aforesaid, may select each a loyal and disinterested citizen, of the qualifications as aforesaid, to determine the quality of said article or property, who shall, in case of disagreement, appoint an umpire of like qualifications, and his decision, if approved by the officer impressing, shall be final; but if not approved, the impressing officer shall send the award to the commissioners of the State where the property is impressed, with his reasons for disapproving the same, and said commissioners may hear such proofs as the parties may respectively adduce, and their decision shall be final: Provided, That the owner may receive the price offered by the impressing officer, without prejudice to his claim to receive the higher compensation.

        What property exempt from impressment. The quantity therof.


        How ascertained.


        SEC. 7. That the property necessary for the support of the owner and his family, and to carry on his ordinary agricultural and mechanical business, to be ascertained by the appraisers, to be appointed as provided

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in the first section of this act, under oath, shall not be taken or impressed for the public use; and when the impressing officer and the owner cannot agree as to the quantity of property necessary, as aforesaid, then the decision of the said appraisers shall be binding on the officer and all other persons.

        Payment for property impressed for temporary use, lost or destroyed without default of the owner, or injured whilst in the public use.


        SEC. 8. Where property has been impressed for temporary use, and is lost or destroyed without the default of the owner, the Government of the Confederate States shall pay a just compensation therefor; to be ascertained by appraisers appointed and qualified as provided in the first section of this act. If such property when returned has, in the opinion of the owner, been injured whilst in the public use, the amount of damage thereby sustained, shall be determined in the manner described in the third section of this act, the officer returning the property being authorized to act on behalf of the government; and upon such inquiry, the certificate of the value of the property, when originally impressed, shall be received as prima facie evidence of the value thereof.

        Impressment of slaves, how made.


        Proviso.


        SEC. 9. Where slaves are impressed by the Confederate Government to labor on fortifications or other public works, the impressment shall be made by said government according to the rules and regulations provided in the laws of the State wherein they are impressed; and in the absence of such law, in accordance with such rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of this act, as the Secretary of War shall from time to time prescribe: Provided, That no impressment of slaves shall be made when they can be hired or procured by the consent of the owner or agent.

        What slaves not to be taken without the consent of the owner.


        SEC. 10. That previous to the first day of December next, no slave laboring on a farm or plantation, exclusively devoted to the production of grain and provisions, shall be taken for the public use without the consent of the owner, except in case of urgent necessity.

        Trial and puishment of officers and privates for violating this act.


        SEC. 11. That any commissioned or non-commissioned officer or private who shall violate the provisions of this act, shall be tried before the military court of the corps to which he is attached, on complaint made by the owner or other person, and on conviction, if an officer, he shall be cashiered and put into the ranks as a private; and if a noncommissioned officer or private, he shall suffer such punishment, not inconsistent with military law, as the court may direct.

APPROVED March 26, 1863.

CHAP. XI.--An Act to alter and amend An Act entitled "An Act for the sequestration of the estates, property and effects of alien enemies and for indemnity of citizens of the Confederate States, and persons aiding the same in the existing war with the United States," approved August 30, 1861, and An Act altering and amending the same, approved on the 15th day of February, 1862.

        April 2, 1863.


        1861, Aug. 30.



        1862, Feb. 15.


        Leasing of sequestered land, on which are any mines or beds of copper, lead, iron, &c.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That any district court of the Confederate States may, in its discretion, direct any of its receivers to lease out any sequestered land within his district, on which are any mines or beds of copper, lead, iron, coal, saltpetre or other minerals, for a period not exceeding three years, and in such manner, and upon such terms as the court may prescribe, and such orders may be made, either by the court, or by the judge thereof, in vacation.

APPROVED April 2, 1863.

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CHAP. XII.--An Act to authorize the discharge of certain civil officers from the military service of the Confederate States.

        April 2, 1863.


        Officers or privates in the military service elected or appointed to certain civil offices, to be discharged from service.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That any officer, non-commissioned officer or private now in the military service of the Confederate States, who has been elected or appointed since entering said service, or who may hereafter be elected or appointed a Senator or Representative in Congress, or in any State Legislature, a judge of the circuit, district or superior courts of law or equity in any State of the Confederacy, district attorney, clerk of any court of record, sheriff, ordinary, judge of any court of probate, collector of State taxes, not to exceed one for each county, parish recorder, upon furnishing the Secretary of War with evidence of such election or appointment, if an officer, his resignation shall be promptly accepted, and if a non-commissioned officer or private, he shall be honorably discharged by the Secretary of War.

APPROVED April 2, 1863.

CHAP. XIII.--An Act to provide for continuing in service seamen and ordinary seamen now in the service of the Confederate States.

        April 2, 1863.


        Seamen and ordinary seamen whose term of service will expire before the end of the war, to be continued in the service.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That all seamen and ordinary seamen now in the service of the Confederate States, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, and whose term of service will expire before the end of the war, shall be continued in the service for three years from the date of their original enlistment, unless the war shall have sooner ended.

APPROVED April 2, 1863.

CHAP. XIV.--An Act to authorize the appointment of a register and additional clerk and a draughtsman for the Navy Department.

        April 4, 1863.


        Appointment of register, draughtsman, and an additional clerk in the Navy Department. Their salaries.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the Secretary of the Navy be authorized to appoint a register, at a salary of one thousand, eight hundred dollars per annum; a draughtsman, at a salary of one thousand, two hundred dollars per annum; and an additional clerk, at a salary of one thousand, two hundred dollars per annum.

APPROVED April 4, 1863.

CHAP. XV.--An Act to authorize the Secretary of the Navy to employ the best pilots for service in the Confederate Marine.

        April 4, 1863.


        Secretary of the Navy to employ pilots for service on vesels of the C. S., running the blockade.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the Secretary of the Navy be, and is hereby authorized, to employ for service on board of vessels, used or owned by the Confederate States for purpose of running the blockade of any of the ports of the Confederacy, the most skillful pilots, on such terms as, to him, shall seem best and requisite to secure their services, either by the month, or the single or round voyage.

APPROVED April 4, 1863.

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CHAP. XVI.--An Act to change the title of engineers in the Navy.

        April 4, 1863.


        Title of certain engineers in the navy changed to chief engineers.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the twelve engineers in the Navy, authorized by the act number three hundred and sixty-two, approved April twenty-first, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, shall hereafter be known and designated as chief engineers.

APPROVED April 4, 1863.

CHAP. XVII.--An Act for the relief of certain officers of the Navy and of the Marine Corps.

        April 11, 1863.


        Leave of absence pay allowed certain officers of the navy and marine corps, who resigned from the navy and marine corps of the U.S.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the Secretary of the Navy cause to be paid to those officers of the Navy and Marine Corps, who resigned from the Navy and Marine Corps of the United States, in consequence of secession, and who were arrested and imprisoned in consequence of such resignation, and who subsequently joined the Navy and Marine Corps of the Confederate States, leave of absence pay for and during the term of such imprisonment, and up to the time of their appointment in the Navy and Marine Corps of the Confederate States.

APPROVED April 11, 1863.

CHAP. XVIII.--An Act to amend An Act entitled "An Act to authorize the Secretary of the Navy to make certain contracts, without advertising for proposals," approved August 29th, 1861.


        April 11, 1863.



         1861, Aug. 29.


        Secretary of the Navy authorized to contract for supplies for the navy without advertising for proposals.

        Proviso.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the above entitled act be so amended as to authorize the Secretary of the Navy, in case he should deem it advisable, to contract for all supplies required for the navy, without advertising for proposals as required by law: Provided, [That] this act shall expire at the end of the present war.

APPROVED April 11, 1863.

CHAP. XIX.--An Act to prohibit the punishment of soldiers by whipping.

        April 13, 1863.


        Punishment of soldiers by whipping, prohibited.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That from and after the passage of this act, it shall not be lawful for any court martial or military court to cause any soldier in the service of the Confederate States to be punished by whipping, or the infliction of stripes upon his person; and that all laws and customs contravening the provisions of this act, be, and the same are hereby, repealed.

        Article XX of the articles of war, amended.


        SEC. 2. That article twenty of the Articles of War, be so amended as to read as follows: "All officers and soldiers who have received pay, or have been duly enlisted in the service of the Confederate States, and shall be convicted of having deserted the same, shall suffer death or confinement in a penitentiary, with or without hard labor, for a period not less than one year, or more than five, or such other punishment, not inconsistent with the provisions of this act, as the court martial or military court may determine."

APPROVED April 13, 1863.

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CHAP. XX.--An Act to exempt contractors for carrying the mails of the Confederate States, and the drivers of post coaches and hacks from military service.

        April 14, 1863.


        Contractors for carrying the mails exempted from military duty.


        Proviso.


        Further proviso.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the contractors for carrying the mails of the Confederate States, shall be exempt from the performance of military duty in the armies of the Confederate States, from and after the passage of this act, during the time they are such contractors: Provided, That no more than one contractor shall be exempt on any one route, and that no more than one member of any firm of contractors shall be exempt, and no contractor on any route of less than ten miles in length and on which the mail is carried on horse, shall be exempt under this act; and if one or more members of any such firm be exempt, from age or other cause, from the performance of military duty, the other member or members of such firm shall not be exempt by this act, on account of being mail contractors: And, provided further, That no person to whom a contract for carrying the mails may be transferred, with the consent of the Post-Office Department, after the passage of this act, shall be exempt from military service on the account.

        Drivers of post coaches and hacks for carrying the mails, likewise exempted from military service.


        Proviso.


        SEC. 2. That the drivers of post coaches and hacks for carrying the mails, on all routes where the weight of the mails requires that they should be carried in coaches or hacks, shall be exempt from military service in the armies of the Confederate States, from and after the passage of this act, so long as they continue to be employed as such drivers: Provided, The contractor by whom any such driver is employed, shall take and subscribe an oath, to be furnished to the enrolling officer, that the weight of the mails on his route requires the use of coaches or hacks for their conveyance, and that he has not a greater number of drivers employed in his service than are indispensible to enable him to fulfil his contract for carrying the mails, and that he will not, while a contractor, employ a greater number of drivers than may be indispensably necessary for that purpose, and that he will give notice to the enrolling officer when any such driver ceases to be in his employment.

APPROVED April 14, 1863.

CHAP. XXI.--An Act for the relief of the Brunswick and Albany railroad company

        April 16, 1863.


        Preamble.


        WHEREAS, The Brunswick and Albany railroad, in the State of Georgia, has been run and used as a military necessity, from the month of September, eighteen hundred and sixty-one, to the present time, and no charge for the use of the said road has been made by the proprietors thereof, against the government: Therefore, to preserve the said railroad from being broken up or destroyed,

        Provision for the relief of the Brunswick and Albany railroad company.


        Proviso.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the stock and bonds of the Brunswick and Albany railroad company, returned, or which may be returned to the receiver at Savanah, as property of alien enemies, and sequestered, or which may be sequestered by decree of the proper courts, shall not be sold at public auction, nor otherwise disposed of during the continuance of the war, but shall, after the ratification of peace between the Confederate States and the United States, be appraised in the following manner: One appraiser shall be appointed by the judge of the district court of the Confederate States for the district of Georgia; another shall be appointed by the board of directors of said company; and these two shall appoint a third, and their appraisement shall be made under oath and in writing, and filed with the clerk of the said district court. When the said appraisement

Page 108

shall be made, the said company shall have the privilege of paying, within ninety days thereafter, to the receiver at Savannah, the amount of said appraised value; and upon such payment, the possession and title to the said stock and bonds, shall vest in, and be transferred to the said company: Provided, however, That by accepting the relief hereby granted, and upon payment of the said appraised value, the said company shall be held and taken to have relinquished all claim against the Confederate States, for compensation for the use of their said railroad.

APPROVED April 16, 1863.

CHAP. XXII.--An Act to allow minors to hold commissions in the Army.

        April 16, 1863.


        Minors allowed to hold commissions in the army.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That from and after the passage of this act, commissions in the Army of the Confederate States, and in the Provisional Army of the Confederate States, may be issued to persons under twenty-one years of age, except in the case of officers who are required by law to give bond.

APPROVED April 16, 1863.

CHAP. XXIII.--An Act to authorize the increase of the compensation of route agents, and to increase the per diem allowance to special agents of the Post-Office Department.

        April 16, 1863.


        Maximum compensation to route agents in the service of the Post-Office Department.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That from and after the passage of this act, the maximum compensation to be paid to route agents in the service of the Post-Office Department, shall not exceed twelve hundred dollars per annum.

        Compensation of special agents.


        Travelling and incidental expenses allowed.


        SEC. 2. That from and after the passage of this act, the annual compensation of special agents of the Post-Office Department shall be sixteen hundred dollars per annum; and they shall also be allowed the sum of three dollars per day for their travelling and incidental expenses while actually engaged in travelling on the business of the Department.

APPROVED April 16, 1863.

CHAP. XXIV.--An Act to establish a preferred mail across the Mississippi River.

        April 16, 1863.


        Mail route to be established across the Mississippi River.


        Rate of postage.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the Postmaster General of the Confederate States is authorized to establish a mail route for the more speedy transmission of letters and dispatches, only, between the States lying east and those lying west of the Mississippi River. Postage on mail matter to be sent by said route shall be prepaid at the rate of fifty cents for each half ounce; but in calculating the weight of such mail matter, any fraction of an ounce less than a half shall be regarded as a half ounce.

        Letters and dispatches to have preference over all other matter.


        SEC. 2. Letters and dispatches for the route hereby authorized shall have preference over all other mail matter in the transmission of the mails across the Mississippi River.

        Postmaster General to establish necessary regulations. How to apply the money arrising from the postage.


        SEC. 3. The Postmaster General is authorized to establish regulations for the prompt mailing, forwarding, and distributing of mail matter on

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said route, and he may apply the money arising, from time to time, from the postage thereon in the employment of couriers, or other means, for the safer, more frequent, and more rapid transmission of said preferred mails.

APPROVED April 16, 1863.

CHAP. XXV.--An Act to prevent the absence of officers and soldiers without leave.

        April 16, 1863.


        Officers or soldiers absent without leave to receive no pay.


        Proviso.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That no officer or soldier of the army shall receive pay for any period during which he may be absent without leave, or beyond the leave granted, from competent authority, according to the regulations of the army: Provided, That this restriction shall not affect the sick and wounded in hospitals.

        Length of absence to be stated on the muster and pay rolls.


        Deduction of pay for absence.


        Forfeiture incurred by commanders of companies for failure to note such absence.


        SEC. 2. In order to enforce the requirements of the foregoing section, it is hereby made the duty of commanding officers of companies to state upon the muster and pay-rolls of their companies the length of time any officer or soldier has been absent therefrom, without leave of competent authority, since the previous payment, when the deduction of pay for such absence will be made by the quartermaster from the amount otherwise due the officer or soldier; and any commander of a company who shall fail to note such absence on the muster and pay-rolls of the company shall be required to refund to the Government the amount forfeited by such absent officer or soldier, unless it shall already have been received from the officer or soldier so absent.

        What facts officers are required to certify on their pay accounts.


        SEC. 3. Officers shall certify upon honor on their pay accounts whether they have or have not been absent, without leave by competent authority, within the time for which they claim pay; and if absent without leave, they shall state in their certificates the time and period of such absences. In like manner, commanding officers of companies shall certify on honor on their pay accounts that they have stated fully and correctly on the muster and pay-rolls of their companies the length of time each officer and soldier of the company has been absent without leave since the last payment of the company.

        This act not to relieve from other penalties.


        SEC 4. That this act shall not be be construed to relieve any officer or private from any other penalty to which he may be liable by existing laws or regulations.

APPROVED April 16, 1863.

CHAP. XXVI.--An Act to amend the several acts prescribing the mode of publishing the laws and resolutions of the Confederate States.

        April 16, 1863.


        1861, Feb. 21.


        May 21.


        Aug. 5.


        1862, Feb. 17.


        Publication of the laws and resolutions of Congress.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That it shall be the duty of the Attorney General to select from the laws and resolutions of the present and future sessions of the Congress such as may be of a public nature, and which, in his judgment, require immediate publication, and cause the same to be inserted weekly, for four weeks, in three public gazettes published in each State, selecting such gazettes as shall, in his judgment, most generally distribute the laws and resolutions through the entire limits of the several States.

        Printers or publishers may print or publish an edition of the laws.


        Attorney General to grant a certificate of authentication.


        SEC. 2. Any printer or publisher who may desire to print and

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publish an edition of the laws of the Confederate States, may do so at his own expense and for his own benefit; and the Attorney General shall grant a certificate of authentication to any such edition of the laws as shall conform to the standard now required for the printing and publication of the laws. Any edition of the laws so authenticated shall avail for all purposes for which the official publication may now be used.

APPROVED April 16, 1863.

CHAP. XXVII.--An Act to amend "An Act to establish the Bureau of Indian Affairs."

        April 16, 1863.


        1861, Mar. 15.


        Appointment of Clerk of Bureau of Indian Affairs.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the second section of the of an act entitled "An Act to establish the bureau of Indian Affairs," approved March fifteenth, eighteen hundred and sixty one, be so amended as that the clerk authorized therein may be appointed without the advice and consent of the Senate.

APPROVED April 16, 1863.

CHAP. XXVIII.--An Act relating to appeals from the Commissioner of Patents.

        April 16, 1863.


        Party appealing from decision of Commissioner of Patents to state the grounds of his appeal in writing.

        Commissioner to send up said statement.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That hereafter in all cases of appeal from the decision of the Commissioner of Patents, touching the grant of a patent, the appellant shall, before the appeal is sent up, state in writing his grounds and reasons for said appeal, and file the same with said Commissioner, and the Commissioner shall send up the said statement along with the other papers in the case.

APPROVED April 16, 1863.

CHAP. XXIX.--An Act to authorize the Commissioner of Patents to purchase books for the Library of the Patent Office.

        April 16, 1863.


        Commissioner of Patents authorized to purchase books for the library of his office.


        The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the Commissioner of Patents be, and he is hereby aut