Library of Congress Subject Headings, 21st edition, 1998

Languages Used:

• English

LC Subject Headings:

• Legislation -- Mississippi.
• Legislative journals -- Mississippi.
• Mississippi -- Politics and government -- 1861-1865.
• Mississippi -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Law and legislation.

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JOURNAL
OF THE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
OF THE
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI,
DECEMBER SESSION OF 1862,
AND
NOVEMBER SESSION OF 1863.

JACKSON.
COOPER. & KIMBALL, STEAM PRINTERS AND BINDERS.
1864.

HOUSE JOURNAL.

WEDNESDAY, December 17, 1862.

        At a special session of the Legislature of the State of Mississippi, began and held in pursuance of the Constitution and the Governor's Proclamation, at the State House, in the city of Jackson, in the county of Hinds, State of Mississippi, on Wednesday, the 17th day of December, A. D. 1862, and the sovereignty of the State of Mississippi the forty-sixth,

        Be it remembered, That on this day, at the place above mentioned, being the time and place designated for the assemblage of the Legislature of the State of Mississippi, the members of the House of Representatives convened in the Representative Hall at twelve o'clock, M.

        The Speaker took the chair and called the House to order.

        On motion of Mr. Thomas,

        The roll was called and the following members answered to their names:

        MR. SPEAKER, Messrs. Allen, Barton, Bardin, Boddie, Chandler, Clark, Deason, Denney, Dyer, Enochs, Fatheree, Fox, Graham, Harper, Harris, Hicks, Hooker of Holmes, Hooker of Lawrence, Johnson of Warren, Kirk, Lyle, McDonald, McLaurin, Miller of Oktibbeha, Nelson, Seal of Harrison, Semmes, Shelly, Thomas, Smith of Lowndes, Walker, Williams of Wilkinson, and Wood.

        No quorum being present,

        On motion of Mr. Johnson, of Warren,

        The House adjourned to three o'clock, P. M.

THREE O'CLOCK, P. M.

        The House met pursuant to adjournment.

        On motion of Mr. Bardin, the roll was called.

        No quorum being present,

        On motion of Mr. Seal, of Harrison,

        The House adjourned to 10 o'clock to-morrow morning.

THURSDAY, December 18, 1862.

        The House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Upon call of the roll, a quorum being present,

        The House proceeded to business.

        The Journal of yesterday was read and approved.

        Hon. William T. Powe, member elect from the county of Jasper, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Hon. A. F. Dantzler, and Hon. C. F. Hamer, member elect from the county of Yazoo to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Hon. Q. D. Gibbs, appeared, were qualified and took their seats.

        On motion of Mr. Johnson, of Warren,

        The House proceeded to the election of a Doorkeeper in place of A. T. Foster.

        On motion of Mr. Thomas,

        William J. Brown, Jr., was elected Doorkeeper by acclamation,

        Who, thereupon, took the oath of office and entered upon the discharge of his duties.

        On motion of Mr. Johnson, of Warren,

        Resolved, That the Clerk be instructed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives, having a quorum, are now ready to proceed to business, having elected William J. Brown, Jr., their Doorkeeper,

        And have adopted the following joint resolution, in which the concurrence of the Senate is desired:

        Resolved, That a committee of----on the part of the Senate, and three on the part of the House, be appointed to wait on his Excellency, the Governor, and inform him that the two Houses are now organized and ready to receive any communication he may have to make; and have appointed as said committee on the part of the House, Messrs. Johnson of Warren, Kirk and Shields.

        On motion of Mr. Bardin,

        The House adjourned to 3 o'clock, P. M.

THREE O'CLOCK, P. M.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Mr. Hooker of Holmes, asked and obtained leave of absence for his colleague, Mr. Dyer, on account of sickness.

        On motion of Mr. Terrell, of Covington,
The House adjourned until to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.

FRIDAY, December 19, 1862.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Journal of yesterday read and approved.

        On motion of Mr. Johnson, of Warren,

        Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to wait upon the President of the Confederate States and General Joseph E. Johnston, and tender to them and their staffs seats in this House, and also request the President, if consistent with his present duties, to address the members of this House this evening at 7 o'clock, or at such other time as may suit his convenience.

        The Speaker appointed Messrs. Johnson of Warren, Jones, and Hooker of Hinds, said committee.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The House adjourned until 3 o'clock, P M.

THREE O'CLOCK, P. M.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Mr. Harper asked leave to introduce a bill.

        Mr. Hicks raised a point of order, that no bill could be acted upon by this House until the Senate had found a quorum and organized for business.

        The Speaker decided that it was now competent for this House to proceed to business.

        Mr. Harper, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to reorganize and establish the military system of the State of Mississippi,

        Which was read the first time.

        On motion of Mr. Hooker, of Hinds,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read a second time and laid upon the table.

        Mr. Johnson, of Warren, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee appointed to wait upon President Davis and General Johnston, and tender to them and their staffs seats in this Hall, and also to request the President to address the members of the Legislature, have performed the duty assigned them, and now beg leave to report that both the President and General Johnston expressed themselves as gratified at the courtesy extended to them, of which they will avail themselves upon their return from Vicksburg, and also that the President will then name the time when he will be able to address the Legislature.

        Mr. Harper, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to authorise the impressment of slaves and other personal property for military purposes,

        Which was read the first time.

        Mr. Harper moved that the rule be suspended, that the bill be read a second time and referred to a select committee of five, and one hundred copies ordered to be printed.

        Motion lost.

        Mr. Hooker, of Hinds, moved that the bill be laid upon the table, and one hundred copies ordered to be printed,

        Which motion prevailed.

        On motion of Mr. Hooker, of Hinds,

        The House adjourned until 10 o'clock to-morrow morning.

SATURDAY, December 20, 1862.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        The following message was received from the Senate, through Mr. Porter, their Secretary:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        I am instructed by the Senate to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate is duly organized and ready to proceed to business.

        Journal of yesterday was read and approved.

        Mr. Hooker, of Holmes, presented the following resignation:

JACKSON, December 20, 1862.

To the Hon. Senate and House of Representatives
of the State of Mississippi:

        I hereby resign the office of Sergeant-at-Arms of this Legislature.

SAMUEL POOL.

        Which resignation was received.

        On motion of Mr. Johnson, of Warren,

        Resolved, The Senate concurring, That the two Houses proceed to the election of Sergeant-at-Arms at half-past 10 o'clock, A. M., this day.

        Mr. Chandler, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act better to provide for the families of our soldiers,

        Which was read the first time.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read the second time and referred to the committee on Propositions and Grievances.

        On motion of Mr. Shields,

        Resolved, That the Secretary of State be requested to furnish for the House, copies of the Revised Code, the Journals of the Convention, and the acts of the Legislature since 1857.

        Mr. Chandler, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to authorize Tax Collectors to receive in payment of the military tax all funds receivable for other State taxes,

        Which was read the first time.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read the second time and referred to the committee on the Judiciary.

        The following message was received from the Senate, through Mr. Porter, their Secretary:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate has concurred in the joint resolution of the House in relation to the appointment of a joint committee to inform the Governor of the organization of the two Houses, and of their being ready to receive any communication he may have to make to them; and have appointed as a committee on the part of the Senate Messrs. Gordon and Davis.

        The Senate has also concurred in joint resolution of the House in relation to the election of Sergeant-at-Arms.

        On motion of Mr. Thomas,

        Resolved, That the House take a recess of five minutes for the purpose of preparing the Hall for the reception of the Senate, to the end that the two Houses proceed to the election of a Sergeant-at-Arms.

        The recess having expired, the House resumed its session.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The Clerk was requested to inform the Senate that the Hall of the House was now in readiness for their reception, to the end that the two Houses proceed to the election of a Sergeant-at-Arms.

        The Senate having been informed, entered the Hall and took the seats assigned them.

        The President having explained the object of the joint convention,

        Mr. Hicks nominated J. J. Denson, and, on his further motion,

        He was declared elected Sergeant-at-Arms by acclamation,

        And, having taken the oath of office, entered upon the discharge of his duties.

        The object of the joint convention having been accomplished, the Senate retired.

        Mr. Graham, by leave, introduced a bill

        To provide for the collection of the military tax in the same manner as other State taxes,

        Which was read first time.

        On motion of Mr. Graham,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read the second time and referred to the committee on the Judiciary.

        Mr. Johnson, of Warren, made the following report:

        The committee on the part of the House appointed to wait on the Governor, report that they have discharged that duty, and that the Governor replies that he will make his communication to this body in writing.

        Mr. Johnson, of Warren, introduced a bill

        To authorize the suspension of the writ of Habeas Corpus,

        Which was read the first time.

        On motion of Mr. Strong,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read the second time and referred to the committee on the Judiciary.

        The following message was received from the Governor, through his private Secretary, Mr. Rives:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        I am instructed by his Excellency, the Governor, to deliver to you, his message in writing, with accompanying documents.

GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE, JACKSON, MISS.,
December 20th, 1862.

Gentlemen of the Senate
and House of Representatives:

        For the consideration of matters of vital interest to the safety of the State, you have been called into extra session. The magnitude of the preparations, and the vast armies sent by our enemies for our subjugation, require corresponding efforts on our part to render our defense successful. To effect this end, I recommend that the entire white male population of the State from sixteen to sixty years of age, be enrolled in the militia, and that such as are deemed able to go into active service be called at once to the defense of the State. This class who are able for active service in the field will probably constitute one-half of the entire population subject to military duty. The other half could be organized as a reserve, to be armed and drilled for local defense against raids of small foraging parties of the enemy. One-fourth of this reserved class could act as armed patrols in their respective counties, and thus give a feeling of security to the people in every county in the State. As it is a matter of necessity to the safety of the State and the successful prosecution of the war, to fill up our regiments now in the field, and to return to the army the hundreds who are absent without leave, or on expired furloughs, or have recovered from disability and are now able to return to duty, I suggest the importance of requiring the sheriffs, magistrates and constables to aid the military authorities of the State and of the Confederate States to enroll, and, if necessary, to arrest conscripts, and send them to the proper camps, and to arrest and send to their commands all who owe service to the country and either neglect or refuse to perform it.

        The prompt and faithful performance of this duty should be enforced by heavy penalties, extending to even the dismissal from office, for wilfully failing or refusing to give the required aid in arresting and sending back to duty those who seek to avoid it. I recommend that the Legislature pass an act disfranchising every citizen who shall be convicted of evading or refusing to perform the military duties required of

him by law--either by leaving the State or hiding out from home or otherwise. Such are not fit to associate on terms of equality with the loyal and brave who return with honorable scars from the battle for independence.

        Slave labor has been employed by State and Confederate authorities on works deemed necessary for the public safety. The liberal and patriotic have cheerfully responded to the calls for slaves for this purpose, while some have refused to contribute anything, or even to send their slaves on assurance of full and ample compensation. I ask that authority be given the Executive--under such restrictions as may be deemed wise--to call out for the State or Confederate authorities such number of slaves as may be necessary for such works in the future; and that the burthen may be equally borne by all, I suggest that the slaves be enrolled.

        While asking for more stringent legislation to compel the citizen to do his duty to the State and country, I will respectfully remind the Legislature that one class of our citizens has claims upon the State as imperative and as sacred as any claim the State can have upon the soldier in this perilous hour. I allude to the families and dependents of our soldiery now or soon to be in the field. Deprived of the means of support by calling the husband and father to the army, they may justly claim protection and a supply of the necessaries of life from the State, which now requires the services of their natural protectors. The provision heretofore made by the Legislature is found to be wholly inadequate. Owing to the drought of the past season, which extended over a large portion of the State, and the necessity of calling more men into the field, the number of destitute families will be greatly increased, and thereby add largely to the wants of our people, who are even now in some districts suffering for bread. Such a condition of affairs ought not to be allowed to exist while there is means within the State to prevent it. I therefore recommend that the most liberal provisions be made by the Legislature in behalf of the families of our soldiers now in the field, and the widows and orphans of such as have fallen in defense of their country; and I further recommend, in this connection, that discretionary power be given to the Boards of Police in each county to extend any legislative provision that may be made by county taxes--if such legislative provision should again be found inadequate to supply the necessaries of life to the sufferers of their respective counties.

        The most pressing want of our people at the present time is a supply of salt. During the last summer I sent agents to Virginia, Alabama and Louisiana, in order to secure, if possible, a supply of salt for the people of the State, either by purchase or by mining. Their missions have, however, from

various causes, proven entirely unsuccessful, except the agent to Louisiana, who succeeded in purchasing a small quantity of salt in New Iberia, in Louisiana. About 40,000 pounds of salt are now at Vicksburg, which I propose to distribute to the destitute families of soldiers. Some other contracts have been recently made for a large supply of salt, and if I should be successful in these, I hope to be able to supply the State. These contracts I will be pleased to submit to any committee that the Legislature may appoint for that purpose. If these efforts should prove a failure, I know of no other source of supply but by mining on State account at New Iberia, Louisiana, where the deposit so far as is known, is unlimited. In that event I ask that authority be given to use the slave labor of the State, and the wagons and teams necessary for the mining and hauling the salt to Atchafalaya, the nearest point to steamboat navigation. While my efforts have procured but a very small amount of salt on State accounts, I have given all the information and assistance in my power to private enterprise, and it affords me much satisfaction to say that in consequence of such information and assistance many individuals have succeeded in supplying themselves and neighbors with salt. I have been unable to obtain transportation sufficient to convey the salt obtained to the interior of the State. I therefore request that the Legislature will take some action in the premises so as to secure speedy transportation for the salt that may be obtained in the future, and as the item of bread is of vital importance to a large portion of the State, it would be well for the Legislature to include transportation for corn and wheat in any provision made for the transportation of salt.

        The exorbitant prices asked for every article of food by those who are engaged in buying and selling for profit, and many who produce them, is putting the means of living beyond the reach of many of our poor citizens--if permitted to go unchecked will transfer the property of the country to the hands of the worst and least patriotic of our population. I ask that a law be passed prohibiting the buying and selling of grain for profit, and its distillation into spirits, and that some reasonable price be fixed beyond which the extortioner cannot go without incurring a heavy penalty.

        The military bill passed at the last session of the Legislature made no provision for the appointment of the staff of the Major General of the State Militia. I recommend that authority be given to the Major General to appoint his staff, as the duties of his office cannot be performed without such aid.

        Treasury notes to the full amount authorized by the Legislature at its last session, have been advanced on cotton. This act for the relief of the people and for supplying a sound circulating

medium for the State has accomplished all that its most sanguine friends expected, and of the $2,500,000 appropriated by the Legislature for military purposes, but $381,534 have been expended, leaving in the Treasury a balance of $2,218,466. No further appropriation in this behalf is required.

        For the information of the Legislature as to the condition of the State troops, I respectfully refer you to the report of Major General T. C. Tupper, herewith transmitted. The minute men now in the field have done good service, and they cannot be too highly commended. Their presence and efficiency have done much to restrain the inroads of the invading foe. The State Armory at Bra don is doing all that could be expected, with the limited means in our possession, in the construction and repairing of arms. For full information upon this subject, I refer you to the report of the Chief of Ordnance herewith transmitted.

        You will see by the report of the Adjutant General of the State that we now have forty-six regiments of infantry in the Confederate service, besides the cavalry and artillery, and the unattached battalions and companies of the several arms, which were organized by and reported directly to the Confederate authorities at Richmond, leaving no record of their existence or strength in the office of the Adjutant General in this State.

        Since your last session, Mississippi has become the theater of war. After the fall of New Orleans and Memphis three sides of the State were exposed to the Northern plunderer. Until recently our people have suffered, compared with the four States adjoining, but little loss of property, for the enemy have been required to pay in blood for the plunder they gathered on our soil. Their efforts were mainly directed to clearing the Mississippi river of the only remaining obstruction to its free navigation. Some fortifications hastily constructed at Vicksburg were at the beginning of the contest scarcely deemed worthy of their notice, but after months past spent in bombarding, and at times the most furious that has ever occurred upon this continent, the united efforts of both the upper and lower fleets could not secure the safe passage of one boat. Battered and bootless, they retired in acknowledged defeat. The spell which attended the name of gunboats was broken at Vicksburg. While this brilliant success to our arms--occurring on her soil--adds renown to the State, Mississippi can only claim a share of the glory of the achievement--Louisiana, Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri had gallant representatives there to share the danger of the conflict and the honors of the triumph. Nor should I forget the brilliant part played in this defense by the Confederate

steamer Arkansas and her heroic officers and crew. Though baffled last summer, the enemy have worked with all the energy which wounded pride and bitter hate could give them, and are now returning to the seige with larger fleets and much larger land forces. We have not been idle spectators of their preparations, and the history of Southern triumph at the Hill City, I hope, is not yet finished. Thanks to the energy of our mechanics and the skill of our engineers, the foremost of their gunboat fleet lies a shattered wreck at the bottom of the Yazoo river. The torpedo has at last done its work. I hail this success as a happy omen of our triumph over our enemies in the approaching struggle--that triumph must be sought by patient endurance and hard fighting. From all the accounts of the devastations committed, wherever their troops have marched over our soil, it is manifest that we have nothing to lose by fighting. Mississippi is now called on to put forth all her strength to repel the invasion of her enemies who have discarded both the principles and practice of civilized warfare. The struggle is now for her existence as a State. Her sons have won for her an enviable renown by gallantry unsurpassed on many fields, and attracted to her the bitterest hatred of the common enemy of the Confederacy. I appeal to the Legislature for such legislation as in their wisdom, they may deem necessary to enable the State to maintain the proud position among her sister States won for her by the blood of her heroic sons. Let us convince the world by our actions that all the patriotism and courage did not go out of the State with the Regiments that have heretofore gone to meet the enemy on more distant fields. If Mississippi is true to her former history, I have an abiding confidence that after a few months more of suffering and trials, the God who loves justice and rewards devotion, will bless our land with independence and peace.

JOHN J. PETTUS.

        On motion of Mr. Thomas,

        The message was laid upon the table and 500 copies ordered to be printed.

        On motion of Mr. Shields,

        Resolved, That five hundred copies of the Documents accompanying the Governor's message be printed for the use of this House.

        On motion of Mr. Terrell,

        The vote adopting the resolution was reconsidered,

        And on his further motion,

        The House resolved itself into secret session for the consideration of the accompanying documents to the Governor's message.

        After a short time spent therein the doors were opened, and

        On motion of Mr. Jones,

        The following resolution was adopted:

        Resolved, That the reports of the Major General and Chief of Ordnance, and other documents accompanying the Governor's message, be referred to the committee on Military Affairs.

        Mr. Hooker, of Holmes, offered the following resolution:

        Resolved, That this House will not act upon any business at its present session, except that to which the attention of the House is called by the message of the Governor and accompanying documents, and the business now before the House, and such other matters as the exigency of the times may demand.

        Mr. Graham moved to lay the resolution upon the table,

        Upon which motion the yeas and nays were demanded by Messrs. Shields, Gulley, and Hooker, of Holmes,

        And the motion to lay upon the table was lost by the following vote:

        YEAS--Messrs. Bardin, Brooks, Buntin, Deason, Edwards of Kemper, Enochs, Graham, Hicks, Hooker of Hinds, Humphreys, Jackson of Amite, Martin, Magee of Pike, McElroy, Miller of Oktibbeha, Powe, Seal of Harrison, Seal of Hancock, Shelley, Terrell and Wells--21.

        NAYS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Barnes, Boddie, Chandler, Clark, Durr, Fatheree, Fox, Gulley, Hamer, Harper, Harris, Hooker of Holmes, Hooker of Lawrence, Irby, Johnson of Warren, Jones, Kirk, Lewis, Lyle, McDonald, McLaurin, Moore, Nelson, Semmes, Shields, Strong, Thomas, Walker, Williams of Wilkinson, and Wood--31.

        Mr. Johnson, of Warren, moved the previous question.

        The question was then taken on the adoption of the resolution and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. Hooker, of Hinds, offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the Auditor of Public Accounts be requested to furnish to this House a statement of the amount collected under an act to support the indigent families of soldiers in the army, and how the same has been distributed among the various counties of the State.

        On motion of Mr. Jones,

        The bill entitled an act to reorganize and establish the military system of the State of Mississippi, was called from the table.

        And upon his further motion,

        The bill was referred to the committee on Military Affairs, and one hundred copies ordered to be printed.

        On motion of Mr. Terrell,

        The House adjourned to three o'clock, P. M.

THREE O'CLOCK, P. M.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Mr. Wood, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to prevcnt the distillation of corn or other grain, molasses or sugar,

        Which was read the first time,

        And on motion of Mr. Wood,

        The rule was suspended and the bill read the second time, and referred to the committee on Propositions and Grievances.

        On motion of Mr. Miller, of Oktibbeha,

        Resolved, That his Excellency, the Governor, through the Chief of Ordnance, be requested to furnish the House a more full and specific statement of the number, condition and description of arms received from the several counties--what number and what kind from each county--what number from each county approved as good or fit to be repaired--and what number rejected as useless or unfit to be repaired.

        Mr. Miller, of Oktibbeha, asked leave of absence for Mr. Boyd, of Tippah,

        Which was granted.

        Mr. Wood asked leave of absence for Mr. Denney, in consequence of illness,

        Which was granted.

        Mr. Shields asked leave of absence for Mr. Fowles,

        Which was not granted.

        On motion of Mr. Jones,

        Resolved, That the non attendance of all members of this House, who are at distant points in the army of the Confederate States, be and the same are hereby excused.

        Mr. Strong gave notice that he would, at an early day, introduce a bill providing for increased defenses on the Yazoo river.

        The Speaker announced that he had appointed John Terret and Charles M. Evans as Pages to this House.

        On motion of Mr. Harris,

        Mr. Chandler was added to the committee on Military Affairs.

        The Speaker announced that he had filled vacancies in several of the Standing Committees, as follows, to-wit:

        In the committee on Ways and Means: Messrs. Thomas, Strong, Chandler and Graham.

        In the committee on the Judiciary: Mr. Hooker, of Holmes.

        In the committee on Claims: Messrs. Powe, Walker and Bardin.

        In the committee on Propositions and Grivances: Messrs. Kirk, McLaurin, Nelson and Buntin.

        In the committee on Military Affairs: Messrs. Harper, Hamer, Hooker, of Hinds, and Tindall.

        Mr. Thomas offered the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:

        Resolved, That this House has heard with deep sorrow of the death of QUESNEY D. GIBBS, late a member from the county of Yazoo.

        Resolved, That the earnest and patriotic devotion to his country's honor and independence, which he has sealed with his life, entitles his memory to a grateful appreciation by the State.

        Resolved, That the proceedings of this House in relation to the death of Capt. Q. D. Gibbs, be communicated to the family of the deceased by the Clark.

        Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, this House do now adjourn until Monday morning, 10 o'clock.

        The House adjourned until Monday morning at 10 o'clock.

MONDAY, December 22, 1862.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Journal of Saturday read and approved.

        The Speaker presented the following communication from the Auditor of Public Accounts:

AUDITOR'S OFFICE, JACKSON,
December 22, 1862.

Hon. J. P. Scales,
Speaker of the House of Representatives:

        SIR--In compliance with a resolution adopted by the House of Representatives on the 20th inst., I have the honor herewith to transmit a statement showing the amount of tax collected for the support of indigent families of volunteer soldiers in the army, and the pro rata share of each county of said tax.

Most respectfully, your ob't servant,

A. J. GILLESPIE,
Aud. Pub. Accounts.

        

STATEMENT of Military Relief Tax of 1861, collected, and the pro rata share of each county in the State of Mississippi of said fund:

COUNTIES.	Net amount of Tax collected.	Pro rata share of each county.
Adams	$ 7,288 99	$ 1,753 79
Amite	3,086 81	2,790 77
Attala	2,814 23	5,409 51
Bolivar	6,219 12	1,161 23
Calhoun	1,301 48	5,051 11
Carroll.	6,813 06	7,813 21
Chickasaw	3,999 25	3,956 78
Choctaw*	2,684 73	8,993 55
Claiborne**		1,428 84
Clark***	2,240 81	5,614 99
Coahoma	3,839 69	234 16
Copiah	4,580 62	5,452 52
Covington	645 49	1,944 94
DeSoto	6,979 86	4,578 01
Franklin	1,837 93	1,605 65
Greene	235 70	669 02
Hancock	711 12	1,199 46
Harrison	1,015 48	559 11
Hinds	10,585 32	5,031 99
Holmes	6,121 12	5,333 05
Issaquena	3,600 00	315 40
Itawamba	2,542 32	5,089 34
Jackson	550 00	1,500 52
Jasper	2,075 90	2,523 16
Jefferson	4,178 00	1,529 19
Jones	276 06	2,150 42
Kemper	2,433 57	4,157 49
Lafavette	3,426 38	3,995 01
Lauderdale	2,195 07	4,262 62
Lawrence	1,789 37	2,446 71
Leake	1,684 20	4,281 73
Lowndes	7,380 02	3,794 30
Madison	7,320 55	4,171 82
Marion	843 78	1,017 87
Marshall	Not settled	6,804 90
Monroe	6,543 98	7,617 28
Neshoba.	1,291 75	2,226 88
Newton	1,884 59	2,016 62
Noxubee	6,641 89	5,648 45
Oktibbeha	3,856 33	2,169 54

        * Settled in full since distribution.

        ** Settled in full since distribution.

        *** Settled in full since distribution.

Panola	$ 6,161 50	3,053 60
Perry	278 40	597 34
Pike	2,504 86	1,916 27
Pontotoc	4,182 14	7,211 09
Rankin	3,350 85	4,984 20
Scott	1,876 67	2,174 32
Simpson	890 94	1,557 86
Smith	1,112 10	2,972 36
Sunflower	3,787 17	1,476 63
Tallahatchie	3,354 98	1,753 79
Tippah	3,288 34	6,694 99
Tishomingo*		8,725 94
Tunica	2,627 83	621 24
Warren	Not settled	3,421 57
Washington	11,496 29	1,481 40
Wayne	623 01	893 62
Winston	1,940 85	2,590 07
Wilkinson	4,759 25	2,972 36
Yalabusha	4,433 12	3,431 12
Yazoo	8,803 24	2,155 20
Total	198,985 91	198,985 91

        * Settled in part since distribution.

A. J. GILLESPIE,
Auditor of Public Accounts.

        On motion of Mr. Johnson, of Warren,

        Resolved, That one hundred copies of the Auditor's Report, just read, be printed for the use of this House.

        On motion of Mr. Shields,

        The vote adopted on Saturday, by which five thousand copies of the Governor's message were ordered to be printed, was reconsidered,

        And on his further motion,

        Two hundred copies were ordered to be printed for the use of this House.

        Mr. Bardin asked leave of absence for Mr. Edwards, of Choctaw,

        Which was granted.

        On motion of Mr. Johnson, of Warren,

        The call of the counties was suspended.

        Mr. McLaurin presented the petition of Edward Robinson and others, of Smith county.

        Which, on his motion,

        Was referred to a special committee of three.

        The Speaker appointed Messrs. McLaurin, Miller, of Oktibbeha, and Brooks, said committee.

        Mr. Terrell presented a communication from Capt. Barnes and other citizens of Covington county, in relation to the militia law of the State,

        Which, on his motion,

        Was referred to the committee on Military Affairs.

        Mr. Martin, from the committee on Propositions and Grievances, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on Propositions and Grievances, to whom was referred the Bill entitled "an act better to provide for the families of our soldiers," have had the same under consideration, and have instructed me to report the same back, and recommend that it do pass with an amendment.

        Which was received and agreed to.

        On motion of Mr. Johnson, of Warren,

        Resolved, That one hundred copies of the bill and amendment recommended by the committee, be printed for the use of this House.

        On motion of Mr. Jones,

        Resolved, (The Senate concurring,) That a joint select committee of five members on the part of the House, and----on the part of the Senate, be appointed, to whom shall be referred all that portion of the Governor's message relating to the militia and the proper means of repelling the present invasion, with instructions to take into consideration the subject of the whole military strength of the State, and to report a bill for its immediate defense.

        The Speaker appointed Messrs. Jones, Harper, Strong, Dyer and Hamer said committee.

        Mr. Dyer introduced the following:

        Resolution in relation to the Proclamation of Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, on the subject of Emancipation.

        Which was referred to the committee on Military Affairs.

        Mr. Barton, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act in relation to Executors, Administrators and Guardians.

        Which was read once.

        On motion of Mr. Barton,

        The Constitutional rule was suspended, the bill read the second time.

        On motion of Mr. Hicks,

        The bill was referred to the committee on the Judiciary.

        On motion of Mr. Graham,

        Resolved, That so much of the Governor's message as relates to the purchase and transportation of salt be referred to a select committee of five.

        The Speaker appointed Messrs. Graham, Fall, Martin, Rogers and Withers.

        Mr. Graham, by leave, introduced a bill entitled

        An act to provide for the further issuance of Treasury Notes as advances on cotton.

        Which was read the first time.

        On motion of Mr. Graham,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read the second time, and referred to the committee on Propositions and Grievances.

        Mr. Graham introduced the following:

        Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Mississippi, That we disapprove of the Exemption bill recently passed by the Confederate Congress, and particularly that portion of said bill which exempts from the military service all persons who happen to own a certain number of negro slaves. This we regard as an unjust discrimination in favor of the larger planter against his less opulent neighbor. Indeed, it is to force the poor men of the country to do all the fighting and bear all the toils and hardships of war, while the rich are left quietly at home to indulge in idleness and ease. In the name of justice and equality we protest against this most iniquitous and detestable class legislation, and instruct our Senators and Representatives in Congress to procure the repeal of this obnoxious law.

        Which, on his motion,

        Was referred to the committee on Propositions and Grievances.

        Mr. Chandler, by leave, introduced a bill entitled

        An act to enroll the militia of this State, and to aid the Confederate authorities in defending the State,

        Which was read once.

        On motion of Mr. Graham,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read a second time, and referred to the committee on Military Affairs, and one hundred copies ordered to be printed.

        Mr. Fall, by leave, introduced a bill entitled

        An act to authorize the removal of the Judicial and other public Records of counties, and for other purposes,

        Which was read once.

        On motion of Mr. Fall,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read the second time, and referred to the Judiciary committee.

        Mr. Brooks, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to extend the provisions of the Stay law to probating of notes in the Probate Courts of this State.

        Which was read the first time.

        On motion of Mr. Brooks,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read a second time and referred to the Judiciary committee.

        Mr. Graham offered the following resolution,

        Which, upon his motion,

        Was referred to the committee on the Penitentiary:

        That the Superintendent of the Penitentiary be and he is hereby required, under such rules and regulations and restrictions as may be prescribed by the Board of Inspectors, to hire or employ such free white labor, as together with the convict labor, shall be sufficient to keep the machinery of the Penitentiary for the manufacture of cotton and woolen goods in constant employment, both day and night, excepting Sundays.

        The following message was received from the Senate, through Mr. Porter, their Secretary:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate has passed bills of the following titles:

        An act for the relief of Thomas M. Rae, assignee of James B. Wigginton.

        An act further to amend an act entitled an act to incorporate the town of Canton, and to repeal all former acts incorporating the same.

        In which they ask the concurrence of the House of Representatives.

        The Senate has concurred in the joint resolution of the House appointing a joint select committee to whom shall be referred all that portion of the Governor's message in relation to the militia and to the defense of the State, and have appointed as said committee on the part of the Senate, Messrs. Yerger, Poindexter and Chrisman.

        Mr. Hicks called up the Senate message,

        A bill to be entitled

        An act for the relief of Thomas M. Rae, assignee of James B. Wigginton,

        Was read the first time.

        On motion of Mr. Hicks,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read the second time.

        On his further motion,

        The rule was suspended, the bill was read the third time,

        And passed with title as stated.

        Mr. Strong called up the Senate bill entitled

        An act further to amend an act entitled an act to incorporate the town of Canton, and to repeal all former acts incorporating the same.

        Which was read the first time,

        And on motion of Mr. Strong,

        The rule was suspended and the bill read the second time.

        On his further motion,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read a third time,

        And passed with the title as stated.

        On motion of Mr. Harper,

        The bill entitled

        An act to reorganize and establish the military system of the State of Mississippi,

        Was called from the table.

        And, on his further motion,

        The bill was referred to the joint committee on Military Affairs.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The vote by which a bill entitled

        An act to enroll the militia of this State and to aid the Confederate anthorities in defending the State,

        Was referred to the committee on Military Affairs,

        Was reconsidered.

        And, on his further motion,

        The bill was referred to the joint committee on Military Affairs of both Houses.

        On motion of Mr. Terrell,

        The vote by which the bill to provide for the relief of soldiers' families, was ordered to be printed,

        Was reconsidered.

        On motion of Mr. Martin,

        The House resolved itself into committee of the Whole on the bill entitled

        An act better to provide for the families of our soldiers,

        Mr. Johnson, of Warren, in the chair.

        After a short time spent therein,

        The committee rose and reported the bill back to the House with a recommendation that it do pass as amended.

        On motion, the report was received.

        The question being taken on the amendments, the following were adopted, to-wit:

        Be it further enacted, That the provisions of this act shall also apply to the destitute families of deceased soldiers, and other families wholly or partially dependent upon any soldier.

        Mr. Terrell offered the following amendment:

        And the families of discharged soldiers who have been wounded or otherwise disabled in the military service of the country.

        Mr. Hamer offered the following substitute for Mr. Terrell's amendment:

        And the indigent families of discharged soldiers who are disabled by the casualties of war.

        Which was adopted.

        Mr. Wood offered the following amendments:

        Be it further enacted, That if any Tax Collector shall fail to collect, or any Tax Collector or County Treasurer shall fail to pay over the tax levied by this act, within the time limited by law, it shall be the duty of the Auditor forthwith to put the bond of such defaulting officer in suit, and in addition to the penalty of thirty per cent. now imposed upon defaulting Collectors, said defaulting officer shall be fined in a sum of not less than five hundred nor more than five thousand dollars.

        Be it further enacted, That before the Tax Collectors shall proceed to collect said tax, they shall be required to give bond in the penalty of the whole amount instead of one-half according to the provisions of the fifth section of the act to which this is an amendment.

        Pending which,

        The House adjourned until 3 o'clock, P M.

THREE O'CLOCK, P. M.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        House took up the bill pending at adjournment.

        Mr. Wood's amendments being under consideration, were adopted.

        The rule was suspended, the bill read the third time,

        And passed with title as stated.

        On motion of Mr. Harper,

        The bill entitled

        An act to authorize the impressment of slaves and other personal property for military purposes,

        Was called from the table.

        And, on his further motion,

        The bill was referred to the joint committee on Military Affairs.

        Mr. Graham, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to tax unauthorized issues of paper money.

        Which was read once.

        On motion of Mr. Graham,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read a second time by its title, and referred to the committee on the Judiciary.

        On motion of Mr. Withers,

        Resolved, That the committee on Military Affairs be instructed to enquire into the propriety and expediency of

requiring all civil officers of this State to give aid and efficiency to the conscript laws of the Confederate States, and report by bill or otherwise.

        Mr. Jones, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of this State,

        Which was read the first time.

        On motion of Mr. Jones,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read a second time, and referred to the joint committee on Military Affairs, and one hundred copies ordered to be printed.

        On motion of Mr. Shields,

        Resolved, That the joint committee on Military Affairs be instructed to enquire into the expediency of creating an office of Supervising Surgeon of the State, whose duty it shall be to look after the troops of the State of Mississippi when sick, and report their condition to the Governor, and that they report by bill or otherwise.

        On motion of Mr. Shields,

        The House adjourned until to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock.

TUESDAY, December 23, 1862.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Journal of yesterday read and approved.

        Mr. Fall asked leave of absence for Mr. Johnson, of Warren, in consequence of illness,

        Which was granted.

        Mr. Wood moved a suspension of the regular order of business to enable him to introduce the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the committee to whom that portion of the Governor's message relating to the transportation of salt and provisions for the indigent families of soldiers was referred, be instructed to confer with General Johnston and ascertain how far facilities for transportation can be afforded without conflicting with the military necessities of the Confederate Government.

        Mr. Dyer, from the committee on the Judiciary, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred a bill entitled an act in relation to Executors, Administrators

and Guardians, have had the same under consideration, and have instructed me to report the same back to the House, with a recommendation that it do pass.

        On motion of Mr. Dyer,

        The report was received and agreed to.

        And on his further motion,

        The bill was read the third time under a suspension of the rule,

        And passed with title as stated.

        Mr. Dyer, from committee on the Judiciary made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an act to provide for the collection of the military tax in the same manner as other State taxes, have had the same under consideration, and a majority of the committee have instructed me to report the bill back to the House, with a recommendation that it do not pass.

        On motion of Mr. Dyer,

        The report was received.

        Mr. Dyer moved that the report be agreed to.

        Pending which,

        The following message was received from the Governor, through his private Secretary, Mr. Rives:

EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
Jackson, Miss., Dec. 23, 1862.

Gentlemen of the Senate
and House of Representatives:

        I herewith transmit to the Legislature resolutions adopted by the Legislature of the State of Alabama, in relation to the transportation on Railroads. And as the people of Mississippi have experienced the same difficulties in relation to the transportation necessary to supply food to those sections of the State where the drouth has left them without enough to sustain the population until another crop can be made, I ask such action on the subject as may remedy the evil, and at the same time interfere as little as possible with the Confederate authorities in the use of these roads.

        The Express companies seem to be taking a much larger amount of the transportation on the Railroads than formerly. If the Railroad authorities could be induced to limit the amount of freight thus taken over their roads, at enormous charges, there would be more room and capacity for freight for private citizens.

        I also transmit, herewith, joint resolutions of the Legislalature of Alabama on the subject of guaranteeing the war debt of the Confederate Government by the several States. I doubt not that the Legislature will do all in its power to satisfy our sister States, the Confederate Government, and the world, that Mississippi is willing to "sink or swim" with the Government to which she has voluntarily attached herself.

JOHN J. PETTUS.

        On motion of Mr. Hooker, of Holmes,

        The further consideration of the bill under consideration was postponed, and made the special order for 3 o'clock.

        Mr. Shields moved to take up the Governor's message.

        And, on his further motion,

        The same, with accompanying documents, was referred to joint committee on Military Affairs.

        Mr. Johnson, of Warren, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The special committee appointed to wait upon the President of the Confederate States, beg leave further to report that they have the pleasure of informing the House that President Davis will address the House, in compliance with its request, at 12 o'clock, M., on Saturday, 27th inst.

        On motion of Mr. Fall,

        The regular order of business was suspended to enable him to introduce a bill to be entitled

        An act to increase the pay of the Guards of the Penitentiary.

        Which was read the first time.

        On motion of Mr. Fall,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read the second time.

        Mr. Chandler offered the following amendment.

        Amend by adding this section:

        SEC.--. Be it further enacted, That the fees of Jailors for feeding persons confined in the county jails, shall be eighty cents per day for each white person, and seventy cents per day for each slave, free negro or mulatto confined therein, in lieu of the fees now allowed.

        On motion of Mr. Hooker, of Holmes,

        The bill and amendment were referred to the committee on the Penitentiary.

        On motion of Mr. Terrell,

        The House went into secret session for the consideration of a report.

        After some time spent therein, the doors were opened.

        Mr. Hicks asked leave to introduce a bill.

        Leave being granted, a bill entitled

        An act for the relief of Capt. Henry Jamison,

        Was read the first time.

        On his further motion,

        The rule was suspended and the bill read second time.

        And, on his further motion,

        The rule was suspended, and the bill read third time and passed.

        Ordered, that title stand as stated.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The House adjourned to 3 o'clock, P. M.

THREE O'CLOCK, P. M.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Mr. Chandler called up the special order, a bill entitled

        An act to provide for the collection of the military tax as other State taxes.

        Mr. Hooker, of Holmes,

        Moved the previous question.

        Which being sustained,

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The House adjourned until to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock.

WEDNESDAY, December 24, 1862.

        The House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Journal of yesterday was read and approved.

        Mr. Barton introduced a claim, by leave, with a view to its reference.

        The claim was referred to the committee on Claims.

        Mr. Dyer, from the Judiciary committee, made the following reports:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an act to authorize the removal of the Judicial and other public records of counties, and for other purposes, have had the same under consideration, and have amended it by inserting the following words, viz: "The Judge" before the words "any court," in the third line of the second section thereof, and by striking out the words "either" "or" in the eighth line of said section, and the word "without" in the ninth line in said section, and by adding a

third section to said bill providing for compensating Clerks for removing the records, &c., of their respective courts, in the event of the removal of the same, and have instructed me to report the bill, with the amendments thereto, back to the House, and recommend that it do pass as thus amended.

        On motion of Mr. Dyer,

        The report was agreed to.

        On his further motion,

        The amendments were agreed to.

        Mr. Brown offered an amendment, by way of additional section,

        Which was adopted.

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred a bill entitled an act to authorize the suspension of the writ of Habeas Corpus, have had the same under consideration, and have instructed me to report the bill back to the House with a recommendation that it do not pass.

        On motion of Mr. Dyer,

        The report was received.

        Mr. Johnson, of Warren,

        Moved that the report be agreed to.

        Which motion prevailed.

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Judiciary committee, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an act to tax unauthorized issues of paper money, have had the same under consideration, and have amended the first section by striking out the following words, viz: "Twenty-five per cent," and inserting in lieu thereof the following words, to-wit: "One hundred per cent," and the majority of the committee has instructed me to report the bill back to the House, with the amendment, with a recommendation that the bill, as amended, do pass.

        On motion of Mr. Dyer,

        The report was received.

        On his further motion,

        The amendment was adopted.

        Mr. Shields offered the following amendment:

        Amend by striking out the words "have issued or may hereafter."

        Mr. Hooker, of Holmes,

        Moved to amend the amendment by adding: "or permit to remain in circulation as exchange notes or money."

        When, on motion of Mr. Hooker, of Hinds,

        The bill and amendments were recommitted to the Judiciary committee.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The regular order of business was suspended, and the unfinished business of yesterday was taken up,

        Being a bill to be entitled

        An act to provide for the collection of the military tax in the same manner as other State taxes.

        The previous question was moved by Mr. Hooker, of Holmes.

        Which being sustained,

        The question was taken on agreeing to the report of the committee,

        And decided in the affirmative by yeas and nays called for by Messrs. Hooker, of Holmes, Chandler and Turley:

        YEAS--Messrs. Billups, Brown, Buntin, Buford, Denney, Dyer, Edwards of Kemper, Fall, Fatheree, Gaines, Gulley, Hamer, Harper, Hicks, Hooker of Holmes, Hooker of Hinds, Hooker of Lawrence, Humphreys, Johnson of Warren, Lyle, Moore, Powe, Seal of Harrison, Seal of Hancock, Shields, Tindall, Thomas, Turley, Withers, Williams of Wilkinson, and Wood--31.

        NAYS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allen, Barton, Bardin, Barnes, Boddie, Chandler, Clark, Deason, Durr, Edwards of C., Enochs, Fox, Graham, Harris, Irby, Jackson of Amite, Jones, Kirk, Magee of Pike, McDonald, McElroy, McLaurin, Miller of Oktibbeha, Rogers, Semmes, Shelley, Smith of Lowndes, Terrell and Wells--30.

        Mr. Lyle made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on Propositions and Grievances, to whom was referred a bill entitled an act to prevent the distillation of corn or other grain, molasses or sugar, have considered the same, and have instructed me to report the same back and recommend that it do pass with certain amendments.

        Which was received and agreed to.

        Mr. Hicks moved to lay the bill and amendments on the table,

        Which was lost.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The bill and amendments were referred to the Judiciary committee.

        The following message was received from the Senate, through its Secretary, Mr. Porter:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate has passed a bill to be entitled an act in relation to the Penitentiary.

        Mr. Lyle, from the committee on Propositions and Grievances, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on Propositions and Grievances, to whom was referred the bill entitled an act to provide for the further issuance of Treasury Notes as advances upon cotton, have considered the same, and have instructed me to report the same back and recommend that it do not pass.

        On motion of Mr. Lyle,

        The report was received.

        Mr. Williams, of Wilkinson,

        Moved that the report be agreed to.

        The question on agreeing to the report was taken and decided in the affirmative by yeas and nays, called for by Messrs. Graham, Barton and Enochs:

        YEAS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allen, Bardin, Barnes, Billups, Boddie, Brooks, Buntin, Buford, Chandler, Deason, Denney, Dickens, Durr, Dyer, Edwards of C., Fall, Gaines, Hamer, Harper, Hicks, Hooker of Holmes, Hooker of Hinds, Hooker of Lawrence, Irby, Johnson of Warren, Jones, McDonald, Miller of Oktibbeha, Powe, Rogers, Seal of Harrison, Seal of Hancock, Semmes, Shields, Tindall, Thomas, Turley, Withers, Williams of Wilkinson, and Wood--41.

        NAYS--Messrs. Barton, Clark, Edwards of Kemper, Fatheree, Fox, Graham, Gulley, Harris, Humphreys, Jackson of Amite, Kirk, Lyle, Magee of Pike, McElroy, Shelly, Smith of Lowndes, Terrell, Walker and Wells--19.

        Mr. Seal, of Harrison, asked leave to introduce a bill.

        The bill was read for information, and its introduction objected to because of conflict with rule of order adopted at a former day of this session.

        The objection was sustained by the Chair.

        An appeal was taken from the decision of the Chair.

        The decision of the Chair was sustained by call of yeas and nays, called for by Messrs. Brooks, Barton, and Seal, of Harrison:

        YEAS--Messrs. Barton, Brown, Brooks, Buford, Denney, Dickens, Edwards of Kemper, Fatheree, Gaines, Graham,

Gulley, Hamer, Humphreys, Irby, Jackson of Amite, Miller of Oktibbeha, Seal of Harrison, Seal of Hancock, Shields, Terrell, Tindall, Withers and Wood--23.

        NAYS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allen, Bardin, Barnes, Boddie, Chandler, Clark, Deason, Durr, Dyer, Edwards of C., Enochs, Fall, Harper, Harris, Hooker of Holmes, Hooker of Hinds, Hooker of Lawrence, Johnson of Warren, Jones, Kirk, Lyle, Magee of Pike, McDonald, McElroy, McLaurin, Powe, Rogers, Semmes, Shelley, Smith of Lowndes, Thomas, Turley, Walker, Wells, and Williams of Wilkinson--36.

        Mr. Shelley, by leave, introduced a bill entitled

        An act to amend an act to create a fund for the support of destitute families of volunteers in this State, and for other purposes, approved December 16, 1861.

        On his motion,

        The constitutional rule was suspended, and bill read second time.

        On motion of Mr. Hooker, of Hinds,

        The bill was referred to the committee on Propositions and Grievances.

        Mr. Terrell, by leave, introduced a bill entitled

        An act in relation to the fees of Jailors.

        On his motion,

        The rule was suspended and bill read second time.

        On his further motion,

        The constitutional rule was suspended and bill read third time,

        And passed with title as stated.

        Mr. Dyer, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to repeal an act in relation to slaves, approved November 29, 1861.

        Read second time.

        Mr. Jones offered an amendment by way of substitute.

        And, on his further motion,

        The bill and substitute was referred to joint committee on Military Affairs.

        Mr. Jones, by leave, introduced a bill entitled

        An act to provide for guaranty, by the State of Mississippi, of the Bonds of the Confederate States.

        On his motion

        The rule was suspended, and the bill read second time by its title.

        And, on his further motion,

        The bill was referred to the joint committee on Military Affairs.

        Mr. Wood asked leave to introduce a bill.

        The bill was read for information, and its introduction

objected to because of conflict with rule of order adopted at former day of this session.

        Mr. Chandler offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That a committee to be composed of five members of the House, be appointed to examine the salt contracts made by the Governor, and to make such report thereof as in their judgment may be demanded.

        The Speaker appointed as said committee, Messrs. Chandler, Tindall, Fall, Lyle and Fox.

        On motion of Mr. Harris,

        The House adjourned to three o'clock, P. M.

THREE O'CLOCK, P. M.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Mr. Graham, by leave, introduced a bill entitled

        An act in relation to the redemption of lands and other property sold for taxes.

        On his motion,

        The rule was suspended and bill read second time.

        When, on motion of Mr. Brown,

        The bill was referred the committee on Judiciary.

        Mr. Lyle, by leave, introduced a bill entitled

        An act act to further provide for the public defense.

        On his motion,

        The constitutional rule was suspended and the bill read a second time.

        And on his further motion,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read a third time,

        And passed, with title as stated.

        Mr. Seal, of Hancock, asked leave to introduce a bill.

        The bill was read for information, and its introduction objected to because of conflict with rule of order adopted at former day of this session.

        Mr. Gulley offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the committee on Ways and Means be instructed to enquire into the expediency of the State assuming the payment of the tax commonly called the War tax, or whether any method can be devised by which the burden can be removed from the tax payer and the faith and credit of the State still preserved, and to report by bill or otherwise.

        Mr. Magee, of Pike, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to apply the Swamp Land funds of Pike county to the support of indigent families of soldiers in said county.

        On his motion,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read second time.

        On his further motion,

        The rule was suspended, and bill read third time,

        And passed, with title as stated.

        Mr. Chandler offered the following resolution:

        Resolved, That when the House adjourn, it will adjourn to meet again on Saturday next at 10 o'clock, A. M.

        Mr. Brown moved to amend by striking out "Saturday" and inserting "Friday."

        On motion of Mr. Thomas,

        The resolution and amendment were laid upon the table.

        Mr. Jones offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, (the Senate concurring,) That Mr. Chandler, of Clark, be added to joint select committee on Military Affairs.

        Mr. Shields called up Senate message, being a bill entitled

        An act in relation to the Penitentiary.

        On his motion,

        The bill was read first time.

        On his further motion,

        The rule was suspended and bill read second time.

        Mr. Fall offered amendment by way of additional section.

        On motion of Mr. Graham,

        The bill and amendment were referred to committee on the Penitentiary.

        His Excellency, the Governor, through his Secretary, Mr. Rives, communicated a message in relation to Hospitals.

        Mr. Graham, by leave, introduced a bill with the following title:

        A bill to be entitled an act to change the militia laws of this State.

        On his motion,

        Rule was suspended, bill read second time by its title.

        Mr. Harper moved to lay on the table.

        On motion of Mr. Fall,

        The House adjourned until to-morrow morning, 10 o'clock.

THURSDAY, December 25, 1862.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Minutes of yesterday read and approved.

        Mr. Brooks asked that the title of a bill which Mr. Seal, of Harrison, offered on yesterday, should be spread upon the Journals.

        Leave was granted.

        The following message from the Governor was called up:

EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
Jackson, Miss., Dec. 24, 1862.

Gentlemen of the Senate
and House of Representatives:

        The sick and wounded soldiers from the State of Mississippi demand, at the hands of the Legislature, that attention which will ensure their comfort and proper treatment. The Hospital system of the Confederate States army is necessarily imperfect, and it has failed to give that speedy relief to our suffering soldiery which their cases often imperatively demand. A more perfect, system of Hospitals, perhaps, under existing circumstances, cannot now be established without the assistance of the States themselves. I have good reason to believe that separate State Hospitals, whenever they have been permitted to be established by the Confederate authorities, have done much good. And it is believed, also, that the appointment, by State authority, of skillful and efficient surgeons, to visit the Hospitals in the different departments and see to the condition of our sick and wounded soldiers, would result in much good. I therefore recommend that the Legislature make provision by law for the appointment of at least two competent surgeons--one for the department of Virginia, and the other for the West--whose duty it shall be to attend to the wants of our sick and wounded in their respective departments.

JOHN J. PETTUS.

        Which, on motion of Mr. Shields,

        Was referred to a select committee of five.

        The Speaker appointed as said committee, Messrs. Shields, Jones, Turley, Williams and Hicks.

        Mr. Gaines moved that the House adjourn until to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock.

        Which was lost.

        The following message was received from the Governor:

EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
December 24, 1862.

Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:

        I herewith transmit the report of the acting Chief of Ordnance, in compliance with the resolution of the House passed on the 20th December inst., requiring "a more full and specific statement of the number, condition and description of arms received from the several counties," &c.

JOHN J. PETTUS.

        Which, with accompanying documents, were referred,

        On motion of Mr. Hooker, of Hinds,

        To the joint select committee on Military Affairs.

        Mr. McLaurin asked leave of absence for Mr. Harris, of Leake,

        Which was refused.

        Also, leave of absence for Mr. Lyle,

        Which was granted.

        Mr. Tindall asked leave of absence for Mr. Rogers, of Pontotoc,

        Which was granted.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        I am instructed by the Senate to inform the House of Representatives that they have passed a bill to be entitled an act to amend an act approved January 29, 1862, to suspend for a limited time certain parts of the Statute of Limitations.

        Also, a bill entitled an act to procure salt for the indigent families of soldiers, and for other purposes.

        In which the concurrence of the House is desired.

        On motion of Mr. Hooker, of Hinds,

        The message was taken up, and a bill entitled

        An act to amend an act approved January 29, 1862, to suspend for a limited time certain parts of the Statute of Limitations,

        Was, on his further motion,

        Read first and second time,

        And referred to the committee on the Judiciary.

        Mr. Hooker, of Hinds,

        Called up Senate bill to be entitled

        An act to procure salt for the indigent families of soldiers, and for other purposes.

        On his motion,

        The rule was suspended and bill read first and second time.

        When, on motion of Mr. Graham,

        The House resolved itself into committee of the Whole on the bill.

        Mr. Johnson, of Warren, in the chair.

        After some time spent therein,

        The committee rose, reported the bill back to the House and asked leave to sit again, which was granted.

        Mr. Powe, by leave, introduced the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:

        WHEREAS, This House has heard with profound regret and sorrow, the death of Captain A. F. DANTZLER, late a member of this House from the county of Jasper; therefore, be it

        Resolved, That in the death of Mr. Dantzler in the prime and vigor of life, the faithful and patriotic devotion to his country's honor and independence, which he sealed with his

blood upon the battle-field at Corinth, in that memorable conflict, entitles his memory to the grateful appreciation of the people of the State.

        Resolved, That the proceedings of this House in relation to the death of Capt. A. F. Dantzler, be communicated to the family of the deceased by the Clerk.

        Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, this House do now adjourn until to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock.

        The Speaker declared the House adjourned until to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock.

FRIDAY, December 26, 1862.

        The House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Journal of yesterday was read and approved.

        On motion of Mr. Shields,

        The call of counties was suspended.

        Mr. Shields, from special committee, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The special committee to whom was referred the Governor's message on the subject of the appointment of medical supervisors for the soldiers of the State of Mississippi, report that they have prepared the accompanying bill, with the recommendation that it do pass.

        On his motion,

        A bill entitled an act to appoint medical supervisors for the sick and wounded soldiers of the State of Mississippi,

        Was read first and second time.

        And, on his further motion,

        The House resolved itself into committee of the Whole,

        Mr. Hicks in the Chair.

        After a short time spent therein,

        The committee rose, reported the bill back to the House with a recommendation that it do pass.

        A division was called for, and the report received.

        When, on motion of Mr. Shields,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read a third time

        And passed with title as stated.

        Mr. McLaurin, from special committee, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The special committee to whom was referred the petition of certain citizens of Smith county, asking that Wm. P.

Hutchings, of said county, may be discharged from military service, have considered the same, and a majority of the committee have instructed me to report the bill prepared in conformity with the prayer of the petition submitted herewith, and recommend its passage.

        Which was received.

        Mr. McLaurin moved that the rule be suspended, and bill read the second time.

        Which was lost.

        Mr. Boddie, from the committee on Penitentiary, reported back Senate bill which had been referred to that committee, and asked to be discharged from its further consideration, there being no committee on the part of the Senate.

        On motion of Mr. Fall,

        Senate bill entitled

        An act in relation to the Penitentiary,

        Was called up.

        Mr. Fall offered the following amendment, which was adopted:

        Be it further enacted, That article 31, of chapter 65, of Revised Code, is hereby repealed, and that hereafter the pay of the Guard of the Penitentiary shall be as follows: The Sergeant of the Guard shall receive seventy-five dollars, and the Privates fifty dollars per month, as the Inspectors shall agree, and the Inspectors may appoint one of the Guards as Doorkeeper or Turnkey of the prison at a salary of sixty dollars per month.

        On his motion,

        The rule was suspended, the bill was read a third time,

        And passed with title as stated.

        Mr. Terrell asked leave to introduced a bill,

        Which was refused.

        Mr. Hamer asked leave to introduced a bill.

        Request not granted.

        Mr. Graham moved to suspend the regular order of business with a view to taking up Senate bill to be entitled

        An act to procnre salt for the indigent families of soldiers, and for other purposes.

        On his further motion,

        The House resolved itself into committee of the Whole on the bill.

        Mr. Shields in the Chair.

        After some time spent therein,

        The committee rose, reported the bill, with an amendment, back to the House, and recommended that the bill do pass as amended.

        On motion of Mr. Graham,

        The report was received and agreed to.

        On motion of Mr. Thomas,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read a third time,

        And passed as amended.

        Ordered, that the title stand as stated.

        Mr. Jones, from the joint select committee on Military Affairs, moved to suspend the regular order of business to make a report.

        The rule being suspended,

        Mr. Jones made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The joint select committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an act to authorize the impressment of slaves and other personal property for military purposes, have duly considered the same, and have instructed me to report it back to the House, with sundry amendments, and to recommend that the bill, amended as proposed, do pass.

        Which, on his motion,

        Together with accompanying bill and amendments, were made the special order for three o'clock, P. M., this day.

        Mr. Harper, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to increase the manufacture of arms.

        On his motion,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read first and second time.

        And, on his further motion,

        Laid on the table.

        Mr. Shields moved that the House take a recess until half-past 11 o'clock.

        Which was lost.

        The bill to change the militia laws of this State, was taken up.

        On motion of Mr. Graham,

        The rule was suspended, and bill read a second time.

        Mr. Hooker, of Hinds,

        Moved to lay the bill on the table,

        Which motion did not prevail.

        On motion of Mr. Johnson, of Warren,

        The bill was referred to the joint select committee on Military Affairs.

        Mr. Graham offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the Governor inform the House why the militia have been called from some counties and not from others; and especially why the militia of the counties of Adams, Wilkinson, Jefferson and Claiborne, are not now in the field, and why all the militia have been called from some counties and only a part from other counties.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate has passed a House bill entitled an act in relation to Executors, Administrators and Guardians, with sundry amendments thereto, in which they ask the concurrence of the House of Representatives.

        They have also passed a House bill entitled a bill for the relief of Capt. Henry Jamison, of Attala county.

        The Senate has also passed bills of the following titles:

        An act for the relief of certain public officers.

        An act to prohibit the distillation of spirits from grain.

        In which the House is asked to concur.

        On motion of Mr. Thomas,

        Senate message just received was taken up.

        And, on motion of Mr. Shields,

        House bill entitled an act in relation to Executors, Administrators and Guardians, with Senate amendments,

        Was referred to Judiciary committee.

        Senate bill entitled,

        An act to prohibit the distillation of spirits from grain, was taken up.

        On motion of Mr. Shields,

        The rule was suspended, bill read two several times,

        And referred to Judiciary committee.

        Senate bill entitled,

        An act for the relief of certain public officers, was taken up.

        On motion of Mr. Thomas,

        The rule was suspended, bill read first and second time,

        And referred to the Judiciary committee.

        On motion of Mr. Johnson, of Warren,

        The House took recess until forty-five minutes past 11 o'clock, A. M., to prepare the Hall for the reception of the President of the Confederate States, General Joseph E. Johnston and his staff, and the Senate.

        The recess having expired,

        The Senate were invited into the Hall.

        The Senate, proceded by the Sergeant-at-Arms, entered the Hall and took the seats assigned them.

        The President of the Confederate States, Gen. Johnston and staff, accompanied by the special committee of the House, Messrs. Johnson, of Warren, Jones and Hooker, entered the Hall. The President was conducted to the Speaker's desk, and was introduced to the Legislature by Hon. Mr. Drane, President of the Senate. He addressed the Legislature, and the large crowd of citizens in attendance, for about one hour and fifteen minutes. At the close of the President's address, General Johnston being conducted to the stand, tendered his thanks for the honor paid him.

        On motion of Mr. Wood,

        The House adjourned to 3 o'clock, P. M.

THREE O'CLOCK, P. M.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        The special order, a bill entitled an act to authorize the impressment of slaves and other personal property for military purposes,

        Was, on motion of Mr. Jones, taken up.

        The Speaker announced that no quorum was present.

        A call of the House was ordered.

        A quorum being present,

        On motion, the call was suspended.

        On motion of Mr. Johnson,

        The House resolved itself into committee of the Whole.

        Mr. Seal, of Harrison, in the Chair.

        After some time spent therein,

        The committee rose, reported the bill back to the House with sundry amendments, and recommended that the bill as amended do pass.

        On motion of Mr. Jones,

        The report was received and agreed to.

        The amendments were read and adopted seriatim.

        Mr. Miller, of Oktibbeha, offered the following amendment:

        Amend the first section by adding:

        "Provided, That no property of any party in the military service of the Confederacy or the State, shall be impressed without his consent."

        Mr. Chandler offered to amend the amendment by adding after the word "State," "or who has a son in said service."

        On motion of Mr. Hooker, of Hinds,

        The amendment and amendment to the amendment, were laid upon the table.

        On motion of Mr. Jones,

        The rule was suspended, and the bill read a third time.

        Mr. Terrell offered the following additional section by way of ryder:

        SEC.--. Be it further enacted, That in all cases, officers appointed by the Governors, shall, before proceeding to carry out the provisions of this act, in any case, first show authority for doing the same, from the Governor, with the seal of the State thereto attached.

        Which, on motion of Mr. Hooker, of Hinds,

        Was laid on the table.

        The bill being upon its passage,

        The yeas and nays were called for by Messrs. Graham, Chandler and Brooks, and decided in the affirmative:

        YEAS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allen, Bardin, Barnes, Boddie, Brown, Buntin, Clark, Deason, Dyer, Edwards of C., Enochs, Eskridge, Fatheree, Fox, Gaines, Gulley, Hamer, Harper, Hicks, Hooker of Hinds, Hooker of Lawrence, Humphreys, Johnson of Warren, Jones, Kirk, Magee of Pike, McDonald, McLaurin, Miller of Oktibbeha, Moore, Nelson, Seal of Harrison, Shelley, Shields, Smith of Lowndes, Terrell, Tindall, Thomas, Turley, Walker, Wells, Withers and Williams of Wilkinson--44.

        NAYS--Messrs. Barton, Brooks, Chandler, Denney, Graham, McElroy, Powe and Semmes--8.

        Mr. Terrell, by leave, introduced a bill entitled

        An act to suspend article 196, of chapter 4, of the Revised Code, in certain counties.

        On his motion,

        The rule was suspended and bill read first and second time.

        And, on his further motion,

        Was referred to the Judiciary committee.

        Mr. Harmer, by leave, introduced a bill entitled

        An act to legalize the assessment of Yazoo county for the year 1862.

        On his motion,

        The rule was suspended and bill read first and second times.

        Mr. Hooker, of Lawrence,

        Moved to amend by adding the county of Lawrence.

        Motion carried and amendment adopted.

        On motion of Mr. Hamer,

        The rule was suspended and the bill read a third time,

        And passed as amended,

        Ordered, that title be amended by the insertion of the word "Lawrence" between "Yazoo" and "county."

        On motion of Mr. Jones,

        The House adjourned until to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.

SATURDAY, December 27, 1862.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Journal of yesterday read and approved.

        Mr. Martin, from the committee on Propositions and Grievances, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on Propositions and Grievances, to whom was referred a resolution condemning the Exemption Law passed at the late session of Congress, have considered the same, and have instructed me to report the same back to the House, with an amendment by way of substitute, with a recommendation that the substitute do pass.

        Which was received and agreed to.

        On his further motion,

        Substitute adopted.

        Mr. Dyer, from the committee on the Judiciary, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an act for the relief of certain public officers, have had the same under consideration, and have amended it by striking out "thirty" in the fifth line and inserting "ninety" in lieu thereof, and have instructed me to report the bill, with the amendment thereto, back to the House with a recommendation that the bill, as amended, do pass.

        Which was received and agreed to.

        And, on his further motion,

        The rule was suspended, and bill, as amended, read third time and passed.

        On motion of Mr. Jones,

        Leave of absence, during the session of the House, was granted to the members of the joint Military committee.

        Mr. Dyer, from the Judiciary committee, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an act to suspend article 196, of chapter 4, of the Revised Code, in certain counties, have had the same under consideration, and having recommended the passage of another bill on the same subject, they have instructed me to report said first mentioned bill back to the House, with a recommendation that it do not pass.

        Which was received and agreed to.

        Mr. Barton asked a suspension of the constitutional rule with a view to the introduction of a joint resolution, which was refused.

        Mr. Powe, by leave, introduced a bill entitled

        An act to authorize persons who may have sold arms to the State to be paid therefor.

        Which was read the first time.

        On his motion,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read the second time by its title,

        And, on motion of Mr. Johnson, of Warren,

        Referred to the committee on Propositions and Grievances.

        Mr. Miller, of Oktibbeha, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act in relation to the arms received from the several counties, which have been rejected by the Chief of Ordnance.

        Read first time.

        On his motion,

        The rule was suspended, and bill read second time.

        And on his further motion,

        Referred to the committee on Propositions and Grievances.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate have passed a House bill entitled an act better to provide for the families of our soldiers, with amendments thereto, in which the concurrence of the House is desired.

        The Senate has also passed the House bill entitled an act in relation to the fees of Jailors, with sundry amendments thereto, in which the House is asked to concur.

        Which, on motion of Mr. Johnson, of Warren,

        Was taken up.

        The amendment of the Senate to House bill entitled an act better to provide for the families of our soldiers, was read.

        And, on motion of Mr. Johnson, of Warren,

        Referred to the Judiciary committee.

        The bill in relation to the fees of Jailors,

        Was called up.

        When, on motion,

        The first amendment of the Senate was agreed to.

        Mr. Martin moved that second amendment be concurred in.

        Which was refused.

        On motion of Mr. Thomas,

        The third Senate amendment was concurred in.

        An act in relation to W. P. Hutchings, of Smith county,

        Was read second time.

        And, on motion of Mr. Johnson, of Warren,

        Referred to joint committee on Military Affairs.

        On motion of Mr. Martin,

        The House adjourned until 3 o'clock, P M.

THREE O'CLOCK, P. M.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Mr. Dyer, from the Judiciary committee, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on the Judiciary to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an act to amend an act approved January 29, 1862, to suspend for a limited time certain parts of the Statute of Limitations, have had the same under consideration, and have instructed me to report the same back to the House, and recommend that the bill do pass.

        Which was received and agreed to.

        Mr. Jones moved to postpone the further consideration of the bill until Monday morning at 10 o'clock.

        Mr. Graham moved to lay the bill on the table.

        Which was adopted.

        Mr. Jones, from the joint select committee on Military Affairs, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The joint select committee on Military Affairs, to whom were referred the several bills on the subject of the militia of the State, have maturely considered the same, and a majority have instructed me to report the accompanying bill entitled an act to amend the act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of this State, approved January 24, 1862, as a substitute therefor, and to recommend that the substitute bill do pass.

        On his motion, the bill to be entitled

        An act to amend an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of this State, approved January 24, 1862,

        Was read the first time.

        On his further motion,

        The Constitutional rule was suspended, the bill read the second time.

        Mr. Graham offered amendment by way of substitute.

        On motion of Mr. Jones,

        The bill and substitute were laid on the table, and one hundred copies of each ordered to be printed, and made special order for Monday next at 12 o'clock, M.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate has passed a bill entitled an act to suspend for a limited time the collection of the tax therein named.

        The House is asked to concur in the same.

        The Senate has concurred in the House amendments to Senate bill entitled an act in relation to the Penitentiary.

        The Senate has also passed a bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act authorizing the issuance of Treasury notes as advances upon cotton, approved December 19, 1861.

        In which the concurrence of the House is requested.

        The Senate has concurred in the House amendment to the Senate bill entitled an act for the relief of certain public officers, and insist on their second amendment to the House bill entitled an act in relation to the fees of Jailors.

        Mr. Chandler moved to take up Senate message:

        Senate bill entitled an act to suspend for a limited time the collection of the tax therein named.

        And, on his motion,

        The rule was suspended and the bill read first and second times.

        On motion of Mr. Hooker, of Hinds,

        The House adjourned until Monday morning at 9 o'clock.

MONDAY, December 29, 1862.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Journal of Saturday read and approved.

        Mr. Dyer asked and obtained leave of absence for Mr. Johnson, of Warren, who had been ordered by General Lee to rejoin his command at Vicksburg.

        Mr. Fall asked and obtained leave of absence for Mr. Hooker, of Hinds, for the purpose of joining his command at Vicksburg.

        Mr. Chandler moved a call of the House.

        No quorum being present,

        The Sergeant-at-Arms was sent for absentees.

        A quorum appearing,

        The call was suspended.

        Mr. Jones moved,

        That one hundred additional copies of the bill entitled an act to revise and reduce into one the volunteer and militia laws of the State, and substitute, be printed.

        Which was adopted.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The vote referring the bill entitled an act to better provide for the families of our soldiers, together with the Senate amendment, to the Judiciary committee, was reconsidered.

        Mr. Chandler offered the following amendment to the Senate amendment:

        Strike out "thirty" in second line, fourth section, and insert "one hundred."

        Which was adopted.

        On his further motion,

        The Senate amendment was concurred in.

        Mr. Dyer, from the Judiciary committee, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred a Senate bill to be entitled an act to prohibit the distillation of spirits from grain, have had the same under consideration, and have instructed me to report the same back to the House with a recommendation that it do pass.

        Which was received and agreed to.

        Mr. Wood offered the following amendments:

        1st. Amend by inserting the words "sugar or molasses" after the words "or other grain," wherever they occur.

        2d. Strike out "or" and insert "and" between the words "dollars" and "imprisoned" in third line from bottom, and strike out all after the words "six months" in second line from bottom.

        3d. SEC. 2. Be it further enacted, That this act shall take effect from and after the tenth day of January, 1863.

        Mr. Chandler moved to amend the amendment by inserting after the figures "1863," "and shall continue in force twelve months."

        Which was adopted.

        On motion of Mr. Wood,

        The amendment as amended was adopted.

        On motion of Mr. Dyer,

        The bill passed to its third reading.

        Mr. Graham offered the following amendment by way of ryder:

        Be it enacted, That it shall be unlawful to in port into this State any wines or spiritous liquors, whatsoever, except such as may be imported for the use of the medical department of the army.

        Which, on motion of Mr. Jones,

        Was laid on the table.

        Mr. Graham offered the following, by way of ryder:

        Be it enacted, That it shall be unlawful to sell or give away any spiritous liquors in this State, except for medical purposes, during the continuance of the present war.

        Which, on motion of Mr. Dyer,

        Was laid on the table.

        Mr. Tindall offered the following amendment by way of ryder,

        Which was adopted:

        Be it further enacted, That the Governor of this State shall have power, and it shall be his duty, to grant license to distill spirits from grain or other substances as he may deem

necessary for medical, mechanical and chemical purposes. And he may arrange that all the spirits that is distilled shall be on State account, and take a guarantee of its purity; Provided, That said spirits, so distilled, shall not be sold to any private person except for medical, mechanical or chemical purposes alone, and at a profit not exceeding one hundred per cent. upon the cost of production.

        Mr. Graham offered the following amendment by way of ryder:

        Be it enacted, That a tax of fifty per cent. shall be assessed and collected, as other taxes, upon the price of all spiritous liquors sold by any person in this State.

        Which, on motion of Mr. Dyer,

        Was laid on the table.

        Mr. Dyer moved that bill be read a third time with view to its passage.

        Upon which he moved the previous question.

        Which being sustained,

        The bill was passed by yeas and nays, called for by Messrs. Graham, Barton and Wood:

        YEAS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Allen, Barnes, Billups, Brown, Brooks, Chandler, Clark, Deason, Denney, Dickens, Durr, Dyer, Edwards of Kemper, Edwards of Choctaw, Enochs, Eskridge, Fox, Gaines, Gulley, Hamer, Harper, Harris, Hicks, Hooker of Holmes, Hooker of Lawrence, Humphreys, Irby, Jackson of Amite, Jones, Kirk, Lyle, Martin, McDonald, McElroy, McLaurin, Miller of Oktibbeha, Nelson, Powe, Semmes, Shields, Smith of Lowndes, Strong, Terrell, Thomas, Walker, Wells, Withers, Williams of Wilkinson, and Wood--50.

        NAYS--Messrs. Barton, Bardin, Batte, Buntin, Graham, Magee of Pike, Moore, Seal of Harrison, Seal of Hancock, Tindall and Turley--11.

        On motion of Mr. Dyer,

        The title was amended by the addition of "sugar and molasses."

        Mr. Dyer, from the Judiciary committee, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an act to prevent the distillation of corn or other grain, molasses or sugar, with several amendments thereto, have had the same under consideration, and having recommended the passage of another bill on the same subject, they have, therefore, instructed me to report said first named

bill, with the amendments thereto, back to the House, and recommend that it do not pass.

        Which was received and agreed to.

        Mr. Jones, from joint select committee on Military Affairs, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The joint select committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an act to provide for a guaranty by the State of Mississippi, of the bonds of the Confederate States, have maturely considered the same, and have instructed me to report it back to the House, with certain amendments, and to recommend that as amended, the bill do pass.

        Which was received and agreed to.

        On motion of Mr. Jones,

        The bill was read second and third times, and passed by yeas and nays, as follows:

        YEAS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Bardin, Barnes, Batte, Billups, Boddie, Brown, Buntin, Chandler, Clark, Dale, Deason, Denney, Dickens, Durr, Dyer, Edwards of Kemper, Edwards of Choctaw, Enochs, Eskridge, Fall, Fox, Gaines, Graham, Gulley, Hamer, Harper, Harris, Hicks, Hooker of Holmes, Hooker of Lawrence, Humphreys, Irby, Jackson, of Amite, Jones, Kirk, Lyle, Martin, McDonald, McElroy, Miller of Oktibbeha, McLaurin, Moore, Nelson, Powe, Seal of Harrison, Seal of Hancock, Semmes, Shields, Smith of Lowndes, Strong, Terrell, Tindall, Thomas, Turley, Walker, Wells, Withers, Williams of Wilkinson, and Wood--60.

        NAYS--None.

        Ordered, that title stand as stated.

        Mr. Jones, from the joint select committee on Military Affairs, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The joint select committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred a substitute bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act entitled an act in relation to slaves, and also to repeal article 39, section 8, 33d chapter of the Revised Code, have duly considered the same, and have instructed me to report it back to the House with certain amendments, and to recommend that as amended, the bill do pass.

        Which was received and agreed to.

        On motion of Mr. Jones,

        The bill was read the third time.

        Mr. Graham offered the following amendment by way of ryder:

        Be it enacted, That this act shall take effect when Congress shall repeal so much of the Exemption act as provides for

the exemption from military service of any person for or on account of his ownership or control of any slave or slaves.

        Which was lost.

        On motion of Mr. Jones,

        The bill passed by yeas and nays called for by Messrs. Graham, Deason and Kirk:

        YEAS--Messrs. Allen, Bardin, Batte, Billups, Boddie, Brooks, Buntin, Chandler, Clark, Denney, Dickens, Durr, Dyer, Edwards of Kemper, Fall, Fox, Gaines, Gulley, Hamer, Harper, Hicks, Hooker of Holmes, Hooker of Lawrence, Humphreys, Irby, Jackson of Amite, Jones, Lyle, Martin, Magee of Pike, McDonald, McElroy, Nelson, Powe, Semmes, Shields, Terrell, Tindall, Thomas, Turley, Walker, Wells and Withers--43.

        NAYS--Messrs. Barton, Deason, Edwards of Choctaw, Enochs, Graham, Kirk, McLaurin, Miller of Oktibbeha, Seal of Hancock, Smith of Lowndes, and Williams of Wilkinson--11.

        Ordered, that title stand as stated.

        On motion of Mr. Tindall,

        The House adjourned to three o'clock, P. M.

THREE O'CLOCK, P. M.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Mr. Jones moved to take up the special order of the day, viz:

        An act to amend an act entitled an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of this State.

        Which motion was lost.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The unfinished business was taken up, viz:

        A bill to suspend for a limited time the collection of the tax therein named.

        Mr. Harper, offered the following amendment:

        SEC. 2. Be it further enacted, That the certificates of loan or Treasury Notes of this State, the payment of which is secured by the tax the collection of which is hereby suspended, shall bear interest at the rate of ten per cent. per annum after maturity, until paid.

        On motion of Mr. Deason,

        The amendment was laid on the table, by yeas and nays, called for by Messrs. Deason, Shields and Turley, viz:

        YEAS--Messrs. Allen, Barton, Bardin, Barnes, Batte, Boddie, Chandler, Clark, Deason, Denney, Dickens, Durr, Edwards of Kemper, Edwards of Choctaw, Enochs, Fall, Fox, Graham, Harris, Hicks, Hooker of Holmes, Hooker of Lawrence, Humphreys, Jackson of Amite, Lyle, Martin, Magee

of Pike, McDonald, McElroy, McLaurin, Miller of Oktibbeha, Moore, Nelson, Seal of Harrison, Seal of Hancock, Semmes, Smith of Lowndes, Tindall, Walker, Wells, Williams of Wilkinson, and Wood--42.

        NAYS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Brown, Brooks, Dyer, Eskridge, Gaines, Gulley, Hamer, Harper, Irby, Jones, Kirk, Powe, Shields, Strong, Thomas, Turley and Williams of Wilkinson--19.

        Mr. Miller, of Oktibbeha, offered the following amendment:

        Strike out "until twelve months after the close of the present war between the Confederate States and the United States," and insert "until the first day of January, 1864."

        Which, on motion of Mr. Seal, of Harrison,

        Was laid on the table.

        Mr. Seal, of Harrison, moved to refer the bill to the Judiciary committee.

        Which motion was lost.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The bill was read the third time and put upon its passage, and decided in the affirmative by yeas and nays, called for by Messrs. Seal, of Harrison, Eskridge and Harper, viz:

        YEAS--Messrs. Allen, Barton, Bardin, Barnes, Batte, Boddie, Buntin, Chandler, Clark, Deason, Durr, Edwards of Kemper, Edwards of Choctaw, Enochs, Fatheree, Fox, Graham, Gulley, Harris, Hicks, Hooker of Lawrence, Jackson of Amite, Kirk, Lyle, Martin, Magee of Pike, McDonald, McElroy, McLaurin, Miller of Oktibbeha, Moore, Semmes, Smith of Lowndes, Terrell, Walker, Wells, and Williams of Wilkinson--37.

        NAYS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Billups, Brown, Denney, Dyer, Eskridge, Fall, Gaines, Hamer, Harper, Hooker of Holmes, Humphreys, Jones, Nelson, Powe, Seal of Harrison, Seal of Hancock, Shields, Strong, Tindall, Thomas, Turley, Withers and Wood--24.

        Mr. Dyer, from the Judiciary committee, made the following reports:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an act to authorize Tax Collectors to receive in payment of the military tax all funds receivable for other State taxes, have had the same under consideration, and a majority of the committee have instructed me to report it back to the House with a recommendation that it do not pass.

        Which, on his motion,

        Was received and agreed to.

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on the Judiciary to whom was referred a

bill to be entitled an act to extend the provisions of the Stay Law to probating of notes, accounts, &c., in the Probate Courts of this State, have had the same under consideration, and having recommended the passage of another bill on the same subject, they have instructed me to report the bill back to the House, and ask to be discharged from its further consideration.

        Which, on motion,

        Was received and agreed to.

        The following message was received from the Senate: MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate have passed House bills entitled as follows:

        An act to further provide for the public defense.

        A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the removal of the Judicial and other public records of counties, and for other purposes, with amendments thereto,

        In which the concurrence of the House is desired.

        Also, an act to legalize the assessment of Yazoo and Lawrence counties for the year 1862, with amendments to the same, in which they desire the concurrence of the House.

        The Senate have adopted sundry amendments to the House amendments to the Senate bill entitled an act to procure salt for the indigent families of soldiers, and for other purposes.

        The House is asked to concur in said amendments.

        The Senate have disagreed to the House amendment to Senate amendments to the House bill entitled an act better to provide for the families of our soldiers.

        The Senate has adopted an amendment, by way of substitute, to the joint resolution of the House in relation to the Exemption Law passed by the Confederate Congress, in which they ask the concurrence of the House.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The House adjourned until to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock.

TUESDAY, December 30, 1862.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Journal of yesterday read and approved.

        The following message was received from the Senate: MR. SPEAKER--

        The following members of the joint committee on Claims, have been appointed on the part of the Senate, viz:

        Messrs. Jordan, Brown and Loper.

        Mr. Dyer asked leave of absence for Mr. Buntin,

        Which was granted.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The Senate messages were taken up.

        A bill to be entitled an act to remove the Judicial and other public records of counties, and for other purposes, was taken up.

        On motion of Mr. Brown,

        The Senate amendments were concurred in.

        An act to legalize the assessment of Yazoo and Lawrence counties for 1862, was taken up.

        On motion of Mr. Thomas,

        The Senate amendment was concurred in.

        An act to be entitled an act to procure salt for the indigent families of soldiers, was called up.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The House insisted upon its amendment to the Senate amendment.

        House resolution in relation to the Exemption Act, was called up.

        On motion of Mr. Graham,

        The House refused to concur in the Senate substitute to said resolution.

        Mr. Terrell, from the committee on Enrolled Bills, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on Enrolled Bills have examined House bills of the following titles, and having found the same correctly enrolled, have this day presented them to his Excellency, the Governor, for his approval and signature, to-wit:

        An act for the relief of Capt. Henry Jamison, of Attala county.

        An act to further provide for the public defense.

        Mr. Dyer, from the committee on the Judiciary, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an act in relation to Executors, Administrators and Guardians, and certain Senate amendments thereto, have had the same under consideration, and have amended the Senate amendments as follows, and have instructed me to report the bill back to the House, as amended by them, and recommend that the bill as amended do pass.

        Which, on his motion,

        Was received and agreed to.

        And, on his further motion,

        The Senate amendment as amended, was concurred in.

        Mr. Dyer, from the Judiciary committee, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an act in relation to the redemption of land or other property sold for taxes, have had the same under consideration, and having recommended the passage of another bill on the same subject, they have instructed me to report the first mentioned bill back to the House, and ask to be discharged from its further consideration.

        Which was received and agreed to.

        Mr. Martin, from the committee on Propositions and Grievances, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on Propositions and Grievances, to whom was referred a bill to authorize persons who may have sold arms to the State to be paid therefor, have had the same under consideration, and have instructed me to report the same back to the House with a recommendation that it do pass.

        Which was received and agreed to.

        On motion of Mr. Powe,

        The bill entitled an act to authorize persons who may have sold arms to the State to be paid therefor,

        Was read the third time, and passed with title as stated.

        Mr. Martin, from the committee on Propositions and Grievances, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on Propositions and Grievances, to whom was referred a bill in relation to the arms received from the several counties which have been rejected by the Chief of Ordance, have had the same under consideration and instructed me to report the same back to the House, with a recommendation that it do pass.

        Which was received and agreed to.

        And, on his motion,

        A bill to be entitled an act in relation to the arms received from the several counties, which have been rejected by the Chief of Ordnance,

        Was read the third time, and passed with title as stated.

        On motion of Mr. Wood,

        The regular order of business was suspended, and the bill entitled

        An act to amend an act entitled an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of the State, was called up.

        On motion of Mr. Thomas,

        The House resolved itself into committee of the Whole,

        Mr. Thomas in the Chair.

        After a short time spent therein,

        The committee rose, reported progress, and asked leave to sit again at 3 o'clock, P. M.

        Mr. McElroy, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to provide further means for the support of indigent families of our soldiers.

        On his motion,

        The Constitutional rule was suspended, the bill read the first and second times,

        And referred to the committee on Propositions and Grievances.

        Mr. Hicks asked leave to introduce a bill,

        Which was refused.

        Mr. Harper called from the table a bill to be entitled

        An act to increase the manufacture of arms.

        On his motion,

        The House resolved itself into committee of the Whole,

        Mr. Martin, in the Chair.

        After a short time spent therein,

        The committee rose, reported the bill back to the House with a recommendation that it do pass.

        Which was adopted.

        Mr. Smith, of Lowndes, asked leave to introduced a bill,

        Which was refused.

        Mr. Jackson, of Amite, asked leave to introduced a bill,

        Which was refused.

        On motion of Mr. McElroy,

        The House adjourned to 3 o'clock, P. M.

THREE O'CLOCK, P. M.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        On motion of Mr. Dyer,

        The Senate was requested to return a bill to be entitled an act to amend an act approved January 29, 1862, to suspend for a limited time certain parts of the Statute of Limitations, which had been inadvertently communicated to that body by the Clerk of the House.

        On motion of Mr. Jones,

        The special order for 3 o'clock, P. M., was taken up, being a bill entitled

        An act to amend an act entitled an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of the State.

        On his further motion,

        The House resolved itself into committee of the Whole on said bill,

        Mr. Thomas in the Chair.

        After some time spent therein,

        The committee rose, reported progress, and asked leave to sit again to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock,

        Which was agreed to.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        I am instructed by the Senate to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate insists on their disagreement to the House amendment to a Senate amendment to a House bill entitled an act better to provide for the families of our soldiers, and ask a committee of conference thereon, and have appointed as said committee on the part of the Senate, Messrs. Gordon, Cummings and Ellett.

        I am instructed by the Senate to return to the House a bill to be entitled an act to amend an act approved January 29, 1862, to suspend for a limited time certain parts of the Statute of Limitations, in compliance with the request of the House this day.

        The Senate has passed a House bill entitled an act to authorize persons who may have sold arms to the State to be paid therefor.

        On motion of Mr. Barton,

        The House adjourned until to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock.

WEDNESDAY, December 31, 1862.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Journal of yesterday read and approved.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The regular order of business was suspended, and Senate message taken up.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The House agreed to request of Senate that a committee of conference be appointed on disagreement between the two Houses on House bill entitled an act better to provide for the families of our soldiers.

        The Speaker appointed as said committee, Messrs. Chandler, Wood, Semmes, Martin, and Miller, of Oktibbeha.

        Mr. Bardin offered the following resolution:

        Resolved, (the Senate concurring,) The two Houses adjourn, sine die, on to-morrow, the first of January, at 3 o'clock, P. M.

        Mr. Turley moved to lay the resolution on the table,

        Which motion was lost.

        The resolution was then adopted.

        Mr. Withers from the committee on Enrolled Bills made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on Enrolled Bills beg leave to report that they have examined and found correctly enrolled, bills of the following titles, and have laid the same before the Governor for his approval, to-wit:

        An act to authorize the removal of the Judicial and other public Records of counties, and for other purposes.

        An act to legalize the assessment in the counties of Yazoo, Lawrence and Carroll.

        The following messages were received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate has adopted an amendment, by way of substitute, for the House bill entitled an act to appoint medical supervisors for the sick and wounded soldiers of the State of Mississippi, in which they ask the concurrence of the House.

        Said substitute is entitled, an act to authorize the appointment of two medical commissioners to specially attend the sick and wounded soldiers from this State in the Confederate army, and for other purposes.

        The Senate have insisted upon their amendment, by way of substitute, for the joint resolution of the House, disapproving a certain portion of the Confederate Exemption Law.

        The Senate has refused to concur in the House amendments to the Senate amendments to a House bill in relation to Executors, Administrators and Guardians.

        The Senate has passed a House bill entitled an act to increase the manufacture of arms.

        The Senate has refused to agree to the report of the committee of conference appointed to consider the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the bill entitled an act better to provide for the families of our soldiers, and insisted upon their disagreement to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to said bill, and ask for another conference thereon, and have appointed as said committee on the part of the Senate, Messrs. Luckett, Huie and Poindexter.

        Mr. Dyer, from the Judiciary committee, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an act to tax unauthorized issues of paper money, have had the same under consideration, and have made the following amendments thereto, and have instructed me to

report the bill, with the amendments, back to the House, and recommend that the bill as amended to pass.

        Which, on his motion,

        Was received and agreed to.

        On motion of Mr. Dyer,

        The bill entitled an act to tax unauthorized issues of paper money,

        Was read the third time, and passed with title as stated.

        On motion of Mr. Shields,

        The Senate bill entitled an act to amend an act approved January 29, 1862, to suspend for a limited time certain parts of the Statute of Limitations, was taken up,

        Read third time, and passed with title as stated:

        Mr. Graham offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the Auditor inform the House upon what basis he distributed the fund for the support of indigent families of soldiers among the several counties, and whether the data for the distribution was obtained from the lists furnished by the Boards of Police, or from the lists in the Adjutant General's office.

        Mr. Harper called up the unfinished business of yesterday, being a bill entitled

        An act to amend an act entitled an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of the State.

        Mr. Harper moved that the House resolve itself into committee of the whole,

        Which was lost.

        Mr. Harper offered a substitute for the substitute offered by Mr. Graham.

        Mr. Chandler moved a suspension of the further consideration of the bill, with a view to take up Senate message in relation to the report of the committee of Conference.

        Mr. Chandler, from the committee of Conference, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee of Conference appointed to consider the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the bill entitled an act better to provide for families of our soldiers, have duly considered the matters referred to them, and have instructed me to report the following recommendation, to-wit: That the Senate amendment be amended in the second line of the fourth section by striking out the word "thirty" and by inserting the words "seventy-five," and that the Senate amendment as thus amended be agreed to by the House.

        Mr. Chandler moved that the report be received and agreed to.

        A division being called for, the report was received.

        The House refused to agree to the report.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        A committee of Conference, consisting of five members, was appointed to meet Senate committee appointed to consider the disagreeing vote of the two Houses on the bill entitled an act better to provide for the families of our soldiers.

        The Speaker appointed as said committee, Messrs. Hooker, of Holmes, Bardin, Lyle, Strong and Boddie.

        Mr. Shields called up bill appointing medical supervisors,

        And, on his motion,

        The substitute of the Senate was adopted.

        Mr. Jones, by leave, introduced a bill entitled

        An act to aid in strengthening the army of the Confederate States.

        And on his motion,

        The constitutional rule was suspended and bill read second time.

        On his further motion,

        The bill was referred to the joint select committee on Military Affairs.

        On motion of Mr. Turley,

        The House adjourned until 3 o'clock, P. M.

THREE O'CLOCK, P. M.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        There being no quorum present,

        On motion of Mr. Martin,

        A call of the House was ordered.

        No quorum appearing,

        On motion of Mr. Seal, of Harrison,

        The Sergeant-at-Arms was sent for absentees.

        A quorum appearing,

        The call was suspended.

        The unfinished business was taken up, being the substitute offered by Mr. Harper for the substitute offered by Mr. Graham to bill entitled

        An act to amend an act entitled an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of the State.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The substitute was laid on the table.

        Mr. Graham moved the adoption of the substitute entitled

        An act to change the militia system of the State,

        Which was lost.

        Mr. Hicks offered an amendment, by way of substitute, for original bill, being a bill entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of the State.

        Mr. Chandler offered, by way of amendment, a substitute bill.

        A bill to be entitled

        An act to amend the militia laws and to aid the Confederate authorities in defending the State.

        On motion of Mr. Hooker, of Holmes,

        The further consideration of the bill was postponed.

        Mr. Hooker, from the committee of Conference, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The joint committee of Conference, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an act better to provide for the families of our soldiers, would respectfully report that they have had the same under consideration, and have instructed me to report that the committee unanimously recommend that said bill be amended by striking out "one hundred" and insert "fifty" in lieu thereof, and recommend that said bill thus amended, do pass.

        Which, on his motion,

        Was received and agreed to.

        The Speaker presented to the House the following communication from the Auditor of Public Accounts:

AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
Jackson, Miss., Dec. 31, 1862.

To Hon. J. P. Scales,
Speaker of the House of Representatives:

        SIR--In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives, this day received, I have the honor to report that the basis of distribution of the State Military Relief Fund, for the year 1861, was as follows, to-wit:

        Each county receiving its pro rata distribution of said fund according to the number of volunteers reported. The reports of the number of volunteers were received from the Boards of Police of the several counties of the State, with the exception of the counties of Panola, Adams, Claiborne, Harrison and Coahoma. The report of the number of volunteers in said last mentioned counties was received from the Adjutant-General, Col. Jones S. Hamilton, as per his report now on file in this office.

        On motion of Mr. Hooker of Holmes,

        The House adjourned until 7 o'clock, P. M.

7 O'CLOCK, P. M.

        House met.

        Mr. Terrell from the committee on enrolled bills, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on enrolled bills have examined House bills of the following titles, and found the same correctly enrolled, and have presented the same to the Governor for his approval, to-wit:

        An act to increase the manufacture of arms.

        An act to authorize persons who may have sold arms to the State to be paid therefor.

        The following message was received from the Governor:

EXECUTIVE, OFFICE,
Dec. 31, 1862.

MR. SPEAKER--

        His Excellency, the Governor, has signed and approved House bills entitled

        An act to authorize the removal of the Judicial and other public Records of counties, and for other purposes.

        An act for the relief of Capt. Henry Jamison, of Attala county.

        An act to legalize the assessment of the counties of Yazoo, Lawrence and Carroll.

        An act further to provide for the public defense.

        On motion of Mr. Dyer,

        The Senate message was called up.

        On motion of Mr. Dyer,

        The House refused to concur in Senate amendment offered as substitute for House resolution disapproving of a certain portion of the Exemption Law of the Confederate Congress.

        On motion of Mr. Shields,

        The House insisted upon its amendment to Senate amendment to House bill in relation to Executors, Administrators and Guardians.

        Mr. Miller, of Oktibbeha, offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the Secretary of State be requested to inform the House why the Acts and Journals of the last regular session of the Legislature have not been distributed as required by law.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate has passed a bill entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of the State, in which they ask the concurrence of the House of Representatives.

        The Senate have agreed to the report of the last appointed committee of Conference to consider the disagreement between the two Houses in relation to the House amendment to Senate amendment to House bill entitled an act better to provide for the families of our soldiers. The recommendation

of said committee agreed to by the Senate, is as follows: That the words "one hundred" be stricken out of the eighth line of the first section of said bill, and that the word "fifty" be inserted in lieu thereof.

        Mr. Graham called up Senate message.

        On motion of Mr. Graham,

        Senate bill entitled

        An act to amend an act entitled an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of the State,

        Was read the first time.

        On motion of Mr. Dyer,

        The constitutional rule was suspended, and bill read the second time.

        On motion of Mr. Strong,

        The House resolved itself into committee of the Whole on the bill,

        Mr. Seal, of Harrison, in the Chair.

        After some time spent therein,

        The committee rose, reported progress, and asked leave to sit again at 9 o'clock to-morrow morning.

        On motion of Mr. Terrell,

        The House adjourned until to-morrow at 9 o'clock, A. M.

THURSDAY, January 1, 1863.

        The House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Journal of yesterday was read and approved.

        Mr. Dyer, by leave, introduced the following resolution:

        Resolved, That the thanks of this House are due and are hereby tendered to the Hon. J. P. Scales, for the courteous, dignified, able and impartial manner in which he has presided over its deliberations during the present session.

        Which was adopted.

        Mr. Gulley, by leave, introduced the following resolution:

        Resolved, That the thanks of this House are hereby tendered to R. C. Miller, Esq., Clerk of the House, the Assistant Clerk and the Sergeant-at-Arms, for the courteous and satisfactory manner in which they have discharged the duties of their offices during the present term.

        Which was adopted.

        Mr. Jones, from joint select committee on Military Affairs, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The joint select committee on Military Affairs, to whom

was referred a bill to be entitled an act to aid in strengthening the army of the Confederate States, have had the same under consideration, and have instructed me to report the bill back to the House and recommend its passage.

        Which was received and agreed to.

        On motion of Mr. Jones,

        The bill entitled an act to aid in strengthening the army of the Confederate States, was read the third time,

        And passed with title as stated.

        On motion of Mr. Wood,

        The unfinished business was called up, being Senate bill entitled

        An act to amend an act entitled an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of the State.

        On motion of Mr. Thomas,

        The House resolved itself into committee of the Whole on said bill,

        Mr. Thomas in the Chair.

        After some time spent therein,

        The committee rose, reported progress, and asked leave to sit again at 3 o'clock, P. M.

        Which was granted.

        On motion of Mr. Graham,

        The House adjourned until 3 o'clock, P. M.

THREE O'CLOCK, P. M.

        The House met pursuant to adjournment.

        The Speaker presented the following communication from the Secretary of State:

OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE,
Jackson, Miss., Jan. 1, 1863.

Hon. J. P. Scales,
Speaker of the House of Representatives:

        SIR--I am in receipt of a resolution of the House of Representatives, requesting to be informed "why the Acts and Journals of the last regular session of the Legislature have not been distributee as required by law. In reply, I state as the reason "why the Laws and Journals of the last regular session of the Legislature have not been distributed according to law," that the Public Printer has failed to deliever the Acts and Journals according to law. The Acts were delivered some two or three months since. A portion of the Journals were delivered within the last two weeks. A portion of them have not yet been delivered. I did not distribute the Acts when delivered, because I did not wish to make a partial distribution.

        The following message was received from the Governor:

EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
Jackson, Miss., Jan. 1, 1863.

Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:

        I herewith transmit to you the report of Col. A. M. West, Quartermaster-General of the state of Mississippi. At the time I transmitted to you the reports of the heads of the other military departments of this State, the report of Colonel West had not been handed in. And even now, the report has not been signed, for the reason that the Quartermaster-General--after preparing his report--was called away to his famlly in Holmes County, where he was taken violently ill, and has not since been able to resume his duties. The report is, however, official, and shows the operations in the Quarter-master's department in the State, since the eleventh day of February, 1862.

JOHN J. PETTUS.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate have refused to concur in the Joint Resolution adopted by the House for the adjournment of the two Houses this day at 3 o'clock, P. M.

        The Senate have passed a bill entitled

        An act amendatory of an act entitled an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of the State.

        The House is asked to concur in the same.

        The Senate have passed bills of the following titles in which the House is asked to concur, viz:

        A bill to be entitled an act supplementary to the act entitled an act to suspend for a limited the collection of the tax therein named.

        A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the Southwestern Telegraph Company to issue change notes or tickets.

        The Senate have passed the House bill entitled an act to provide for a guaranty, by the State of Mississippi, of the bonds of the Confederate States.

        And have also passed House bill entitled an act to authorize the impressment of slaves and other personal property for military purposes, with sundry amendments thereto, in which the concurrence of the House is desired.

        The Senate have concurred in the first, second and fifth amendments of the House to a Senate bill entitled an act to prohibit the distillation of spirits from grain, and have concurred in the third amendment of the House to said bill, with an amendment thereto, and have refused to concur in the fourth amendment of the House to said bill.

        The Senate adheres to their disagreement to House amendments to Senate amendments to House bill entitled an act in relation to Executors, Administrators and Guardians, and ask

a committee of Conference thereon, and have appointed as said committee on the part of the Senate, Messrs. Luckett, Ellett and Poindexter.

        The Senate insists on their amendments, by way of substitute, to a joint resolution of the House disapproving a certain portion of the Exemption Law of the Confederate Congress, and ask a committee of Conference to consider the same, and have appointed Messrs. Yerger, Moore and Loper as said committee on the part of the Senate.

        The Senate has adopted a joint resolution entitled joint resolution in relation to cotton burnt or destroyed, in which the House is asked to concur. Said resolution requires the appointment of a joint committee to prepare a memorial to Congress, &c. Messrs. Yerger, Poindexter and Luckett have been appointed, on the part of the Senate, on said committee.

        On motion of Mr. Hicks,

        The unfinished business was taken up, it being Senate bill entitled

        An act to amend an act entitled an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of the State.

        On motion of Mr. Hicks,

        The House resolved itself into committee of the Whole on said bill,

        Mr. Thomas in the Chair.

        After some time spent therein,

        The committee rose, reported progress, and asked leave to sit again.

        Which was agreed to.

        On motion of Mr. Bardin,

        The House adopted the following resolution:

        Resolved, (The Senate concurring,) That the Legislature adjourn sine die on to-morrow, January 2d, at 3 o'clock, P. M.

        Mr. Dickens offered the following resolution:

        Resolved, That any member absenting himself from the House, without leave, will incur the censure of the same, and shall be promptly arrested by the Sergeant-at-Arms.

        Which was adopted.

        On motion of Mr. Hooker, of Holmes,

        The House resolved itself into committee of the Whole upon Senate bill entitled

        An act to amend an act entitled an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of the State,

        Mr. Thomas in the Chair.

        After some time spent therein,

        The committee rose, reported bill back to the House, with amendments, and recommended that the bill as amended do pass.

        Which was received and agreed to.

        On motion of Mr. Hooker, of Holmes,

        The bill was read the third time.

        Mr. Strong offered the following amendment by way of ryder:

        Amend by striking out all exemptions in this bill and the bill to which this is an amendment, except such Judicial and State officers as are necessary to hold the regular terms of the courts of the country and fill the Executive offices of the State.

        Which was lost.

        Mr. Jones offered the following amendment by way of ryder.

        Amend by way of ryder by adding the following section:

        SEC.--. All who have heretofore furnished substitutes in the service of the State, or of the Confederate States; and all persons who have been discharged from the service of the Confederate States shall be subject in each and every particular to the operation of this act.

        Which was lost.

        Mr. Bardin moved the previous question,

        Which being sustained,

        The bill was passed by yeas and nays called for by Messrs. Graham, Gulley and Deason, as follows:

        YEAS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Bardin, Batte, Billups, Boddie, Brooks, Clark, Deason, Dickens, Durr, Edwards of Choctaw, Enochs, Fall, Fatheree, Fox, Gaines, Gunn, Harper, Harris, Hicks, Hooker of Holmes, Hooker of Lawrence, Humphreys, Irby, Jackson of Amite, Lyle, Martin, McDonald, McElroy, McLaurin, Miller of Oktibbeha, Moore, Nelson, Powe, Seal of Harrison, Shields, Smith of Tishomingo, Tindall, Thomas, Turley, Wells, Withers, Wood, and Williams of Wilkinson--44.

        NAYS--Messrs. Brown, Edwards of Kemper, Graham, Gulley, Hamer, Jones, Seal of Hancock, and Strong--8.

        Ordered, that the title stand as stated.

        On motion of Mr. Thomas,

        The Governor's message and accompanying documents were referred to the joint standing committee on Military Affairs.

        On motion of Mr. Thomas,

        The House adjourned until 7 o'clock, P. M.

7 O'CLOCK, P. M.

        House met.

        Mr. Shields called up Senate message, being a bill entitled

        An act amendatory of an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of the State.

        Which, on motion of Mr. Chandler,

        Was laid on the table.

        A bill to be entitled an act supplementary to the act entitled an act to suspend for a limited time the collection of the tax therein named,

        Was read the first time.

        On motion of Mr. Hooker, of Holmes,

        The rule was suspended and bill read second time.

        On his further motion,

        The rule was suspended, and bill read third time,

        And passed, with title as stated.

        Senate bill entitled an act to authorize the Southwestern Telegraph Company to issue change notes or tickets,

        Was, on motion of Mr. Chandler, rejected.

        On motion of Mr. Shields,

        Senate amendments to House bill entitled

        An act to authorize the impressment of slaves and other personal property for militiary purposes,

        Were concurred in.

        Senate bill entitled an act to prohibit the distillation of spirits from grain, was called up.

        Pending consideration of Senate amendment thereto,

        On motion of Mr. Graham,

        A call of the House was had.

        No quorum appearing,

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The House adjourned until to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock

FRIDAY, Jan. 2, 1863.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Journal of yesterday read and approved.

        Messrs. Lyle, Martin and Powe asked leave to change their votes on the passage of a bill entitled

        An act to amend an act entitled an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of the State,

        Which was granted.

        On motion of Mr. Wood,

        The unfinished business was taken up, being the consideration of Senate amendment to House amendment to Senate bill entitled

        An act to prohibit the distillation of spirits from grain.

        On motion of Mr. Wood,

        The House concurred in the following Senate amendment:

        Amend the third amendment of the House of Representatives by striking out the words "and shall continue in force twelve months."

        Mr. Tindall moved that the House insist upon fourth amendment disagreed to by the Senate.

        And on motion of Mr. Wood,

        A committee of Conference, consisting of three, was appointed on the disagreement of the two Houses on said amendment.

        The Speaker appointed as said committee Messrs. Wood, Martin and Harper.

        On motion of Mr. Shields,

        A committee of Conference of five, to meet Senate committee on disagreement of the two Houses on House bill entitled an act in relation to Executors, Administrators and Guardians, was appointed by the Chair, consisting of Messrs. Shields, Hicks, Miller, Chandler and Tindall.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate have passed a House bill entitled an act to tax unauthorized issues of paper money.

        The Senate have also passed House bill entitled an act to aid in strengthening the army of the Confederate States, with sundry amendments thereto, in which the concurrence of the House is desired.

        The Senate have concurred in the House amendments to Senate bill entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of the State, with various amendments to the said House amendments.

        The House is asked to concur in the same.

        Mr. Shields moved a call of the House,

        There being no quorum present,

        On motion of Mr. Thomas,

        The Sergeant-at-Arms was sent for absentees.

        A quorum appearing,

        On motion of Mr. Wood,

        The call was suspended.

        Mr. Hooker, of Holmes, called up Senate message in relation to Senate bill entitled

        An act to amend an act entitled an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of the State.

        Mr. Thomas moved to concur in first Senate amendment:

        Amend by way of additional section:

        Be it further enacted, That the Major General, when in active service, shall be entitled to the same staff with officers of the like rank in the service of the Confederate States; and that the law fixing the salary of the Major General, be and the same is hereby repealed.

        Which was lost.

        On motion of Mr. Harper,

        The second and third amendments were agreed to.

        And on motion of Mr. Deason,

        The House refused to concur in fourth amendment, which was as follows:

        Amend by additional section:

        Be it further enacted, That the Governor may, in his discretion, detail any persons liable to militia duty who may seek to be detailed, upon proper showing, by affidavit, that the person seeking to be detailed is the owner, overseer, agent or manager of a plantation and twenty or more negroes, and that his presence or that of some other suitable person is absolutely necessary in order to secure the proper management of the same, and that he is not able to procure the services of a suitable person over the age of fifty or under the age of eighteen years to manage and control the same; Provided, the person owning the same shall be required, for such privilege, in addition to his other taxes, to pay a special tax of thirty per cent. upon his State tax upon the property which the party is detailed to take charge of, to be collected by the Sheriff of his county at the same time that the State tax is collected, which said special tax when collected shall be paid into the State Treasury to be distributed as other funds for the benefit of indigent families of soldiers; and the Governor may, in his discretion, detail a suitable person, subject to militia duty, to manage and control the plantation and negroes belonging to any unmarried woman or minor, upon proper showing, by affidavit, that she or they are unable to procure the services of a suitable person over fifty or under eighteen years of age to manage or control the same, upon the payment of a similar tax as above, to be collected and distributed as above provided.

        Mr. Seal, of Harrison,

        Moved to reconsider the vote by which the House refused to concur in first Senate amendment.

        Which was lost.

        On motion of Mr. Hicks,

        The fifth and sixth amendments were concurred in.

        Mr. Edwards, of Kemper,

        Moved the appointment of a committee of Conference on the disagreement of the two Houses on Senate amendments,

        Which was lost.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The joint resolution of the Senate in relation to cotton burnt or destroyed,

        Was laid on the table.

        Mr. Jones called up Senate message in relation to House bill entitled

        An act to aid in strengthening the Confederate States army.

        And on his motion,

        The Senate amendments were concurred in.

        Mr. Martin, from the committee on Propositions and Grievances, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on Propositions and Grievances, to whom was referred a bill to provide further means for the support of the indigent families of our soldiers, have had the same under consideration, and have instructed me to report the same back to the House with a recommendation that the same do pass, with an amendment: Amend by filling the blank with "one."

        Which was received.

        Mr. Martin moved to amend report of the committee by striking out "one" and inserting "five."

        Mr. Wood moved to amend by inserting "ten."

        Mr. Chandler moved to amend the amendment to the amendment by inserting "twenty-five."

        Which was lost by yeas and nays, called for by Messrs. Hooker, of Holmes, Hamer and Turley, viz:

        YEAS--Messrs. Bardin, Chandler, Deason, Durr, Edwards of Choctaw, Enochs, Gulley, Gunn, Harris, Martin, McElroy, McLaurin, Nelson, Powe, Seal of Harrison, Seal of Hancock, Smith of Tishomingo, Tindall and Wells--19.

        NAYS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Batte, Billups, Boddie, Brown, Brooks, Clark, Dickens, Edwards of Kemper, Fall, Fatheree, Fox, Hamer, Harper, Hicks, Hooker of Holmes, Humphreys, Irby, Jackson of Amite, Jones, Lyle, McDonald, Miller of Oktibbeha, Moore, Shields, Smith of Lowndes, Strong, Thomas, Turley, Withers, Williams of Wilkinson, and Wood--32.

        On motion of Mr. Harper,

        The regular order of business was suspended and the following resolution adopted:

        Resolved, (the Senate concurring,) That General Joseph E. Johnston be requested to address the two Houses, in secret session, on the condition of military affairs, immediately.

        On motion of Mr. Jones,

        The regular order of business was suspended, and the vote of the House concurring in Senate amendments to House bill entitled an act to strengthen the army of the Confederate States, was reconsidered.

        On motion of Mr. Jones,

        The House refused to concur in said Senate amendment.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate have concurred in the joint resolution of the

House requesting General Joseph E. Johnston to address the two Houses, in secret session, immediately, and have adopted the following resolution, in which the concurrence of the House is desired:

        Resolved, (the House concurring,) That a committee of two on the part of the Senate, and----on the part of the House, be appointed to wait on General Johnston, and conduct him to the Hall of the House of Representatives. Messrs. Poindexter and Davis have been appointed as said committee on the part of the Senate.

        Mr. Harper moved that the Senate message just received be concurred in,

        Which was adopted.

        The Chair appointed as said committee, Messrs. Harper, Seal, of Harrison, and Tindall.

        On motion of Mr. Harper,

        The House took a recess of five minutes to prepare the Hall for the reception of the Senate to the end that the two Houses, in secret convention, be addressed by General Joseph E. Johnston, made in request of both Houses.

        The recess having expired, the House resumed its session.

        The Senate, preceded by the Sergeant-at-Arms, entered the Hall and took the seats assigned them.

        General Joseph E. Johnston, escorted by the joint committee of both Houses, entered the Hall and was conducted to the Speaker's desk.

        On motion of Mr. Harper,

        The convention resolved itself into secret session.

        After a short time the doors were opened,

        Wen, on motion of Mr. Ellett, Senator from Claiborne,

        The thanks of the joint convention were tendered General Johnston for his courtesy in complying with the invitation of the two Houses, and for the interesting and valuable information communicated to them.

        Hon. Mr. Drane, Senator from Choctaw, moved that as the object for which the two Houses had assembled in joint convention was accomplished, that it be now dissolved.

        Which was adopted.

        The Senate having retired, the House resumed the consideration of the unfinished business, being the amendment of Mr. Wood to fill the blank with "ten."

        Mr. Bardin moved to lay the amendment and bill on the table,

        Which was lost by yeas and nays, called for by Messrs. Smith, of Lowndes, Fall and Turley:

        YEAS--Messrs. Bardin, Batte, Boddie, Brown, Brooks, Dickens, Edwards of Kemper, Fall, Hamer, Hicks, Hooker of Holmes, Humphreys, Irby, Jackson of Amite, Seal of

Hancock, Shields, Smith of Lowndes, Strong, Thomas, Turley and Withers--21.

        NAYS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Billups, Chandler, Clark, Deason, Durr, Edwards of Choctaw, Enochs, Fatheree, Fox, Gaines, Gulley, Gunn, Harper, Harris, Jones, Lyle, Martin, McDonald, McElroy, McLaurin, Miller of Oktibbeha, Nelson, Powe, Seal of Harrison, Smith of Tishomingo, Tindall, Wells, Williams of Wilkinson and Wood--31.

        Mr. Brown offered the following amendment:

        Amend by adding this proviso, viz:

        Provided, however, That no person exempt from service in the Confederate army, who shall be taken into the military service under the militia law of the State shall be subject to such tax.

        Mr. Hooker, of Holmes, offered the following substitute for the amendment:

        Insert after twenty negroes, in first section, "and a like tax upon the negroes of all other persons not in the military service of the Confederate States."

        Mr. Chandler moved to lay the substitute and amendment on the table.

        A division being called for,

        The question was taken on the adoption of the substitute.

        No quorum appearing,

        On motion of Mr. Bardin,

        The House adjourned to three o'clock, P. M.

THREE O'CLOCK, P. M.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        The unfinished business was taken up, being the motion to lay on the table the substitute offered by Mr. Hooker of Holmes,

        Which was lost.

        Mr. Fatheree offered the following substitute for amendment offered by Mr. Brown:

        Provided, That the said tax shall not be levied or collected from those persons who shall serve in the militia six months or more.

        Which was adopted.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The bill was read the third time and passed, by yeas and nays, called for by Messrs. Hooker of Holmes, Brown and Shields:

        YEAS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Chandler, Clark, Deason, Durr, Edwards of Choctaw, Enochs, Fatheree, Fox, Gaines, Gulley, Gunn, Harper, Harris, Jackson of Amite, Jones, Lyle, Martin, McDonald, McElroy, McLaurin, Moore, Nelson,

Powe, Seal of Harrison, Seal of Hancock, Shields, Smith of Tishomingo, Tindall, Wells and Wood--31.

        NAYS--Messrs. Bardin, Batte, Billups, Boddie, Brown, Brooks, Dickens, Edwards of Kemper, Fall, Hamer, Hooker of Holmes, Humphreys, Irby, Miller of Oktibbeha, Shields, Smith of Lowndes, Strong, Thomas, Turley, Withers and Williams of Wilkinson--22.

        Ordered, that title stand as stated.

        Mr. Hooker, of Holmes, offered the following resolution:

        Resolved, That the Doorkeeper be instructed to close the door and not permit members to leave the House while the same is in session, unless by leave of the House.

        Mr. Harper offered the following substitute, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the Doorkeeper, in view of the difficulty of keeping a quorum, be required to guard the door to prevent any member from leaving the House without leave, and the Sergeant at-Arms to attend the departure of trains to prevent members leaving until the adjournment of the Legislature.

        Mr. Withers from the committee on Enrolled Bills made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on Enrolled Bills, beg leave to report that they have examined and found correctly enrolled bills of the following titles, and have laid the same before the Governor for his approval:

        An act to authorize the appointment of two medical commissioners to especially attend to the sick and wounded soldiers from this State, in the Confederate army, and for other purposes.

        An act better to provide for the families of our volunteers.

        An act to provide for a guaranty, by the State of Mississippi, of the bonds of the Confederate States.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The House adjourned until 7 o'clock, P. M.

7 O'CLOCK, P. M.

        House met.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate have concurred in the request of the House of Representatives for a committee of Conference upon the fourth amendment of the House to the Senate bill entitled an act to prohibit the distillation of spirits from grain, and have appointed Messrs. Gordon and Ellett as a committee on the part of the Senate.

        The Senate insist upon their first and fourth amendments to the House amendments to the Senate bill entitled an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of the State, and ask a conference of the two Houses thereon, and have appointed Messrs. Starke and Ellett as said committee on the part of the Senate.

        The Senate insists upon their amendments to House bill entitled an act to aid in strengthening the army of the Confederate States, and request a conference thereon, and have appointed as a committee of conference on the part of the Senate, Messrs. Gordon and Poindexter.

        The Senate have agreed to the following reports of the committee of Conference on the disagreement of the two Houses on the fourth amendment of the House to a Senate bill entitled an act to prohibit the distillation of spirits from grain, viz: The committee recommend that the House recede from their fourth amendment to Senate bill entitled an act to prohibit the distillation of spirits from grain.

        The Senate have also agreed to the report of the committee of Conference recommending that the House do recede from its amendments to Senate amendments to a House bill entitled an act in relation to Executors, Administrators and Guardians.

        Mr. Wood, from the committee of Conference, on the part of the House, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee of Conference upon the disagreement of the two Houses upon the fourth House amendment to a Senate bill entitled an act to prohibit the distillation of spirits from grain, have had the same under consideration, and have agreed to recommend that the House of Representatives do recede from their said fourth amendment.

        Which was received.

        Mr. Wood moved that the report be agreed to.

        Mr. Tindall moved a call of the House.

        No quorum appearing,

        Mr. Strong moved that the Sergeant-at-Arms be sent after absentees.

        Mr. Martin moved a suspension of the call.

        On motion of Mr. Martin,

        The House adjourned until to-morrow at 9 o'clock, A. M.

SATURDAY, January 3, 1863.

        The House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Journal of yesterday was read and approved.

        Mr. Hooker, of Holmes, moved a suspension of the regular order of business with a view of taking up Senate message.

        The unfinished business was taken up, being the report of the committee of Conference upon House amendment to Senate bill entitled an act to prevent the distillation of spirits from grain.

        On motion of Mr. Wood,

        The House concurred in the report.

        Mr. Harper offered the following resolution:

        Resolved, That the Speaker be directed not to sign any certificate for pay for any member who shall be absent at the adjournment of this House, without special leave of absence previously obtained for the remainder of the session.

        Which was adopted.

        Mr. Hicks called up Senate message asking committee of Conference on the disagreement of the two Houses on Senate amendments to a bill entitled

        An act to amend an act entitled an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of the State.

        Mr. Hicks moved to concur in first Senate amendment,

        Which was adopted by yeas and nays, called for by Messrs. McLaurin, Seal, of Harrison, and Martin:

        YEAS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Batte, Billups, Boddie, Brooks, Clark, Dickens, Eskridge, Fatheree, Fox, Gaines, Hamer, Harper, Hicks, Hooker of Holmes, Humphreys, Irby, Jackson of Amite, Jones, Lyle, Miller of Oktibbeha, Moore, Nelson, Shields, Smith of Tishomingo, Smith of Lowndes, Strong, Tindall, Thomas, Turley, Wells, Williams of Wilkinson, and Wood--33.

        NAYS--Messrs. Bardin, Brown, Chandler, Deason, Durr, Edwards of Kemper, Edwards of Choctaw, Enochs, Gulley, Gunn, Harris, Martin, McDonald, McElroy, McLaurin, Powe, Seal of Harrison, Seal of Hancock, and Withers--19.

        Mr. Hicks moved to concur in fourth Senate amendment.

        Mr. Deason moved the previous question,

        Which was lost, by yeas and nays called for by Messrs. Martin, Deason and Chandler:

        YEAS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Boddie, Brown, Gaines, Hamer, Hicks, Hooker of Holmes, Humphreys, Shields, Smith of Lowndes and Thomas--11.

        NAYS--Messrs. Bardin, Batte, Billups, Brooks, Chandler, Clark, Deason. Dickens, Durr, Edwards of Kemper, Edwards of Choctaw, Enochs, Eskridge, Fatheree, Fox, Gulley, Gunn, Harper, Harris, Irby, Jackson of Amite, Jones, Lyle, Martin, McDonald, McElroy, McLaurin, Miller of Oktibbeha, Moore, Nelson, Powe, Seal of Harrison, Seal of Hancock, Smith of

Tishomingo, Tindall, Turley, Wells, Withers, Williams of Wilkinson, and Wood--39.

        Mr. Hicks moved that the House concur in request of Senate for a committee of Conference on the disagreement of the two Houses on the military bill, and that the committee on part of House consist of three.

        Which was adopted.

        The Speaker appointed as said committee Messrs. Hicks, Chandler and Hamer.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate have concurred in the joint resolution of the House for adjournment, with an amendment thereto: to strike out Friday, 3 o'clock, P. M., and insert Saturday, the 3d inst., at 3 o'clock, P. M., in which they ask the concurrence of the House.

        On motion of Mr. Bardin,

        The House took a recess of fifteen minutes.

        The recess having expired, the House was called to order.

        Mr. Hicks, from the committee of Conference, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee of Conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the bill to amend the militia and volunteer laws of the State, have considered the subject, and have agreed to the following report, to-wit:

        That the additional section adopted by the Senate as an amendment to the bill from the House, be amended by striking out all after the enacting clause and inserting the following, to-wit: That if upon a sufficient showing in writing, the Governor shall believe that the public interest, or the safety of any part of the people would be promoted by permitting any person ordered or drafted into the service, to remain at home, he shall have the power to excuse such person from the said service. And that the House do agree to the Senate amendment so amended, and that the Senate agree to the said amendment recommended by the committee of Conference.

        Which was received.

        On motion of Mr. Hicks,

        The report was agreed to.

        And, on his further motion,

        The House concurred in fourth Senate amendment to House amendment to military bill.

        Mr. Jones, called up Senate message asking committee of Conference on the disagreement of the two Houses on Senate amendment to House bill entitled

        An act to aid in strengthening the army of the Confederate States.

        On motion of Mr. Chandler,

        The following Senate amendments to said bill were concurred in, viz:

        1st. Amend the bill by striking out the first section.

        2d. Amend the second section by striking out the words "said marshals" in the second line, and inserting the words "the Sheriff of every county in this State by himself or his deputies."

        3d. Amend the third section by striking out the word "marshal" in the second line, and inserting the word "sheriff," and also strike out the word "marshal" in the thirteenth line, and insert "sheriff."

        4th. Amend the fourth section, by striking out the word "marshal" in the third line, and inserting "sheriff."

        5th. Amend the fifth section by striking out all after the enacting clause to and including the words "of the Govornor" in the fourteenth line; and by inserting after the word "failure" in the fifteenth line, the words "by any sheriff," and by striking out all of said section five after the words "discretion of the court" in the eighteenth line.

        6th. Amend the sixth section by striking out the word "marshals" where it occurs, and insert "sheriffs."

        7th. Amend section seven by striking out the word "sheriff" in the second line, and also by striking out the word "marshal" where it occurs in said seventh section, and inserting the word "sheriff."

        8th. Insert between sections seven and eight, the following additional section:

        SEC.--. Be it further enacted, That every sheriff shall take the receipt of the proper officer of the Confederate government for every conscript, deserter, straggler or absentee without leave, whom he may arrest and deliver to such officer, and shall be entitled to five dollars for every such person delivered by him to such Confederate officer; and the Auditor shall issue his warrant therefor on the production of such receipt; and such sheriffs shall also be entitled to receive from the State Treasury the actual expenses incurred by him in the arrest and delivery of such conscripts, stragglers, deserters, or absentees without leave, for which the Auditor shall issue his warrant on the production to him of a detailed account of said expenses, sworn to by the sheriff or deputy sheriff by whom the said expenses were incurred.

        9th. Amend the bill by striking out section nine.

        The following message was received from the Governor:

EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
Jackson, Miss., Jan. 4, 1863.

MR. SPEAKER--

        His Excellency, the Governor, has signed and approved

House bills entitled, an act to authorize the appointment of two medical commissioners to especially attend to the sick and wounded soldiers from this State in the Confederate army, and for other purposes.

        An act to increase the manufacture of arms.

        An act to authorize persons who have sold arms to the State to be paid therefor.

        An act better to provide for the families of our soldiers.

        Mr. Bardin called up Senate message in relation to adjournment.

        And on his motion,

        The resolution was adopted.

        Mr. Shields, from the committee of Conference on the disagreement of the two Houses on Senate amendment to House bill in relation to Executors, Administrators and Guardians, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on the part of the House, appointed to confer with the Senate committee on the bill in relation to Executors, Administrators and Guardians, report that they have had a conference, and recommend that the House do recede from their disagreement to the Senate amendments to said bill.

        Which was received and agreed to.

        On motion of Mr. Shields,

        The House concurred in Senate amendment to said bill.

        Mr. Fatheree, by leave, introduced a bill entitled

        An act to repeal section twenty-two of an act entitled an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of the State, approved January 24, 1862, and for other purposes.

        On motion of Mr. Shields,

        The bill was laid on the table.

        Mr. Clark, from the committee on Claims, introduced a bill entitled,

        An act making certain appropriatious therein named.

        And on his motion,

        The rule was suspended, and bill read second time.

        On motion of Mr. Harris,

        The House resolved itself into committee of the Whole on said bill,

        Mr. Hicks in the Chair.

        After a short time spent therein,

        The committee rose, reported the bill back to the House with a recommendation that it do pass.

        On motion of Mr. Thomas,

        The report was received and agreed to.

        On motion of Mr. Clark,

        The rule was suspended, and the bill read a third time,

        And passed with title as stated.

        On motion of Mr. Edwards, of Kemper,

        The House adjourned until half-past 1 o'clock, P. M.

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

        The House met pursuant to adjournment.

        The following message was received from the Governor, through his private Secretary, Mr. Rives:

EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
Jackson, Miss., Jan. 3, 1863.

Gentlemen of the Senate
and House of Representatives:

        The most responsible office, and one involving more hazard and labor than any other in the militia of the State, is the office of Quartermaster General, combining the responsibilities and labor of Commissary and Paymaster General. I regard the salary of fifteen hundred dollars ($1500,) as wholly inadequate to the risk and labor of this office, and recommend that the field pay of Colonel be given for the performance of this duty. I furthermore recommend that the pay of the Adjutant General be raised also to the pay of Colonel.

JOHN J. PETTUS.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate have agreed to the report of the committee of conference in relation to disagreement of the two Houses on the 4th amendment of the Senate to House amendments to Senate bill entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of the State. The committee recommend the following amendment to the said fourth amendment of the Senate: Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the following:

        "That if upon a sufficient showing in writing, the Governor shall believe that the public interest or the safety of any part of the people would be promoted by permitting any person ordered or drafted into the service to remain at home, he shall have power to excuse such person from the said service."

        The Senate have adopted joint resolutions entitled preamble and resolutions explanatory of the reasons inducing the Legislature to suspend for a limited time the collection of the military tax imposed by ordinance of the Convention.

        The Senate have passed House bill entitled an act making certain appropriations therein named, with amendments thereto, in which the House is asked to concur.

        Mr. Thomas called up joint resolution of the Senate entitled preamble and resolution explanatory of the reasons

inducing the Legislature to suspend for a time the collection of the military tax imposed by ordinance of the Convention.

        On motion of Mr. Thomas,

        The rule requiring joint resolutions to lay on the table one day, was suspended.

        On his further motion,

        The preamble and resolutions were adopted.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate have passed a bill entitled an act relative to the compensation of Quartermaster and Adjutant-General, in which the House is asked to concur.

        On motion of Mr. Strong,

        The Senate message just received, was taken up.

        On motion of Mr. Hicks,

        Senate bill entitled an act relative to the compensation of the Quartermaster General and Adjutant-General,

        Was read the first time.

        On his further motion,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read the second time.

        Mr. Martin moved to lay the bill on the table.

        Upon which motion the yeas and nays were called for by Messrs. Martin, McLaurin and Enochs:

        YEAS--Messrs. Bardin, Brooks, Chandler, Clark, Durr, Edwards of Kemper, Edwards of Choctaw, Enochs, Fox, Gulley, Gunn, Harris, Jackson of Amite, Martin, McDonald, McElroy, McLaurin, Moore, Nelson, Powe, Tindall, Thomas and Wells--23.

        NAYS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Batte, Billups, Boddie, Brown, Deason, Dickens, Eskridge, Fatheree, Gaines, Hamer, Harper, Hicks, Hooker of Holmes, Humphreys, Irby, Jones, Lyle, Miller of Oktibbeha, Seal of Harrison, Seal of Hancock, Shields, Smith of Tishomingo, Smith of Lowndes, Strong, Turley, Withers, Williams of Wilkinson, and Wood--27.

        No quorum voting,

        Mr. Harper moved a call of the House.

        A quorum appearing,

        On motion of Mr. Thomas,

        The call was suspended.

        The following message was received from the Governor:

EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
Jan. 3d, 1863.

MR. SPEAKER--

        His Excellency, the Governor, has signed and approved House bills entitled:

        An act to tax unauthorized issues of paper money.

        An act to provide for a guaranty by the State of Mississippi of the bonds of the Confederate States.

        An act to authorize the impressment of slaves and other personal property for military purposes.

        An act in relation to Executors, Administrators and Guardians.

        Mr. Thomas called up Senate message on appropriation bill.

        Mr. Clark moved to reject Senate amendments,

        Which was lost.

        On motion of Mr. Thomas,

        The following Senate amendments were concurred in:

        Amend article 3d by striking out "nineteen" and inserting "twenty;" and by striking out "thirty eight" and inserting "forty." Also, amend article 3d by adding the following words: "And to our faithful negro man Jeffrey, for his own use, the sum of ten dollars."

        Mr. Withers from the committee on enrolled bills, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on Enrolled Bills beg leave to report that they have examined bills of the following titles, and found the same correctly enrolled, and have laid the same before the Governor for his approval, viz:

        An act to authorize the impressment of slaves and other personal property for military purposes.

        An act to tax unauthorized issues of paper money.

        An act in relation to Executors, Administrators and Guardians.

        An act to aid in strengthening the army of the Confederate States.

        An act making certain appropriations therein named.

        Mr. Jones offered the following joint resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, (The Senate concurring,) That a committee of five on the part of the House, and----on the part of the Senate, be appointed to wait on the Governor and ascertain from him if he desires to make any further communication to either House.

        The Chair appointed as said committee Messrs. Jones, Tindall, Dickens, Irby and Strong.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate have concurred in the joint resolution of the House appointing a joint committee to wait on the Governor and ascertain from him if he desires to make any further communication to either House, and have filled the blank with three, and appointed as said committee on the part of the Senate, Messrs. Moore, Starke and Jordan.

        The following message was received from the Governor:

EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
Jan. 3, 1863.

MR. SPEAKER--

        His Excellency, the Governor, has signed and approved House bills entitled:

        An act making certain appropriations therein named.

        An act to aid in strengthening the army of the Confederate States.

        Mr. Jones, from the committee appointed to wait on the Governor, reported that they had discharged the duty assigned to them, and that the Governor informed them that he had no further commnnication to make.

        Mr. Jones offered the following resolution:

        Resolved, That the Clerk of the House inform the Senate that the House is now ready to adjourn sine die.

        Which was adopted.

        The hour fixed for adjournment, (three o'clock, P. M.,) having arrived, the Speaker announced the House adjourned sine die.

HOUSE JOURNAL,
REGULAR SESSION, NOV. 1863.

        At a regular session thereof, begun and holden in the city of Columbus, in the county of Lowndes, State of Mississippi, in pursuance of the proclamation of the Governor declaring that on account of the exposed condition of the city of Jackson it was impracticable to hold the regular session of the Legislature at that place, on Monday, the second day November, Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the sovereignty of the State of Mississippi the forty-sixth.

MONDAY, November 2, 1863.

        Be it remembered, That on this day, at the place aforesaid, the members of the House of Representatives convened in the Court House in the city of Columbus at 12 o'clock, M., and were called to order by R. C. Miller, Clerk.

        On motion of Mr. Ragan, of Claiborne,

        Mr. A. B. Bradford of Bolivar, was called to the Chair.

        On motion of Mr. Tindall, of Monroe, R. C. Miller, of Clark, was appointed Clerk pro tem.

        The counties being called alphabetically, the following gentlemen produced their credentials and were severally sworn in and entered upon the discharge of their duties:

        From the county of

        Amite--Moses Jackson.

        Attala--E. M. Wells, S. H. Clark.

        Bolivar--A. P. Bradford.

        Calhoun--Charles A. Lewers, M. D. L. Stephens.

        Carroll--W. W. Liddell.

        Chickasaw--C. C. M. Marable, B. B. Moore.

        Choctaw--Thomas Fox, George M. Archer.

        Claiborne--Joseph Regan.

        Clark--D. P. Bestor.

        Coahoma--J. L. Alcorn.

        Copiah--W. M. Deason.

        Covington--Thomas Pope.

        DeSoto--M. D. Johnson, H. O. Allen.

        Green--S. O. McKay.

        Hancock--D. Seal.

        Harrison--R. Seal.

        Holmes--A. M. Sessions, B. T. Owen.

        Itawamba--M. Pounds, J. D. Barton, Wm. Downs.

        Jackson--W. G. Evans.

        Jasper--W. T. Powe.

        Jones--Amos Deason.

        Kemper--P. H. Gulley, H. C. Robinson.

        Lafayette--Jacob Thompson, N. A. Isom.

        Lawrence--Hymerick Hooker.

        Lowndes--J. M. Arnold, A. Murdock.

        Madison--W. B. Lott.

        Marion--T. B. Foxworth.

        Marshall--J. W. C. Watson, E. W. Upshaw, J. R. Daniel, James Fort.

        Monroe--Jno. L. Tindall, L. E. Houston.

        Neshoba--W. A. McKay.

        Noxubee--J. M. Cunningham.

        Oktibbeha--J. G. Carroll.

        Panola--F. B. Irby, W. C. Maxwell.

        Pontotoc--T. B. Dillard.

        Rankin--B. F. Sutton.

        Scott--Jno. R. Hendon.

        Smith--G. W. Stubbs.

        Sunflower--James Minter.

        Tallahatchie--W. S. Eskridge.

        Tippah--F. S. Wier, W. E. Rogers, B. Johnson.

        Wayne--Henry Gray.

        Wilkinson--Joseph Johnson.

        Winston--R. D. Brown.

        Yallobusha--J. Buntin.

        Yazoo--J. W. Barnett.

        Mr. Lewers moved that the House take a recess till 3 o'clock, P. M.,

        Which motion was lost.

        The House then proceeded to the election, of Speaker, Messrs. Minter and Allen acting as tellers.

        Mr. Ragan nominated J. L. Alcorn, of Coahoma.

        Mr. Eskridge nominated Jacob Thompson, of Lafayette.

        Mr. Daniel nominated Lock E. Houston, of Monroe.

        Mr. Gulley nominated Roderick Seal, of Harrison.

        Mr. Carroll nominated A. Murdock, of Lowndes.

        On the first ballot

• Mr. Alcorn received . . . . . 11 votes,
• Mr. Houston received . . . . . 24 votes,
• Mr. Thompson received . . . . . 7 votes,
• Mr. Seal received . . . . . 17 votes,
• Mr. Murdock received . . . . . 3 votes,
• Mr. Bradford received . . . . . 1 votes,
• 63 votes cast.

        Neither gentleman having received a majority of all the votes cast the House proceeded to a second ballot, the names of Jacob Thompson and A. Murdock being withdrawn.

        On the second ballot

• Mr. Alcorn received . . . . . 11 votes,
• Mr. Houston received . . . . . 34 votes,
• Mr. Seal received . . . . . 17 votes,
• Mr. Bradford received . . . . . 1 votes,
• 63 votes cast.

        Mr. Lock E. Houston having received a majority of all the votes cast, was declared to be duly and constitutionally elected Speaker of the House of Representatives for the term of two years.

        The Chairman appointed Messrs. Watson, Thompson and Minter to conduct the Speaker elect to the Chair.

        The Speaker then returned his thanks to the House for the honor conferred.

        On motion of Mr. Thompson,

        Robert C. Miller, of Clark, was declared Clerk by acclamation, who having taken the usual oath entered upon the duties of his office.

        The House then proceeded to the election of Doorkeeper.

        Mr. Murdock nominated Lewis Green, of Lowndes.

• Mr. Murdock nominated Lewis Green, of Lowndes.
• Mr. Barton nominated A. L. Crouch, of Lowndes.
• Mr. Thompson nominated W. C. Worrell, of Lowndes.

        On the first ballot

• Mr. Green received . . . . . 21 votes.
• Mr. Crouch received . . . . . 4 votes.
• Mr. Worrell received . . . . . 33 votes.
• Scattering . . . . . 1 votes.
• 59 votes cast.

        Mr. Worrell having received a majority of all the votes cast was declared duly and constitutionally elected Doorkeeper of the House of Representatives.

        On motion of Mr. Archer,

        The Clerk was instructed to inform the Senate that the House has met and organized by the election of Lock E. Houston, of Monroe, Speaker, Robert C. Miller, of Clark, Clerk, and W. C. Worrell, of Lowndes, Doorkeeper, and is now ready to proceed to business.

        Mr. Alcorn asked and obtained leave of absence.

        On motion of Mr. Thompson,

        The House adjourned until to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock.

TUESDAY, November 3, 1862.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Journal of yesterday read and approved.

        The following gentlemen presented their credentials and were sworn in as members of the House.

        From the county of

        Copiah--Samuel J. Morehead.

        DeSoto--Wm. A. Boon.

        Hinds--J. T. Rucks.

        Lauderdale--J. R. McLaurin, W. G. Grace.

        Perry--Hiram Hathorn.

        Pontotoc--John A. McNeil, S. D. Pinson, S. J. High.

        Rankin--W. K. Easterling.

        Tishomingo--J. M. Prewitt, Robert Lowry.

        Washington--J. N. Fowler.

        On motion of Mr. Seal, of Harrison,

        Resolved, That the rules of the House adopted at the last session of the Legislature be adopted as the permament rules of this House, and that each member be furnished with a copy.

        The Speaker appointed Jacob Dickinson and Richard Hudson as pages of the House.

        Mr. Regan offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the resident Clergymen of the city of Columbus be invited to open the sessions of this House every morning with prayer.

        On motion of Mr. Tindall,

        The House took a recess till 12 o'clock, M.

12 O'CLOCK, M.

        Recess having expired the House was called to order by the Speaker.

        The following message was received from the Senate, through their Secretary, Mr. Porter:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        I am instructed by the Senate to report the following resolutions which have been adopted by that body:

        Resolved, That the Secretary is instructed to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate has organized by the election of James Drane, President, D. P. Porter, Secretary, and B. L. Smith, Doorkeeper.

        Resolved, (the House concurring,) That a committee of three on the part of the Senate, and----on the part of the House, be appointed to wait on his Excellency, the Governor, and inform him that the two branches of the Legislature have met at the time appointed by the Constitution of the State, and at the place designated in his proclamation, and that the two Houses have organized and are now ready to receive any communication that he may have to make.

        The President has appointed Messrs. Greer, Patton and Oliver as the committee for the above purpose on the part of the Senate.

        On motion of Mr. Seal, of Harrison,

        The message from the Senate was taken up, the blank filled with five, and the resolutions concurred in.

        The Speaker appointed as the committee on the part of the House, Messrs. Seal, of Harrison, Thompson, Bradford, Regan and Johnson, of Wilkinson.

        Mr. E. W. Dale, representative elect from the county of Tunica, presented his credentials, was sworn in and took his seat.

        Mr. Seal, of Harrison, offered the following joint resolution:

        Resolved, (The Senate concurring,) That the two Houses proceed to the election of a Sergeant-at-Arms at half-past 12 o'clock to-day.

        The rules being suspended, said resolution was adopted.

        Mr. Regan offered the following resolution:

        Resolved, (the Senate concurring,) That the two Houses meet in joint convention on Tuesday, the 10th of November, for the purpose of electing one Senator to the Confederate States Congress to fill the vacancy occasioned by the expiration of the term of the Hon. James Phelan.

        Which was read once, and laid over till to-morrow morning.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate have concurred in the joint resolution of the House in relation to the election of Sergeant-at-Arms this day at half-past twelve o'clock.

        The committee appointed on the part of the House to wait

on his Excellency, the Governor, through their chairman, Mr. Seal, of Harrison, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The joint committee appointed to wait on the Governor, report that they have discharged the duty imposed on them, and are informed by the Governor that he will forthwith make a communication in writing.

        The following message was received from the Governor, through his private Secretary, Mr. Rives:

EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
Columbus, Miss., Nov. 3, 1863.

MR. SPEAKER--

        I am directed by his Excellency, the Governor, to deliver to you his message in writing, with the accompanying reports and documents.

        The hour having arrived, the two Houses met in joint convention for the purpose of electing a Sergeant-at-Arms.

        On motion of Mr. Oliver, of the Senate,

        The joint convention proceeded to the election of Sergeant-at-Arms by ballot.

        Mr. Bradford, of the House, nominated D. R. Corley, of Tishomingo.

        Mr. Moore, of the Senate, nominated G. P. Killian, of Lowndes.

        The President appointed Messrs. Wilson, of the Senate, and Brown, of the House, as tellers.

        On the first ballot

• Mr. Corley received 66 votes.
• Mr. Killian received 25 votes.

        D. R. Corley was therefore declared duly elected Sergeant-at-Arms for this Legislature, and the oath was administered by the President.

        The President of the Senate declared the joint convention dissolved, and the Senate retired.

        On motion of Mr. Allen,

        The House adjourned till 2 o'clock, P. M.

TWO O'CLOCK, P. M.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        On motion of Mr. Regan,

        The Governor's message was taken up and read.

GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE.

        [The various reports referred to in the following message
will be found in the Appendix to this Journal.--PRINTER.]

EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
Columbus, Mississippi, Nov. 3, 1863.

Gentlemen of the Senate
and House of Representatives:

        Since the last meeting of the Legislature, Mississippi has been made the theatre of a continued war; and notwithstanding the many sacrifices of her citizens, and the efforts of the army sent for her protection, a large portion of her territory has been overrun by the Federal army, and much of her property has been destroyed and large quantities carried away. Their superior numbers have enabled the enemy to overrun large districts of country, but they have not as yet been able to occupy permanently but an inconsiderable portion of the territory of Mississippi. Corinth, Vicksburg and Natchez, with a few square miles surrounding each, is all that they can justly claim as being within their lines. The advance of heavy columns of the enemy upon the city of Jackson early in May last, at a time when we had no adequate force for its protection, rendered it necessary, in my opinion, to remove the archives and public property of the State, as far as I was able, from Jackson to Enterprize, where the seat of government was temporarily established. Since the first occupation of Jackson by the enemy, Vicksburg has fallen, and the Federals have been again in possession of the capital of the State, and it has remained in such an exposed position, that I deemed it unsafe to return with the archives and other public property. I therefore established the seat of government temporarily, first at Meridian, and more recently for the convenience of suitable buildings for offices, at Macon.

        The ordeal through which the State of Mississippi has been called to pass has been one of sore tribulation, and well calculated to test the loyalty of her citizens. There have been a flood of rumors as to the disloyalty of particular districts and localities of the State, but I have received no reliable information of any considerable disaffection in any quarter. It is

perhaps true that some individuals, taking counsel of their fears, have taken the oath of allegiance to, and sought the protection of the government of the United States. But the great heart of the people of Mississippi remains as true to the cause, and their determination to succeed in the great struggle in which we are now engaged, and is as hopeful and buoyant as when the contest first began.

THE PENITENTIARY--DISPOSAL OF THE CONVICTS.

        Believing it to be very certain that the enemy would occupy the city of Jackson, it became necessary to make some disposition of the convicts in the Penitentiary; and having been informed that twenty-five of these convicts were unfriendly to our cause, and would in all probability join the Federal army if permitted to fall into their hands, I determined, therefore, upon consultation with the superintendent and supervisors of the Penitentiary, to send these convicts to some place of greater security. I applied to the Governor of Alabama for permission to send them to the Penitentiary of that State, which he kindly granted, and they are now confined at Wetumpka.

        Learning, also, that there were----convicts willing to take up arms in defense of their country, I pardoned them and caused them to be mustered into service, and they have since been distributed to the different regiments from the State in the Confederate army.

        A considerable number of convicts still remained in the Penitentiary who were either unable or unwilling to go into the army. These were, upon the near approach of the Federal army, turned out without pardon. I was satisfied that the enemy would destroy the Penitentiary buildings, and being unable to get any safe place of confinement for these convicts, I thought it to be the best disposition that could be made of them.

        Upon the first occupation of the city of Jackson by the Federal army, the Penitentiary buildings were all destroyed, and there remains now, of that institution, with all its machinery, but little save the rubbish of the walls. One steam engine and a lot of iron and copper is all that can be recovered from the ruins. I have directed Col. U. Bourne, acting Chief of Ordnance, to collect every article of value from the rubbish and transport them to Meridian. I have directed the copper to be sold to the Government of the Confederate States for the manufacture of percussion caps. The steam engine will in all probability be destroyed by rust or otherwise before the State will again be in a condition to use it. I therefore recommend that some disposition be made of it by

the Legislature. I herewith transmit the report of the supervisors of the Penitentiary showing that at the time of its destruction it was yielding a handsome revenue, there being a nett profit to the State of the last year of $60,490 76.

        There is another matter in this connection to which I desire to call your attention. Since the Penitentiary has been destroyed, several persons have been convicted of crimes the punishment for which is imprisonment in the Penitentiary, and they are now confined in the jails of their respective counties awaiting some action of the Legislature, and it is for you to determine whether or not a temporary Penitentiary shall be established.

INSTITUTIONS FOR THE DEAF AND DUMB, BLIND, AND INSANE.

        The State institutions for the Deaf and Dumb and for the Blind, have been broken up at Jackson. The Lunatic Asylum was much damaged during the seige of Jackson in its fencing and outbuildings. The main building suffered but little, and the institution, under the supervision of its able and attentive superintendent, Dr. Robt. Kells, assisted by the board of Trustees, still gives shelter and sustenance to this truly unfortunate class of our citizens. The money heretofore appropriated by the Legislature has been sufficient, with rigid economy in its disbursement, to keep up the institution; but the increased cost of every article of consumption or use, renders it necessary for the Legislature to take this subject again under consideration. An asylum like this, for the protection and proper treatment of the unfortunate lunatics of the State, was found to be absolutely necessary in times of prosperity and profound peace, but now when the country is torn and distracted by war and invasion, and our citizens have scarcely time to provide for the protection of the sane members of their families, it is still more important that the Legislature make adequate provision for the maintenance and protection of this unfortunate class. I therefore recommend that the Legislature take the affairs of the Lunatic Asylum again under consideration, and make such additional appropriations as may be found necessary for its proper support.

IMPRESSMENT OF HORSES.

        The cavalry force of this department, under Gen. Van Dorn, having been ordered to Tennessee to reinforce General Bragg, the open country of the State of Mississippi was left exposed to the cavalry raids of the enemy without any adequate force for its protection. Under these circumstances, when the State had been traversed from one end to the other

by an insignificant force of mounted men under Grierson and when the whole State appeared to be in imminent danger of being overrun and destroyed, I published a call for volunteers in this arm of the service to serve for from three to twelve months, and meeting with great difficulty in raising the force required on account of the scarcity of horses, I ordered a sufficient number of horses, bridles and saddles to be impressed to mount and equip such men as were willing to volunteer who were unable to mount themselves. In obedience to these orders six hundred and nineteen horses, and two hundred and thirteen saddles, and one hundred and twenty-five bridles were impressed at an aggregate cost of two hundred and twenty-four thousand, nine hundred and ten dollars and fifty cents, and placed at once in the service. These horses, bridles and saddles are still the property of the State, to be disposed of as the Legislature may direct. The principal damage done the property of the State has been accomplished in the main by marauding parties of the enemy numbering from fifteen to five hundred men. Against such parties as these it is impossible to protect the country by means of infantry alone. Such forces can only be held effectually in check by means of cavalry. I have an understanding with the President of the Confederate States, and also with General Johnston, to turn the cavalry force raised as above mentioned, over to the Confederate service, the Confederate government agreeing to pay for the use and risk of the State horses during their term of service, and also to pay the value when any such horse or horses shall be killed or captured by the enemy. This arrangement is, however, subject to any disposition which the Legislature may deem proper to be made in the premises. I am well satisfied that Mississippi can be protected only by mounted men, and therefore every assistance that can be consistently rendered should be given by the Legislature to this arm of the service.

ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT.

        Circumstances have forced the removal of the State armory from Brandon to Meridian, where temporary buildings have been erected for the reception of the machinery, unfinished guns and guns out of repair, and ordnance stores on hand. The fortunes of war have caused the removal of the State armory twice since the commencement of the present contest--first from Panola to Brandon, and more recently from Brandon to Meridian. These repeated removals have very much retarded the repairing and manufacture of arms. It is, however, hoped that the armory will soon be in working order and that its operations will not again be disturbed. For more

definite information I refer you to the report of Col. U. Bourne, acting Chief of Ordnance, herewith transmitted. I also send you the report of Col. A. M. West, Quartermaster General of the State, to which I refer you for full information as to the transactions of his department. The business of that officer has been so extended, and the assistants allowed the Quartermaster General by law so limited, that a large amount of unsettled accounts have accumulated upon his bands. I therefore recommend that he be allowed such additional clerks or assistant Quartermasters as may be found necessary for the proper transaction of the business of the office, or that an auditor be appointed to examine all unsettled accounts coming before the Quartermaster General for settlement.

ADJUTANT GENERAL.

        The report of the Adjutant General, herewith transmitted, will show to the Legislature the number of regiments, battalions and unattached companies that have been organized and turned over to the Confederate government, in this State, so far as the same was done by State authority. Some regiments were organized in the State under authority derived directly from the Secretary of War, and their muster rolls were never field in the Adjutant General's office. Of such there is no record, nor is mention made of them in the report. The report will also show the number of drafted men and volunteer cavalry organized under State authority as State troops.

REMOVAL OF NEGROES.

        While our enemies are unable to hold permanently any considerable portion of the State, the exposed condition of the Northern and Western districts to cavalry raids, and the facility with which the enemy can enter the counties upon the margin of the navigable rivers in the State, renders it necessary that the Legislature devise some means for the protection of the property in those districts. Some means should be devised at least to prevent the negro men from falling into the hands of the Federal authorities, and thus becoming a powerful auxilliary means in their hands for our subjugation. Every able-bodied negro man that falls into the hands of the enemy is not only a laborer lost to the country in the production of supplies for the support of our armies in the field, but he is also, under the present policy of the United States government, a soldier gained to its army. This has become a subject of too much importance to be lightly passed over.

Already marauding bands of these freed negroes are desolating neighborhoods in the valley of the Mississippi, and citizens of Mississippi have been murdered at their homes by them. It is the policy of the United States Government, in the conduct of this war, to use these negro troops to perfect the destruction and demoralization of the country which the Federal army may occupy. Such being the intention of our enemies, the whole strength of the Government should be brought to bear to prevent negro men from falling into their hands. I therefore recommend that the Legislature pass some law for the removal of all able-bodied negro men from the more exposed districts of the State, authorizing the Governor of the State, the President of the Confederate States, or the General commanding the department, to make such disposition of them as may be deemed best for the public good--a just and proper compensation being made to the owners for the hire during the term they remain in the employ of the Government.

SALT.

        Previous to the meeting of the last session of the Legislature, I entered into contracts for salt with several foreigners who proposed to import it by running the blockade, which contracts I submitted to a committee of the Legislature. The salt under these contracts was to be paid for in cotton. I directed Col. West, Quartermaster General for the State, to purchase 500 bales of cotton, all of which was not bought, for that purpose, and to have a sufficient quantity on hand to pay for the first cargo. Fifty bales of this cotton was by my order delivered to one of the contractors, A. Minnett, a Frenchman, to be shipped to France--he securing the State of Mississippi against loss by depositing ten thousand dollars in Confederate notes with the State Treasurer. A change of Generals and of the policy of the Federal authorities prevented the fullfilment of these contracts. Minnett and the other contractors failed to deliver the salt according to their contracts, and the ten thousand dollars deposited as above mentioned still remains with the Treasurer. I sent Hon. D. S. Pattison, with twenty thousand dollars, to Iberia, in Louisiana, in charge of a steamboat, to purchase salt for the State of Mississippi, and failing in that, to offer transportation to such citizens of the State as he might find there with salt purchased for their own family consumption, or for the use of their neighbors, without resale or speculation. Capt. Pattison reached Iberia in time to procure a boat load of salt for the State and its citizens, but on the homeward trip of the boat, on Bayou Tesche, it was stopped by Confederate authority

and prevented from a further prosecution of the enterprize on account of threatened danger from Federal gunboats, until the mouth of the bayou was actually blockaded. Capt. Pattison succeeded, however, after much labor, in getting, as he reported, forty thousand pounds of salt delivered at Vicksburg. Whatever amount so received, was distributed to destitute families as directed. For further information see Col. West's report as salt agent. Capt. Pattison has not as yet made a full report and settlement of his proceedings as salt agent. I am, therefore, unable to give the Legislature any further information as to his transactions. I also sent R. O. Dixon, Esq., as a special agent for the State of Mississippi, to Virginia, to make contracts for salt water, intending to establish furnaces for the manufacture of salt on State account; but he could not succeed in making such contracts as would justify the expenditure of money necessary to carry into successful operation the plan proposed, and it was therefore abandoned.

        Having failed to establish manufactures of salt on State account as I desired, I authorized Messrs. Strong, Cunningham & Co., of Monroe and Chickasaw counties, in this State, to manufacture salt at Saltville on private account for the people of North and Northeast Mississippi.

        Under the act of the extra session of the Legislature, held in December and January last, appropriating five hundred thousand dollars to purchase salt for the indigent families of soldiers, I appointed Capt. W. C. Turner salt agent, and directed him to go to the salt works in the State of Alabama with instructions to buy salt, make contracts for its manufacture in sufficient quantities to supply the destitute families of our soldiers if it could be obtained in that way, or failing to get a sufficient quantity, to establish furnaces and manufacture salt on State account. His instructions were to get salt by either or all the above means. In pursuance with these instructions, he contracted with------for the manufacture of----bushels of salt, to be delivered by installments. For a more extended account of his transactions as salt agent, I refer you to his report herewith transmitted, stating, however, that the salt has not been delivered in the quantities and at the times agreed upon by the contractors. On or about the 13th of April last, I appointed Col. West salt agent, to receive and distribute to the different counties the pro rata share of whatever salt might be obtained by purchase or manufacture, distributing the salt so received, to the Boards of Police. I subsequently, on the 18th day of October, appointed him salt agent for the State at large, with authority to supervise generally all contracts for the purchase or manufacture of salt on State account, and to receive and superintend its equitable distribution as above mentioned. I

refer you to his report as salt agent, herewith transmitted, for further information upon this subject.

        Having purchased the cotton for the purposes mentioned in the foregoing part of this communication, and losing all hope of securing with it the salt contracted for, I ordered Col. West to turn over fifty bales of it to Dr. Luke Blackburne, one of the medical commissioners for the State, to be shipped to Havana, in the island of Cuba, to be there exchanged for arms and munitions of war. This cotton was delivered to Dr. Blackburne as directed, but as yet he has made no report of his success in the premises.

WIVES, WIDOWS AND CHILDREN OF SOLDIERS.

        The proper support and maintenance of the widows and children of deceased soldiers, and the families of those now in the army, is a subject of great importance, and deserves at the hands of the Legislature the most serious consideration. I regard it as your solemn duty to make such provision for their comfort and support as will no longer leave the families of our brave soldiers in anywise dependent upon the uncertain contributions of private charity for that support and protection which they have a right to demand for the sacrifices now being made by their lawful protectors. The diminution of the State tax will greatly diminish the military relief fund now provided by law. This diminution, with the increased price of provisions and the greatly increased number of those dependent upon this fund for support, will, it is thought, make it necessary for the Legislature to make some additional provision upon this subject.

MONEY.

        I sent Hon. A. B. Dilworth, as agent for the State of Mississippi, to the city of Memphis to make contracts with Messrs. Hutton & Freligh, the only persons known to me in the country in condition at that time to print the Treasury notes for the "Cotton Loan" in the manner provided. Contracts for printing the Treasury notes for the advance on cotton, of the denominations specified in the act approved 19th December, 1861, upon electrotype plates as directed by the supplemental act approved January 29th, 1862, and also for printing the Treasury notes to be issued on State account for military purposes, provided by an act approved January 29th, 1862, were made with them at a cost of four cents per note. Of the notes to be used as an "advance upon cotton" there were printed six hundred and fifty seven thousand, one hundred and fifty-six, which at a cost of four cents per note

amounted to the sum of twenty-six thousand, two hundred and eighty-six dollars and twenty-four cents, ($26,286 24;) and for the notes to be issued for military purposes there were printed two hundred and five thousand, two hundred and ninety-five, at a cost of eight thousand two hundred and eleven dollars and eighty cents, ($8,211 80,) making the total aggregate cost of printing the notes amount to the sum of thirty-four thousand, four hundred and ninety-eight dollars and four cents, ($34,498 04.) The great demand for change notes of the cotton money made it necessary to have a large proportion of these printed. This caused the disproportion in the cost of printing the five million "cotton money" and the two and one-half millions of Treasury notes.

        There have been eight thousand five hundred and eighty-seven applications made for advances upon cotton, and the whole amount of the five million of dollars provided by law has been exhausted. The amount refunded on account of the loan, up to the 29th day of October, is five hundred and seventy-seven thousand, seven hundred and nine dollars.

        The amount of money issued upon my requisitions on account of the military fund provided by the act approved January 29, 1862, is one million, one hundred and fifteen thousand, five hundred and fifty-four dollars and ninety-three cents. Of this sum one hundred and twenty thousand, six hundred and two dollars and twenty-seven cents was issued on account of the appropriation for salt, approved January 1st, 1863. The amount refunded on account of this military fund, is two hundred and sixty-two thousand, five hundred and eighty-nine dollars and sixty-seven cents, of which twelve thousand, five hundred and eighty-nine dollars and sixty-seven cents was on account of sales of salt.

        The third section of the act authorizing the issuance of these Treasury notes for military purposes, provides for funding them in sums not less than five hundred dollars in State bonds, payable in ten years, with interest from the date thereof at eight per cent. per annum. None of these notes have been so funded for the reason that no provision was made for a form or for printing the bonds, nor is the time or the manner of paying the interest thereon prescribed.

        I have been informed that some of these notes are now on deposit to be funded, awaiting the preparation of these bonds and some provision for the payment of the interest. I therefore recommend that some provision be made for printing the bonds and for the payment of the interest annually

        by coupons or otherwise as the wisdom of the Legislature may direct.

        The amount expended of the appropriation for arms under the act approved December 15th, 1859, is seventy-two thousand, seven hundred and forty-five dollars and twelve cents, ($72,745 12,) for which vouchers are on file in my office.

        I herewith transmit the partial report of the Auditor of Public Accounts, made to me, showing the condition of the principal military funds provided by law and respectfully refer you to the full report of the Auditor and Treasurer for further information.

MILITIA.

        The many defects in the practical operation of the militia laws of the State, makes it my duty to call your attention especially to that subject. The Confederate army in this department has been constantly confronted and opposed by a greatly superior invading force, so that the Generals commanding have not only been unable to protect the State from invasion by large bodies of infantry, but the enemy's cavalry have made repeated raids into the State which have been alike destructive to the property of the country and that cordial good feeling for and confidence in the ultimate success of our struggle among the people, so essential to a successful termination of this contest. While the attention of the commanding Generals of the department have been invariable drawn, as of right it should be, to the advancing columns of the invading foe, I have exhausted all the means in my power to give them such assistance as I deemed necessary for the protection of the country against raids. I have kept constantly in the field all the volunteer State cavalry that could possibly be raised, and while I have not been as successful in raising as large bodies of troops as I desired, I have given essential aid in the protection of a large portion of the State which would otherwise have been left in a wholly defenseless condition, and I am happy to be able to state to the Legislature that these State organizations have rendered much good service in the Northern and Northwestern districts at a time when there were no Confederate troops to spare for that purpose. Being mostly in unattached battalions and companies, and well acquainted with the roads and principal localities of the country in which they have operated, these State organizations have been able to afford much greater security to the citizens and

do much more damage to the enemy than larger bodies of troops less acquainted with the country could have accomplished, after inflicting severe chastisement upon marauding parties whose only object was plunder. While other bodies of the State troops have been kept in the field less actively engaged than the cavalry, they have been placed, at the request of commanding Generals, to guard important depots of public stores, and other important points along the line of the different railroads, and have thus relieved the regular troops of that duty and to that extent strengthened the Confederate army in the field. In explanation of the causes that occasioned the organization of the State troops in the first instance, and the continuing them in the field, I herewith transmit copies of the several calls and requisitions made by Gen[.] Ruggles, Price and VanDorn, and also the additional correspondence with the President of the Confederate States, Secretary of War and Gen. Johnston and Pemberton upon the same subject. My efforts to place the number of troops in the field, which I deemed necessary to guard the State against destructive raids, have been much embarrassed by the opposition of a part of the press of the State opposing the enforcement of the militia law passed at the last session of the Legislature. The great confidence of the people in the ability of the Confederate government to protect the State from invasion, induced large numbers of them to regard the efforts being made to organize and bring into the field the militia of the State as unnecessary, and the law itself as impracticable and oppressive. Had the efforts which have been made to organize the State troops received that support, which in view of the great danger threatening us, I had a right to expect, there is much reason to believe that the condition of Mississippi would now be much better than it is. A few thousand additional troops at Jackson in May might have held that place until reinforcements to General Johnston, then arriving, could have overwhelmed the invading army and maintained our position at Vicksburg. The present condition and prospects of the country demands of the Legislature to seriously consider the subject of a thorough and extended reorganization of the military strength of the State. I therefore again recommend the extension of the militia law so as to include and make subject to militia duty every free white male person, either a citizen or temporary resident, not actually conscribed, between the ages of sixteen and sixty years; and as a large portion of these will necessarily be kept at home, only such

as are physically able to discharge the duties of soldiers should be sent to the field, and the remainder should be organized, armed and equipped for local defense against sudden raids, and held as a police force for the counties in which they live. The militia officers should be allowed pay for the time they are actually engaged in the discharge of their official duties. The law, as it now stands, imposes duties often arduous and expensive upon them, and makes no provision for pay or allowance. I am satisfied if this was done, it would add much to the efficiency of these officers. The extension of the conscription laws to forty-five years, has so reduced the militia strength of the State that I do not believe it necessary to retain the office of Brigadier General of militia. The Major General, with the assistance of the regimental and company officers, will be entirely sufficient to carry into effect any law necessary to be passed. In any organization that it may be found necessary to make, the Governor should be authorized to appoint all the Quartermasters and Surgeons. Under the existing law, neither the Governor nor the Quartermaster General have had the control over these officers which in my opinion the good of the service requires.

SALARIES OF STATE OFFICERS.

        The salaries of the State officers were fixed by law at a time when provisions and property were at a low valuation compared to the present exorbitant prices at which every species of property and provisions is held. The pay which is allowed to these officers, if made in the currency of the country, is not sufficient to give them that support and maintenance which the credit of the State demands they should receive. I therefore recommend that their salaries be increased.

        I have sought from the beginning of the war to the present time to make the largest preparation to meet our enemies which the means and power entrusted to me enabled me to make. I have believed it better to spend what we have in mainly resistance than permit it to become the prey of plundering invaders, and in this my last message to the representatives of a people threatened by a more destructive invasion than any in modern times--in view of the known purpose of the enemy to lay waste our land and confiscate whatever escapes the ravages of war--in view of the known determination of the Lincoln government to reduce this people to a condition far worse than European surfdom

--view of that "dark durance" this and succeeding generations are doomed should Federal arms prevail--permit me earnestly to recommend that no consideration of dollars and cents should stand in the way of the amplest preparation of men and means, and the most extreme measures for the defense of the country. There is no half-way house of rest in this revolution. Independence or death, or that which is worse than death, are the alternatives presented to this people, and the sooner this truth is fully realized and acted upon, the better for us and our children. May God who favors the just cause and blesses with success fidelity, patriotism and courage, preside over your deliberations and direct your councils.

JOHN J. PETTUS.

        Mr. Seal, of Harrison, moved that the Governor's message be laid on the table, 2,000 copies printed for the use of the House, and that it be made the special order of the day for Friday next at 12 o'clock, M.

        Which was adopted.

        The following bills were introduced, read three several times, the rules being suspended, and passed, the titles standing as stated:

        By Mr. Regan:

        An act entitled an act to remove the civil disabilities of Walter McDougal, a minor.

        By Mr. Downs:

        An act to amend the school laws of the county of Itawamba.

        By Mr. Powe:

        A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the Senate to appoint messengers between the two bodies.

        By Mr. Archer:

        A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to incorporate the Mississippi Manufacturing Company.

        On motion of Mr. Bradford,

        The House adjourned until to-morrow morning at 9½ o'clock.

WEDNESDAY, November 4, 1863.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Journal of yesterday read and approved.

        Prayer by the Rev. Dr. Lyon.

        The Speaker announced the following standing committees:

        ON THE JUDICIARY.--Messrs. Watson, Seal of Harrison, Rucks, Hicks, Powe, Lewers and Upshaw.

        WAYS AND MEANS--Messrs. Thompson, Alcorn, Murdock, Tindall Bestor, Cunningham and McLemore.

        PROPOSITIONS AND GRIEVANCES--Messrs. Wells, Moore, Hendon, Minter, Sessions, Brown and Lott.

        MILITARY AFFAIRS--Messrs. Upshaw, Stephens, Taylor, Jackson and Arnold.

        ELECTIONS--Messrs. Seal of Harrison, Hicks, Eskridge, Irby, McGehee, Lowry and Carroll.

        EDUCATION--Messrs. Bestor, Fort, McNiel, Stubbs of Smith, and McKay of Neshoba.

        CORPORATIONS--Messrs. Hicks, Owen, Johnson of Wilkinson, Barton and Gulley.

        COUNTY BOUNDARIES--Messrs. Tindall, High, McKay of Green, McLaurin and Downs.

        PUBLIC LANDS--Messrs. Fox, Morehead, Isom and Sutton.

        UNFINISHED BUSINESS--Messrs. Daniel, Liddell, Foxworth, Hooker, Lambeth, McElroy and Dale.

        Also, the following joint standing committees:

        ON STATE AND CONFEDERATE RELATIONS--Messrs. Bradford, Thompson, Seal of Harrison, Moore and Barnett.

        ON INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS--Messrs. Alcorn, Fowler, Minter, Gowan and Prewitt.

        CLAIMS--Messrs. Murdock, Dillard, Kirk, Marable and Robinson.

        PENITENTIARY--Messrs. Rucks, Deason of Copiah, Lott and Yandell.

        LUNATIC ASYLUM--Messrs. Liddell, Regan, Pope, Allen and Ross.

        INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND.--Messrs. Fox, Falconer, Evans, Montgomery and Ware.

        INSTITUTION FOR THE DEAF AND DUMB--Messrs. Dale, Jackson, Rogers, Pounds and Clark.

        ENROLLED BILLS--Messrs. Johnson of DeSoto, Powe, Harris, Deason of Jones, and Shelley.

        Messrs. Thos. R. Gowan, of Simpson, C. T. Kirk, of Winston, and Wm. H. Taylor, of Hinds, presented their credentials and were sworn in as members.

        W. C. Worrell, Doorkeeper elect of the House of Representatives, appeared and took the oath of office.

        Mr. Seal, of Harrison, offered the following joint resolution which was adopted, the rule being suspended:

        Resolved, (The Senate concurring,) That the Sergeant-at-Arms make arrangements with the Postmaster of this place for mailing all public documents of the Legislature, and that

the Postmaster present his account for the same to the committee on Claims for payment.

        On motion of Mr. Eskridge,

        Resolved, That the Auditor of Public Accounts be and he is hereby instructed to furnish stationery necessary for the use of this House.

        Mr. Murdock offered the following resolution:

        Resolved, That the regular hours for the sessions of this House shall be from 9 A. M. to 1 P. M., and from 2 to 4 P. M.

        Mr. Thompson moved to amend by striking out 9 o'clock and inserting 10 o'clock.

        Mr. Regan moved to lay the amendment on the table,

        Which motion was lost.

        The question was then taken on the adoption of Mr. Thompson's Amendment, and decided in the affirmative by yeas and nays as follows, Messrs. Eskridge, Archer and Murdock calling for them:

        YEAS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Archer, Bradford, Bestor, Brown, Buntin, Barnett, Cunningham, Deason of Copiah, Daniel, Dillard, Dale, Easterling, Fowler, Foxworth, Fort, Grace, High; Hendon, Isom, Irby, Johnson of Wilkinson, Johnson of Tippah, Kirk, Lott, Lowry, Morehead, Maxwell, McKay of Neshoba, McNiel, Pope, Powe, Pinson, Prewitt, Regan, Rucks, Rogers, Seal of Hancock, Sutton, Stubbs of Smith, Taylor, Thompson, Upshaw, Wier and Watson--45.

        NAYS--Messrs. Allen, Arnold, Boon, Barton, Clark, Carroll; Downs, Deason of Jones, Evans, Eskridge, Fox, Gully, Gowan, Gray, Hooker, Hathorn, Jackson, Johnson of DeSoto, Liddell, Lewers, Marable, Murdock, McKay of Green, McLaurin, Owen, Robinson, Seal of Harrison, Sessions, Stephens and Wells--30.

        Mr. Powe offered the following substitute, which.

        On motion of Mr. Seal, of Harrison,

        Was laid on the table.

        Resolved, That the regular hours of meeting of the House, at the present session, shall be as follows: to meet at 10 A. M. and adjourn at 1 P. M., and meet at 3 P. M.

        Mr. Johnson, of DeSoto, offered the following substitute, which,

        On motion of Mr. Seal, of Harrison,

        Was laid on the table.

        Resolved, That the regular hours for the meetings and adjournments of this body for the present session be as follows: Meet at 9½ A. M. and adjourn at 12½ P. M., meet at 2½ P. M. and adjourn at 4½ P. M.

        Mr. Dale offered the following amendment, which was adopted:

        "Strike out all after the hour of meeting in the morning."

        The Speaker presented the following communications to the House:

OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE,
Columbus, Miss., Nov. 4, 1863.

Hon. L. E. Houston,
Speaker of the House of Representatives:

        SIR--I have the honor, through you, to transmit to the Legislature the votes cast for Governor in the respective counties of the State of Mississippi, on Monday, the 5th day October, A. D. 1863, which have been received at this office.

        Separate sealed returns have been made from thirty-five counties. From the counties of Adams, Claiborne, Harrison, Issaquena, Tunica, Warren and Washington, no returns have been received.

        From the residue of counties from which no separate sealed returns were received, I here with enclose the general returns in which are stated the vote for Governor.

AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
Columbus, Miss., No. 4, 1863.

Hon. L. E. Houston,
Speaker of the House of Representatives:

        SIR--Owing to the difficulty of procuring paper for the use of the Legislature, I will not be able to furnish the usual abundant supply for the use of the members, but will continue to furnish such supply of stationery as I have on hand.

        The counties being called alphabetically,

        Mr. Barton introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act for the relief of M. D. Files, Sheriff of Itawamba county,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and referred to the committee on Claims.

        Mr. Downs introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to authorize the Board of Police of Itawamba county to borrow money from the school fund,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and referred to the committee on Education.

        Mr. Murdock introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to authorize the Police Court of Lowndes county to fix the fees of Jailors,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules.

        Mr. Fox moved to amend by adding the county of Choctaw.

        Mr. Powe moved to amend by striking out the "county of Lowndes" and inserting the "Boards of Police of the several counties of the State."

        On motion of Mr. Seal,

        The bill and amendments were referred to the Judiciary committee.

        Mr. Dale introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to repeal an act therein named,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and referred to the committee on Internal Improvements.

        Mr. Regan called up the joint resolution offered by him on yesterday in relation to the election of Confederate States Senator.

        Mr. Thompson moved that the further consideration of the resolution be postponed until Wednesday, the 18th instant,

        Which was lost.

        On motion, the resolution was amended by striking out "Tuesday, the 10th," and inserting "Thursday, the 12th inst.," and adopted.

        Mr. Arnold offered the following joint resolution, which was adopted, the rules being suspended.

        Resolved, (the Senate concurring,) That the two Houses convene in the Representative Hall on Thursday, the 5th instant, at 11 o'clock, in order that the returns of the late election for Governor of the State may be opened and published.

        Mr. Upshaw offered the following joint resolution, which was read once:

        Resolved, (the Senate concurring,) That the Confederate State Senators from this State be instructed, and the members of Congress from the different Districts from Mississippi be requested, to use their best endeavors to procure all things necessary to be done to make Confederate Treasury notes a legal tender in all contracts whatever, throughout the Confederate States.

        Mr. Isom offered the following resolution:

        Resolved, That the committee on Elections be instructed to report upon the constitutionality of Confederate military officers occupying seats in this House as members,

        Which was lost.

        Mr. Cunningham introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act supplementary to an act entitled an act better to provide for the families of our soldiers, approved January 3, 1863,

        Which was read once.

        Mr. Gowan gave notice that on to morrow he would introduce bills entitled:

        An act to amend the election laws of this State; and

        An act to amend the laws of this State prohibiting the payment of debts until twelve months after the close of the war.

        Mr. Murdock gave notice that on to-morrow he would introduce a bill to be entitled

        An act to enforce the collection laws of this State.

        Mr. Eskridge gave notice that he would on to-morrow introduce a bill to be entitled

        An act for relief of Clerks of Courts of Record of this State.

        Mr. Lewers gave notice of the introduction of the following bills:

        An act regulating the payment of debts.

        An act to prevent the sale of and speculation in certain commodities.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate has passed the House bill providing for the appointment of messengers to the two Houses of this Legislature.

        On motion of Mr. Downs,

        The House adjourned till 2 o'clock, P. M.

TWO O'CLOCK, P. M.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Mr. Downs, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to authorize the Board of Police of Itawamba county to make a certain appropriation therein named,

        Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rules, and passed, the title standing as stated.

        Mr. Cunningham offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the committee on Military Affairs be instructed to inquire into the expediency of abolishing the militia system as it now exists in the State, and report to this House at as early a day as possible, by bill or otherwise.

        Mr. Owen offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed by the Speaker to ascertain what portion of the documents accompanying the Governor's message should be printed, and that 100 copies of such documents be printed for the use of the House, and that the committee report by to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.

        The Speaker appointed as said committee Messrs. Owen, Thompson, Eskridge, Seal of Harrison and Dillard.

        The committee on Enrolled Bills made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on Enrolled Bills have examined a bill entitled "an act to authorize the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the Senate to appoint messengers between the two bodies," and find the same correctly enrolled.

        Mr. Rucks offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms be authorized to employ a carpenter to construct suitable temporary writing desks for each member of this House.

        The following message was received from the Governor, through his private Secretary, Col. J. H. Rives:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Governor has approved and signed the following House bill:

        An act to authorize the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate to appoint messengers between the two bodies.

        On motion of Mr. Rogers,

        The House adjourned until to-morrow at 10 o'clock, A. M.

THURSDAY, November 5, 1863.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Stainback.

        The journal of yesterday was read and approved.

        Mr. Robert E. Wynne, of Yallobusha, presented his credentials, and was sworn in as a member of this House.

        On motion of Mr. Tindall, Mr. Bradford was added to the committee on Militarry Affairs.

        The Speaker announced the following committees:

        ON AUDITOR'S OFFICE--Messrs. Fort, Johnson of De Soto, Murdock, Gray and Seal of Hancock.

        ON TTEASURER'S OFFICE.--Messrs. Clark, Brown, Johnson of Tippah, Boon and Harris.

        ON LIBRARY.--Messrs. Archer, Rucks, Morehead, Lott and Barton.

        ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS.--Messrs. Hathorn, Taylor, Montgomery, Grace and Isom.

        ON STATE UNIVERSITY.--Messrs. Alcorn, Tindall, Arnold, Gowan and Bestor.

        Mr. Owen, from a Select Committee, made the following report, which was received and agreed to:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee appointed to examine and ascertain what portion of the documents accompanying the Governor's message should be printed for the information of the House, report in favor of printing the following in the order set forth:

        1st. Auditor's Report.

        2d. A. M. West's Report as salt agent, and accompanying documents.

        3d. W. C. Turner's Report as salt agent, and accompanying documents.

        4th. U. Bourne's Ordnance Report and exhibit A.

        5th. C. H. Manship's Report as inspector of the Penitentiary.

        6th. A. M. West's Quartermaster's Report and accompanying documents.

        7th. J. S. Hamilton's Adjutant and Inspector General's Report.

        All of which is respectfully submitted.

        Mr. Seal, of Harrison, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled "An act to amend Art. 15, of chapter 4, of the Revised Code."

        Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rules and passed, the title standing as stated.

        Mr. Tindall gave notice that he would, on to-morrow, or some future day, introduce bills of the following titles:

        An act to provide assessment rolls for the several counties of this State.

        An act to revise and amend "An act to extend the time for the collection of taxes for the current fiscal year, approved December 20th, 1861, and for other purposes."

        Mr. Allen, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled "An act for the relief of certain tax collectors, and for other purposes."

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and referred to the committee on the Judiciary.

        Mr. Johnson, of Wilkinson, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled "An act to amend chapter 8 of the Revised Code, entitled 'An act establishing the fees of certain officers,' so far as relates to the clerks of the Chancery and Probate Courts of Wilkinson county."

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and referred to the committee of Ways and Means.

        Mr. Regan offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the Auditor of Public Accounts be requested to inform the House of the number of soldiers in the State and Confederate service, whose names have been sent up by the Board of Police of the several counties of this State, as provided for by an act entitled "An act better to provide for the families of our soldiers," approved January 3d, 1863; the amount of money collected under the provision of said act, and the amount distributed to each county for the relief of the families of soldiers of the State and Confederate

service, and the amount of money (if any) belonging to said fund.

        Mr. Fowler, of Washington, offered the following resolution which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Special Committee of five whose duty it shall be to report, at as early a day as practicable during the session of the Legislature, a bill for the relief of indigent families of soldiers in the service of the Confederate States.

        The Chair appointed as said committee Messrs. Fowler, Hicks, Dale, Tindall and Barnett.

        Mr. Murdock offered the following resolution:

        Resolved, That the Judiciary Committee be instructed to inquire into and report whether military offices held under the authority of the Confederate States are lucrative offices, as contemplated in section 27 of Art. 3 of the Constitution of the State of Mississippi.

        Which, on motion of Mr. Johnson of De Soto, was laid on the table, by yeas and nays called for by Messrs. Murdock, Carroll and Barton, as follows:

        YEAS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Archer, Allen, Bradford, Boon, Buntin, Barnett, Deason of Copiah, Daniel, Evans, Easterling, Eskridge, Fowler, Fox, Foxworth, Fort, Gully, Grace, Gowan, Gray, Hooker, High, Irby, Jackson, Johnson of De Soto, Johnson of Wilkinson, Johnson of Tippah, Kirk, Liddell, Lowry, Lewers, Marable, Morehead, Maxwell, McKay of Green, McKay of Neshoba, McNeal, Owen, Pope, Powe, Pinson, Prewitt, Rucks, Robinson, Seal of Harrison, Seal of Hancock, Sessions, Sutton, Stubbs of Smith, Stephens, Taylor, Thompson, Tindall, Upshaw, Wells, Wier, Watson and Wynne--58.

        NAYS--Messrs. Arnold, Bestor, Barton, Brown, Clark, Cunningham, Carroll, Downs, Deason of Jones, Dillard, Dale, Hathorn, Hudson, Isom, Lott, Moore, Murdock, McLaurin, Pounds, Regan, Rodgers--20.

        Mr. Gowan offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the committee on Military Affairs be, and they are hereby instructed, to inquire into the reasons why the first battalion of Mississippi State Troops have never received their pay, and to report by bill or otherwise, as the necessitics of the case may require.

        Mr. Murdock, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled

        "An act to enforce the collection laws of this State."

        Which was read twice and referred to the committee on the Judiciary.

        Mr. Tindall offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That James Phelan, J. C. W. Watson, Gen. W. S. Featherston, Fulton Anderson, William Yerger, Charles Fontaine, S. J. Gholston and Walker Brooke be invited during the recesses of the House to occupy this hall and address the Legislature on the state of the country.

        On motion of Mr. Johnson, of De Soto,

        Mr. Irby was added to the Committee on Enrolled Bills.

        Mr. Gowan offered the following joint resolution, which was adopted under a suspension of the rules:

        Resolved, By the House of Representatives, (the Senate concurring), That our Senators and Representatives in the Congress of the Confederate States be, and they are hereby instructed, to use every effort in their power to raise the pay of our soldiers, as follows: Privates, $20 per month; Corporals, $25; and Sergeants $35, except First Sergeants, and they to receive $40 per month.

        Mr. Arnold offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary be instructed to inquire into the constitutionality of allowing soldiers in the field, whether in or out of the State, to vote in all State and county elections, and report by bill or otherwise.

        The following message was received from the Senate through their Secretary, Mr. Porter:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate have concurred in the joint resolution of the House appointing 11 o'clock on Thursday, the 5th, as the time for counting the votes cast for Governor at the last election.

        The Senate have passed House bill entitled "An act to remove the civil disabilities of Walter McDougal," with an amendment thereto, in which the concurrence of the House is desired.

        Also, House bill entitled an act to amend an act incorporating the Mississippi Manufacturing Company.

        The following bills originating in the Senate have also passed that body:

        An act to increase the salary of the Probate Judge of Lauderdale county.

        An Act Act to compel railroads to keep light, fire and water on their cars.

        The President of the Senate has appointed the following joint standing committees:

        COMMITTEE ON STATE AND CONFEDERATE RELATIONS--Yerger, Wilson and Greer.

        ON INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS--Bradford, Bowles and Patton.

        ON CLAIMS--Greer, Lewers and Jordan.

        ON THE OFFICE OF THE AUDITOR OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS--Moore, Terry and McRae.

        ON THE OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF THE STATE--Griffin, Wilson and Quinn.

        ON THE OFFICE OF TREASURER, STATE COMMISSIONERS AND EXECUTIVE CONTINGENT FUND--Hamilton, Mosely and Mayson:

        ON ENROLLED BILLS--Patton, McRea and Jordan.

        ON THE STATE UNIVERSITY--Bowles, Wilson and Luckett.

        The President of the Senate has appointed A. L. Crouch as Senate Messenger to the House of Representatives, in pursuance of an act of the 4th instant allowing each house a messenger.

        On motion of Mr. Regan,

        The Senate message just received was taken up.

        The Senate amendment adding the words, "except the right of suffrage at the end of first section" to the House bill entitled "An act to remove the civil disabilities of Walter McDougal, a minor," was, on motion of Mr. Regan, concurred in.

        On motion of Mr. Seal, of Harrison,

        The House took a recess of ten minutes to provide the hall for the joint convention of the two houses to count the vote for Governor.

        Recess having expired, the House was called to order by the Speaker.

        The Senate having been informed that the House was ready for their reception, entered and took the seats assigned them.

        The Presdent of the Senate having explained the object of the joint convention,

        The Speaker of the House proceeded to open the sealed returns and publish the vote for Governor.

        

OFFICIAL RETURNS of the vote for Governor of the State of Mississippi, at an election held on the first Monday in October, 1863, as opened and counted by joint convention of the two Houses of the Legislature, on Thursday, the 5th day of November, 1863:

COUNTIES.	Chas. Clark	A. M. West	R. Davis...
Carroll	353	44	24
Chickasaw	615	64	95
Choctaw	380	106	52
Claiborne
Clark	865	231	82
Coahoma
Copiah	346	128	51
Covington
DeSoto	338	9	22
Franklin	214	10	2
Greene	80	18	2
Hancock	142	9	5
Harrison
Hinds	406	170	7
Holmes	338	65	3
Itawamba.	726	36	117
Jackson	60	56	4
Jasper	270	284	36
Jefferson	174	5
Jones	50	107	4
Lawrence	246	48	10
Leake	256	165	23
Lowndes	592	322	75
Marion	154	36	6
Monroe	600	46	194
Neshoba	188	37	2
Newton	195	118	9
Noxubee	324	190	31
Pike	275	51	18
Pontotoc	1,148	70	254
Rankin	832	471	238
Scott	156	199	17
Simpson	104	123	4
Tallahatchie	156	7	37
Wayne	111	50	2
Wilkinson	258	17	20

Winston	283	106	11
Yazoo	247	45	4
Total	11,876	3,392	1,469

        On motion of Mr. Yerger, of the Senate,

        The vote for Governor as communicated to the Secretary of State, with the general returns, was rejected but ordered to be spread upon the Journals. It is as follows:

        

UNSEALED VOTES.

COUNTIES.	Clark.	West.	Davis..
Amite	221	80	3
Attala	229	224	20
Bolivar	130	2	4
Calhoun	411	107	109
Coahoma	82	30
Covington	63	131	6
Kemper	407	199	41
Lauderdale	796	307	135
Marshall	651	33	45
Oktibbeha	315	126	14
Perry	24	12
Panola	537	21	23
Smith	107	169	9
Sunflower	56	11	2
Tippah	81	2	41
Tishomingo	35		6
Yallobusha	423	17	102
Total	4,552	1,471	540

        No returns were received from the counties of Adams, Claiborne, Harrison, Issaquena, Tunica, Warren and Washington.

• Charles Clark received . . . . . 16,428
• A. M. West . . . . . 4,863
• Reuben Davis . . . . . 2,009
• Whole number of votes cast . . . . . 23,300
• Clark's majority . . . . . 9,556

        The vote being summed up, the Speaker of the House announced to the convention that Charles Clark, having received a plurality of all the votes cast, is duly and constitutionally elected Governor of the State of Mississippi.

        The convention having accomplished the object of the joint assemblage, the Senate retired.

        The committee on Enrolled Bills made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on Enrolled Bills have examined a bill entitled "an act to remove the civil disabilities of Walter McDougal, a minor," find the same correctly enrolled, and have submitted it to the Governor for his approval and signature.

        On motion of Mr. Lewers,

        The House adjourned until to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.

FRIDAY, Nov. 6, 1863.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Neeley.

        Journal of yesterday read and approved.

        Messrs. E. H. Hicks, of Jefferson, and H. Falconer, of Marshall, presented their credentials and were sworn in as members of this House.

        Leave of absence was granted Mr. McElroy.

        Call of counties.

        Mr. Fox introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to authorize Thomas N. Doris, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Choctaw county to practice law in the Probate Court,

        Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rules, and passed, the title standing as stated.

        Mr. Bestor presented the petition of Dr. S. M. Hamilton, of Clark county, which was referred to the committee on Claims.

        Also, the petition of Reese Price, of Clark county, which, with accompanying documents, was referred to the committee on Propositions and Grievances.

        Mr. Tindall introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to remove the civil disabilities of William W. Brooks, a minor,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules.

        Mr. Liddell moved that the bill be referred to the Judiciary committee, which motion was

        On motion of Mr. Eskridge,

        Laid on the table.

        The bill was then read the third time and passed, the title standing as stated.

        Mr. Tindall introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to inerease the salary of the Probate Judge of Monroe county,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules,

        When, with sundry amendments, it was referred to the committee of Ways and Means, with instructions to inquire into the expediency of extending the provisions of this bill to all of the Probate Judges of the State.

        Mr. Cunningham presented the petition of Wm. H. Smith, of Noxubee county, which was read and referred to the Judiciary committee.

        Mr. Brown introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to authorize the Clerk of Probate of Winston county, and others, to aid and assist Executors, Administrators and others to prepare their accounts, pleadings, &c., in the Probate Court of Winston county,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and

        On motion of Mr. Johnson, of Wilkinson,

        Referred to the committee on the Judiciary.

        Mr. Barnett introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act for the relief of destitute families in Yazoo county,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules.

        Mr. Regan moved the reference of the bill to a select committee of three, with instructions to report a bill authorizing and requiring the several Boards of Police to provide for all destitute families of soldiers, in such manner as they may deem proper, with authority to borrow money or issue scrip.

        Which, on motion of Mr. Lewers,

        Was laid on the table.

        Mr. Regan offered the following amendment:

        Amend by way of additional section--

        SEC.--. Be if further enacted, That the provisions of this bill apply to the county of Claiborne, which

        On motion of Mr. Seal, of Harrison,

        Was laid on the table.

        The bill was then read the third time and passed, the title standing as stated.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate refuses to concur in the joint resolution of the House authorizing the Sergeant-at-Arms to make arrangements with the Postmaster for the mailing of public documents of the Legislature.

        The President of the Senate has appointed the following additional joint standing committees:

        ON THE PENITENTIARY--Messrs. Lowry, Luckett and Quinn.

        ON THE LUNATIC ASYLUM--Messrs. Neeley, Bowles and Mosely.

        ON THE INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND--Messrs. Yerger, Lowry and Jordan.

        ON THE INSTITUTION FOR THE DEAF AND DUMB--Messrs. Quinn, Mayson and Wilson.

        ON STATE LIBRARY--Messrs. Wilson, Hamilton and Mayson.

        ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS--Messrs. Davis, Griffin and Patton.

        The Speaker announced the following joint standing committee:

        ON SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE--Messrs. Turley, High, Stubbs of Smith, Staples and Daniel.

        The Speaker presented the following communications from the Auditor of Public Accounts:

AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
Columbus, Miss., Nov. 2, 1863.

Hon. L. E. Houston,
Speaker of the House of Representatives:

        SIR--I have the honor to transmit herewith my report of the receipts and disbursements of the public moneys from the 4th day of March, 1862, to 31st day of October 1863, both days inclusive, to be laid before the Legislature.

AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
Columbus, Miss., Nov. 6, 1863.

Hon. L. E. Houston,
Speaker of the House of Representatives:

        SIR--I have the honor, through you, to state to the House of Representatives that the information asked for in their resolution of yesterday in reference to "the number of soldiers in the State and Confederate service," &c., is fully given in documents I and L, accompanying my report to the Legislature, and is as follows, to-wit:

• Total tax 1862 levied by act of Jan. 3, 1863, for support of destitute families of soldiers, less credits to collectors . . . . . $356,703 02
• Amount paid into State Treasury on account of said tax to 1st inst . . . . . 226,971 67
• Balance due by collectors . . . . . 129,731 35
• Less amount overpaid . . . . . 14 62
• Total amount not collected . . . . . 129,716 73
• Amount distributed to destitute families of soldiers 1st Aug. 1863, on the basis of 63,908 volunteers as per returns received and now on file in this office . . . . . 198,754 19
• Balance of tax on hand yet to be distributed . . . . . 28,217 48

        Mr. Thompson moved that the Auditor's report and accompanying documents be referred to the committee of Ways and Means, that 500 copies of the report and 200 copies of the accompanying documents be printed for the use of this House,

        Which was adopted.

        Mr. Powe introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to authorize the State Treasurer to receive from the delinquent Tax Collectors of the several counties in this State, the military bonds or notes failing due 1st June 1863 and 1864, in payment of the amounts due from them on account of the military tax of 1861,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and referred to the committee of Ways and Means.

        Mr. Archer offered the following joint resolution:

        Resolved, (the Senate concurring,) That the two Houses shall assemble in the Representative Hall on to-morrow at half-past 11 o'clock, A. M., for the purpose of electing a State printer,

        Which was read once.

        Mr. Arnold offered the following joint resolution, which, the rules being suspended, was adopted:

        Resolved, (the Senate concurring,) That a committee of----on the part of the Senate, and five on the part of the House, be appointed to wait on his Excellency, Charles Clark, Governor elect, and inform him that he is duly and constitutionally elected Governor of the State of Mississippi for the term of two years from the third Monday in November 1863.

        Committee, Messrs. Arnold, Bradford, Hendon, Evans and Hicks.

        Mr. Watson, from the Judiciary committee made the following report, which was received and agreed to:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Judiciary committee, to whom was referred "an act entitled an act for the relief of certain Tax Collectors, and for other purposes," have had the same under consideration and have instructed me to report that they recommend that said bill do not pass, the provisions thereof being, in the opinion of the committee, in direct conflict with the Constitution of the State.

        Mr. Watson, from the same committee, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee to whom was referred the bill entitled an act to authorize the Board of Police of Lowndes county to fix the fees of Jailors, with sundry amendments, have had the same under consideration, and have instructed me to report against the passage of the same, and offer in lieu thereof a a substitute which they pray may pass.

        The bill accompanying said report, entitled

        An act regulating the fees of Jailors in this State in certain cases,

        Was read three several times under a suspension of the rules, and passed, the title standing as stated.

        Mr. Turley, of city of Vicksburg, appeared and was sworn in, and took his seat.

        Mr. Morehead offered the following resolution, which, the rules being suspended, was adopted:

        Resolved, (the Senate concurring,) That a committee of five on the part of the House, and----on the part of the Senate, be appointed, to whom so much of the Governor's message as refers to the subject of salt, and the reports of the various agents appointed "to obtain salt by mining or otherwise," are hereby referred for consideration.

        Committee, Messrs. Morehead, Dillard, McKay, Allen and Owen.

        Mr. Moore offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the committee on Military Affairs be instructed to inquire into the present status of the State troops in Confederate service paroled at Vicksburg. Whether the Confederate government has the right to discharge them before their exchange; and if so, whether they are already discharged; and if discharged by the Confederate authorities whether they are now in the State service and entitled to draw pay until exchanged and discharged, and that the committee be instructed to report to this House.

        Mr. Gowan introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to provide for the payment of costs in certain criminal cases therein mentioned,

        Which was read twice, under a suspension of the rules, and referred to the Judiciary committee.

        Mr. Tindall introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to revive and amend an act to extend the time for the collection of the taxes of the current fiscal year, approved Dec. 20th, 1861, and for other purposes,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and referred to the Judiciary committee.

        Mr. Tindall introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to provide assessment rolls for the several counties of this State,

        Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rules, and passed, the title standing as stated.

        Mr. Murdock offered the following resolution:

        Resolved, That the committee on Elections be instructed to inquire and report whether any member of this House holds civil offices under the government of the Confederate States, which are lucrative as contemplated by section 27, article 3, of the Constitution of the State of Mississippi,

        Which, on motion of Mr. Seal, of Harrison,

        Was laid on the table by yeas and nays called for by Messrs. Murdock, Carroll and Arnold, as follows:

        YEAS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Bradford, Bestor, Boon, Brown, Barnett, Daniel, Dillard, Dale, Evans, Easterling, Eskridge, Fowler, Fox, Falconer, Fort, Gully, Gowan, Gray Hicks, Hooker, Hathorn, Hendon, Isom, Jackson, Johnson of DeSoto, Johnson of Tippah, Johnson of Wilkinson, Kirk, Liddell, Lowry, Marable, McKay of Green, McKay of Neshoba, Powe, Pinson, Rucks, Rogers, Seal of Harrison, Seal of Hancock, Sutton, Stephens, Taylor, Thompson, Upshaw, Wells and Wier--47.

        NAYS--Messrs. Allen, Arnold, Barton, Buntin, Clark, Cunningham, Carroll, Downs, Deason of Jones, Grace, High, Irby, Lott, Lewers, Morehead, Maxwell, Murdock, McLaurin, McNiel, Owen, Pounds, Prewitt, Regan, Robinson, Sessions, Tindall, Watson and Wynne--28.

        Mr. Eskridge introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to encourage enlistments in the army of the Confederate States, and for other purposes,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and referred to the committee on Military Affairs.

        On motion of Mr. Upshaw,

        Mr. Moore was added to the committee on Military Affairs.

        Mr. Rucks introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to amend the law of divorces and alimony,

        Which was read twice under suspension of the rules, and referred to the Judiciary committee.

        The committee on Enrolled Bills made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on Enrolled Bills have examined a bill entitled an act to amend an act incorporating the Mississippi Manufacturing Company, and find the same correctly enrolled.

        On motion of Mr. Seal, of Harrison,

        The House adjourned until to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.

SATURDAY, November 7, 1863.

        The House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Prayer by the Rev. Dr. Coleman.

        Journal of yesterday was read and approved.

        Leave of absence was granted to Mr. McLaurin.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate has passed a bill entitled "An act in relation to overseers of public roads running on the boundary line between two or more owners of land."

        And have adopted a joint resolution granting leave of absence to Hon. Wm. H. Kilpatrick,

        In which the concurrence of the House is desired.

        The Senate have passed the House bill entitled--

        "An act to authorize the Board of Police of Itawamba county to make a certain appropriation therein named."

        And have adopted a substitute to the joint resolution of the House in relation to the increase of the pay of non-commissioned officers and privates,

        In which the House is asked to concur.

        Mr. Barton presented the petition of Wm. H. Keys, which, on his motion, was referred to the Committee on Claims.

        On motion of Mr. Tindall, Messrs. Easterling and Stephens were added to the Special Committee raised on Friday to report a bill for the relief of indigent families of soldiers. On his further motion, the name of Chancellor Dickinson and the Rev. Dr. Neely were added to the names of the gentlemen invited to address the Legislature during the session.

        Mr. Seal, of Harrison, offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the Secretary of State be requested to furnish for the use of the House all the State Reports, the Revised Code, and all the Acts of the Legislature passed since

the adoption of the Code, and all the ordinances of the late State Convention.

        Mr. Morehead offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the Governor be requested to inform this House whether an act entitled an "Act to provide for a guaranty by the State of Mississippi of the Bonds of the Confederate States," passed and approved January 3d, 1863, has been "published three months previous to the next (last) regular election in three newspapers of this State."

        Mr. Watson, from the Judiciary Committee, made the following reports:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Judiciary Committee to whom was referred the bill "entitled an act to provide for the payment of costs in certain criminal cases" therein mentioned, have had the same under consideration, and have instructed me to recommend that it do not pass.

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Judiciary Committee to whom was referred a bill "entitled an act to authorize the Clerk of Probate of Winston county and others to aid and assist executors, administrators and others to prepare their accounts, pleadings, &c., in the Probate Court of Winston county," have had the same under consideration and recommend that it be not passed; which, on his motion, was received and agreed to.

        Mr. Downs offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the Committee of Ways and Means be instructed to inquire into the expediency and propriety of this State becoming the agent of the Confederate States Government in the collection and paying over of the produce and other taxes, after the present year, and that they report by bill or otherwise.

        Mr. Rucks offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to inquire into the expediency of increasing the salaries of the Governor and other State officers, and report to this house by bill or otherwise.

        The Speaker appointed the following committee:

        Messrs. Rucks, Murdock, Bradford, Powe and Fox.

        On motion of Mr. Arnold, Mr. Thompson was added to the committee on State University.

        On motion of Mr. Tindall, Messrs. Stephens and Clark were added to the Special Committee raised yesterday for relief of indigent families.

        Mr. Stephens offered the following resolution, waich was adopted:

        Resolved, That the committee on Elections be instructed to inquire into the constitutionality of old members holding seats in this house from where no elections could be held, and report to this house by bill or otherwise.

        On motion of Mr. Seal, of Harrison,

        Messrs. Watson and Rucks were added to the committee on Elections.

        Mr. Fowler offered the following resolutinn, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the committee on State and Confederate relations be requested to institute an investigation as to the course of impressment practised by the agents of the Confederate States and the State of Mississippi, and report, by biil or otherwise, a means of relief for our much injured citizens.

        Mr. Fort offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the committee on the Judiciary be instructed to inquire into the constitutionality of trying crimes and misdemeanors in the county other than that in which they were committed, and to report thereon by bill or otherwise.

        Mr. Liddell offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the Governor be requested to communicate to this house, at as early a day as practicable, the report or reports made to him by the Medical Commissioners appointed under the act of January 1st, 1863.

        Mr. Rodgers, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled an act for the relief of the indigent families of soldiers of the county of Tippah. On his motion the constitutional rule was suspended.

        Bill read a second time by its title, and

        On motion of Mr. Upshaw,

        Referred to a special committee of ten, with instructions to inquire into the destitution and necessities of the wives, widows and children of those counties which are wholly or in part outside the Confederate military lines.

        The Speaker appointed as said committee Messrs. Upshaw, Prewitt, Rodgers, Bradford, Seal of Harrison, Allen, Barnett, Fowler, Hicks and Thompson.

        Mr. Regan, by leave, introduced a bill to be "entitled an act to repeal an act to authorize the appointment of two Medical Commissioners to especially attend to the sick and wounded soldiers from this State from the Confederate army, and for other purposes, approved January 1st, 1863," which,

on his motion under a suspension of the rule was read a second time by its title, and,

        On motion of Mr. Liddell,

        Was made the special order for Wednesday next.

        Mr. Arnold, by leave, introduced a bill to be "entitled an act to repeal the law exempting members of the Legislature from military duty," which, on his motion under a suspension of the rules, was read three several times and passed.

        Ordered that title stand as stated.

        Mr. Eskridge, by leave, introduced a bill to be "entitled an act to repeal an act entitled an act to annex a part of Tallahatchie county to the county of Sunflower," and for other purposes. On his motion the constitutional rule was suspended, the bill read a second time by its title, and on his further motion referred to the committee on county boundaries.

        On motion of Mr. Seal, of Harrison,

        Messrs. Clark and Eskridge were added to the special Committee raised yesterday to provide for the relief of indigent families of soldiers.

        Mr. Gowan, by leave, introduced a bill to be "entitled an act to increase the per diem allowance of clerks and inspectors of elections. On his motion the constitutional rule was suspended, the bill read the second time by its title, and,

        On motion of Mr. Upshaw,

        Was referred to the Committee of Ways and Means.

        Mr. Murdock gave notice that on Monday he would introduce a bill to incorporate the Southern College of Medicine and Surgery.

        Mr. Rucks, by leave, introduced a bill to be "entitled an act to remove the civil disabilities of William Rice Hooker;" and on his motion the constitutional rule was suspended, the bill read three several times forth with, and passed with title as stated.

        Mr. Gowan offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the Committee on Ways and Means be instructed to inquire into the expediency and constitutionality of a law to provide for the reduction of the present exorbitant prices of salt, cotton cards, other articles of prime necessity and the necessaries of life, punishment of extortioners, and to report by bill or otherwise.

        Mr. Fowler moved to lay the resolution on the table, which was lost by ayes and nays called for by Messrs. Gowan, Barton and Seal of Harrison.

        AYES--Messrs. Buntin, Barnett, Dale, Fowler, Isom, Owen, Taylor and Thompson--8.

        NAYS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Archer, Allen, Arnold, Bradford,

Bestor, Boone, Barton, Brown, Clark, Carroll, Deason of Copiah, Downs, Deason of Jones, Daniel, Dillard, Evans, Easterling, Eskridge, Fox, Fort, Gully, Grace, Gowan, Gray, Hooker, Hathorne, High, Hudson, Irby, Jackson, Johnson of De Soto, Johnson of Wilkinson, Johnson of Tippah, Kirk, Liddell, Lowry, Lewers, Moore, Marable, Maxwell, Murdock, McKay of Green, McKay of Neshoba, McNeil, Pounds, Powe, Prewitt, Regan, Rodgers, Robinson, Seal of Harrison, Seal of Hancock, Sessions, Sutton, Stubbs of Smith, Tindall, Upshaw, Wells, Wier, Watson and Wynne--63.

        On motion of Mr. Gowan his resolution was adopted.

        Mr. Lewers, by leave introduced a bill to be "entitled an act to change the rule of practice in the Circuit, Chancery, Probate and other courts for this State." On his motion the constitutional rule was suspended, bill read a second time by its title, and, on his further motion, the bill was referred to the committee on Judiciary.

        Leave of absence was granted Messrs. Tindall, Upshaw and Carroll.

        On motion of Mr. Seal of Harrison,

        The House adjourned until Monday morning, at 10 o'clock.

MONDAY, November 9, 1863.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Prayer by the Rev. Dr. Sears.

        Journal of Saturday read and approved.

        Messrs. J. B. Ross, of Hinds, Buntin, Yandell, of Yazoo, and J. G. L. McGehee, of Pike, appeared, presented their credentials, and were sworn in as members of the House.

        The Speaker presented the following communication:

OFFICE SECRETARY OF STATE,
Columbus, Nov. 9th, 1863.

Hon. L. E. Houston,
Speaker of the House of Representatives:

        SIR--I have the honor, through you, to say in reply to the resolution of the House of Representatives, adopted on the 7th inst., requesting to be furnished with "copies of State Reports, Revised Code, acts of the Legislature passed since the adoption of the Code, and the Ordinances of the late State Convention," that I have in my office at this place none

of the documents designated, except a few copies of the acts of the last regular session of the Legislature, which I this day send to the House.

        Also, a communication from Messrs. Cooper & Kimball, State Printers, which,

        On motion of Mr. Johnson, of DeSoto,

        Was referred to a select committee of three.

        The Speaker appointed as said committee Messrs. Johnson, of DeSoto, Falconer and Eskridge.

        Mr. Wells presented the petition of A. W. Herring and other citizens of Attala county, which,

        On his motion,

        Was referred to the committee of Ways and Means.

        The following message was received from the Senate: MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate have adopted the following joint resolution, in which the House is asked to concur:

        Resolved, (the House concurring,) That a joint select committee be appointed, consisting of five members on the part of the Senate, and----on the part of House, whose duty it shall be to inquire into the expediency of giving further relief by law, to the indigent or needy families of soldiers, and also to the like families of deceased soldiers, and to report by bill or otherwise at as early a day as practicable.

        Messrs. Terry, Drake, Quinn, Mosely and Lowry are the Senate committee.

        Blank was filled with 10 and resolution concurred in.

        The Senate have passed House bill entitled an act regulating the fees of Jailors in certain cases, with an amendment thereto, in which the House is asked to concur.

        The amendment was concurred in.

        The Senate have concurred in the joint resolution of the House providing for a joint select committee to wait on the Governor elect and inform him of his election, and have appointed as said committee on the part of the Senate, Messrs. Oliver, Moore and Wilson, the blank in the resolution having been filled with three.

        And have also adopted joint resolution of the House providing for a joint select committee to consider the Governor's message in relation to salt, and have filled the blank in the same with the number five. Messrs. Greer, Moore, Griffin, Mosely, Loper and Yerger have been appointed as said committee on the part of the Senate.

        The Senate have passed a joint resolution entitled "joint resolution conferring certain powers on the Governor," in which the concurrence of the House is desired.

        On motion of Mr. Morehead,

        Messrs. Seal, of Harrison, and Murdock were added to the

joint select committee to whom so much of the Governor's message as refers to the subject of salt, and the reports of the various agents appointed to obtain salt by mining or otherwise, was referred.

        Mr. Lott introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to remove the civil disabilities of Augustus H. Ware, a minor,

        And on his motion,

        The constitutional rule was suspended, the bill read three several times forthwith, and passed with title as stated.

        Mr. Murdock introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to enable the counties of Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Noxubee, and the city of Columbus, to sell and dispose of Railroad stock.

        On his motion,

        The constitutional rule was suspended, the bill read twice, and referred to the committee of Ways and Means.

        Mr. Houston introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to amend an act to incorporate the Bank of Jackson and other Banks, which,

        On his motion,

        Was read three several times, the rules being suspended, and passed, the title standing as stated.

        Mr. Rucks presented claim of boy Charles, which,

        On his motion,

        Was referred to the committee on Claims.

        Mr. Fowler introduced a bill entitled

        An act for the relief of George R. Fall, which,

        On his motion,

        Was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and referred to the committee on Claims.

        Mr. Fowler introduced a bill entitled

        An act to change the name of Walter Masonhimer to Walter Mason,

        And on his motion,

        The rule was suspended, the bill read three several time forthwith, and passed with title as stated.

        Mr. Regan called up Senate messages.

        On motion of Mr. Gowan,

        The House concurred in Senate substitute for House resolution in regard to the pay of soldiers in the Confederate army.

        Senate bill entitled an act to compel Railroads to keep light fire and water on their cars, was taken up, and

        On motion of Mr. Houston,

        The rule being suspended, was read twice and referred to the committee on Propositions and Grievances.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate has adopted the following resolution, in which the concurrence of the House is desired:

        Resolved, (the House concurring,) That the two Houses meet in joint convention on Tuesday, the 10th November, 1863, at 12 o'clock, for the purpose of electing one Reporter of the decisions of the High Court of Errors and Appeals, a State Printer, a Superintendent and Clerk of the Penitentiary, and a Keeper of the Capitol.

        The Senate has concurred in the House resolution appointing Thursday, 12th day of November, 1863, at 12 o'clock, for the election of Confederate Senator.

        A Senate bill entitled an act to increase the salary of the Probate Judge of Lauderdale county, was

        On motion of Mr. Grace,

        The rules being suspended, read second time, and

        On motion of Mr. Bradford,

        Was referred to the committee of Ways and Means.

        Senate bill entitled "an act in relation to the overseers of public roads running on the boundary line between two or more owners of land,"

        On motion of Mr. Hicks,

        Was read three several times, and psssed with title as stated.

        Senate joint resolution granting leave of absence to the Hon. Wm. H. Kilpatrick,

        On motion of Mr. Houston,

        Was concurred in.

        The Senate joint resolution appointing a joint select committee in relation to indigent families of soldiers, was

        On motion of Mr. Stephens,

        Concurred in, and the blank filled with ten.

        The Chair appointed the following gentlemen as said committee on the part of the House: Messrs. Watson, Bestor, Tindall, Gully, Johnson of DeSoto, Yandell, Johnson of Wilkinson, High, Brown and Lott.

        On motion of Mr. Fox,

        The Senate amendment to the House bill entitled an act to be entitled an act regulating the fees of Jailors in certain cases, was concurred in.

        On motion of Mr. Gowan,

        The Senate joint resolution conferring certain powers on the Governor, was concurred in.

        Mr. Hicks moved to concur in Senate joint resolution appointing Tuesday, 10th day November, 1863, 12 o'clock, M., for the election of certain officers therein named.

        Mr. Yandell moved to strike out Keeper and Clerk of Penitentiary.

        Mr. Moore moved to lay the resolutions and amendments on the table,

        Which was adopted.

        House bill entitled an act supplementary to an act better to provide for the families of our soldiers, approved January 3, 1863, was read the second time.

        Mr. Stephens called up the special order of the day, viz: The Governor's message.

        On motion of Mr. Johnson, of DeSoto,

        So much of the Governor's message as relates to the Penitentiary was referred to the committee on the Penitentiary.

        On motion of Mr. Regan,

        So much as relates to the Lunatic Asylum, and to the Institutions for the Deaf and Dumb and Blind, was referred to the joint standing committee on said Institutions.

        On motion of Mr. Upshaw,

        So much of the Governor's message as relates to the Impressment of Horses, was referred to the committee on State and Confederate Relations.

        On motion of Mr. Johnson, of DeSoto,

        So much of the Governor's message as relates to the Ordnance Department, Quartermaster General's Department and Adjutant General's Department, was referred to the committee on Military Affairs.

        On motion of Mr. Irby,

        So much of the Governor's message as relates to the removal of negroes was referred to the committee on Military Affairs.

        On motion of Mr. Stephens,

        So much of the Governor's message as relates to Money, and the salaries of State officers, was referred to the committee of Ways and Means.

        And so much as relates to Wives, Widows and Children of Soldiers, was referred to the select committee heretofore raised on that subject.

        Mr. Murdock introduced a bill entitled

        An act to incorporate the Southern College of Medicine and Surgery,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rule, and referred to the committee on Education.

        Mr. Rodgers moved that the Clerk be instructed to request the return from the Senate of the bill to be entitled an act to repeal the law exempting the members of the Legislature from military duty, and a reconsideration of the vote by which said bill passed this House.

        Pending which,

        On motion of Mr. Barton,

        The House adjourned till 3 o'clock, P. M.

THREE O'CLOCK, P. M.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        The question pending on adjournment, to-wit: the motion of Mr. Rogers, was taken up and adopted.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        By instruction of the Senate I herewith return to the House of Representatives the House bill entitled an act to repeal the law exempting the members of the Legislature from military duty, in accordance with the request made this day of the Senate by the House.

        The vote by which the bill entitled an act to repeal the laws exempting the members of the Legislature from military duty was passed, was reconsidered.

        The vote by which the bill was read the third time was reconsidered.

        Mr. Bradford offered the following amendment, by adding to section one:

        Provided, That the members of the Legislature shall be exempt from military duty during any regular or called session thereof, and for twenty days before the meeting and twenty days after the adjournment of each session.

        On motion of Mr. Rogers,

        The bill and amendment were laid on the table.

        Mr. Grace gave notice that he would on to-morrow or some future day introduce a bill to be entitled

        An act to amend an act to prohibit the distillation of spirits from corn, rye, or other gran, approved January 3d, 1863.

        Mr. Morehead introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act better to provide for the families of soldiers, amendatory to an act approved January 3, 1863,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and referred to the joint select committee on Indigent Families.

        On motion of Mr. Rogers,

        The House adjourned until to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.

TUESDAY, November 10, 1863.

        The House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Prayer by the Rev. Dr. Lyon.

        The journal of yesterday was read and approved.

        Leave of absence was granted Mr. Pounds.

        Mr. Robinson presented a communication from Jarvis Seal, which was referred to the committee on Military Affairs.

        Mr. Bestor from the committee on Education made the following report, which was received and agreed to.

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on Education, to whom was referred an act to authorize the Board of Police of the county of Itawamba to borrow money from the school fund, have had the same under consideration and have instructed me to report it back to the House, and recommended that it do pass.

        The bill accompanying the report was,

        On motion of Mr. Downs,

        Read the third time.

        Messrs. Bradford, Barton and Maxwell called for the yeas and nays on the passage of the bill and the bill was passed, the title standing as stated:

        YEAS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Archer, Allen, Arnold, Bestor, Boon, Barton, Brown, Buntin, Clark, Deason of Copiah, Downs, Deason of Jones, Daniel, Dillard, Dale, Evans, Eskridge, Fowler, Fox, Falconer, Fort, Gully, Graves, Gowan, Gray, Hooker, Hendon, Isom, Jackson, Johnson of DeSoto, Johnson of Wilkinson, Johnson of Tippah, Kirk, Liddell, Lott, Lowry, Lewers, Minter, Moore, Marable, Morehead, Murdock, McKay of Green, McKay of Neshoba, McGehee, McNeil, Owen, Pope, Powe, Pinson, Prewitt, Regan, Rodgers, Ross, Robinson, Seal of Harrison, Seal of Hancock, Sessions, Sutton, Stubbs of Smith, Stephens, Taylor, Thompson, Tindall, Turley, Upshaw, Wells, Wier, Watson, Wynne and Yandell--72.

        NAYS--Messrs. Bradford, Barnett, Easterling, Hicks, Irby and Maxwell--6.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate have passed the following entitled bills, in which the concurrence of the House is desired, to-wit:

        A bill entitled an act for the recovery of personal property wrongfully taken or detained.

        An act to incorporate the Alabama and Mississippi Rivers Railroad Company.

        An act for the relief of G. S. McMillan, District Attorney for the 2d Judicial District of the State of Mississippi.

        An act to extend the time for the assessment of taxes in certain counties threin named.

        Also, the following joint resolution:

        Resolved, (the House concurring,) That the rules in relation to joint standing committees be amended by the addition of another on Agriculture and Mechanics.

        The Senate have passed House bill entitled an act to remove the civil disabilities of Wm. Rice Hooker.

        Mr. Seal, of Harrison, offered the following joint resolution, which, the rules being suspended, was adopted:

        Resolved, (the Senate concurring,) That a committee of five on the part of the House, and----on the part of the Senate, be appointed, for the purpose of compiling the Constitution of the State of Mississippi, together with the various amendments made by the Legislature and the State Convention; said compilation when completed to be published in the printed acts of this session, together with the Constitution of the Confederate States.

        The following is the committee on the part of the House:

        Messrs. Seal, of Harrison, Alcorn, Watson, Hicks and Rucks.

        Mr. Grace introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to amend an act entitled an act to prevent the distillation of spirits from corn, rye, or other grains, or molasses and sugar, approved January 3d, 1863,

        Which was read twice under suspension of the rules, and referred to the Judiciary committee.

        Mr. Tindall gave notice that he would on to-morrow, or some future day, introduce a bill to be entitled

        An act to repeal an act to prevent the distillation of grain and other substances, and for other purposes.

        Mr. Boon offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the committee on Ways and Means be instructed to inquire into the expediency of exempting from taxation all slaves who have been taken off by the Yankees since the first day of May last, and report by bill or otherwise.

        Mr. Rogers introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to repeal an act prohibiting the distillation of spirits, &c.,

        Which was read twice, under a suspension of the rules, and referred to the Judiciary committee.

        Mr. Seal, of Hancock, offered the following resolution, which, the rules being suspended, was adopted:

        Resolved, (the Senate concurring,) That our Senators be instructed, and Representatives in Congress be requested, to take into consideration the practicability of using negro men in the Confederate service as teamsters, nurses and pioneer corps.

        On motion of Mr. Tindall,

        Mr. Yandell was added to the committee of Ways and Means.

        Mr. Irby introduced a bill entitled

        An act to repeal certain clauses of an act entitled an act to authorize the impressment of slaves and other personal property for military purposes, approved January 3, 1863,

        Was read three several times, the rules being suspended, and passed, the title standing as stated.

        Mr. Rucks, from a select committee, made the following report, accompanied by a bill:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee appointed to inquire into the expediency of increasing the salaries of the Governor and other State officers, and report by bill or otherwise, would respectfully report that in their opinion the salaries of the State officers should be increased, as, owing to the enhanced price of every necessity of life, the sums at what they are now fixed by law are totally inadequate to their support. These officers are compelled to reside at the seat of Government, wherever the same may be located, as the duties of their offices require their constant attendance. Your committee herewith report a bill fixing the sums to which, in their opinion, the respective salaries should be increased.

        On motion,

        The report was received and the bill read once.

        Mr. Dale moved that the report be agreed to,

        Which was lost.

        Mr. Lewers offered the following resolution:

        Resolved, (the Senate concurring,) That the Senators in the Confederate States Congress from this State be instructed, and the Representatives from the different districts be requested, to urge before Congress the passage of an act requiring the appointment of an agent or agents on the part of the Confederate States to visit the different portions of the State of Mississippi for the purpose of auditing and adjusting and paying off certificates and receipts given persons therein for provisions and other property impressed and used by order of Confederate States officers.

        Mr. Rodgers offered the following amendment:

        Insert after the words "property impressed" the words "cotton burned," which,

        On motion of Mr. Stephens,

        Was laid on the table.

        The vote was then taken on the passage of the resolution and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. Deason, of Copiah, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to authorize and regulate the voting of elections of the State while in the military service of the State or Confederate States,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and referred to the committee on the Judiciary.

        Mr. Dillard introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to procure cotton and wool cards for the indigent families of soldiers and the citizens of the State,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and

        On motion of Mr. Fox,

        Referred to the committee of the whole House.

        On motion of Mr. Rodgers,

        The House adjourned until 3 o'clock, P. M.

THREE O'CLOCK, P. M.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        The question pending on adjournment, to-wit: The consideration in committee of the Whole of the bill to be entitled an act to procure cotton and wool cards for the indigent families of soldiers and the citizens of the State.

        The Speaker called Mr. Seal, of Harrison, to the Chair.

        After sometime spent in committee of the Whole,

        The committee rose, reported the bill back to the House with the recommendation that it do not pass.

        On motion of Mr. Hicks,

        The report of the committee of the Whole was received.

        On motion of Mr. Seal, of Harrison,

        The bill was referred to a select committee of five.

        The Speaker appointed as said committee Messrs. Dillard, Seal of Harrison, Bestor, Yandell and Hicks.

        Mr. Upshaw obtained leave of absence for the evening on business of the Military committee.

        Mr. Dale offered the following resolution:

        Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to wait on Maj. Gen. Gholson and tender him the use of this House to deliver an address on to-morrow evening at 7 o'clock.

        Committee, Messrs. Dale, Yandell and Eskridge.

        Mr. Johnson, of DeSoto, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to provide an assistant to the Quartermaster General of this State,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules.

        Mr. Eskridge offered the following amendment:

        Provided, Said assistant or clerk shall not be under forty-five years of age,

        Which was adopted.

        On motion of Mr. Hicks,

        The bill and amendments were referred to the Military committee.

        On motion of Mr. Gowan,

        The joint resolution of the Senate in relation to the election of Reporter of the decisions of the High Court of Errors and Appeals, State Printer, &c., was called from the table.

        Mr. Gowan offered the following amendment:

        Strike out "Tuesday, the 10th," and insert "Wednesday, the 11th,"

        Which was adopted.

        Mr. Moore moved to strike out "Superintendent and Clerk of the Penitentiary and Keeper of the Capitol."

        Mr. Regan called for a division of the question.

        The vote was first taken on striking out "Keeper and Clerk of the Penitentiary,"

        Which was adopted.

        On motion of Mr. Irby,

        The resolution as amended was concurred in.

        The following message was received from the Governor through his private Secretary, Col. J. H. Rives:

        I am directed by his Excellency, the Governor, to deliver to you the following message in writing:

EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
Columbus, Miss., Nov. 10, 1863.

Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:

        In response to your resolution requesting to be informed whether an act entitled an act to provide for a guaranty by the State of Mississippi of the bonds of the Confederate States, passed and approved January 3d, 1863, has been published three months previous to the next regular election, in three newspapers of this State.

        I have to state that about the last of June, I directed my then private Secretary to send a copy of the act to three editors of newspapers of this State, to publish the same for three months. This is my recollection of the matter.--Whether the subject was neglected, or if the letters were mailed and lost in the then disturbed state of transportation, I am not able to state. When my attention was called to the fact that it did not appear in the papers, it was too late, as there was not then three months (the time prescribed) until the election. I can only express my regret and the hope that no irreparable evil will result from the failure to publish the act.

        I herewith send you the report of Dr. A. C. Holt, from Cartersville, Ga., where he was giving his attention to the sick and wounded Mississippi soldiers.

        Dr. E. M. Blackburne, the other commissioner, was in my office a few days since, and reported verbally that he had rendered all the aid in his power to our sick and wounded on the field and in the Hospitals about Chattanooga.

JOHN J. PETTUS.

CARTERSVILLE, GA., Oct. 28, 1863.

Gov. J. J. Pettus:

        SIR--Shortly after the date of the last report I had the honor to make to you, the army of Virginia made the movement into Pennsylvania. Failing to procure a horse I was unable to follow the army, and passed the summer in visiting the various Hospitals.

        When Longstreet's corps came to this army I followed it, and have been engaged since the battle of Chickamauga in rendering all the aid in my power to the wounded of that battle. After the field infirmaries were broken up, I took a tour among the Hospitals in this Department, and take pleasure in stating that I found them generally well managed and the patients well cared for. I shall remain with this army until the present campaign is closed.

        The following message was received from the Senate: MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate has adopted the following joint resolution, in which the concurrence of the House is desired:

        Resolved, (the House concurring,) That having learned that Major General Gholson has arrived in this city, he is invited and requested to address this Legislature, in the Representative Hall, to-morrow evening at 7 o'clock, and that the Secretary communicate a copy of this resolution to General Gholson.

        On motion of Mr. Johnson,

        The Senate message just received was taken up and the joint resolution concurred in.

        Mr. Tindall offered the following joint resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the committee on the Penitentiary be instructed to inquire into the present condition of that institution, and what disposition should be made of the convicts now in the jails of the several counties of this State, and report to this House.

        The committee on Enrolled Bills made the following report: MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on Enrolled Bills have examined bills of the following titles, find the same correctly enrolled and have submitted them to the Governor for his approval and signature:

        An act to amend an act incorporating the Mississippi Manufacturing company.

        An act regulating the fees of Jailors in certain cases.

        An act to remove the civil disabilities of William Rice Hooker.

        An act to authorize the Board of Police of Itawamba county to make an appropriation out of the county treasury to pay the tax assessor for taking the number of children between

six and eighteen years, in order to an equal dividend of that portion of the school fund appropriated to be laid out annually for the use of common schools.

        On motion of Mr. Fowler,

        The House adjourned until to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 11, 1863.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Stainback.

        Journal of yesterday read and approved.

        Leave of absence was granted Mr. Pounds until next Monday.

        Mr. S. S. Montgomery, Representative elect from the county of Franklin, presented his credentials and was sworn in as a member of this House.

        On motion of Mr. Tindall,

        Leave of absence was granted Mr. Upshaw, chairman of the Military committee.

        The following communication was received from Messrs. Cooper & Kimball, Public Printers:

OFFICE MISSISSIPPIAN EXTRA,
Columbus, Nov. 7, 1863.

Hon. L. E. Houston,
Speaker of the House of Representatives:

        SIR--I have the honor to state, for the information of the House of Representatives, that arrangements have been made by the undersigned, State Printers, with the Southern Republic office of this city for the printing of bills and such other light work as the convenience of the Legislature may require. Heavy jobs are sent to our office in Selma. Those requiring a great number of copies are also sent there. Having only hand-presses here, and a limited supply of material and help, large jobs are forwarded by Express, executed and sent back in less time than it would take to do them here. In fact, with our facilities at this place we cannot execute heavy jobs at all, as there is not material enough. At Selma we have three power presses running by steam, and shall use every effort to execute the work ordered by the Legislature with the least possible delay.

        The following message was received from the Senate: MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate have passed a bill entitled "an act to provide

for the examination of the offices of the Auditor of Public Accounts and State Treasurer.

        And have adopted a joint resolution entitled "joint resolution for defraying certain expenses."

        The Senate has adopted the following resolution, in which the concurrence of the House is desired:

        Resolved, (the House concurring,) That a committee of three on the part of the Senate, and----on the part of the House, be appointed, whose duty it shall be to examine the acts of the Legislature since the year 1857, and the ordinances of the Convention, and ascertain what amendments have been made to the Constitution of the State, and have the same annexed to the Constitution and published with all future acts of the Legislature.

        The President has appointed as said committee on the part of the Senate, the following named Senators: Messrs. Hamilton, Mayson and Davis.

        The Senate have passed the following entitled House bills:

        An act to amend an act to incorporate the Bank of Jackson and other Banks.

        An act to remove the civil disabilities of Wm. W. Brooks, a minor.

        An act to remove the civil disabilities of Augustus H. Ware, with an amendment to the bill and an amendment to the title thereof.

        The Senate have concurred in House amendment to Senate resolution in relation to the election of a State Printer, State Reporter, Keeper of the Capitol, &c.

        The Speaker presented the report of the State Treasurer, which was read. [See Appendix.]

        On motion of Mr. Thompson,

        The report was referred to the committee of Ways and Means, and 500 copies ordered to be printed for the use of this House.

        Call of counties.

        Mr. Bestor presented the petition of Wm. S. Price, Sr., a citizen of Clark county, which,

        On his motion,

        With the accompanying documents, was referred to the committee on State and Confederate Relations.

        Mr. Seal, of Hancock, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to pay the clerks, inspectors and returning officers of Elections, and to increase the per diem of members of the Board of Police of Hancock county,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules.

        Mr. Johnson, of Wilkinson, moved the reference of the bill to the committee of Ways and Means,

        Which motion was lost.

        Mr. Arnold presented the memorial of W. C. Tucker, a citizen of Lowndes county, asking the passage of a law authorizing him to sell wine, manufactured by him, by the bottle, which,

        On motion of Mr. Hicks,

        Was referred to the committee on Propositions and Grievances.

        Mr. Fort introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to establish the mutilated or destroyed records or deeds, and other instruments, in Marshall county,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and

        On motion of Mr. Eskridge,

        Referred to the Judiciary committee with instructions to report a general bill on the same subject.

        Mr. Gowan introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act amendatory of an act entitled an act to appropriate fines, forfeitures, licenses and moneys arising from the sale of estrays and runaway slaves in Jones county, approved Dec. 4, 1861, and to extend the provisions of the same to the county of Simpson.

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and

        On motion of Mr. Thompson,

        Referred to the Judiciary committee.

        Mr. Barnett introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act for the relief of Administrators, Guardians, Trustees, &c., in certain cases,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and

        On his motion,

        Referred to the Judiciary committee.

        Mr. Watson, from the Judiciary committee, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Judiciary Committee to whom was referred a bill entitled "an act to enforce the collection laws of this State," have had the same under consideration, and have instructed me to recommend that it be not passed.

        And moved that the report be received and agreed to.

        Mr. Eskridge called for a division of the question.

        The report was received.

        Mr. Rogers moved to lay the bill on the table, which was decided in the negative by yeas and nays called for by Messrs. Eskridge, Yandell and Tindall, as follows, viz:

        YEAS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Barton, Brown, Clark, Cunningham, Deason of Copiah, Deason of Jones, Easterling, Gully, Hooker, Hathorn, Jackson, Johnson of Tippah, Kirk, Lowry, Moore, Marable, Morehead, Montgomery, McKay of Green, McKay of Neshoba, McLaurin, McGehee, McNiel,

Owen, Powe, Pinson, Rogers, Robinson, Seal of Harrison, Sutton, Stubbs of Smith, Wells and Wier--34.

        NAYS--Messrs. Archer, Alcorn, Allen, Arnold, Bradford, Bestor, Boon, Buntin, Barnett, Carroll, Downs, Dillard, Evans, Eskridge, Fowler, Fox, Falconer, Grace, Gowan, Gray, Hicks, High, Hendon, Isom, Irby, Johnson of DeSoto, Johnson of Wilkinson, Liddell, Lott, Lewers, Minter, Maxwell, Murdock, Prewitt, Regan, Rucks, Ross, Sessions, Stephens, Turley, Taylor, Thompson, Tindall, Watson, Wynne and Yandell--46.

        Mr. Eskridge moved to lay the bill on the table and print 100 copies,

        Which motion was lost.

        Mr. Alcorn moved that the House agree to the report.

        Pending which,

        The House took a recess of five minutes to the end that the two Houses go into joint convention for the purpose of electing a Reporter of the decisions of the High Court of Errors and Appeals, &c.

        Recess having expired, the House was called to order.

        The Senate being announced, entered and took the seats assigned to them.

        The President of the Senate explained the object of the joint convention.

        Mr. Luckett, of the Senate, moved that the convention proceed to the election of Reporter of the decisions of the High Court of Errors and Appeals by ballot.

        The President appointed Messrs. Luckett of the Senate, and Seal, of Harrison, of the House, tellers.

        Mr. Lowry, of the Senate, nominated A. Y. Harper, of Rankin.

        Mr. Eskridge of the House, nominated J. Z. George, of Carroll.

        On summing up the votes it appeared that

• A. Y. Harper received . . . . . 69 votes.
• J. Z. George received . . . . . 40 votes.
• Whole number of votes cast . . . . . 110
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 56

        Mr. A. Y. Harper having received a majority of all the votes cast was declared to be duly and constitutionally elected to the office of Reporter of the decisions of the High Court of Errors and Appeals for the term prescribed by law.

        The joint convention then proceeded to the election of State Printer.

        Mr. Yerger, of the Senate, nominated Messrs. Cooper & Kimball.

        Mr. Patton, of the Senate, nominated Messrs. J. J. Shannon & Co.

        Mr. Murdock, of the House, nominated Mr. J. D. Williams.

        On summing up the votes it appeared that

• Cooper & Kimball received . . . . . 42 votes.
• J. J. Shannon & Co. received . . . . . 62 votes.
• J. D. Williams received . . . . . 7 votes.
• Whole number of votes cast . . . . . 111
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 56

        Messrs. J. J. Shannon & Co., having received a majority of all the votes cast, were declared duly elected Public Printers for the term prescribed by law.

        The convention then proceeded to the election of Keeper of the Capitol and Librarian.

        Mr. Ross, of the House, nominated Charles Clayland.

        Mr. Irby, of the House, nominated DeWitt Clinton.

        Mr. Tindall, of the House, nominated Wm. Myatt.

        Mr. Jordan, of the Senate, nominated Jno. F. Dunlap.

        Mr. Yerger, of the Senate, nominated Wm. J. Brown, Jr.

        On summing up the votes it appeared that

• Charles Clayland received . . . . . 25 votes.
• DeWitt Clinton received . . . . . 54 votes.
• Wm. Myatt received . . . . . 11 votes.
• Jno. F. Dunlap received . . . . . 13 votes.
• Mr. Taylor received . . . . . 3 votes.
• Wm. J. Brown, Jr. received . . . . . 2 votes.
• Whole number of votes cast . . . . . 108
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 55

        Neither candidate having received a majority of all the votes cast, there was no election.

        On motion of Mr. Thompson,

        DeWitt Clinton, of Panola, was declared Keeper of the Capitol and Librarian by acclamation.

        The object of the joint convention having been accomplished, the Senate retired to their chamber.

        Mr. Lewers gave notice of his intention to move a reconsideration of the vote by which, on yesterday, the House refused to agree to report of the select committee reporting an act to increase the salaries of the Governor and other State officers.

        Mr. Hendon moved that the House adjourn until 10 o'clock to-morrow morning,

        Which was lost.

        On motion of Mr. Thompson,

        The House adjourned to three o'clock, P. M.

THREE O'CLOCK, P. M.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        The question pending on adjournment, to-wit: the motion of Mr. Alcorn to agree to the report of the Judiciary committee on a bill to be entitled "an act to enforce the collection laws of this State," was taken up,

        Mr. Thompson being entitled to the floor.

        Pending the discussion of the question,

        On motion of Mr. Stephens,

        The House adjourned until to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.

THURSDAY, November 12, 1863.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Adams.

        Journal of yesterday read and approved.

        Mr. Wm. B. Shelley, Representative elect from the County of Itawamba, presented his credintials and was sworn as a member of the House.

        The House resumed to consideration of the question pending on adjournment of the House on yesterday, viz: the motion of Mr. Alcorn to agree to the report of the Judiciary Committee, on a bill to be entitled an act to enforce the collection laws of this State.

        The report was agreed to.

        Mr. Watson, from the Judiciary committee made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Judiciary committee, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled "an act to amend the law of Divorces and Allimony," have had the same under consideration, and have instructed me to recommend that it pass.

        Mr. Hicks moved to receive and agree to the report.

        Mr. Watson called for a division of the question.

        The report was received.

        The question then came up on agreeing to the report, and was decided in the negative.

        On motion of Mr. Stephens. Mr. Yandell was added to the Committee on Military affairs.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate has passed the following entitled bills:

        An act to extend the powers of the Police Courts of Chickasaw, Noxubee, Winston, Choctaw, Carroll and Sunflower Counties.

        An act to remove the civil disabilities of Joseph H. Askew.

        An act to extend the law in reference to overseers of roads.

        And have passed House bill entitled "An act to provide for the reiief of destitute families of Yazoo County.

        The Senate have also passed bills with the following titles:

        An act to increase the salary of the Governor of this State.

        An act to authorize the payment of interest upon common school funds and for other purposes, in which the concurrence of the House is desired.

        On motion of Mr. Upshaw the House took a recess of ten minutes, to the end that the Hall of the House be prepared for the reception of the Senate, that the two Houses go into Joint Convention for the election of a Confederate States Senator.

        Recess having expired, the House was called to order and the clerk was instructed to inform the Senate that the Hall of the House was ready for the reception of the Senate, for the purpose of going into Joint Convention for the election of Confederate State Senator.

        The Senate having been announced by the Sergeant-at-Arms, entered and took the seats assigned them.

        The President of the Senate explained the object of the meeting of the Joint Convention to be the election of a Confederate States Senator for six years, after the expiration of the term of the Hon. James Phelan.

        Mr. Hamilton of the Senate moved that the Joint Convention proceed to the election by ballot.

        Mr. Thompson of the House moved to amend by proceeding to the election viva voce, which was lost.

        The motion of Mr. Hamilton was then adopted.

        Nominations being in order,

        Mr. Oliver of the Senate nominated Hon. James Phelan of Monroe County.

        Mr. Moore of the Senate nominated J. W. C. Watson, of Marshall.

        Mr. Luckett of the Senate nominated Fulton Anderson of Hinds.

        Mr. McRae of the Senate nominated Gen. W. S. Featherston of Marshall.

        Mr. Liddell of the House nominated Walker Brooke of Warren.

        Mr. Tindall of the House nominated Gen. S. J. Gholson of Monroe.

        Mr. Dillard of the House nominated Chas. D. Fontaine of Pontotoc.

        On motion, Mr. Moore of the Senate and Mr. Brown of the House were appointed tellers.

        On the first ballot,

• James Phelan received . . . . . 25 votes.
• Jno. W. C. Watson received . . . . . 22 votes.
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 19 votes.
• W. S. Featherston received . . . . . 11 votes.
• Walker Brooke received . . . . . 19 votes.
• S. J. Gholson received . . . . . 8 votes.
• C. D. Fontaine received . . . . . 8 votes.
• Whole number votes cast . . . . . 112
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 57

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to a second ballot, when

• James Phelan received . . . . . 30 votes.
• J. W. C. Watson received . . . . . 28 votes.
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 19 votes.
• W. S. Featherston received . . . . . 10 votes.
• Walker Brooke received . . . . . 13 votes
• S. J. Gholson received . . . . . 8 votes.
• C. D. Fontaine received . . . . . 3 votes.
• Scattering . . . . . 1
• Whole number of votes cast . . . . . 112
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 57

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to the third ballot, when

• James Phelan received . . . . . 31 votes.
• J W. C. Watson received . . . . . 29 votes.
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 18 votes.
• W. S. Featherston received . . . . . 10 votes.
• Walker Brooke received . . . . . 14 votes.
• S. J. Gholson received . . . . . 7 votes.
• C. D. Fontaine received . . . . . 2 votes.
• Scattering . . . . . 1
• Whole number of votes cast . . . . . 112
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 57

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention was proceeding to a fourth ballot, when

        On motion of Mr. Luckett of the Senate, the Convention took a recess until 3 o'clock, P. M.

THREE O'CLOCK P. M.

        Recess having expired, the Convention was called to order by the President. On a call of the Convention a quorum appearing, the Convention proceeded to a fourth ballot, the name of C. D. Fontaine of Pontotoc, being withdrawn,

• James Phelan received . . . . . 32 votes.
• J. W. C. Watson received . . . . . 27 votes.
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 21 votes.
• W. S. Featherston received . . . . . 9 votes.
• Walker Brooke received . . . . . 11 votes.
• S. J. Gholson received . . . . . 10 votes.
• Scattering . . . . . 2
• Whole number of votes cast . . . . . 112
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 57

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to a fifth ballot:

• James Phelan received . . . . . 30 votes.
• J. W. C. Watson received . . . . . 33 votes.
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 22 votes.
• W. S. Featherston received . . . . . 10 votes.
• Walker Brooke received . . . . . 7 votes.
• S. J. Gholson received . . . . . 10 votes.
• Whole number of votes cast. . . . . . 112
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 57

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to a sixth ballot:

• James Phelan received . . . . . 27 votes.
• J. W. C. Watson received . . . . . 36 votes.
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 21 votes.
• W. S. Featherston received . . . . . 12 votes.
• Walker Brooke received . . . . . 7 votes.
• S. J. Gholson received . . . . . 8 votes.
• Scattering . . . . . 1
• Whole number of votes cast . . . . . 112
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 57

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to a seventh ballot:

• James Phelan received . . . . . 31 votes.
• J. W. C. Watson received . . . . . 36 votes.
• Fulton Anderson . . . . . 18 votes.

  ---

  Page 145

• W. S. Featherston received . . . . . 14 votes.
• Walker Brooke . . . . . 4 votes.
• S. J. Gholson . . . . . 9 votes.
• Whole number of votes cast . . . . . 112
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 57

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to the eighth ballot:

• James Phelan received . . . . . 36 votes.
• J. W. C. Watson received . . . . . 34 votes.
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 14 votes.
• W. S. Featherston received . . . . . 14 votes.
• Walker Brooke received . . . . . 5 votes.
• S. J. Gholson received . . . . . 7 votes.
• J. L. Alcorn received . . . . . 2 votes.
• Whole number of votes cast . . . . . 112
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 57

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to a ninth ballot.

        Mr. Seal of Harrison, of the House, nominated Gen. Chas. Clark, of Bolivar, when,

• James Phelan received . . . . . 31
• J. W. C. Watson received . . . . . 35
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 14
• W. S. Featherston received . . . . . 10
• Walker Brooke received . . . . . 4
• S. J. Gholson received . . . . . 6
• J. L. Alcorn received . . . . . 1
• Yandell received . . . . . 1
• Chas. Clark received . . . . . 10
• No. votes cast . . . . . 112
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 57

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to a tenth ballot, when

• James Phelan received . . . . . 31
• J. W. C. Watson received . . . . . 36
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 14
• W. S. Featherston received . . . . . 13
• Walker Brooke received . . . . . 5
• S. J. Gholson received . . . . . 7
• Chas. Clark received . . . . . 3
• J. B. McRae received . . . . . 1
• Yandell received . . . . . 2
• Number votes cast . . . . . 112
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 57

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, on motion of Mr. Rogers of the House, the Convention took a recess until to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.

FRIDAY, November 13, 1863.

        Recess having expired the Joint Convention re-assembled and was called to order by the President.

        Prayer by the Rev'd Dr. Coleman.

        On a call of the respective rolls of the two Houses a quorum appeared.

        The name of Gen. Charles Clark was withdrawn by Mr. Rogers of the House.

        The Convention then proceeded to the eleventh ballot:

• James Phelan received . . . . . 28
• J. W. C. Watson received . . . . . 26
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 16
• W. S. Featherston received . . . . . 9
• Walker Brooke received . . . . . 16
• S. J Gholson received . . . . . 13
• Stanley received . . . . . 2
• W. S. Barry received . . . . . 1
• Number votes cast . . . . . 111
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 56

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to the twelfth ballot:

• James Phelan received . . . . . 26
• J W C Watson received . . . . . 28
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 15
• W S Featherston received . . . . . 9
• Walker Brooke received . . . . . 18
• S J Gholson received . . . . . 12
• Stanley received . . . . . 1
• W S Barry received . . . . . 1
• Number of votes cast . . . . . 110
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 56

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to a thirteenth ballot, when

• James Phelan received . . . . . 30
• J W C Watson received . . . . . 29
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 13
• W S Featherston received . . . . . 9
• Walker Brooke received . . . . . 18
• S J Gholson received . . . . . 10
• Stanley received . . . . . 1
• W S Barry received . . . . . 1
• Number votes cast . . . . . 111
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 56

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to the fourteenth ballot, when

• James Phelan received . . . . . 30
• J W C Watson received . . . . . 28
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 12
• W S Featherston received . . . . . 12
• Walker Brooke received . . . . . 18
• S J Gholson received . . . . . 8
• W S Barry received . . . . . 1
• W P Harris received . . . . . 2
• J W Clapp received . . . . . 1
• Number of votes cast . . . . . 112
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 57

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of

all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to a fifteenth ballot, when

• James Phelan received . . . . . 29 votes.
• J. W. C. Watson received . . . . . 27 votes.
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 11 votes.
• W. S. Featherston received . . . . . 11 votes.
• Walker Brooke received . . . . . 17 votes.
• S. J. Gholson received . . . . . 8 votes.
• W S Barry received . . . . . 1 votes.
• W P Harris received . . . . . 3 votes.
• J W Clapp received . . . . . 1 vote.
• J J Pettus received . . . . . 1 vote.
• Wm Murdock received . . . . . 2 votes.
• Jacob Thompson received . . . . . 1 vote.
• Samuel Barton received . . . . . 1 vote.
• Whole number of votes cast . . . . . 112
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 57

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to a sixteenth ballot, when

• James Phelan received . . . . . 29 votes.
• J. W. C. Watson received . . . . . 26 votes.
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 9 votes.
• W. S. Featherston received . . . . . 10 votes.
• Walker Brooke received . . . . . 17 votes.
• S. J. Gholson received . . . . . 9 votes.
• J J Pettus received . . . . . 1
• Yandell received . . . . . 2
• Rob. Miller received . . . . . 1
• W P Harris received . . . . . 4
• Jacob Thompson received . . . . . 1
• Sam Benton received . . . . . 1
• E B Fort received . . . . . 1
• Whole number of votes cast . . . . . 111
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 56

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to a seventeenth ballot, when

• James Phelan received . . . . . 31 votes.
• J. W. C. Watson received . . . . . 32 votes.
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 8 votes.
• W S Featherston received . . . . . 7 votes
• Walker Brooke received . . . . . 14 votes
• S J Gholson received . . . . . 6 votes

  ---

  Page 148

• James Drane received . . . . . 1
• W P Harris received . . . . . 4
• L E Houston received . . . . . 1
• J J Pettus received . . . . . 1
• J B McRae received . . . . . 1
• Geo Ramsey received . . . . . 1
• Wm Yerger received . . . . . 1
• Yandell received . . . . . 1
• J T Harrison received . . . . . 1
• Rich'd Harrison received . . . . . 1
• Number of votes cast . . . . . 111
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 56

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to the eighteenth ballot, when

• James Phelan received . . . . . 25 votes.
• J. W. C. Watson received . . . . . 32 votes.
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 11 votes.
• W. S. Featherston received . . . . . 12 votes.
• Walker Brooke received . . . . . 13 votes.
• S. J. Gholson received . . . . . 5 votes.
• W P Harris received . . . . . 2 votes.
• L E Houston received . . . . . 3
• J J Pettus received . . . . . 1
• S M Meek received . . . . . 2
• H T Ellett received . . . . . 1
• Jas Drane received . . . . . 1
• J F Harrison received . . . . . 1
• Wm Yerger received . . . . . 1
• Whole number of votes cast . . . . . 110
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 56

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, Mr. Tindall of the House moved that the Convention take a recess until 3 o'clock, P. M.

        Which motion was lost,

        And the Convention proceeded to a nineteenth ballot, when

• James Phelan received . . . . . 25 votes.
• J. W. C. Watson received . . . . . 28 votes.
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 13 votes.
• W. S. Featherston received . . . . . 13 votes.
• Walker Brooke received . . . . . 11 votes.
• S. J. Gholson received . . . . . 10 votes.
• J J Pettus received . . . . . 1

  ---

  Page 149

• Jas B McRae received . . . . . 1
• A R Johnson received . . . . . 1
• J T Harrison received . . . . . 1
• Wm Yerger received . . . . . 1
• M Jackson received . . . . . 1
• J Drane received . . . . . 1
• Whole number of votes cast . . . . . 107
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 54

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, on motion of Mr. Brown of the House, the Convention took a recess until 3 o'clock P. M.

THREE O'CLOCK P. M.

        Recess having expired, the Convention was called to order by the President.

        Mr[.] Brown of the House moved that all votes cast for persons not in nomination shall be counted as Scattering.

        Which was lost.

        The Convention then proceeded to the twentieth ballot, when

• James Phelan received . . . . . 23 votes.
• Jno. W. C. Watson received . . . . . 30 votes.
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 15 votes.
• W. S. Featherston received . . . . . 19 votes.
• Walker Brooke received . . . . . 10 votes.
• S. J. Gholson received . . . . . 11 votes.
• J T Harrison received . . . . . 1 vote.
• J L Alcorn received . . . . . 1 vote.
• Whole number votes cast . . . . . 110
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 56

        Neither of the gentlemen having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to the twenty-first ballot, the name of Walker Brooke being withdrawn by Mr[.] Liddell of the House:

• James Phelan received . . . . . 30 votes.
• J. W. C. Watson received . . . . . 38 votes.
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 19 votes.
• W. S. Featherston received . . . . . 18 votes.
• S. J. Gholson received . . . . . 6 votes.
• Mr Harrison received . . . . . 1
• Whole number of votes cast . . . . . 112
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 57

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to a twenty second ballot, when

• James Phelan received . . . . . 33
• J W C Watson received . . . . . 39
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 20
• W S Featherston received . . . . . 12
• S J Gholson received . . . . . 7
• J T Harrison received . . . . . 1
• Number votes cast . . . . . 112
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 57

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to the twenty-third ballot, when

• James Phelan received . . . . . 33
• J W C Watson received . . . . . 40
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 23
• W S Featherston received . . . . . 11
• S J Gholson received . . . . . 5
• Number votes cast . . . . . 112
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 57

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to the twenty-fourth ballot, when

• James Phelan received . . . . . 35
• J W C Watson received . . . . . 36
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 25
• W S Featherston received . . . . . 6
• S J Gholson received . . . . . 8
• Number votes cast . . . . . 110
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 56

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to the twenty-fifth ballot, when

• James Phelan received . . . . . 37
• J W C Watson received . . . . . 36
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 25
• W S Featherston received . . . . . 6
• S J Gholson received . . . . . 8
• Number votes cast . . . . . 112
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 57

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to the twenty-sixth ballot, when

• James Phelan received . . . . . 34
• J W C Watson received . . . . . 36
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 27
• W S Featherston received . . . . . 7
• S J Gholson received . . . . . 5
• Number of votes cast . . . . . 109
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 55

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, the Convention proceeded to the twenty-seventh ballot, when

• James Phelan received . . . . . 33
• J W C Watson received . . . . . 39
• Fulton Anderson received . . . . . 27
• W S Featherston received . . . . . 5
• S J Gholson received . . . . . 6
• Number votes cast . . . . . 110
• Necessary to a choice . . . . . 56

        Neither of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, there was no election.

        On motion of Mr[.] Oliver of the Senate, the Joint Convention of the two Houses was dissolved, and the Senate retired to their Chamber.

        The House was called to order by the Speaker, and

        On motion of Mr. Thompson,

        The House adjourned until to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.

SATURDAY, November 14, 1863.

        The House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Prayer by the Rev. Dr. Sears.

        Journals of Thursday and Friday were read and approved.

        On motion of Mr. Upshaw,

        The rules were suspended, and the Senate bill to be entitled "an act to increase the salary of the Governor of this State," was taken up and read twice under a suspension of the rules, and

        On motion of Mr. Johnson, of Wilkinson,

        The House resolved itself into committee of the Whole on said bill,

        Mr. Hicks in the chair.

        After some time spent therein,

        The committee rose and reported the bill back to the House, and recommended that it do pass.

        The report of the committee of the Whole was received and agreed to.

        Mr. Thompson offered the following amendment:

        Amend Sec. 1--

        Strike out all after the enacting clause, and insert "That the sum of two thousand dollars be annually appropriated out of the Public Treasury for the use of the Governor in addition to his present salary. in lieu of his mansion, so long as he is prevented by the fortunes of war from occupying it."

        Mr. Upshaw moved to lay the amendment on the table, which was decided in the affirmative by yeas and nays called for by Messrs. Thompson, Carroll and Liddell:

        YEAS--Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Archer, Alcorn, Bradford, Barton, Barnett, Clark, Cunningham, Downs, Daniel, Dale, Evans, Eskridge, Fowler, Fox, Falconer, Fort, Hicks, Hooker, Irby, Jackson, Johnson of DeSoto, Johnson of Wilkinson, Kirk, Lott, Lowry, Minter, Montgomery; Maxwell, McGehee, Owen, Powe, Prewitt, Regan, Rucks, Rogers, Ross, Seal of Harrison, Seal of Hancock, Sessions, Taylor, Turley, Upshaw, Watson, Wynne and Yandell--46.

        NAYS--Messrs. Allen, Arnold, Bestor, Boon, Brown, Buntin, Carroll, Deason of Jones, Dillard, Easterling, Foxworth, Gowan, Hathorn, Hendon, Isom, Johnson of Tippah, Liddell, Lewers, Moore, Marable, Murdock, McKay of Green, McKay of Neshoba, McNiel, Pope, Pinson, Robinson, Sutton, Stubbs of Smith, Stephens, Thompson, Wells and Wier--33.

        So the amendment was laid on the table.

        On motion of Mr. Hicks,

        The bill was then read the third time and passed, the title standing as stated.

        Leave of absence was granted Messrs. Tindall, Gulley, High, Gray and Grace.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate have passed bills entitled as follows:

        An act to remove the civil disabilities of Thos. M. Smedes.

        An act for the relief of Samuel M. Meek.

        And have adopted the following joint resolutions, in which the concurrence of the House is desired:

        Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Mississippi, That the Congress of the Confederate States be requested to repeal that portion of the conscript act authorizing substitution in the army, and that our Senators be instructed and Representatives requested to urge the repeal of that portion of said act at as early a day as possible; and that the Governor transmit a copy of this resolution to Congress at its next session.

        Resolved, (the House concurring,) That the two Houses will meet in joint convention in the House, at 12 o'clock, M., on Tuesday next, 17th inst., for the purpose of electing a Senator to the Confederate States Congress for six years from and after the expiration of the term of the Hon. James Phelan.

        Resolved, (the House concurring,) That a joint committee of three on the part of the Senate, and----on the part of the House of Representatives be appointed to make suitable arrangements for the inauguration of the Governor elect on Monday next.

        The President of the Senate has appointed Messrs. McRae, Quin and Patton as the committee, on the part of the Senate, provided in said last above resolution.

        On motion of Mr. Seal, of Harrison,

        The Senate messages were taken up, and the joint resolution appointing a committee to make suitable arrangements for the inauguration of the Governor elect, on Monday next, concurred in and the blank filled with five.

        The Speaker appointed as a committee on the part of the House to carry out said resolution, Messrs. Seal of Harrison, Dillard, Rucks, Thompson and Lowry.

        Mr. McGehee offered the following resolution:

        Resolved, That the regular hour of meeting of this House, hereafter, be 9 o'clock, A. M.

        Which was adopted.

        Mr. Johnson, from the committee on Enrolled Bills, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The committee on Enrolled Bills have examined bills of the following titles, find the same correctly enrolled and have submitted them to the Governor for his approval and signature:

        An act to remove the civil disabilities of Wm. W. Brooks, a minor.

        An act to amend an act to incorporate the Bank of Jackson and other Banks.

        An act to provide for the relief of destitute families in Yazoo county.

        On motion of Mr. Minter,

        The House adjourned until Monday morning, at 9 o'clock.

MONDAY, November 16, 1863.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Stainback.

        Journal of Saturday read and approved.

        Mr. R. A. Harris, Representative elect from the county of Leake, presented his credentials and was sworn as a member of the House.

        The committee appointed to make arrangements for the inauguration of the Governor elect, made the following report:

        MR. SPEAKER--

        The joint select committee of both Houses of the Legislature, consisting of Messrs. Jas. B. McRae, Quin and W. S. Patton, on the part of the Senate, and Messrs. Roderick Seal, Dillard, Rucks, Thompson and Lowry, on the part of the House, appointed to make suitable arrangements for the inauguration of Charles Clark, Governor elect, in performance of their duty report the following order of arrangements, to-wit:

        The installation shall take place at 11 o'clock, A. M., on Monday, the 16th inst., and the oath of office shall be administered by Hon. James Drane, President of the Senate, in the presence of the two Houses, in the Hall of the House of Representatives.

        1. The Confederate troops, under command of Col. W. S. Barry, will parade at 10 o'clock, in front of and facing the Court House, in the following order:

        The cavalry under command of Col. T. J. Morton.

        Capt. J. C. Thrall's Arkansas Light Battery.

        Capt. T. W. Rice's Battery of Heavy Artillery.

        Col. W. S. Barry's 35th Regiment Mississippi Voluteers, commanded by Maj. T. F. Holmes, preceded by the Band.

        2. The Governor and Governor elect and escort.

        The Committee of Arrangements.

        Rev. C. K. Marshall, the officiating minister, and other clergymen.

        The State officers, Confederate Senators, Members of Congress and other distinguished persons.

        Officers of the Confederate army and of the State troops.

        Citizens at large.

        The procession will be formed ready to move promptly at half-past ten o'clock.

        On the appearance of the Governor and Governor elect, they will be saluted by the troops of infantry, and as soon as the Governors have joined the procession, the troops will be wheeled into column, infantry by platoons, cavalry by fours, and artillery by sections, and put in march on intimation from the marshal.

        The procession will move along the following streets: Washington, Franklin, Monroe, Francis, Franklin, Main, Market and Military.

        On arriving in front of the House of Representatives, the procession, subject to the orders of the Marshal of the day, shall await the announcement of the Sergeant-at-Arms to the Governor elect that the two Houses are convened and ready to receive him.

        The Governor elect, the Governor, the Committee of Arrangements, the Marshal and his staff, and the State officers, preceded by the Sergeant-at-Arms, shall then proceed to the Hall of Representatives. On arriving at the bar of the Hall the Sergeant-at-Arms shall announce the Governor elect, on which announcement the members of the Senate and House shall rise to their feet, and the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House shall descend from the stand and conduct the Governor elect to the Clerk's desk, or in the portico, where the oath of office will be administered.

        After the administration of the oath, a salute of nine guns will be fired by the Light Battery.

        Which was received and agreed to.

        The following messages were received from the Governor through his private Secretary, Col. J. H. Rives:

EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
Columbus, Nov. 14th, 1863.

MR. SPEAKER--

        His Excellency, the Governor, has signed and approved the following House bills:

        An act to remove the civil disabilities of Wm. W. Brooks, a minor.

        An act to remove the civil disabilities of Walter McDougal, a minor.

        An act to amend an act to incorporate the Bank of Jackson and other Banks.

        An act to provide for the relief of destitute families of Yazoo county.

        An act to amend an act incorporating the Mississippi Manufacturing Company.

        An act to remove the civil disabilities of William Rice Hooker.

        An act regulating the fees of Jailors in certain cases.

        An act to authorize the Board of Police of the county of Itawamba to make an appropriation out of the county treasury to pay the Tax Assessor for taking the number of children between the ages of six and eighteen years, in order to an equal dividend of that portion of the school fund appropriated to be laid out annually for the use of common schools.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
Columbus, Miss., Nov. 16, 1863.

MR. SPEAKER--

        I am directed by his Excellency, the Governor, to deliver to you the following message in writing, with accompanying documents:

Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives:

        I herewith transmit to you the report of the Trustees and Superintendent of the Mississippi State Lunatic Asylum, which was not received in time to be sent with my former messages.

        In February 1861 a small amount of property belonging to the United States was captured by State troops on Ship Island. I was directed by the military board to have it sold for the benefit of the State. Captain J. McCabe was charged with this duty, and by my order deposited the proceeds amounting to nine hundred and twenty-two dollars and sixty five cents with Block, McAfee & Co., of New Orleans, for the purchase of powder.

        About the 1st of April 1861, I sent to Major General Chas. Clark, at Mobile, through the house of Winston, Morrison & Co., of New Orleans, twenty-five thousand dollars of the military fund, to pay the expenses and give proper outfit to twenty companies of State troops called for by the President, to be sent to Pensacola. As this money was not sent regularly through the Quartermaster-General's office, the vouchers for its disbursement were left on file in my office by Gen. Clark on his return.

        I also paid out of the military fund, the Maynard Arms Company, through their agent and attorney, Geo. W. Bemis, twenty seven thousand and eight dollars and fifty-two cents. The requisition for this sum would have been drawn on appropriation for arms, but there was not in the Treasury at that time money to pay the debt subject to my requisition on that fund. Maynard Arms Company were pressing for payment. I had bought the arms and amunition on a credit, and the payment was guaranteed by the Hons. Jefferson Davis and Jacob Thompson, and I deemed it my duty to pay it out of any money in the treasury appropriated to military purposes.

        The papers, correspendence and vouchers in regard to this purchase of arms are on file in my office.

        The Convention appropriated first, ten thousand, and afterwards, five thousand, in all, fifteen thousand dollars, to pay the expenses of troops then in active service at Pensacola and Vicksburg. That sum has been expended as directed, and the vouchers are on file in my office.

        On the 29th day of April, 1861, I gave to Brig. Gen. R.

Griffith a requisition for fifteen thousand dollars on the military fund to defray the expenses of two regiments of Mississippi troops called for by the President to be sent to Virginia. There was at that time no Confederate Quartermaster to take charge of the troops and provide for them, and no funds sent by the Confederate authorities. Brig. Gen'l. Griffith was ordered to take charge of them and funds given him for that purpose. His estimate for the amount necessary and receipt for requisition on the Auditor for the am't, are on file in my office, and his vouchers for the expenditure, I am informed, were left with J. D. Stewart, in the Banking House of Griffith & Stewart.

        Of these three sums amounting to something over sixty-seven thousand dollars--two amounting to forty thousand dollars were expended in placing the troops at the points to which the President's requisition called on me to place them, and to give them the necessary outfit. The other twenty-seven thousand was expended for Maynard rifles and ammunition, which were turned over to the Confederate authorities with our State troops when they went into Confederate service, and all constitute a just claim on the Confederate government in favor of the State.

        I herewith transmit a copy of the correspondence of the Confederate Treasury Department, showing the amount of money received by the State of Mississippi on claims audited for money expended by the State for the Confederate service, which as will be seen by the report, amounts to one hundred and twenty-five thousand four hundred and four dollars and seventy-seven cents.

        The accompanying report of 2d Auditor, W. H. S. Taylor, to Mr. Memminger, secrntary of the treasury, will show the amount of claims filed by the State for settlement, and the reasons why more of them have not been audited and allowed. I suggest that some competent agent be appointed to put in proper form all these and such other claims as the books of the several State Departments may show to be due the State, and present them for settlement at the Confederate Treasury.

        I herewith transmit such papers relating to the Geological Survey and the Analyses of salts, as have been received from E. W. Hilgard, State Geologist. An additional report of W. C. Turner, salt agent is herewith sent. [See Appendix.]

        The report of Rev. C. K. Marshall is herewith submitted, giving a statement of his operations as hospital agent of the State. [See Appendix.] The utility and necessity of extending the helping hand of the State to our sick and wounded soldiers, in my opinion stili exists, and I recommend the subject to your favorable consideration.

JOHN J. PETTUS.

        The message was taken up, and

        On motion of Mr. Irby,

        Two hundred copies of the message and accompanying documents were ordered to be printed for the use of this House.

        On motion of Mr. Upshaw,

        The Senate messages were taken up, and the resolution fixing Tuesday, the 17th inst., at 12 o'clock, M., for the election of Confederate States Senator, was concurred in.

        On motion of Mr. Lott,

        The Senate amendment to House bill to be entitled "an act to remove the civil disabilities of Augustus H. Ware," striking out "Augustus" and inserting "Adolphus" in the bill and title, was concurred in by the House.

        On motion of Mr. Barton,

        The House took a recess until half-past 10 o'clock, A. M.

        Recess having expired, the Clerk was instructed to inform the Senate that the Hall of the House of Representatives was in readiness for their reception to the end that the two Houses proceed to the inauguration of the Governor elect.

        The Senate having been informed, entered and took the seats assigned them.

        On motion of Mr. McRae, of the Senate, the two Houses proceeded to the portico of the House to attend the inauguration.

        The Sergeant-at-Arms then announced the Governor elect, who being conducted to the Clerk's desk by the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives, accompanied by Rev. C. K. Marshall, then delivered the following

INAUGURAL ADDRESS.

        FELLOW CITIZENS--It is with no feigned embarrassment that I approach the discharge of the responsible duties to which your too kind partiality has assigned me. In the distressed condition of the State and its people, I may well distrust my ability to meet your expectations in the management of our military and civil affairs. Nothing could have induced me to undertake the task but the fullest confidence that my acts will meet with indulgent criticism, and that I shall be sustained by you in all proper measures and efforts in your service.

        The condition of the State is such as to require the application, for a time, of all our power and resources. We are invaded North, South and West by a vindictive foe, who is desolating our borders, burning our dwellings, insulting our people and inciting our slaves to insurrection. Regiments of the latter have already been embodied and armed to fight against their masters. The evil thus far has been felt only on

our borders; but when we contemplate the contingencies of the future, especially the withdrawal from our State of a large portion of the Confederate forces, we shall discover that it is full time for vigorous preparation. Great as has been the draft upon our energies, Mississippi has yet ample resources, both in men and means. The militia being properly organized as a supporting force, a few thousand mounted volunteers will be sufficient to protect the State from the raiding incursions of the enemy, while against the invasion of large armies we shall be supported by the arms of the Confederacy. I doubt not that your Legislature, at its present session, will make provision to meet all possible requirements.

        We have not lightly entered upon the path we are pursuing; and, conscious of the rectitude of our intentions and the justice of our cause, we have neither motive or desire to retrace our steps. There may be those who delude themselves with visions of a reconstructed Union and a restored Constitution. If such there be, let them awake from their dreaming! Between the South and the North there is a great gulf fixed. It is a gulf crimsoned with the blood of our sons and brothers, filled with the bitter hatred of our enemies and the memories of our wrongs. It can be passed only with dishonor, and in reconstruction we shall reach the climax of infamy! Humbly submit yonrselves to our hated foes, and they will offer you a reconstructed Constitution providing for the confiscation of your property, the immediate emancipation of your slaves and the elevation of the black race to a position of equality, aye, of superiority, that will make them your masters and rulers. Rather than such base submission, such ruin and dishonor, let the last of our young men die upon the field of battle, and when none are left to wield a blade or uphold our banner, then let our old men, our women and our children, like the remnant of the heroic Pascagoulas, when their braves were slain, join hands together, march into the sea and perish beneath its waters.

        Whenever it may be necessary to call out the forces of the State, I shall endeavor to make them efficient for the defense of the people. The day of militia play-time has passed.--Such troops as I may be entrusted to command, must expect to yield to the stern necessities which are forced upon us, and do the duty of soldiers. They must repel raids, not make them. Strict inquiry shall be made as to the justice or injustice of the complaints of some portion of our people as to the alleged disorders of the soldiers, both State and Confederate. It will not be permitted them to insult, plunder or oppress those whom they are called to protect, and on the other hand, the honor of the troops requires that they should be vindicated against unjust charges and imputations. To effect this

it is necessary that strict discipline should be enforced by the officers, and they themselves held to a rigid accountability. Without this they degenerate into an injurious mob, useless to the State, and a disgrace to the service. Without this the disorderly and vicious cannot be discovered and punished, while their infamy is left to stain the names and the memories of their companions. Having commanded Mississippians in two wars, I think I know the character of the gallant men who march in their battalions. I have commanded thousands of them and have never been compelled to inflict a disgraceful punishment upon a single one. I trust and believe that there are but few who deserve the reproaches which have been cast upon the State troops, and that, upon investigation, it will be found that the complaints against them are groundless.

        There are within our borders no inconsiderable number of men who are now absent from the ranks of your defenders without justification or excuse. To compel them to go to the field of duty, I invoke the voice of an outraged public opinion; I invoke a gentler, higher power, the voice and influence of woman. He is unworthy of her smiles who is not ready to fight and to die in her defense.

        Although military matters may require much of my time, no other interest of the State shall be neglected. My earnest attention will be directed to the fostering of such manufactories, and the procurement of such supplies of the necessaries of life as may be authorized by law.

        Our salt works may not be sufficient for the wants of the people, but they may be made to furnish a larger quantity, and aid to further reduce prices. No effort will be spared to procure cotton and woolen cards, and such other articles as may be required for domestic industry, if the Legislature will make proper appropriations for that purpose. One of the most gratifying indications of the times is the resolute spirit of industry manifested by our women. The spinning wheel is preferred to the harp, and the loom makes a music of loftier patriotism and inspiration than the keys of the piano.

        Among the duties I shall be called upon to perform, is one which will give me peculiar pleasure--that of superintending the distribution of the funds to be provided for the maintenance of the families of our soldiers. This should not be deemed the granting of a charity, but the payment of a debt, the discharge of a high obligation, and for which I doubt not your Legislature will make ample provision. The wives and children of thousands of our gallant men are left to our care. Let them be adopted as the children of the State. Many of them are now widows and orphans bequeathed to us by those who have shed their blood in our defense. Let the sacred legacy be accepted, and the God of the widow and the fatherless will bless your cause.

        Fellow Citizens--For the distinguished honor you have conferred upon me, I offer you my grateful thanks; grateful, because I do not deem myself more worthy than many others. I have imperilled my life in your cause, but this I have done with thousands of my countrymen. I have been less fortunate than those who are yet permitted to bear aloft your banners and carry them onward to victory; and if their efforts should fail, and we should be doomed to subjugation, I shall be less fortunate than those who now sleep in honorable but undistinguished graves on the battle-fields of their conntry. But if we are true to our high purpose we cannot fail. Every effort of the enemy must be resisted with renewed energy, and final victory will crown our banners. Let us exert all the powers that God has given us, and humbly, yet confidently, trust to His just Providence for the result. We are but defending the rights and liberties He has given, and if we faithfully employ the strength and means He has bestowed, He will, in his own good time, secure them to us. But this will not be until we have, through all the trials He may impose, shown ourselves worthy. The prayers of our noble and heroic women may avail much, but deeds are also required of men. The Almighty holds the scales of battle with an even hand, and prayer and supplication alone will not avail. The balance will not preponderate in your favor until you cast in your swords.

CHARLES CLARK.

        Hon. James Drane then administered to General Charles Clark, Governor elect, the oath of office.

        The ceremonies of the inauguration having been gone through with, the President of the Senate announced that the two Houses had accomplished the object for which they had convened.

        The Senate retired, and the House of Representatives withdrew to their chamber.

        The House was called to order by the Speaker, when,

        On motion of Mr. Stephens,

        The House adjourned until to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.

TUESDAY, November 17, 1863.

        The House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Prayer by the Rev. Dr. Lyon.

        The journal of yesterday was read and approved.

        On motion of Mr. Regan,

        The vote by which on yesterday the House ordered 200 copies of the Governor's message received on yesterday and accompanying documents to be printed, was reconsidered, and that portion of the message and accompanying documents relating to the Lunatic Asylum be referred to the committee on that Institution.

        Mr. Yandell moved a reconsideration of the vote by which on yesterday the House concurred in the Senate joint resolution to go into the election of Confederate States Senator today at 12 o'clock,

        Which motion was lost.

        On motion, the House proceeded to the call of the counties for the presentation of petitions, memorials, &c.

        Mr. Regan introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act for the relief of tax payers in certain cases, and for other purposes,

        Was read three several times, the rules being suspended, and passed, the title standing as stated.

        Mr. Bestor presented the petition of J. S. Terrell, Sr., and W. A. Trotter, Executors of J. S. Terrell, Jr., dec'd, of Clark county,

        Which was read and referred to the Judiciary committee.

        Mr. Seal, of Hancock, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to repeal an act entitled an act to reduce the taxes of Hancock county, and for other purposes, approved Dec. 16, 1861,

        Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rules, and passed, the title standing as stated.

        Mr. Seal, of Harrison, by leave, introduced a bill entitled

        An act to repeal an act entitled an act to prohibit the distillation of spirits from grain, molasses and sugar, approved January 3d, 1863, and for other purposes,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and referred to the committee on the Judiciary.

        Mr. Shelley introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to reimburse Itawamba county,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and

        On motion of Mr. Seal, of Harrison,

        Referred to the Judiciary committee, with instructions to bring in a general bill on the subject.

        Mr. Barton introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to change the name of Mildred Harris, of Itawamba county,

        Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rules, and passed, the title standing as stated.

        Mr. Robinson presented the petition of E. C. Mosby, of Kemper county, which was referred to the committee on the Judiciary, without reading.

        Also, a memorial of sundry citizens of Kemper county, which was referred to the committee of Ways and Means.

        Mr. Isom presented the petition of W. S. McKee, Tax Collector of Lafayette county, and a memorial of the Police Court of said county, which was referred to the committee on Propositions and Grievances.

        Mr. Murdock introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to amend an act entitled an act to amend the charter of the Columbus Life and General Insurance Company, and the Mississippi Mutual Insurance Company, approved January 25th, 1862,

        Which was read twice under suspension of the rules, and referred to the Judiciary committee.

        Mr. Murdock introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to authorize the Sheriff of Lowndes county to receive Confederate notes in payment for runaway slaves sold under the provisions of law,

        Which was read twice, under a suspension of the rules, and referred to the committee of Ways and Means, with instructions to report a general bill on the subject.

        Mr. Upshaw offered a joint resolution granting leave of absence to Hon. T. M. Yancey, Probate Judge of Marshall county,

        Which was adopted under a suspension of the rules.

        Mr. Falconer offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the Rev. C. K. Marshall be invited to address the members of the Legislature and the citizens, in this Hall to-night at 7 o'clock, and that the Clerk of the House notify him of the passage of this resolution.

        Mr. Carroll offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the use of this House be tendered to Hon. Wm. S. Barry, and that he be requested to address the Legislature on the present condition and future prospects of the country, and that the Clerk be requested to furnish Col. Barry with a copy of this resolution.

        Mr. Irby introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act for the relief of William C. Nickle, Tax Assessor of Panola county,

        Which was read three several times and passed, the title standing as stated.

        Mr. McNiel introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act for the relief of the destitute families of soldiers of Pontotoc county,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and referred to the Judiciary committee.

        Mr. Dillard offered the following resolution:

        Resolved, That our Senators in the Congress of the Confederate States be instructed and our Representatives requested to use all honorable means to secure the passage of a law providing for the payment of horses lost in the military service of the Confederate States by unavoidable accident or captured by the enemy.

        Which was adopted.

        The following message was received from the Senate: MR. SPEAKER--

        The Senate have passed a bill entitled an act to compel Anderson Bean, ex-Sheriff, to pay over certain money to the Treasurer of Chickasaw county, and for other purposes.

        The Senate has adopted the following joint resolutions, in which the concurrence of the House is desired:

        Resolved, (the House concurring,) That the Governor be respectfully requested to inform the Legislature, at his earliest convenience, whether the 4th section of an act to amend an act entitled an act to revise and reduce into one the militia and volunteer laws of this State, approved Jan. 3d, 1863, has been enforced as contemplated and required by law, and if not, to state the reasons if within his knowledge, of the failure to do so.

        Resolved, (the House concurring,) That a committee of three on the part of the Senate, and----on the part of the House, be appointed to examine the Executive Mansion fund, the appropriation made by the convention for the Pensacola expedition and the appropriation by the Legislature for the purpose of buying arms, &c., and report what amount of said appropriations have been expended and in what manner.

        Messrs. Hamilton, Mayson and Patton have been appointed as the committee on the part of the Senate provided for in said resolution.

        Resolved, (the House concurring,) That our Senators be instructed and our Representatives in the Confederate States Congress be requested to pass an act making Confederate notes a legal tender.

        WHEREAS, information has been received that the patients in the State Lunatic Asylum are very much in need of clothing and almost entirely without shoes; also that the efficient Superintendent is very much embarrassed over the means of supplying them, therefore

        Resolved, (the House concurring,) That the committee on the Lunatic Asylum is hereby respectfully instructed to make immediate inquiry into the wants and necessities of the Institution and report at an early day by bill or otherwise.

        Also, have adopted joint resolution entitled "a resolution for the relief of certain counties."

        The Senate have concurred in the House resolution entitled

"joint resolution for the purpose of compiling the Constitution of the State of Mississippi and the Confederate States," and have appointed Messrs. Hamilton, Mayson and Davis as the committee on the part of the Senate as provided for in said resolution.

        And have also concurred in joint resolution of the House:

        Joint resolution instructing Senators and requesting Representatives for certain purposes therein named, with an amendment thereto in which the concurrence of the House is desired.

        Mr. Sutton introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to remove the civil disabilities of Sydney Moore Jackson, a minor of Rankin county.

        Which was read three several times and passed, the title standing as stated.

        Mr. Sutton introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to amend chapter 8, of the Revised Code, establishing the fees of certain officers, so far as it relates to the Clerk of the Probate Court of Rankin county,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules.

        Mr. Johnson, of Wilkinson, moved the reference of the bill to the committee of Ways and Means,

        Was laid on the table.

        On motion of Mr. Sutton,

        The constitutional rule was suspended, the bill read third time, and passed with title as stated.

        Mr. McGehee offered the following joint resolution, which was read once:

        Resolved, (the Senate concurring,) That this Legislature adjourn sine die on Saturday, the 21st day of November, 1863.

        Mr. Hendon introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to change the time of holding the Probate Court of Scott county,

        Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rules and passed, the title standing as stated.

        Mr. Lowry introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to repair the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, and for other purposes,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and

        On motion of Mr. Turley,

        Referred to the committee on Internal Improvements.

        Mr. Johnson, of Wilkinson, offered a resolution asking an appropriation to G. C. Dennis, a soldier of Co. F, 14th Reg't Miss. Vols., captured at Donelson, which, with the accompanying documents was referred to the committee on Propositions and Grievances.

        Mr. Brown introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to authorize the Board of Police of Winston county to borrow money from the school fund of said county for the use of the destitute families of soldiers in that county,

        Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rules and passed, the title standing as stated.

        Also, a bill to be entitled

        An act for the relief of John W. Cox, of Winston county, and to remove the civil disabilities of said minor,

        Which was read three several times, the rules being suspended, and passed, the title standing as stated.

        Mr. Buntin, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to amend the assessment laws of this State,

        Which was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and referred to the committee of Ways and Means.

        Mr. Yandell, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act granting amnesty to persons accused of crime on certain conditions, which

        On his motion,

        Was read twice under a suspension of the rules, and

        On motion of Mr. Fox,

        Referred to the Judiciary committee.

        Mr. Barnett, by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled

        An act to amend the attachment la