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 Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi. Called Session, January, 1861 136 p. JACKSON: E. BARKSDALE, STATE PRINTER. 1861. Call number 1670 Conf.. Jan., 1861 (Rare Book Collection, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

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 Library of Congress Subject Headings, 21st edition, 1998 English Legislation -- Mississippi. Legislative journals -- Mississippi. Secession -- Mississippi. Mississippi -- Politics and government -- 1861-1865. Mississippi -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Law and legislation. 2001-01-23, Celine Noel and Wanda Gunther revised TEIHeader and created catalog record for the electronic edition. 2000-10-06, Natalia Smith, project manager, finished TEI-conformant encoding and final proofing. 2000-09-22, Lee Ann Morawski finished TEI/SGML encoding 2000-08-22, Apex Data Services, Inc. finished transcribing the text.

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 JOURNAL OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. CALLED SESSION, January, 1861. Printed by Order of the Legislature. JACKSON: E. BARKSDALE, STATE PRINTER. 1861. JOURNAL.

At a Special Session of the Legislature of the State of Mississippi begun 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 Mississppi, on Tuesday the 15th day of January, A. D. 1861, and the sovereignty of the State of Mississippi, the forty third.

 TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 1861.

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 Representatives Hall at 1 o'clock, P. M.

The House was called to order by Mr. Speaker Campbell.

Upon a call of the roll the following members answered to their names:

Mr. Speaker Campbell, Messrs. Augustus, Barden, Bishop, Backstrom, Coffey, Claiborne, Denny, Evans, Ellis of Copiah, Graham Gilstrap, Gasque, Henley, Hooker of Lawrence, Hooker of Hinds, Hall of Lauderdale, Holmes, Jones of Sunflower, Keith, Knox, Love, Matthews, Tisdale, Tolson, Wheeler, Winburn, Weathersby and West—29.

No quorum appearing,

On motion of Mr. Matthews,

The House adjourned until to-morrow at 3 o'clock, P. M.

 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 1861

The House met pursuant to adjournment.

Wm. C. Bromley member elect from the county of Itawamba to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of John Walker, appeared, was sworn in and took his seat.

Upon a call of the roll, and no quorum appearing,

On motion of Mr. Dunlap, a call of the House was ordered.

A quorum appearing,

On motion of Mr. Rogers, the further call of the House was suspended.

The following message was received from the Senate through their Secretary:

MR. SPEAKER—

I am instructed to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate has met and organized by the election of Henry T. Ellett of Claiborne, President pro tem, and is now ready to proceed to business.

The Journal of yesterday was read and

On motion of Mr. Clark,

The Preamble was amended by striking out so much as refers to the United States of America.

On motion of Mr. Hooker,

Resolved, That a committee of five on the part of the House and—on the part of the Senate be appointed to wait upon the Governor and inform him that the two Houses had organized and are ready to receive any communication he may be pleased to make.

The Chair appointed as said committee, Messrs. Hooker, Smedes, Bell, Withers and Jones of Scott.

On motion of Mr. Dunlap,

The clerk was requested to inform the Senate that the House had organized and is ready to proceed to business.

On motion of Mr. Jones of Sunflower,

Resolved, That the occupation of this Hall will be yielded by the House of Representatives to the State Convention from and after the hour of 2 o'clock, P. M. on each day while both bodies are in session.

The following message was received from the Senate:

MR. SPEAKER—

The Senate has concurred in the joint resolution of the House of Representatives raising a joint committee to wait on his Excellency the Governor, &c., and the President has appointed on the part of the Senate, Messrs. Neill, Catchings and Buck as said committee.

Mr. Hooker from the joint select committee appointed to wait upon the Governor, made the following report:

MR. SPEAKER—

The committee appointed to wait upon the Governor beg leave to report that they have discharged the duty assigned them and that the Governor will communicate at once in writing to both Houses of the Legislature.

On his motion the report was received and agreed to.

The following message was received from the Governor through his Private Secretary Mr. Campbell:

MR. SPEAKER—

I am requested by the Governor to deliver to the House of Representatives a message.

Executive Office, Jackson, Miss., Jan. 15th, 1861. Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives:

Regarding it certain that the Convention which is now in session, would dissolve the connection between the State of Mississippi and the United States, and make many and important changes in the organic law of the State, thus rendering much ordinary legislation necessary to harmonise the statute law with the amended Constitution, and to provide for the wants of the State in the new relation she may assume, I have convened the Legislature in extraordinary session. You meet under perplexing and novel circumstances, such as never surrounded any former session of the Legislature of this State. Numerous, grave, and new questions growing out of the present relations of Mississippi with the surrounding States, must be met and solved at your present session.

Since your adjournment, events of the gravest moment have followed each other with unprecedented rapidity.

The hopes of the most sanguine friends of the Southern cause seem about to be realized in the formation of a Southern Confederacy, embracing a very large majority, if not all the slave-holding States. South Carolina in an ordinance passed on the 20th day of December, 1860, has seceded from the Federal Union. The Convention of the people of Mississippi, called at your late session, passed an Ordinance of Secession on the ninth day of January, A. D. 1861, a copy of which is herewith transmitted, marked A. Florida followed with her Ordinance of Secession on the 10th. Alabama took her place with the seceding States on the eleventh day of the present month.

The States of South Carolina Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, and Louisiana have taken possession of the Forts and Arsenals within their limits, and Florida is now attempting to take possession of such of the forts as she deems necessary for her safety. Alabama has sent to her aid a considerable force and seven companies of volunteers, of this State, have been sent from the counties of Chickasaw, Lowndes, Noxubee, and Clark, to aid Florida and Alabama in taking possession of the Forts and Navy Yard at Pensacola.

The result of the expedition is not yet known to me.

Major Mims was sent by me to meet the Mississippi Volunteers at Enterprise, with instructions to provide them all necessary camp equipage and provisions, that the sons of Mississippi might not be required to suffer more privations and hardships than are necessarily incident to the life of a soldier.

Being advised by the Governor of Louisiana that he had reason to believe that an expedition would be sent down the Mississippi river to re-inforce the Garrisons of the Forts and Arsenals of that State, I sent Capt. Kerr with sixteen of the Jackson Artillery Company, and ordered Capt. H. H. Miller to call out the Volunteer Companies of Vicksburg, and take such position as would enable him to prevent any hostile expedition from the Northern States descending the river. Learning that the Forts and Arsenals were fully garrisoned by Louisiana, I have directed Capt. H. H. Miller to withdraw his forces from the position they had taken. As soon as I was informed that the Governor of Louisiana had taken the Arsenal at Baton Rouge, I sent Col. C. G. Armstead with a letter to Governor Moore, requesting him to furnish Mississippi with ten thousand stand of arms, on such terms as he might deem just. Col. Armstead informs me that his Excellency has responded to my request by ordering eight thousand Muskets (8,000), one thousand Rifles, and six twenty-four pound guns, with carriages, and a considerable amount of ammunition to be delivered to him, which will be shipped to Mississippi as soon as possible.

This act of friendship and confidence from our sister State, I hope will be fully appreciated and duly acknowledged by the Legislature and people of Mississippi.

Finding the State pressed by emergencies which were neither foreseen nor provided for, I have done only what I deemed demanded by the interest, safety, and honor of the people of Mississippi; trusting that a magnanimous constituency would judge leniently the acts of an Executive officer placed in so novel and trying positions.

From the Treasurer's Report, a copy of which is herewith tansmitted to the Legislature, it will be seen that I have drawn from the Treasury on account of the appropriation, for the pur chase of arms, ammunition, &c, thirty-nine thousand, three hundred eleven dollars and twenty one cents, ($39,311.21.) Contracts for a considerable amount of arms, and munitions of war have been made, which have not as yet been complied with; the arms not hving been received or paid for. Other contracts have probably been made by agents appointed by me for that purpose. After paying all contracts now made, or authorized to be made, there will be a considerable balance of the appropriation of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000), made at the last regular session of the Legislature. Patriotic citizens in various portions of the State, have extended to me pecuniary aid in arming the State. The Hon. Hal. C. Chambers, of Coahoma, gave me an order for one hundred bales of cotton. Col. Miles McGehee, and Hon. Chas. Clark, gave me a draft for the proceeds of the sale of one hundred bales each. Hon, A. G. Brown sent me a bill on New York for five hundred dollars ($500). Major John M. Graves gave me his draft for two hundred ($200) and Mr. Burwell Scott his draft for one thousand dollars ($1,000). Col. R. S. Rayburn, of Tallahatchie county has presented to the State one hundred kegs of powder

For these sums, when realized, I propose to return Auditor's warrants, drawn as part of the hundred and fifty thousand appropriation for the purchase of arms, notwithstanding many of the gentlemen regarded their offering as a donation, and some still so regard it. Col. Jeff. Davis and Hon. Jacob Thompson have guaranteed the payment, in May or June, of twenty-four thousand dollars ($24,000), for a purchase of arms.

The Mobile and Ohio Railroad Company have tendered me the free use of their Road for the transportation of troops and munitions of war whenever the State may require it, placing at the disposal of the Governor of the State extra trains, when required, free of all charge. The Mississippi Central Railroad Company, through their President, W. Goodman, has tendered the services of all men now employed on that Road in case of invasion, and the use of the Road for transportation on favorable terms, to be arranged hereafter

Hon. Madison McAfee has become responsible for a considerable amount for the purchase of ammunition—all of which I shall be able to meet out of the appropriation already made. Many other patriotic citizens have tendered me similar aid, which has not yet been accepted. It is with pride and pleasure that I have further to inform the Legislature, that all citizens on whom I have called to aid me in the purchase of arms and ammunition, have gone wherever I requested, and performed any service I required, without asking or accepting fee, or reward for their services. I renew my recommendation made to you at your last session: That all volunteer companies be placed on the “same” footing in regard to pecuniary aid from the State, and that a sufficient sum be appropriated to each company to defray all necessary expenses.

In compliance with a resolution passed at the last session of the Legislature, I have appointed—

The Hon. Henry Dickinson, Commissioner to the State of Delaware.

The Hon. A. H. Handy, Commissioner, to the State of Maryland.

The Hon. Walker Brooke and the Hon. Fulton Anderson, Commissioners to the State of Virginia; The Hon. Jacob Thompson, Commissioner to the State of North Carolina; The Hon. G. S. Gaines, Commissioner to the State of Florida; The Hon. W. L. Harris and the Hon. Thos. W. White, Commissioners to the State of Georgia; The Hon. W. S. Featherston, Commissioner to the State of Kentucky; The Hon. Thos. J. Wharton, Commissioner to the State of Tennessee; The Hon. Joseph W. Matthews, Commissioner to the State of Alabama; The Hon. Daniel R. Russel, Commissioner to the State of Missouri; The Hon. Geo. R. Fall, Commissioner to the State of Arkansas; The Hon. Wirt Adams, Commissioner to the State of Louisiana; and Capt. H. H. Miller, Commissioner to the State of Texas; and the Hon. C. E. Hooker, Commissioner to the State of South Carolina.

The reports of such of the above named Commissioners as have returned and reported to me are herewith transmitted.

[See Appendix.]

Col. Armistead, Burt, and Hon. E. W. Pettus, Commissioners from the State of South Carolina and Alabama, have visited the State of Mississippi, seeking her co-operation in the formation of a Southern Confederacy.

From the facts stated in the preceding part of this Message, the Legislature will perceive that a state of hostilities already exists between the seceding States and the Government at Washington, which may be soon followed by open war. It is yet possible that this may be averted. Justice and prudence on the part of the Southern people, in my opinion, may possibly avert it; and if not, will certainly mitigate its evils. But whether peace or war be the destiny of the State, a due observance of law and obedience to the constituted authorities are the only guarantees of a people for success, safety, or civilization.

We have embarked upon a stormy sea, and much of the peril which attends our voyage is to be apprehended from the thoughtlessness and passions of our own crew. Law and order must prevail, or there is no safety for the ship. For these reasons I recommend that more stringent laws be passed for the punishment of crime of exciting insurrection, that individuals, or associations of individuals may not be required to incur the responsibility of inflicting punishment without the forms of law, to save their homes from the incendiary, and that all punishments may be inflicted by Courts, regularly constituted by law.

I further recommend that the most prompt and efficient measures be adopted to make known to the people of the Northwestern States, that peaceful commerce on the Mississippi river will be neither interrupted or annoyed by the authorities or people of Mississippi. This in my opinion will materially aid in preserving peace between the Northwestern and the Southern States, if it can be preserved.

But if this may not be, if justice, prudence and moderation on our part cannot save us from war and invasion, there will then be nothing left for Mississippi but to lay her lance in rest and cry God defend the Right.

JOHN J. PETTUS.

On motion of Mr. Chambers the message was laid on the table.

Mr. Chambers moved that 500 copies be printed.

Mr. Clark moved to print 5,000 copies.

Pending the motions to print,

The message was referred to the committee on Printing.

Mr. Matthews offered the following resolution,

Resolved, That a committee of five on the part of the House and—on the part of the Senate be appointed to wait on the Hon. Armstead Burt, Commissioner from the State of South Carolina, and Hon. E. W. Pettus, Commissioner from the State of Alabama, and invite them to seats in the House and Senate and also to extend them the hospitality of the State during their stay therein.

On his motion, the rule was suspended and the resolution adopted.

The Chair appointed as the Committee on part of the House, Messrs. Matthews, Jones of Sunflower, Bishop, Withers and Lake.

On motion of Mr. Clark,

Resolved, That the members of the Convention be and they are hereby invited to take seat within the bar of the House during the session thereof, and that the clerk of this House communicate this resolution to the Convention.

The following message was received from the Senate.

MR. SPEAKER—

The Senate has concurred in joint resolution of the House of Representatives in relation to the Commissioners of South Carolina and Alabama, and the President has appointed on the joint committee to wait on them, on the part of the Senate, Messrs. Thomson, Starke and Davis.

Mr. Chambers offered the following resolution.

Resolved, The Senate concurring, that the present extraordinary session of the Legislature having been convened by the Governor to deliberate upon such measures of legislation as may be demanded by the present position of the State of Mississippi to the government of the United States, to secure the safety and promote the interests of the people of the State, it will be considered by the Legislature as its duty at its present session to enact all requsite laws within the scope of its powers under the Constitution which authorized the election and defined the powers of members of this body and it is hoped and desired that the Convention of the people of the State now in session at the Capitol and convened under an act of the Legislature will suspend or remove such provisions of the constitution as might restrain the Legislature from the enactment of laws necessary and proper under the altered relations of the State of Mississippi to the Government of the United States.

Resolved, That the clerk of the House is hereby instructed to transmit to the President of the Convention a certified copy of this resolution.

On motion of Mr. Chambers,

The rule was suspended and the resolutions adopted.

On motion of Mr. Scales,

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

 THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 1861.

The House met pursuant to adjournment.

Upon a call of the roll and no quorum appearing,

On motion of Mr. Rogers,

A call of the House was ordered.

A quorum appearing,

On motion of Mr. Bell,

The further call of the House was suspended.

The journal of yesterday was read and approved.

The Speaker announced that the Door-Keeper of the House was temporarily absent.

On motion of Mr. Hicks,

The Speaker was authorized to make a temporary appointment.

The Speaker appointed Mr. Samuel Pool.

On motion of Mr. Augustus,

The Door-Keeper was instructed to furnish each member of this House with a copy of the Revised Code.

Mr. Knox made the following report.

MR. SPEAKER—

The joint standing committee on printing to whom was referred the motion to print certain extra copies of the Governor's message, have had the same under consideration and have instructed me to report the following joint resolution, and to recommend its adoption, to-wit.

Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Mississippi, That two thousand copies of the message of the Governor without the accompanying documents be printed for the use of the two houses of the legislature.

On motion of Mr. Knox,

The report was received and agreed to.

On his further motion, the rule was suspended and the resolution adopted.

Mr. Bishop offered the following resolution.

Resolved, The Senate concurring, that this Legislature adjourn on Friday the 18th inst., to meet again on the third Monday in February, 1861.

On his motion the rule requiring joint resolutions to lie one day on the table was dispensed with.

On motion of Mr. Claiborne,

The resolution was laid on the table.

Mr. Matthews made the following report.

MR. SPEAKER—

The committee on the part of the House, appointed under a joint resolution to wait on Hon. Armstead Burt, Commissioner from the State of South Carolina and invite him to a seat in the House and Senate, and to become the guest of the State, report they have performed the duty assigned them, and that the Hon. Commissioner accepts the courtesy tendered as an expression of the fraternal regard and sympathy of the people of Mississippi for the people of South Carolina.

On motion of Mr. Matthews,

The report was received and agreed to.

Mr. Graham gave notice that he would on to-morrow or some future day introduce a bill to provide for the sale of the public lands within this State.

Mr. Chambers gave notice that he would on to-morrow or some future day introduce a bill to provide a stay on judgements and executions and for other purposes.

Mr. Hooker presented the petition of Amos R. Johnston and other citizens of the county of Hinds praying the passage of a law for the relief of Octavus McGowan a minor.

Mr. Hooker moved that the petition be refered to a select committee of five.

Mr. Smedes moved its reference to the standing committee on Propositions and Grievances.

Mr. Hooker moved to lay the motion on the table,

Which was lost.

The question was then taken on the motion to refer the petition to the committee on Propositions and Grievances, and decided in the affirmative.

Mr. Scales asked and obtained leave of the House to have spread upon the Journal the following resolution offered by him on yesterday as a substitute to the resolution offered by Mr. Chambers, the same having been omitted in the proceedings of yesterday, to-wit:

Resolved, That it is the sense and desire of this House that the Convention should at as early a period as possible indicate to the Legislature what course they intend to purse in reference to that legislation for which this body was convened.

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 of Representatives concurring, that the joint standing rules of the two Houses be so amended as to change the name of the joint standing committee on State and Federal Relations to that of a committee on Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Smedes moved to call from the table the joint resolution in relation to the adjournment of the Legislature.

Which was decided in the negative by yeas and nays called for by Messrs. Jones of Sunflower, Smedes and Clark.

YEAS.—Messrs. Adams, Bishop, Bell, Byrne, Clark, Coffey, Ellis of Copiah, Hooker of Lawrence, Hicks, Holmes. Jones of Scott, Jones of Sunflower, Long, Lake, Matthews, McDonald, Smedes, West and Walworth—19.

NAYS.—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Augustus, Barden, Bromley, Backstrom, Barksdale, Chambers, Claiborne, Duncan, Denning, Dantzler, Dunlap. Evans, Gage, Graham, Gilstrap, Gasque, Hamilton, Hooker of Hinds, Hall of Lauderdale, Hall of Leake, Knox, Love, McRae, Rogers, Reid, Scales, Smylie, Smith of Jones, Tisdale, Van Eaton, Wilson, Wheeler, Winburn, Withers, Weathersby, and Walker—37.

On motion of Mr. Matthews,

The House concurred in the joint resolution of the Senate to amend the joint standing rules of the two Houses so as to change the name of the joint standing committee on State and Federal Relations to that of a committee on Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Dantzler by leave introduced a bill to be entitled an act to change the time of holding the Probate Court of Jasper county.

Which was read the first time.

On his motion, the rule was suspended, the bill read the second and third times forthwith and passed with title as stated.

Mr. Hicks by leave introduced a bill to be entitled an act to change the name of the Fayette Female Academy of Jefferson county.

Which was read the first time.

On his motion the rule was suspended, the bill read tho second and third times forthwith and passed with title as stated.

Mr. Hooker of Lawrence by leave, introduced a bill to be entitled an act to extend the time of holding the Circuit Court in Lawrence county.

Which was read the first time,

On his motion the rule was suspended, the bill read the second and third time forthwith and passed with title as stated.

Mr. Graham gave notice that he would on to-morrow or some early day of the session introduce

A Bill to prevent suits for debts against southern soldiers while in actual service,

A Bill to punish persons uttering abolition sentiments,

A Bill to punish hawking and pedling,

A Bill to exclude free negroes from the State.

A Bill to exclude foreigners from the elective franchise.

Mr. Van Eaton announced to the House the death of the Hon. C. E. Frith late a member of this House, from the county of Amite, and submitted the following preamble and resolution, which was unanimously adopted:

The House of Representatives having been officially informed of the death of Hon. C. E. Frith late member thereof from the county of Amite, and recognizing in this afflictive disposition of an all wise Providence the loss to this House of a useful, attentive and courteous member, to the State of a worthy and promising son, and to the social circle of a generous and agreeable companion; therefore, be it

Resolved, That with a feeling of deep regret and sorrow, for the loss of our late estimable, and worthy brother, and as a token of respect for his memory, this House do now adjourn.

Mr. Smedes offered the following resolution:

Resolved, That this House adjourn until Saturday morning next at 9 o'clock and that the Convention have the use of this Hall for the entire day of Friday and that the clerk notify the President of the Convention thereof

Which was lost.

On motion of Mr. Van Eaton,

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

 FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 1861.

The House met pursuant to adjournment.

The Journal of yesterday was read and approved.

Mr. Chambers by leave introduced,

A bill to be entitled,

An act declaring parts of Hobsons and Cassedys Bayous navigable streams.

Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rule and passed with title as stated.

Mr. Love by leave introduced,

A bill to be entitled,

An act for the relief of Kemper country,

Which was read the first time.

Mr. Love moved a suspension of the rule,

Which was lost.

Mr. Henly by leave introduced,

A bill to be entitled

An act to amend the several acts incorporating the town of

Boloxi in Harrison county and for other purposes.

Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rule and passed with title as stated.

Mr. Hill by leave introduced,

A bill to be entitled,

An act to authorize L. W. Galbraith to appoint a deputy county

Treasurer for the county of Chickasaw,

Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rule and passed with title as stated.

Mr. Dantzler by leave introduced,

A bill to be entitled

An act to provide food for the poor and destitute citizens of Jasper county.

Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rule and passed with title as stated.

Mr. Walworth by leave introduced a bill,

To be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to amend and reduce into one the act incorporating the city of Natchez and the several acts amendatory thereto.

Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rule and passed with title as stated.

Mr. Matthews by leave introduced,

A Bill to be entitled

An act for the relief of Isham P. Trotter,

Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rule and passed with title as stated.

On motion of Mr. Augustus,

Resolved, That the Judiciary committee be instructed to examine the ordinances that have been passed by the Convention which is now in session and report to the House what immediate legislation (if any) is necessary to be enacted by the Legislature to carry out such ordinances.

Mr. Graham by leave introduced,

A Bill to be entitled,

An act providing for the sale of certain public lands.

Which was read twice under a suspension of the rule, and

On motion of Mr. Hooker of Hinds,

Referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. Lake by leave introduced joint resolutions acknowledging the receipt of arms and amnunition from the Governor of Louisiana.

On his motion the rule was suspended and the resolutions adopted.

Mr. Tolson by leave introduced,

A Bill to be entitled,

An act for the relief of W. G. Grace.

Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rule and passed with title as stated.

Mr. Hooker of Hinds, by leave introduced,

A bill to be entitled,

An act to dispose of the funds arising from the sale of slaves out of the county jails.

Which was read twice under a suspension of the rule, and

Referred to the Judiciary Committee.

On motion of Mr. Lake,

Resolved, That so much of the Governor's message as relates to providing punishment for the crime of inciting insurrection be referred to the Judiciary Committee.

On motion of Mr. Matthews,

The resolution in relation to the adjournment of the Legislature was called from the table.

Mr. Matthews offered the following amendment:

Amend by striking out all after the word “on” in the second line and inserting the following words, “Saturday the 19th inst., at 12 o'clock, M. sine die.

Mr. Graham moved to lay the resolution and amendment on the table.

Which was lost.

The question was then taken on the adoption of Mr. Matthews' amendment and decided in the negative by yeas and nays called for by Messrs. Clark, Matthews and Hooker of Hinds.

YEAS.—Messrs. Adams, Augustus, Barden, Bell, Coffey, Duncan, Gilstrap, Hicks, Hall of Lauderdale, Holmes, Jones of Sunflower, Knox, Long, Lake, Matthews, McDonald, Pipes, Rogers, Scales, Trotter, Tisdale, Van Eaton, Wilson, Wheeler, Winburn, Withers, West and Walworth—28.—

NAYS.—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Bugg, Bromley, Bradford, Backstrom, Byrne, Barksdale, Chambers, Claiborne, Denney, Dantzler, Dunlap, Dean, Evans, Ellis of Copiah, Gage, Graham, Gasque, Hamilton, Hill, Henley, Hooker of Hinds, Hooker of Lawrence, Hall of Leake, Jones of Scott, Keith, Lyles, Love, Merinar, Reid, Smylie, Smith of Jones, Tolson and Walker—34.

Mr. Hooker of Hinds, offered the following amendment,

Amend by striking out all after the word “resolved,” in the original resolution and inserting “that the Legislature adjourn on to-morrow the 19th inst., at 12 o'clock M., to meet again on the 2d Monday of Feb., 1861.

Mr. Augustus moved,

To lay the original resolution and amendment on the table,

Which was decided in the negative by yeas and nays, called for by Messrs. Hooker of Hinds, Jones of Sunflower and Wal-worth:

YEAS—Messrs. Augustus, Bugg, Bromley, Bradford, Backstrom, Claiborne, Denney, Dantzler, Evans, Graham, Gasque, Hill, Henley, Hall of Lauderdale, Hall of Leake, Holmes, Keith, Knox, Lyles, Matthews, Merinar, Scales, Smylie, Smith of Jones, Trotter, Tolson, Van Eaton, Wilson and Walker.—28.

NAYS—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Adams, Barden, Bell, Byrne, Barksdale, Clark, Chambers, Duncan, Dunlap, Dean, Ellis of Copiah, Gage, Gilstrap, Hamilton, Hooker of Hinds, Hooker of Lawrence, Hicks, Jones of Scott, Jones of Sunflower, Long, Love, Lake, Martin, McDonald, Pipes, Rogers, Reid, Tisdale, Wheeler, Winburn, Withers and Walworth.—34.

The question was then taken on the adoption of Mr. Hooker's amendment and decided in the affirmative.

The question was then taken on the adoption of the resolution as amended and decided in the affirmative by yeas and nays, called for by Messrs. Rogers, Hooker of Hinds and Walworth:

YEAS—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Adams, Augustus, Barden, Byrne, Barksdale, Coffey, Chambers, Duncan, Dunlap, Dean, Ellis of Copiah, Gage, Gilstrap, Hamilton, Hooker of Hinds, Hooker of Lawrence, Hicks, Hall of Leake, Jones of Scott, Jones of Sunflower, Keith, Long, Love, Lake, McDonald. Pipes, Reid, Tisdale, Wheeler, Winburn, West and Walworth.—33.

NAYS—Messrs. Bugg, Bromley, Bradford, Bell, Claiborne, Denney, Dantzler, Evans, Graham, Gasque, Hill, Hall of Lauderdale, Holmes, Knox, Lyles, Merinar, Rogers, Scales, Smylie, Smith of Jones, Trotter, Tolson, Van Eaton, Wilson, Withers and Walker.—26.

The following message was received from the Senate,

MR. SPEAKER—

The Senate has concurred in the joint resolution providing for the printing of 2,000 copies of the Governor's message.

On motion of Mr. Gage,

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

 SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 1861.

The House met pursuaut to adjournment.

The Journal of yesterday read and approved.

The Speaker presented the following communication from the State Convention:

Hall of the House of Representatives, City of Jackson: REPUBLIC OF MISSISSIPPI, Jan 18th, 1861. MR. SPEAKER—

I am instructed to lay before your honorable body the accompanying resolution, passed by the Convention of the people of the State of Mississippi, Jan. 18th, 1861.

Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed by the President of this Convention to confer with a general committee of like number of the Senate and House of Representatives, as to the course which the two bodies propose to adopt in regard to the various subjects of legislation growing out of the present position of the State; and also as to the propriety of the adjournment of one of the said bodies a future day, and that the said two Houses of the Legislature be invited to concur in the proposed conference between the said two Houses and this Convention.

I have the honor, &c., F. A. POPE, Secretary of the Convention.

Mr. Matthews offered the following joint resolution,

Resolved, the Senate concurring, That a Committee of Conference of five on the part of the House and—on the part of the Senate be appointed to confer with a committee appointed by the State Convention to ascertain whether there is any public interest to be promoted by the simultaneous session of the State Convention and the Legislature, and whether there will be an occasion for the re-assembling of the Legislature after the adjournment of the Convention and to report as soon as practicable.

On his motion, the rule was suspended and the resolution adopted.

The Chair appointed as the committee on the part of the House,

Messrs. Matthews, Chambers, Hooker of Hinds, Suratt and Backstrom.

Mr. Matthews presented the petition of T. H. Witleford and others,

Which was referred to the committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. Chambers, according to notice, introduced,

A bill to be entitled,

An act to authorize a stay on execution for a limited time,

Which was read twice under a suspension of the rule,

And referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. Chambers by leave introduced,

A bill to be entitled,

An aet to suspend action for the recovery of debt for a limited period,

Which was read twice under a suspension of the rule,

And referred to the Judiciary Committee.

The House proceeded to consider the orders of the day.

The House bill to be entitled,

An act for the relief of Kemper county,

Was read the second time and,

On motion of Mr. Matthews,

Referred to the Committee on Internal Improvement.

Mr. Gage by leave introduced,

A bill to be entitled,

An act to amend the Constitution of the State of Mississippi in relation to the election and jurisdiction of Justices of the Peace,

Which was read twice under a suspension of the rule and

On motion of Mr. Lake,

Referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. Graham by leave introduced.

A bill to be entitled,

An act for the relief of J. D. Terrell, a minor of Covington county,

Which was read twice by the title under a suspension of the rule and

Referred to the committee on Propositions and Grievances.

Mr. Adams offered the following resolution,

Which was adopted.

Resolved, That the Committee on Military Affairs, be instructed to enquire into the expediency of establishing a State Armory for the manufacture of ordance, small arms, and fixed amunition, and that they be requested to report by bill or otherwise at the earliest day practicable.

Mr. Dantzler by leave introduced,

A bill to be entitled,

An act to incorporate the Garlandsville Seminary,

Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rule and passed,

The title standing as stated.

The following message was received from the Senate,

MR. SPEAKER—

The Senate has passed the following House bill,

An act to provide food for the poor and destitute citizens of Jasper county;

All act to extend the title of holding the Circuit court of Lawrence county;

An act to change the name of the Fayette Female Academy, of Jefferson county;

An act to declare parts of Hopson's and Cassidy's bayous navigable streams;

An act for the relief of W. G. Grace;

An act for the relief of Isham P. Trotter;

An act to change the time of holding the Probate court of Jasper county;

An act to amend an act entitled “an act to amend and reduce into one the act incorporating the city of Natchez, and the several acts amendatory thereto;

The Senate has also passed the House bill entitled,

An act to authorize L. W. Galbraith to appoint a deputy county treasurer for the county of Chickasaw,

And has adopted an amendment thereto in which the concurrence of the House is desired.

The Senate has also adopted a joint resolution in relation to waste and unappropriated lands, in which the concurrence of the House is asked.

On motion of Mr. Hill,

The House concurred in the Senate amendment to the House bill entitled,

An act to authorize L. W. Galbraith to appoint a Deputy County Treasurer for the county of Chickasaw.

On motion of Mr. Van Eaton,

The House concurred in the joint resolution of the Senate in relation to waste and unappropriated lands.

On his further motion,

The blank in said resolution was filled with the number 5.

The Chair appointed as the committee on the part of the House,

Messrs. Wilson, Van Eaton, Dantzler, Tolson and Bradford.

Mr. Dantzler by leave introduced,

A bill to be entitled,

An act to regulate the fees of certain officers of Jasper county,

Which was read three times under a suspension of the rule and passed,

Thet itle remaining as stated.

Mr. Suratt by leave introduced,

A bill to be entitled,

An act to amend an act entitled an act further to regulate the Militia and Volunteer system, approved Feb. 10, 1860,

Which was read three times under a suspension of the rule and passed,

The title standing as stated.

The following message was received from the Senate,

MR. SPEAKER—

The Senate has passed,

A bill to be entitled an act to amend,

An act to provide for the payment of the indebtedness of certain counties of the Mississippi Levee District, approved, Feb. 10, 1860.

Leave of absence was granted Messrs. Armistead, Bishop, Boone, Akers, Owen and Reasons.

The following message was received from the Senate,

R. SPEAKER—

The Senate has concurred in the joint resolution of the House appointing a committee of conference with the Convention.

Mr. Graham, pursuant to notice, introduced,

A bill to be entitled,

An act in relation to free negroes and mulattoes,

Which was read twice under suspension of the rule,

And referred to the committee on Propositions and Grievances.

The following message was received from the Senate

MR. SPEAKER—

The Senate has passed the House bill entitled,

An act to amend the several acts of incorporation of the town of Biloxi, in Harrison county, and for other purposes;

Also a resolutions acknowledging the receipt of Arms and Ammunition from the Governor of Louisiana.

On motion of Mr. Adams,

The Senate bill to be entitled,

An act entitled an act to amend an act to provide for the payment of the indebtedness of certain counties of the Mississippi River Levee District, approved, Feb. 10th, 1860,

Was called up and read the first time.

On his motion, the rule was suspended, the bill read the second and third times and passed,

Title standing as stated.

The Speaker appointed Messrs. Bromley and Hooker of Lawrence, to fill the vacancies on committee on Propositions and Grievances.

Mr. Terrell made the following report,

MR. SPEAKER—

The committee on Enrolled Bills ask to report the following bills correctly enrolled, and presented this day to the Governor for his approval and signature,

An act for the relief of Isham P. Trotter;

An act to declare Hopson's and Cassidy's Bayous navigable streams;

An act to amend an act entitled an act to amend and reduce into one the act incorporating the City of Natchez and the several acts amendatory thereto;

A bill to be entitled an act to change the name of the Fayette Female Academy of Jefferson county;

An act for the relief of W. G. Grace, of Lauderdale county;

An act to provide food for the poor and destitute citizens of Jasper county;

A bill to be entitled an act to extend the time of holding the Circuit Court in Lawrence county.

An act to change the time of holding the Probate Court of Jasper county.

Mr. Suratt by leave introduced.

A bill to be entitled,

An act to change and modify the revenu laws this State,

Which was read twice under a suspension of the rule,

And referred to the committee on Ways and Means.

On motion of Mr. Wilson,

The House took a recess until 12 o'clock M.

 12 O'CLOCK M.

The recess having expired the House resumed it session.

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

MR. SPEAKER—

The committee on Enrolled Bills ask to report the following bills and resolutions as correctly enrolled, and presented this day to His Excellency the Governor for his approval and signature,

An act to amend the several acts of incorporation of the town of Biloxi, in Harrison county, and for other purposes.

Resolution acknowledging the receipt of arms and amunition from the Governor of Louisiana.

An act to authorize L. W. Galbraith to appoint a deputy county treasurer for the county of Chickasaw.

Mr. Claiborne by leave introduced,

A bill to be entitled,

An act to provide for the payment of mileage of members of the Military Board,

Which was read twice under a suspension of the rule and

On motion of Mr. Suratt,

Referred to the committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Terrel by leave introduced,

A bill to be entitled,

An act to extend the time of holding the Circuit Court of Covington county in certain cases.

Which was read three times under a suspension of the rule and passed,

The title standing as stated.

Mr. Evans by leave introduced,

A bill to be entitled,

An act for the relief of G. S. Parker, Sheriff of Clark county,

Which was read twice under a suspension of the rule, and

On motion of Mr. Augustus,

Referred to committee on Claims.

On motion of Mr. Rogers,

The House ajourned until Monday morning 9 o'clock.

 MONDAY, JANUARY 21, 1861.

The House met pursuant to adjournment.

The Journal of Saturday was read and approved.

Mr. Lake presented the petition of sundry citizens of the State of Mississippi protesting against the passage of a stay law,

Which was referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. Dunlap presented the claim of W. H. & T. C. Loud,

Which was referred to the committee on claims.

Mr. Evans presented the petition of sundry citizens of Clark county praying for an increase of the salary of the Probate Judge of said county,

Which was referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. Henley offered the following resolution,

Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Mississippi, That the people of Mississippi should be encouraged in home manufactory, agriculture and mechanical arts, and the Governor of this State be requested to purchase all ordance, arms and munitions of war within our own borders: Provided, The same can be done on reasonable terms.

On motion of Mr. Smedes,

The resolution was laid on the table,

Mr. Lake gave notice that he would on to-morrow or some subsequent day, introduce a bill for the establishment of a bank of discount and deposit in the city of Vicksburg.

Mr. Campbell gave notice that on to-morrow or some subsequent day, he would ask leave to introduce,

A bill to be entitled,

An act to change article 65 of chapter 3 of Revised Code.

Mr. Terrel by leave introduced,

A bill to be entitled,

An act for the relief of certain citizens in the counties therein named, approved Nov. 30, 1860,

Which was read three times under a suspension of the rule and passed.

The title standing as stated.

Mr. Suratt made the following report,

MR. SPEAKER—

The standing committee on Propositions and Grievances to whom was referred the petition of A. R. Johnston and others, citizens of Hinds county, praying the Legislature to remove the civil disabilities of Octavus McGowan, a minor of said county,

Have had said petition under consideration and have instructed me to report said petition back to the House and recommmend that the prayer of said petitioners be not granted,

Which was received.

On motion of Mr. Smedes,

The report was laid on the table.

Mr. Suratt made the following report,

MR. SPEAKER—

The standing committee on Propositions and Grievances to whom was referred,

A bill to be entitled,

An act in relation to free negroes and mulattoes,

Have had the same under consideration and have instructed me to report said bill back to the House with the accompanying amendments, and recommend that the bill as amended by the committee do pass.

Which was received and agreed to.

On motion of Mr. Suratt,

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

On motion of Mr. Walworth,

The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. Suratt made the following report,

MR. SPEAKER—

The standing committee on Propositions and Grievances to whom was referred the bill entitled,

An act for the relief of J. D. Terrel, a minor of Covington county,

Have had the same under consideration and have instructed me to report the said bill back to the House and recommend that it do not pass.

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

A division being called for.

The report was received.

Mr. Terrel offered the following amendment:

Strike out the words “do not pass,” and insert “do pass,”

Which was adopted.

The report was then agreed to as amended.

Mr. Terrel moved,

That the rule be suspended to the end that the bill be read a third time and put upon its passage,

Which was lost.

Mr. Smedes moved,

The indefinite postponement of the bill,

Which was decided in the affirmative by yeas and nays, called for by Messrs. Smedes, Culbertson and Barden,

YEAS—Messrs. Augustus, Akers, Barden, Brantley, Bell, Byrne, Beaman, Barksdale, Coffey, Culbertson, Duncan, Downs, Dunlap, Dickens, Evans, Gilstrap, Hamilton, Hicks, Hall of Leake, Hudson, Holmes, Knox, Lyles, Lake, Martin, McAlister, McDonald, McWhorter, Owen, Pipes, Palmer, Pinson, Reasons, Ruffin, Reid, Rutherford, Suratt, Shelton, Smedes, Tisdale, Thomas, Van Eaton and Wilson.—44.

NAYS—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Adams, Armistead, Bugg, Bradford, Claiborne, Denney, Dantzler, Gage, Graham, Gasque, Hill, Henley, Hooker of Lawrence, Hall of Lauderdale, Johnston, Keith, Love, Murphy, Rogers, Smith of Jones, Terrel, Tolson, Winburn, Withers, Walker and West.—27.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS.

By Mr. Adams,

An act for the relief of Mrs. Ann Mariah Tillman,

Which was read twice under a suspension of the rule,

And referred to the committee on Claims.

By Mr. Dickens,

A bill to be entitled,

An act to increase the salary of the Probate Judge of Panola county,

Which was read three times under a suspension of the rule and passed,

The title standing as stated.

By Mr. Rutherford,

A bill to be entitled,

An act to repeal an act entitled an act to amend an act to secure the interest on the school fund belonging to the Chickasaw Cession so far as the said act relates to the county of Tippah,

Was read three times under a suspension of the rule and passed,

With title as stated.

By Mr. Withers,

A bill to be entitled,

An act to incorporate the Marshall county Manufacturing Company,

Which was read twice under a suspension of the rule.

Mr. Matthews offered an amendment by way of additional section.

On motion of Mr. Withers,

The bill and amendment was referred to the committee on Internal Improvement.

By Mr. Barksdale,

A bill to be entitled,

An act to authorize and empower the guardian of John G. Hagan, of Yazoo county, a person non compos mentis, to sell his ward's property,

Which was read twice under a suspension of the rule, and

On motion of Mr. Smedes,

Referred to the committee on Propositions and Grievances.

By Mr. Bromley,

A bill to be entitled,

An act for the relief of Calvin A. Marshall, Tax Assessor of Itawamba county,

Which was read twice under a suspension of the rule,

And referred to the committee on Ways and Means.

By. Mr. Graham,

A bill to be entitled,

An act to prevent suits against Southern Soldiers,

Which was read twice under a suspension of the rule,

And referred to the committee on Propositions and Grievances.

By Mr. Smedes,

A bill to be entitled,

An act to increase the salary of the Probate Judge of Warren county.

Which was read three several times and passed,

With title as stated.

Mr. Smedes offered the following resolution,

Resolved, by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring, That the style of the Joint Standing Committee upon Internal Improvements shall be changed to that of Internal Improvement and Manufactories and that unless otherwise ordered all petitions, bills and resolutions relating to manufactories be referred to that committee.

On his motion, the rule was suspended and the resolution adopted.

The following message was received from the Senate,

MR. SPEAKER—

The Senate has passed bills with the following titles,

An act to annex township 3, range 1 west, to the First District of the Chancery and Circuit Courts of Hinds county.

A bill for the relief of R. R. Williamson, of Marshall county.

On motion of Mr. Withers,

The House proceeded to the consideration of the Senate messages,

The Senate bill to be entitled,

An act for the relief of R. R. Williamson, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Marshall county,

Was read three several times under a suspension of the rule and passed,

With title as stated.

The Senate bill to be entitled,

An act to annex township 3, range one west, to the first District of the Chancery and Circuit Court of Hinds county,

Was read the first time.

On motion of Mr. Purdom,

The rule was suspended, the bill read the second and third times forthwith and passed,

With title as stated.

On motion of Mr. Terrel,

Resolved, That the committee on the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad be instructed to inquire into the expediency of appropriating—acres of the public lands in this State for the use of said road.

The following message was received from the Senate,

MR. SPEAKER—

The Senate has passed the following bill,

A bill to extend the term of the Circuit Court of Winston county.

Also House bills entitled,

A bill entitled,

An act to regulate the fees of certain officers of Jasper county.

An act to amend an act entitled an act further to regulate the militia and volonteer systems, approved Feb. 10, 1861.

On motion of Mr. Van Eaton,

The Senate bill to be entitled,

An act to extend the term of the Circuit Court in Winston county,

Was called up and read the first time.

On his motion, the rule was suspended, the bill read the second and third times and passed,

With title as stated.

Mr. Pinson offered the following resolution,

Which was adopted,

Resolved, That the committee on Military Affairs be and they are hereby instructed to inquire into the expediency of amending “An act to regulate the Militia and Volunteer system,” approved Feb. 10, 1860, so as to levy the one-twentieth part of the State tax provided in said act as part of the commutation fee upon all property in the State and that they report by bill or otherwise.

On motion of Mr. Henley,

The resolution offered by him in relation to the encouragement of home manufactory,

Was called from the table.

On his motion, the rule requiring joint resolutions to lie one day on the table, was dispensed with and,

On his further motion,

The resolution was referred to the committee on Internal Improvements.

Mr. Matthews made the following report,

MR. SPEAKER—

The committee on the part of the House appointed to confer with the committee of the Senate and the committee of the State Convention as to the propriety of a simultaneous session of the two bodies have performed the duty assigned them, and have to report the following resolution adopted by said conference commmitte,

Resolved, That in view of the fact that the business of the State Convention has not reached that stage of advancement, which sufficiently indicates the duties which will devolve on the Legislature, advise that the Legislature adjourn to a future day.

On motion of Mr. Matthews,

The report was received.

The question was then taken on agreeing to the report and decided in the negative.

Mr. Ruffin by leave introduced,

A bill to be entitled,

An act to amend the charter of the town of Senatoba, in the county of DeSoto,

Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rule and passed,

With title as stated.

Mr. Matthews from the committee on the Judiciary to whom was referred,

A bill to be entitled,

An act to authorize the stay on executions for a limited time,

Report the same back to the House without amendment with a recommendation that it do not pass.

Mr. Matthews moved,

That the report be received and agreed to.

A division being called for,

The report was received.

Question on agreeing,

Pending the question,

On motion of Mr. Jones of Sunflower,

The further consideration of the report was postponed for the present.

The following message was received from the Senate,

MR. SPEAKER—

The Senate has adopted the following joint resolution,

WHEREAS, A Convention of the people is now in session, the Legislature deem it expedient to take a recess, as the continuance of both bodies in session at the same time, may complicate legislation, so as to produce confusion and incompatibility in the laws and prove detrimental to the public weal; Therefore, Resolved, That the Legislature will take a recess from 11 o'clock to-morrow until the first Monday in March, 1861.

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

MR. SPEAKER—

The Governor has approved and signed the following bills which originated in the House of Representatives,

An act to change the time of holding the Probate Court of Jasper county.

An act to change the name of the Fayette Female Academy of Jefferson.

An act for the relief of W. G. Grace, of Lauderdale county.

An act to amend an act entitled an act to amend and reduce into one the act incorporating the city of Natchez and the several acts amendatory thereto.

An act to extend the time of holding the Circuit Court in Lawrence county.

An act to authorize L. W. Galbraith to appoint a Deputy County Treasurer for the county of Chickasaw.

An act to declare parts of Hopson's and Cassidy's Bayou to be navigable streams.

An act to provide food for the poor and destitute citizens of Jasper county.

Resolution acknowledging the receipt of arms and ammunition from the Governor of Louisiania.

An act for the relief of Isham P. Trotter.

An act to amend the several acts of incorporation of the town of Biloxi, in Harrison county, and for other purposes.

On motion of Mr. Jones of Sunflower.

The House took up the Senate message in relation to the recess of the Legislature.

Mr. Henley offered the following amendment,

Amend by striking out all after the word “will” and inserting the words “adjourn sine die on Tuesday the 22d inst.. at 11 o'clock A. M.

The amendment was adopted by yeas and nays, called for by Messrs. Henley, Rogers and Graham.

YEAS—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Augustus, Akers, Barden, Bell, Barksdale, Coffey, Culbertson, Claiborne, Duncan, Downs, Dunlap, Evans, Ellis of Copiah, Gilstrap, Hill, Henley, Hicks, Hall of Lauderdale, Holmes, Knox, Lyles, Matthews, Merinar, McAlister, McWhorter, Murphy, Owen, Pipes, Palmer, Pinson, Reasons, Rogers, Reid, Scales, Smith of Jones, Suratt, Shelton, Tisdale, Tolson, Van Eaton, Wilson, Wheeler, Winburn, Withers, West and Walworth.—47.

NAYS—Messrs. Adams, Armistead, Bugg, Bromley, Bradford, Byrne, Beaman, Dantzler, Dickens, Gage, Graham, Gasque, Hamilton, Hooker of Hinds, Hooker of Lawrence, Hall of Leake, Hudson, Johnson, Jones of Sunflower, Love, Lake, Martin, McDonald, Purdom, Ruffin, Rutherford, Smedes, Thomas and Walker.—29.

The question was then taken on concurring in the Senate resolution as amended and decided in the affirmative.

Mr. Dunlap moved,

That the vote taken on concurring be reconsidered.

On motion of Mr. Wilson,

The motion was laid on the table.

Mr. Smedes offered the following resolution,

Resolved, That the committee on Ways and Means be and they are hereby instructed to inquire into the expediency of altering the law in relation to the mileage of members, so as to provide for the payment to each member the actual cost of his reaching the Capitol from his home and returning thereto according to the accustomed course of travel, and to report a bill accordingly, if deemed proper by them.

Mr. Pinson offered the following amendment,

“And that said committee be also instructed to inquire into the expediency of reducing the salaries of all the officers except in cases forbidden by the Constitution,

Which was lost.

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

Mr. Smedes offered the following resolution,

Resolved, the Senate concurring, That should the Governor convene this Legislature again, or there be an adjourned session thereof, the business not disposed of at the present session shall stand at the adjourned session in the condition in which it shall be left when this Legislature adjourn sine die, and shall be proceeded in accordingly.

On his motion, the rule was suspended.

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

Mr. Matthews from the committee on the Judiciary to whom was referred,

A bill to be entitled,

An act to suspend action for the recovery of debt for a limited period,

Reported the same back to the House without amendment and recommend that it do not pass.

Mr. Matthews moved,

That the report be received and agreed to.

A division being called for,

The report was received.

Question on agreeing,

On motion of Mr. Suratt,

The further consideration of the report was postponed for the present.

On motion of Mr. Hooker, of Hinds,

Resolved, That the committeee on Military Affairs be instructed to inquire into the expediency of reporting a bill for the establishment of an efficient coast police, composed of such number of vessels as they may deem necessary, to give efficient protection to our sea coast and the establishment of such a number of military ports as may be necessary to give efficient protection to our exposed sea shore.

Mr. Thomas offered the following joint resolution:

Resolved, (the Senate concurring) That the Public Printer be instructed to withhold from distribution, the laws and journals of both Houses of the present session, until some time during the month of March next, in order to embrace the proceedings of an extraordinary session in the event the Legislature be re-assembled by the Governor.

Which by rule lies one day on the table.

On motion of Mr. Rogers,

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

 3 O'CLOCK, P. M.

The House met pursuant to adjournment.

Mr. Downs, by leave, introduced

A bill to be entitled,

An act to amend the school laws of the county of Itawamba,

Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rule and passed,

With title as stated.

Mr. Suratt made the following reports:

MR. SPEAKER—

The joint standing committee on claims, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Louis Tilman and Anna Maria Tilman, have had the same under consideration, and have instructed me to report said bill back to the House and recommend that it do pass.

Which was received and agreed to.

On motion of Mr. Adams,

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

With title as stated.

MR. SPEAKER—

The joint standing committee on claims, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Thomas S. Parker, Sheriff of Clarke county, have had the same under consideration, and have instructed me to report said bill back to the House and recommend that it do pass.

Which was received and agreed to,

And the bill read the third time.

On motion of Mr. Suratt,

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

Mr. Thomas in the Chair.

After a short time spent therein the committee rose, reported the bill back without amendment, with a recommendation that it do not pass.

Which was received and agreed to.

The following message was received from the Senate:

Mr. SPEAKER—

The Senate has passed House bills entitled as follows:

An act to increase the salary of the Probate Judge of Panola county.

An act to repeal an act entitled an act to amend an act to secure the interest on the School Fund belonging to the Chickasaw Cession, so far as the said act relates to the county of Tippah.

The Senate has also passed a Senate bill entitled,

An act for the relief of Robert Crenshaw and others.

The Senate refused to concur in the House amendment to the adjournment resolution, and the President has appointed the following committee of conference:

Messrs. Mason, Neill and Gordon.

Mr. Dantzler moved that the House recede from its amendment to the Senate resolution in relation to the recess of the Legislature.

Which was lost.

On motion of Mr. Henley,

The House concurred in the resolution of the Senate appointing a committee of conference of three on the part of the Senate and—on the part of the House in reference to the disagreement of the two Houses fixing a day for the adjournment of the Legislature.

The Chair appointed Messrs. Lake, Henley, Wilson, Tolson and Barksdale, as said committee.

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

MR. SPEAKER—

The Senate has passed the following House bill:

An act to incorporate the Garlandsville Seminary.

And has adopted an amendment thereto, in which the House is desired to concur.

On motion of Mr. Dantzler,

The House concurred in the amendment made by the Senate to the House bill to be entitled an act to incorporate the Garlandsville Seminary.

On motion of Mr. Miller,

The Senate bill to be entitled,

An act for the relief of Robert Crenshaw and others,

Was called up and read the first time.

On his motion,

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

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 the bill back to the House with sundry amendments, and recommended that it do pass as amended.

Which was received and agreed to.

On motion of Mr. Miller,

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

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

An act to restrict the powers of the Board of Police of Tippah county.

Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rule.

On motion of Mr. Smedes,

The bill was indefinitely postponed.

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

MR. SPEAKER—

The Senate has passed a bill entitled,

An act for the relief of William Simmons, of Perry county.

Also House bill entitled,

An act to increase the salary of the Probate Judge of Warren county.

Also, an act to amend an act entitled an act for the relief of certain citizens in the counties therein named, approved, Nov. 30, 1860.

On motion of Mr. Smith of Jones,

The Senate bill to be entitled,

An act for the relief of Wm. Simmons of Perry county,

Was called up and read the first time.

On his motion,

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

On his further motion,

The House resolved itself into committee of the whole.

Mr. Reasons in the Chair.

After some time spent therein the committee rose, reported the bill back with an amendment, and recommended its passage as amended.

Which was received and agreed to.

On motion of Mr. Smith of Jones,

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

Ordered that the title stand as stated.

Mr. Withers, by leave, introduced

A bill to be entitled,

An act to amend an act entitled an act for the relief of the widow and heirs at law of David Robison, deceased, approved Feb. 3, 1860,

Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rule and passed.

With title as stated.

Mr. Graham, by leave, introduced

A bill to be entitled,

An act to prevent hawking and peddling.

Which was read twice under a suspension of the rule, and

On motion of Mr. Augustus,

Referred to the judiciary committee.

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

MR. SPEAKER—

The Senate has passed the following House bills:

An act to amend the school laws of the county of Itawamba,

An act to amend the charter of the town of Sepatobia in the county of DeSoto,

An act for the relief of Louis Tillman and Anna Mariah Tillman.

The Senate has concurred in the House amendments to Senate bill entitled as follows:

An act for the relief of Robert Crenshaw.

Mr. Lake, from the committee of conference, made the following report:

MR. SPEAKER—

The committee appointed by this House to confer with a like committee on the part of the Senate on the subject of a disagreement by the two Houses on the subject of adjournment, report that the said committees have conferred, and have agreed to recommend to the two Houses the adoption of the amendment of the House with the following additional clause: “that the members of the Legislature shall not, should the Governor hereafter deem it necessary to convene them in extraordinary session be entitled to mileage.

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

A division being called for,

The report was received.

Question on agreeing,

On motion of Mr. Lake,

The report was laid on the table.

Mr. Palmer, by leave, introduced

A bill to be entitled,

An act to incorporate Center Lodge, No. 190, of Masons, in the county of Attala

Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rule and passed.

With title as stated.

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

MR. SPEAKER—

The Senate has receded from its refusal to adjourn sine die tomorrow.

On motion of Mr. Thomas,

The joint resolution of the House in relation to the laws and journals of the present session was called from the table and adopted.

Mr. Van Eaton, by leave, introduced a joint resolution providing for the purchase of certain works by the Hon. J. F. H. Claiborne.

On his motion,

The rule was suspended and the resolution adopted.

On motion of Mr. Pinson,

Resolved, That this House will receive no new business after its adjournment this evening.

On motion of Mr. Barden,

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

 TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1861.

The House met pursuant to adjournment.

The Journal of yesterday was read and approved.

Mr. Johnson made the following report,

MR. SPEAKER—

The committee on Enrolled Bills have examined bills of the following titles and find the same correctly enrolled, and have submitted them to the Governor for his signature and approval, to-wit:

An act to repeal an act entitled an act to amend an act to secure the interest on the School Fund belonging to the Chickasaw Session, so far as the said act relates to the county of Tippah, approved, Dec. 14, 1859,

An act to regulate the fees of certain officers of Jasper county,

An act to amend an act entitled an act further to regulate the militia and volunteer system, approved February 10, 1860

An act to increase the salary of the Probate Judge of Panola county,

An act to amend the school laws of Itawamba county,

An act to amend an act entitled an act to incorporate the town of Senatoba, in the county of DeSoto, approved, February 10th, 1860.

An act to amend an act entitled an act for the relief of certain citizens in the counties therein named, approved, Nov. 30, 1860,

An act to increase the salary of the Probate Judge of Warren county,

An act to prohibit the sale of intoxicating liquors within two miles of the town of Garlandsville,

An act for the relief of Louis Tillman and Anna Mariah Tillman.

Mr. Thomas offered the following resolution,

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 the Governor and inform him that both Houses have resolved to adjourn at 11 o'clock this day, and inquire of him if he has any further communication to make to the Legislature.

On his motion,

The rule was suspended and the resolution adopted.

The Chair appointed as said committee,

Messrs. Thomas, Augustus, Ruffin, Rogers and Johnston.

Mr. Suratt made the following reports,

MR. SPEAKER—

The standing committee on propositions and grievances, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an act to authorize the guardian of John G. Hagan of Yazoo county, a person non compos mentis, to sell his ward's property, have had the same under consideration, and have instructed me to report said bill back to the House and recommend that it do pass.

On motion of Mr. Suratt,

The report was received and agreed to.

On his motion,

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

With title as stated.

MR. SPEAKER—

The standing committee on propositions and grievances, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an act to prevent suits against Southern soldiers, have had the same under consideration, and have instructed me to report said bill back to the House with an amendment thereto and recommend that it do pass as amended.

On motion of Mr. Suratt,

The report was received and agreed to,

On motion of Mr. Graham,

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

Ordered that title stand as stated.

Mr. Duncan, by leave, introduced

A bill to be entitled,

An act for the relief of E. C. Hunter, tax assessor of Calhoun county.

Which was read three several times under a suspension of the rule and passed,

With title as stated.

The following message was received from the Senate,

MR. SPEAKER—

The Senate has re-considered the vote receding from its disagreement to the House resolution of adjournment and insists upon its disagreement to the House amendment to their resolution.

Mr. Lake, by leave, introduced

Resolutions in relation to the navigation of the Mississippi river.

Mr. Claiborne moved to amend by striking out the preamble,

Which was lost.

On motion of Mr. Lake,

The rule was suspended and the resolutions adopted.

The following message was received from the Senate,

MR. SPEAKER—

The Senate has instructed me to ask another committee of conference on the part of the House to consider the disagreement of the two Houses relative to adjournment.

The president has appointed Messrs. McCord, McLain and Oliver, as said committee.

On motion of Mr. Love,

The House insisted upon its amendment to the Senate resolution in relation to the recess of the Legislature, fixing upon this day at 11 o'clock, A. M., for both Houses to adjourn sine die.

On motion of Mr. Van Eaton,

The house concurred in the Senate resolution asking another committee of conference in relation to the adjournment of the Legislature.

The Chair appointed Messrs. Van Eaton, Lake, Barksdale, Wilson and Scales, as the committee on the part of the House.

Mr. Suratt made the following report,

MR. SPEAKER—

The joint standing committee on claims, to whom was referred sundry claims, have had the same under consideration, and have instructed me to report the accompanying bill, making sundry appropriations and recommend that it do pass.

Which was received and agreed to,

And the bill read the first and second times by title.

On motion of Mr. Suratt,

The House resolved itself into committee of the whole.

Mr. Dunlap in the Chair.

After some time spent therein the committee rose, reported the bill back with an amendment, and recommended its passage as amended.

Which was received and agreed to.

On motion of Mr. Suratt,

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

The following message was received from the Governor, through his Private Secretary, Mr. Campbell,

MR. SPEAKER—

The Governor has approved and signed House bills entitled.

An act to amend an act further to regulate the militia and volunteer system, approved, Feb. 10th, 1860,

An act to regulate the fees of certain officers in Jasper county,

An act to repeal an act entitled an act to amend an act to secure the interest on the school fund belonging to the Chickasaw cession so far as the said act relates to the county of Tippah, approved, Dec 14th, 1859.

An act to amend the school laws of Itawamba county,

An act to increase the salary of the Probate Judge of Panola county,

An act to amend an act entitled an act to incorporate the town of Senatobia, in the county of DeSoto, approved, February 10th, 1860,

An act to increase the salary of the Probate Judge of Warren county,

An act to amend an act entitled an act for the relief of certain citizens in the counties therein named, approved, November 30th, 1860,

An act for the relief of Louis Tillman and Anna Mariah Tillman,

An act to prohibit the sale of intoxicating liquors within two miles of the town of Garlandsville.

The following message was received from the Senate,

MR. SPEAKER—

The Senate has passed House bills entitled,

An act to extend the time of holding the Circuit court of Covington county in certain cases,

Resolution in relation to the laws and journals of the present session of the Legislature,

Resolution providing for the purchase of certain works by the Hon. J. F. H. Claiborne.

Mr. Van Eaton made the following report,

MR. SPEAKER—

The Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives appointed to confer respecting the matters of difference between them in relation to an adjournment of the two Houses, have met and have instructed me to report as the result of their conference, that the resolution of adjournment as amended by the House of Representatives shall be adopted, with an amendment declaring that the course of adjournment sine die is agreed on because the committee believe that the Convention now in session will continue their session for some time to come, so that no day can be fixed as proper for an adjourned meeting of the Legislature, and they are willing to entrust to the discretion of the Governor the calling the Legislature in extraordinary session.

On motion of Mr. Van Eaton,

The report was received and agreed to.

Mr. Lake offered the following resolution,

Which was unanimously adopted:

Resolved, That the thanks of this House are eminently due and hereby severely tendered to Mr. Speaker Campbell, for the patience, ability and impartiality with which he has presided over their deliberations, and discharged the other duties of his position.

The following message was received from the Senate,

MR. SPEAKER—

The Senate has concurred in joint resolution relative to the navigation of the Mississippi river,

Also, a bill to be entitled,

An act to prevent suits against Southern Soldiers,

The Senate has concurred in the House resolution appointing a committee to wait on the Governor, &c.,

And the President has appointed as the Senate committee, Messrs. Oliver, Neill and McRae,

The Senate has passed House bill entitled,

An act for the relief of the widow and heirs at law of David Robison deceased, approved, Feb. 3, 1860,

The Senate has also passed a House bill to be entitled,

An act making certain appropriations therein named,

An act for the relief of E. C. Hunter of Calhoun county.

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

MR. SPEAKER—

The Governor has approved and signed House bills entitled,

Resolution providing for the purchase of certain works by the Hon. J. F. H. Claiborne,

Resolution in relation to the laws and journals of the present session of the Legislature,

An act to extend the time of holding the Circuit Court of Covington county in certain cases.

The following message was received from the Senate,

MR. SPEAKER—

The Senate has adopted the following resolution,

Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate having accomplished the objects for which this Legislature was convened, is now ready to adjourn.

Mr. Johnston 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 find the same correctly enrolled, to-wit,

An act to prevent suits against Southern soldiers,

An act for the relief of E. C. Hunter, tax assessor of Calhoun county,

An act to amend an act entitled an act for the relief of the widow and heirs of David Robison deceased, approved, 3d Feb., 1860,

An act making certain appropriations therein named.

The following message was received from the Governor,

MR. SPEAKER—

The Governor has approved and signed House bills entitled,

An act to prevent suits against Southern soldiers,

An act for the relief of E C. Hunter, tax assessor of Calhoun county,

An act making certain appropriations therein named,

An act to amend an act entitled an act for the relief of the widow and heirs at law of David Robison deceased, approved, Feb. 3d, 1860.

Mr. Thomas made the following report,

MR. SPEAKER—

The joint committee appointed to wait on the Governor and inform him that the two Houses had accomplished the business before them and were now ready to adjourn sine die, beg leave to report that they have discharged that duty, and were informed by the Governor that he had no further communications to make.

On motion of Mr. Thomas,

The report was received and agreed to.

Mr. Purdom moved that the House do now adjourn.

The Speaker, after delivering his Farewell Address, declared the House adjourned sine die.

R. C. MILLER, Clerk. APPENDIX. [DOCUMENT A.] LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, December 22, 1860. HIS EXCELLENCY J. J. PETTUS,

Sir:—I have only time to day to transmit to you the action of the authorities of Arkansas concerning the objects of the mission with which I have been entrusted.

A bill calling a Convention of the people has just passed the House of Representatives by a nearly unanimous vote and it is believed will pass the Senate on to-morrow or at an early day.

Reserving the privilege of making a report and detail of the events connected with my visit to the Capital of our sister of Arkansas.

I am, with sentiments of high respect and consideration,

Your obedient servant, G. R. FALL, Commissioner. Special Message from the Governor relative to Commissioner from Mississippi.

MR. SPEAKER:—I am instructed by the governor, to deliver to the House of Representatives the following message and accompanying documents.

W. M. MATHENY, Private Secretary. December 18, 1860.

MR. SPEAKER AND GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:—For the information of your honorable body, I beg leave to communicate to you, the following letter, addressed to me by the Hon. George R. Fall, a commissioner deputed by the authorities of the State of Mississippi, to the State of Arkansas, to inform the people of this common-wealth of the action taken by the legislature of said State, touching the present threatening relations existing between the Northern and Southern States of the Union.

Also the letter of appointment or commission, given by his excellency, John J. Pettus, Governor of the State of Mississippi, to said commissioner.

Also, the convention bill, and federal resolutions, passed by the legislature of that State, and delivered in person by the said Hon. Geo. R. Fall, commissioner, to me this morning.

HENRY M. RECTOR. LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, December 17, 1861. HIS EXCELLENCY H. M. RECTOR,

Sir:—It has been made my duty to inform your excellency, that the legislature of the State of Mississippi, “has passed an act calling a convention of the people of the State to consider the present threatening relations of the Northern and Southern sections of the confederacy, aggravated by the election of a president upon principles of hostility to the States of the South, and to express the earnest hope of Mississippi, that those States will co-operate with her in the adoption of efficient measures for their common defence and safety.” I herewith present that act, and also a preamble and resolution, passed by the same body, upon a subject of vital interest, not only to the people of Mississippi and the slaveholding States, but to the people of all the States of the Union.

I take the occasion to remark, that the action of the Mississippi legislature was marked, I believe, by entire unanimity. On the eve of great events, that body resolved to bury old partizan feuds, and as members of the same family to make a united and concentrated efforts to receive southern co-operation and southern resistance in defence of southern honor and institutions. Doing nothing rashly—making no issue for her sister States, she seeks their earnest and cordial co-operation, with a view of obtaining a full and final settlement of this great question of the century; but if, after a reasonable delay, her propositions are rejected, she will resume her sovereignty, and meet the strife alone, let the consequences be what they may.

Trusting, sir, that in the approaching conflict, the great State of which you are the honored executive, will be found co-operating with Mississippi, I am with high respect,

Your excellency's obedient servant, G. R. FALL, Commissioner from Mississippi. STATE OF ARKANSAS. WEDNESDAY, December 19, 1860.

In the Senate the following proceedings, among others, were had, to-wit:

The following message was received from the House of Representatives, by the clerk:

MR. PRESIDENT:—I am instructed to inform your honorable body that the House of Representatives have adopted the following joint resolutions, to-wit:

“Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas, That we have received, with the highest sentiments of respect, the communications which have been made to us by the State of Mississippi through her distinguished commissioner, George R. Fall, Esq., and we hail with the highest pleasure, this assurance on the part of Mississippi, that the fraternal regard and warm relations which have characterized, heretofore, the intercourse of our States will continue and that our citizens have a common interest, deep, lasting and abiding.

Resolved, That we discharge a just and pleasing duty in testifying to the State of Mississippi the able and dignified manner in which her commissioner has discharged the offices entrusted to him by his State.

Resolved, That the State of Arkansas deeply appreciates the motion of Mississippi in proposing to counsel with those who have a common interest and a common destiny with herself, fully recognizing, with her, the necessity for prompt and early action in view of the present disturbed relations between the two sections of our confederacy; that we feel this government has been prostituted by the fanaticism of a large political party from the high and pure objects for which it was formed, and rendered an engine of oppression to those whom our forefathers recognized as co-equals in this government.

Resolved, That the Governor of this State be requested to communicate the foregoing resolutions to the Governor of Mississippi.

Resolved, That the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives, transmit to the Hon. Geo. R. Fall a copy of the foregoing resolutions.”

Said resolutions are herewith transmitted for the concurrence of your honorable body, which is respectfully asked.

S. M. SCOTT, Clerk of the House of Representatives. FRIDAY, December 21, 1860.

On motion of Mr. McColloch, the House joint resolutions complimentary to Hon. Geo. R. Fall, were taken up, read and concurred in.

In testimony that the foregoing proceedings were had as appears from the journals of the two houses of the General Assembly, the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives hereto set their hands, the same being attested by their Secretary and Clerk, on this twenty-first day of December, A. D., 1860.

THOMAS FLETCHER, President of the Senate. BRADLEY BUNCH, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Attest—JOHN D. KIMBALL,Secretary of the Senate. S. M. SCOTT, Clerk of the House of Representatives. LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, December 20, 1860. HIS EXCELLENCY, HENRY M. RECTOR,

Sir:—Having discharged the duties assigned me, by the Executive of Mississippi, my official intercourse with your Excellency will terminate on to-morrow.

You will permit me to remark, that my sojourn in your Capital will always be remembered with pleasure, in consequence of the numerous evidences of respect shown to my State and the courtesy which has been personally extended to myself not only by your Excellency but by the Legislative authorities and citizens of Arkansas.

I beg that your Excellency will accept for yourself and convey to the Legislature of your State this simple acknowledgment of my high consideration and respect.

Your Excellency's obedient servant, G. R. FALL, Commissioner from Mississippi EXECUTIVE OFFICE, LITTLE ROCK, Dec. 20, 1860. HON. GEO. R. FALL, COMMISSIONER EXTRAORDINARY FROM THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI TO THE STATE OF ARKANSAS.

Sir:—I am in receipt of your communication of this morning, announcing that the duties assigned to you by the Executive of Mississippi have been discharged, and that your official intercourse with the authorities of Arkansas will cease on to-morrow.

You are also pleased to allude in terms highly gratifying to the numerous evidences of respect shown to your State and the courtesy personally extended to yourself by the Executive and Legislative authorities of Arkansas.

Be pleased to accept in return my acknowledgements for the consideration shown by the authorities of Mississippi to those of Arkansas, evidenced by your mission here.

With an assurance that the warmest sympathies are felt, by myself at least, and I am confident by a large majority of our people in common with Mississippi, and other sister States of the South which have been goaded by persistent, and relentless persecution, to seek their future safety, and protect their honor, inside of a separate nationality.

With sentiments of great respect for yourself, and the authorities of your State.

I am respectfully, Your obedient servant, HENRY M. RECTOR, Governor of the State of Arkansas. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., December 25, 1860. TO HIS EXCELLENCY JOHN J. PETTUS, Governor of Mississippi.

Sir:—I have already enclosed to your Excellency, the official action of the authorities of Arkansas, relating to the objects of the mission with which I have been recently entrusted to that State.

Immediately upon receipt of my credentials, I repaired to Little Rock and presented to His Excellency, Henry M. Rector, the bill calling a Convention of the people of Mississippi, together with the resolutions passed by our Legislature at its late session. These documents were promptly laid before the Legislature of Arkansas, then in session by the Executive, and three thousand copies ordered to be printed for distribution. Accompanying them was a note from your Commissioner, which, with other proceedings have been forwarded to the Executive Department, to which your Excellency is referred.

When your Commissioner left the Capitol of Arkansas, a bill calling a Convention of the people of that State had passed the House of Representatives by an almost unanimous vote, and no doubt is now the law of the land.

The question of secession is a new one in Arkansas. It has never yet been debated or considered there; and it is not, therefore, surprising that the people of that great State, should not be as familiar with it, and as ready to act upon it, as are the people of Mississippi, where it has been discussed for many years, and where her most eminent statesmen, cheerfully embracing this issue, have on more than one contest before the people been beaten down and driven to private life. Novertheless, the evidences of a determination on the part of Arkansas to co-operate with the Southern States on the formation of a Southern Confederacy are of the most cheering and substantial character. The people are moving in their primary assemblies in all sections of the State, and the Executive and Legislative branches of the government, recognize the necessity of prompt and early action in view of the threatening relations of the Confederacy.

In my intercourse with the authorities of Arkansas, I have kept constantly in view the chief object of my mission, and have not failed, on all proper occasions, to respectfully urge the views and policy of Mississippi; and it will be gratifying to your Excellency to be informed, that your Commissioner, officially as well as individually, was always received with the greatest kindness and the highest consideration.

I have the honor to be, Your Excellency's Obedient servant, G. R. FALL, Commissioner from Mississippi. [DOCUMENT B.] FRANKFORD, KY., Dec. 19th, 1860. HIS EXCELLENCY, B. MAGOFFIN,

Sir:—I herewith transmit to your Excellency a series of resolutions passed by the Legislature of Mississippi, at a called session thereof, on the 30th day of November, 1860. By these resolutions the Governor of Mississippi is authorized and requested to appoint as many commissioners as in his judgment may be necessary to visit each of the slaveholding States and inform them, that the Legislature of Mississippi had passed an act calling a Convention of the people said State to consider the present threatning relations of the Northern and Southern sections of the Confederacy, aggravated by the recent election of a President on principles of hostility to the States of the South, and to express the earnest hope of Mississippi, that those States will co-operate with her, in the adoption of efficient measures for their common defense and safety.

The resolutions further provide, “that should any Southern State not have convened its Legislature, the Commissioner to such State, shall appeal to the Governor thereof to call the Legislature together, in order that its co-operation may be immediately secured.”

In discharging the duty which devolved on the Executive of Mississippi by the resolutions referred to, His Excellency John J. Pettus, has conferred on me the appointment of Commissioner to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, I am now ready to lay before your Excellency my credentials, and to enter into the conference contemplated by the Legislature of Mississippi in creating and filling the mission, I have the honor to await your Excellency's reply.

Very respectfully, W. S. FEATHERSTON. HOLLY SPRINGS, Jan. 2d, 1861. HIS EXCELLENCY, JOHN J. PETTUS,

Sir:—Immediately on the receipt of my credentials as Commissioner to the State of Kentucky, I visited the Capitol of that Commonwealth. I learned in conference with His Excellency Governor Magoffin, that the Legislature of that State, had not been convened, as well as the reasons which had restrained him from issuing his proclamation for that purpose. I now have the pleasure, however, of announcing, that his proclamation has since that time been issued, and that the Legislature of Kentucky will convene in extra session on the 17th of this month.

I was assured by Governor Magoffin, that Kentucky was as emphatically pro-slavery as any one of her Southern sisters. And, in the event of a dissolution of the Union, and of Kentucky's being forced to make her election between the two sections of the Confederacy, she would unquestionably go with the South. He also assured me, that a very large majority of the people of that State, would not favor the secession of Kentucky until in their judgment all honorable means of securing their rights, and saving their honor within the Union, had been exhausted. That, they desired a Convention of the Southern States, in order to agree upon such additional guarantees or amendments to the Constitution of the United States as would settle finally and forever this sectional controversy, upon a basis satisfactory to the South. If these rights thus asserted by a Southern Convention, should not be promptly conceded by the North, Kentucky would then be ready for secession. Such is the present state of public opinion there, as I learned from every reliable source of information. I was proud to witness there, however, the same indications of a rapid change in public opinion that are now seen in all of the Southern States. Kentucky is evidently moving in the right direction. Her people are a proud-spirited, chivalric race who are disposed to submit no longer to Northern aggression. The prompt secession of the Cotton States, would, in my judgment, speedily unite the entire South in one Confederacy.

I have the honor to be, very truly, Your obedient servant, W. S. FEATHERSTON. P. S.—I transmit to your Excellency herewith, copies of the only correspondence which ensued between Governor Magoffin and myself.Very truly, W. S. F. [DOCUMENT C.] JACKSON, Dec. 31st, 1860. HIS EXCELLENCY, J. J. PETTUS, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

Dear Sir:—I have the honor to report herewith the proceedings of the Legislature of the State of Georgia, on my reception as commissioner, by your appointment, from the State of Mississippi. Also a copy of my Address delivered before that body.

I should do injustice to my own feelings—to the people of Mississippi—and more than all, to the authorities and people of the State of Georgia—if I failed to make known here, the distinguished kindness, and prompt attention, with which your Commissioner was greeted, at the Capitol of Georgia. As a native son of Georgia, I felt proud of the dignity, generosity and fraternity, of her honored sons, in their reception of your agent, and their cordial response to the message of Mississippi, which I had the honor to communicate; and as an adopted son of Mississippi and her accredited agent, I was equally proud, to be the recipient, for her, of the friendly greeting and assurance, unanimously extended—and herewith communicated to your Excellency.

It affords me pleasure to add, that while there may be differences among her distinguished sons and their respective supporters, as to some minor matters, there is but one voice in Georgia as to her secession. in the event that Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, shall have taken that step, before the meeting of her Convention, on the 16th January. I have the fullest confidence, that Georgia will never separate herself from her sisters and her children, of the Gulf States. Nothing but hesitation, indecision, or delay, upon their part, will impede her onward march with them, to vindicate our common rights and redress our common wrongs.

Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, WILLIAM L. HARRIS. Commissioner from the State of Mississippi to the State of Georgia. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, MILLEDGEVILLE, GA., Dec. 15, 1860.

To the General Assembly:—I have the pleasure to inform you, that the Hon. William L. Harris, who has been appointed by the Governor of the State of Mississippi, by authority of the Legislature of that State, a Commissioner to this State, to inform the people of Georgia, through their Executive and Legislature, that the State of Mississippi has called a Convention of the people of that State; for the purpose of considering our present grievances, &c., and asking our co-operation in the adoption of efficient measures for the common defense and safety of the South; has been received at this Department, and is now ready to confer with the General Assembly, upon the subject of his important mission.

I herewith enclose a copy of the commission of Judge Harris, and ask for him the courtesy and consideration due his high position as a gentleman, and as the representative of a sovereign sister State with whom we have a common interest, and a common destiny.

JOSEPH E. BROWN. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. MILLEDGEVILLE, GA., December 15, 1860.

WHEREAS, A message from His Excellency the Governor has informed us that the Hon. William L. Harris, a Commissioner from the State of Mississippi, to the State Georgia has arrived at the Capitol;

Resolved, That a committee be appointed by the Speaker, to wait upon the Hon. William L. Harris of Mississippi, and tender him a seat upon the floor of this House, und also to act in concert with a committee to be appointed by the Senate, to inform him that the General Assembly of the State of Georgia, will be ready to receive and hear him in the Representative Hall on Monday next at 12 o'clock M.

Resolved, That the Senate be requested to concur in this action of the House of Representatives.

The committee appointed under the foregoing resolutions, consist of Messrs. Hartridge, Smith of Towns, Fannin, Ely and Tatum.

 SENATE CHAMBER. MILLEDGEVILLE, GA., December 15, 1860.

On motion of Mr. Billups, the Senate concurred in the resolution of the House, and appointed Messrs. Billups, McGehee and Tracy, a committee on the part of the Senate, to act in concert with the committee of the House under said resolutions.

On further motion, Hon. William L. Harris was invited to a seat on the floor of the Senate.

After the committee had discharged their duty; the two Houses met in convention, when the Hon. William L. Harris, Commissioner of the State of Mississippi, was introduced and delivered his Address. When on motion, the Senate returned to their Chamber.

The following resolutions were then offered in the Senate by the Hon. Thomas Butler King.

Resolved. That a Joint Select Committee be appointed, of six on the part of the Senate and seven on the part of the House of Representatives, to consider and report the proper form and terms in which to express the opinion of this General Assembly in response to the friendly and important communication from the State of Mississippi, through her Commissioner the Hon. W. L. Harris.

The committee appoited under said resolution are Messrs. King, Moore, Briscoe, Holt, Lawton and Printup.

On motion of Mr. Hartridge, the House concurred in the resolution of the Senate, and appointed Messrs. Hartridge, Lester, Fannin, Lewis, Anderson, Barnes and Harris, a committee to act in concert with the committee of the Senate under said resolution.

Mr. King from the Joint Select Committee, to whom was referred the communication of the Governor of Mississippi to the Governor of this State, asks leave to submit the following report:

WHEREAS, A large portion of the people of the non-slave-holding States, have for many years past, shown in many ways a fanatical spirit bitterly hostile to the Southern States, and have through the instrumentality of incendiary publications, the pulpit and the newspaper press, finally organized a political party for the avowed purpose of destroying the institution of slavery, and consequently spreading ruin and desolation among the people in every portion of the States where it exists:

And whereas, This spirit of fanaticism has allied itself with a design long entertained by leading politicians of the North, to wield the taxing power of the Government, for the purpose of protecting and fostering the interest of that section of the Union, and also, to appropriate the common territories of the United States to the exclusive use of northern emigration, for the purpose of extending, consolidating, and renderi