The Convention met according to previous notice, at 10, A. M., in the City Hall, and was organized temporarily, by calling Dr. R. W. Gibbes, of Columbia, S. C., to the Chair, and requesting Lieut. Patrick of the same place, to act as Secretary.

The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. Dr. Reynolds, of Columbia, S. C.

The Chairman then read the following resolution, adopted by the State Educational Association of North Carolina, at their meeting, October, 1862.

Resolved, That this Association recommend a general convention of the teachers of the Confederate States, to be held at ——on——1863, to take into consideration the best means for supplying the necessary text-books for schools and colleges, and for uniting their efforts for the advancement of education in the Confederacy; and that the Executive Committee of the Association be directed to correspond with teachers in the various States on the subject.

Under which resolution the Committee selected Columbia, S. C., as the place of meeting.

On motion of Mr. Smythe, of N. C., it was—

Resolved, unanimously, That the Chairman be requested to invite all gentlemen interested in the objects of the Convention, to unite with us and take part in our deliberations.

On motion of Mr. Sterling, of N. C., the delegates then proceeded to enroll their names.

It was resolved, on motion, that the ladies be invited to attend our sessions.

The Convention, on motion of Mr. Palmer, of N. C., then adjourned to meet at 8 o'clock, P. M.

The Association met pursuant to adjournment, at 9 o'clock, A. M., and was opened with prayer by Rev. Dr. Curtis, of South Carolina.

The minutes of the last meetings were read and approved.

The Committee on permanent organization, reported the following nominations for officers, who were elected unanimously, by acclamation:

Dr. Reynolds having, in appropriate terms, expressed to the Association his full appreciation of the honor conferred, assumed the duties of the office to which he was elected.

The Committee on General Interests of Education and Text Books, made a report which, being received, after some discussion, was recommitted.

The following resolution was offered by Dr. J. H. Gibbons, of North Carolina:

Resolved, That it be recommended by this Convention, to introduce the Constitution of the Confederate States as a text-book in all public schools.

The report was referred to the Committee on General Interests of Education, &c.

Letters were then read by Dr. Gibbes, from Prof. C. Martin, of Hampden Sidney College, Va., which were referred to same committee.

A call being made on the members of the Assciation for information as to the efforts being made, and the facilities for obtaining a supply of Southern text-books, the remainder of the morning was consumed by the Delegates from Virginia and N. Carolina, in giving to the Association much interesting information.

Eight additional names were registered this morning.

On motion, the Association adjourned until 3 1/2 P. M.

The Association resumed business at the time designated.

The call upon the States for information in regard to textbooks, was continued. After the reception of interesting reports from Delegates of South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, there arose an irregular discussion on text-books and systems of instruction, which continued until the re-appearance of the Committee on Educational Interests. The remainder of the afternoon was consumed in a discussion of the resolutions contained in the report of said committee. At a late hour the Association adjouned to meet at 8 P. M.

The resolutions reported by the Committee being still under consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Curtis; that the subject-matter of debate be committed to Messrs. Woodrow, Wiley and Sterling. The resolution was adopted. The Committee having retired for business, during their absence the following resolutions were passed.

By Mr. S. H. Wiley, of N. C.—

Resolved, 1st. That one representative from each State be appointed to make arrangements with officers of railroads, and other companies, for the transportation of members to and from the meetings of this association.

2d. That the same members give to the Corresponding Secretary and other officers of this Association such information as may be desired.

By the Committee on General Interests of Education, &c.—

Resolved, That this Association learns with high gratification the fact that so many persons are engaged in preparing and publishing books suited to the welfare and demands of this Confederacy.

Resolved, That the authorities of the several States be earnestly requested by this Association to give their attention to the importance of educating for teachers in our schools, worthy young men, who, by the misfortunes of war, are rendered unfit for manual labor.

Resolved, That the Delegates from those States which have no system of public education, be requested to urge upon the Executives and Legislatures of their respective States, the organization of such a system, and the appointment of a Superintendent of Common Schools.

By Mr. Wells, of S. C.—

Resolved, That to strengthen the influence of this Association, and further the cause of education, we do earnestly recommend the organization of a Teacher's Association in each State of the Confederacy.

By Mr. Cann, of Georgia—

Resolved, That a committee of three shall be appointed, of which the President shall be Chairman, to select subjects for discussion at the next annual meeting, and to announce the same in the public call for the meeting of the Association, and the order in which they shall be brought up—which shall be given at least two months prior to said meeting. Whereupon, the President appointed T. J. Wells, of South Carolina, and R. Sterling, of North Carolina.

By Mr. Mallon, of Georgia—

Resolved, That the Vice-Presidents of the Association shall constitute a committee, whose duty shall be, to procure the services of two persons to deliver addresses on educational subjects before the Association at its next annual meeting.

The Committee on Educational Interests and Text-Books, reported through their Chairman the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:

The Committee appointed on the General Interests of Education in the Confederate States of America, and on the subject of supplying our schools with text-books, respectfully offer the following report:

The Educational Association of the Confederate States of America, assembled at Columbia, S. C., being ardently attached to the rights, interests and honor of each State and of the Confederate States, and profoundly sympathizing with the country in its righteous efforts to maintain its independence, would remind all the teachers and friends of education in the Confederacy, that the war in which we are engaged requires for its successful prosecution active and competent laborers in all those departments which, under God, constitute the wealth and strength of a nation; not the least important of which is the school-room.

Whatever our circumstances may be, there will be children at home who can be usefully employed only in study; and while the casualties of war are carrying off the present adult generation, which, under any circumstances, would not be long on the stage of action, it is of the utmost importance that those who are to succeed them should be able to appreciate the greatness of the trusts committed to their hands. And, while this is so, it should also be remembered that it is in the school-room that the mind of the State is prepared for the development of its material and moral resources, and for the skillful application of them to its support and defence. This Association, animated with unconquerable faith in the resources of the Confederate States, cannot doubt the ability of the people to maintain their intellectual, industrial, commercial and political independence, if each class of the community, with an humble trust in God, and a sincere desire to walk in the ways of that righteousness which exalteth a nation, will diligently devote itself to those means which can be employed with most effect for such a result. The Association, therefore, adopts the following resolutions:

Resolved, That, considering our former dependence for books, for teachers and for manufacturers on those who now seek our subjugation, it is especially incumbent on this Association to encourage and foster a spirit of home enterprise and self-reliance.

Resolved, That in this time of peril and trial, we recognize in our educational systems an important interest of the country, which, next to a pure religious faith, contributes most to the greatness of the present and the hope of the future; and that they should be maintained with energy, for the sake, both of the beneficial results to us and to our posterity, and as an illustration to the world of the civilization of the people of the Confederate States.

Resolved, That the unexampled heroism and devotion of our soldiers, imperatively demand of those to whom is committed the mental and moral development of our infant Republic, corresponding exertions in their appropriate sphere. And the more effectually to carry out the spirit of these resolutions, this Association, collectively, and individually, pledge themselves to the following action: 1st. To endeaver to lead the public mind by means consistent with the purposes of this body, to just views in regard to the true elements of national strength. 2d. To regard all classes of schools as identified in their general interests; and to watch over our State educational systems with sleepless solicitude. 3d. To encourage our own citizens by every means in our power, to prepare and publish suitable text-books for our schools; and in all cases where such books are of equal merit with foreign works, to give them the decided preference.

The Association was opened with prayer by Rev. Mr. Lander, of N. Carolina.

The minutes of the previous day were read and confirmed.

Mr. Sterling, Chairman of committee, presented the following, which unanimously passed.

The committee to whom was refered a resolution in regard to the use of the Constitution of the Confederate States of America as a school-book, beg leave to submit the following resolution:

Resolved, That authors and publishers of School Readers be requested to insert in their publications, the Constitution of the Confederate States of America.

The following resolution, by same committee, was also passed:

Resolved, That it is inexpedient and impracticable at present, for this Association to examine a report upon text-books for schools, either by committee or otherwise.

The following resolutions were passed:

By Rev. S. H. Wiley, N. C.—

Resolved, That all authors and Publisher of books in the Confederate States of America be requested to send to the Corresponding Secretary, a copy of such works, and that the Secretary report the same to the annual meetings of the Association.

Resolved, That a committee of one from each State represented, be appointed by the President to prepare for publication in the newspapers, a summary of our proceedings, and to invite the co-operation of the teachers and friends of education in the Confederacy, in the action of this Association.