Ordered that a message be sent to the House of Representatives
informing them that the Senate had assembled, and was
ready for the transaction of public business.
A message was received from the House of Representatives by
their Clerk as follows:
MR. SPEAKER:
I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives
is organized and ready for the transaction of public
business.
Mr. Payne offered the following resolution, (Senate Resolution
No. 1,):
to consist of five members on the part of the Senate,
and--members on the part of the House of Representatives.
On motion of Mr. Payne, the rules were suspended and the
resolution taken up and adopted, and ordered to be engrossed and
transmitted to the House of Representatives.
A message was received from the House of Representatives
by Mr. DeWolf, their Clerk, as follows:
MR. SPEAKER:
The House of Representatives has appointed the following
Committee to act in conjunction with such Committee as the Senate
may appoint, to wait upon His Excellency, the Governor, and inform
him that the General Assembly is organized and ready for
the transaction of public business, viz:
Messrs. Williams of Hickman, Brazelton, Lea, Davis, and Mr. East.
The message was taken up, and the Speaker appointed Messrs.
Bumpass, Stokes, and Mr. Wood on said Committee.
Mr. Newman, (Mr. Wood in the Chair,) offered the following
resolution (Senate Resolution No 2,):
The resolution lies over under the rule.
Mr. Bumpass from the Joint Committee to wait upon the Governor,
reported that the duty had been performed, and that His
Excellency would communicate, with the General Assembly immediately.
On motion, the rules of the regular session were adopted for
the government of this.
A message was received from His Excellency, the Governor,
by the hands of J. E. R. Ray, Secretary of State, and read as follows:
The President of the United States--elected according to the
forms of the Constitution, but upon principles openly hostile to
its provisions--having wantonly inaugurated an internecine war
between the people of the slave and non-slave holding States,
I have convened you again at the seat of Government, for the
purpose of enabling you to take such action as will most
likely contribute to the defence of our rights, the preservation
of our liberties, the sovereignty of the State, and the safety
of our people; all of which are now in imminent peril by the
usurpations of the authorities in Washington, and the unscrupulous
fanaticism which runs riot throughout the Northern
States.
The war thus inaugurated is likely to assume an importance
nearly, if not equal, to the struggle of our revolutionary
fathers, in their patriotic efforts to resist the usurpations and
throw off the tyrannical yoke of the English Government; a war
the duration of which and the good or evil that must result from
it, depends entirely, in my judgment, upon the readiness with
which the citizens of the South harmonize as one people, and
the alacrity with which they respond to the demands of patriotism.
I do not think it necessary to recapitulate, at this late hour,
the long train of abuses to which the people of Tennessee, and
our sister States of the South have been subjected by the anti-republican
spirit that has for many years been manifesting
itself in that section, and which has at last declared itself our
open and avowed enemy. In the message which I addressed
to you at your called session in January last, these things
were somewhat elaborately referred to, as constituting, in my judgment,
the amplest reason for considering ourselves in imminent
danger, and as requiring such action on the part of the Legislature
as would place the State in an attitude for defence,
whenever the momentous crisis should be forced upon us; and,
also, as presenting to the North the strongest argument for
peace, and if possible, securing a reconstruction of the Union,
thus already dissolved by the most authoritative, formal, and
matured action of a portion of the slaveholding States. Minor
differences upon abstract questions--the ardent devotion of our
people to the preservation of the Union, originating with their
great loyality to the Government--and a more hopeful view of
the subject than I had been able to take, coupled with the supposed
peaceful intentions of the authorities at Washington,
have resulted in leaving the State poorly prepared for the sad
realities which are now upon us.
But unfortunate as this may be, I am nevertheless encouraged
with the belief that we are at last, practically, a united people.
Whatever differences may have heretofore existed amongst us,
growing out of party divisions, as to the right of Secession as
a Constitutional remedy against Federal usurpation, all admit
the moral right asserted by our fathers, of each and every
people to resist wrong, and to maintain their liberties by whatever
means may be necessary; "that Governments derive their
just powers from the consent of the governed, and that whenever
any form of government becomes destructive of the ends
for which it was created, it is the right of the people to alter
and abolish it, and to institute a new government, laying its
foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such
form as shall to them seem most likely to effect their safety and
happiness." Standing by this common sentiment, with the
bloody and tyrannical policy of the Presidential usurper fully
before us; in the face of his hordes of armed soldiery, marching
to the work of Southern subjugation; the people of the proud
Commonwealth of Tennessee--true to their honor, true to the
great principles of free institutions, true to the lessons of their
fathers, and true to their brethren of the South, the subjects of a
common oppression--have united, almost with one voice, in
declaring their fixed resolve to resist the tyrant; and in pledging
their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to the
maintenance of their rights, and the rights of their sister States
of the South.
It cannot be overlooked that, in assuming an attitude of this
character--forced upon us by the remarkable exigency of the
times--we are, in effect, dissolving our connection with the
Federal Union. As established by our fathers, that Union no
longer exists. However much we may have cherished it heretofore,
no intelligent and candid man can deny that it has ceased
to be a blessing, and has become a curse; that it is no longer
a high and sacred means of protection, but an engine of oppression;
that it has ceased to be a bond of brotherhood, and
has become a hateful connection between communities at war.
It would be idle, therefore, to speak of ourselves any longer as
members of the Federal Union; and while it is believed by
many, whose opinions are entitled to the highest respect, that,
by reason of the subversion of the Constitution by the authorities
in power, inaugurating a revolution between the States
thereof, each and every individual is already released from his
former obligations to that government, yet, as best comporting
with the dignity of the subject, and also from a due regard to
those who may hold a different opinion--and farther still, that
all the world may be advised of our action--I respectfully suggest
that our connection with the Federal Union be formally
annulled in such manner as shall involve the highest exercise
of sovereign authority by the people of the State, and best secure
that harmony, so much to be desired, in times like the
present, upon questions even of mere detail. Until this is done
Many conscientious citizens may feel embarrassed in their action
from their supposed relation to the General Government.
In emergencies like the present, while it is our duty to act with
due deliberation and prudence, unbiased as far as possible by
excitement or prejudice, it is nevertheless of the highest importance
that we should act with promptitude and decision.
Whatever grounds of hope may have been supposed to exist
heretofore for an adjustment of the difficulties between the two
sections of the Federal Union; however anxious we may have
been to continue members of the same common family with
the people of the North, such hope and expectation no longer
exis in the mind of any rational man, who desires to maintain
the honor and equality of the State, and the inviolability of
her peculiar institutions.
The present administration, elected upon avowed purposes
of hostility to the South--purposes which all knew then as well
as now, could not be carried into effect, without an internecine
war and a dissolution of the Union--has exerted every energy,
resorted to every strategy, and disregarded every constitutional
barrier, in order to hasten the accomplishment of the unholy
mission for which the people of the Northern section had elevated
it to power. They have lost no time--they have neither
hesitated nor faltered. The low duplicity in which their Administration
was inaugurated--trusting, while conceding nothing,
to lull the South into a fatal security, furnishing ground
for divisions in the border slave States, while constant though
secret preparation for the work of subjugation was going on,
is now exposed and leaves us no alternative but independence
out of the Union, or subjugation in it. The dishonorable and
treacherous practices which have so far characterized the authorities
at Washington, admonish us, that in the impending
struggle we are scarcely to expect the rules of honorable warfare.
Having its origin in a disordered moral sentiment of the
North--not finding the ordinary restraints of patriotism among
their people--deriving its power from a usurpation and perversion
of the functions of government--having no middle-ground
short of positive subjugation of the South, or a defeat which
exposes its disgrace to the civilized world--I fear the time has
passed when peace can be hoped for by the mere moral force
of a united South, without a trial of arms. Having succeeded
in confusing and dividing the border slave States, they have
had ample time for military preparations. The veil which concealed
their recent movements has been thrown aside. The note
of war has been sounded, and in the imperial proclamation, recently
issued, the people of the Confederate States and all who
sympathize with them are treated as rebels, and twenty days is
allowed them to "disperse" and return to their allegiance to
the authorities at Washington. Without waiting for the expiration
of the twenty days, in addition to the regular army and
naval forces, a militia force of seventy-five thousand has been
called into the field to execute this edict, by the power of arms.
As if purposely intended to add additional insult to the people
of Tennessee, I have been called upon, as their Governor, to
furnish a portion of these troops. I have answered that demand
as in my judgment became the honor of the State, and
leave the people to pass upon my action.
The Federal Union of the States, thus practically dissolved,
can never be restored; or if ever thus restored, it must, by the
very act, cease to be a Union of free and independent States,
such as our fathers established. It will become a consolidated
centralized Government, without liberty or equality, in which
some will reign and others serve the few tyrannize and the
many suffer. It would be the greatest folly to hope for the reconstruction
of a peaceful Union, upon terms of fraternity and
equality, at the end of an internecine war. There can be no
desirable Union without fraternity. And if we could not have
that, before the unholy crusade which is now being waged
against us, we cannot have it after they shall have wantonly
imbrued their unholy hands in the innocent blood of our people,
from no worthier motive than a desire to destroy our equality
and subvert our liberties.
Therefore, I respectfully recommend the perfecting of an Ordinance
by the General Assembly, formally declaring the independence
of the State of Tennessee of the Federal Union, renouncing
its authority, and re assuming each and every function
belonging to a separate sovereignty; and that said Ordinance,
when it shall have been thus perfected by the Legislature,
shall, at the earliest practicable time, be submitted to a
vote of the people, to be by them adopted or rejected.
When the people of the State shall formally declare their
connection with the remaining States of the Union dissolved, it
will be a matter of the highest expediency,--I might almost
say of unavoidable political necessity--that we shall at. the
same time, or as soon thereafter as may be, connect ourselves
with those with whom a common interest, a common sympathy,
and a common destiny identify us, for weal or for woe.
That each of the Southern States, as they throw off their connection
with the Federal Government, should take an independent
position in the contest, without that concert of action
which alone can be secured by political unity, is a proposition
which surely no one will assent to, who anticipates the dangers
of the hour and the necessity for perfect harmony in the work
of our general defence.
Such a political Union with the people of the Confederate
States is rendered essential, by the fact, t at we have made no
provision for arming, organizing, provisioning, and embodying
our military forces, while the Government of the Confederate
States, foreseeing this invasion, has had an eye to the necessities
of the emergency, and stands prepared generously to lend
us its assistance in this unprovoked and cruel struggle. If we
accept that assistance, we should do it in a spirit of mutual
trust and confidence, prepared to share its burdens equally,
while we avail ourselves of its advantages. A Government
thus perfectly organized can more thoroughly command the resources
and aggregate the revenues of the country than isolated
States, fighting without unity, and moving without a common
and responsible head. These resources, being thus concentrated,
because it is natural intuition to rally round such a
Government, in such an emergency, for self-preservation and
defence, can be disbursed with more efficiency, and with less
cost to the people than when the revenues, necessary to support
the war, are scattered by divided counsels and not controlled
by a common bureau. The same may be said with regard
to military operations. Unity of movement, to secure
unity of purpose in attack or defence, is absolutely necessary
to success. The people of the whole South, thus united by a
firm political compact, moving under the direction of one Government,
and animated by the sense of common perils and by
a unanimous determination to maintain their rights, liberties,
and institutions, are invincible, and must speedily conquer an
honorable peace. The war must necessarily be protracted or
brief in proportion to the union among themselves.
I, therefore, further recommend that you perfect an ordinance,
with a view to our admission as a member of the Southern
Confederacy, (which, it is evident, must soon embrace the
entire slaveholding States of the South,) to be submitted in like
manner, and at the same time, but separately, for adoption or
rejection by the people; so that they may have the opportunity
to approve the former and reject the latter, or adopt both,
as in their wisdom may seem most consistent with the future
welfare of the State. However fully satisfied the Executive
and Legislature may be, as to the urgent necessity for the
speedy adoption of both these propositions, it is our duty to
furnish the amplest means for a fair and full expression of the
popular will.
In the opening of a revolution, fraught with such consequences,
and the close of which no one can foresee, it is a matter
of the highest moment that we determine, as speedily as possible
our future political relations, delaying only long enough
to reach the will and voice of the people. Under existing circumstances,
I can see no propriety for encumbering the people
of the State with the election of delegates, to do that which it
is in your power to enable them to do directly for themselves.
The most direct as well as the highest act of sovereignty, according
to our theory, is that by which the people vote, not
merely for men, but for measures submitted for their approval
or rejection. Since it is only the voice of the people that is to
be heard, there is no reason why they may not as readily and
effectively express themselves upon an ordinance framed and
submitted to them by the Legislature, as if submitted to them
by a Convention. The Southern States, all of whom are now
engaged in resistance to the encroachment of Abolition power,
will necessarily encounter embarrassments, arising from a
want of unity of action, until such time as they shall all be
united under a common Government.
The mode of action suggested, in addition to the advantage
of its being the speediest of all others, will be attended with
less expense to the State, which is of far greater importance
now than at any former period of our history, owing to the
general embarrassment of the people, which must continue at
least during these troubles, and to the heavy appropriations
that you will have necessarily to make to defray the expense
of our defences.
If, however, it should be deemed advisable that a Convention,
representing the sovereignty of the people, should be
called by the General Assembly, in preference to submitting
an ordinance of independence directly to them, though I deem
the latter measure more expedient, under the circumstances, I
am not prepared to say that harmony and unanimity will not
thus be effected. The Senators and Representatives, coming,
as they do, directly from their constituents, are the best judges
of this measure. It cannot be regarded other than a question
of detail, inasmuch as a very large majority of the people regard
them elves as being forever absolved from all obedience
to a Government that has developed the coldest and most deliberate
purpose to inaugurate a civil and sanguinary war
among them.
I deem it proper to remark in this connection that the Constitution
of the Confederate States, while it retains all that is
valuable of the Constitution of the former United States, is an
improvement in many essential points upon that instrument, as
conceded by those even who were unfriendly to the mode and
manner in which it originated.
The only additional matter to which I shall call your attention
--and first in importance--is the necessity of such legislation
as will put the State upon war footing immediately. I
will not insult your intelligence or question your patriotism so
far as to resort to argument to prove the necessity of this measure,
but content myself by recommending the passage of a law
regulating the raising and thorough organization of an efficient
volunteer force for immediate service, in any emergency which
may arise, and a thorough and perfect organization of the
militia, so that in case of necessity the whole force of the State
can be speedily brought into action.
In my message to your extra session in January last, I laid
before you the report of the Keeper of Public Arms, showing
the number, character, and condition of the arms of the State,
to which I refer you for information on that subject. Since
that report was made, I have ordered and received at the arsenal,
fourteen hundred rifle muskets. If upon this subject further
or more accurate information is desired, it shall be laid
before you by the report of the proper officer.
It requires no argument from me to prove the absolute necessity
of an immediate appropriation of a sum sufficient to
thoroughly arm and equip such military force as the State may
probably need in the prospective difficulties which lie before us.
In addition to which, I respectfully recommend that you appropriate
a sum sufficient to provision and maintain such
force as is intended for the field, and an ample contingent military
fund, to be subject to the order and disbursement of a
Military Board, under such restrictions as you may see proper
to impose.
The establishment of a Military Board, to consist of at least
three persons, and invested with power to make all needful
rules and regulations for organization and maintenance, I regard
as indispensably necessary to a perfect military organization
and equipment in the State, and the fact that the Legislature
cannot foresee and provide for the various contingent
expenses necessarily incidental to a state of war, justifies and
makes necessary the contingent military fund referred to.
I trust, gentlemen, that I have not so far mistaken your intelligence
and patriotism as to render necessary that I should
invoke you in the name of all that is sacred and dear to us as
a people--even the sanctity of our domestic firesides--to forget
past differences, and whatever may tend in the least to
distract your counsels in the present momentous crisis, in which
we have been involved by the unprovoked and tyrannical usurpation
of a people who, forgetting the lessons of their fathers,
have overthrown the fairest government upon earth, in the
mere wantonness of an unnatural sectional prejudice amounting
to a sectional hate, and a disregard of those great principles
of justice and equality upon which the Federal Union was based.
I trust that to-day there are in Tennessee no Whigs, no Democrats;
but that we are one people--all patriots, all brothers,
recognizing a common interest and a common destiny; and
that we will stand as one man in defence of our honor and of
our rights. I pray you cultivate a feeling of this kind, and to
disseminate it amongst your constituents. It is only by such
united and determined action, on the part of the people of the
whole South, that we can hope to avoid the of the calamities of the
bloodiest and most devastating civil war that has afflicted any
nation in the history of the civilized world.
I trust that a few days will be amply sufficient to dispose of
the business which I have laid before you. Your presence may
soon be needed in the field, and if not, will be required at home
for counsel among your constituents.
Trusting that an All Wise Providence may watch over your
deliberations, and direct you in the adoption of such measures,
as may most subserve the maintenance of the rights and liberties
of the people, I submit the determination of these matters
to your hands.
ISHAM G. HARRIS.
SECRET SESSION.
On motion of Mr. Bumpass, the Senate went into Secret
Session.
Mr. Bumpass offered the following resolution (Senate Resolution
No 3.):
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee,
That the Secretary of State be authorized to have published for
the use of the State, two thousand copies of Hardee's and two
thousand of Scott's Military Tactics, to be bound in plain, cheap,
substantial binding, one copy of each to be furnished to each
commissioned and non-commissioned officer engaged in military
duty under the authority of the State, and that the same be
paid for as other public printing; that the Secretary contract
for the same on the best terms practicable.
On motion of Mr. Bumpass, the rule was suspended, and the
resolution taken up and referred to the Committee on Military
Affairs.
Mr. Newman (Mr. Bumpass in the Chair,) offered Senate
Resolution No. 4, as follows:
Resolved, That Messrs. Bradford, Lane, and Wood be appointed
by the Senate to wait on the Banks of the city and ascertain
how much money each can and will loan to the
State, on the faith of a tax on the property of the State, being
levied by this session to refund the same; that said committee
report immediately.
On motion of Mr. Newman, the rule was suspended, and the
resolution taken up and adopted.
On motion of Mr. Newman, (Mr. Bumpass in the Chair) the
Senate adjourned until to-morrow morning 9 o'clock.
Page 14
FRIDAY MORNING, APRIL 26,1861.
The Senate met pursuant to adjournment.
The Journal of yesterday was read and confirmed.
S. S. Stanton, Senator from the counties of White, Jackson,
and Macon, appeared and took his seat.
D. V. Stokely, Senator from the counties of Greene, Cocke, Sevier
and Blount, appeared and took his seat.
Mr. Bradford moved that the members of the House of Representatives
be allowed to enter the Senate chamber during the
hours of secret session, and communicate freely with the Senators
upon the business before them.
Mr. Thompson presented a memorial from Dr. R. Thompson of
the city of Nashville, in relation to a three barrelled self-loading
cannon, invented by him in 1842. The memorial was read and
referred to the committee on Military Affairs.
Mr. Payne presented a petition from Geo. W. Harris, in relation
to an important invention in gunnery, recently perfected by
him asking that it be investigated by the General Assembly.
On motion of Mr. Payne the petition was referred to the Committee
on Military Affairs.
Mr. Payne offered the following resolution (Senate Resolution
No. 5.):
Resolved by the Senate, that the Committee on Federal Relations
be requested to prepare a plan for separating the State of
Tennessee from the States of the Union adhering to the Compact
known as the Constitution of the United States of America, and
for extinguishing the federal authority within the limits of said
State; said Committee will also prepare a plan for fixing the future
political relations of the State of Tennessee. Said Committee
is requested to report at its earliest convenience.
On motion of Mr. Payne, the rule was suspended, and the resolution
taken up and referred to the Committee on Federal Relations.
Mr. Stanton offered the following resolution (Senate, Resolution
No. 6,):
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee,
That the Governor of this State be, and he is hereby authorized to
make contracts to ration, and subsist the military forces of the
State, by such supplies as may be deemed prudent and necessary,
as well as for arms and other munitions as may be important to
equip the military forces of the State, to be procured before further
action of this General Assembly, by the passage of acts, &c.,
Page 15
and this Assembly hereby pledges itself to follow up said purchases
or engagements with a bill or act making the necessary
appropriation of money to meet or liquidate the same and that
the Governor be allowed to appoint such agents he is as may be necessary
to carry out the provisions of this resolution.
On motion of Mr. Stanton, the rule was suspended, and the resolution
taken up and adopted, and ordered to be transmitted to
the House of Representatives.
Mr. Minnis introduced Senate Bill No. 1, to submit to a vote
of the people an Ordinance dissolving their connection with the
General Government, which passed its first reading.
Mr. Thompson offered the following resolution (Senate Resolution
No.1,):
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee,
That the members and officers of the Legislature be allowed to
draw their per diem and mileage from time to time during the
present extra session.
On motion of Mr. Thompson, the rule was suspended, and the
resolution taken up and adopted.
On motion of Mr. Thompson, the rule was suspended, and the
resolution was ordered to be engrossed and transmitted to
House of Representatives.
Mr. Newman (Mr. McClellan in the chair) offered the following
resolution (Senate Resolution No. 8,):
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, That
a Military Board be created, to consist of the Governor and two
assistants, the assistants shall be immediately appointed by the
Governor, to be confirmed by the Senate.
Resolved, That the Governor shall proceed immediately to organize
an Adjutant General's Department, a Commissary Department,
a Quartermaster's Department, and a Paymaster's Department.
These appointments shall be made outside of, and in addition
to the present staff officers of the Governor, and each one
of said officers shall hold the rank of Colonel of Infantry, commissioned
and appointed by the Governor to be confirmed by the
Senate.
Resolved, That the army regulations of the United States of
1857, shall be adopted as far, applicable in the organization
and regulation of said departments.
On motion of Mr. Newman, the rule was suspended, and the
resolution taken up and adopted, and ordered to be engrossed and
transmitted to the House of Representatives.
A message was received from the House of Representatives by
their clerk, Mr. Campbell, as follows:
Page 16
MR. SPEAKER:
The House of Representatives has considered and concurred in
Senate Resolution No. 6, to authorize the Governor to make immediate
purchase of subsistence and rations, arms, &c., for the
State, and ordered its immediate return to the Senate, and the
same is herewith returned.
The Speaker announced the following on the part of the Senate
as the members of the Joint Select Committee provided for by
Senate Resolution No. 1, viz:
On Military Affairs--Messrs. Lane, Bradford and Wood.
On Ways and Means--Messrs. Stanton, McNeilly, Bumpass,
cClellan, and Stovall.
On Federal Relations--Messrs. Payne, Stokes, Richardson, Minnis,
and Allen.
On motion of Mr. McClellan, Senate Bill No. 1, to submit to
vote of the people an Ordinance dissolving their connection with
the General Government, was referred to the Joint Select Committee
on Federal Relations.
Mr. Stokely offered the following resolution (Senate Resolution
No. 9,):
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, That
the Governor of the state of Tennessee be requested to make
known to Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, and
to Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America,
that it is the earnest desire of the people of this commonwealth,
that peace may be preserved between the United States and the
Confederate States of America, and in order to that end, we request
that all troops and forces of the United States, situated in
the Confederate States, or any other slaveholding State, be withdrawn
therefrom by the said Abraham Lincoln, and that the said
Presidents are further requested to have all the States belonging
to each Republic, or they themselves appoint delegates or
commissioners to meet together peaceably, to arrange a fair and
equitable division of the slaveholding States from the non-slaveholding
States and Territories of the former United States of
America, that thereby all the States may obtain their rights without
the shedding of brothers blood.
The resolution lies over under the rule.
A message was received from the House of Representatives, by
their Clerk, Mr. Campbell as follows:
MR. SPEAKER:
The House of Representatives has adopted House Resolution
No. 7, recommending to agriculturalists to devote their lands to the
culture of grain and grasses and the same is herewith transmitted
for the action of the State.
Page 17
The House has adopted Senate Resolution No. 8, to allow
members and officers of the General Assembly to draw their mileage
and per diem, as it falls due, and the same is herewith returned
to the Senate for enrolment.
Mr. Mickley, from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, reported
as correctly engrossed Senate Resolutions Nos. 1, 6, 8 and 9.
On motion of Mr. Bumpass, the Senate took a recess until 2
o'clock P. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The Senate was called to order at 2 o'clock by the Speaker.
Mr. Bradford, from the committee appointed to wait upon the
Banks, and, ascertain the amount of money they would loan the
State, submitted a communication from the Presidents and Cashiers
of the Planters' and Union Banks; which was read and referred
to the Joint Select Committee on Ways and Means.
House Resolution No. 7, recommending agriculturalists to devote
their lands to the culture of grains and grasses, was taken up
and adopted.
Mr. Payne moved that the vote adopting the resolution be reconsidered,
which was agreed to.
On motion of Mr. Payne, the resolution was laid on the table.
Mr. Stovall offered the following resolution (Senate Resolution
No. 10,):
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, That
the Governor of the State be, and he is hereby authorized to order
immediate organization of all the regiments and companies tendered
to him in the State; that they be drilled by their respective
officers, and held in immediate readiness for service in the State,
if necessary, or to assist any of our sister Southern States in the
present revolution, in defence of liberty and justice.
On motion of Mr. Stovall, the rule was suspended, and the resolution
taken up and referred to the Joint Select Committee on
Military Affairs.
On motion of Mr. Bradford, the message of his Excellency, the
Governor, was taken up, and its several recommendations referred
to the appropriate committees.
On motion of Mr. Payne, the Senate adjourned until to morrow
morning, 10 o'clock.
Page 18
SATURDAY MORNING, APRIL 27, 1861.
The Senate met pursuant to adjournment.
Prayer by the Rev. Dr. Quintard.
The Journal of yesterday was read and confirmed.
Mr. Payne from the Joint Select Committee on Federal Relations,
reported back Senate Resolution No. 9, to bring about, if
possible, a peaceable settlement of present political difficulties,
asked to be discharged from its further consideration.
Mr. Lane from the Joint Select Committee on Military Affairs,
reported as follows:
The Joint Select Committee on Military Affairs, have had under
consideration the petitions of Geo. W. Harris and Dr. R. Thompson,
and recommend that a Special Committee be raised for their
further consideration. The Committee have also had under
consideration Senate Resolution No. 10, and recommend its passage.
J. T. LANE, Chairman.
Mr. Mickley from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, reported
as correctly enrolled joint resolutions to allow members and
officers of the General Assembly to draw their mileage and per
diem, and to authorize the Governor to make immediate purchases
of subsistence and rations, arms, &c., for the State.
Mr. Trimble asked and obtained leave of absence the during
the day.
Mr. Payne offered the following resolution (Senate Resolution
No. 11,):
Resolved by the Senate, That his Excellency, the Governor, be
requested, if compatible with the public interest, to communicate
to this body in secret session, whether he has any facts in his
possession going to show that the commerce of this State has been
obstructed, or goods intended for Tennessee detained or confiscated
by persons acting under Federal authority. It is respectfully
asked that he will give all the information he has to this
body relative to the foregoing inquiry.
On motion of Mr. Payne, the rule was suspended, and the resolution
taken up and adopted.
Mr. Minnis introduced Senate Bill No. 2, for the relief of the
various Railroad companies of the State of Tennessee; passed
first reading.
A message was received from the House of Representatives
by Mr. Campbell, their clerk as follows:
Page 19
MR. SPEAKER:
The House of Representatives has considered and concurred
in Senate Resolution No. 1, providing for Joint Select Committees
on Federal Relations, Military Affairs, and on Ways and
Means, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives has
appointed Messrs. Caldwell, Vaughn, Dudley, Baker of Perry,
Porter, Williams of Hickman, East, and Farley, on the Committee
on Federal Relations; Messrs. Gantt, Farrelly, Hurt, Mayfield,
and Ewing, upon the Committee on Military Affairs; and Messrs.
Lea, Wisener, Whitmore, Barksdale, Davis, Harris, Doak, and
Guy, on the Committee on Ways and Means.
Mr. Stanton offered the following resolution (Senate Resolution
No. 12,):
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, That
this Assembly will hereafter sustain any reasonable expenses incident
to the stationing of squads, as guards, at any and all railroad
bridges and depots, within this State, whenever, in the judgment
of the Governor, it becomes necessary.
On motion of Mr. Stanton, the rule was suspended, and the
resolution taken up and adopted, and ordered to be engrossed and
transmitted to the House of Representatives.
A communication was received from the Governor, and read as
follows:
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
Nashville, April 27, 1861.
Gentlemen of the Senate:
In answer to your resolution of this date, I have to communicate
the fact that some days since, one hundred tons of lead were
ordered from St. Louis by the steamer Hillman, for the use of the
State. On yesterday I received a dispatch from Capt. H. H.
Harrison, giving an account of the seizure and plundering of the
boat of a part of its freight, which was the property of the State
and citizens of Tennessee, which dispatch I herewith transmit
for your examination. I have further to state that Capt. H. H.
Harrison has reached the Capital, from whom you can get a more
full report if desirable.
ISHAM G. HARRIS.
On motion of Me Stanton, the Doorkeeper was ordered to request
Capt. Harrison to come before the Senate and give a more
detailed account of the seizure of the steamer Hillman and her
cargo.
Mr. Richardson asked and obtained leave of absence for the
remainder of the day.
Page 20
A message was received from the House of Representatives,
by Mr. Campbell, their Clerk, as follows:
MR. SPEAKER:
I am directed by the House of Representatives to transmit to
the Senate a series of resolutions which were adopted in Wilson
county, and the same is herewith transmitted to the Senate.
The House of Representatives has adopted House Resolution
No. 5, approving the action of the Governor, in refusing troops to
Abraham Lincoln, and ordered its immediate transmission to the
Senate; and the same is herewith transmitted.
House Resolution No 5, approving the action of the Governor
in refusing troops to Abraham Lincoln, was taken up and adopted,
and ordered to be returned to the House of Representatives for
enrolment.
Senate Resolution No. 10, authorizing the Governor to organize
the regiments and companies tendered to him, and hold them in
readiness for service, was taken up.
Mr. Newman (Mr. Allen in the Chair,) offered the following
amendment:
Be it further resolved, That each regiment and independent
company as organized, shall report the field and company officers
with non-commissioned officers and privates to the Secretary of
State, and the commissioned officers shall be commissioned
by the Governor, and entered into the service, first by regiments and
battalions, and then by companies according to the date of the
organization.
Which amendment was adopted.
On the adoption of the resolution, Mr. Boyd demanded the ayes
and noes, which were ordered, and resulted:
- Ayes . . . . . 17
- Noes . . . . . 2
Senators voting in the affirmative are:
Messrs. Allen, Bradford, Bumpass, Horn, Hunter, Johnson,
Mickley, Minnis, McClellan, McNeilly, Payne, Stanton, Stovall,
Thompson, Wood, and Mr. Speaker Newman--17.
In the negative:
Messrs. Boyd and Nash--2.
So the resolutions were adopted.
On motion of Mr. Bumpass, Mr. Stokely was excused from
voting on the resolutions.
On motion of Mr. Payne, the rule was, suspended, and the resolutions
ordered to be engrossed and transmitted to the House of Representatives.
The Speaker presented a communication from the officers of
Page 21
the Bank of Tennessee, in relation to a loan by the bank to the
State, which was read and referred to the Committee on Ways
and Means.
On motion of Mr. Payne, the Senate took a recess until 3 o'clock
P. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The Senate was called to order at 3 o'clock by the Speaker.
Mr. Mickley from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, reported
Senate Resolutions Nos. 10 and 12 as correctly engrossed.
On motion of Mr. Stovall, it was ordered that the Secretary of
State be admitted to the Senate Chamber during the secret sessions,
and the Clerk was directed to request him to keep private
all bills or resolutions filed in his office, until such time as the
secrecy attaching to the same shall be removed.
Mr. McClellan, from the Committee on Military Affairs, reported
back Senate Resolution No. 34, directing the Secretary of State
to have printed two thousand copies each of Hardee's and Scott's
Tactics, and recommend its adoption.
The resolution was then taken up.
Mr. McClellan moved to strike out the word "non-commissioned"
when it occurs in the resolution; which motion was
agreed to.
The resolution as amended was adopted.
On motion of Mr. Minnis, the rule was suspended, and the resolution
ordered to be engrossed and transmitted to the House of
Representatives.
Senate Resolution No. 9, to bring about if possible, a peaceable
settlement of present political difficulties, was taken up.
On the adoption of the resolution, Mr. Stokely demanded the
ayes and noes which were ordered, and resulted:
- Ayes . . . . .11
- Noes . . . . .8
Senators voting in the affirmative are:
Messrs. Boyd Bradford, Horn, Lane, Minnis, McClellan, Nash,
Stokes, Stokely, Stovall, and Mr. Wood--11.
Page 22
Those voting in the negative are:
Messrs. Bumpass, Hunter, Johnson, Mickley, McNeilly, Payne
Thompson, and Mr. Speaker Newman--8.
So the resolution was adopted.
Mr. Wood moved to reconsider the vote adopting the resolution;
on which motion, Mr. Horn demanded the ayes and noes
which were ordered and resulted:
- Ayes. . . . .15
- Noes. . . . .6
Senators voting in the affirmative are:
Messrs. Bradford, Bumpass, Hunter, Johnson, Lane, Mickley,
McClellan, McNeilly, Nash, Payne, Stanton, Stovall, Thompson,
Wood, and Mr. Speaker Newman--15.
Those voting in the negative are:
Messrs. Allen, Boyd, Horn, Minnis, Stokes, and Mr. Stokely--6.
So the motion to reconsider prevailed.
Mr. Stanton then asked and obtained leave to withdraw the
resolution for examination.
On motion of Mr. Horn, the Senate adjourned till Monday
morning 11 o'clock.
MONDAY MORNING, APRIL 29, 1861.
The Senate met pursuant to adjournment.
The Journal of Saturday was read and confirmed.
Reeve T. Hildreth, Senator from the counties of Overton, Fentress,
Morgan and Scott, appeared and took his seat.
The Speaker tendered the resignation of John E. Bennett, as
Doorkeeper of the Senate.
On motion of Mr. Stovall, the resignation was accepted, and
the Senate went into the election of a doorkeeper to fill the vacancy
occasioned by the resignation of John E. Bennett.
Mr. Bradford nominated Mr. J. D. Swan, of the county of Davidson.
No other nominations being made, the roll was called.
Senators voting for Mr. Swan are:
Messrs. Boyd, Bradford, Bumpass, Hildreth, Horn, Hunter,
Page 23
Johnson, Lane, Mickley, Minnis, McClellan, McNeilly, Nash
Payne, Richardson, Stanton, Stokely, Stovall, Thompson, Trimble.
Wood, and Mr. Speaker Newman--22.
Mr. Mickley from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, reported as
correctly engrossed Senate Resolution No. 3, and as correctly enrolled
Joint Resolution to provide for the raising of Joint Select
Committees on Federal Relations, Military Affairs, and Ways an
Means.
A message was received from his Excellency, the Governor, by
the hands of J. E. R. Ray, Secretary of State, as follows:
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
Nashville, April 29th, 1861.
Gentlemen of the Senate
and House of Representatives:
I deem it proper to announce to you the fact that the Hon.
Henry Washington Hilliard, of Alabama, who is accredit to
Tennessee by the President of the Confederate States of America,
and charged with the duty of representing the views and
policy of that government is now at the Capitol, and ready to
confer with the Legislative Department of the State upon questions
of interest and importance to the State of Tennessee and
the Confederate States, at such time as you may see proper to
fix upon for such conference.
Respectfully,
ISHAM G. HARRIS.
Mr. Swan, the
Doorkeeper elect of the Senate, appeared and
was sworn into his office by R. L. Crenshaw, Esq., one of the Justices
of the Peace of Davidson county.
Mr. Payne, from the Joint Select Committee on Federal Relations,
reported back Senate Bill No. 1, to submit to a vote of the
people an Ordinance dissolving their connection with the General
Government, with a bill in lieu, entitled a bill to submit to a vote
of the people a Declaration of the State of Tennessee, and to call
a Convention of the State, and recommend its adoption.
A message was received from the House of Representatives by
their clerk, Mr. Campbell as follows.
MR. SPEAKER:
The House of Representatives has considered and concurred in
Senate Resolution No. 10, authorizing the Governor to organize
the regiments and companies tendered him, and hold them in
readiness for service.
The House of Representatives has also concurred in Senate
Page 24
Resolution No. 12, providing for stationing guards at railroad
bridges, and the said resolutions are herewith returned to the
Senate for enrollment.
I am also directed by the House of Representatives to transmit
to the Senate a series of resolutions forwarded to this General Assembly
from Knox county, recommending the attitude Tennessee
should assume in the present crisis; also, another series of resolutions
on the same subject from Jefferson county, and they are
herewith transmitted.
Mr. Trimble offered the following resolution (Senate Resolution
No. 13,):
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, That
the Congress of the United States be requested to call a convention
for proposing such amendments to the Constitution of the
United States as are necessary to give peace to our country, and
restore harmony among the States, and that a copy of this resolution
be transmitted to the Congress of the United States.
On motion of Mr. Trimble, the rule was suspended and the resolution
taken up.
Mr. Allen moved that the resolution be referred to the Joint Select
Committee on Federal Relations, which was disagreed to.
On the adoption of the resolution, Mr. Trimble demanded the
ayes and noes, which were ordered and resulted:
- Ayes. . . . .8
- Noes. . . . .16
Senators voting in the affirmative are:
Messrs. Allen, Boyd, Bradford, Hildreth, Horn, Nash, Stokely,
and Mr. Trimble--8.
Those voting in the negative are:
Messrs. Bumpass, Stanton, Johnson, Lane, Mickley, Minnis
McClellan, McNeilly, Payne, Richardson Stanton, Stokes, Stovall,
Thompson, Wood, and Mr. Speaker Newman--16.
So the resolution was rejected.
A message was received from the House of Representatives by
Mr. Campbell, their clerk, as follows:
MR. SPEAKER:
The House of Representatives has adopted House Resolution
No. 10, raising a committee of three on the part of the House,
consisting of Messrs. Lea, Davis, and Porter, to confer with such
committee as may be appointed on the part of the Senate, to confer
with Hon. H. W. Hillard, in connection with the Governor, on
the subject matter of his mission from the Confederate States, and
the same is herewith transmitted to the Senate for its action
thereon.
On motion of Mr. Stanton, House Resolution No. 10, to raise a
Page 25
Joint Select Committee to confer with the Hon. H. W. Hilliard
Commissioner from the Government of the Confederate States,
was taken up.
On motion of Mr. Bumpass, the resolution was so amended as
to provide for three members of said committee on the part of the
Senate.
The resolution as amended was adopted.
The Speaker appointed on said committee on the part of the
Senate, Messrs. Bumpass, Stanton, and McClellan.
Mr. Payne offered the following resolution (Senate Resolution
No. 14,):
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, That
a Joint Select Committee be appointed to consist of five members
on the part of the Senate, and members on the part of the
House of Representatives, whose duty it shall be to prepare an
address to the people of Tennessee upon the dangerous crisis in
our affairs, and the necessity for prompt and decisive action.
Mr. Payne moved that the rule be suspended and the resolution
taken up; on which resolution Mr. Boyd demanded the ayes and
noes, which were ordered and resulted:
- Ayes. . . . .10
- Noes. . . . .9
Senators voting in the affirmative are:
Messrs. Hunter, Johnson, Lane, Mickley, Minnis, Payne, Stovall,
Thompson, Wood, and Mr. Speaker Newman--10.
Those voting in the negative are:
Messrs. Allen, Boyd, Hildreth, Horn, Nash, Richardson, Stokes,
Stokely, and Mr. Trimble--9.
The motion to suspend the rule was disagreed to, two-thirds not
voting in the affirmative.
Mr. Bradford offered the following resolution (Senate Resolution
No. 15,):
Resolved by the Senate of Tennessee, That the injunction of secresy
be removed.
The resolution lies over under the rule.
Mr. Thompson offered the following resolution, (Senate Resolution
No. 16,):
WHEREAS, By order of the Governor of Illinois, the steamer C.
E. Hillman, laden from St. Louis to Nashville, with sundry purchases,
was boarded and dispossessed of all her cargo by troops
concentrated at Cairo; therefore,
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, That
Governor Harris be, and he is hereby requested, immediately to
open a correspondence, by telegraph, with the Governor Illinois,
making a demand for a restitution of the cargo of the C. E.
Page 26
Hillman and such damages as have resulted to the owners of
said boat by such unjust and lawless conduct of the Illinois troops.
Resolved, That should no satisfactory answer from the Governor
of Illinois be forthwith received, the Governor of Tennessee
immediately issue an order to the proper authorities to seize and
possess any property, lands, notes, bonds, moneys or any effects
whatever, belonging to any citizen or citizens of the State of Illinois,
and to pursue such other course as his wisdom may dictate
to redress the grievance or vindicate the outrage perpetrated upon
the citizens, and the insult and indignity offered to the State of
Tennessee.
The resolutions lie over under the rule.
Mr. Stokely introduced Senate Bill No. 3, to amend the militia
laws of the State, requiring captains to give notice, which passed
its first reading.
Mr. Wood introduced Senate Bill No. 4, to establish a military
organization, and arm and equip the State, which passed its first reading.
Mr. Payne introduced Senate Bill No. 5, to amend the charter
of the city of Memphis, which passed its first reading.
Mr. Thompson moved to appoint a Special Committee of three,
to whom should be referred the petitions of Dr. R. Thompson
and G. W. Harris, in relation to inventions in gunnery made by them,
which motion was agreed to.
The Speaker appointed Messrs. Thompson, Johnson and Bradford
on said committee.
On motion of Mr. Minnis, the Senate took a recess until 2
o'clock P. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The Senate was called to order by the Speaker at 2 o'clock.
Senate Resolution No. 2, directing the Secretary of State to purchase
a flag for the Capitol, was taken up; and,
On motion of Mr. McClellan, was referred to the Committee
on Federal Relations.
Senate Bill No. 1, to submit to a vote of the people an Ordinance
dissolving their connection with the Federal Government,
was taken up on second reading.
Page 27
The bill offered in lieu by the Joint Select Committee on Federal
Relations, being a bill to submit to a vote of the people a Declaration
of the State of Tennessee, and to call a Convention of the
State, was adopted, and the bill passed its second reading; and,
On motion of Mr. Minnis, was re-committed to the Joint Select
Committee on Federal Relations.
Senate Bill No. 2, for the relief of the various railroads in Tennessee,
was taken up on second reading.
Mr. Minnis offered a bill in lieu, entitled a bill in relation to
the payment of interest on State bonds owned by parties in Northern
States, which was adopted, and the bill passed its second reading; and,
On motion of Mr. Payne, was referred to the Committee on
the Judiciary.
Mr. Mickley, from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, reported as
correctly enrolled joint resolutions to authorize the Governor to
organize the regiments and companies tendered him, and hold
them in readiness for service; and joint resolution to provide for
stationing guards at railroad bridges in this State.
Mr. Bumpass, from the Joint Select Committee to wait upon
Hon. H. W. Hilliard, Commisioner from the Confederate States
of America, reported that the Committee had waited upon Mr.
Hilliard, and had been informed by him that he would address
the General Assembly at any time that body might designate, in
reference to the objects of his mission, and the Committee had
named to-morrow at 11 o'clock, in the Hall of Representatives, as
the time and place for the delivery of said address.
Mr. Bumpass moved that the address be delivered in public,
and that all the proceedings connected with the reception of the
Hon. H. W. Hilliard, and his invitation to address the General
Assembly be made public; which motion was agreed to.
A message was received from the House of Representatives by
their Clerk, Mr. Campbell, as follows:
Mr. Speaker:
The House of Representatives has adopted House Resolution
No. 11, proposing a Convention of the two Houses, on to-morrow
at 11 o'clock, for the purpose of hearing an address by the Hon.
H. W. Hilliard, Commissioner from the Confederate States of
America; and House Resolution No. 12, authorizing the Adjutant-General
to have the use of the Archive room in the Capitol,
both of which are herewith transmitted for the action of the
Senate.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives has signed the
following enrolled joint resolutions, and they are herewith returned
for the signature of the Speaker of the Senate, viz:
Page 28
Joint resolution approving the action of the Governor in refusing
troops to Abraham Lincoln;
Joint resolution providing for the stationing of guards at railroad
bridges in this State;
Joint resolution to authorize the Governor to organize the regiments
and companies tendered him, and hold them in readiness
for service;
Joint resolution to authorize the Governor to make immediate
purchases of subsistence and rations, arms, &c., for the State;
Joint resolution providing for raising Joint Committees on Federal
Relations, Military Affairs, and Ways and Means.
House Resolution No. 11, proposing a Convention of the two
Houses on to-morrow at 11 o'clock, for the purpose of hearing
communications from Hon. H. W. Hilliard, was taken up and
concurred in by the Senate.
House Resolution No. 12, authorizing the Adjutant-General to
have the use of a room in the Capitol, was taken up and concurred
in by the Senate.
On motion of Mr. Stovall, the rule was suspended, and House
Resolutions Nos. 11 and 12, ordered to be returned to the House
of Representatives for enrollment.
A series of resolutions adopted at a mass-meeting of the citizens
of Wilson county, were read and ordered to lie on the table.
On motion of Mr. Bumpass, the Senate adjourned until tomorrow
morning 9 o'clock.
TUESDAY MORNING, APRIL 30, 1861.
The Senate met pursuant to adjournment.
The Journal of yesterday was read and confirmed.
The Speaker submitted a communication from the Central
Bureau of Military Supplies, in relation to the aims and objects of
said association, which was read; and on motion of Mr. Trimble,
was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.
Senate Resolution No. 16, requesting the Governor to inquire
into the seizure of the cargo of the steamer C. E. Hillman, was
taken up.
Page 29
Mr. Stanton moved that the preamble to the resolution be amended by
inserting after the word "whereas" the words we
are informed; which motion was agreed to.
On motion of Mr. Hildreth, the further consideration of the
resolution was postponed until this afternoon.
Mr. Payne from the Joint Select Committee on Federal Relations
reported as follows:
The undersigned begs leave to report that the Joint Select Committee
have under the direction of the Senate, instructed him to
report a bill entitled, a bill to submit to a vote of the people a
Declaration of the State of Tennessee, and to call a Convention
he State.
R. G. PAYNE, Chairman.
On motion of Mr. Payne, the order of business was suspended,
and the bill reported by the Joint Select Committee, taken up on
its third reading.
Mr. Minnis moved that the bill be considered section by section;
which motion was agreed to.
The first section of the bill was read; the committee recommended
the filling of the blank with the 1st day of June.
Mr. Hildreth moved to fill the blank with the 4th Monday in
June; on which motion he demanded the ayes and noes, which
were ordered and resulted:
- Ayes. . . . .7
- Noes. . . . .15
Senators voting in the affirmative are:
Messrs. Boyd, Bradford, Hildreth, Nash, Richardson, Stanton,
and Mr. Trimble--7.
Those voting in the negative are:
Messrs. Allen, Horn, Hunter, Johnson, Lane, Mickley, Minnis,
McClellan, McNeilly, Payne, Stokes, Stokely, Thompson, Wood,
and Mr. Speaker Newman--15.
So the motion was disagreed to.
Mr. Stokely moved to fill the blank with the 15th of June; on
which motion Mr. Trimble demanded the ayes and noes, which
were ordered and resulted:
- Yeas. . . . .10
- Nays. . . . .10
Senators voting in the affirmative are:
Messrs. Allen, Boyd, Bradford, Hildreth, Horn, Nash, Richardson,
Stokes, Stokely, and Mr. Trimble--10.
Those voting in the negative are:
Messrs. Hunter, Johnson, Lane, Mickley, Minnis, McNeilly,
Payne, Thompson, Wood, and Mr. Speaker Newman--10.
So the motion was disagreed to.
Page 30
On motion of Mr. Horn, the blank was filled by inserting the
8th day of June.
The second section of the bill was read, when Mr. Lane moved
to strike out the preamble to the said section.
Pending the question to strike out, the hour of eleven o'clock
having arrived, the Senate proceeded in a body to the Hall of the
House of Representatives, to hear the address of the Hon. H.
W. Hilliard, Commissioner from the Confederate States of
America.
IN CONVENTION.
The President of the Convention called the same to order, and
directed the Clerk to read the resolution providing for the assembling
of the Convention.
The Hon. H. W. Hilliard, was then introduced to the Convention,
and delivered an address upon the object of his mission to
the State of Tennessee.
The object for which the Convention was called, having been
accomplished, the President declared it dissolved.
The Senators returned in a body to their Chamber.
On motion of Mr. Wood, the Senate took a recess until 2 o'clock
P. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The Senate was called to order at 2 o'clock by the Speaker.
The consideration of Senate Bill No. 1, to submit to a vote of
the people, a Declaration of the State of Tennessee, and to call a
convention of the State, was resumed; the question being upon
the motion of Mr. Lane to strike out the preamble to the second
section of the bill.
The motion to strike out prevailed.
Mr. Bumpass moved to strike out the words "and of right
ought to be" where they occur in the section; which motion was
disagreed to.
On motion of Mr. Payne, the words "and ordinance" in the last
line of the section were stricken out.
Page 31
On motion of Mr. Stokely, the words "of the State of Tennessee,"
were striken out of the section.
The second section of the bill as amended was then adopted.
The third section of the bill was then taken up for consideration.
Mr. Horn moved to strike out the words "Declaration or No
Declaration" where they occur in the section; which motion was
disagreed to.
Mr. Stokely moved to strike out "17th" where it occurs in the
section, and insert 24th; which motion prevailed.
The third section as amended was adopted.
Section 4 was then taken up for consideration.
The recommendation of the Committee to strike out the--, section
was concurred in, and the section striken out.
The Committee through Mr. Minnis, offered the following section
in lieu:
SECTION 4. Be it further enacted, That in the election to be held
under the provisions of this act, upon the Declaration submitted
to the people, all volunteers and other persons connected with the
service of this State qualified to vote for members of the Legislature
in the counties where they reside, shall be entitled to vote in
any county in the State where they may be in active service, or
under orders, or on parole at the time of said election; and all
other voters shall vote in the county where they reside, as now required
by law in voting for members to the General Assembly.
Upon the adoption of the section in lieu, Mr. Stokely demanded
the ayes and noes, which were ordered and resulted:
- Ayes. . . . .18
- Noes. . . . .5
Senators voting in the affirmative are:
Messrs. Allen, Bumpass, Horn, Hunter, Johnson, Lane, Mickley,
Minnis, McClellan, McNeilly, Payne, Richardson, Stanton, Stokes,
Stovall, Thompson, Wood, and Mr. Speaker Newman--18.
Those voting in the negative are:
Messrs. Boyd, Bradford, Hildreth, Nash, Stokely and Mr. Trimble--5.
So the section in lieu offered by the committee was adopted.
Section 5 of the bill was taken up, read and adopted.
Section 6 of the bill was taken up and read.
Mr. Payne moved to strike out "10th" where it occurs in the
section, and insert "17th;" which motion was agreed to.
Mr. Richardson moved to amend the section by adding the following:
Provided, That a majority of the votes cast shall be for the Declaration.
Page 32
Upon the adoption of the amendment, Mr. Boyd demanded the
ayes and noes, which were ordered, and resulted:
- Ayes. . . . .17
- Noes. . . . .7
Senators voting in the affirmative are:
Messrs. Allen, Boyd, Bradford, Bumpass, Hildreth, Horn, Hunter,
Johnson, Lane, McClellan, Nash, Richardson, Stanton, Stokes,
Stokely, Stovall, and Mr. Trimble--17.
Those voting in the negative are:
Messrs. Mickley, Minnis, McNeilly, Payne, Thompson, Wood and
Mr. Speaker Newman--7.
So the amendment was adopted.
The section as amended was adopted.
The seventh section of the bill was read and adopted.
Mr. Trimble offered the following additional section to the bill.
Sec.--. Be it further enacted, That if the Convention make any
change in the present Constitution of the State of Tennessee, the
same shall be submitted to the legal voters of the State of Tennessee,
and be approved of by a majority of them before the same
take effect or have any force; which was adopted.
Mr. Stanton offered the following as a preamble to the declaration
in the second section of the bill.
In view of the existing state of federal or political affairs, surrounding
and affecting the rights, safety, sympathy and honor of
Tennessee, we, the people of said State deem it a right as well as
our duty to adopt and proclaim to the world the following declaration:
Upon the adoption of the amendment, Mr. Stanton demanded
the ayes and noes, which were ordered and resulted:
- Ayes. . . . .8
- Noes. . . . .16
Senators voting in the affirmative are:
Messrs. Johnson, Lane, McClellan, McNeilly, Stanton, Thompson,
Wood, and Mr. Speaker Newman--8.
Those voting in the negative are:
Messrs. Allen, Boyd, Bradford, Bumpass, Hildreth, Horn, Hunter,
Mickley, Minnis, Nash, Payne, Richardson, Stokes, Stokely, Stovall,
and Mr. Trimble--16.
So the amendment was rejected.
Mr. Minnis moved to amend the 6th section of the bill by striking
out the 17th of June and inserting the first Monday in July,
which was agreed to.
The bill as adopted and amended then passed its third reading.
- Ayes. . . . .20
- Noes. . . . .4
Page 33
[TORN PAGE]
Mr. Newman (Mr. Richardson in the Chair) moved that
the rule be suspended and the bill be ordered and engrossed and
transmitted to the House of Representatives, which was agreed to.
Mr. Bumpass offered Senate Resolution No. 17, as follows:
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, That
Taz. W. Newman is authorized to make arrangements with the
Confederate States to arm a regiment organized by him for service;
that he is authorized to make the arrangement for the best
improved rifles, and any arrangement made by him, for said arms
for said regiment, amounting to 800 rifles, is fully authorized
by the General Assembly of Tennessee, and the General Assembly
most respectfully requests the Confederate States to furnish
the same to said regiment.
On motion of Mr. Bumpass, the rule was suspended and the
resolution was taken up and adopted; and,
On motion of Mr. Thompson, ordered to be transmitted to the
House of Representatives.
The consideration of Senate Resolution No. 16, which was postponed
this morning, was resumed.
On motion of Mr. Stokes, the second resolve was stricken out.
On motion of Mr. Stokes, the resolution was amended so as to
request the Governor to communicate to the General Assembly
any correspondence he may have with the Governor of Illinois,
in relation to the seizure of the steamer Hillman, at Cairo.
The resolution as amended was adopted.
On motion of Mr. Thompson, the rule was suspended, and the
resolution ordered to be engrossed and transmitted to the House
of Representatives.
Senate Resolution No. 14, providing for a Joint Select Committee
to prepare an address to the people, was taken up and adopted; and,
On motion of Mr. Minnis, was ordered to be engrossed and
transmitted to the House of Representatives.
Senate Bill No. 3, to amend the militia law of the State, requiring
Captains to give notice, passed second reading.
A message was received from the House of Representatives,
as follows:
Page 34
[TORN PAGE]
I am directed by the House of Representatives to transmit to
the Senate a communication, with a series of resolutions, forwarded
to this General Assembly from Roane county; also,
A petition from Giles county, praying this General Assembly,
to pass an ordinance of secession, and they are herewith accordingly
transmitted.
On motion of Mr. Wood, the order of business was suspended,
and House Bill No. 1, to raise, organize and equip a provisional
force, and for other purposes, was taken up.
Mr. Wood asked and obtained leave to withdraw the bill.
Senate Bill No. 4, to establish a military organization, and arm
and equip the State, was taken up on second reading.
Mr. Wood offered House Bill No. 1, to raise, organize and equip
a provisional force, and for other purposes, in lieu of the bill under
consideration and the same was adopted, and passed upon its
second reading.
Senate Bill No. 5, to amend the charter of the city of Memphis
passed second reading.
On motion of Mr. Payne, fifty copies of House Bill No. 1, offered
in lieu of Senate Bill No. 4, and adopted, were ordered to be
printed for the use of the Senate.
Mr. Payne moved that three thousand copies of the Governor's.
message be minted for the use of the Senate, which was agreed to.
On motion of Mr. Payne, House Bill No. 1, adopted in lieu of
Senate Bill, No. 4, was made the special order for to-morrow at
10 o'clock.
Proceedings and resolutions of public meetings held in the
counties of Giles, Jefferson, Knox, and Roane, were read and laid
on the table.
On motion of Mr. Payne, the Senate adjourned till 9 o'clock
to-morrow morning.
WEDNESDAY MORNING MAY 1, 1861.
The Senate met pursuant to adjournment.
The Journal of yesterday was read and confirmed.
Page 35
Mr. Stokely asked and obtained leave to change his vote on
the final passage of Senate Bill No. 1, to submit to a vote of the
people a Declaration of the State of Tennessee, and to call
a Convention of the State, from the negative to the affirmative.
Geo. B. Peters, Senator from the counties of Hardin, McNairy,
and Hardeman, appeared and took his seat.
Mr. Peters asked and obtained leave to record his vote in the
affirmative upon the passage of Senate Bill No. 1, to submit to a
vote of the people a Declaration of the State of Tennessee, and
to call a Convention of the State.
Mr. Payne offered the following resolution, Senate Resolution No.
18:
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, That
the Governor be, and he is hereby authorized and requested to
appoint three Commissioners on the part of Tennessee, to enter
into a Military League with the authorities of the Confederate
States, and with the authorities of such other slaveholding States
as may wish to enter into it, having in view the protection and
defence of the entire South against the war that is now being
carried on against it.
On motion of Mr. Payne, the rule was suspended and the resolution
taken up and adopted, and ordered to be engrossed and
transmitted to the House of Representatives.
Mr. Horn introduced Senate Bill No. 6, to regulate the time of
holding the Circuit, Chancery, and Supreme Courts of the State;
which passed its first reading; and,
On motion of Mr. Horn, was referred to the Committee on the
Judiciary.
Senate Resolution No. 15, to remove the injunction of secrecy,
was taken up; when
Mr. Stokely asked and obtained leave to withdraw the same
for examination.
Senate Resolution No. 9, to bring about if possible a peaceable
adjustment of present political difficulties, was taken up.
Mr. Stokely, by unanimous consent of the Senate, withdrew
the same from the calendar.
Mr. Stanton offered the following resolution, Senate Resolution
No. 19:
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, That
the Hon. H. W. Hilliard is hereby respectfully requested to furnish
a copy of his late address to this General Assembly in order
that the same may be published.
On motion of Mr. Stanton, the rule was suspended and the resolution
was taken up and adopted, and ordered to be engrossed
and transmitted to the House of Representatives.
Mr. Mickley from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, reported
Page 36
as correctly engrossed Senate Bill No. 1, and Senate Resolutions
Nos. 14, 16, 17, 18, and 19.
Mr. Bradford moved that the Senate take a recess until 2 o'clock
P. M., which motion was agreed to.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The Senate was called to order at 2 o'clock by the Speaker.
Mr. Newman (Mr. Lane in the Chair) addressed the Senate as
follows:
Gentlemen of the Senate:
Impelled by a sense of duty which I owe to my country, as
well as my own convictions as to the manner in which I may best
subserve its interest, I beg leave to resign my position as your
Speaker, in order that I may meet engagements which I have
made heretofore, as a volunteer in the military defence of the
South. It is gratifying to me to know that there are others within
this Chamber upon whom the duties which I now resign will
devolve, and who are more competent to discharge the same than
myself. Nor do I feel that my presence or vote will be needed
in this body to carry out and effectuate the great objects for which
we have been convened. In the wisdom, discretion and patriotism
of this body, I have the utmost confidence, and feel that the safety
and honor of Tennessee is in safe-keeping as long as it may
be committed to your care. My association with you has already
left impressions on my mind and my heart, which will go with me
through whatever battles I may meet, and comfort me in the most
trying hour of life, and will be buried with me, whether at home
or abroad. Yea, it will even last beyond the termination of my
life; for I will transmit it to my best friends and nearest relations,
and hope that they will cultivate and cherish the same warm
feelings of gratitude that I now entertain towards you all, for the
preferment you have heretofore given me, and for your kind
indulgence of whatever blunders and errors I may have committed
from time to time, as your presiding officer. If, at any
time, I have possibly given offence to the feelings of any Senator,
allow, me to say that it would mortify my heart to know it.
I am certain that I never have intended to mar the feelings of
any Senator, and can but indulge the hope that I have not. I
Page 37
must be permitted to tender you this one more acknowledgment
of your kindness towards me, and while I go to defend the rights
and honor of the South at the point of the bayonet, I assure you
that the most grateful feelings and sentiments of my heart are
left with you, and I promise you that the same patriotic purposes
which control your action in this Assembly will control and actuate
me in the army wherever my humble services may be accepted
by my country. The interest and honor of the South admits
of no divisions or distinctions among Southern States. We
are all one in soil, institutions, sympathy and glory, and I shall
shoulder arms for any battle-field on the globe, where it is necessary
to vindicate Southern honor. You will very much gratify me
to accept this my resignation.
On motion of Mr. Payne, the resignation of Mr. Newman as
Speaker of the Senate was accepted, and the thanks of the
Senate were tendered him for the able and impartial manner in
which he had discharged the duties of the position.
The Senate then went into an election for Speaker to fill the
vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Newman.
Mr. Thompson nominated B. L. Stovall, of the county of
Obion.
There being no other nominations, the Senate proceeded to
vote, with the following result:
- For Mr. Stovall. . . . .21
- For Mr. Richardson. . . . .1
Senators voting for Mr. Stovall are:
Messrs. Allen, Boyd, Bradford, Bumpass, Hildreth, Horn, Hunter,
Johnson, Lane, Mickley, Minnis, McClellan, Nash, Payne,
Peters, Richardson, Stanton, Stokes, Stokely, Thompson, and Mr.
Wood--21.
For Mr. Richardson:
Mr. Stovall--1.
Mr. Stovall having received a majority of all the votes cast,
was declared duly and constitutionally elected Speaker of the
Senate for the remainder of the term.
The Speaker elect was conducted to the Chair by Messrs.
Bradford and Johnson.
In assuming the duties of Speaker, Mr. Stovall addressed the
Senate as follows:
Gentlemen of the Senate:
Allow me to offer the members of the Senate, my warmest
gratitude for the generous confidence which they have reposed,
by calling me, by their unanimous voice, to preside over the deliberations
of this body, for the remainder of the session. We
have recently been called together, in this extraordinary session,
Page 38
to deliberate upon the most important questions which have ever
been presented to the people of Tennessee--involving, perhaps,
the destiny of our people, and the perpetuity of our institutions.
Thus far we have mingled together with a fraternal feeling and
unanimity, which have inspired every Senator's heart with gratification
and it is my hopeful trust that during the remainder
of the session, the same spirit shall animate the action of every
Senator.
The gallant State for which we are legislating will soon take
her position amid the storm which overshadows the prospective
history of the country; and it is my ardent desire that we shall
all be united hereafter, as heretofore, in giving to her that position
which shall not compromise her right or violate her honor.
Distrustful, as any Senator must be in assuming the labors of
the position of your Speaker, I invoke your charitable indulgence
for apparent and real errors, and promise to discharge the trust
committed to me without "partiality, favor, or affection."
Ordered, That a message be sent to the House of Representatives
informing that body of the resignation of the Speakership,
by Mr. Newman, and the election of Mr. Stovall to that position.
Mr. Stokely moved that the injunction of secrecy be removed
from the proceedings incident to the resignation and election of
Speaker, which motion was agreed to.
On motion of Mr. Payne, the vote adopting House Bill No. 1,
to raise, organize and equip a provisional force, and for other purposes,
in lieu of Senate Bill No. 4, to establish a military organization,
and arm and equip the State, was reconsidered.
Mr. Payne moved that the vote passing House Bill No. 1, in
lieu of Senate Bill No. 4, on its second reading, be reconsidered,
which motion was agreed to.
House Bill No. 1, to raise, organize and equip a provisional
force, and for other purposes, was taken up and passed on its first
reading.
A message was received from the House of Representatives, by
Mr. Campbell, their clerk, as follows:
MR. SPEAKER:
The Speaker of the House of Representatives has signed
enrolled joint resolution, authorizing the Adjutant General to have
the use of a room in the Capitol; also,
Joint resolution to allow members and officers of the General
Assembly to draw their per diem and mileage; both of which are
herewith transmitted for the signature of the Speaker of the
Senate.
The House of Representatives has considered, and adopted Senate
Resolution, directory to Governor Harris, in relation to opening
a correspondence with the Governor of Illinois by telegraph; also
Page 39
Joint Resolution to appoint a Joint Select Committee to prepare
an address to the people; and the Speaker of the House has
apointed on the part of the House of Representatives, the following
Representatives on said committee, viz: Messrs, Gantt, Hurt,
Guy, Lea, Martin, Brazleton, Pickett, and Mr. Ewing, both of
which are herewith transmitted to the Senate for enrollment.
The Speaker appointed Messrs. Payne, Minnis, Richardson,
Stokes, and Mr. Wood, on the part of the Senate, on the Joint
Select Committee to prepare an address to the people of Tennessee,
as provided for by Senate Resolution No. 14.
On motion of Mr. Stokes, the Senate adjourned until to-morrow
morning at 10 o'clock.
THURSDAY MORNING, MAY 2, 1861.
The Senate met pursuant to adjournment.
The Journal of yesterday was read and confirmed.
Messrs. Stokes and Richardson were excused from serving upon
the Joint Select Committee to prepare an address to the people of
Tennessee and Messrs. Bradford and Stanton were appointed in
their stead on said committee.
A message was received from the House of Representatives, as
follows:
MR. SPEAKER:
The House of Representatives has considered and tabled Senate
Resolution No. 17, to authorize Taz. W. Newman to make
arrangements with the authorities of the Confederate States; also,
Has considered and adopted, Senate Resolution No. 18, to
appoint Commissioners from the State of Tennessee, to confer with
the authorities of the Confederate States in regard to entering into
a Military League, and the same is herewith returned to the Senate
for enrollment.
Mr. Payne offered the following-resolution (Senate Resolution
No. 20,):
WHEREAS, The present government of the United States has
made unprovoked war upon the State of Tennessee, as well as the
other slaveholding States, in violation of the Constitution, thereby
Page 40
manifesting a purpose of subjugation, and believing that any
representation from this State in the Congress of the United States
would be dishonoring to the State: Therefore,
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, That
our Senators in Congress be urgently requested to resign their
seats, and in nowise to countenance by their presence, the legislation
of a government that has resolved itself into a military despotism.
On motion of Mr. Payne, the rule was suspended and the resolution
was taken up.
On motion of Mr. Hildreth, the resolution was referred to the
Joint Select Committee on Federal Relations.
Mr. Hildreth offered the following resolution (Senate Resolution
No. 21.):
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, That
the injunction of secresy be removed as to the bill submitting a
Declaration to a vote of the people, and to call a Convention.
On motion of Mr. Payne, the rule was suspended and the resolution
taken up.
Mr. Payne moved to lay the resolution on the table, on which
motion, Mr. Hildreth demanded the ayes and noes, which were
ordered and resulted:
- Ayes. . . . .17
- Noes. . . . .6
Senators voting in the affirmative are:
Messrs. Allen, Bumpass, Hunter, Johnson, Lane, Mickley, Minnis,
McClellan, McNeilly, Payne, Peters, Stanton, Stokes, Stokely,
Thompson, Wood, and Mr. Speaker Stovall--17.
Those voting in the negative are:
Messrs. Boyd, Bradford, Hildreth, Nash, Richardson, and Mr.
Speaker Trimble--6.
So the resolution was laid on the table.
Mr. Minnis, from the Committee on the Judiciary, reported
back Senate Bill No. 2, in relation to the payment of interest on
State bonds owned by parties in the Northern States, with a recommendation
by a majority of the committee that it be rejected, the
chairman dissenting from the recommendation.
Mr. Minnis, from the Judiciary Committee, reported back Senate
Bill No. 6, to regulate the time of holding the Circuit, Chancery,
and Supreme Courts of the State, the majority of the committee
recommending its rejection.
Mr. Thompson from the Select Committee, to whom was referred
the petitions of Geo. W. Harris, and Dr. R. Thompson, in
relation to inventions in gunnery made, by them, reported as follows:
The undersigned to whom
was referred the petition of Geo. W.
Page 41
Harris, in reference to an original invention of his, of a model for
a cannon, submits the following report:
We are satisfied from the examination which we have made
that this gun can be made at any establishment where ordinary
cannon are constructed, and of ordinary material--can be used
with grape, canister, roundshot and shell. If rifled, it possesses
the great advantage of the patched ball, precisely similar to the
old fashioned rifle, being perhaps the only breach-loader yet invented,
accomplishing this end. The sight is taken through the
gun, being open from end to end, thus giving, as we think, accuracy
in taking the direction and bearing, together with power,
efficacy and safety in the construction of the tube. It is composed
of but three pieces, and each one strong, simple, and durable
--one fourth of the whole weight can be instantly taken off
and thus facilitate rapid charges.
Mr. Harris represents that it can be fired with perfect safety
fifteen times per minute, and being a truthful and reliable man,
we give credit to his representations.
From all appearances, raw recruits may be taught to use this
gun in an hour. It most assuredly must be so constructed that
firing will be rapid, its management simple, and its cost comparatively
cheap.
Mr. Harris proposes to render any assistance by personal superintendence
of its construction, for the sake of Tennessee, without
compensation, only asking the privilege of doing so.
Mr. Harris thinks $250 will be about the cost of constructing a
three or four pounder, but his means are not sufficient to allow
him to do so at his own cost.
The committee therefore recommend, that an appropriation be
made to construct a test gun, and if it shall prove to be as efficacious
as represented, they recommend that the Legislature make
such arrangements as will secure the manufacture of such number
as the interest of the State and the exigency of the times shall
demand.
Respectfully submitted,
JAS. L. THOMPSON, Chairman.
May 2, 1861.
Mr. Payne introduced Senate Bill No. 7, to incorporate the
Tennessee Arms Company, which passed its first reading.
House Bill No. 1, to raise, organize and equip a provisional
force and for other purposes, was taken up on second reading.
Mr. McNeilly moved to insert after the words "of whom" in
the first section, the following: or any less number which the
wants of the service may require, which was agreed to.
Mr. Peters moved that the second paragraph of the 25th section
be amended by inserting after the word "therefore," the following
Page 42
words: and wherever the words "President of the United
States" occur, the words the Governor of the State of Tennessee,
shall be substituted therefor; which motion was agreed to.
Mr. Peters offered the following additional sections to the bill,
to be inserted between the 17th and 18th sections.
SEC.--. Be it further enacted, That a Board of Inspectors shall
be appointed to inspect volunteer troops before they are mustered
into service, consisting of the three senior regimental officers present
on duty with the troops, including the commanding officer
and the senior medical officer of the army present.
SEC.--.Be it further enacted, That before any volunteers are
mustered into service, the Board of Inspectors provided in this
act shall determine the physical and mental ability of each man,
and report the result of their inspection to the officer appointed to
muster said volunteers into service.
Which amendments were adopted.
Mr. Lane moved to strike out the word "enrollment," in the last
line of the 28th section of the bill, and insert the following words:
"leaving their respective places of abode for rendezvous," also to
strike out in the third line of the 29th section of the printed bill
the word "shall" and insert the words may be at the discretion of
the Governor and Military Board; which amendments were referred
to the Joint Select Committee on Military Affairs.
Mr. Minnis offered the following amendment, to be inserted
after the word "arms" in the 7th line of the printed bill, and have
the power to purchase one or more powder mills for the manufacture
of powder, if in their judgment, with the advice of the Military
Board the same shall be necessary for the interest and safety
of the State.
The amendment was referred to the Joint Select Committee on
Military Affairs.
Mr. Payne offered the following amendments which were read
and referred to the Joint Select Committee on Military Affairs.
SEC.--.
Be it further enacted, That Gen. S. R. Anderson, Gen.
Washington Barrow and Major G. A. Henry, shall be, and are
hereby, appointed Commissioners with full power to purchase the
property known as the Sycamore Powder Mills.
SEC.--. Be it further enacted, That the foregoing Commissioners
be, and hereby are authorized to take into consideration the propriety
of purchasing the property of Patton Howell, of Jefferson
county or erecting a factory for manufacturing guns upon his
premises.
The bill as amended was then passed on its second reading
and with the pending amendments recommitted to the Joint Select
Committee on Military Affairs.
Senate Bill No. 6, to regulate the time of holding Circuit
Chancery and Supreme Courts, passed second reading.
Page 43
Senate Bill No. 3, to amend the militia laws of the State, requiring
captains to give notice, was taken up on its third reading
and referred to the Joint Select Committee on Military Affairs.
A message was received from the House of Representatives as
follows:
MR. SPEAKER:
The House of Representatives has considered Senate Resolution
No. 3, providing for printing Hardee's and Scott's Military
Tactics for the use of the State.
And after having adopted two amendments thereto, concurred
in the same, which with the amendments thereto (under order of
the House,) is returned to the Senate for concurrence.
The House has adopted House Resolution No. 20, authorizing
B. R. Johnson and J. E. R. Ray, to compile such books as will be
required for the military of the State, and the same is herewith
immediately transmitted to the Senate for concurrence as ordered
by the House.
I am directed by the House to transmit to the Senate, a series of
resolutions from Blount county, and they are herewith transmitted.
The House has considered and concurred in Senate Resolution
No. 19, to request a copy of the address of the Hon. H. W. Hilliard
to this General Assembly for publication, and the same is
herewith returned for enrollment.
House message returning Senate Resolution No. 3, to print
Hardee's and Scott's Military Tactics for the use of the State,
with amendments, was taken up and the amendments concurred
in and the resolution ordered to be enrolled.
House Resolution No. 20, authorizing B. R. Johnson and J. E.
R. Ray, to compile such books as may be required by the military
of the State, was taken up; and,
On motion of Mr. Stokes, was referred to the Joint Select Committee
on Military Affairs.
Mr. Mickley from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, reported
the following joint resolutions as correctly enrolled, viz:
Joint resolution requesting Governor Harris to open a correspondence
with the Governor of Illinois, relative to the seizure of
the steamer Hillman.
Joint resolution to appoint a Joint Select Committee to prepare
an address to the people of Tennessee.
Joint resolution to appoint Commissioners from the State of
Tennessee to confer with the authorities of the Confederate States
of America, in relation to entering into a Military League.
Page 44
The proceedings of a meeting of the citizens of Blount county
were read and ordered to lie on the table.
On motion of Mr. Stokely, the Senate adjourned until to-morrow
morning at 9 o'clock.
FRIDAY MORNING, MAY 3, 1861.
The Senate met pursuant to adjournment.
The Journal of yesterday was read and confirmed.
Mr. Stovall (Mr. Allen in the. Chair), offered the following resolution
(Senate Resolution No. 22,):
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, That
in view of the large number of Black Republican troops now in
the occupation of the city of Cairo, Illinois, and the additional
number that may be speedily concentrated there, and of the proximity
of said city of Cairo to the northern boundary of West
Tennessee, and the facilities for invading that division of our
State by the Mississippi river and Mobile and Ohio Railroad, and
in view of the unarmed and defenceless condition of that section
of the State, it is the opinion of the General Assembly, that
a wise foresight and prudent precaution, demand that an armed
force be stationed without delay at Union City, in Obion county,
or some other suitable point, near our northern border; and that
such other means of defence in the way o
