MESSAGE NO. 1 
 
 OF 
 
 HIS EXCELLENCY M. L. BONHAM, 
 
 TO 
 
 THE LEGISLATURE 
 
 AT THE 
 
 REGULAR SESSION OF NOVEMBER, 1863. 
 
 COLUMBIA, S. C. 
 CHARLES P. PELHAM, STATE PRINTER. 
 
 1863. 
 
MESSAGE NO. 1 
 
 OF 
 
 HIS EXCELLENCY M. h BOfflAM, 
 
 TO 
 
 THE LEGISLATURE 
 
 AT THE 
 
 REGULAR SESSION OF NOVEMBER, 1863 
 
 COLUMBIA, S. C. 
 CHARLES P. PELHAM, STATE PRINTER. 
 
 1863. 
 

 MESSAGE NO. 1 
 
 Executive Department, 
 Columbia, November 23, 1863. 
 Gentlemrn of the Senate and Home of Representatives : 
 
 Since your last annual meeting, the enemy has obtained possession of 
 Port Hudson, Vicksburg, Chattanooga and Morris Island, not, however, 
 without paying dearly for his possessions; and a second time have our 
 troops evacuated Pennsylvania and Maryland, though, not defeated. There is 
 in this, no cause for despondency. He is this day relatively weaker than he 
 was before these events, his armies being widely separated, and further 
 from their bases of supplies, whilst the Confederacy is relatively stronger, 
 our armies possessing the facilities for more rapid concentration by interior 
 lines, and being nearer their bases of supplies. The great battle of 
 Chickamauga, in which some of Carolina's noblest sons have fallen, 
 has illustrated the truth of this proposition. Beyond the points 
 obtained, he has made no real progress towards the accomplishment of 
 his purpose. — the subjugation of the South. Our harvests have been 
 bountiful, our country healthy, and our people have been rendered, if possi- 
 ble, more united and resolved, by the vandalism of our foes. The siege of 
 Charleston, now far advanced into its tifth month, conducted with a power 
 and range of metal and destructiveness of projectiles, hitherto unknown 
 in warfare, and a malignity that respects neither -sex, age or condition, 
 has shown to our enemies that they will probably never place their un- 
 hallowed feet upon the soil of that brave old city; but, if they do, it will 
 be only when they have reduced it to a heap of ruins. Sumter, held with 
 a gallantry and a tenacity which will immortalize its noble defenders, is 
 now in ruins, but is yet a giant in its powers of resistance. To the west 
 of the Mississippi, our troops have gained important advantages. In 
 Tennessee, the enemy's forces are besieged in Chattanooga and driven 
 from Knoxville", and the army of the Potomac stands ready to give him 
 another Fredericksburg reception. It behooves us, however, not to 
 relax our efforts. Untiring energy and perseverance are essential to 
 
success. A bitter and wily %o watches our every movement, prepared 
 to take every advantage. Our people have couoted the cost, and have 
 determined upon independence or annihilation; it is ours to leave noth- 
 ing undone to secure the object of this revolution. Never was the 
 remark more applicable, that the price of liberty is eternal vigilance. The 
 Srate Legislatures have no unimportant part to play- in this great drama. 
 They can aid the Confederate government, by assisting in clothing the troops, 
 in repelling the raids of our enemies, and in feeding the families of our 
 soldiers in arms. In all measures which you, in your wisdom, may adopt, 
 looking to the successful issue of this great struggle, you may, gentlemen, 
 rely upon my hearty co-operation. 
 
 The supplying of slave labor for coast defences has proved perplexing. 
 Our energetic State Agent, whose report is herewith transmitted, has done 
 all in his power to enforce your acts ou this subject. But the system 
 has not furnished all the labor which the pressing emergencies at Charles- 
 ton required. The Confederate General felt the necessity of impressing, 
 in September last, additional labor to secure the safety of the city. This 
 action, I did not, under the circumstances, hesitate to approve. It would 
 seem that no system imposing penalties, is likely to secure equality and 
 success. The patriotic send their slaves; others will pay, if the fine is 
 not too heavy, or tak§ the chances of escape through the Courts. Much 
 complaint is made of the mismanagement and treatment of the negroes; of 
 their detention in violation of the contract and the law, and that so many 
 citizens furnish no labor at all. The first complaint, I am sorry to believe, 
 there is foundation for; but the remedy for the evil is difficult, and must 
 necessarily rest with the Confederate authorities. The second, I have been 
 given to understand, arises from the inability of the State authorities to 
 replace the labor at the end of the month. The third, is the result of a 
 radical defect in the system itself. If labor is still to be furnished, and I 
 have no intimation that it will not be needed, (so long as the coast is 
 invaded, and there is need of it, it ought to be furnished,) the plan which 
 will secure the greatest equality, in my judgment, is to authorize the Gov- 
 ernor or State Agent, or the Confederate General commanding the depart- 
 ment, if it is preferred, to impress, through the Commissioners of Roads, 
 for two months' service, the equal proportion of every slaveholder, owning 
 more than one road hand. My acquaintance, for some years past, with the 
 organization of these Boards, leads me to believe that they would fairly and 
 impartially discharge the duty, and furnish the labor promptly. An ex- 
 tension of the time of service is recommended, to lessen the expenses of 
 transportation, and because every change requires a new organization, 
 which takes, I learn, the better part of the first week. Besides, it is not 
 
the time the hands are kept, of which planters complain, if they are ad- 
 vertized of it ; it is their detention, contrary to the understanding and 
 their previous arrangements. • 
 
 Owing to the disorganization of the State militia, hy the enforcement of 
 the Conscript Acts of Congress up to the age of forty-five, it will require 
 much time to reorganize it, so as to make it at all effective. Upon this 
 subject, I ask your attention to the Report of the Adjutant and Inspector 
 General. In the present condition of things, a permanent force, taken by 
 volunteering or by draft, proportionally from each military division of the 
 State, would be much more effective. The militia, for protection against 
 raids, cannot be brought so promptly into the field; would not be so effec- 
 tive ; and suddenly called out by regiments, would take the entire agricul- 
 tural white labor of the particular regiments from home, perhaps at harvest, 
 perhaps at seed-time. On this subject, I beg leave to embody an extract 
 from the recent message of the patriotic Executive of (Georgia. 
 
 Speaking of his two Regiments of State troops, their protecting the 
 rear of General Bragg's army since he has been near Chattanooga, and 
 their importance in time of war, he says : " Had the State not been able to 
 protect his rear, the General must have sent part of his own army to do 
 that duty, which would have weakened his force, and made his success 
 more doubtful. * * * * In case of a raid into this State, this force 
 would be of great service in the protection of public and private property, 
 and in repelling the aggressors. No State in the Confederacy should be 
 without such a force during the continuance of the war, as emergencies 
 must frequently arise which make it indispensably necessary that the State 
 have at her command a force sufficient to suppress slave insurrections, repel 
 incursions of the enemy, or meet other sudden exigencies. I notice that 
 the Governor of South Carolina has lately convened the Legislature, and 
 recommended the organization of a similar force in that gallant State." 
 
 The cost of such a body of troops may be objected to. If two regiments 
 are two much, let one be raised, to be put in the field when needed, and 
 wholly, or partially furloughed, when not needed. This is no time to count 
 the cost of maintaining a small force to protect the State against raids, our 
 women and children from insult, our hearth-stones from desecration. "With 
 but two companies of mounted troops (the Combahee Rangers were dis- 
 banded in July last,) I was enabled with one, Rogers' company, to guaid 
 in part, the eastern coast of the State, and with the other, Boykin's, ma- 
 terially to assist the Confederate Government in arresting deserters, which 
 delicate duty has been most satisfactorily performed. I have also been 
 enabled recently, at the request of Governor Yance, to send one company, 
 Captain Boykin's, into North Carolina, where it has rendered most efficient 
 
6 
 
 services, as will be seen by reference to the report of the Captain, and 
 General Yanee's order returning them to their own State, copies of which 
 are herewith transmitted. His command engaged and repulsed a force 
 larger than his own, Captain Boykin having two men wounded, one probably 
 mortally. 
 
 I herewith transmit a copy of the able and satisfactory Report of Major 
 Niernsee, State Engineer, upon the obstruction of the Santee, and a battery 
 at Taber's Point, St. Matthew's Parish, Orangeburg District, together with 
 a letter from General Beauregard in relation thereto. 
 
 Accompanying this Message, is a report of the Commissary General, 
 showing the progress made in suppressing undue distillation in the State, 
 and explaining the inability of the State to furnish as yet, whiskey for 
 medicinal purposes. Your law prohibiting undue distillation has con- 
 tributed largely towards keeping down the price of breadstuff's, particularly 
 Indian corn. If the Confederate Government would receive its tithe, 
 and postpone impressments; for the present, (holders will not destroy the 
 supplies, nor can they conceal them,) I believe the breadstuff's in the 
 country are amply sufficient for the people and the army. 
 
 The question of conflict between the State and Confederate Exemption 
 Acts has been submitted to the courts, and I am just informed that the 
 decision of the Circuit Court is, " that neither the Ordinance nor the Act 
 amendatory of it, contemplated exemption from any service besides Militia 
 service in the State, and so neither is in conflict with the Conscription laws." 
 As I said in my message of September last, I think it is our true policy 
 to amend our exemption laws, so as to make them conform as nearly as 
 practicable to those of the Confederate government. This may be done 
 without yielding the right of the State to exempt such portion of her 
 population as she may choose, and when she may choose, for police and other 
 purposes. If the Confederate Government will put into the field the most 
 of the able bodied men between eighteen and forty-live, now occupied as 
 Quartermasters and Commissaries' Purchasing Agents, Enrolling Officers 
 and Impressing Agents, and in other similar positions, the great mass 
 of whose places can be as well, in many, and in some instances, better 
 filled by disabled soldiers, and the State governments will conform their's 
 to the Confederate Exemption Acts, the Confederate Government can com- 
 mand a force that will drive beyond our borders all the armies the Abolition 
 government can congregate for the further prosecution of this unholy 
 war. Your attention is invited to the views of the Adjutant and Inspector 
 General upon this and other subjects referred to, in his report accom- 
 panying this Message. 
 
 I also ask your attention to the following exemption clause in our own 
 law; ik The officers, and as many employees of each Railroad Company ars 
 
the President or Superintendent may certify to be necessary to the efficient 
 conduct of its business ; Provided, that it is also certified that the duty of 
 said employees cannot be discharged by slaves." I do not know that these 
 officers have abused this trust. Such power should not be lodged with any 
 one who is not directly connected with the administration of the govern- 
 ment. The final decision should be left with the Executive, or the Adjutant 
 General. 
 
 The permission of substitutions is suited to a war in which a small pro- 
 portion of the arms-bearing population is required for the field, — not to a 
 war which may sooner or later require every man, without reference to age, 
 to shoulder his musket; and especially is it unsuited to a conscription sys- 
 tem which purports to take all able-bodied men between given ages. You 
 have wisely declared those having substitutes in Confederate service still 
 liable to State service. The time, I suggest, has arrived when all laws, 
 whether State or Confederate, allowing substitution, should be repealed. 
 They operate in favor of a class, than whom none have a deeper interest in 
 the success of the cause. 
 
 The State owes no higher obligation growing out of this war than to pro- 
 tect every soldier's family against want; and to effect this, it is the duty of 
 the Legislature to increase the appropriation to be distributed by the 
 Soldiers' Boards of Relief to any amount requisite; and if necessary, to 
 raise the taxes for that purpose. And these taxes should, at this time, be 
 levied upon incomes. 
 
 Of the fund appropriated for the Military defence of the State, less than 
 one half has been expended. The six months' State troops having gone 
 into Confederate service, and the exigencies, though threatening, not having 
 required the calling out of the militia, the expenditures, have been far less 
 than was anticipated. I have directed the Auditor to obtain estimates 
 from all the Departments for the next year, which I will send in as soon as 
 completed. 
 
 Upon this, the Quartermaster General's Department, and other subjects 
 reported upon, I call your attention to the full and satisfactory report of 
 the State Auditor. The arduous duties of this officer have been faithfully 
 and ably performed. Under, as I think, a mistaken view, much of his 
 salary has been expended for what I can scarcely suppose it was the expec- 
 tation of the Legislature it would be. Such an omcer at this time, is indis- 
 pensable, but his labors are two great for one person. One assistant, and 
 for a short period two, have been found necessary for the accomplishment of 
 the work. I recommend that an assistant be allowed, with a competent 
 salary. 
 
 To the reports of the Auditor and the Commissary General, I refer you, 
 for information as to what has been done in procuring and distributing wool 
 
and cotton cards, and the procurement of card-making machines. It is 
 much to be regretted that these articles could not have been sooner procured. 
 But I have no reason to doubt that the agents employed to procure them, 
 accomplished all that was practicable. Learning from General James Jones, 
 Quartermaster General, to whose superintendence I have committed the 
 card-making machines, that one machinest can manage ten with ease, I 
 ordered one to be made here, (not yet completed,) and have purchased nine 
 others, obtained from abroad, six of which have just arrived. The number 
 of wool and cotton cards received will relieve much the wants of soldiers' 
 families, and other needy families ; and the card-making machines, I trust, 
 will enable me before a great while to materially reduce the price. The 
 mode of distributing them, according to representation, is not, under exist- 
 ing circumstances, just. It would be far more so, to distribute them accord- 
 ing to the actual wants of all the districts, to be determined by the present 
 population. 
 
 I transmit herewith copies of communications from some eminently 
 practical citizens, upon the subject of Government ships for procuring 
 such machinery and supplies, as the State may need for her own use, or 
 that of her soldiers in Confederate service. The Confederate Government 
 cannot, at all times, so promptly as they may wish, furnish such things as 
 the army may need; and by adopting one or both of the schemes suggested, 
 the State will be in a condition to procure for herself, or furnish to the 
 troops such articles at much less cost than now. 
 
 The Confederate Government has expressed a willingness to take off the 
 hands of the State, the Saltpetre plantation, and her interest in the Lead 
 mine, at cost and charges; but not the State works. I did not deem it ad- 
 visable to transfer the least important and expensive part of the Public 
 works, retaining the others. The working of the Lead mine, I recommend 
 to be abandoned, as it cannot, according to the Report of Dr. LeConte, 
 herewith communicated, be made profitable. The Saltpetre plantation, it is 
 believed, can be made to pay well, and is a very interesting experiment. 
 The advantages of the State works do not appear to be, so far, commensu- 
 rate with the expenditures. It is believed, however, that they will in future 
 be profitable, if the expenses of procuring coal and coke, and transporting 
 iron, do not prevent it. It is a grave question for your consideration, in 
 the present state of the country, whether it would not be better now, to 
 change the locality of the works, placing them at Columbia, on the canal, or 
 near the iron mines, at some place where the machinery may be run by water. 
 And here I recommend to your consideration the question of how far it 
 may not be desirable for the State to do something towards establishing 
 more direct communication with the Deep River coal mines. If these diffi- 
 
cullies could be overcome, the information I have received on a recent visit 
 to the works, from the intelligent Superintendent and the heads of the 
 different departments, satisfies me they will be profitable. It is a matter of 
 great importance to the State to have it, in future, in her own power to 
 manufacture the implements of war which she may need. 
 
 In accordance with your resolution, I contracted for the manufacture of 
 one thousand Morse's carbines. A part of them have been completed, and 
 I regard them the best Cavalry weapon in use. The compensation to Col. 
 Morse has not been determined upon, and I recommend this matter to your 
 consideration, as something more than the mere value of the article manu- 
 factured, it may be thought proper to allow. 
 
 Five of George's Revolving cannon have been constructed, uuder your 
 resolution, and inspected and approved by the Ordnance officer of the State, 
 whose report, together with reports furnished by Geueral Hampton and 
 Captain Thomas, as to the utility of the arm, are herewith communicated. 
 The remaining two will be completed, by Captain George, at an early 
 day. In order to have them fully tested, I sent one to General Beauregard, 
 and another I delivered to General Hampton, to be carried to Virginia, 
 where it can be tested in the field. He proposed to replace it with another 
 which he has ordered to be constructed. Two others, I have, within the 
 last few days, sent to General Beauregard, at his revest, he thinking them 
 useful at Charleston. The fifth is at the, Arsenal for the a inspection of the 
 Military Committees. I refer you, for further information on these subjects, 
 to the report of the Ordnance officer, herewith communicated. 
 
 I attended, in July last, the annual examination of the Deaf and Dumb, 
 at the Cedar Springs Asylum. I commend this Institution to the fostering 
 care of the State. No one who has not attended the examinations can 
 form any adequate estimate of the happiness imparted to the unfortunate 
 pupils of the school by their education. 
 
 The Citadel and Arsenal Academies are in a flourishing condition, and 
 at this juncture, are the most suitable institutions for training the youths 
 of our State. I commend them earnestly to your care and encouragement. 
 
 1 transmit copies of a communication from Hon. James A. Seddon, 
 Secretary of War, acknowledging the receipt of your resolution of Septem- 
 ber, in reference to impressments. There have certainly been many irregu- 
 larities on the part of government officials, in the execution of the law ; 
 but it is hoped the orders of the War Department, recently published, 
 may prevent them in future. 
 
 In compliance with the resolutions of your Houses, at your last session, 
 upon the subject of furloughs to the six months' troops, for the purpose of 
 gathering their crops and sowing grain, and also as to placing troops near 
 
10 
 
 the passes of the mountains, I communicated both with the Secretary of 
 War and the Commanding General of this department. Their replies 
 are herewith transmitted. Subsequently, upon representations from 
 Asheville, and also from the citizens of Greenville, that the danger of a 
 raid through Asheville into the upper districts of this State was imminent, 
 the Commanding General sent to the mountains one regiment of State 
 troops and a battery of light artillery. 
 
 In accordance with your resolution, I accepted the offer of Mr. William 
 Gregg, President of the Graniteville Manufacturing Company, to deliver 
 to the State, for distribution through the different Boards of Relief for 
 families of soldiers, ten thousand yards of Graniteville cloths per week. I 
 notified him of my acceptance of his proposition, and have received several 
 thousand yards, and have directed the distribution according to your reso- 
 lution. Since that time, I have received from Mr. Gregg, a proposition to 
 change the terms of his offer, but did not feel warranted in acceding to it. 
 I transmit copies of his letter and of my reply. 
 
 I earnestly recommend an increase of the salaries of all public officers 
 whose salaries are not limited by the Constitution. The high price of pro- 
 visions and rents, renders it utterly impossible for them to support them- 
 selves with their present salaries, especially those whose duties require 
 them to live in Columbia. I enclose herewith copies of a communication 
 addressed to me upon this subject. 
 
 I transmit, also, a copy of a communication from Hon. Marshall 
 McCue, which he desires should reach you through me, upon the subject 
 of clothing for our army, together with a pamphlet* containing his speech 
 in the House of Delegates and much valuable statistical information. 
 
 I transmit, also, copies of a memorial and letters of Mr. B. J. Sage, 
 upon the subject of a Volunteer Navy, under the Act of Congress. 
 I recommend this subject to the most favorable consideration of the 
 Legislature. The recent action of the British and French governments, 
 renders it more than ever desirable, that the States, themselves, should 
 take some steps towards furnishing what has been so long needed to bring 
 the war to a speedy and successful termination. 
 
 In accordance with your resolutions of January 24, 1863, I established 
 the Richmond Agency, for the assistance of South Carolina soldiers. I 
 appointed Colonel E. P.Jones, of Greenville, agent, and authorized him to 
 employ two assistants, requiring him to make periodical returns. I have 
 every reason to be satisfied with the manner in which he has performed his 
 duties, and have every assurance that the agency has contributed greatly 
 to the comfort and relief of our soldiers with an inconsiderable outlay of 
 money. Copies of his annual report are herewith submitted. 
 
11 
 
 I transmit, also, a communication from a Committee of the House of 
 Delegates of Virginia, upon the all-important question of the currency. 
 It is gratifying to know that in your bodies are to be found some of the 
 ablest financiers of the country, and I trust that their combined wisdom 
 may suggest some means of improving its condition. 
 
 I herewith communicate copies of certain resolutions of the North Carolina 
 Legislature upon the subject of loyalty, enclosed me by the Governor of 
 that State, to be laid before your bodies. 
 
 I transmit also the first battle-flag of the loth South Carolina Volunteers, 
 with the correspondence between Lieutenant Colonel Brockman, command- 
 ing, and myself. It was the flag borne by the regiment under the lead of 
 its gallant Colonel, Edwards, who gave up his life in defence of that flag 
 and his country's honor. It should be preserved as one of the proud me- 
 morials of the gallantry of Carolina's sons. 
 
 I recommend an amendment of the sixth section of "The Act to enable 
 citizens of the State who are engaged in military service to exercise the 
 rights of suffrage," ratified on the Gth day of February, 1863, so as to 
 require the polls to be opened in the army on a day so long previous to the 
 day fixed for the election, as to secure ample time for the transmission of 
 the result to the district managers before the day for declaring the election. 
 The office of Paymaster General, should be abolished, and the duties 
 assigned to the Quartermaster General's department. The duties of these 
 two departments are consolidated in the Confederate government, and it is 
 found to work well. 
 
 All joint resolutions should be engrossed and filed in the Secretary of 
 State's office, and be published with the Acts. They arc so disposed of 
 under the Federal as well as the Confederate governments, and I incline 
 to think, some of the State governments. Having the force of law, they 
 should be as accessible to the public as the Acts of Assembly themselves. 
 Moreover, as they often impose duties upon the Executive, it is important 
 that he should have ready access to them immediately upon the adjourn- 
 ment of the Legislature. 
 
 I enclose a joint resolution of the Legislature of Georgia, just received, 
 setting apart the 10th day of December next, as a day of fasting, humilia- 
 tion and prayer, and requesting the Congress of the Confederate States, the 
 Legislatures of the different States, the Army and Navy, and all the people, 
 to unite with them in its observance. I recommend the adoption of a 
 resolution of concurrence, with a request to all the good citizens of this 
 State, to unite in the observance of that day. 
 
 Upon your deliberations, I invoke the blessings of the Almighty. 
 
 M. L. EON HAM