12 
 
 mo 
 
 #-ZV5 
 
 Duke University Libraries 
 
 Annual message 
 Conf Pam 12mo #243 
 
 DTTDflDDflDY 
 
JL_LL_ ' _ ' U U^U l I L_JLlHM.m.i.W 
 
 OF 
 
 TO THE 
 
 LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA- 
 
 JANUARY, 1865. 
 
 PRINTED AT THE OFFICE OF THE CADDO GAZETTE. 
 
^f.-i^^<^ 
 
 

 Executive Opficb, > 
 
 ShreVeport, La., Jan. 16th, 1865. f 
 Gentlemen of thb Senate 
 
 AND OF the HoU?B OF REPRESENTATIVES: 
 
 You have assembled again, in regnlar session, for the purpose of transacting 
 the business of the Commonwealth. During the year that has elapsed since I had 
 the pleasure of meeting' you, very important events have transpired. Many bloody 
 battles have been fought with varied success — many valuable lives have been offered 
 up on the altar of our common country. The war has raged with unabated fury^ 
 yet our troops, with a few recent exceptions, have been everywhere triumphant ; 
 and the armies of the Confederacy are to-day well organized and are still formid- 
 able. Divine Providence has blessed the land with plenty, while that terrible 
 scourge, which often in our climato decimates whole cities, has been but partially 
 felt. Our own queenly metropolis, though cursed with the presence of an insolent, 
 thieving, vandal foe, has yet been spared the visitation of pestilence; and Louisiana 
 has perhaps lost fewer lives in a year of battles than she has often lost in a summer 
 of the fever. In this department, although our people have suffered much from the 
 wicked raids of the enemy, we have no reason to complain. We should not murmur, 
 for our arms have been victoi-ious in an eminent degree. The enemy have been 
 driven out of the Attakapas parishes, and are not now seen on the right bank of 
 the Atchafsilaya. Although many of our farmers have suffered from di-outh, and 
 from the late planting caused by invasion, we still have corn enough in Louisiana 
 for two years' subsistence. With grateful hearts we should thank Him, who rules 
 the destinies of the universe, for this plenty in the land. 
 
 Since your last session we have been called to mourn the loss of many of oi|r 
 best citizens. Henry Johnson, once Governor of Louisiana, a cotemporary of 
 Clay, and "Webster, and Calhoun, died at his home in Poiute Coupee, full of years 
 and full of honors. Pip;rre Emile Bonford, Associate Justice of the Supreme 
 Court, after a brief illness, died at Alexandria, exiled by war from home and 
 fjxmily. He was a finished scholar, a thorough and very learned lawyer and jurist, 
 and a devoted patriot. I{is singularly pure, candid, genial and generous nature 
 Avon the love of all who knew him. I took him from tlio army and placed him on 
 the bench. In his death the State has suffered irrepaiable loss. Henry Marshai-l 
 and Benjamin L. Hodge, the one succeeding the other in Congress, have also 
 departed this life. Both were distinguished for their sterling integrity and great 
 patriotism. Your own body has also lost one of its brig-litest ornaments, in the 
 death of Preston Pond, Jr., Senator from East Feliciana. On the battle field 
 death has stricken many a shining mark. Generals Polk, Mouton, and Stafford 
 have fallen fighting gloriously for their country. Their memories are embalmed in 
 the hearts of all Louisianians — a nation's tears will flow for them — their graves will 
 be hallowed ground. Armani*, and Beard, and Clack, and Canfikld, and 
 Shields, and Bell, and Wlvans, and Walker, and Taylor — all fell as fall the 
 bravo. I would recommend that a few acres of the battlefield of Mansfield bf 
 bought by the State, and that a monument be erected to the gallant Mout<>P 
 and his brave comrades, who fell there in defence of their country. 
 
 FLNANCES. 
 
 I respectfully re'er you to the report of the Hon. B. L. Defreese, S(ate TxeapHr«»r. 
 for much valuable inform.Ttion. At your last session you app;'<?priated the »;um ni 
 11.043,630 dollars. I have drawn fro^n tho Treasury 6,247,r>70 dnllai>. leaving a 
 balance of appropriations unexpended of 4,794.Gr>l dolU:rt>. Y'ln will fi«»c> tbatthei'<i 
 is in tho Treasury, (.f all funds, o, 227,369 dollar?. 
 
 6^3? J "7^^ 
 
I would also inrite your atteuti»ii to the report of Col. James C. Wis«, QuarfeT- 
 Master fleneral, hy which you will pcrceiro that a very lar^e proportion of th« 
 above expenditure is represented by valuable etores, advancing in market price, and 
 more available than Treasury Notes to meet the future wants of the State/ Ac- 
 companying this Report will be found a tabular statement of all the property now 
 on hand acquired for the State during the past year. It consists of cotton, sugar, 
 Kubsistence stores, drugs and medicines — all of which have been paid for — amount- 
 ing in the aggregate to $5,510,000. 
 
 As authorized by your Act of last session, the Treasurer has prepared and issued 
 three hundred thousand dollars in Treasury notes of one dollar and fractions of a 
 dollar. This well-timed supply of change has proved a groat relief to the public, 
 Rt small expense. The object of the law has been accomplished most admirably, 
 Binct- all local and corporation small notes have been Avithdvawn from circulation. 
 
 Tor a statement in detail of the Finajices of the State, I refer you tc the report 
 of the Hon. H. Peralta, Auditor of Public Accounts. You will perceive that the 
 State of Louisiana owes, in round numbers, nineteen millions of dollars. Under 
 your recent Act authorizing the eale of six per cent, bonds, I have had occasion to 
 sell only to the amount of 571,940 dollars, all at a premium of ten per 
 centum. The proceeds of these bonds have been applied to draw in State Treasury 
 Kotes. The Confederate Government owes the State about four millions of dollars, 
 e3fpended for military purposes. I have had the accounts and vouchers properly 
 arranged and classified, and have placed tlierfi before the Hon. Thos. C. Kennedy, 
 Comptroller of the C. S,. Treasury at Marshall. As soon as they are examined and 
 adjusted, they will be forwarded to Richmond for payment. 
 
 ST.^TE GUARD. 
 
 You authorized and instnicted me at your last session to raise four companies 
 of mounted men, which, joined to the six companies already in State service, were 
 to form two baltalions of State troops, whose duty was plainly prescribed. I 
 raised, armed and eqiiipped the companies, organized the battalions, and placed 
 them at once in the field. At that time the enemy had arrived at Natchitoches, in 
 their advance up Red River valley. I ordered the battalions, commanded by Lieu- 
 tenant Colonels II. M. Favrot and Ben. AV. Clark, to report to General Taylor 
 instanter. Promptly obeying, they shared in the hard fought battles of Mansfield 
 and Pleasant Hill, and acquitted themselves gallantly as good and efficient troops. 
 Although State forces, I kept them in C. S. service, doing constant and heavy duty 
 in Lower Louisiana until the 26th day of July last, when they were regularly mus- 
 tered into the C. S. Army, and turned over to the General commanding this De- 
 partment. The two battalions have since been consolidated, and now form the 
 eighth regiment t)f Louisiana Cavalry, numbering eight hundred officers and men. 
 Composed of excellent material, I doubt not that this corps will prove very useful 
 to the Department, and much more eflicieut by being thus transferred. As the State 
 li;id no depots of corn and provisions, no forage, and inadequate transportation, it 
 was incurring very heavy expense. I cannot speak too highly of the bravery and 
 good conduct of the "Guard;" they have jierformed their duty nobly wherever 
 assigned. For the military organizations and operations of the State troops, and all 
 ihc details incident thereto, I respectfully refer you to the concise and able report of 
 Brig. Gen. T. G. Hunt, A. & I. G. 
 
 STATE DISPEXSAnV. 
 
 The sum of five Intndred thousand dollars was appropriated by you for the pur- 
 chase of medicines for the famlli -s of soldiers. To obtain enough to make the d;s- 
 tdbiition contemi)latcd by the Act was found imjtracticable. I therefore established 
 a Dispensary at this place, from which every portion of the Stale has been supplied 
 aa far ;\f> poswibh'.. Every parish has, I believe, derived benefit from this Dis- 
 pensary. To none has medicine been denied. To the poor and destitute it has 
 been fiiven "without money and without price." For a statement of the affairs of 
 'liiji eatal)li..'«hme!»l, I re.^j>ectfnlly refer you to the report of Surgeon General Amzi 
 ilarliii. Y<^u v.-ill s;*;^ (hat ln' has furnisliod to citizens of (ho State medicines 
 
at about one-third of th« market price here, to the ralue of 8274,972 ; that he ha» 
 distributed for charitable purposes 013,790 woith; and that the nett profits for fare 
 months amount to about $50,000, all of which has been paid into the State Trea- 
 surj. Although my agents have been very active, they have succeeded, at great 
 personal risk and labor, in keeping the Dispensary only partially supplied. I have 
 found it exceedingly difficult to procure medicines for the people, as the enemy took 
 a maligaant pleasure in destroying all drug-stores in their march through thu lower 
 portion of the State, and by a refinement of cruelty, have declared all medicines 
 contraband of war. Notwithstanding all these difficulties, I am happy to inform 
 you that I have received a large supply from Mexico — amply sufficient for many 
 months to come. Every citizen of Louisiana can now be abundantly supplied with 
 medicines of all kinds. 
 
 IRON AND LEAD ORES. 
 
 In obedience to the instructions of the General Assembly, practical men were 
 employed to examine thoroughly all portions of the State where lead and iron ores 
 were thonoht to exist. Traces only of lead ore were found in several places, but 
 not in sufficient quantities to justify any outlay whatever for the necessary n\a- 
 ehinery to Avork and smelt the same. The parishes of DeSoto, Sabine, Bossier, 
 Claiborne and Bienville have iron in large quantities. Upon subjecting specimens 
 of ore from these parishes to the proper test, they were found to bo so refractory, 
 that it was not deemed advisable to prosecute the matter further. I thought it 
 more prudent, too, in the unsettled condition of affairs, to establish a furnace, (which 
 is a great undertaking,) at a more retired and secure y)lace. I therefore sent Lieut. - 
 Col. E. Miltenberger, A. D. C, to Texas; and, after thorough examination, purchased 
 one-fourth of the "Sulphur Forks Iron ^Vorks," in DaA'is cotinty, of that State, for 
 fifty thousand dollars. Tins furnace was erected but a few months since, and is noAV 
 going into successful operation. It will abundantly supply the State with all the 
 iron needed. It is situated about ninety miles from Shreveporr, and within a few 
 miles of water transyortation. I consider this purchase very fortunate. Already the 
 stock is worth douKie the money stipulated. The Company owns a valuable tract of 
 land covered with inexhaustible beds of rich iron ore. The buildings and machinery 
 are of the most substantial kind. The "AVorks" are managed by a Board of five 
 Directors, two of whom are appointed by the State of Louisiana. I refer you to 
 the accompanying papers for full particulars respecting these valuable works. 
 
 STATU STORK. 
 
 AVhen entering upon the duties of my office, I found the currency of the State 
 very much depreciated. Farmers, merchants, butchers, bakers, mechanics, all re- 
 fused to take it. Notwithstanding it was well knoAvn that the State M'as amply 
 able to redeem her circulation, still her paper was in bad repute, and its exchange- 
 able value daily declining. j\luch concerned at this, I earnestly sought a remedy. 
 After mature reflection, I determined to establish a State Store, to sell cheap goocla 
 to the public, and to take payment in our depreciated currency. This has served a 
 double purpose. It has drawn in from circulation a large amount of State notes, 
 thus increasing the excha»geable value of the remainder, and has supplied our 
 fellow-citizens with articles of necessity, at prices comparatively moderate. For 
 details of the transactions in this purchase and sale of merchandize, I respectfully 
 refer you to the report of C. H. Ardis, Military Store-keeper. You will perceive 
 that he has paid into the Treasury, from proceeds of sales, $425,249 61, be- 
 .=*ides giving to destitute wounded soldiers, to orphans and to widows, goods to tho 
 value of $22,li39 50. In addition to this, you will see that goods to the value of 
 S87,326 19 have been transfered to the several State departments, and that army 
 supplies, ordnance stores, <Scc., to the A'alue of $627,816 60 have been turned over 
 to the Contederate Government, making the transactions of the State Store since 
 its inauguration on the 30th of June last, amount to the gross sum of $1,162,551 90. 
 These goods were imported from ]\[exico, and paid for in cotton, ns will appear from 
 documents annexed to the report above mentioned. All of which are submitted for 
 yo^ir inspection. 
 
6 
 
 I am Imppj to Inform rou that tlie Trea«urr notes of the State nre now mucli in 
 demand, not only in Louisiana, but io this entii-o department. It is vnj intontion. 
 unless otherwiRe instructed bj the General Assembly, to keep np the "State Store," 
 to continue the importation of goods, and to sell them to the public at prices Arithin 
 a fraction of their cost. Many a wounded and destitute eoldier has been clothed, 
 free of charge, from this store, while the widow and the orphan have alRO been sup- 
 plied. In dispensing these charities, I have made no distinction. Wounded and 
 disabled soldiers from Texas, Arkansas and Missouri have all been relieved — and 
 none have beiMi refused. 
 
 To extend the two-fold benefits of this purchase and sale of merchandisp, it i« 
 my purpose, your honorable body approving, to locate three or more branch stores, 
 in different towns of Louisiana. The insufficient receipt of goods, the want of 
 transportation, my unwillingness to take men from the army to act as store-keeper?, 
 and the difficulty of giving such orders for the sale of goods at a distance as would 
 secure their just, equitable and judicious disposition, are among the reasons which 
 have prevented nie hitherto from sending fhem to remote sections for sale and dis- 
 tribution. I hope, however, to prove to the people of all portions of tlie State, by 
 the potent logic of fact!», that the very exorbitant prices of imported necessities are 
 to be accounted for by the greed of traders more than by the actual cost of impor- 
 tation. Should I thus incur the ill-will of venal, grasping, insatiable peddlers and 
 speculators, I shall be abundantly consoled by the approbation of all honorable and 
 patriotic merchants. 
 
 MANUFACTORIES. 
 
 At the last session of the General Assembly, yoti made large and liberal appro- 
 priations for the establishment of manufactories ; and the Executive was invested 
 with almost unlimited powers. I trust that your Confidence has not been misplaced. 
 Having found the State destitute of manufactories of all kinds, I am pleased to 
 inform you that there are now in successful operation, the following works: 
 
 Two Turpentine distilleries^ 
 
 One Castor Oil Factory. 
 
 One Cotton Card Factory. 
 
 One Establishment for making Carbonate of Soda. 
 
 Two Distilleries for pure medicinal Alcohol. 
 
 One Rope- Walk, for Cotton Cordage. 
 
 One Foundry, for cooking utensils, ndachinery and agricultural implemftnts. 
 
 Two Cotton Cloth Manufactories. 
 
 Two Laboratories, for indigenous medicines. 
 These works have been constructed under very unfsivorablc auspices, and have 
 succeeded, although, in many instances, tve did not have skillful mechanics, nof 
 proper tools. I invite to them your attention, with pride. They will sooA supply 
 the people with all necessary articles. Much credit is due to Col. John M. Sandidge, 
 Chief of Ordnance, for their buccess. The State has been fortunate in having the 
 benefit of his untiring energy and indomitable perseverance. He has acted as my 
 general agent and superinten(3ent, while performing the proper duties of his office. 
 For information as to the amount of clothing made and distributed to Louisiana 
 troops, and the operations of the Cotton Card Manufactory and Rope Walk, I re- 
 spectfully refer you to the report of Clinton H. Ardis, Esq., Chief of the Clothing 
 Bureau and Military Store-keeper. The business of his department has been 
 methodically and successfully conducted. 
 
 I respectfully refer you to the report of Tir. B. Egan, Superintendent of State 
 Laboratory at Mt. Lebanon. Although he hais labored undter givat difficulties, ho 
 has established an institution of which we may well be proud. His success is due 
 to his zeal and energy. You Avill observe that the value of property acquired 
 ffreatly exceeds the amount of the outlay. No further appropriation is required, as 
 the Laboratory will soon be self sustaining. 
 
 The press has been amply supplied with printing paper. 
 
; 7 
 
 COTTON CARDS AND WOOL CARDS. 
 
 1 kaTtt iuiportftd and distribated in tlie State, fifteen thousand pairs of Cotton 
 Cards — selling them to the soldiers families at ten dollars per pair. To accomplish 
 tliis, I haro had figents in every part of the country. One was sent to His Excel- 
 lency, Governor JToseph E. Brown, of Georgia, for a machine with which to manu- 
 IJacture cotttm-cards. lie very kindly and promptly furnished it, together with 
 sufficient wire to make a small number of cards. For this generous act, the State 
 W Louisiana will be under lasting obligations to him. The machine was put in 
 mccossful operation at Minden, and made superior cards until the little stock of 
 wire •was exhausted. I found it very difficult to obtain wire, and have sent to 
 Europe for it. 
 
 Through the indefatigable exertions of my agent, D. A. Blacksher, I have re- 
 eeived from Virginia two more machines, with six hundred pounds of wire — enough 
 to make a large number of cards — and now at the factory in Minden there are three 
 machines, which will soon be in successful operation, with the capacity for making 
 one thousand pairs of cards per month. As these machines cannot supply tho 
 demand, I shall continue to import cotton and wool cards. 
 
 I promised every lady in Louisiana a pair of cotton cards. This promise is 
 nearly fulfilled. The cards will soon be delivered. There are to-day no fair hands 
 in the State idle. All are busily engaged in making cloth, first for the soldiers in 
 tho field, then for themselves. The music of the spinning-wheel and loom is to be 
 heard in every farm-house from early morn till dewy eve. It is a glorious sight and 
 cheering to the patriot's heart, when the aged mother, with silvered locks, sits by 
 the fire-side, lighted by tho brightly blazing native pine, (candles being no longer in 
 use,) her fair daughters assembled around her, some carding, some knitting, while 
 others are engsged in that truly graceful task of spinning; all cheerful and all 
 happy; though a tear may steal from the mother's eye, as she thinks of her dear boy 
 far away, fighting the battles of his country on the banks of the James or tho 
 Tennessee. God bless the noble mothers of Louisiana ! I was called on 
 by an aged matron, who said to mo with tearful eyes : "Governor, I have 
 eight sons in the army ; I have but one more, my darling little Benjamin. He is 
 just seventeen, and now the Captain of the Reserve Corps has sent for him. He 
 wants to go. Governor, but I want him to stay and take care of me in my old age. 
 But God's Avill be done! I love my children much, but I love my country more. 
 He shall go! Ho is young and tender — my last hope — but he shall go ! he shall 
 g^l" Gentlemen, with such mothers as these, we must, we will triumph. 
 
 INTOXICATING LIQUORS. 
 
 The laws forbidding the distillation of alcoholic liquors fiom grain and the pro- 
 duce of sugar cane, have been strictly executed by me. It is believed that not one 
 gallon of intoxicating liquor is illegally produced in the State. I trust this law 
 will not be repealed during the war. All bread-stufifs, sugar and molasses, are re- 
 quired for the army and for destitute families of soldiers. In many portions of 
 Loxxisiana, grain is already scarce. I daily receive appeals for assistance, and every 
 surplus barrel will be needed during this and the coming year. 
 
 I would again respectfully urge upon you to prohibit the sale of intoxicating 
 liquors in the State, during the war, except for family use and medicinal purposes. 
 Put a stop to the retaif traffic in whisky and rum. The only man Avhoso death- 
 warrant I have had to sign since I have been Governor, was brought to execution 
 for murder when drunk. Every criminal now in jail here is suffisring the penalty 
 pf intoxication. You must pardon me, gentlemen, if I press this subject with seem- 
 ing pertinacity. I know that it is considered by some unpopular to advocate such 
 measures, »nd that by others it is thought puritanic ; but he who blenches at a sickly 
 public sentiment, or wishes to evade responsibilities, in times like these, is not worthy 
 the confidence of an intelligent and patriotic people. While I shall dispense public 
 charities with a liberal hand, clothe our gallant men in the field, relieve the sick and 
 deafcitute, take care of our wounded soldiers, and support the widow and the orphan, 
 J also teel it to be my conscientious duty to strike at vice in every shape and form, 
 
8 
 
 ■and to do all in my power, as Governor of this Commonwealth, to sustain the morals 
 of the land. The General commanding this department cannot suppress the »oIe of 
 alcoholic liquors unless authorized by you. He and his District Commanders have 
 often appealed to me. Good order and discipline cannot be kept among troops when 
 whisky shops are near them. I, therefore, again most respectfully but urgently re- 
 quest that you will give this matter your serious consideration. Pass the law, and 
 it shall be executed to the very letter. The large capital employed in this traffic, 
 will find other and better investments; drunkenness, that scourge of every land, will 
 disappear ; crime will be greatly diminished ; good order and discipline will be pre- 
 served, while the women, our truest and best patriots, will bless you for tho act. 
 
 KIDNAPPING SLAVKS. 
 
 At the commencement of my term of office, the country was full of lawless bands 
 of evil-doers of every character. In order to suppress them, I issued the following 
 proclamation : 
 
 TO THK SHERIFFS AND MAGISTRATES OF THE SEVERAL PARISHES OF LOUISIANA, 
 
 I am informed upon reliable authority, that many negro slaves, taken from planta- 
 tions on or near the Mississippi river and its tributaries, which are under the control 
 of the Federals, or which are abandoned by thwir OAvners, are brought into our lines 
 and there sold by the captors or their agents. This fraud on the rights of the 
 owners must be promptly checked and punished. I desire you to arrest every man 
 having in his possession a negro thus brought into your parishes in violation of law, 
 and to permit no negro bought or hired from such captors or their agents to leave 
 your respective parishes. You will hold the offenders in custody for trial and pun- 
 ishment, and retain the slaves subject to the demand of their owners. 
 
 Violations of the rights of property are becoming so common, that it is incumbent 
 upon all officers and law-abiding citizens to unite for the protection of society. Our 
 State swarms with marauders of all descriptions. Horse-thieves, negro-thieves, 
 swindlers and robbers pursue their wicked purposes with impunity. 
 
 As soon as the active operations of the campaign will , permit, the civil authorities 
 ■will be aided by the military in arresting and punishing all offenders. Until that 
 time, I earnestly entreat you to call to your assistance all good citizens to suppress 
 and restrain these violations of law and outrages upon private property. 
 
 HENRY W. ALLEN, Governor of Louisiana. 
 
 Executive Office, Shreveport, La., May 20, 1864. 
 
 It has had the desired effect. I sent two active and responsible officers through 
 /the State with proper orders. Under these orders about five hundred negroes have 
 ibeen recovered, and many have already been returned to their masters. While this 
 lias put a stop to negro-stealing, it has at the same time restored to many soldiers, 
 .widows and orphans, their lost property. I have appointed a commissioner to take 
 charge of these recovered slaves, to hire them for the benefit of their owners, and to 
 see that they are well provided for and kindly treated. His office is self-sustainii^, 
 not taking one dollar from the Treasury. In connection with this matter* J havo 
 «ent the Hon. F. H. Farrar, as commissioner, td confer with His Excellejicy. -P. 
 "Murrah, Governor of Texas, in order to devise some means by which All persons 
 taking slaves into Texas shall be required to exhibit their titles, and have the^sarae 
 duly recorded ; and, also, to aid our citizens in recovering their lost property when 
 found in Texas. I respectfully refer you to the report of the Commissioner, and ,to 
 the very satisfactory correspo^dence of His Excellency, Gpv^rnor 'Murtuihi dn^his 
 vital and important subject. 
 
 MISSOURI SOLDIERS. 
 
 I am glad to state that our patriotic people, and especially the ladies, have taken 
 a deep interest in the Missouii soldiers. Our country-women have -laboTed ufaceaB- 
 ingly for the relief of these brave and veteran troops. I Jiave thought it to Jb'e iny 
 duty to give liberally to these "orphans of the army," ■withoilt nomips, withput 
 frieads, but who always %ht on fevery field with distinguished yalor. I defined it 
 proper to issue a circular lettw in their behalf. It was promptly responded to, a^nd 
 the monies and clothing collected have beou forwarded to theso gallant .j)atti<:^. 
 
God bless them ! The citiaens of Louisiana hare adopted them. Thef ahall »har« 
 alike with our own soldiers. 
 
 LOUISIANA SOLDIERS. 
 
 It fills the heart of every Louisianian with pleasure and pride to see how well our 
 troops have acted. In Virginia, in Georgia, in Tennessee, in Mississippi, in Eaat 
 Louisiana, in this Department, everywhere they have nobly done their duty, and 
 won Iresh laurels upon many a bloody battle-field. The early regiments that went 
 to the armies of Virginia and Tennessee have been most terribly decimated, leaving 
 but a few small brigades of that gallant host, who went forth with strong arras and 
 stout hearts, to battle for their country's cause. The regiments in this department 
 have suffered nearly as much in battle and bj' disease, but have been more fortunate 
 in recruiting. 
 
 I have appointed as agents, Moses Greenwood and Geo. W. Ward, to act in con- 
 junction with Dr. E.D. Fenner and Mr. T. 0. Sully, in visiting tie armies of Virginia 
 and Tennessee. Ample means have been furnished them for the relief of every sick 
 and destitute soldier from Louisiana, in these armies. Through my agent, W. D. 
 Winter, Esq., $5,000 was given to our returning prisoners at Savannah, and 85,000 
 to the Louisiana Relief Committee, at Columbus, Ga. I also gave to the Richmond 
 As«;ociation for furnishing artificial limbs the sum of $10,000. The Soldiers' Home 
 and Louisiana Hospital, at Richmond, have been furnished with funds, and the 
 destitute sick and wounded soldiers at Mobile have not bepu forgotten. 
 
 I have appointed Col. H.M. Favrot, Keeper of the Military Records of the State, 
 and have sent him to the armies of Virginia and Tennessee to enter upon the respon- 
 sible duties of his oflice. I trust that this appointment will meet with your approba- 
 tion. I deemed it my duty to anticipate the action of the Genei'al Assembly, in 
 order that no time should be lost in bringing up the military records of those gallant 
 men, who have fought and are still fighting the battles oi their country. 
 
 John Bunyan has portrayed, in language that will never die, the troubles, trials 
 and tribulations of "Cln-istian," Avhile journeying to the New Jerusalem. This sol- 
 dier of the Cross passed the Slough of Despond, through the valley of Humiliation, 
 up the Hill of Ditliculty, and fought the Dragon ApoUyon, shouting with a loud 
 voice and saj-ing : "Rejoice not against me, oh ! mine enemy ; when I fall I shall 
 rise!" By incessant toil and hard fighting he gained the victory at last, and cross- 
 iug the River, entered into the gates of the Celestial City. 
 
 Citizen soldiers of Louisiana! emulate the example of this heroic warrior. Halt 
 not at the Slough of Despond. With quick time, march straight on. Listen not to 
 the delusive promises of the enemy — they are as hollow and as false as hell. Oh! 
 remember the widow and the orphan, whose cries daily ascend to heaven. Think of 
 the women of Louisiana who have suffered crucifixion of the soul. Think of the 
 torrents of Southern blood shed by Yankee hands — think of the acres of bleaching 
 bones — thnik of the thousands of mutilated forms — think of the burning cities, of 
 the devastated lands, of the broken hearts. Think of all these, and let the memory 
 nei've your hearts to do or die. 
 
 When the armies of France returned from the late Italian campaign, all Paris 
 received them with that pomp and circumstance which can only be displayed in that 
 brilliant capital. All that wealth, and taste, and art could do, was brought into 
 requic^itiou. Wit, and beauty, and fashion were there, for this was the proudest day 
 that France ever saw. The triumphal procession of returning columns, was headed 
 in person by the Emperor, the most sagacious and successful monarch that ever 
 itigned over any people. Soldiers of Louisiana ! when this war shall end and you 
 ©ball return to your homes, a greater triumph awaits you than that of Paris. Each 
 man, the humblest private in the ranks, will be a hero. The garland and the wreath 
 et^ll be prepared — flowers shall strew your paths and lovely women shall shed tears 
 for rou of joy. Soldiers ! my heart warms to j'ou all. I have had the proud privi- 
 Je^*© of sharing your privations and hardships in camp, and your dangers on the 
 batrle-field. Yon shnll never, never be forgotten. 
 
10 
 
 PROVISIONS FOR THK DnSTITnTR. 
 
 1 r«sp»etfullj Mvr you to the report of Col. J. G. Wise, Q. M. General, for a 
 detailed t<tatemeut of provisions furnished to the suflering citizens of the State. You 
 will see that there has been distributed 30,792 bushels of corn, 20,182 pounds of 
 bacon, 59,965 pounds of flour, 62,195 pounds of sugar, and 700 beeves. My agents 
 ■were instructed to sell to those who were able to pay, and to give freely to the des- 
 titute, who had no means of paying. Upon the withdrawal of the Federal army, 
 desolation and ruin were left behind them. All were stripped of everything valua- 
 ble. Every ear of corn, every pound of meat, every living thing in the shape of 
 Btock, was taken off'. This left the parishes of iSatchitoches, Winn, Rapides, 
 Avoyelles and St. Landry to be supplied — a duty which I have performed to the 
 extent of my available means. In them much di.stress has been relieved, and many 
 helpless families have been saved Irom starvation. I have. made sufficient arrange- 
 ments to furnish corn and other provisions, in case of need, in these and other 
 parishes. It affords me pleasure to relieve, when in my power, the suffering. Their 
 tribulations have been great, but their patriotism has been greater. Some have gone 
 astray, and have taken the oath of allegiance to the enen)y. ]Many did so under 
 duress. They deeply regret it, and are now showing by their daily walk that th»^y 
 are more firmly than ever attached to our cause. They are a good and brave people. 
 They have been crushed to the earth. They are of us — with us — for us. Let them 
 not be alienated and driven off. I respectfully ask your attention to their present 
 political status and recommend them to your favorable considm-atiou. 
 
 The sum of two hundred thousand dollars, appropriated for the poor and destitute, 
 ■was placed in the hands of L. V. Reeves and N. D. Coleman. They have impar- 
 tially and judiciously distributed it, and accomplished much good. This timely aid 
 has gladdened the hearts of many a suffering family. I respectfully refer you to 
 their accompanying reports. 
 
 CIVIL RKiHTS. 
 
 Immediately after the expulsion of the enemy last spring, many citizens were 
 arrested by the military authorities and imprisoned, without the benelit of that 
 speedy trial guaranteed by the Constitution and laws. It seemed that a reign of 
 terror had begun, and that the bayonet was about to rule the land. Taking prompt 
 issue with the military authorities, I issued the following proclamation : 
 
 TO THE CITIZKNS OF THl". STATE OF LOUISIANA. 
 
 As the Chief Magistrate of the State, sworn to maintain the intt grity of hur laws, I deem it 
 appropriate to renew to her peoj)le tlie assurnnec tiiat I siiall keep tliat oalh, ancl fulfil that duty 
 Wiiile doing this I have thoiigiit proper to add such suggestions as the occasion dcniaiuls. 
 
 The preser.ce of armies in our midst, raised by the Confederate Government, eonuiianded by 
 officers of its appointment, governed by the rules and regulations it has adopted, and anu^nabio 
 solely to it in a military cajiaoity, produces inconveniences which arc inevitable, and of which, 
 when necessary, a patriotic people will not complain. These inconveniences form a ])art of tho 
 price you must pay for your country's independence, and for the liberties you will hereafter 
 enjoy. 
 
 liut that Government is of your creation, and has no legal power beyond that which yon have 
 conferred upon it. Its duties are strictly defined, and its authority limited by the constitutional 
 charter v/hich your representatives have aided in forming, and which yoa. through your conven- 
 tion, have ratiiied The armies of the ('onfedevate States have no authority or power, except 
 what tho laws of Congress give them, and that body cannot go bi'_>ond the grant emanating 
 from Sovereign States. The authority of military officers is therefore the creation of constitu- 
 tional laws. They can rightfully do nothing but what Congress has autiujrized them to do. 
 Properly viewed, an army is only a police force on a large scale, whose sole fiinetion is to main- 
 tain the laws of the land, and to protect the rights of the nati(;n. Hence the machinery by 
 which it acts ought never to come in collision with the civil laws, or the machinery of local or 
 State governments. Over the citizen, or liis property, no military officer has any other authority 
 than what is given him by law. It is the glory of every realy great military commander, that 
 the civilian is never ni;uie to feel the presence of an army as a burden, a nuisance, or a terror. 
 Over liis troops his authority as given by law, is necessarily very great. This is right; but 
 beyond the cirrle of his army the humblest citizen in the land is his equal. 
 
 I therefore earn(;stly admonish every one whose rights may be violated under pretence of 
 military autliority, to appeal promptly to the courts of justice. Let every citizen having just 
 cause of complaint against milltarv oflicers, report tho same at once to the grand jury of hii» 
 parish. If arrested and deprived of your liberty, it is your right to have the cause of your 
 arrest judicially inquired into at once, and to be discharged unkss found to be legally detained. 
 
11 
 
 This writ of Haheat Corpus in aUraji opeu to erery citison; to inroke it is his hiUowod right? 
 and I earnostlv request all judg-cs to issue it whenever legally dem '.nded. 
 
 Extended authority has been conferred on the Comraandin j General of this department. Ho 
 has never used that power against a citizen, and is entirely free frarn any disposition so to use 
 5t. I know it to be his earnest wish, that everyabuse of authority by any subordinate officer 
 shall be resisted by citizens under all circumstances, and promptly reported. If there are acts 
 of petty tyranny, annoyance and proscription committed in tiiis dep.nrtment, they will be repro- 
 bated by him. being as contrary to his will .as tiiey are in contrast with his character. All such 
 acts brought to his knowledge, I doubt not, either" have been, or will be punished promptly. 
 
 Thus far but one citizen of this State h^is been illegally and wrongfully exiled, and he .shall 
 be returned to his home and his family. While I am Governor of the State of Louisiana, the 
 bayonet shall not rule her citizens, but they shall be protected at every hazard in all their legal 
 and constitutional rights. HENRY W.. ALLEN, Governor of Louisiana, 
 
 Executive OfHce, Shreveport, La., July 5th, 1834. 
 
 When the CoimiiaiKling .nencral of tins Department was appealed to, the prisonB 
 were thrown open, and all not subject to military tribunals were turned over to tho 
 civil authorities. He has forborne to suspend the writ of Habeas Corpus, though 
 such suspension was authorized bv Congress. He has carefully avoided conflicts 
 with civil functionaries and encroachments on civil rights. His profound respect for 
 the laws of the land, and his eminent love of equity and justice, as manifested in hi» 
 course towards the citizens of Louisiana, are among the traits that distinguish Lim 
 as a safe depositary of power. 
 
 banks' last raid. 
 In the month ot March last, Maj. Gen. IS. P. Banks, of the Federal army, anived 
 at Alexandria witl a force esiimated at forty thousand men, and a cooperating navy 
 of sixty gunboats and I ransports, with a legion of camp-followers and speculators iQ 
 their train. He pushed his columns up the valley of Red river, meeting with no 
 obstacles until within a few mile& of Mansfield, where he found what he did not look 
 for — a fight. The gallant Taylor was there, surrounded by the elite of Texas, Ar- 
 kansas, ]\Iissouii, and Louisiana. The battle was fought, and such a battle! 
 History will record it as one ot the most brilliant conflicts of the war. Banks &. 
 Co. were routed, horse, foot and dragoons. They were pursued to Pleasant Hill. 
 where another severe engagement ensued, and the "grand army" fled in wild con- 
 fusion to Grand Ecore. Here was the most disgraceful retreat of modem times. 
 Every transportable article of value was carried off, and the rest destroyed. I saw 
 feather beds ripped up — windows smashed in — looms and spinning wheels broken 
 in pieces — the rich and poor ffiring alike. Gen. Banks slept at the residence of a 
 highly respectable lady at Pleasant Hill, during hishegira. Upon leaving the house 
 of this gentlewoman, hi* body-guard stole all the furniture, bedding, etc., from tho 
 room which this gallant General occupied ! From Mansfield to the Mississippi th« 
 track of the spoiler is one scene of utter desolation. The fine estates on Cane and 
 Red rivers, on bayous Rapides, Robert, and DeGlaizc. were all devastated. Houses, 
 gins, mills, barns, and fences were burned — the negroes, old anl young, were car- 
 ried off — horsc.^, cattle, hogs, and every living thing driven away or killed. When 
 they left the beauliful town of Alexandria, it Avas fired in many places by order of 
 commanding ofricers. While it was in flames, and the women and children flying 
 in terror from their burning houses, the drunken and redoubtable Gen. A. J. Smith 
 rode amidst his infuriated myrmidons, and exclaimed with fiendish delight: "Boys, 
 this looks like war!" 
 
 It is a sad commentary on human nature, and sickening to the hearts of all hon- 
 orable men, to see to what extent the Yankees have carried their thieving propensi- 
 ties, and how low they have descended in the scale of common decency- Yankee 
 preachers boastfully exhibit on their shelves rare and costly books stolen from the 
 libraries of Southern gentlemen. Yankee women are daily seen in the streets ot 
 Yankee cities and towns, bedecked in stolen silks and bespangled v.'ith jewels of 
 which their husbands and paramours have robbed the persons of our country-women- 
 Yankee boys drink from stolen silver cups, while Yankee babies cut their teeth on 
 stolen silver spoons! As a steamer descends the Mississippi, a Yankee school- 
 mistress calls to the commander from the bank to capture hf^r a piano. These •.\x<t 
 facts — notorious, well arithenticatcd and undeniable. Surh aic ilif iliristiaii uu'U 
 
12 
 
 who are fighting ua ! Such the christian women who receiTe the fruit* of nil thes« 
 robberies. 
 
 Ill order that tlie world may know, in part, what Louisiana has suffered, and that 
 future generations of her sons may recur to tlicse sufferings as a perpetual incentive 
 to hate the Yankee race, I have caused reports of Yankee outrages in the several 
 parishes to be prepared, supported by affidavits, made under the supervision of men 
 of great respectability and integrity. These reports when published will comprise 
 a mass of information of a reliable and documentary character, interesting to all 
 civilized people. 
 
 In perusing this volume of crime and infamy, the very blood will boil in your 
 veins. The evidence taken is under oath, carefully weighed and strictly scrutinized; 
 my instructions having been to learn and record the truth, without coloring of 
 any kind. 
 
 One occurrence has come to my knowledge not mentioned in these papers. On 
 the retreat of Banks last spring, one of his Generals rode to a lady's house and 
 asked for a drink of water. She gave him with her own hands a silver goblet full 
 of cold water. After satisfying his thirsr, the unblushing scoundrel examined the 
 cup with the eye of a foot-pad, deliberately put it in his pocket and rode ofi'! Can 
 any age, clime or nation show in the dark and bloody annals of war, an act of 
 meanness to exceed this theft by a Federal General dressed in full Yankee uniform ? 
 
 Orders were issued by their Commanding Generals to take all personal property 
 and to destroy what could not be carried off. No christian or even civilized people 
 have heretofore pursued this brutal policy. It was reserved alone for the Yankee 
 race to sanction and applaud in this nineteenth century, that Avhich shocks the moral 
 sense of the christian world. Even when the Czar of all the Russias confiscates 
 whole Polish villages, seizes the lands, blots out the ver}- name of the department, 
 and exiles the victims of his wrath to Siberia, he respects their personal property 
 and allows them to carry it with them; but the Federals rejoice in destroying all 
 they cannot steal. 
 
 A traveller visiting the field of Solferino a few months after the collision of the 
 hostile armies there, would scarcely have known that a great battle had occurred. 
 A few fallen mulberry trees, a few rifle pits, and the long trenches that held the 
 silent dead, were all the marks of the terrible conflict where forty thousand brave 
 men fell. No fai'm houses were burned, no villages sacked, no blackened ruins were 
 seen. Two christian nations were contending for the mastery, and their campaigns 
 were conducted by the rules of civilized warfare. Here, how diftcrent ! To the 
 christian stranger I would say : Come and see our blackened walls — our smoking 
 ruins — our desolated homes — our demolished villages. Come, oh ! come and see the 
 widow and the orphan, robbed by a Y^ankce General, begging bread from door to 
 door. Come and see tender women with their little children flying from the torch 
 of the incendiary and the brxital touch of Yankee officers. See the venerable mother, 
 seventy years of age, hung by the neck and stripped of her clothing to make her 
 disclose where she had placed her own treasure. [This was done by Col. McC aleb, 
 of the U. S. Army, now s'ationed at Natchez, in his raid ujjon "Sicily Island," who 
 at the same time robbed many young ladies of their jewelry, tearing open their 
 dresses and exposing their persons.] Think of all this, ye christian strangers, and 
 tell ns are we wrong or are we right in fighting these fiends of hell to the last ex- 
 tremity 1 Tell us would it not be right in the eyes of God and man, to arm the 
 whole population — to arm every man, woman and child — every free negro and 
 slave — and fight these devils with burning hate and holy revenge ? "Wo are told 
 that this world and all tliat in it is, will one day be destroyed by fire, and that matter 
 itself will return to the God who made it. Yet one thing will remain : it is Eternal 
 Jusiice. To the justice of the Great Ruler we appeal, and with His blessing Ave 
 mean to triumph. 
 
 Gen. Banks had emblasoned upon his banners, "Shrevcport oi Hell." He did not 
 rmch Shroveport. His legs saved him from hell. It is believed, however, that he 
 w-ill roUcli thfl latter plac»— fbr it is prepftn^d fw tbooe who have shed their brothers' 
 
13 
 
 bbod — for the "Devil and hh angcle." 
 
 If the "dark and sulphurous ])it" was paved v. ith cotton balps, I verily believe 
 that N. P. Banks with his co-partners in trade, Messrs. ManKtield 6c Co., of New 
 Orleans, would get up an expedition with government transportation, in order to beg, 
 buy or steal from the devil the aforesaid cotton. The disgraceful overtures Avhicli 
 they have made, and which they are now making, for cotton, are disgusting to every 
 honorable man. 
 
 And now the country presents the appearance of the Carnatic as described by 
 Edmund Burke, after the terrible raid of Ilyder AH upon its plains. You can travel 
 for mih'S in many portions of Loui^^iana. through a once thickly settled country, and 
 not see a man nor a woman, nor a child, nor a four-footed beast. The farm houses 
 have been burned — the plantations deserted — the once smiling fields are now groAvn 
 up in briars and brakes, in parasites and poisonous vines — a painful melancholy 
 broods over the land and desolation reiyns supreme. 
 
 WOUNDED A.\D UlSADLED SOLDIERS. 
 
 At your last session you provided ample means for the relief of the wounded and 
 disabled soldiers of Louisiana. Learning that there were many in the Sta'e in a 
 destitute condition, I published the following notice : 
 
 TO DISAllLED LOUISIANA SOLDIERS. 
 Louisiana soldiers, disabled hy wounds, or by sickness incurred in actual service, and -without 
 means of support, are requested to apply to nic for relief and assistance. Such applications 
 must be accompanied with certificates as to disability, service rendered, and present circum- 
 stances. They will all be promptly relieved. 
 
 HENRY W. ALI.EN, Governor of Louisiana. 
 Shreveport, La., August 4th, 18G4. 
 
 Thus invited, these unfortunate children of Louisiana came forward and it has 
 been a labor of love to sup^oiy them with money and clo'hing. No one has ever 
 applied in vain, and there arc now noneof this class in want of funds, food or clothing. 
 
 Having seen in the Texas papers that the friends of the late Maj. Gen. Tom Green 
 were raising a fund for the widow and children of that lamented otEctr, I subscribed 
 in the name of the State, five thousand dollars, and sent it to the bereaved widow as 
 a small tribute to the memory of her gallant and heroic husband. 
 
 COM.MISSIONKR Ok CLAIMS. 
 
 Finding that very many citizens living a long distance from Shreveport, had 
 claims against the C. S. Government for property impressed, purchased, taken or 
 destroyed, I appointed Hon. A. 11, Hynes, of iMadison parish, Commissioner of 
 Claims. His ofiice has become important, with a large business to transact, requiring 
 an assistant at Monroe and at Opelousas. This Bureau is self-sustaining and requires 
 no appropriation — a small fe*^ being charged for collections. 1 respectfully refer you 
 to the accompanying report of the Commissioner. 
 
 ICA.Sr LOUIMA.NA. 
 
 In consequence of the great difHculty of communication, I have not been able to 
 do all I wished for the parishes of East Louisiana. I deeply sympathize with our 
 fellow-citizens who resi e in that portion of the State, and have sent two of my 
 Aids. Lt. Cols. D. S. Cage and T. G. Sparks, to learn their wants and redress their 
 grievances. They have been partially supplied with cotton cards and medicines 
 through my agents, Mi ssrs. "Winter, Walsh and Kcafus, whose report is herewith 
 submirted. They have shipped and sold one hundred and thirty-three bales of 
 cotton — the net proceeds of which have been expended in medicines and cotton 
 cards — all of which have been distributed gratuitously, as they coft the State noth- 
 ing. These agents have simply been reimbursed for their outlays, without acquiring 
 one dollar's profit. 
 
 Dr. Edward Delony was appointed agent to supply that section of the State with 
 indigenous medicines. His arrangements have been seriously interfered with by the 
 raids of the enemy. His report is herewith submitted. 
 
 As empowered by the Act, approved Feb'y, 10th, 1864, I appointed Mr. Hugh 
 H. Oonnoll, collector of taxes, to be voluntarily paid, by persona living East of the 
 Mifi'siJi'sippi river, and I now »ub'mit his nJfort. 
 
14 
 
 Under the Act, npproved Feb'y 9tli, 18G4, the machinery of tlie penitentiary, at 
 Ch'nton, has been jilaced in charge of Mr. Wm. F. LockAvood, to whose report your 
 attention is directed. 
 
 I respectfully refer you to the report of the Administra'or? of the Insane Apyhim 
 at Jackson. As this institution had become very much pressed for provisions, I gave 
 the Adminislrators a permit to ship one hundred bales of cotton, with -which to pro- 
 cure the actual necessities of life. I earnestly recommend that you authorize the 
 Governor to take such steps as he may from time to time deem requisite to supply this 
 Asylum with articles of prime necessity. At present it is a sacred duty which we 
 ov/eto God and our country, to take care of the poor inmates of this institution. It 
 is in a deplorable condition. 
 
 By an act of your la.'-t session, the Governor was authorized and instructed to 
 raise one hundred and fifty mounted men in East Lousiana, for purjioses well defined 
 in said Act. I appointed Maj. J. B. Corkern to the command of this force, togetlier 
 with the other necessary commissioned officers. He immediately entered upon the 
 duties assigned to him, and notwithstanding every obstacle was thrown in his way, 
 succeeded in collecting, mounting and equipping eighty men. By my orders he re- 
 ported at once to Col. John S. Scott, then commanding in East Louisiana, and per- 
 formed most efficient service under that gallant, meritorious and well tried soldier. — 
 For reasons which will be communicated to yourpropercommittee, I ordered this bat- 
 talion to this department, and it is now actively engaged in the front, under orders 
 temporarily of Lt. Gen. S.B. Buckner. For further information on this subject, I 
 respectfully refer you to the report of my Adj't. Gen. T. G. Hunt, and to the accom- 
 panying correspondence with the Secretary of War. 
 
 ADVICK lO I'LA.XTKRS. 
 
 I would most respectfully recommend through you, that the planters continue to 
 husband all their resources — pay strict attention to their plantations — keep up and 
 repair their enclosures and apply themselves to the increase of their stock of all kinds. 
 Let theircotiongins be kept in order.and asmall quantity of cotton beplanted, enough 
 with v.'hich to pay their taxes and support their families. If not interrupted, I will 
 promise to supply them with iron, farming utensils, &/C- Let them cultivate the Chi- 
 nese sugar cane extensively, and also the plants that can be used for indigenous 
 medicines — castor oil bean, poppy, mustard, red pepper, et cetera — all of which are 
 wanted in large quantities at the State Laboratory. We must endeavor to be as far as 
 possible, a self-sustaining people. A beginning has been made. I promise them if 
 they will adopt these suggestions, and give me their hearty support, their wants shall 
 all be supplied. I am now causing to be c>uistructed a very simple machine, which will, 
 I think, in a large measure take the place of cotton cards — the great desideratum of 
 the country. This machine is sin^.plein construction and cheap in price, and will be 
 put at the disposition of all who may wish it. 
 
 Although Louisiana has been invaded by the enemy and most terribly devastated 
 — let peace once more visit us, and in a few years our people will be prosperous and 
 happy. 
 
 The historian, Dupin, informs us that the wars waged by France against herself and 
 the rest of Europe, continued through twenty- three years. One million, livehundred 
 thousand men had perished — property of untold value was destroyed. The nation was 
 thoughtby all tobeutterly ruined, herpeopleto be crushed, herexchequer totally bank- 
 rupt. Yet within nine years after peace the profound and terrible wounds inflicted on 
 France were all healed, and their scars entirely obliterated. '^I'hus it will be with us. 
 Within less then nine years after peace is declared, a stranger passing through the 
 State would not perceive that the iron heel of war had pressed her soil. Commerce 
 and the arts will flourish. Smiling fields of cotton, sugar cane, corn and rice, will greet 
 the eye in every direction, and wealth and plenty AAill crown the labors of the hus- 
 bandman. Think of all this, planters of Louisiana, and bear your burdens cheer- 
 fully. I know that your taxes are heavy — that you are annoyed with the collectors 
 and impressing officers — but remember this is the price of liberty. The soldiers are 
 fighting your battles — you must do your duty ot home, and in dne seapon we will all 
 
15 
 
 reap the rich reward together. Our recuperative energit^s will rise triumphaiitlr in 
 the end. Our flng high advanced will be respected and beloved bv all who revere, 
 morality and religion — who honor manhood, or respect patriotic women. 
 
 VANKKE TREATMENT OF SLAVES. 
 
 To the English philanthropist who professes to feci so much for the African slave, 
 I would say, come and see the sad and cruel workings of your favorite scheme. — 
 Come and see the negro as he is now in the hands of his Yankee liberators. See the 
 utter degradation — the ragged want — the squalid poverty. These false, pretended 
 friends who have taken him aAvay from a kind master and comfortable home, now 
 treat him with criminal neglect, and permit him to die wilhout pity. I give you 
 good Yank(u^ authority — one Wil!ia':i H. Wilder, a convict in the penitentiary at 
 Baton Rouge, pardoned by the President of the United States, and made the agent 
 for Yankee plantations. He says the negroes on these estates have died like sheep 
 with the rot. On one in the Parish of Ibervillo, out of six hundred and ten shives, tliree Iiun- 
 drcd and ten h.ive perished. Tif^cr Island, at Berwicks Bay, i.s ore solid grave yr.rd. At New 
 Orleans, Thibodaux, Donaldsonvillc, Plaqueniiiie, Baton Ktrnge, Port Hud-son, Alorg-anza, Vi- 
 dalia, Young's I'ointaiid (Goodrich's Landing, the neres of the silent dead will everbr^ the uionu- 
 nients of Yankee cruelty to these unhiipjiy wretches. Under published orders from General 
 Banks, the greatest f;irce was perpetrated on the negroes. The laboring uicu on jilantatioiis were 
 to be paid from six to eight dollars per month, and the women from two to four dollars. In these 
 orders the poor creatures after being promised this miserable pittance, were bound by every 
 catch and saving clause that a New England lawyer eould invent. For every disobedieuee their 
 wages were docked. For every short absence from labor they were again docked. Jn the hands 
 of the shrewd grasjiing Y'ankee overseer, the oppressed slave, without a fi iend or gnaidian, has 
 been forced to toil free of cost to his new master. I saw a half-starved slave wiiu had eseajied 
 from one of tlie Yankee plantations. In liis own language he said "that lie had workt'd hard 
 for the Yankees for six long months — tliat they had 'dockered' him aU the time, and had never 
 paid him one cent!" This is the sad history of them all. The negro has only changed masters, 
 and very much for the w orse! And now, without present reward or hope for the future, lie is dy 
 ing in misery and want. Look at this picture ye negro worshippers, and weep, if you have tears 
 to slied over the poor down-trodden murdered children of Africa. 
 
 UNITED STA'rE^3 NO LONGKR A HOMK FOR THE OPPRE.SSED. 
 
 There is in the City of Pisa, Italy, a master-piece of statuary, called the '■Exiles," sculptured 
 from pure Carrara marble, by one of the best living artists. It represents the exiles flyiug from 
 the despotism of Italy to America. The husband and wife, with a beautiful child iu her arms, 
 are represented in the most graphic manner. One foot of each rests u[i0n a rock marked "Ifaiia," 
 the other foot is placed upon a rock marked "America." While ])ressiiig the rock of America, 
 the exiles turn their saddened faces to Heaven, but wiih contidencebeamiug in their features, ex- 
 pressive of hope and joy and future happiness. Oh ! how changed ! America was once indeed 
 the asylum of the oppressed, the home of all who loved liberty, and fled despotism. But now 
 she is driving from her bosom all who dare to use freedom of thought, of speech, or the press. — 
 Can.ada, England, France, Cuba, Mexico, all are filled with exiles from the United States — refu- 
 gees from their homes — from Yankee land. Seward has touched the wires and they have had to 
 Uy — without a charge against them — without a writ of habeas corpus — without any legal redress 
 whatever, the}' have had to hiisten to aland of strangers and beg for a place to rest their weary 
 heads. The days of Washington have sadly changed, and now instead of that pure and good 
 man who was the President of a free and happy people, a satyr sits upon the throne, drunk with 
 the blood of martyrs. The future sculpl or will mould with classic art, and fix in dull cold mar- 
 ble, not the glory, but the shame of Au!(;rica. 
 
 PRISONERS OF WAR. 
 
 The castle of Cliillon still stands on Laiic Leman's shore. The curious traveller is still shown 
 the foot prints of Bonnivard. The very chains which bound this wretched man are still to bo 
 seen. All have read his melancholy story in beautiful verso or elegant prose. When the true 
 history of this war is written, the sufferings of our poor prisoners at Johnson's Island, Camp 
 Chase, Camp Morton, Alton, Cairo, St. Louis, Forts Delaware, Warren, Lafayette, Pickens, Jack- 
 son and 8hip Island, will shock the age in which we live, and make all good men shudder at 
 "man's inhumanity to man." The sufferings of the prisoner of Chillon will pale before the ter- 
 rors of Yankee cruelty, and the story of Bonnivard will almost be forgotten. When at last re- 
 leased, see our brave men returning home ! as they pass through the Yankee towns and villngcs, 
 they are pelted with stones, and subjected to the rude jeers of a heartle.ss mob. Sick, soro and 
 emaciated, at last they reach their homes, and are often consigned to an early grave. 
 "Their hair is grey — but not with years, 
 
 Nor grew it whito 
 
 In a single night. 
 
 As uien's have grown from sudden fears," 
 — bnt from long conrmrment within the walls of a cold and damp dungeon, dpbnrrfd f"ora the 
 fitte air of ITeavcn, and term witcd by all that a wicked, crud and vindictive foe could invent. The 
 all BCCiBg «ve of the Eternal Got! alone hns prnt-trated the dark recc.«ses of theJa Yankee has- 
 
16 
 
 '6W. Officers ara litAraJly packed into the narro^T casemates of the forts, and thpre, upon short 
 allowirnce of miserable food and bad water, are suffered to die without pity. Out of a number 
 of prisoners captured by tlie enemy from the ''State Guard," near Trinity, only two have return- 
 ed. They report to me'that nearly all are dead. They died as martyrs to our holy cause, and 
 victims of Yankee cruelty. 
 
 THE WOMEN OF LOUISIANA. 
 
 Gentlemen, wlien our trials and troubles are ended, — when all our liattlos shall 
 have been "lost and won'' — when the soldier shall lay down his arms, and v.itli his 
 wife and children return to his now desolated home — when gentle peace shall come to 
 bless this torn, bleedinp:, and distracted land — the highest honors will be due to 
 those who have deserved the most. The private soldiers in the ranks will be the 
 first in the affections of the country — the ladies next. I appeal to history to trll us 
 where was there ever such self-sacrificing patriotism as iranifested by the women of 
 Louisiana. See the high-born and once wealthy lady, educated and refined, and 
 raised in the very lap of luxury, now reduced to penury, rather than dwell within 
 the lines of the enemy ! See the aged mother, once the mistress of a hundred slaves, 
 now sewing for the support of herself and children ! See the only daughter of a 
 once Wealthy planter, or princely merchant, now giving lessons to maintain her aged 
 parents ! St-e the families of the thrifty merchant, and of the honest and intelligent 
 mechanic, driven from their comfortable homes into (!xilc, battling with poverty and 
 want, while their protectors, their husbands and sons, are in tlie army ! See all 
 these noble women bearing up most cheerfully under every new misfortune, praying 
 daily for our sacred cause, and urging their fathers, husbands and brothers to be tru(? 
 to their country, to fight on, fight ever, never to despair, never to submit to northern 
 despotism — but, if such be the will of God, to die like freemen. 
 
 In other lands there may be w^omen equal to those of Louisiana, but I cannot be- 
 lieve it. Throughout the State, the ladies have not only clothed our own troops, 
 but have given great assistance to other Confederate soldiers. Sewing societies, 
 concerts, tableaux and banquets have all been brought into requisition ; and many 
 <a brave soldier has reaped the fruits of these patriotic exertions. One venerable 
 lady, seventy-seven years old, in the parish of DeSoto, has knit with her own hands, 
 one hundred and twenty pairs of socks for Missouri soldiers. Good men tell us, 
 and I believe it, that it is highly pleasing in the sight of the All-wise and ever just 
 God, to see lovely woman strengthening the arms and ministering to the wants of 
 brave men who are engaged in such a sacred cause as ours. 
 
 MIMSTERS OF THE GOSPEL. 
 
 It is a grateful duty to notice the course pursued by the Ministers of Religion of 
 all denominations in the State and Confederacy. From the beginning of lh(! war 
 they have been, as a profession, with few or no exceptions, steady, consistent, calm 
 and resolute supporters of our cause. Before secession, they were unknown to polit- 
 ical discussions, for they were singularly exempt from that baneful propensity of 
 northern jn-eachers, to intermeddle with public affairs, out of which grew that fanat- 
 ical crusade against us, our institutions and our rights; but when the blast of war 
 blew in our ears, the chjrgymen of our States began to manifest and illustrate that 
 love of political fre(^dom eminently characteristic of those whom "the truth makes 
 free." A goodly and sufficient number of them have joined the army as Chaplains, 
 and have done most faithful service, teaching holy precepts, doing most pious deeds 
 of charity. rebuUing the heedless, restraining the vicious, awakening and vivifying in alia scusu 
 of moral obligation— g-iving comfort to tlio afiaicted, consolation to the dying, and hope to all. 
 Of that piety which adorn."? physicil, and heightens moral courage, they have been the indi;fi].ri- 
 ous teachers. The seed they liave sown, has produced a harvest of good and wholesome fruits. 
 Many have taken the field as officers, or privates in tlie ranks. They have done their duty most 
 nobly, and in many instances have sealed with their blood their devotion to their country. 
 ' At home, the clergy have been equally distinguished for their labors, charity and beneficent*. 
 Majiy of the comforts, attainable formerly by even those of limifced incomes, are denied to thorn, 
 for their salaries are now paid in a depreciated currency ; but none are heard to murmur. Tbcy 
 go from their scanty beards in thread-bare garments to their respective churches with grea^ 
 zeal than ever. The sufferings incident to war have opent:d a wider field of labor to thorn, am 
 they are performing their duties with commcQdable fortitude. In sections ovorrun by ^e ei^ 
 my, the courage and stfiadfus'tnegR of otir pastors hAve been especially oonspicaflMS. Tbou^k 
 cojppfilled to 6«e theif chnrchce polluted and- roblJ<Scl by a brutal and ribald fioiaioty', or ^ven'<« ' 
 
17 " 
 
 flames, they have been true to tlieir trust, and renilored efficient help to their flocks. At Alex- 1 
 andria the truly patriotic and heroic priest stood at tlie door of his chnrch, with sword in hand, i 
 ready to offer up his life to save the sacred edifice. Tliis is an aet of Christian heroism unsur- ' 
 passed in any land. 
 
 TIIF. EMPLOYMENT OF NEGROES FN THE ARMY. 
 
 While looking for an early close of the war, it behooves us none the less to prepare for its du- 
 ration for yeais. It is indeed wisest for us to act as though war were to be the permanent con- 
 dition of our tenure of independence. Preparation for the worst is the best means of warding 
 it off; for, if we can convince our enemies of the steadiness of our purpose, and of our resolve 
 to use all our resources, we take from them a moral element of strength — the hope of success — 
 thus hastening peace. It is therefore our duty to inquire diligently into all our means of making 
 war, not only for tlie campaign of this year, but for a series of years. Our antagonists, with a 
 population of twenty millions, have annually about one hundred thousand youths reaching the 
 age for military service, besides an influx from Europe, of men capable of bearing arms, nearly 
 equal in number. To a government become despotic, with great armies to execute its decrees, 
 these recruits are available. Our resources for replenisiiing our armies are strictly limited to our 
 own population, numbering half that of the enemy. Of fighting immigrants we have none. Of 
 our youths, many thousands have nobly anticipated the conscript age by volunteering. After 
 the campaign of 1865, therefore, we have reason to apprehend that a scarcity of recruits will be- 
 come a serious embarrassment. While this is a powerful motive with our generals to spare the 
 lives of our soldiers by shunning indecisive battles, it is also an incentive to earnest inquiry on 
 our part, as to any means we have left untried to add to the virtual strength of our armies. 
 
 I have long been convinced that we have in our negro slaves the means of increasing the 
 number of available figliting men. They are already, by the wise dispensation which placed 
 them under our tutelage, disciplined to labor. They are peculiarly adapted to the endurance of 
 our climate. Many of them are skilled in the ruder portions of mechanical work. The m»st of 
 tliem are good drivers of teams, and all know the use of intrenching implements. In active mil- 
 itary operations, immense manual labor must be done; and where white soldiers are scarce, and 
 good black laborers are plenty, it seems wise to employ the latter whenever practicable. When- 
 ever a negro laborer can be substituted for a white soldier, a musket is added to some depleted 
 regiment. With hundreds of thousands of laborers thus available, it is rank injustice to our 
 chivalric defenders to exact from them that labor which ought to be donj by negroes. 
 
 It cannot be urged that our slaves are all needed to raise food for our people and supplies for 
 troops. Before the war, our southern population was greater than it is now, including the army. 
 We then produced a surplus of food, and three or four millions of bales of cotton, together with 
 large quantities of sugar, rice and tobacco. We now need no more food than then, and raise no 
 cotton, and but little rice or sugar. All having been mainly the product of slave labor, it is evi- 
 dent that there are now more negro laborers than we actually need for agricultural purposes, and 
 that the surplus can well be spared for army use, after making due allowance for those taken 
 away by the enemy. 
 
 In view, also, of the possible calamities of a protracted war, it will be wise to have many 
 thousands of negroes thus attached to our armies, mobilized, used to military discipline, habit- 
 uated by army labor to action in concert, and thus made ready and ripe for that important step 
 which the exhaustion of our armies may necessitate— the arming of negroes. It is the delib- 
 erate purpose of the ruling majority of our enemies to prosecute the war on such a scale, and so 
 long, as to exhaust our fighting men. In this Satanic game they seem willing to play three or 
 tour lives of their soldiers against every one of our own, as is shown by the last campaign ; for 
 they know they cannot rule over the living white men and soldiers of our country. This horrid 
 pohcy of butchery must be met by the employment of all our resources. Our willingness to 
 faght armed negroes against them, when made necessary by their own diabolical and persistent 
 mabgnity, may be taken by them as the sign and measure of our inextinguishable hatred, while 
 it will prove conclusively to the nations of the world that we intend to maintain our independ- 
 ence at any and every possible cost. If a master may, with the help of his faithful slaves, drive 
 thieves from his corn-crib, incendiaries from his cotton-gin, and marauders from his house, why 
 may not many masters, helped by their many slaves, act in concert to drive away armies of 
 thieves, incendiaries, and assassins? 
 
 There may now be differences of opinion as to the exigency which shall call for this mea3ur«; 
 but if we are driven to the wall, there will be none. Each section of the country should be the 
 judge of the necessity. While in this department our army is still comparatively full, east of the 
 Misiissippi the want of troops has turned the thoughts of very many able statesmen, soldiers 
 and journalists to the subject of putting negroes into the field. I hope the public mind in this 
 ^te will be prepared for any action of the Confederate States Congress, and that our people 
 will be ready for the emergency contemplated. Securing to the army a large number of organ- 
 i»ed negro laborers, appears to be the best possible preparation for this contingency. Should 
 JOB. concur in this opinion, I leave it to your wisdom to suggest such legislation as you may 
 deem appropriate. j j 
 
 In the multiplicity of topics necessary to be called to your notice, I should have treated the 
 Mbject of employing negroes in the army with more brevity, but for the capture and pubKca- / 
 ti©n by the enemy of a letter to the Secretary of War, in the concluding paragraph of which I 
 exproaaed the conviction that the time had come for putting negroes in the field. An expression 
 *f my views on this topic was naturally expected; and having no desire to withhold my opinion, .v 
 
18 
 
 ib order to give it, I was obliged to state in part the reasons and facts on wbich it was baset?. I 
 am indebted to the peripatetic Yankee gcucral, who never fought a battle, for damaging his bad 
 cause, by publishing my letter, and making it the subject of a special order. This redoubtabU- 
 general seems to have been much exercised ; for the letter of the "Rebel Governor" has Imd tht- 
 desired eifect: it has put a stop to conscripting negroes by tiie enemy in his department. Gen 
 Canby tells them if they will run to him fur protection, they shall not be sent to the slaughter- 
 pens and butchered any more! One fact is certain and cannot be concealed — the enemy feur, 
 above all things, the arming of our negroes. 
 
 In every battle with the enemy, we have been compelled to meet him two to our one. We 
 have triumphed over him always, and will c<aitinue to do so, when the numbers are anything 
 like equal. In one respect, however, he has the advantage. Ho can and does out-work ns. 
 His soldiers are generally laborers or mechanics, of strong limb and muscle, accnstomed from 
 infancy to hard work. Ours are different; they cannot perform the Herculean tasks done by 
 the enemy. Place two hundred thousand able-bodied negroes in the army, and this difticnlry i.- 
 removed. They will make the fortifications and garrison them, while our white troops light ihc 
 battles in the field. 
 
 I speak by authority ; I speak the sentiments of the army, of every officer and private, of 
 every man and woman in Louisiana, and now sum up the argument on this question : If neces- 
 sary, if the worst should come, perish slavery — perish the institution for ever — hut give us inde- 
 pendence; give us freedom now, henceforth and forever, from the accursed Yankee nation. If 
 we are subjugated, the negroes are lost to their owners. If we triumph, wc can well afford tw 
 give freedom to every slave who fights the battles of his country. 
 
 This has now become a war of endurance, of heavy blows, and long, stout and determined 
 resistance. Peace can never be made with Abraham Lincoln except l)y armed intervention. 
 This blood-hound, like the "dark Mokanna," has deceived his people — will still deceive them 
 until the terrible day of retribution comes. The time may come — i.s perhaps fast approaching — 
 when we will have to give up the institution of domestic slavery in order to secure our inde])on- 
 dence as a nation. The civilized world is opposed to the name of slavery — it prefers bondage 
 under some other name. In Mexico they have Peons — in Russia Serfs — in England, Franc«>. and 
 Spain, Cooleys. The position of the slave in Louisiana is far sujierior to any of these ; ho is bet- 
 ter clothed, better fed, better treated and cared for, and iu every respect a much Iiappier being. 
 Still we cannot convince the world that they are wrong aTid that we are right. The public mind 
 muflt be prepared for the change. Shall we continue to fight on, iu a long protracted war with 
 slavery, or shall we give it up and have peace and independence .' Louisiana will rise en masst- 
 and say without hesitation, "We will abolish the institution — we wili part with slavery without 
 regret — if necessary to gain our independence." 
 
 THE PROSPECT. 
 
 la my inaugural address I informed you that I believed peace would be declared at no very 
 distant day. I am still of that opinion. I believe the war will not last nnuch longer. All rev«»- 
 lutions must end, and become more bloody as they approach their close. Peace will come whe» 
 we least expect it. It will come by intervention, and that at no remote period. That we are 
 tired of the war, none will pretend to deny. All acknowledge the fact; but we are resolved t« 
 light on — 1» fight it out until we are recognized as a separate, free, and independent nation. 
 
 If there is any man in this State who for one moment thinks of reconstruction on any terms 
 whatever, let me beg him, for God's salve, for liis country's sake, for hia own sake, to ask himsclJ 
 these few plain questions : Can I trust the yankees, swayed as they are by a fanatical mob .' Can 
 I trust men who have committed every crime in the decalogue? Can I shake hands with mur- 
 derers and robbers? Can I sit down with thieves, and house-burners, and assassins, and break 
 bread with those who liave insulted my wife, my mother, my sister? No, never! never !.' 
 never ! ! ! ♦ 
 
 If th^ sainted spirits of those brave men, whose bodies have been butchered in this unholy 
 war, take an interest in earthly affairs, I implore them to visit the pillows of those misguided 
 persons — if there be any — who iu this trying hour would sacrifice the independence of their 
 country, and shriek their protest in their u^atriotic ears. What ! oh ! what would be gained 
 by reconstruction? If the yankees violated the Constitution for a series of years before Ibbl, 
 will they not do it again? But, it is suggested we will call for a convention of the States, and 
 amk for guaranties ! Great God ! Imagine a convention of all the States ! They must of course 
 be admitted as equals. Every northern State except three has voted fur Lincoln and his policy. 
 We all know what that policy is : it is as dark as Erebus — as black as Hell ! It is subjugatiou 
 or death! We once had a Constitution. It was thought by all good men to be a sutlicieut 
 guaranty; it has been overthrown) and now a despotism is iuauguiated. What, then, would !>•■ 
 gained by reconstruction ? Nothing but political annihilation — iiuUiing but utter degradatiwn 
 and loss of all your property. Once lay down your arms, and then farewell, a long farewell \*> 
 all your liberties. Your negroes will be made your equals, your lamis will be declared <;outiscat«. 
 and you will become the slaves of those very hirelings who are now waging war upon you*: Ab- 
 olitionism, agrarianism, and miscegenation, with ail their horrid brood, wUl rule the "couiitauri 
 the camp." 
 
 Black men — our own slaves, are now in the Yankee army and navy ; they willaoon be in their 
 cougrees, in the cabinet in the pulpit, and on the bench. Are you willing to live uudttr suck a 
 govwmmont in any manner, in any way, iu any position whatever? If 1 were asked, are fliierf 
 any tcrnui ouwhitli y^u would eouseut to reconstruction, and letiirnto the old Union, myaHHWur 
 
?s emphatically none ! BetteY fight for four years longer— aye, better fight for forty years to] 
 come, than contemplate anything short of independence. 
 
 If there be any who have thought of a convention of the States, to the end that peace proposi- 
 tions might be submitted, I would say, this is not only unconstitutional and impolitic, but utterly 
 impossible. By the recent elections at the north, the democratic peace party has been crushed. 
 Lincoln &. Co. "are now in blood stept in so far, that should they wade no more, returning were 
 as tedious as go o'er." If it were possible to assemble a convention of delegates from all the 
 States, it would be a Babel of passion and confu.sion— of crimination and recrimination. Peace 
 propositions would not for one moment be entertained except ou the terms already offered, which 
 is an insult to every honorable man. But peace will coine— it will come by intervention. The 
 gn-at powers of Europe are pledged to the integrity of the Mexican Empire. If the South 
 ^'}on\d be subjugated, the victorious armies of the North will march over its ruins to the conque.'^t 
 «f Mexico. This the yankee congress has declare*— this the yankee press has published— this I 
 Mr. Lincoln' has openly said— this his people applaud— but tins the European powers will not I 
 
 The recent inisfortunes which our arms have sustained in Georgia and Tennessee, are eompar- I 
 atively of a trivial character; if Richmond pven .should fall, our cause would not by any means ' 
 be desperate. One thing is certain— we can never be conquered. \Ve may be harrasscd kn- I 
 years by wtit, but we will never be Conquered — never! | 
 
 I iinist. Gentlemen, through you, bid my countrymen be of good cheer. We all have steadily 
 opi'd that this war would end— that this revolution would abate— that the mountain ton raipht 
 
 ..ujK-^. Mini inis war wouiu ena— mat tnis revolution would abate— that the mountain top might 
 I.e viewed, and the dove of j)eacc would at last go forth to return no more. I am firmly con- 
 viiiced that this is near at hand. In the meantime, let us do our duty under all circumstances. 
 I he Killer of the Universe, who spoke peace to tlie troubled "n-aters of Galilee, will not forsake 
 us, but, in his own good time will speak peace to us. When Israel warred with Amalek, Joshu;-. 
 •was sent out to give battle. Moses stood hard by and held up his hands. As loner as they were 
 sxp, Joshua prevailed : but in course of time they became tired, and fell to his .side. Then Ama- 
 ick prevailed. Upon seeing this, Aaron and Hur came to the assistance of Moses, and stayed 
 up liisHiands till the going down of the suYi. Joshua prevailed and Israel was free Let us all 
 then rally around the Chief Magistrate of the Confederacv. He is our President, and this is our 
 light. He is a pure patriot. Let us hold up not only /«">• hands, but those of all others in author- 
 ity- \\ will prevail— we will win the fight— we will be free ! 
 
 REC0MMEND.\TIOXS. 
 
 I respectfully recommend that you pass an act resuming the collection of all State taxes; that 
 you continue your appropriations for the relief of the families of soldiers, and the indigent of 
 tlie .state; that you enact a Inw authorizing the convicts to be sent to the Penitentiary of Texas 
 t^r couhnenieut and labor— the Legislature of that State having consented thereto; that you pa«B 
 stringent laws, pumshing with severe penalties all persons who may kidnap, or illegally take 
 away slaves from their owners, and all who may aid or abet those so offending, or who may buy 
 «r sell negroes knowing them to have been unlawfully taken from their owners, or from the 
 agents or overseers of such owners, or from their plantations during their absence. Many of 
 vur soldiers, who are now in the field doing their duty nobly, as well as many refugees, widows 
 and orphans, have suftered heavily from these robberies; that the Governor be authorized to , 
 purchase one or more sea-going steamers, with which to run the blockade, and that he be I 
 empowered to buy and ship such quantities of cotton, or other jiroduce, as will suffice to supply 
 the people of the State with all such staple articles as are now so much needed ; that the Gov- 
 ornor have full j.ower to call out every able bodied free male capable of bearing arms, not 
 cilieady in the C. S. service, at any time he may deem such c^iU necessary for the defence of the 
 "^Uite. under such regulations a.s he may tliink proper, and that none shall be exempt from such 
 «hity ; that the sum ot one hundred thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be required b« 
 appropriated for the purchase or publicatiou of School Books, to be distributed amono-st 'the 
 several parishes, as in your wisdom you shall direct. I have now a .series of such school-bookt 
 »u course of publication, but cannot supply the wants of the public in full. The vouth of thr 
 i»tate must be educated. While the war taxes our energies to the utmost, we must not forget th»> 
 •acred duty parents owe to their children. Finally, I recommend that vou pass no private bilK 
 1 ilia IS no time tor special legislation. Let all claimants be placed on the same footing. Of ovew 
 general legislation, we need but littler-let that be short. The country is at war— the whole ,«tai«- ' 
 2s an immense camp. 
 
 Siucj my accession to office, I have had no recreation. My duties as Governor have been verr 
 arduous. Many a weary day and sleepless night have I spent in the service of the State. I 
 could have done otherwi.se and lived inactive, and at my ease; but I chose a diflfercnt oour.«i» 
 In these troublous times I have tiikeu many respon.sibilities. I have dispensed to the destitK* 
 to the Widow, and to the orphan, to the wounded soldier and his family large sums of money' 
 i his money has not, however, been wrung from the people by taxation, but has bean put into tii« I 
 ireasury in due course of honuiable traffic, giving great benefits to all. The people have paid 
 Mo fctate taxes. 1 hey h.avo been supplied with medicines and cotton cards, with clothes anel 
 stationery, with provisions and farming utensils, and with .school books for their childr«u— a!) | 
 Without one dollar from the Treasury; for the profits on my iuvestments for the State hare i-aij i 
 ftil outlays and expenses. I 
 
 If it is your desire that I should continue my administration as I have be.-ruu it, I wijvJi Yi.ni * 
 expressed approbation. If you do not approve It, I will in future aULcre to the ^tikl ktwy ui | 
 
20 
 
 the law, and spare myself a vast deal of toil, trouble and responsibility. 1 Iiavo no aml> tuin 
 but to serve the commonwealth of Louisiana. I do assure you, from the bottom of my hi rt, 
 that I shall be the happiest man in this Republic, if during my term I can welcome back to ti ir 
 homes every son and daughter of Louisiana. Then, but not till then, will I ask to be relievi;u 
 from duty, in order to repair my broken fortunes; for, having suffered along with many of my 
 fellow citizens, and lost all, I must begin life anew. 
 
 I cannot close this message without saying a word in behalf of our fellow-citizens of New 
 Orleans; outraged daily by a brutal soldiery, insulted and annoyed by a traitor police, far worso 
 than that of Austria — robbed by oflScers in high station, and swindled by every petty official. 
 Under all changes — under every new misfortune, the people of that unhappy city have exhibited 
 the most unswerving patriotism. To our soldiers and citizens who have been confined in Yan- 
 kee dungeons, the ladies have been more than kind. God bless these noble women! The heart 
 expands, and the tear of gratitude flows in thinking of the ladies of New Orleans. Be of good 
 cheer my fair constituents, I hear from you often. Your ardent devotion to the cause of the 
 South, challenges the admiration even of the enemy. Go on in your good work. Relieve the 
 aick, bind up the broken hearts, minister to thewants of those who still laiiguishin the "captive's 
 lonely cell." Visit the tombs of the gallant dead who have died from Yankee cruelty, and place 
 love's last offering of fresh flowers upon their hallowed graves ; and then and there renew your 
 vows of eternal hostility against their murderers. For these acts of patriotism and devotion, 
 you will be thrice repaid. You ■vWl receive the blessings of all the good and brave in every 
 laud. The ways of divine Providence are inscrutable. None can find them out. I commit you 
 to His hands. He will not forsake you. We are told in the book of Ezra, that when the chose* 
 people of God returned from their captivity, they ere<"ted an altar, and assembling around it, 
 "wept with a loud voice, and many shouted aloud for joy " You shall meet your friends again, 
 liiey shall assemble around your sacred altars. Your temples which have been made the ''deo 
 of thieves" shall be purified, and on bended knees before the throne of the Great Jehovah, wo 
 ■will mingle together our tears of gratitude, and then with heads erect, and in the conscious prid« 
 of freemen, we will shout for joy ! 
 
 HBNRY WATKINS ALLEN. 
 
Hollinger Corp. 
 pH8.5