Cfcrr^f BrK^ Ti Duke University Libraries Message of Goye Conf Pam 12mo #217 n #^i7 A MESSAGE GOVERNOR A. B. MOORE, TO TUB wMP f "Ii.,«l ^>>^ii January 14, 1861. Senate — 5000 Copies. 3^ro:N"TGOMERY, ALA.: SHORTER & REID, STATE PRINTERS, ADVERTISER OFFICE. 1861. THE WILUAM R. PERKINS LIBRARY OF DUKE UNIVERSITY Rare Books m: E S S ^ G E . EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Montgomery, Ala., January 14, ISGl. Gentlemen of the iScnate : Events of tlic utmost moment liavo rendered it neces- sary that 3-our body should l)e assembled. At the last session of the General Assembly', Joint Besolutions were adopted, making it my duty, in the event of the election of a President b}" the Black Republican part}' of the United States, to issue my proclamation to the qualilied voters "to elect delegates to a convention of the State, to consider, determine and do whatever in the opinion of said convention, tlic rights, interests, and honor of the State of Alabama required to be done for their protec- tion." The result of the election, b}- the popular vote, clearly manifested the certainty ot the election of their candidate bj' that party, and on the Gth day of December, 1860, he Avas elected by a majority of the electoral vote of the United States. The contingency provided for in the Joint Resolutions having occurred, I felt it my duty to obey their instructions at the earliest moment afterwards, and on the 7th day of December, 18G0, issued m\' proc^ lamation accordingly, and also issued to the Sheritfs of the several counties in the State, the necessary writs of election, to be held on the 21th day of December last. Before this convention assembled, gi'cat and important changes had taken place in public affairs, and especially in some of the Soutliern States. South Carolina, acting under a sense of the common wrong and threatened dan- ger to her sister slaveholding States, in the exercise of her sovereignty, in a convention of her people, on the 20tli day of December, 18G0, repealed tlie ordinance by wliicli she ratified tlie Constitution of the United States, as the coni[iact of Union between herself and the other States, and resumed all the powers, which, by that com- pact, she delegated to the Government of the United States. Florida, Mississippi, Georgia, Texas, and Loui- siana, also called conventions of their people, to consider ot the exigencies pressing upon them — and the two first have followed the example of South Carolina, and withdrawn Irom the union with the United States, and there can be no question that the others will do the same. The action of the people of Alabama in their conven- tion, in withdrawing from the Federal Union is already known to you. This exercise of the sovereign power of the State, "to protect the rights, interests and honor" of her people, in my opinion, must be regarded as one of wisdom, and indeed of political necessity. The rights of the State, and the interests of her citizens, were no longer protected in the Union, and unless it was determined to abandon all hope of their preservation, no other resource was left than to withdraw from the Union, and throw off a government that failed to secure them. Whatever difi'erences of opinion may have existed as to the proper course of the State, it gives me pleasure to say that I have the strongest assurances that they will all cease, and that all tlie citizens of the State, in obedience to this organic law of the sovereign power, will sacrifice their objections on the altar of their country, and with one heart, sustain the State in this great movement of deliverance and liberty. 1 believe it will require all the courage, fortitude and patriotism other sons to meet and overcome the approaching storm ; but I have an abiding confidence that they will prove themselves equal to the ■emergency, and deserving the great destiny th it awaits them in the future. The events that occurred in the harbor of Charleston, after the secession of South Caroli- na, are matters of historj-. The accounts, received from Washiiii^ton, all tended to induce the conviction that the "Government of the United States intended to adopt a system of coercion against all the States that might se- cede from the Union. Gov. Brown, of Georgia, acting ui)on this hclief, seized upon Fort Pulaski, at the month of the Savannali river, in tlie name of tlie State of" Geor- gia, and telegraplied me of that event. Satisfied that the State of Ahdiama would not remain in the Union, and in view of the indications of intention on the part of the Federal Government to coerce the seceding States, I could no longer hesitate as to the course my duty to the State required me to pursue. I could not wait until that Government had thrown troops into the Forts, command- ing the entrance into the harhor of Mohile, and thus place that city and the State at the mercy of the ships of war of the United States. To regain possession of these posts would have cost the State thousa*nds of treasure and the best blood of her sons. There were in the Arsenal of the United States at Mount Vernon, on the Alabama river, a large sui)[>ly of powder and small arms, whi.h might be used against the State. Acting under these considerations, i transmitted ord^'s by telpi^raph on the/^^, ^ night of ^ January, to -^M A/^^i^C, ^^ Mobile,<^^'^ to take possession of Forts Morgan and Gaines, at \\\(AL ^'^*^^'u^ mouth of Mobile Harbor, and of the Arsenal at Mount ^^ -^3 Vernon, with all their arms, ammunition, and equip- ments, and hold them in the name of the State of Ala- bama. It gives me pleasure and ]U'ide to make known the gallantry and promptitude with which this order was responded to, hy the oiHcers and men selected for that purpose. The dispatch Avas sent from this place at 9 A. M., and the Forts, forty miles from Mobile, were taken possession of on the next night ; and the Arsenal, some fifty miles from Mobile, was seized about day light next morning, and they are now held in the name of this State, by her volunteer troops. In the Forts were some hundred cannon — thirty-two and twenty-four pound guns; and in the Aresnal about 22,000 stand of small arms, and one hundred and tifty thousand pounds of powder. Of the small arms, about two thousand were Mississippi rifles, and the remainder muskets. I directed the othcers in command at these posts to make out an accurate in- ventorj' of the arms and materials thus obtained. As soon as I was informed that these posts were in the pos- session of tlie troops of tlio State, I comnmnicatod tlic facts to the President of tlie United States, with a sum- mary of the reasons Avhicli induced nn- action, to whicli he has not replied. If more specific information of the arms and conditions of tlie Forts is desired, I will furnish it with pleasure. Early in December last I was urged to convoke the Legislature for the purpose, among others, of authorizing the banks of the State to suspend specie payments, iu order to relieve the community in their embarrassed con- dition. I declined, at that time, to do so, for the reasons stated by me in an address to the people of the State, a copy of which address is hereto attached, and to which I beg to call your attention. In view of the condition of the State, and the absolute necessity of her having mon- ey, on her secession — and which event I confidently anti- cipated — I made arrangements with the two banks in Mobile, the Commercial Bank at Selma, the Central Bank at Montgomery, and the Eastern Bank at Eufaula, that they should, if required by the JjCgislature, furnish to the State a loan of one million of dollars, in specie or its equivalent. I requested and urged upon them to suspend payments of specie for the purpose of furnishing the sura designa- ted to the State, and to relieve the community, as far as possible, by such assistajice as they would then be able to give. This amount of one million is to be advanced by the several banks, in proportion to their respective capi- tals. The two banks at -\fobile agreed to advance a pro- portional part of the above sum, but declined to suspend. The Commercial .l>aiik, the Central Bank, and the Eas- tern Bank, agreed to advance their respective proportions, and suspended specie payments, upon m}^ promise to in- stitute no proceedings against them, and to urge upon the General Assembly the propriety of its sustaining such suspensions. The circumstances under which these latter banks acted, and the motives which prompted them, commend their conduct to the approval of every patriotic citizen of the State, and I earnestly suggest that the Legislature, by legal enactments, sanction their suspen- sion. I would further recommend that the other banks of the State be severally authorized to suspend on lend' ing to the State in specie, or its equivalent, a sum in pro- portion to their respective capitals, of like amount with that agreed to be furnished by the first named banks, and to be secured in like manner. In the important change of the condition of the State, other and more enlarged duties devolve upon 3'ou for consideration. From all the indications, it is to be in- ferred that this State must maintain her sovereignty and independence by force of arms. The Government of the United States, in its infatuation, seems determined to use force against some or all of the seceding States. Ala- bama cannot expect to escape while her sister States are subjected to this last argument of Kings. Even if no hostile demonstration was made against her, it would not become her dignity or honor, or interest to stand by and see tlie power of the Government of the United States used to crush a single slaveliolding State. The. in- stincts of self-preservation would compel Alabama to aid such slaveholding State, engaged in the same cause, and having tliC same destiny, with all the means in her power. AVe desire peace with all the world, and especially with the Government of the United States, and the other States composing the United States. To obtain perma- nent peace and security' of our rights, we withdraw from the Union ; but the best way to obtain these is to be pre- pared for war, and if the dread alternative is presented, not to shrink from the contest, but, meeting it as free- men, leave the consequences to that Being, who holds in His hands alike tlie destiny of men and nations. I would recommend, then, that the State of Alabama be placed, at as early a period as practicable upon the most eliicient war footing. The first requisites of this condi- tion arc money, men and arms. I have already indicated that a loan of one million of dollars has been secured from the banks. I would recommend that you adopt the necessary steps to have this agreement consummated. I would further recommend that the State borrow ano- ther million of dollars, on her bonds in sums of five hun- dred and one thousand dollars each, bearing interest at eight per cen"^., with the interest pa^-able annually, and 8 to be sold witliin tlie State at par — the bonds payable in not less than ten years. I would also advise that Execu- tors, Administrators, Guardians, and all other trustees,, having trust funds to invest, be authorized to invest such funds in these bonds. Not only will these securities be sought after for investment, but thousands of patriotic hearts, who have not the ability of the noble sons of South Carolina to make gratuitous contributions, will thus be enabled to throw in their mite for the support of the same glorious cause. I would also suggest that the General Assembly make provision for raising, arming, and ofKcering, a regular force of troops of the State, and adopt such army regulations therefor as may be necessary. The regula- tions for the arm}^ of the United States might form a basis for the system. Enlistments for twelve months, two years, or to the close of hostilities, might be adopted, to be ended w'hen the necessity for their services shall cease. In the latter case, it might be well to provide, when thc}^ are discharged, for a bounty to be paid them. The mode of furnishing officers for such a force is one of some difficulty. "Whether the commissioncfl officers should be selected by the men, over whom they are to exercise command, or be appointed in some other way, I leave to the wisdom of 3'our bodies. But I would recom- mend where companies, battalions or regiments, offer their services as such, to serve for the time specified in the regulations, that they be allowed to select their own commissioned officers. In making this suggestion for a regular force, I am not to be understood as expressing a want of confidence in the patriotism of our militia, and especiall}^ the volun- teers. Their bravery and patriotism have been too well established to entertain a doubt that they would acquit themselves, on all proper occasions, in such manner as to add increased honor to their acheivements in the field. Experience has proved, that however efficient such troops are for sudden occasions or short campaigns, it will not do to rely upon them to sustain a long, protracted con- test. The greatest difficulties experienced by General "Washington in the Revolutionary war, and by General Jackson in bis Creek campaigns, arose from the expira- tion of tlic term of service of the militia under their com- mands. Moreover, it is probable that the principal ser- vice demanded by the State from her troops -vvill be in garrison, and he who has seen service of that character knows how tedious and irksome such a life is to the citi- zen soldier. As to the various appropriations, and mode of disburs- ing the sums raised on the bonds of the State, I leave that to )'0ur considerarion. In connection with the above subjects, I can not too earnestly impress npon you the importance of the appointnvcnt of a Military Board. — With my inexperience in military affairs, and the ineffi- cient military organization of the State, such a body is imperativel3'vlemaiuled in the present exigency. I am too sensible of my deficiency in military matters to make any suggestion as to the power and duties of such a board, but you have in your bodies military men, who under- stand and can define the necessary extent of their pow- ers. I would, however, recommend that it consist of four persons, to be selected by the Legislature, or in such other manner as may be deemed best by you, with such rank and pay as would be commensurate with their du- ties. The condition of many families of the poorer classes in the State, demand consideration. That there will be much sutfering, and privation, and perhaps starvation, is greatly to be feared, unless some provision against these contingencies is made by the Legislature. After an anx- ious consideration on this subject, I would recommend that the Court of County Commissioners of each county be empowered to levy and collect a tax, in their several counties, for the purpose of raising funds to purchase food for their suttering population, and to appoint an agent to make tlie purchases. If it is found this tax can- not be collected in time for the relief of the sutiering, then to pledge the public property of the count}' by mortgage or otherwise, for money to be borrowed for that purpose. But, in no event, is this public property to bo disposed of, under such mortgage or other pledge, until am[)le time has been given for the collection of such 10 tax; ami when collected, it shall ho applied to the extin- guishment of such deht of the county. The details of this measure I leave to your consideration. I am compelled by the necessities of this department to suggest that the Governor have the authority to ap- point two Secretaries. The duties devolving upon the office, at this time, leave the Executive no leisure but to direct. The correspondence is voluminous, and the duty of attending to that office is arduous. Thc}^ should be paid a salary b}' the State quarterh', with power in the Executive, at the end of any quarter, to discharge them, when their services should be no longer needed : or when ho thought necessary to discharge such as he thought proper, and appoint others in their stead. I am also compelled to call your attention to the in- crease of the contingent fund. Under ordinarj' circum- stances, the amount under the present law, at the control of the Executive, would l)e ample, but the present emer- gency requires that this sum of ^12,000 be increased ; and I recommend that thirteen thousand dollars more be added, making this fund the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars. At your last session, the General Assembly' made an appropi'iation for the purchase of arms and ammunition, under the direction of this dejtartment. I have |)(ux;hased about nine thousand stand of small arms, ten brass rifled cannon, (six pounders,) and two Columbiads; twenty thousand pounds of lead, seven hundred kegsof powder, of twenty-eight pounds each, and one million five hun- dred thousand caps. The cannon have not yet arrived, but I am expecting them daily. The Convention on the inst., authorized me to dis- patch troops from this State to aid the State of Florida in taking possession of the Forts at the mouth of Pensa- colaHarbor. Accordingly on the inst., I ordered three hundred men from Mobile by water, and dispatched five companies, under the command of CoL Lomax, by railroad from this place, to proceed to Pensacola. After tlie troops left here I received information, that on the night of the inst., all the positions on the west side of Pensacola Bay were abandoned by the forces of the 11 United States, which liad been concentrated at Fort Pick- ens on Santa Rosa Island. The occupation of this Fort enables them to command the entrance to the bay and harbor of Pensacola; and as the troops from Mobile were to approach by water, I directed them, by telegrapli, to proceed no further in the expedition. The troops from this place arrived at Pensacola on the night of the inst., and are now encamped there. If it should be deem- ed practicable, they will aid in storming Fort Pickens, and for that purpose they remain there. I also had intel- ligence that a considerable force of ships of war and troops of the CTnited States had been ordered to rendez- vous at Pensacola, and probably to make a demonstration on the Forts at the mouth of Mobile Bay, or some other point in that vicinity. I therefore ordered five other companies to ]\Iobile to aid in defending whatever point may be assailed. Your attention is called to the necessity of making some provision for the payment of the expenses of these expeditions. In connection with the subject of placing the State in an efficient state to protect herself, I have a suggestion to make, which I thought prudent to reserve for a separate and secret communication, and whicli lam ready to make, when your bodies are ready to receive it. In closing this message, I cannot but invoke the bless- ings of the Most High and Omniscient God upon all your deliberations, and that we may he saved from the horrors of warandejijoy the blessings of peace — that our liberties may be preserved, and that our beloved State may enjoy an uninterrupted career of prosperity and greatness. A. B, MOORE. LETTER FROM GOV. MOORE o:n" the suspension of the banks. Executive Department, \ Montgomery, Ala., Dec. 17, 1860. j To the People of Alabama: Strong appeal?? have been made to me, by man}' citizens from different sections of the State, to convene the Le- gislature for the purpose of providing the ways and means of protecting the interests and honor of the State in the impending crisis; and for tlie further purpose of author- izing the banks to suspend specie payments, to enable thcni to furnish greater facilities for moving the cotton crop, and thus relieve, to some extent, the embarrassed condition of the cotton market, and the people. These appeals were made l)y those, whose opinions are entitled to the liighest respect, and are disconnected with the banks, either as directors or stockholders. After giving to the subject the fullest consideration, and viewing it in all its bearings, I determined not to convene the Legisla- ture, for reasons which I will now give. I did not doubt, and do not now, that the convention, to meet on the 7th January, will determine that Alabama shall withdraw from the present Union, at an early day. Should this contingency occur, it will be necessary fortliwith, to convene the Legislature to provide for whatever the action oftlie convention may render neces- sary, in the Avay of legislation. The imposition upon the State, of the expense of the convention, and two extra session of the Legislature at this time, when economy is a matter of the highest consideration, ought to be avoid- ed, if it could be done consistently with the public inter- ests. If the Legislature could anticipate the action of the convention, and provide for it, it would supersede the necessity of convening, after the convention shall have acted ; but this would be impossible. It was my opinioil, that if I issued a proclamation calling an extra session of the Legislature, every one would be- lieve that the object, in part, was to authorize the banks to suspend specie payments. This would have caused an immediate run upon them, and would, in a great measure, have exhausted their specie, and thus rendered them una- ble to aid the State in her emergency, or relieve the people. It appeared to mc that these difficulties could be avoid- ed, by the banks and myself assuming responsibilities, which never should be done under any other circumstan- ces. I considered it a matter of the utmost importance that the specie, in the vaults of the banks, should be kept there, so far as it could be done, in order to aid the State in providing the means to sustain herself in the ap- proaching crisis. It would be inexpedient, at such a time, to tax the people, and State bonds could not now be sold, except at a great sacrifice. I considered it the duty of banks, upon whom extraordinar}- privileges had been conferred, to come to the aid of the State in her hour of need, and therefore determined to request them, at the same time, to suspend specie payments, and retain their specie for the benefit and security of the State, so far as luight be necessary. In this way, a run upon the banks would be avoided, and they would remain in a condition to relieve the State from immediately taxing her people, or selling bonds at a heavy discount; and render unnecessary au extra ses- sion of the Legislature, before the meeting of the con- vention. The extension of relief to the people, in selling their cotton crops, would follow as an incident. In considera- tion of the premises, I addressed to each of the banks a letter, of which the following is a copy: 14 Executive Department, "I Montgomery, Ala., Dec. 4, 18G0. J To the President and Directors of the Central Bank of Alabama, 31ontgomery, Ala.: Gentlemen: — The peculiar and extraordinary state of public afiairs and the interest of the State, make it a matter of State necesi«ity to retain in the vaults of the banks all the gold and silver in their possession. From present prospects, there can scarcely be a doubt that Alabama will secede from the Union before the 4tli day of March next. Should that contingency occur, it will be necessar}- for the State to raise not less than a million of dollars in specie, or its equivalent. Under the circumstances which surround us, we could not sell State bonds, either in the North or in Europe, except at a ruin- ous discount; and it would be inexpedient to tax the people immediately tor that purpose. How then can the State secure the money, that may be necessary-, in her emergency ? But one practicable plan now presents itself to ray mind, and that is to call upon the banks of the State to come up to her aid. The course of events, and the sus- pension of the South Carolina and Georgia banks, will create more or less uneasiness in the minds of bill hold- ers, and will induce many of them to draw the specie from the banks to the extent of the notes thoy may hold, and thus render the banks unable to aid the State, as they otherwise could do. I am strongly urged from various parts of the State to convene the Legislature, for the purjiose of authorizing the banks to suspend specie payments, and thus enable them to retain their specie for the purposes suggested. I have reflected much and anxiously upon the subject. I am satisfied, were 1 to convene the Legislature for the purpose stated, that it would produce a run on the banks, and in a great measure exhaust their specie and defeat the object I have in view. With the view, then, of'enabling the baidvs to retain their specie for the purpose aforesaid, I deem it my duty, under the circumstances, to advise and request them to suspend, all at the same time. 15 The high and patrioiic motives which would induce the act, wouki sustain the banks and me. There can be no doubt that the convention and Legislature, soon to meet, will sustain and legalise the act. I will sanction it, and will institute no proceedings against tlicm ; and in my mcssairc to the Legislature an