SOUSE JOUBHAL—11th Sess 1 >:ourn.u of t!'c ^tocffrtings or the house oe representatives or THE GENERAL' ASSEMBLY or THE AT prs EXEVEHTII SESSION, 'iegjui au«> Held at tine Capitol, in tlte City of" T"alla« bargee, on Monday, November 18, 1861. callajrasstt: OFFICE OF THE FLOPJDM & JOURNAL printed by dyke & carlisle, isai* JOURNAL Of the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of the State of Florida, at the 11th Session thereof begun and held at the Capitol, in the City of Tallahassee, in the State of Florida, on Monday, the Eighteenth day of November, in the Fear of our Lord.I One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty- one: On which day, being that fixed by the Constitution of the State of Florida for the meeting of the General Assembly, the House was called to order by A. J. Peeler, Clerk of the former House, who proceeded to call the roll, when the following members ap¬ peared and answered to their names, viz: Messrs. Blount, Carter, Cole, Hull, Howell, Lee, Love, Means, Newburn, Oliver, Parker, Pooser, Russell, Scott, YanZant and Williams—16. Ho quorum present. A second call of the roll then being proposed, Mr. Love moved that, preceding the same, those members present who had been elected to fill vacancies occurring in this House since its last session, should present their certificates of election to the Clerk and take the usual oath of ofiice; Which being adopted, and Messrs. Enoch J. Yann of Madison fjounty, William D. Bloxham of Leon county, Henry S. Seward of Polk county, and Thomas P. Wall of Clay county, presented their several certificates of election, and were sworn by Edward M. West, Justice of the Peace. The roll being call a second time, a quorum being not in at¬ tendance, the House, on motion of Mr. Love, then adjourned until to-morrow morning, 10 o'clock. TUESDAY, November 19, 1861. The House met pursuant to adjournment. The roll being called by A. J. Peeler, former clerk of the House, the following members were present and answered to their names, viz: Messrs. Blount, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Cole, Howell, 4 Holloman, Hull, Lee, Love, Means, Newburn, Oliver, Parker,, Pooser, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Yann, Vanzant and Wall—22. A quorum not being present, the Llouse then, upon motion of Mr. Cole, took a recess until 12 o'clock, M. 12 O'CLOCK, M. The House resumed its session. The roll being called, the following members appeared and answered to their names, viz: Messrs. Blount, Bloxham, Campbell, Coffee, Cole, Haddock, Howell, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Love, Means, Oliver, Parker, Pooser, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Vann, Yanzant and Wall—22. There not being a quorum, upon motion, the Sergeant-at-Arms of the late House being in attendance, was dispatched to notify any absent members in the city, that their attendance was re¬ quested in the House for the purpose of effecting its organiza¬ tion. After the elapse of some time, and the roll being again called, a sufficient number of members not being found in attendance to constitute a quorum, the House, upon motion of Mr. Hull, took a recess until 3 o'clock, P. M. 3 O'CLOCK, P. M. The House resumed its session. The roll being called, the following members appeared and answered to their names, viz: Messrs. Blount, Bloxham, Canova, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Cole, Haddock, Howell, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Love, Means, Hew- burn, Oliver, Parker, Pooser, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Yann, YinZant and Wall—25. So tlieir was a quorum present. On motion, Mr. Russell of Jefferson county took the chair. The House then upon motion, proceeded to effect its organi¬ zation by going into the election of Speaker. nominations being announced in order by the chair, Mix YanZant nominated Mr. Russell of Jefferson. Mr. Means nominated Mr. Love of Gadsden. Mr. Russell having declined being a candidate, and his name 5 being withdrawn, Mr. Love, on motion of Mr. Bloxham, was declared to be unanimously elected Speaker of the House. On motion of Mr. Means, a committee of three were appointed, consisting of Messrs. Coffee, Cole and Oliver, to conduct the Speaker elect to the Chair. On being conducted to the Chair the Speaker addressed the House of Representatives as follows : Gentlemen of the House of Ilejv'csentatircs: I accept the trust with which you have honored me with pro¬ found diffidence of my ability efficiently to discharge its duties. But whatever strict impartiality, earnest labor, true and fervent devotion to the welfare of this commonwealth, of the Confeder¬ ate States of America and the honor and dignity of this General Assembly, can contribute towards the discharge of its duties, will not be found wanting. TV "e assemble together, gentlemen, at this term of our Legis¬ lature, in the midst of a revolution so gigantic in its influences, that it threatens to convulse the whole system of civil and social institutions which belong to the Government with which, by a solemn act of the public will, we have dissolved our connection. In the midst of hostile armies and military preparations, upon that vast scale which has hitherto belonged to the continent of Europe, we are required so to direct the legislation of the country that while the State expends its whole energies in gath¬ ering military resources for defence, the burdens of taxation may be rendered as easy to our people as the condition of the country will permit; a system of fluance provided, which will supply the means of exchange between its different classes, and our sys¬ tem of Government and society be preserved unimpaired from the stern events which are now occurring. To perform wisely and well the great trust with which we are honored, will require the gracious aid of that Divine being who holds in the hollow ofHis hand the destinies of nations. I hum¬ bly trust that this Divine assistance may co-operate with our earnest and patriotic purposes, and enable us, when we shall have closed the labors of this branch of our Legislature, to la}' our hands upon our hearts and say "all the ends we have aimed at were our country's, our God's and truth's." I thank you, gentlemen, for the honor you have conferred upon me, and hope that I shall be able, ( with, your kind assistance and forbearance,) to discharge the responsible duties of the of¬ fice to the satisfaction of the House, and with credit to myself. Mr. Coffee offered the following resolution, viz : He it resolved by the House of Representatives of the /State of Florida in, General Assembly convened, That the officers of the 6 last House of Representatives be constituted officers of this House; Which was adopted. On motion, the House proceeded to elect officers to fill such vacancies as had occurred in the offices of the House since its last session. The office of Assistant Clerk being announced as vacant, and nominations being in order, Mr. Hull nominated John F. Jackson of Levy county. Mr. Campbell nominated J. Gibson of Gadsden county. Mr. Bloxham nominated J. Clark of Columbia county. The vote was: For Gibson—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Campbell, Carter, Cole, Holloman, Robinson and Scott—7. For Clark—Mr. Bloxham—1. For Jackson—Messrs. Blount, Canova, Coffee, Haddock, Howell, Hull, Lee, Means, Xewburn, Oliver, Parker, Pooser, Russell, Seward, Yann, Yanzant and Wall—17. Mr. Jackson was declared duly elected Assistant Clerk. The House then proceeded to the election of an Engrossing Clerk, that office being vacant. Mr. Oliver nominated Thos. H. Hale of Leon county. Mr. Pooser nominated J. W. Johnson of Leon county. The vote was : For Hale—Messrs. Blount, Bloxham, Canova, Campbell, Car¬ ter, Cole, Haddock, Holloman, Hull, Means, Oliver, Parker, Scott, Seward, Yann, YanZant and Wall—17. For Johnson—Messrs. Cofiee, Howell, Xewburn, Pooser. Robinson and Russell—6. Blank—Mr. Speaker and Mr. Lee—2. Mr. Hale was declared duly elected Engrossing Clerk. The House then proceeded to the election of an Enrolling Clerk, that office being vacant. Mr. Holloman nominated W. M. Mcintosh of Gadsden county. Mr. Hull nominated S. I>. Allen of Leon county. Pending the call of the roll, Mr. Allen was withdrawn, when Mr. Scott moved that Mr. Mcintosh be declared elected as En¬ rolling Clerk of the House; Which was unanimously adopted. A question being raised as to whether the Sergeant-at-Ams of the last House, being an appointee of the Speaker thereof, to fill a vacancy occasioned therein, under direction of said House, was continued in office under the resolution just offered by Mr. Cofiee and adopted, or whether the House should proceed to an election to fill such vacancy therein, Mr. Speaker decided that r there was a vacancy and the House should jwoceed to the elec¬ tion of a Sergeant-at-Arms. Mr. Russell appealed from the decision of the Speaker, and the House overruling his decision, W. II. Andrews, Sergeant-at- Arms of the last House, was declared, under said resolution, to be the Sergeant-at-Arms of the present House of Representatives. On motion of Mr. Bloxham, a Committee of three, consisting of Messrs. Bloxham, Means and Holloman ivas appointed to in¬ form the Senate, that the House is organized and ready to unite with a similar Committee on the part of the Senate, to inform his Excellency the Governor that the General Assembly is now organized, and ready to receive any communication he may be pleased to make. A Committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. Chain, Brokaw and Broome waited upon the House and informed them that the Senate was organized and ready to unite with a simi¬ lar Committee on the part of the House to wait upon his Ex¬ cellency the Governor, to inform him of the organization of the General Assembly, and that they, were now ready to receive any communication he had to make. Upon motion of Mr. Coffee, the officers of the House took the usual oath of office before Edward M. West, Justice of the Peace. The Committee on the part of the House, consisting of Messrs. Bloxham, Means and Holloman, appointed to wait upon the Senate and unite with a similar Committee in waiting upon his Excellency the Governor, returned to the bar of the House and reported that they had performed their duty, and were discharged. On motion of Mr. Scott, a Committee of three, consisting of Messrs. Scott, Coffee and Robinson were appointed to select a Chaplain for the House during the present session. On motion of Mr. Bloxham, a Committee of five were ap¬ pointed, consisting of Messrs. Bloxham, Coffee, Canova, Blount and Pooser to select and contract with a Printer for the printing of the House for the present session. The following message was received and read from his Exceb lency the Governor: Executive Department, \ Tallahassee, November lb, iSGl. J Follow Citizens of the Senate and House of Ilepi-exentatives : Your honorable body, when in session in November last, wisely determined to call a Convention, to represent the 8 Freemen of Florida, to devi.-e suitable measures to avert threatened evils. The Convention was composed of brave and honorable men, who knew the rights of freemen, and "knowing dared maintain them.'1 Thev adoj^ted and pro¬ claimed measures worthy their high character as statesmen, and which were necessary to the defence of the sacred.riglits of a noble, generous and brave people. Our sister States, with but few exceptions, acted promptly, as Flor¬ ida did, in vindication of their rights as "Free, Sovereign and Independent States." The Confederate States of America now command the ad¬ miration of foreign nations, the confidence of the citizens of each Southern State, and strike with, amazement and terror the minions of lawless power, who claim to be of the United States, and who unnecessarily wage war against the Confederate States of America, vainly supposing that a free people can be conquered by those whose principal achievements, since the war commenced, have been the ar¬ rest and imprisonment of women and children, and their own unarmed citizens, in utter .disregard of the Constitu¬ tion under which they profess to act, in violation of every principle of humanity, and at variance with the noble senti¬ ments which should distinguish the intelligent, the brave and the free. MILITARY ACADEMY. A knowledge of the science of war, arms and munitions of war, is much needed in Florida. I would respectfully recommend to your honorable body to appropriate the Arsenal at Mount Vernon, and the lands - reserved by the United States for its sirpply, to, the following purposes, viz : a Military Academy, a State Armory .and Arsenal of Construction. The buildings and lands are the property of the State, and with slight changes to be made, and at little expense, will be admirably adapted to the purposes recommended. 9 Tliere will be ample room to accommodate professors, in¬ structors and three hundred cadets, with a beautiful parade ground, already embraced in suitable enclosures; and at this time, accomplished professors and experienced instruct¬ ors can be procured upon reasonable terms. Employed as a State Armory in connection with a Mili¬ tary Academy, the arms can be used for instruction, kept in good order, and an expense will be saved of rent for a room, where they are insecure, and the labor and expense incurred to keep them in order, without use, will be avoided. Mitli an armnal of construction attached to a Military Academy and Armory, the arms can be kept in proper re¬ pair, and new arms manufactured, and thus nine good forges now attached to the arsenal, with suitable tools and imple- 1 ments, be brought into requisition, which are now idle, and 1 >y prompt and energetic efforts wisely directed, the State may be supplied with arms. The location , is remote from the coast, is not liable to surprise from the enemy, and can be, if necessary, successfully defended from attack ; is within two miles of Chattahoochee river, convenient' to the commerce of Apalachicola and Columbus, in Georgia, and their tributaries, and is surrounded by a wealthy, densely settled and intelligent population. The Pensacola & Geor¬ gia Rail Road, it is believed, will be completed to Quincy by the first of January, and when extended to Mount Vernon, a distance of only eighteen miles, arms can be quickly distributed by Rail Road to Middle, East and parts of South Florida, and in ordinary times, can be transported by water to every county in West Florida. The present condition of affairs has deeply impressed the public mind with the importance and necessity of military science, and no doubt is entertained that if suitable arrange¬ ments shall be made for accommodation and instruction, the number of cadets which will be received at' the institution will be sufficient to defray necessary expenses, and to afford means of instruction free of expense to one young man from 10 each county in the State, to be received upon the recom¬ mendation of the Judges of Probate and County Commis¬ sioners of the several counties. MILITARY ORGANIZATION. The opinion entertained by the Executive, with regard to existing military organizations, and kindred subjects, and what is necessary to the defences of the State, will be made known to your honorable body by special message, suggest¬ ing to your serious consideration the necessity of prompt and judicious measures. FUNDS PLACED IN THE HANDS OF THE GOVERNOR. The General Assembly, in contemplation of the State^ seceding, by resolution approved December 1st, 1860, placed under the control of the Governor all available funds aris¬ ing from stocks of the several States held by the Comptrol¬ ler and Treasurer for the School, Seminary and sinking funds, as well as the unexpended balance of the loan made under the authority of an act of eighteen hundred and fifty- six, and amendments thereto, for the payment of the debts of the State. The Governor was authorized to purchase arms and mu¬ nitions of war for the use of the State, not to exceed one hundred thousand dollars. This, I presume, was expended by my predecessor in the manner prescribed. But as the ordinance of the Convention authorized the accounts of the Governor to be audited and allowed by the Comptroller, I would respectfully refer your honorable body to that office for such information relative thereto as may be in his pos¬ session, and may be necessary to the public welfare. ACT OF FEBRUARY, 1861. The attention of the General Assembly is also respectfully invited to an act approved February, 1861, entitled an act to provide for the payment of the Florida Volunteers and 11 others who have not been paid for services actually rendered the State of Florida in the last war with the Seminole In¬ dians." You will see by the report of the Comptroller, that under this act he has issued warrants on the Treasury to the amount of one hundred and sixty-eight thousand five hun¬ dred and twenty-four dollars and eighty-three cents—an amount far exceeding, if the Executive is rightly informed, the contemplation of the General Assembly when the act was passed. The Comptroller felt compelled by the law to issue the warrants, when the claims were made according to the pro¬ visions of the act. The General Assembly were actuated by the noblest motives in enacting the law, but doubtless frauds have been committed under its provisions, and the most rigid scrutiny, by legal enactment, is recommended.— How is a favorable time, by wise legislation, to impress upon the minds of brave soldiers how justly they are appre¬ ciated, and to carry conviction home to the public mind, that wicked men, who would willingly defraud the Govern¬ ment, will not be permitted to do so, but will be prevented and exposed to punishment, scorn and contempt. REDUCTION OF EXPENDITURES. The reports of the Comptroller- and Treasurer show that the expenditures of the State exceed the receipts, and the alternative is presented to the General Assembly of either increasing the taxes, or reducing the expenses. The embar¬ rassed state of financial affairs renders the first inexpedient. When the war tax called for by the Confederate Government shall be added to the assessments now required by law for State and County purposes, the burthen upon the people will prove so onerous as to make a further increase, at the present time, in the judgment of the Executive, altogether improper; and the more especially is this case when the Gen¬ eral Assembly have it their power, by appropriate legisla- 12 tion, to relieve the Treasury of many of tlie drains upon it. and thus, with the existing rate of taxation, meet all tlie expenses of tlie State without any increase of taxes. If tliis be so, it would seem to be clearly tbe duty of tlie Legislature to adopt such policy as would produce so desirable a remit. Among the heaviest drains upon the Treasury are those connected with the administration of Justice, Civil and Criminal, in the Circuit as well as tlie inferior Courts. The report of the Comptroller will show that the single item under the head of " Jurors and "Witnesses," amounts to the sum of twenty-seven thousand six hundred and forty- two dollars and four cents—nearly one-fourth of the net re¬ ceipts of the Treasury for the present fiscal year; and tlie question presents itself, is there no method by which this expenditure may be lessened, without impeding justice ? In the opinion of the Executive there are several ways in which it may be accomplished, and the first step towards it is by making the principle pertaining to Jurors in Justices* Courts applicable to Jurors in the Circuit Courts. In Justices* Courts, Jurors are paid by the parties litigant: why shouL 1 not the same principle obtain in the superior tril umals .' It it be just to require litigants to pay the Jury called to de¬ cide their controversies in the one instance, would it not be equally just in the other ? Litigation, so far at least as tlii.- can be done without obstructing justice, should be taxed with its own costs. But it is deemed 110 hard-Jiip or impedi¬ ment to justice to require the jury to be paid in a Justices* Court by the losing party, and before rendering their ver¬ dict, nor should it be so regarded in a higher tribunal. The State makes provision for the Judge who presides in the Circuit Court, and litigants ought not to complain if the law requires them to provide for the other expenses involved in settling their difficulties. If the suggestion to modify the existing law in this respect should meet the approval of the General Assembly, the sav¬ ing to the Treasury in consequence thereof would be no in- 13 considerable sum. From the difficulty of obtaining, correct data, it is impossible to distinguish between Jurors in Civil and Jurors in Criminal cases; but it may be safely assumed, that of the amount reported under the head referred to, at least ten thousand dollars has been expended for Jurors in civil suits, so that this much would be saved to the State by adopting the policy proposed. But a still greater saving would be accomplished by devolving the cost of " Criminal Prosecutions" upon the counties. "Were this done, in con¬ nection with the measure already recommended, the annual relief to the Treasury would be upwards of fifty thousand dollars—the two items amounting, for the present year, to the sum of fifty-four thousand four hundred and thirty dol¬ lars and thirty-nine cents. Under the head of " Criminal Prosecutions" is embraced the expense of all violations of the criminal law of which cognizance is taken by the Justi¬ ces as well as the Circuit Courts, and the stream of accounts pouring into the Treasury in connection therewith is inces¬ sant. An examination of some of these by the General As¬ sembly could not fail of suggesting speedy reform, even if the plan of devolving the whole expense upon the counties should not be concurred in. As the. law stands, there is an inducement for notice to be taken of trivial as well as grave cases, since the State is bound for the expense involved, without any reference whatever to the nature of the offence. If the counties, however, were required to meet this expense, while the law, in all its essential features, would be as rigidly enforced as it now is, the enforcement would be accompanied with much less cost. Justices of the Peace, as well as Grand Juries, would doubtless be more circumspect in their action, and there would not be found cumbering the dockets of our Courts that long list of petty cases, which, while they serve but little to vindicate the law and repress crime, are always attended with great expense. To make the burden fall as lightly as possible upon the counties, all fines and forfeitures should go into their respec- 14 tive treasuries. Hitherto, the State has derived compara¬ tively little from these. Seldom indeed is it that a fine or forfeiture is paid into the Treasury. The Comptroller's re¬ port shows that during the present year only the sum of five thousand one hundred and thirty-nine dollars and ninety- one cents has been received on these accounts—suggesting the idea that either Juries have been greatly averse to im¬ posing fines as a mode of punishment—to some offenders the most dreaded of all punishments—or that they have not been collected. Besides, it is no uncommon thing for a jury, when a fine is imposed, to make it in utter disproportion to the offence, and then, in whole or in part, after leaving the jury-box, to unite in a petition for its remission. This, it is believed, would not be the case were the cost of prosecu¬ ting criminals to devolve upon the counties. Bines would be more generally imposed than they now are, and much more certainly collected, and, going into the county treasury, would, in many instances if not in all, more than pay the cost involved in the prosecutions. More than this—as the law now stands it operates with great inequality. There is reason to believe that many of the counties, to meet their Jury, Witness, Justices' of the Peace and Criminal expenses, draw considerably more from the Treasury than they pay in, while in others these expen¬ ses, compared with the amount they contribute to the com¬ mon fund, are proportionately small, so that in point of fact these more fortunate counties—more fortunate in having a •class of population less disposed to violate the lawrs of the State—are taxed to aid in defraying the cost of prosecuting crimes not committed within their own limits. Another reform in connection with this subject relates to the law authorizing a change of venue. That law pro¬ vides, that upon affidavit being made by the party accused that he has reason to believe that impartial justice cannot be obtained in the county wdiere the alleged crime was com¬ mitted, the Court is required to transfer the case to some 15 other county for trial. It may not be proper to advise the repeal of this feature of the law, but to recommend such a modification of it as would vest in the Judge a discretiona¬ ry power either to grant or reject the application for the change of venue. It not unfrequently happens that these applications are made more for the purpose of delay, (and perjury is com¬ mitted, thus adding crime to crime,) than because of the real existence of any feeling in the county prejudicial to the case of the defendant. Within, the last few years, two cases have occurred in West Florida—the one a white man charged with murder in Holmes county, when the evidence clearly established the most diabolical murder for the purposes of robbery. The venue was changed to Jackson county; the party was convicted, and upon a technicality of law, a new trial was granted, the venue changed to Calhoun county, where he was again convicted, and upon another technicality - of law, an appeal was taken to the Supreme Court—the judgment of the Court below was confirmed, and the un¬ fortunate criminal was executed under the sentence of the law. The costs incurred amounted to several thousand dollars, and were paid by the State. The other case alluded to was that of a slave, a vicious and almost worthless slave, charged with rape upon a white woman in Jackson county, where he was tried and convicted. The case was taken up by appeal to the Supreme Court—a new trial was granted, the venue was changed to Calhoun county, where, after a patient and impartial trial, the prisoner was again found guilty. The presiding Judge, for good and sufficient cause, agreeably to existing laws, granted a new trial, and upon application the venue was changed to Franklin county, where the prisoner was tried and acquitted. The costs in the case amounted to several thousand dollars, which were paid by the State. The opinion of one, who has prac¬ ticed law many years in Florida, and critically observed the progress and results of many criminal prosecutions, is, that 16 public justice demands the repeal of the law authorizing a change of venue; and not simply because of the cost, which has been, and may be incurred, but as a preven¬ tive of crime. Those who are disposed to commit grave of¬ fences, aware of the opportunities of escape from punish¬ ment by a change of venue, and the many facilities the prac¬ tice affords to exhaust the patience of witnesses and deter their attendance at Court, and by false witnesses brought into the presence of the Court, where all opportunity to dis¬ credit them has been cut off, do not hesitate, but perpe¬ trate crime with a reasonable hope of avoiding punishment. It is not to be presumed that in any county in the State, a case can arise where it would be impossible to procure a jury to render a verdict according to the evidence. And it is respectfully suggested that the act granting the right of appeal in criminal cases should be amended so as to limit the right of appeal to questions of law, not embracing matters of fact, and be made to depend upon the sound discretion of the presiding Judge. the comptroller's office. The law authorizing this important office is defective, and should be modified. It is the great auditing department of the Government, and in it are deposited the tax books and all papers and documents relating to the revenue, as well as all evidence upon which warrants on the Treasurer are drawn. It is evident, therefore, that in the administration of its affairs, all the system consistent with the clerical force au¬ thorized to be employed should be introduced and inflexibly maintained ; and to this end it is suggested that the law be so amended as to reqhire the keeping of a debit and credit account with the several counties, by which all data con¬ nected with the amounts received from and paid to any county, whether for Jurors in civil or criminal cases, State Witnesses, &c., &c., may be readily ascertained. It has been impossible, for the want of this system from the ori- 17 gin of the State Government, to obtain satisfactory data upon some of the subjects presented in this message, and for that reason they have not been as fully discussed as they otherwise would have been. It has not been possible, for in¬ stance, to distinguish between Jurors in civil and Jurors in criminal cases, between criminal prosecutions in Circuit or Justices' Courts, or to arrive at the amount drawn from the treasury by the separate counties for each and all of these items. Had this data been accessible, the General Assembly could act more understandingly on the matters herein presented relative to the modes proposed for reducing the State expen¬ ditures. The modification may involve a small increase in the appropriation for the clerical force of that office, but this will be more than counterbalanced by the advantage to be derived from the change. If the office be deemed of sufficient importance to be re¬ tained as one of the departments of the Government, and it is difficult to perceive how it can be dispensed with, the State ought not to withhold the means necessary to make if as efficient as possible. The present Comptroller has been engaged, during several months past, in bringing up and balancing the books of his department since the admission of the State into the late Union, embracing a period of nearly seventeen years. The labor has been great, requiring the employment of an ex¬ perienced accountant, at considerable expense, the payment of which is referred to the Legislature, with the recommen¬ dation that such an appropriation shall be made for its liqui¬ dation as may be considered a fair compensation for the ser¬ vice rendered. The recommendations of the Comptroller on the subject of a modification of the laws relating to payments by the Treasurer, and a monthly comparison of accounts between the two offices, are also referred to the General Assembly for their favorable consideration. 2 1$ Tiie offices oi Comptroller and Treasurer were designed, in their organization, to be mutual cheeks upon each other. It would therefore seem to be proper that the transactions of each relative to the revenue, embracing receipts as well as payments, should be matter of record in the books of both de¬ partments. In no other way can these offices come fully up to all the purposes for which they were established. LUNATICS. I respectfully invite the attention of the General Assem bly to the law concerning Lunatics. This law, founded on the highest principles of humanity and dictated by the best feelings of our nature, may be so amended as to lessen the expense incurred by the State without affecting injuriously the ends designed by its enactment. So various are the de¬ grees of aberration* occurring in our observation and experi¬ ence, .admitting in some-cases of lucid intervals, as to justify the suggestion that you would so modify the law as to give a discretion to the Circuit Judge to direct the lunatic to be sent to an Asylum, or to appoint a guardian to whom his custody may be committed, or otherwise to dispose of the lunatic within the State for such compensation to be paid as in the judgment of the Court would secure the best, good of .the lunatic',.whilst it would lessen the expense to uhich the State would be subjected. It is admitted that no fixed rule could well be established by the Legislature to this'end, and hence an enlarged discretion should be vested in the Circuit Judges, to be exercised according to the circumstances and the character and degree of lunacy developed 111 each case. OVOKGTA AND FLORIDA BOUND AH Y. Shortly after I entered upon the duties of the Executive office, I received from the Governor of Georgia a communi¬ cation, accompanied by a, resolution adopted by the General Assembly of that State, copies of which are herewith trans¬ mitted, in reference to the question of boundary between 19 tlie two States. I informed the Governor of Georgia that I would, as I now do, submit to your consideration the res¬ olution transmitted to me, together with all matters growing out of the differences on the subject. The material points concerning the disputed boundary between Florida and Georgia, may be summed up as fol¬ lows : By the treaty between Spain and the United States of 22d February, 1S19, Spain ceded to the United States the Territory which now constitutes the State of Florida, with the boundaries as they then existed. These boundaries had been definitely agreed upon by treaty stipulations made at San Lorenzo el Eeal on 27tli October, 1795, between the two countries, and were solemnly ratified by both. The treaty of the 27tli October, 1795, Avas acknowledged and referred to in the treaty of 22d February, 1819. To ascer¬ tain the true boundary, then, it is only necessary to refer to the treaty of San Lorenzo el Beal. The second and third articles of the treaty define the boundary and provide for running and marking the line, as follows : Article 2d—" To prevent all disputes on the subject of the boundaries which separate the territories of the two high contracting parties, it is hereby declared and agreed as follows, to wit: Tke Southern boundary of the United States, Vvdiicli divides their Territory from the Spanish col¬ onies of East and West Florida, shall be designated bjr a line beginning on the river Mississippi at the northernmost point of the thirty-first degree ■ of latitude north of the Equator, which from thence shall be drawn due East to the middle of the river Apalachicola or Chattahoochee; thence along the middle thereof to its junction with the Flint ; thence straight to the head of the St. Mary's river; and thence down the middle thereof to the Atlantic Ocean." Article 3d—" In order to carry the preceding article into effect, one Commissioner and one Surveyor shall be ap¬ pointed by each of the contracting parties, who shall meet at 20 Natchez, on the left side of the river Mississippi, before the expiration of six months from the ratification of this Con¬ vention, and they shall proceed to run and mark this boun¬ dary according to the stipulations of the said article. They shall make plats and keep journals of their proceedings, which shall be considered as part of this Convention, and shall have the same force as if they were inserted therein." From the Mississippi to' the Apalachicola the boundary line was a certain parallel of latitude, which could at any time be definitely located, and so between those rivers, there is not now any controversy. The only point of difficulty now presented is the line from the junction of the Chatta¬ hoochee and Flint rivers to the head of the St. Mary's river, being the boundary line between Georgia and Florida. In conformity with the stipulations of the 3d article of said Treaty, in May, 1796, Andrew Ellieott was appointed Commissioner, and Thomas Freeman, Surveyor, on the part of the United States, for the purpose of running and mark¬ ing the boundary line.' The line was run and marked as far as the Chattahoochee river. On account of the hostility of the Indians, the Commissioners were compelled to desist from attempting to run and mark the boundary from the junction of the Flint and Chattahoochee to the head of St. Mary's river. Considering, however, the junction of the Flint and Chattahoochee as a fixed and permanent geographical point, ~ they concluded to ascertain and designate the head of the St. Mary's as the Eastern terminus, in order that the line might thereafter be run and marked between those point> when the difficulties then existing might, be removed. As¬ cending the St. Mary's river, the Commmissioners agreed upon a spot which was to be considered a^ the head of St. Mary's river." They erected a mound of earth which i> now known as u Ellieott's Mound." According to the journal of Mr. Ellieott, " it was therefore agreed that the termination of a line supposed to be drawn N. 15 deg. E. 610 perches from the Mound B., should be taken as a point 21 to, or near which, a line should be drawn from the mouth of the Flint river; which line, when drawn, should be final, and considered as the permanent boundary between the Uni¬ ted States and His Catholic Majesty/1 &c. The Commis¬ sioners closed their labors, and submitted their plats and journals to their respective Governments. They were ap¬ proved, and thereby their acts were sanctioned. It would seem, then, that the termini of the line, now'con- stituting the boundary between Georgia and Florida, were the junction of the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers and a point 610 perches X. 15 deg. E. of Ellicott's Mound. Were that agreed upon, the running and marking the line is not a matter of argument or theory, but a question of fact, to be determined by competent surveyors. Upon the supposition that these are the two termini, the United States and Florida acted ; but upon an equally just supposition that an ex -parte survey might be erroneous, the United States refrained partially, and the State of Florida has wholly refrained from assuming any surveyor's line to be entirely correct, and therefore none of the fractional lands adjacent to what, by the U. S. surveys, was supposed to be the true boundary, were rendered subject to entry, ex¬ cept to pre-emptors under the United States laws. Such, however, has not been the course of our sister State. It was insisted by Georgia that Mr. Ellicott mistook the head of the St. Mary's river, and that the Commissioners transcended their powers in agreeing upon a certain point as the assumed head. The controversy, therefore, was based on one of two prop¬ ositions—1st. Shall the point designated by the Commission¬ ers be assumed, leaving the mechanical operation of running and marking the line to be performed by competent survey¬ ors ; or, 2nd. Shall the designated point be abandoned, and the true source of the St. Mary's be ascertained and estab¬ lished as the Eastern terminus of the disputed boundary. It was insisted by Florida that the ratification by Spain 22 and tlie United States of the proceedings of tlie Commission¬ ers established the points of termini as fully as though these points had been specified in the treaty. It was, however, generally supposed that Mr. Elllcott did not ascertain the true souree of the St. Mary's river, but that had he done so, the Eastern terminus would have been located several miles In ortli of the Mound. Elorida, however, has always? acquiesced in the action of the Commissioners, and has al¬ ways been willing to recognize Ellicott's Mound as the head of St. Mary's river, so far as relates to the question of boundary. In 1818, Georgia appointed Commissioners to ascertain whether Ellicott's Mound was at the head of St. Mary'p riv¬ er. They reported that Mr. Ellicott had not mistaken tin true head of said river. The Governor of Georgia, on the 3rd of March, 1819, reported to the Secretary of IVar the re¬ sult of the commission. Subsequently, a bill was introduced in Congress by a Sen¬ ator from Georgia, to provide for running and marking the boundary, and became a law on the 1th May, 1S20, which provided " that the line so to be run and marked shall run straight from the junction of said rivers Chattahoochee and Flint, to the point designated as the head of the St. MaryV river, by the Commissioner appointed under the third Arti¬ cle of the treaty of friendship, limits and navigation, be¬ tween the United States of America and the Iving of Spain, made at San Lorenzo el Real on the Otli day of Oct., 17951* Georgia appointed a Commissioner and Surveyor to act in conjunction with those of the United States, to run and mark said line, in couformity with the Act of Congress When the sur\ey was almost completed, the Governor of Georgia required the Commissioner of that State to desist from further co-operation with the United States Commis¬ sioner, until the true head of the St. Mary's could be ascer¬ tained. The survey was never completed. The contest since, on the part of Georgia, has been with reference to the 23 true lieacl of the St. Mary's river, that State contending that the South or Middle Prong of said river is the main branch and is the true river. There have been two lines run and marked from the junc¬ tion of the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers to Ellicott's Mound on the St. Mary's, purporting to be in conformity with the treaty. One is usually known as the "McbTeil line," the other as the u Watson line." The United States claimed the right to sell lands to the upper or " McFTeil line," and did accordingly dispose of lands to that line. Georgia exercised the right of disposing of the lands to the lower or " Watson line." This has involved the question of individual title, as well as the right of jurisdiction within the disputed territory. In 1815, a correspondence was opened between the Governors of the two States in refer¬ ence to this subject. Commissioners were appointed by the two States for the purpose of adjusting the boundary, but failed to accomplish that object. At the fourth session of our General Assembly, the Gov¬ ernor called the attention of that body to the question of the disputed boundary, and transmitted a copy of a report and resolutions adopted by the Legislature of .Georgia, in which a proposition was made to' submit the question to the Su¬ preme Court of the United States. The report concludes with these words,: "Your Committee, in thus recommend¬ ing a mode for the adjustment of "this long standing contro¬ versy, would by no means limit the discretion of the Execu¬ tive as to the points or questions submitted, with the con¬ currence of Florida, to the decision of the Supreme Court. We recommend that the Governor take any and ail such steps, to close this controversy in an amicable manner, ar> his judgment may dictate ; and with a view of furnishing to our sister Florida the evidence of our feelings in this matter, be it resolved that the Governor be requested to transmit to the Governor of Florida a copy of this report and resolutions " In accordance with the suggestions of Georgia, the State of 24 Florida filed a bill in the Supreme Court of the United States to confirm and quiet the boundary line. In the message of the Governor of Georgia to the Legislature ot that State, the course of Florida in this matter was characterized as dis¬ courteous to the State of Georgia. This occasioned a cor¬ respondence between the Executives of the two States, in which Florida was ably vindicated and confessedly exonera¬ ted from the charge of " discourtesy." It seems, however, that the State of Georgia still preferred that the matter should be decided without reference to the Supreme Court. On February 11, 1850, the Legislature of Georgia adopted resolutions authorizing the Governor to make by negotiation, arbitration or otherwise, a full and final settlement of all points in dispute relative to the boundary line ; and recom¬ mended the selection of one Commissioner on behalf of each State, with power to appoint a third Commissioner, to whom all poiqjts of difference should be referred, and agreed that the award or decision of said Commissioners should be final and conclusive. The Governor of Georgia suggested to the Governor of Florida the appointment of one Commissioner on behalf of each State, and in case of disagreement, that the Governor of some other State be chosen as umpire. This suggestion was not assented to by the Governor of Florida, lie proposed the adoption of the " McNeil line." This prop¬ osition was declined. During this correspondence, the suit in the Supreme Court was suspended. No means of adjust¬ ment being agreed upon, the case was reinstated. By Act of December 31, 1850, the Governor of this State was " authorized and required to take such steps as may to him seem necessary and proper for expediting and forward¬ ing the settlement of the controversy between this State and the State of Georgia in regard to their line of boundary." Tn 1854, by desire of the counsel for Georgia, a de¬ cretal order was entered, by consent, for the appointment of Commissioners, first, to run and mai% a line .from the junction of the Flint and Chattahoochee rivers to the 25 point designated bj tlie Commissioners under the treaty of 1795 ; and secondly, to determine tlie head of the St. Ma¬ ry's river, arid run a line accordingly—the action of such Commissioners not to prejudice the rights of either party. The time allowed not being sufficient to accomplish the pur¬ pose, the order was modified so as to authorize the Com¬ missioners simply to determine the head of St. Mary's river. The agreement under which said decretal order was to be executed was as follows, to wit : " By and with the consent of the Governors of Florida and Georgia, the undersigned, Solicitors for the parties respect¬ ively, have agreed as follows : " 1st. The Commissioners and Surveyors, in the execution of the interlocutory order of the Court, may begin by ex- .amining the point alleged to have been determined by Elli- •cott and Minor as the head or source of the St. Mary's river. If they find that to be' the true head or source,, then they shall run a line from thence to the confluence of the Flint and Chattahoochee. " 2nd". If1* they find that not to be the true head or source of the St. Mary's river, then they are to search for such head or source, and having ascertained and determin¬ ed the same, they shall run a line from thence to the con¬ fluence of the Flint and Chattahoochee. " 3rd. The undersigned consent to waive all objections to any departure from the terms of the interlocutory order which shall be consistent with the terms of this agreement." This agreement was signed by the Solicitors of both par¬ ties. Under these orders and agreement, the two States appoint¬ ed Commissioners and Surveyors. These Commissioners entered upon the discharge of the duties assigned them, and proceeded in their work until the Commissioner and Sur¬ veyor appointed by Georgia were withdrawn by order .of- the Governor of said State. The cause of such withdrawal was that the two Commissioners could not agree as to the 26 true head of the St. Mary's river, the Georgia Commission¬ er insisting upon Lake Randolph as the point, and that a line should he run from Lake Randolph to the Western ter minus. The Commissioners had agreed to run a guide line from Ellicott's Mound to the junction of the Mint and Chatta¬ hoochee .fivers, and correct the line hack. It was insisted hy the Georgia Commissioner that another line should he run from Lake Randolph (or Ocean Pond,) to said junction.— To this the Florida Commissioner objected, upon the ground that the Commissioners had no right to run any line except the one first designated, and another from the point agreed upon as the " head of St. Mary's river." During the time ol the survey from Ellicott's Mound to the junction of the Flint and Chattahoochee, the order ay as received from the Gov¬ ernor of Georgia which suspended the work. The correspondence upon this avexed question Avas continu¬ ed between the Governors of the two States until December, " 1857. The basis of settlement finally agreed, upon by the • Governors Avas: "To adopt the terminal points of the present recognized line as the true terminal points of the boundary line, to be re-surveyed, corrected and marked: Provided, it is shown by either party that the present line is incorrect, subject-to the ratification of the respective Leg¬ islatures of Georgia and Florida." The Legislature of Georgia, on the 29tli December, 1857, adopted resolutions ratifying the agreement entered into by the Governors, and resolving that Georgia Avould " regard, adopt and act upon the present line as run find recognized betAveen those points as the settled boundary of the tAvo States, or will so recognize and adopt any other line between those points which may be ascertained and established on a re-survey and re-marking of the boundary, proAfided said boundary correction is made by virtue of I^iav and by the joint action of the States aforesaid." The resolutions provi¬ ded for the appointment of a Smweyor on the part of Georgia, 27 to act with a Surveyor 011 the part of Florida, for the pur¬ pose of running the line between the terminal points indi¬ cated. On January 12th, 1859, the action of the Governors was ratified by the Legislature of Florida under resolutions iden¬ tical with those of Georgia—such resolutions having been in fact copied from those adopted, by Georgia, fully and lit¬ erally, except the necessary transposition of the names of the two States. Thus was a solemn agreement entered into, which gave promise of an early settlement of a protracted and perplexing controversy. On November 22nd, 1859, a resolution of the Legislature < >f Georgia was approved by the Governor, providing for the appointment ot a special agent to visit Florida to confer with the Executive ot Florida and to enter into negotiations to restore quiet, Ac., between the citizens of the two States, until the boundary could be adjusted and agreed upon.— The cause of disturbance of quiet among the citizens which Georgia wished to lull, was the anticipated conflict of title between purchasers and legal claimants of land upon or near the boundary. In the meantime, Surveyors had been appointed by the two States for the purpose of running the line—Gustavus J. Orr on the part of Georgia, and Benjamin F. "Wliitner, Jr., on the part of Florida. These Surveyors proceeded to the discharge of their duties and recommended that the straight line run from the mouth of Flint river towards Mount B., should be adopted as the boundary line between Florida and Georgia, provided said line does not depart more than one-fourth of a mile from Mound B. Should the departure exceed that distance, the Surveyors recommended the running of a correction line back from Mound B. to the mouth of Flint river. On the 22nd December, 1859, an act of the General As¬ sembly of Florida was approved recognizing and approving the line then being run as the permanent boundary line,. 28 provided its Eastern terminus should not depart from Elli- cott's Mound more than one-fourth of a mile. Said act con- confirmed to bona fide holders of lands, under any grant from Georgia, their titles to such lands, except -where such titles would conflict with those of citizens of Florida South of the McNeil line. The Legislature of Georgia passed a similar act confirm¬ ing individual titles, hut containing no reservation. The United States, by act of Congress, also confirmed the title of the purchasers from Georgia. The Surveyors run the line, which was so 'accurately drawn as to be almost perfect. On February 8th, 1861, the State of Florida recognized such line and declared it to be the permanent boundary. The only official communication I have received which would indicate that the established line is not the true boun¬ dary, is contained in the letter from the Governor of Georgia, and the resolutions to which I first' referred. I would re¬ quest that your body will take this matter into consideration, and adopt such measures as you may deem expedient to bring this controversy to an end. I have given a succinct history of the material facts con¬ nected with this controversy, not that I consider it material to trace the record further back than tire adoption by both States of the terminal points, but because I desire that reference may be had to such points as show that Florida has never exhibited a disposition to protract the contest. It was contended by Florida that the point designated by the Commissioners should be regarded as the Eastern termi¬ nus. It wa never insisted by Florida that such point should be so considered. If that point was rejected, and it was insisted that a just settlement of the dispute required an ascertainment of the true head or source of the St. Mary's river, Florida was always willing to acquiesce. When requested to bring the matter for adjudication be¬ fore the Supreme Court of the United States, she filed a 29 bill accordingly. When that proceeding was objected to, orders were given to suspend further proceedings in the suit. When an order by consent was issued by the Court to ap¬ point Commissioners and Surveyors to ascertain the true line, &c., Florida gave obedience to the mandate. When, after disagreement, certain termini were agreed upon, she appointed her Surveyor and ratified the survey as marked by the Surveyors of Georgia and Florida, as they had re¬ commended. When called upon to confirm the titles made by Georgia to any lands which might fall within the limits of Florida, she responded as far as she had any power. She confirmed all titles granted by Georgia, except where they conflicted with the rights of citizens of Florida under acts of the United States or the State. This exception amount¬ ed to nothing in law. Our State cannot deprive a citizen or foreigner of his vested rights. The exception, in point of fact, is in favor of Georgia, virtually declaring that Florida did not and does not recognize as legal any title given to land (either by the State or General Government,) lying North of the McNeil line, and at the same time recognizing the titles granted by Georgia South of that or any other line, so far as the State could recognize them. With this message, your honorable body will have sub¬ mitted to your consideration the reports of the Comptroller, the Treasurer, the Land Register and the Attorney Gene¬ ral, and I would respectfully recommend the appointment of Committees to investigate the condition of the several departments, and especially that of the Executive and the offices immediately connected therewith—the Adjutant and Inspector General's office and that of the Quartermaster General. I desire, and in justice to myself as Executive of the State urge upon the General Assembly, to ascertain and report the true condition of affairs, and especially in refer¬ ence to financial matters, that the administration of the State Government, during the term of office for which the 30 present Executive lias been elected and qualified, may de¬ pend upon its merits or demerits for character in the future history of our State affairs. The suggestions of this message have been limited to sub¬ jects which, in the judgment of tlie Executive, require action by the General Assembly in the present condition of our State and national affairs, without calling attention to such other matters of less general importance, which, in more settled times, might have engaged your deliberations. In conclusion, permit me to state that I am ready and. anxious to co-operate with you in every effort which your wisdom may suggest to sustain the noble cause in which the people of the Confederate States of America are en¬ gaged, and to render the name of Elorida glorious in the contest now being waged between freedom and tyranny. " In God is our trust," and humbly invoking the Divine blessing upon your deliberations, and upon the brave and generous people you represent, I am, most respectfully, Your fellow citizen, JOHN MILTON. CORRESPONDENCE ON THE SUBJECT OF THE BOUNDARY. Executive Dec arum ent, Georuia. ) Atlanta, October 5, 1S61. \ Sir : I have the honor to transmit herewith the copy of ;i Resolution passed by the Legislature of this State at its lasi session, to which I beg leave to call your attention, and to asl if it will be agreeable to you that negotiations shall be openec between Elorida and Georgia for a re-survey of the disputed lin between the two States, as contemplated in the Resolution. Most respectfully, Your obedient servant, JOSEPH E. BROWN. To His Excelllency the Governor of Florida, Tallahassee. 31 (copy.) Resolved by the General Assembly of Georgia, That the Gov¬ ernor of Georgia he directed to re-open negotiations with the authorities of the State of Florida, in regard to the boundary line between the two States, and to urge the adjustment of the disputed line so as to protect the rights of citizenship of the people residing near the line, who have been recognized by the Laws and Constitution of this State as' being citizens of Georgia, and so as also to protect the titles of citizens to the lands which they hold under grants issued by this State; and to have, if practicable, the boundary fixed, so as to retain and keep the fractional lots of land sold by Georgia within the jurisdiction of this State. J Assented to December 14, 1860. Executive Department, > Tallahassee, October 16, 1861. j To His Excellency Joseph E. Brown, Governor of Georgia : ! n Sir : I have received your communication oj' the 5th inst., en- [oosing a copy of the Resolution adopted by the General As¬ sembly of Georgia relative to the late disputed boundary line between the States of Georgia and Florida. TJpon the meeting of the General Assembly of Florida, I will call the attention of that honorable body to the matters referred to in that Resolu¬ tion. Very Respectfully, Sir, JOHN MILTON. On motion of Mr. Bloxham, 500 copies of the Message and Accompanying Documents were ordered to be printed for the use of the House. Mr. Canova moved that the Rules of the House at the last ses¬ sion be adopted for the government of the House until other Rules be adopted; Which was adopted. On motion of Mr. Oliver, the Sergeant-at-Arms was instructed to procure the necessary stationery, &c., for the use of the House. On motion, the House adjourned until to-morrow morning, 10 o'clock. 32 WEDNESDAY, November 20, 1861.. The House met pursuant to adjournment—a quorum present.. The Rev. E. L. T. Blake officiated as Chaplain. The journal of yesterday's proceedings Avas read and approved.. On motion of Mr. Canova, the Sergeant-at-Arms v» as request¬ ed to call upon the Secretary of State, and obtain a copy of' the amended' Constitution, Acts and Journals of the last session of the House; also a copy of Thompson's Digest for the use of the Standing Committees. Notice Avas given of intention to introduce the folloAving bills at some future day, viz: By Mr. Bloxham: A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Robert C. Williams; A bill to be entitled an act in relation to criminal prosecutions; also, A bill to be entitled an act relative to taxation. By Mr. Blount: A bill to be entitled an act to authorize Filo E. De la Rua to hold and exercise the office of Keeper of Spanish Archives ; A bill to be entitled an act to facilitate the collection of taxes by the City of Pensacola ; A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of the officers and employees at the Warrington Navy Yard Avhile in the possession of the State of Florida; A bill to be entitled an act concerning distributions; also, A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the City of Pensacola to subscribe the sum of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars to the capital stock of the Gulf & Selma Railroad, and for other purposes. By Mr. Howell: A bill to be entitled an "act to amend an act entitled an act to change the mode of selecting Grand and Petit Jurors in this State, approved February 8th, 1861. By Mr. Russell: A bill to be entitled an act for the assumption of the War Tax by this State; also, A bill to be entitled an act to provide for the stay of execu¬ tions. By Mr. NeAvburn: A bill to be entitled an act to amend the tax laAVS in this State; also, A bill to be entitled an act to amend the attachment laws of this State, and for other purposes. 33 Mr. Lee offered the following resolution : Resolved, by the House of Representatives, That the Comp¬ troller of Public Accounts report to the House whether or not Sumter County made any return of revenue for the years I8601 and 1861, and why Sumter County was left out of his report' of revenue returned for 1860 and 1861; Which was adopted. Mr. Cole ottered the following resolution: Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Florida in General Assembly convened, That a Committee he appointed to act with a similar Committee of the Senate, to ex¬ amine the hooks in the Comptroller's office and report on the same ; Which was adopted. In pursuance of said resolution, a Committee of five were ap¬ pointed, consisting of Messrs. Cole, Blount, Cotfee, Russell and Pooser. Mr. Blount moved that the Senate he notified that this House has appointed a Committee of five to act in concert with a simi¬ lar Committee to he appointed hy the Senate, to investigate the books of the Comptroller, and to report the result of such inves¬ tigation to their respective Houses; Which was agreed to, and Messrs. Blount, Cole and Hollo- man appointed said Committee. Mr. Bloxham, from a Select Committee, offered the following report : * The Select Committee consisting of Messrs. Bloxham, Coffee, Blount, Pooser, and Can ova, to whom wras referred the duty of selecting and contracting with a Printer, for the printing of the; House for the present session, make the following REPORT: That they have contracted with Messrs. Dyke & Carlisle for the printing of the House, at the following rates, to-wit: Mis¬ cellaneous printing, such as daily slips of proceedings, hills, re¬ ports, &c., at § of a cent per 100 words, counting ninety copies. 700 copies of the Journals at $2 80 per page, counting one c°py. For all miscellaneous printing ordered exceeding ninety copies in number, the charge will bh the simple value of the paper, and the expense of press-work, folding and stitching. All of which is respectfully submitted. W. D. BLOXHAM, Chairman. J. IX. POOSER, C. C. COFFEE, A. A. CANOVA. A. C. BLOUNT, 2 34 Which was read and adopted. Mr. Scott, from a Select Committee, offered the following re¬ port : The Select Committee consisting of Messrs. Scott, Coffee and Rohinson, appointed on yesterday to .select a Chaplain for the House during the present session, make the following report, viz: That they have secured the services of the Rev. E. L. T. Blake as such Chaplain. WM. H. SCOTT, Chairman. C. C. COFFEE, JAMES L. ROBINSON. Which was read and concurred in. On motion, the House took a recess until 11 o'clock, A. M. 11 O'CLOCK, A. M. The House resumed its session—a quorum present. The Committee, consisting of Messrs. Blount, Cole and Hollo- man, appointed to wait upon the Senate and inform them that the House has appointed a Committee of five to unite with a sim¬ ilar Committee on the part of the Senate to examine the Comp¬ troller's hooks, returned to the bar of the House, reported they had performed their duty and were discharged. Mr. Vann moved that a Committee of three be appointed to prepare Rules for the government of the House during the pres¬ ent session; and that said Committee be authorized and required to act with a similar Committee of the Senate in preparing joint Rules for the government of the two Houses ; Which was adopted, and Messrs. Vann, Means and Canova were appointed said Committee. The following special message was received from his Excel¬ lency the Governor and read: Executive Department, ) Tallahassee, November 19, 1861. f Fellow Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: At the first session of the General Assemblj of the State in 1845, the Governor was authorized to appoint a Private Secre¬ tary, aiid the salary fixed was five hundred dollars. By act approved January 6th, 1849, [Chap. 225, Sec. 1,] the salary was reduced to two hundred dollars. By act approved January 15, 1859, [Chap. 893, Sec. 1,] the salary was increased to Four Hundred Dollars, and the further 35 duty required of the Private Secretary to copy the laws for pub¬ lication. By an act providing for the issue of Treasury Notes, approved February 14 th, 1861, it is provided that the notes shall be signed by the Governor, and countersigned by the Treasurer. The amount of Treasury Notes authorized to be issued is Five Hundred Thousand Dollars, of the different denominations of ones, twos, threes, fours, fives, tens, twentys, fifties, and hundreds. None of larger denomination than ones, twos, and threes have yet been engraved and printed. The present state of public af¬ fairs requires much vigilance, industry and mature reflection of the Executive in providing means for the defence of the State, and conducting a general correspondence, not only with our fellow-citizen, of this State, but with the authorities of the Con¬ federate Government, and several of the State Governments, but the urgent demand for Treasury Notes, to sustain the State Government, has been such as to require much time and labor, which might have been performed by the Private Secretary. It is respectfully recommended to your honorable body to amend the act of 1861, so as to authorize .the Private Secretary to sign the name of the Governor to the Treasury Notes, with the knowledge and consent of the Governor. And in view of the arduous additional labors which it will require of the Secre¬ tary, and also of the increased duties of the office connected with the correspondence requisite to the public welfare, it is also respectfully suggested that the salary of the Private Secretary be increased to an amount sufficient to secure the ser¬ vices of a gentleman as a Private Secretary fully competent to the discharge of the arduous additional and confidential duties. Respectfully, JOHN MILTON. A special message was received from his Excellency the Gov¬ ernor, upon the consideration of which, on motion* the House went into secret session. On motion, the House adjourned until to-morrow morning, 10 o'clock. THURSDAY, November 21, 1861. The House met pursuant to adjournment—a quorum present. On motion of Mr. YanZant, the reading of the Journal of yes¬ terday's proceedings was dispensed with. 36 .Notice was given of the intention to introduce the following bills on some future day, viz: By Mr. Parker: A bill to be entitled an act to establish and permanently locate the county site of Manatee County. By Mr. Pooser: A bill to be entitled an act to repeal the act authorizing a change of venue in criminal prosecutions. Mr. Bloxham moved that the proprietor of the Semi-Weekly News be requested to furnish fifty copies of his paper for the use of the House during its session; Which was adopted. On motion of Mr. Lee, Mr. Malcolm C. Peterson, member elect from Hernando County, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. N. W. Holland, former member from said county, presented his certificate of election and was sworn by A. J. Peeler, Clerk of the Supreme Court. The following bills were introduced in- pursuance of previous notice, viz: By Mr. Blount: A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of the officers and employees of the Warrington Navy Yard while in the posses¬ sion of the State of Florida; also, A bill to be entitled an act concerning distribution; also, A bill to be entitled an act to facilitate the collection of taxes by the City of Pensacola. By Mr. Bloxham: A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Robert C. Wil¬ liams ; also, A bill to be entitled an act relative to taxation. Which were placed among the orders of the day. The Speaker announced the following Standing Committees of the House: STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE. Committee on Judiciary: Messrs. BLOUNT, MEANS, VANN, BLOXIIAM, HOLLAND. On Elections: Messrs. ROBINSON, VANZANT, PRICE, BELLAMY, COLLINS. 37 On Finance & Public Accounts Messrs. COFFEE, YON, LEE, VANZANT,- CANOVA. On Confederate Relations. Messrs. MEANS, RUSSELL, BLOUNT, HOLLOMAN, BROXSON. On Corporations: Messrs. BLOXHAM, CAMPBELL, OLIVER, ROBINSON, WELLS. On Claims: Messrs. CANOVA, DANSBY, SCOTT, BELLAMY, COLE. On Militia,: Messrs. WILLIAMS, COFFEE, PETERSON, STEWART, VOGT. On Commerce and Navigation. Messrs. CANOVA, CLYATT, WILKINSON, HADDOCK, MICKLER. . On Taxation and Revenue: Messrs. COFFEE, BLOUNT, DANSBY, II AWES, MICKLER. On Agriculture: Messrs. COLE, McCORMICK, MIZELL, YATES, ' McKINNON. On Internal Inprovements: On Schools and Colleges, Messrs. RUSSELL, ' Messrs. BLOXHAM, BLOUNT, POOSER, HULL, WELLS, LEE, HOWELL, McCORMICK. SCOTT. On Propositions & Grievances: On Engrossed Bills: Messrs. POOSER, Messrs. SCOTT, CAMPBELL, WALL, YON, STEWART. On Indian Affairs. Messrs. NEWBURN, PARKER, HULL, DANSBY, HOLLAND, HAWES. On Enrolled Bills: Messrs. HOLLOMAN, HADDOCK, 38 HOWELL, SEWARD, RICHARDSON. WILLIAMS, CARTER, PETERSON. On the State of the Commonwealth: Messrs. HA WES, MIZELL, OLIVER, PRICE, WILLIAMS. On motion of Mr. Holloman, 80 copies of the Standing Com¬ mittees of the House were ordered to be printed for its use. On motion of Mr. Means, a Committee of five, consisting of Messrs. Means, Russell, Blount, Canova and Coffee, were ap¬ pointed to unite with a similar Committee to be appointed on the part of the Senate, to constitute a Joint Committee of the General Assembly on Ways and Means. On motion of Mr. Means, a Committee of three, consisting of Messrs. Means, Blount and Coffee were appointed to wait upon the Senate, and inform them of the action of the House in the appointment of said Committee. The. Committee appointed to wait upon the Senate, and in¬ form them of the action of the House in reference to the ap¬ pointment of a joint Committee of Ways and Means returned, reported that they had performed that duty and were discharg¬ ed. The rule being waived, Mr. Canova introduced a memorial from sundry citizens in behalf of Richard E. Taylor; Which was read and upon motion referred to the Committee on Propositions and Grievances. A bill to be entitled an act to facilitate the collection of Taxes in the city of Pensacola, Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an act concerning distributions, Was read the first time and ordered for second reading on to¬ morrow. A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of the officers and employees of the Warrington Navy Yard while in the possess¬ ion of the State of Florida, Was read the first time and ordered for second reading on to¬ morrow. A bill to be entitled an act relative to taxation, ORDERS OF THE DAY. 39 Was read the first time and ordered for second reading on to¬ morrow. A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of R. C. Williams, Was read the first time and ordered for second reading on to¬ morrow. On motion of Mr. Coffee, the House adjourned until to-mor¬ row morning, ten o'clock. FRIDAY, November 22, 1861. The House met pursuant to adjournment—a quorum present. The Rev. Mr. Blake officiated as Chaplain. The'journal of yesterday's proceedings was read and approved. Mr. Vann moved that so much of the Governor's message as relates to the Military Academy be referred to the Committee on Schools and Colleges; That so much of said message as relates to the " Act of Febru¬ ary, 1861," be referred to the Committee on Judiciary; That so much of said message as relates to the Reduction of Expenditures be referred to the Committee on Finance ; That so much as relates to the re-organization of the Comp¬ troller's office be referred to the Committee on Finanee and Pub¬ lic Accounts; That so much of the message as relates to Lunatics be referred to the Committee on Taxation and Revenue; That so much as relates to the Georgia and Florida boundary line be referred to the Committee on the State of the Common¬ wealth ; That the report of the Register of Public Lands be referred to the Committee on Schools and Colleges; That the report of the Attorney General be referred to the Committee on Judiciary; and, That f?o much of the Governor's message as relates to Funds placed in the hands of the Governor, together with the reports of the Comptroller and Treasurer, be referred to a Joint Com¬ mittee of the two Houses; Which was agreed to. Mr. Bloxham moved that the Judiciary Committee of the House be authorized to act as a Joint Committee with the Judi¬ ciary Committee of the Senate on all matters that may be re¬ ferred to either of said Committees; Which was agreed to. 40 Mr. Coffee moved that the Messenger of the House be directed to furnish the Chaplain of the House with the journal of the pro¬ ceedings of the same, on the morning previous to its session of each day; Which was agreed to. Notice was given of intention to introduce the following bills -on some future day, viz: By Mr. Campbell: A bill to be entitled an act to punish crimes and misdemeanors not heretofore provided for by the laws of this State; also, A bill to be entitled an act for the benefit of defendants in suit. By Mr. Wall: A bill to be entitled an act to unite the offices of Judge of Pro¬ bate and Clerk of the Circuit Court in Clay county. By Mr. Bloxham: A bill to be entitled an act to provide for a digest and revision of our public laws. By Mr. YanZant: A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act to establish the records of the county of Columbia, and for other purposes; also, A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of the several Rail¬ road Companies in this State. The following bills were introduced in pursuance of previous notice, viz: By Mr. Bloxham: A bill to be entitled an act in relation to criminal prosecutions. By Mr. Howell: A bill to be entitled an act to change the mode of selecting Grand and Petit Jurors in this State, approved Felfiy 8th, 1861. t>y Mr. Newburn: A bill tp be entitled an act to amend 'an act. entitled an act to amend the attachment laws now in force in this State; also, A bill to be entitled an act to amend the tax laws of this State. By Mr. Blount: A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the city of Pensacola to subscribe to certain Railroad stock; also, A bill to be entitled an act to authorize F. E. Re ki Rua to hold the office of keeper of Spanish Archives; Which were placed among the orders of the day. Mr. Vann, from a Select Committee, offered the following report: The Select Committee, ,to whom was referred the duty of pre¬ paring Rules for the government of this House during the pres¬ ent session, and who were authorized and' required to act with a similar Committee from the Senate to prepare rules for the gov- 41 ernment of both Houses, having had the same under considera¬ tion, make the following REPORT: That, they recommend the adoption of the rules used by the Hohse of Representatives at its last session, as the Standing Rules of the House for the present session, with the following amendment to number ten of said rules: Add to rule No. 10, the following—" And all motions made during motion hour of intention to introduce bills of concerning any bill, and all motions necessary to appear upon the journals during motion hour, or motions to waive the rule, shall be re¬ duced to writing by the mover, and sent to the desk of the Clerk by him; and it shall not be required of the Clerk to enter upon the minutes of the proceedings of the House any motion not so reduced to writing and sent to the Clerk as aforesaid." E. J. VANN, ) G. W. MEANS, V Com. A. A. CANOYA,) Mr. Blount moved that the amendment to rule No. 10, as pro¬ posed by the Committee, be stricken out; Which was agreed to. _ ' On motion, the House then concurred in the report adopting the rules of the last session. On motion of Mr. Oliver, 80 copies of the Standing Rules of the House were ordered to be printed. On motion of Mr. Russell, the House went into secret session for the further consideration of the special message of his Ex¬ cellency the Governor, and after some time spent therein, the doors by motion were opened, and the House resumed its pro¬ ceedings in open session. ORDERS OF THE DAY. A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of R. C. Williams, Was read the second time. Mr. Bloxham moved that said bill be referred to a Select Com¬ mittee of five; Which was lost. On motion, the bill was then referred to the Committee on Claims. A bill to be entitled an act relative to taxation, Was read the second time, and on motion was referred to the Committee on Taxation and Revenue. A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of the officers and 42 employees of the Warrington Navy Yard, while in the possess¬ ion of the State of Florida, Was read the second time, and an amendment offered thereto by Mr. Coffee; Which bill, with the amendment thereto, on motion was re¬ ferred to the Committee on Confederate Relations. A bill to be entitled an act concerning distributions, Was read the second time and on motion referred the a Com¬ mittee on Judiciary. A bill to be entitled an act to facilitate the collection of Taxes in the city ofPensacola, Was read a second time and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to amend the attachment laws now in force in this State, Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an act to authorize F. E. De la Rua to hold the office of keeper of the Spanish Archives in the city of Pensacola, Was read the first time, rule waived, and read a second time " by its title, and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading "on to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the city of Pensacola to subscribe to certain Railroad Stock, Was read the first Jime, rule waived, and read a second time by its title, and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an act in relation to Criminal Prosecu¬ tions, Was read the first time, rule waived, read a second time by its title, and on motion 80 copies thereof were ordered to be printed, and said bill referred to the Committee on the Judiei- ary. On motion, the rules were waived, and Mr. Oliver allowed to introduce a resolution requesting copies of the correspondence between his Excellency the Governor and the Secretary of War, or the President of the Confederate States, respecting the troops being raised in this State for the Cavalry service; Which resolution was adopted. A bill to be entitled an u act to amend an act to change the mode of selecting Grand and Petit Jurors in this State," approv¬ ed, February 8, 1861, Was read the first time, and ordered for a second reading on to-morrow. 43 A bill to be entitled an act to amend the tax laws of this State, Was read the first time, and ordered for a second reading on to-morrow. The following message was received from the Senate, viz: Senate Chamber, ) Nov. 21st, 1861. ) To Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir : The enclosed resolution passed the Senate this day, and was ordered to be certified to the House. Very respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEIXURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read, taken up ■ and adopted, with sundry House amendments. And on motion of Mr. Means, a Committee of three, consisting of Messrs. Means, McKinnon and Russell, were appointed to return the same to the Senate and inform them of its adoption as amended, who, after a short absence, returned to the bar of the House, and reported that they had performed their duty and were discharged. On motion of Mr. Bloxham, the House went into secret session . to consider the special message from the Senate, and after some time spent therein, on motion the doors were opened and the House resumed its proceedings in open session. The rules being waived, Mr. Holloman moved that the House do now adjourn until Monday next, 12 o'clock, M.; Which was lost. Mr. Scott, from the Committee on Engrossed Bills, made the following report: The Committee on Engrossed Bills report the following bill as correctly engrossed, viz: A bill to be entitled an act to provide for the necessary sup¬ plies for the Army in the State, of Florida to prevent mon¬ opolies, and for other purposes. WM. II. SCOTT, Chairman. Which was read, and the accompanying bill placed among the orders of the day. A On motion the rules were waived, and Mr. Means permitted to give notice of intention to introduce the following bills on some future day: A bill to be entitled an act to regulate the sessions of the Su¬ preme Court of Florida and for other purposes ; Also, a bill to regulate the mode of examining applicants for admission to the Bar in this State and for other purposes. 44 Mr. Bloxham moved that the House do now adjourn until 12 o'clock, M. on Monday next; upon which the yeas and nays be¬ ing called by Messrs. Pooser and Russell, the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Blount, Bloxham, Carter, Coffee, Cole, Holloman, Hull, McCormick, Means, Oliver, Scott, Stewart, Vann, YanZant and Yon—16. Hays—Messrs. Broxson, Canova, Campbell, Dansby, Haddock, Howell, Lee, McKinnon, Hewburn, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Russell, Seward, Wall and Wells—19. So the motion was lost. Mr. Russell moved that the House do now adjourn until 5 o'clock, P. M., on Monday next; upon which the yeas and nays being called by Messrs. Pooser and Canova, the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Dansby, Hull, Means, - Russell, Stewart, Vann, YanZant and Yon—9. Hays—Messrs. Blount, Bloxham, Broxson, Cano.va, Campbell Carter, Coffee, Cole, Haddock, Howell, Holloman, Love, Mc¬ Cormick, McKinnon, Hewburn, Oliver, Parker, Peterson. Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Scott, Seward, Wall and Wells—26. So the motion was lost. Mr. Holloman moved that the House do now adjourn until Monday next at 11 A. M.; upon which the yeas and nays beinc called by Messrs. Pooser and Means, the vote was : Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Bloxham, Carter, Coffee,- Cole. Haddock, Holloman, HuE, McCormick, Means, Oliver, Scott. Stewart, Vann, YanZant and Yon—16. Hays—Messrs. Blount, Broxson, Canova, Campbell, Dansby. Howell, Lee, McKinnon, Hewburn, Parker, Peterson, Pooser. Price, Richardson, Robinson, RusseU, Seward, WaU and Wells—19. So the motion iiras lost. The following message from the Senate was received and read: Senate Chamber, [ Hov. 22, 1861. \ Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speuko+of the House of Representatives: Sir : The Senate has this day passed a bEl to be entitled an act for the relief of John Kelker and others, inhabitants of Santa Rosa County. Yery respectfully-, JOHH B. WHITEHURST, Secretary of fhe Senate. Which was read and placed among the orders of the day. 45 Tlie following message from his Excellency the Governor, was received and read: Executive Chamber, ) Tallahassee, Nov. 22, 1861. \ Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir : In reply to the resolution of the House communicated this day, asking copies of correspondence of the Executive De¬ partment with the Departments at Richmond relative to Cav¬ alry, or mounted men, I would respectfully inform you that such correspondence mil be furnished in a few days, accom¬ panying a special message upon military affairs, which I am now preparing to transmit to the General Assembly. Yery respectfully, JOHN MILTON. LTpon motion, the Speaker was granted leave of absence from the House until Tuesday next. Mr. Blount moved that during the absence of the Speaker, Mr. Canova fill the chair as Speaker pro tern.; Which was agreed to. Mr. Hollomau moved that the House adjourn until Monday next, at 12 o'clock, M. Mr. Russell moved as an amendment, which was accepted, that the House do now adjourn until Monday next, at 7-J o'clock, P. M; Upon which the yeas and nays being called for by Messrs. Pooser and Newburn, the vote was:. Yeas—Messrs. Parker, Russell and YanZant—3. Nays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Blount, Bloxham, Broxson, Ca¬ nova, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Cole, Dansby, Lladdock, Howell, Holloman, Hull, Lee, McCormick, McKinnon, Means, Newburn, Oliver, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Seward, Stewart, Yann, Wall, Wells and Yon—31. So the motion was lost. On motion, the. House adjourned until to-morrow morning, 8 o'clock. STANDING RULES OE THE HOUSE. Rupe 1. The Speaker shall take the Chair every day, pre¬ cisely at the hour to which the Llouse shall have adjourned on the preceding day; shall immediately call the' members 46 to order, and, on the appearance of a quorum, shall cause the Journal of the preceding day to he read. 2. He shall preserve order and decorum ; may speak to points of order in preference to other members, rising from his seat for that purpose; and shall decide questions of order, subject to an appeal to the House by any two members; on which appeal no member shall speak more than once, unless by leave of the House. 3. He shall rise to put the question, but may state it sitting. 4. Ho member shall speak to any other, or otherwise in¬ terrupt the business of the House, or read any newspaper, or other paper, while the Journals or other public papers are being read, nor pass between the Speaker and any other member who may be addressing the House. 5. Every member, when he speaks, shall address the Chair, standing in his place, and when he has finished shall sit down ; nor shall any member speak more than twice on any one subject without leave of the House. 6. When two or more members shall rise at the same time, the Speaker shall name the pei'son entitled to proceed. 7. When a member shall be called to order, he shall sit down until the Speaker shall have determined -whether he is in order or not; and every question of order shall be decided by the Speaker, without debate, subject to an appeal to the House. 8. If a member shall be called to order for words spoken, the exceptionable words shall be immediately taken down in writing by the person objecting, that the Speaker may lie better able to judge of the matter. 9. Ho member shall absent himself from the service of the House without leave of the House; and in case a less num¬ ber than a quorum shall convene, they are hereby authorized to send the Sergeant-at-Arms for (any or) all absent mem¬ bers, as the majority of such members present shall agree, at the expense of such absent members respectively, unless such excuse for non-attendance shall be made as the House (when a quorum is convened) shall judge sufficient. 10. Ho motion shall be debated until the same shall he reduced to writing, delivered in at' the table, read and se¬ conded. 11. When a question is under debate, no motion shall he received but to adjourn, to lay it on the table, to postpone 47 indefinitely, to postpone to a certain clay, to commit or to amend ; which several motions shall have precedence in the order in which they stand arranged; and the motion for ad¬ journment shall always he in order, and the motions to ad¬ journ or lay on the table shall be decided without debate. 12. If the question in debate contains several points, any member may have the same divided. 13. In filling up blanks, the largest sum and longest time shall be first put. 14. When the reading of a paper is called for, and the same is objected to by any member, it shall be determined by vote of the House, without debate. 15. When the yeas and nays shall be called for by two of the members present, every member within the bar of the House at the time the question was put by the Speaker, shall (unless for special reasons he be excused by the House,) de¬ clare openly and without debate his assent or dissent to the question. In taking the yeas and nays, and, upon the call of the House, the names of the members shall be taken alpha¬ betically, and the Speaker shall in all cases vote first. 16. Ho member shall be permitted to vote on any question. who was without the bar of the House at the time the question was put, unless by consent of the House, and no motion to permit such member to vote shall be in order, unless it shall be made before the House shall proceed to other business. 17. On a motion made and seconded to shut the door of the House in the discussion of any business, in which discus¬ sion the public safety may, in the opinion of the House, im¬ periously require secresy, the House shall direct the Speaker to cause the lobby to be cleared, and, during the discussion of such business, the door shall remain shut, and no person shall be admitted except by special order of the House. . 18. The following order shall be observed in taking up the business of the House, viz: 1st, motions; 2d, petitions, memorials and other papers addressed either to the House or to the Speaker thereof; 3d resolutions; 4th, reports of Standing Committees5th, reports of Select Committees; 6th, messages from the Senate lying on the table ; and, last¬ ly, orders of the day. 19. When a question has once been made and carried in the affirmative or negative, it shall be in order for any mem¬ ber of the majority to move for a reconsideration thereof;" but no motion for the reconsideration of any vote shall be in 48 order after a bill, resolution, message, report, amendment or motion upon wliicli the vote was taken, shall have .gone out of possession of the House, announcing their decision ; nor shall any motion for reconsideration be in order unless made on the same day on which the vote was taken, or within the two next days of the actual session of the House thereafter. 20. All the questions shall be put by the Speaker of the House, and the members shall signify their assent or dissent by answering vwa voce, yea or nay, and in the event of a tie, the question shall be decided in the negative. 21. The Speaker of the House, or the Speaker pro tern., shall have the right to name a member to perform the du¬ ties of the Chair, but such substitution shall not extend be¬ yond an adjournment. 22. Before any petition, memorial or other paper address¬ ed either to the House or the Speaker thereof, shall be re¬ ceived and read at the table, whether the same be introduc¬ ed by the Speaker or a member, a brief statement of the con¬ tents of the petition, memorial, or other paper, shall be made by the introducer. 23. One day's notice at least shall be given of an intended motion for leave to bring in a bill, and no bill shall be writ¬ ten or printed except by express order of the House. 24. Every bill and all resolutions of a public nature, or for the appropriation of the public money, shall receive three readings previously to the final passage of such bill or reso¬ lution, and the Speaker shall give notice at each, whether it be the first, second or third readings, which readings shall be on three different days, unless four-fifths of the members shall otherwise direct. 25. At the second reading of any bill or resolution, it shall be in order for any member to move its commitment to a Committee of the whole House; that it lay on the table; for its indefinite postponement; for its postponement to a day certain, not beyond the session; for its commitment to a Standing Committee; to a Select Committee; or to amend; which motions shall have precedence in the order above stated. 26. It shall not be in order to amend the title of any bill or resolution until it shall have passed its third reading. 27. The titles of bills, and such parts thereof only as shall be affected by the proposed amendments, shall be inserted on the journals. 4? 28. The following (Standing Committees, to consist of not less than live members each, shall be appointed by the Speak¬ er at the commencement of each session, with leave to re¬ port by bill or otherwise, viz : A Committee on the Judicia¬ ry ; a Committee on the Militia; a Committee on Finance and Public Accounts; a Committee on Claims; a Commit¬ tee on Schools and I Colleges ; a Committee on Internal Im¬ provements ; a Committee on Enrolled Bills and Engrossed Bills; a Committee on Elections ; a Committee oil Proposi¬ tions and Grievances; a Committee on Confederate Pelations; a Committee on Corporations; a Committee on Indian Af¬ fairs ; a Committee on Agriculture; • a Committee on Com¬ merce and Navigation ; a Committee on Taxation and Rev¬ enue, and a Committee on the State of the Commonwealth. 29. All confidential communications made by the Gover¬ nor to the House, and all business in the consideration of which the injunction of secresy shall have been imposed, shall be by the members thereof kept secret, until the House, by its resolution, shall take off the injunction of secresy. 30. Each member of Select Committees shall, with their Chairman' sign every report made to the House, if they concur therein. 31. Messages may be received at any stage of the business, except while a question is being put, or while the yeas and nays are being called. 32. The Governor and Secretary and members of the Sen¬ ate shall be admitted to a seat within the bar of the House, and any other person shall be admitted in like manner, upon, being invited by a member. 33. The Clerk, the Sergeant-at-Arms and Door-Keeper shall be severally sworn by a judicial officer of the State, well and faithfully to discharge their respective duties, and to keep secret the proceedings of the House when sitting with closed doors. 34. All acts, addresses and joint resolutions shall be signed by the Speaker; and all writs, warrants and subpoenas is¬ sued by order of the House, shall be under his hand and seal, 'and attested by the Clerk. 35. In case of any disturbance or disorderly conduct in the lobby, the Speaker or Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House, shall have the power to order the same to be cleared. 4 50 36. Reporters wishing to take down the debates and pro¬ ceedings, may be admitted by the Speaker, who shall assign such places to them on the floor, or elsewhere, as shall not interfere with the convenience of the House. 37. Ho member shall vote on the question in the event of which he may have a private or personal interest. 38. After a motion is stated by the Speaker or read by the Clerk, it shall be deemed in possession of the House, but may be withdrawn at any time before a decision or amend¬ ment. 39. The previous question shall be in this form: " Shall the main question be now put A and shall be decided by a majority of the members present, without debate ; and until it is decided shall preclude all amendments, and further de¬ bate of the main question. 40. When a question is postponed indefinitely, the same shall not be acted upon again during the session. 41. Ho motion or proposition on a subject different from that under consideration, shall be admitted under color of amendment. 42. The unfinished business in which the House was en¬ gaged at the adjournment, shall have the preference in the orders of the day, and no motion on any other business shall be received wfitliout special leave of the House, until the for¬ mer is disposed of. 43. Upon the call of the House, the names of the members shall be called over by the Clerk and the absentees noted ; after which, the names of the absentees shall again be called over, the doors shall then be shut, and those for whom no excuse or insufficient excuses are made, may, by order of those present, be taken into custody as they appear, or may be sent for and taken into custody wherever to be found by the Sergeant-at-Arms. 44. When a member shall be discharged from custody and admitted to his seat, the House shall determine whether such discharge shall be with or without paying fees. 45. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Elections to examine and report upon the certificates of election, or other credentials, of the members returned to serve in this House, and to take into their consideration all such petitions and other matters touching elections and returns as shall or may be presented or come into question, and be referred to them by the House. 51 46. No committee sliall sit during the sitting of the House without special leave. 47. All hills ordered to he engrossed, shall he executed, in a fair round hand and without erasures or interlineations. 48. Before a bill or resolution requiring three readings shall he read the third time, it shall he carefully engrossed under the direction of the Clerk, and upon the third reading of the bill or resolution, it shall not he committed or amended without the consent of three-fourths of the House. 49. No amendment by way of rider shall he received to any hill on its third reading. 50. When a bill or resolution shall have passed its third reading, it shall he certified by the clerk endorsing thereon the day of its passage, and he transmitted to the Senate, ac¬ companied with a message stating the title of the hill or res¬ olution, and asking the concurrence of that body, and.its transmission shall he entered upon the Journal. 51. Bills committed to a committee of the whole House shall be first read throughout by the clerk, and then again read and debated by clauses, leaving the preamble to be last considered.. The body of the said bill shall not be interlined and defaced, but all amendments, noting the page and line, shall be duly entered by the clerk on a separate paper, as the same shall be agreed to by the committee, and so repor¬ ted to the House. After report, the bill shall again be sub¬ ject to be debated and amended by clauses. 52. It shall be in order for the Committee on Enrolled and Engrossed Bills to Report at any time. 53. Messages shall be transmitted to the Governor and Senate by the Door-keeper, unless otherwise directed by the House. 54. No bill shall be introduced into the House on the last week of the session, nor shall the rules, or any of them, be rescinded or suspended, unless two-thirds of the members present so direct. 55. That upon the adjournment of the General Assembly, the Clerk of the House shall be required to file in the office of the Secretary of State, all papers on file with him relating to unfinished business, all original papers and Journals of the - House, and that he be required to obtaiil a certificate from the Secretary of State that such has been done and file the same with the Treasurer before receiving his compensa¬ tion. 52 56. In all cases not provided for by these Rules, parlia¬ mentary practice, as laid down in Jefferson's Manual, is here¬ by adopted. SATUDRAY, November 23, 1861. The House met pursuant to adjournment. M Upon the call of the roll, a quorum being not present, the House, on motion, took a recess until 10 o'clock, A.M. 1-0 O'CLOCK, A. M. The House resumed its session—a quorum present. The Rev. Mr. Blake officiated as Chaplain. The journal of yesterday's proceedings was read and-approved. Notice was given of intention to introduce the following bills on some future day, viz : By Mr. Bloxham: A bill to be entitled an act to provide for appeals from the Mayor and City Council of Tallahassee; also, A bill to be entitled an act to incorporate an Insurance Com¬ pany in the city of Tallahassee, to be called the Gulf State In¬ surance Company. By Mr. Newburn: A bill to be entitled an act to change the name of New River county in this State, to that of Bradford, in honor of the mem¬ ory of Capt. Richard Bradford of this State, and for other pur¬ poses. Mr. Bloxham moved that the proprietors of the Floridian '& Journal and Florida Sentinel, newspapers of this city, furnish fifty copies each of said papers for the House during the session ; Which was adopted. On motion, the rule being waived, Mr. Blount, without pre¬ vious notice, introduced a bill to be entitled an act to authorize the Circuit Courts of this State to grant licenses to build toll bridges and for other purposes. Mr. Russell presented the following memorial from E. E. Blackburn of Jefferson County, late Marshal of the United States for the Northern District of Florida: 06 To the Honorable Senate and Tlonse of Representatives of the State of Florida in General Assembly convened: The petition of E. E. Blackburn, late Marshal of the late United States in and for the Northern District of Florida, for himself and his Assis¬ tant Marshals, respectfully sheweth that he and his Assistants did, during the year A. D. 1860, take the Census of the said Northern District of Florida; that the work was done to the entire satisfaction of the Government of the late United States; that a large amount of the fees earned for the taking of the said Census have not yet been paid ; that he believes the following- sums are yet due the parties hereinafter named to-wit: to him¬ self and clerk, by agreement with the Secretary of the Interior, he and his clerk were to, receive $500 00 None of which has been paid. That John H. Rhodes'account amounted to 406 64 None of this bill has been paid. E. R. Ives' account amounted to 548 96 None of which has been paid. William Grothe's account amounting to 400 00 And odd dollars, none of.wdiich has been paid. One half of Wnj. G. Lester's account, 45 02-J is yet due. One-half of G. J. Zehnbauer's account, 74 12 is yet due. One-half of Wm. U. Anderson's account, 73 27 is yet due. One-half of Jonathan C. Stewarts'account,..... . 47 5 74 is yet due. • One-half of H. K. Simmons' account amount, 47 04 is yet due. One-half of J. S. Gonzales' account amount, 109 13 is yet clue. * One-half of Francis Duston's account amount, 68 244 is yet due. One-half of Wm. S. Spencer's account ariiount,... .129 464 is yet due. One-half'of Wm. B. Watson's account amount 42 52 is yet due. One-half of Charnick Selph's account amount, 94 134 is yet clue. One-half of D. Iv. McDonald's account amount, 126 25 is yet due. One-half of D. G. Lee's account amount, 56 89 is yet due. One-half of Z. G. Wheeler's account amount, '.53 95 is yet due. 54: One-half of Wm, McPherson's account amount, 68 89 is yet due. One-half ofW. K. Jones' account amount, 53 59 is yet due. One-half of E. D. Gornto's account amount, 147 17 is yet due. One-half of William McKain's account amount, 124 98-| is yet due. One-half of A. D. Rogero's account amount, 73 55^ is yet due. One-half of A. M. Andrew's account amount,..... .162 474 is yet due. One-half of John G. Smith's account amount,.... .*.217 66 is yet due. One-half of James E. Bowden's account amount, 54 014 is yet due. One-half of J. D. Bassett's account amount, 212 92 is yet due. One-half of J. J. McMillan's account amount, 49 69 is yet due. One-half of G. W. Blackburn's account amount,... .173 92 is yet due. * One-half of Simeon Helvenston's account amount, 183 OS is yet due, making a total due the late Marshal, his Clerks and Assistants, of Four Thousand Three Hundred and Forty-five 16-100 Dollars, $4,345 164 Your Petitioner would further represent, that these several sums would have been paid last winter but for the Secession of the State of Florida from the Federal Union ; that even after the State had seceded, the Superintendent of Census, (Joseph C. G. Kennedy,) expressed a willingness to pay those several bills, pro¬ vided drafts issued from his department would be honored by the authorities of the State of Florida, as tar as the funds would go, that were seized by the State authority, as will more fully appear by reference to his letter of the 9th April, A. D. 1861, in reply to my letter of the 22d March, 1861. Mr. Kennedy's let¬ ter and a copy of mine is herewith submitted. Your Petitioner thinks it is but right, and just that these several claims should be paid out of the funds seized by the State of Florida, on and after the day of Secession. Your Petitioner therefore prays that the Legislature make provision for the payment of these several claims by act or resolution, and your Petitioner will in dutv bound ever pray, etc. * E. E. BLACKBURX, November 23d, 1861. Life ZL S. Jhire/t./l. Which was received and read, and on motion referred to the Committee on Finance and Public Accounts. 55 On motion, the rule being waived, Mr. Russell, without pre¬ vious notice, introduced a bill to be entitled an act to provide for the payment of the War Tax assessed by the Confederate States. Which was placed among the orders of the day. On motion, the rule being waived, Mr. Pooser introduced a bill to be entitled an act to suspend the operation of an act enti¬ tled an act to provide for the payment of the Florida volunteers and others who have not been paid for services actually rendered the State of Florida in the last war with the Seminole Indians, approv ed February 8, 1861. Whiph was placed among the orders of the day. The rules being waived, Mr. Vogt moved that Mr. Holloman be granted leave of absence from this House until Monday next at 12 M.; Which was agreed to. Mr. Holloman offered the following resolution, viz: Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Florida in General Assembly convened, That the Secretary of State be requested to comply with a resolution adopted by the ninth General Assembly of the State of Florida, requesting the Secretary to furnish the General Assembly with a correct catalogue and list of all the books in the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Libraries of this State, of which he is Librarian, and a memoranda of all books which have been ex¬ tracted, lost or mislaid from said Library, and of the general condition and care of said Library. Which was adopted and ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. Mr. Scott, from the Committee on Engrossed Bills, made the following report: The Committee on Engrossed Bills report the following bills as correctly engrossed, viz : A bill to be entitled an act to authorize Filo E. De la Rua to hold the office of Keeper of Spanish Archives in the City of Pensacola; also, A bill to be entitled an act to facilitate the collection of taxes by the City of Pensacola. Respectfully submitted, WM. II. SCOTT, Chairman. Which was read and the accompanying bills placed among the orders of the day. m - Mr. Pooser from the Committee on Propositions and Grie¬ vances, made the following report: The Committee on Propositions and Grievances met agree¬ able to appointment, in order to take into consideration the case 56 of Richard E. Fryer of Duval coxmty, being a soldier in the Confederate service, and in the command of Capt. Lucius A. Hardee's company of infantry now stationed at Fort Leitner, near the mouth of Nassau river, in the county aforesaid; and af¬ ter duly considering the case of said Richard E. Fryer, who has been seriously maimed in both arms and body, by the explosion of a cannon while in the discharge of duty, disqualifying him for any manual labor whatever, and having a family who are de¬ pendent upon his person for a support, we, therefore, the Com¬ mittee, do agree that the said Richard E. Fryer is an object of much commiseration, and recommend him to his Excellency the Governor of the State of Florida, and to this Honorable Body as a suitable pensioner of the Confederate States of America. JACOB H. POOSER, Chairman. Which was read. ORDERS OF THE DAY. A bill to be entitled an act to authorize Filo E. De la Rua to hold the office of Keeper of Spanish Archives in the City ofPen- sacola, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Blount, Bloxham, Broxson, Campbell, Coffee, Dansby, Haddock, Howell, Lee, McCormick, McKinnon, Newburn, Parker, Pooser, Price, Richardton, Rob¬ inson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Stewart, Wall, Wells, Yogt and Yon—26. Nays—None. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. A bill to be entitled an act to facilitate the collection of taxes by the City of Pensaeola, Was read the third time and jmt upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Air. Speaker, Messrs. Blount, Bloxham, Broxson, Campbell, Coffee, Dansby, Haddock, Holland, Lee, McCormick, McKinnon, Newburn, Oliver, Parker, PoOser, Price, Richard¬ son, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Seward Stewart, Wall, Wells, Yogt and Yon—27. Nays—None. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. A bill to, be entitled an act to suspend the operation of an act entitled an act to provide for the payment of the Florida Vol- 57 unteers, and others who have not been paid for service actually rendered the State of Florida, in the last war with the Seminole Indians, approved, February 8, 1861, Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second time by its titles, and on motion referred to the Committee on Judiciary. A bill to be entitled an act to provide for the payment of the war tax, assessed by the Confederate States, Was read the first time, ruled and waived, read the second time by its title, and on motion referred to the Joint Select Com¬ mittee of the House and Senate on Ways and Means. A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the Circuit Courts of this State to grant licenses to build toll bridges and for other purposes, Was read the first time, and ordered for a second reading on Monday. A bill to be entitled an act to amend the tax laws of this State, Was read the second time, and on motion referred to the Committee on Taxation and Revenue. * A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to change the mode of selecting Grand and Petit Jurors in this State, approved February 8, 1861, Was read the second time, and oil motion was referred to the Committee on Judiciary, and 80 copies thereof ordered to be printed for the use of the House. Senate bill to be entitled an act for the relief of John Kelker and other inhabitants of Santa Rosa county, Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second time by its title, and referred to the Committee on Propositions and Grievances. Mr. Parker moved that the House do now adjourn until Mon¬ day next, at 10 o'clock, A. M. Mr. Oliver moved, as an amendment thereto, that the House adjourn until Monday next, at 11 o'clock, A. M. Which was lost. Mr. Parker's motion then being put, was adopted, so the House adjourned until Monday morning next, at 10 o'clock. 58 MONDAY, November 25, 1861. The House met pursuant to adjournment—a quorum present. The Rev. Mr. E. Li T. Blake officiated as Chaplain. On motion of Mr. Williams, the reading of Saturday's journal was dispensed with. On motion of Mr. Blount, Mr. Lawrence M. Amos, member elect from Santa Rosa county, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Wilkinson, former member from said county, presented his certificate of election, and was sworn by Mr. A. J. Peeler, Clerk of the Supreme Court. Notice was given of intention to introduce the following bills at some future day, viz: By Mr. McKinnon: A bill to be entitled an act to repeal the third section of an act amendatory of the act of 1845, concerning roads and highways. By Mr Lee: A bill to be entitled an act to allow James F. Leffers of Sum¬ ter county, to practice medicine in said county, and to be allowed -to charge for the same as other Physicians of the State, and for other purposes, Mr. Bloxham offered the following communication from Mr. Edward Houstoun, President of the Tallahassee, Pensacola & Georgia Railroad Companies: Office of the Tallahassee axd Pexsacola & Georgia ) Railroad Companies, [■ Tallahassee, November 25, 1861. ) To.the Hon. Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives: Gentlemex : I am instructed by the Board of Directors of the * Pensacola tfc Georgia and Tallahassee Railroad Compa¬ nies, to request your Honorable Body to appoint a Com¬ mittee to confer with them upon -the terms of transferring the Roads and Equipment to the State, to be operated under it's di¬ rection and authority during the blockade. The Directors are induced to make this proposition from the fact that, owing to the blockadej which has almost entirely de¬ stroyed the freighting business of the Roads, from which they derived their principal profit and revenue, and also from the ac¬ tion of the Legislature during its last session requiring the Com¬ pany to withdraw the transportation notes from circulation, and not to pay them out after the 1st of January next, they feel per¬ suaded that it will be almost impossible to continue to operate 59 the Roads much longer. Believing that the State and commu¬ nity are deeply interested in the continued operation of the Roads, the above proposition is respectfully submitted. E. HOUSTOUN, President. Which was read, and on motion, referred to a select Commit¬ tee of five, consisting of Messrs. Hawes, Holloman, Blount, Mc- Cormick and Price. Mr. Means, from the Joint Committee of the House and Sen¬ ate on Confederate Relations, made the following report: The Committee on Confederate Relations to whom was referred " a bill entitled an act for the relief of the officers and employees of the Warringtou Navy Yard, while in the possession of the State of Florida," and the amendments thereto, have had the same under consideration and ask leave to report the accompa¬ nying bill as a substitute therefor, and to recommend the pas¬ sage of the same. G-. M. MEANS, Chairman. Which was read and concurred in and the substitute adopted, and placed among the orders of the day. Mr. Coffee, from the Committee on Taxation and Revenue, made the following report: The Committee on Taxation and Revenue to whom was re¬ ferred a bill to be entitled an act relative to Taxation, having had the same under consideration, direct me to report,the bill back to the House and recommend its passage. Respectfully submitted, C. C. COFFEE, Chairman. Which was read, and the accompanying bill placed among- the orders of the day. The rule being waived, the following bills were introduced in pursuance of previous notice, viz : By Mr. Russell: A bill to be entitled an act providing for the stay of execu¬ tions in this State. By Mr. Campbell: A bill to be entitled an act for the benefit of defendants in suits; Which were received and placed among the orders of the day. ORDERS OF THE DAY. A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the Circuit Courts of this State to grant licenses to build toll bridges and for other purposes, 60 Was read the second time, rule waived, read a third time, by its title, and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Blount, Bloxham, Broxson, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Dansby, Haddock, Hawes, Howell, Lee, McCormick, McKinnon, Means, Mickler, Mizell, Hewburn, Oliver, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Russell, Seward, Wall, Wells, Vogt, Williams, Yates and Yon —34. Hays—Hone. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. A bill to be entitled an act relative to taxation, Was read the second time, and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on to-morrow. On motion, the House took a recess until three o'clock, P. M. 3 O'CLOCK, P. M. The House resumed its session—a quorum present. On motion of Mr. Russell, W. H. Arendell, member elect from Jefferson county, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resigna¬ tion of P. B. Bird, former member from said county, presented his certificate of election, and was sworn by A. J. Peeler, Clerk of the Supreme Court. Hotice was given of intention to introduce the following bills on some future day, viz: By Mr. Holland: A bill to be entitled an act" to repeal the auction laws of this 'State. By Mr. Richardson: A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act permanently to locate the county site of Volusia county. Tiie following bills were introduced in pursuance of previous notice, viz: By Mr. Bloxham: A bill to be entitled an act to provide for appeals from the Mayor and City Council of Tallahassee. By Mr. Lee: » A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act, approved Februa¬ ry 10, 1831, concerning the public health. By Mr. Wall: A bill to be entitled an act to unite the offices of Judge of Pro¬ bate and Clerk of the Circuit Court in Clay county. 61 By Mr. VanZant: A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act to establish the Records of the County of Columbia and for other purposes. Which were placed among the orders'of the day. Mr. Holland offered the following resolution : Mesolvecl by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Florida in General Assembly convened, That the Pres¬ ident be, and he is hereby requested to order 'a regiment to be sent to Apalachicola without delay, to be stationed there during the exigencies of the service. Be iit further resolved, That the Governor be, and he is hereby requested to send this resolution to the President by telegraph. Which was adopted. On motion of Mr. Holland, a committee of three, consisting of Messrs. Holland, Haddock and Robinson were appointed to con¬ vey the same to the Senate. A committee from the Senate consisting of Messrs. McCall, Jones and Broome, waited upon the House and returned the Senate resolution concerning the election of Confederate Senators as amended by the House, and informed it that the Senate had eefused to concur in the House amendments to the same. Said resolution was then taken up, and Mr. Russell moved that the same do lay upon the table; Which was lost. .Mr. Russell then offered the following resolution as a substitute therefor: # Resolved, That the House, the Senate concurring, in joint ballot do go into the election of Confederate Senators on to¬ morrow the 26th inst., at 12 o'clock, M.; Which was adopted, and on motion a Committee of three, consisting of Messrs. Russell, McRinnon and Coffee, were ap¬ pointed to convey the same to the Senate and request their con¬ currence in the House substitute. Mr. Holland offered the following resolution : RESOLUTION IN RELATION TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND GUN BOATS TO BE BUILD AT APALACHICOLA. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives in Gen¬ eral Assembly convened, That the Governor be and he is hereby requested to request that the President order Capt. Hunter's Company of the 4th Regiment of Florida Volunteers, and Capt. Cropp's Company 1st Regiment of Florida Volunteers, to be or¬ dered to and stationed at Apalachicola, as soon as compatible with the public service, inasmuch as these companies being resi¬ dents of that'city, their intimate knowledge of the county makes 62 their services more valuable than a like number of troops from any other section. Upon which the yeas and nays being called for, the vote was : Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Blount, Carter, Collins, .Holland, Howell, Lee, McCormick, Oliver, Parker, Rob¬ inson, Seward, Wall, Wells and Yon—17. Hays—Messrs. Bellamy, Bloxham, Broxson, Campbell, Cof¬ fee, Cole, Dansby, Haddock, Means, Mizell, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Vogt, Williams and Yates —19. So the resolution was lost. Mr. Holland offered the following resolution : Be it further Besolved, That the Govei'nor request the Con¬ federate authorities to have two Gun Boats built at Apalachicola without delay, inasmuch as labor and materials for Gun Boats can be had at that point, and the vessels built with rapidity. Upon which tjieyeas and nays being called, the vote was : Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Blount, Carter, Coffee, Collins, Haddock, Holland, Howell, Lee, McCormick, McKinnon, Oliver, Parker, Robinson, SeAvard, Yann, Wall, Wells and Yon—20. Hays—Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Broxson, Campbell, Cole, Dansby, Means, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Vogt, Williams and Yates—16. So the resolution was adopted. On motion of^Mr. Holland, a Committee of three, consisting of Messrs. Holland, Haddock and Robinson, were appointed to con- \rey said resolution to the Senate and notify them of its adop¬ tion. Mr. Pooser from the Committee on Propositions and Grievan c-es made the folloAving report: The Committee on Propositions and GrieA'ances, having before them a Senate bill to be entitled an act for the relief of John Kel- ker and others, inhabitants of Santa Rosa County, and after haAr- ing considered the case maturely, do agree that the bill pass. JACOB H. POOSER, Chairman. Which Avas read and the bill placed among the orders of the -day. ORDERS OF THE DAY. A bill to be entitled an act providing for the stay of executions, Was read the first time, rule Avaived, .read a .second time by its title, and on motion, referred to a select Committee of five, consisting of Messrs. Russell, Holland, Means, Williams and Bel¬ lamy, to unite with a similar Committee to be appointed by the Senate, to constitute a joint Committee of the tAvo Houses. 63 A bill to be entitled an act for the benefit of defendants in suit, "Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on to-morrow. ■ A bill to be entitled an act to provide for appeals from the Mayor and City Council of Tallahassee, Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading 011 to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act, approved Februa¬ ry 10, 1831, concerning the public health, Was read the first time, rule waived, read a second time by its title, and referred to the Committee on Propositions and Grievances. A bill to be entitled an act to unite the offices of Judge of Pro¬ bate and Clerk of the Circuit Court in Clay county, Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act to establish the records of the county of Columbia and for other purposes, Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on to-morrow. Senate bill to be entitled an act for the relief of John Kelker and others, inhabitants of Santa Rosa county, Was read the second time and ordered for a third reading on to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an act to regulate the sessions of the Supreme Court of Florida, Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an act to regulate the admission of appli¬ cants to practice law in the Courts of Florida and for other pur¬ poses, Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an act to repeal the laws of distress rent in this State, . Was read the first time, rule waived, read a second time by its title and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. On motion, the House adjourned until to-morrow morning, 10 o'clock. 64 TUESDAY, November 26, 1861. The House met pursuant to adjournment—a quorum present- The Rev. Mr. Blake officiated as Chaplain. On motion of Mr. Vogt, the reading of the journal of yester¬ day's proceedings was dispensed with. Notice was given of intention to introduce the following hills on some future day, viz: • By Mr. Holland: A bill to be entitled an act for the troops from this State in the military service. By Mr. Campbell: A bill to be entitled an act for firing the woods. By Mr. Hawes: A bill to be entitled an act to secure to claimants the value of improvements made on lands held under adverse possession in good faith. The following bills were introduced in pursuance of previous notice, viz: By Mr. Bloxham: A bill to be entitled an act to incorporate an Insurance Com¬ pany in the city of Tallahassee, to be called the Gulf State In¬ surance Company. By Mr. Parker: A bill to be entitled an act to establish and permanently lo¬ cate the county site of Manatee county. By Mr. Newburn: A bill to be entitled an act to change the name of New River county in the State of Florida, to that of Bradford, in honor of the memory of *the late Capt. Richard Bradford of this State, and other purposes. By Mr. Richardson : A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act permanently to locate the county site of Volusia county. By Mr. McKinnon : A bill to be entitled an act to repeal the third section of an act amendatory of the act of 1845 concerning Roads and High¬ ways. By Mr. Campbell: A bill to be entitled an act to punish crimes and misdemean¬ ors not heretofore provided for by the laws of this State. Which were placed among the orders of the day. Mr. Holloman introduced the following memorial from the county Commissioners of Gadsden county : 65 STATE OF FLORIDA, j County of Gadsden. j" To the Honorable the President and Members of the Senate, the Speaker and Members of the House of Rtpresentatives, of the Legislature of the State of Florida: The memorial of your petitioners, County Commissioners of the county of Gadsden, respectfully shewetli unto your Honor¬ able Body, that in compliance with resolutions passed by the citizens of said county at a public meeting held at the Court¬ house in Quincy, on the day of last, they appropriated ($500), five hundred dollars towards the main¬ tenance and support of indigent families of volunteers in the ser¬ vice of the State and of the Confederate States ; that they have since that time, by authority and in pursuance of said resolu¬ tions, made divers and sundry additional appropriations for the purpose stated, amounting in the aggregate to'about ($800), eight hundred dollars. They further represent that there *are in this county a large number of indigent families, the heads of which have volun¬ teered in the service of the State and of the Confederate States, for whom we are constrained to make some provision as well by a sense of duty as by the dictates of an enlightened public policy, either b individual private contribution or a general assessment under the sanction of the law. Your petitioners find from experience, that the most effectual as well as the most equitable mode of providing for the absolute necessities of these families, is, for the county authorities to make such appropriation for each case that may present itself, as they may, in their best judgment, seem to require. By pursuing a plan of this kind, in the application of funds raised by authority of law, the burthen falls equally upon all. On the other hand,, if we have to depend solely upon private contributions, the whole work devolves upon a few generous, public-spirited per¬ sons, whose means are, in a majority of cases, less ample than of many who have peremptorily refused to bear their share. In¬ deed, it has been fully demonstrated since the commencement of this war, that the disposition to give is far from being in pro¬ portion to the ability to do so. Our experience shows that many possessing largely the means have neglected, and too often have absolutely refused to contribute thereof, either in aid of the Government, or to relieve the necessities and destitution of indi¬ gent families left at home, deprived of the labor and support of those fathers and sons who have nobly and patriotically buckled on their armor in defence of the rights, liberties and institutions of the country. 5 66 Your petitioners further represent that the Board of County Commissioners, under existing laws, have no authority to make appropriations of this nature, except the indigent families of vol¬ unteers he classed and regarded as paupers, in which classifica¬ tion, neither a sense of duty to ourselves as representatives of a patriotic community, to them as individuals, nor a proper public policy, will permit us to place them. Your petitioners therefore pray, in consideration of the prem¬ ises, that your Honorable Body will enact a law legalizing such appropriations as have been already made by them in their ofE- cial capacity as the Board of County Commissioners, for this county, for the support of indigent families of volunteers in ac¬ tual service, and further to authorize them to assess and collect a special tax, under such regulations as your Honorable Body may in your wisdom deem just and proper, to be exclusively applied to the purposes above set forth, for and during the continuance of the war now being waged against the Confederate States by the United States of Ame^ca. And your petitioners would further pray, that in the event of your Honorable Body not considering yourselves constitutionally competent to enact a law directing the assessment and collection of a special tax, for the purpose contemplated, that you would pass an act authorizing and making legal a continuance of appro¬ priations in the like manner and for the same purposes as they have been heretofore made from the common treasury of the county, by your petitioners, County Commissioners as aforesaid, and your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c. E. C. LOYE, Pres't Board, &c. WM. H. GIBSOU, JAMES GEE, A. L. S^IITH, J. lsT. SHEPARD, County Corns. Gadsden County. Which wTas read, and on motion, was placed among the or¬ ders of the day, and referred to a Select Committee to be ap¬ pointed by the Speaker. Mr. Coffee from the Committee on Taxation and Revenue made the following report: The Committee on Taxation and Revenue to wrhom was re¬ ferred a bill to amend the tax laws of this State, report that they have had the same under consideration and recommend that the bill do not pass. C. C. COFFEE, Chairman. Which was read, and the accompanying bill placed among the orders of the day. 67 Mr. Scott, from the Committee on Engrossed Bills, made the .following report: The Committee on Engrossed Bills report the following bills as correctly engrossed, viz : A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the city of Pensacola to subscribe to certain Railroad Stock. A bill to be entitled an act relative to Taxation. Respectfully submitted, WM. H. SCOTT, Chairman. Which was read, and the accompanying bills placed among the orders of the day. ORDERS OE THE DAY. A bill to be entitled an act for the benefit of defendants in •suit, Was read the second time and on motion referred to the Com¬ mittee on the Judiciary. A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act approved Febru¬ ary 10, 1831, concerning the public health,- Was read a second time and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an act to provide for appeals from the Mayor and City Council of Tallahassee, Was read .the second time and the following amendment of¬ fered by Mr. Blount: Insert after the word "Tallahassee," the words " and Pensa- Cola," wherever they occur; And insert between the words " Leon " and " County," the words "and Escambia;"' Which was adopted. On motion of Mr. Bl'oxham, said bill was referred to the Com¬ mittee on the^Judiciary. On motion, the rules being waived, the following bill was in¬ troduced without previous notice, viz: By Mr. Holland: A bill to be entitled >an act to amend an act giving the State the righf of peremptory challenges in criminal cases, approved February 14, 1861, Which was received and placed among the orders of the day* A committee from the Senate consisting of Messrs. Dawkins, Bowers and Baldwin, waited upon the House and informed them "that the Senate had adopted the Joint Rules of both Houses of the last session of the General Assembly, and requested the con¬ currence of the House to similar action. On motion the rules being waived, Mr. Vann from a Select -Committee made the following report: 6S The Select Committee appointed to act with a similar com¬ mittee from the Senate to prepare joint rules for the govern¬ ment of the two Houses, report that they recommend the adop¬ tion by the House of the Joint Rules which were used for the government of the two Houses at the lash session of the General Assembly. Respectfully submitted, E. J. YARN, G. M. MEAN'S, A. A. CANTOVA. Which was read and concurred in, and on motion a committee ■ of three consisting of Messrs. Yann, Holland and Dansby were appointed to notify the Senate of the action of the House relative thereto. A bill to be entitled an act relative to taxation, Was read the third time and put upon its passage upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Bloxham, Broxson, Canova, Carter, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Dansby, Haddock, Hawes, Holland, Howell, Holloman, Lee, McCormick, McKinnon, Means, Mickler, Mizell, Newburn, Oliver, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Yann, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Yogi, Williams, Yates and Yon—42. Nay—Mr. Campbell—1. So the bill passed, title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the city of Pensacola to subscribe to certain railroad stock, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Bloxham, Broxson, Canova, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Dansby, Haddock, Hawes, Holland, Howell, Hol¬ loman, Lee, McCormick McKinnon, Means, Mickler, Mizell, New- burn, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Yann, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Yogt, Wil¬ liams, Yates and Yon—42. * Nays—None. So. the bill passed, title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. A bill to be entitled an act to unite the offices of Judge of Probate and Clerk of the Circuit Court in Clay county, Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act to establish the records of the county of Columbia, and for other purposes, 69 Was read the second time, and on motion, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Senate hill to he entitled an act for the relief of John Kelker and others, inhabitants of Santa Rosa county, Was read the third time, and pending the call of the roll, Mr. Amos offered a petition for John Kelker and others, relating to said hill; Which was read and the hill then put upon its passage, upon -which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Canova, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Danshy, Hawes, Howell, Holloman, Lee, McCormick, McKinnon, Mizell, Peter¬ son, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Yann, Wall, Wells and Yon—30. Kays—Messrs. Haddock, Newburn, Oliver, Parker, Robinson, Williams and Yates—7. So the hill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same he certified to the Senate. On motion, the rule being waived, Mr. Coffee introduced the following memorial from the officers and soldiers of the first bat- alion of Florida Cavalry: To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Florida: The undersigned, officers and soldiers of the first battalion of Florida Cavalry, now in service of the Confederate States, re¬ spectfully represent to your Honorable bodies, that the Provi¬ sional Congress of the Confederate States, at the third session thereof, passed an act providing that if the several States should clothe the troops raised in each State for service of the whole, the Secretary of War should pay the value in money of such clothing to the Governors of the States so furnishing the same, and the Honorable L. P. Walker, late Secretary of War, after the passage of said act, sent a letter to Honorable M. S. Perry, late Governor of this State, wherein, after referring to such law, "he urged the Governor to proceed to procure clothing for the Florida Yolunteers, stating the inabilty of the Confederate States to provide for all the troops in service; and your memorialists further show that the late Governor Perry, on the receipt of said letter, proceeded to contract for as much clothing as could be made, but did not succeed in providing more than has been found sufficient to clothe the 2nd Regiment of Infantry, and your me¬ morialists show that there is no supply of clothing now to be had for the soldiers of the State in the field, all of whom are poorly •clad and not prepared to stand the inclemency of the coming winter. 70 Your memorialists further represent that the Congress of the Confederate States, by the passage of the law aforesaid, designed to vest each State with the power to clothe its own soldiers, binding the Confederate States to pay for the same without re¬ gard to what each State might be compelled to pay, as no uni¬ form price could be expected to exist in all—it not being de¬ signed by Congress to limit the purchase of clothing to the sum (twenty-five dollars for six months,) allowed by the acts of Con¬ gress passed at former sessions, because, by reason of the enor¬ mous increase of prices, the sum so allowed had become utterly inadequate to clothe the soldier; and your memorialists further show that the Honorable L. P. Walker, in his letter to Gov. Perry, did not construe the law differently from what it is herein stated to be by your memorialists, but pressed upon the Gover¬ nors of the States the necessity of speedy action to save the sol¬ diers from suffering. Your memorialists further represent, that their Colonel,»at the time when he received his letter of authority to raise a Regi¬ ment of Cavalry from the Secretary of War, on the day of , being informed by the Quartermaster-Gen¬ eral that clothing for the undersigned, when mustered into ser¬ vice, could not be furnished by him under two to three months, after a requisition was made therefor, which could not be done until the companies were organized, and that because of the great demand and small supply of woollens, it was in his opinion doubtful if such clothing could be furnished at all, the said of- cer, W. G. M. Davis, with a view to prevent the suffering of the soldiers sought to be obtained by him to defend the country, acting without authority and on his own personal responsibility, contracted for a coat, pants and overcoat for one thousand men, at prices now so far below the market value of such clothing, that the same can, as your memorialists are informed, be to-day sold at an advance probably of ten thousand dollars; and your memorialists are informed that said clothing will be ready for delivery by the first day of December next. And your memo¬ rialists further show unto your honorable bodies, that their said commanding officer, W. G. M. Davis, has contracted at low prices for material for an additional pair of pants and two shirts for each of them ; and has, by his exertions and influence, procured to be reserved for our use by the Quartermaster General at Richmond, hats, boots, flannel shirts, drawers and blankets, so that if the clothing so contracted for by the said officer can be furnished to your memorialists, they will be as well provided as is the second Florida Regiment—which said regiment, through the means of the contributions made by counties in the State out of county funds—by individual contributions amounting in tin 71 aggregate to large sums—by the generous and patriotic exertions of the several societies of our noble countrywomen, and by the action of the State in the purchase of cloth and materials for clothing, and by the use of the twenty-five dollars per man, (which said regiment lias received and expended for clothing,) it has bf Congress; and in addition thereto, the said chief Collector-is hereby required to forward to the Secre¬ tary of State a copy of the collated list required in the said 10th section to be forwarded by him to the Secretary of the Treasury. Insert as Sec. 5. Beit further enacted, That for the faithful performance of the services hereinbefore enumerated, the several collectors and assessors of the several collection districts shall be entitled to and receive one-tenth of one per cent, of the taxes, due upon the value of the property by them assessed, to be al¬ lowed by the Comptroller of Public Accounts of this State, and to be paid by the Treasurer. From the 5th line of Sec. 6, after the word " officers," strike 158 out the words " now or hereafter to be appointed," and insert the words " hereinbefore mentioned." A. C. BLOUNT, Ch'n House Com. B. II. M. DAVIDSON, Ch'n Senate Com. Which was read, and the amendments proposed by the Com¬ mittee were adopted, and said bill placed among the orders of the day. Mr. Can ova from the Committee on Claims made the follow¬ ing report: The Committee on Claims to whom was referred a bill enti- titled an act for the relief of Robert C. Williams, have had the same under consideration and ask leave to REPORT: That this bill is intended to reimburse R. C. Williams, the present Comptroller, for an expenditure incurred in having the books and accounts in his office balanced and made out, which as appears became necessary to determine their condition and ena¬ ble him to require payment of balances due the State by Sheriffs and collection officers that had been neglected since the year 1845. Your committee find that upon said examination, balances ex¬ ceeding one hundred thousand dollars were found to be due, some of which have been collected, and the balance is in process of settlement. The services employed by said R. C. Williams, for which re¬ lief is claimed, was unauthorized by any legislative enactment, but in view of the good accomplished by the investigation, your committee report the bill without amendment and recommend its passage. All of which is respectfully submitted, A. A. CANOVA, Chairman. Which was received and read and the accompanying bill placed among the orders of the day. Mr. Pooser from the Committee on Propositions and Grievan¬ ces made the following report: The Committee on Propositions and Grievances, having under consideration a petition signed by M. P. de Rioboo, in behalf of himself and R. J. Tennant, Justices of the Peace in Escambia county, who having held a court for the trial of Sarah, (a slave,) the property of Miss Abercrombie, arrested upon the charge of avson ; and upon having met on four separate days for said trial, the result of which, said slave was acquitted. The petitioners 159 therefore pray, that an additional fee of five dollars per day be allowed them for said services by the General Assembly over and above that allowed by law. We, the committee, upon care¬ ful examination of all the circumstances of the case, have come to the conclusion that it would be unwise to grant the prayer of the petitioners, and therefore recommend that it do not pass. JACOB II. POOSER, Chairman. Which was read and the accompanying bill placed among the orders of the day. Also the following: The Committee on Propositions and Grievances, having before them a bill to be entitled an act for-the relief of Frederick Lean- ders, a constable of Duval county, for services rendered summon¬ ing the defaulting militia before a Justice of the Peace for trial, and in accordance with the militia bill passed A. D., 1859. The petitioner having received no compensation for his services as a lawful officer, applies to the General Assembly to be paid the fees he considers due him for said services. After duly consider-* ing all the bearings of the case before us, we do hereby recom¬ mend that the bill do not pass. JACOB H. POOSER, Chairman. Which was read, and the accompanying bill placed among the orders of the day. The following message was received from the Senate, viz: Senate Chamber, ■ ) Dec. 4, 1861. j To Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives : Sir : The Senate has this day passed the following resolu¬ tion, viz: Resolution for the relief of Richard E. Frier. Also the following resolution has this day been laid on the ta¬ ble, viz: Resolution in relation to the election of Comptroller, &c. - Very respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEIIURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read and the Senate resolution placed among the orders of the day. ORDERS OF THE DAY. Senate bill to be entitled an act authorizing the County Com¬ missioners of the several counties of this State to levy a specific tax for the relief of soldiers' families, 160 Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Ainos, Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Bloxham, Broxson, Canova, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Dansby, Haddock, Ilawes, Howell, Hull, Lee, McKinnon, Means, Miekler, Oliver, Parker, Peterson, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Scott, Vann, YanZa.nt, Wall, Yogt, "Wil¬ liams, Yates and Yon—39. Nays—None. So the bill passed as amended by the House—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. A bill to be entitled an act to secure to claimants the value oi improvements made on lands held under adverse possession in good faith, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote ^vas: Yeas—Messrs. Bellamy, Hawes, Parker and Stewart—4. Nays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Blount, Bloxham, Brox¬ son, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Dansby, Had¬ dock, Holland, Howell, Holloman, McKinnon, Means, Mick1 or, Mizell, Oliver, Peterson, Pooser, Robinson, Russell, Scott, S :- ward, Vann, Wells, Vogt, Williams, Yates and Yon—35. So the bill was lost. A Committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. Baldwin, McCall and Jones waited upon the House, and returned to the House a House resolution, concerning Treasury Notes and the signing of the same, with a Senate substitute therefor, and re¬ quested the concurrence of the House in said substitute. A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of R. Saunders, sheriff of Leon county, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was : Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Broxson, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Coftee, Collins, Cole, Hawes, Holland, Howell, Hull, Miekler, Mizell, Oliver, Parker, Pooser, Price, Robinson, Russell, Seward, Vann, Wall, Wells, Williams, Yates and Yon—31. Nays—None. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. On motion of Mr. Means, the rules being waived, the House reso¬ lution and Senate amendments thereto, concerning the Treasury Notes and the signing of the same, was taken up and Senate amendments concurred in. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. 1(31 A bill to be entitled an act to change the times of holding Courts in the Southern Circuit, • Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was : Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Bellamy, Blox- ham, Broxson, Canova, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Haddock, Mawes, Holland, Howell, Holloman, Hull, Mc- lvinnou, Mickler, Oliver, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Stewart, Tann, YanZaut, Wall, Wells, Williams, Yates and Yon—37. Hays—Horie. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of P. and H. Peter- man, , Was read the first time and ordered for second reading on to¬ morrow. . , Senate bill to be entitled an act to fix the salary and require ad¬ ditional duties to be performed by the Governor's Private Secre¬ tary, and for other purposes, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Bloxhatn, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Cole, Haddock, Hawes, Holland, Howell, Hull, McKinnon, Mizell, Oliver, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Seward, Vann, Wall, Yogt, Williams, Yates and Yon—27. Hays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Campbell, Collins, Dans- by, Holloman, Mickler, Peterson, Scott, YanZant and Wells— 10. So the bill passed as amendment by the House. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. The following reports of the Quartermaster and Adjutant and Inspector Generals were transmitted to this House by his Excel¬ lency the Governor, intended as accompanying documents of his special message on Military Affairs: Tallahassee, Ho v. 21, 1861.. His Excellency John Milton, Governor of Florida: Sir: The following statement shows the receipts and disburse¬ ments of the Quartermaster Genex-al's Department from the first of May, the time I entered upon the duties of the office, up to- the present time. There are still many accounts unsettled from different posts which have been delayed for the want of funds to 11 162 pay them; and as they are still accruing, it is impossible to ar¬ rive at the amount that will he necessary to liquidate them. I have besides made contracts for corn to be delivered, which will require from ten to fifteen thousand dollars within the-ensu¬ ing month. Some of the items in the transportation and equip¬ ment accounts were made prior to the first of May, by the Agents of the State lor transporting the 1st Regiment of Florida Volun¬ teers to Pensacola, and for a portion of their equipments. The following items embrace the expenditures and the credits show the amounts received and from whom: RECEIPTS: From Gov. M. S. Perry— Draft on Charleston, $15,000 00 " " Columbus, 4,000 00 Confederate States Treasury Rotes,... 50,000 00 Amount from State Treasury, 11,703 65—$80,703 65 DISBURSEMENTS: For Equipments, $25,772 85 " Transportation, 7,664 48 " Subsistence, 30,055 83 " Guns and Ammunition, 6,605 83 " Batteries, 621 50 " Hospital, 941 76 " Incidental, 4,131 03 " Paymaster, # 13,481 13—$89,274 41 The discrepancy between the amount received and amount paid out is owing to the fact that a portion of the amount has been receipted for upon the certificates of indebtedness issued from this Department, and consequently requires funds to liquidate them. I have received reports from Assistant Quartermasters from several posts, but too late to examine them and embrace them in this report. I will examine them at an early day and submit the report to your Excellency. Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, H. V. SNELL, Quartermaster General. Adjutant axi) Inspector General's Office, \ Tallahassee, November 24, 1861. ) To his Excellency John Milton, Governor of Florida: Sir: In obedience to instructions from your Excellency, I 163 have the honor to make the following report on the affairs of this office: On taking the oath of office on the 8th of October ultimo, I at once entered on the duties of Adjutant and Inspector Gen¬ eral. My predecessor not being present to deliver me the office and its archives, I was directed by yourself to take charge of certain papers supposed to belong to it, since which time I have devoted all my energies to the task of reducing them to some intelligible shape, but with the pressing daily duties, with but partial success. I find the militia returns both incomplete and defective, amounting to almost an entire suspension as will ap¬ pear from the following, as constituting the list of returns and muster rolls on file, to wit: The muster roll of the 3d Reg't, First Division, 293 men. « u a u a 7tll " " " 722 " <•< » " " " 8th " " " 432 " L' " " " " 19th " Second " (one co.) 64 " <•' U U " U 20th " " " 571 " In addition to the above, there is a muster roll of one com¬ pany of the 4th Regiment, First Division, and two of the 5th Regiment of the same division. These constitute the militia re¬ turns out of the twenty-one regiments into which the State is divided. In addition to the above, there are lists and muster rolls of volunteer companies to the number of (40) forty. Whether these companies are still in existence as organizations or not, this office has no certain information, but it is believed that many of them have dissolved, and the men and officers have joined other companies that have been raised and mustered into the Confederate or State service. The militia organization I consider as defunct, a thing that has been, but exists no longer. In. fact, it cannot exist by the side of the volunteer system in times like these now pressing on us, and in a country as sparsely populated as is our State, at least a large portion of it. There was one regiment of cavalry in the Middle District, fully organized but a short time since, and doubtless some of the ■companies still keep up their organizations, but at the same time it Is questionable whether this regiment could be made available beyond neighborhood service without great detriment to the ag¬ ricultural prosperity of the country. There is, likewise, a regi¬ ment of cavalry in West Florida. This is but partially organized according to the returns in this office. We have now in the ser¬ vice of the Confederate States four regiments of volunteers: one at Pensacola, under the command of Col. J. P. Anderson, another in Virginia commanded by Col. Geo. T. Ward, the third under Col. W. S. Dilworth, stationed as follows: Six 104 companies on Amelia Island, one company at Fort Leitner al the entrance of Nassau river, one company at the mouth of St Johns river at Fort Steele, and two companies at St. Augustine; the fourth regiment, commanded hy Col. Edward Hopkins, with five companies on Amelia Island, t\Vo at Cedar Keys, two at Tampa Bay, and one at Manatee. Two of these companies, McGee's and Sheffield's, did not originally constitute a portion of this regiment, neither did they participate in the election of field officers, but were assigned to it after the election. The strength of these regiments cannot be ascertained at this office, as their returns are made to the Confederate Government. In addition to this force, the Confederate authorities have called for one thousand men tor the war, to be received by companies and placed in camps of instruction. There has been but little pro¬ gress made in raising this force. The rage *for cavalry service for some time past has put a stop entirely to the raising of infantry. But as it has been decided to receive no more cavalry, it is be¬ lieved but a short time will elapse before this regiment will be prepared for presentation to the Secretary of War. This regi¬ ment should recommend itself particularly to our people, as it is intended that it shall constitute the reserve army, should the war continue beyond the time for which many of our troops have entered the service. It is also intended to instruct them in the art of war, that they may, when called to act, find them¬ selves on an equal footing with the enemy in point of discipline. In wrar, it is but seldom that undisciplined troops have been able to cope successfully with disciplined. The instances of success are but exceptions. Unfortunately many of our people have formed their ideas of Avar from experience derived from our Indian wars, and are of opinion that there is little, necessity for subordi¬ nation or discipline—that it is all hunting, and in a fight, each man on his own hook, our people are hmncible. This will he found to be a grave error, as all experience teaches us that such mode of warfare, hoAvever proper and necessary in certain con¬ tingencies, a commander should always be in a condition to mass his men and be able to act in a solid body when the emergency arises, as inevitably Avill be the case when opposed to disciplined troops. In addition to these, there haAre been partially organ¬ ized two regiments of infantry under the act of the General As¬ sembly " for reorganizing the militia forces of the State"—(see sections 23 and 24)—styled the "Home Guard." They are to receive pay, say only from the date of being ordered into ser¬ vice, which service is to continue for six months, unless sooner discharged. On the first of August, certain companies Avere named by or¬ ders from this office to constitute these regiments. The election 165 •of field officers was ordered to be held on the 22d August. The returns from this election are exceedingly imperfect. The re¬ turns of several companies assigned to these regiments are not in this office: whether they ever held the election or not I cannot" •say. The field officers have been commissioned, except the Col¬ onel of the First Regiment. The gentleman elected on the 22d August having declined, an election was ordered to take place on the 21st October, to fill the vacancy. The returns of but seven companies have as yet been received, therefore no com¬ missions have been issued. I feel it my duty to state that from information, both official and otherwise, that the companies of these regiments, except those that have been called into service, have become mostly dis¬ organized by the men leaving and joining companies that were going into immediate service. This is, doubtless, the reason why the returns of the election have not been made. I, there¬ fore, view these regiments as a failure, and would suggest that portions of the act under which they were required to be organ¬ ized be repealed or so modified as to require them to be mustered into service, either as regiments or by companies, and the field officers appointed by the President or the Goverruor when or¬ ganized into regiments for either Confederate or State ser- • O B • vice, this being the only means by which the organization can be kept up and made efficient. There are now in the State service the following companies belonging to these regiments, to wit: AtApalachicola, under the command of Col. R. F. Floyd, the companies commanded by Captains Gregory, Scarborough, Hamilton, McAllister, Grace and Attaway, of the First Regiment of State Guards. Colonel Floyd' has in addition Capt. Dunham's company of artillery, Captains Hartsfield's and Irwin's of infantry, Captains Smith's, Thigpen's and McMillan's companies of cavalry for guarding St. Andrews' and St. Joseph's Bays. The last named companies have not been assigned to any regiments, but one company of the Second Regiment of State Guards has been called into ser¬ vice, to wit: Capt. Bailey's in charge of the battery at the St. Marks Hospital. Capt. Hendry's company, not assigned to any regiment, is in charge of the coast from East river to Auscilla Bay. These are all the troops in the State service as far as this office is informed, In reference to the arms and ammunition belonging to the State, as to their numbers or quality, there is no means at present in this office of ascertaining, or how or to whom they have been issued. The short period since my en- 166 trance on the duties of this office must be my excuse for the meagreness of this report. I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant, F. L. FANCY, Adjutant and Inspector Gen'l. (Supplemental Report.) Adjutant General's Office, ( Tallahassee, November 28th, 1861. j To his Excellency John Milton, Governor of Florida: Sir—I find the following summary of the report of Hugh Arch¬ er, Quartermaster General, under date of November 20th, I860- The following list of ordnance and small arms belonging to the State of Florida, and their distribution, to-wit: (4) four Brass pieces of Ordnance, six pounders, carria¬ ges, &c. 259 old flint and steel Muskets. 121 old Hall's Rifles and accoutrements. 348 old flint and steel Pistols. 61 Muskets. (3 Rifles and 11 Pistols,) broken. 333 percussion Rifles and appendages. 56 sets of accoutrements in good condition: 252 rifle Muskets and appendages in good condition; 60 sets of rifle musket accoutrements. These were distributed as follows : 60 rifle Muskets and appendages and accoutrements to the Leon Rifles. 60 do do to Perry Guards at Tampa. 60 do do to Pensacola Guards. 60 do do to Island Guards, Key West. 60 percussion Rifles to Quincy Academy. 57 do do to Jacksonville Light Infantry. 35 do do to late Florida Riflemen, Tallahassee- 60 do do to L). P. Holland, for Calhoun Coun¬ ty war. By the report of Col. Floyd, in command at Apakichicola, da¬ ted November 13th, 1861, there are six batteries at that place— in the first battery there are two short 32 pounders ; in No. 2, two 24 pounders; in No. 3, one rifle 32 pounder; in No. 4, two long 32 pounders ; in No. 5, one rifle 32 pounder; in No. 6 two 32 pounders, besides three 18 pounders not in battery. By the report of Col I. Y. Garnie, Aid-de-Camp, there are at. 167 St. Augustine sixty Muskets in possession of Judge B. A. Put¬ nam; (40) forty Hall's Carbines in possession of James R.San¬ chez, and two small swivel guns for boat service and a few sar bres in Fort Marion. He also reports (5) five guns mounted at Fort Steele, at the mouth of the St. Johns river, and some State arms in possession of Col. Timanus at Fernandina, number not known. Also (80) eighty Muskets in the hands of the Mayor of Jacksonville. Which is respectfully submitted and should accompany my report of the 24th instant. Respectfully, yotir obecfient servant, F. L. DANCY, Adjutant and Inspector General. On motion, said reports were referred to the same committee as said special message of his Excellency the Governor on Mili¬ tary Affairs was referred to. Senate bill to be entitled an act to repeal the 8th section of an act still further defining the duties of the Trustees of the Internal Improvement Fund, approved Feb'y 14, 1861, Was read the second time and ordered for a third reading on to-morrow. Senate bill to be entitled an act to prevent persons from pen¬ ning cattle without the consent of the owners of such cattle, Was read the second time. Mr. Yogt offered sundry amendments to said bill; Which were adopted. On motion, the rule was waived, and said bill read the third time by its title, and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Bellamy, Blount, Bloxham, Broxson, Canova, Carter, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Hawes, Holloman, Hull, McKinnon, Means, Yann, Wall, Yogt and Williams—20. Nays—Messrs. Arendell, Campbell, Dansby, Holland, Howell, Lee, Mickler, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Rus¬ sell, Scott, Seward, Wells, Yates and Yon—17. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. A bill to be entitled an act making uniform the rate of interest in this State, Was read a second time and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on to-morrow. Senate bill to be entitled an act to suspend the operation of so much of sections six and eleven of the general banking laws of this State, approved Jan'y 8, A. D. 1853, as refers to the sale of securities in the hands of the Comptroller, 108 Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on to-morrow. On motion, the rule was waived, and a committee of three was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Holland, Williams and Coffee to wait upon the Senate and invite them to attend the reception of Gen. Trapier and Staff in the Hall of the House, at 12 M. A committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. Brokaw, Magbee and Abercrombie, waited upon the House and informed them that the Senate had accepted the invitation of the House to attend the reception of Gen. Trapier and Staff. A bill to be entitled* an act to amend an act entitled an act to organize the county of Polk from the counties of Hillsborough and Brevard, Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an act to extend the jurisdiction of Justices of the Peace in this State. Was read the second time, and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on to-morrow. At 12 o'clock, M., the Senate being in the Hall of the House of Representatives, Gen. Trapier and Staff, in pursuance of invita¬ tion, entered the Hall of the House, and by invitation of the Speaker took a seat within the bar of the same. The Senate then retired to the Senate Chamber. On motion, the House took a recess until 3 o'clock, P. M. 3 O'CLOCK, P. M. The House resumed its session—a quorum present. A bill to be entitled an act to provide for the payment of the War Tax to be assessed upon and collected from the citizens of this State, Was read the second time. Mr. Holloman offered the following amendment: Strike out the month of "May" and insert the month of "De¬ cember Which was adopted. Mr. Holland offered the following amendment: Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert " that the Governor be and he is hereby empowered to borrow, at reasona¬ ble interest, and to give the bonds of this State as security, such sums of money as may be necessary to pay the portion of the State of Florida, denominated the War Tax for the Support of ,the Confederate States 169 Upon which, the yeas and nays being called for by Messrs. Holland and Hull, were: Yeas—Messrs. Holland, Hull, Oliver, Parker, Peterson, Sew¬ ard, VanZant, Wells, Williams, Yates and Yon—11. Hays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Blount, Blox- ham, Canova, Campbell, Olyatt, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Dansby, Haddock, Howell, Holloman, Lee, McKinnon, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Stewart, Yann and Wall—25. So said amendment was lost. Said bill was then ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on to-morrow. i The hour having arrived for the meeting of the House and Senate in Joint Meeting, in pursuance of a resolution adopted by both Houses, on motion of Mr. Canova, a committee consisting of Messrs. Canova, Bloxham and Campbell were appointed to wait upon the Senate and inform them that the House was now ready to go into the election of Confederate Senators. After a short absence, said committee returned to the bar of the House and reported that they had ascertained from the Sec¬ retary of the Senate that that body had adjourned, and would not be in session until to-morrow morning, 10 o'clock, and were discharged. On motion, the rule was waived, and Mr. Canova offered the following resolution: Whereas, Under a joint resolution adopted by both Houses of the General Assembly, to proceed to a ballot daily, at three and a half o'clock, P. M., for the purpose of electing two Con¬ federate States Senators: And whereas, The Senate, by its adjournment until to-morrow, 10 o'clock, A. M., have virtually rescinded said iesolution; therefore— Be it resolved, That this House will take no further initiative action touching the subject, but will await the action of the Sen¬ ate in the premises. Which was adopted. Mr. Holloman, from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, made the followiug report : The Committee on Enrolled Bills ask leave to report the fol¬ lowing resolution as correctly enrolled, viz: A resolution concerning Treasury Notes and the isuing the same. D. W. HOLLOMAN. Which was read. Mr. Scott, from the Committee on Egrossed Bills, made the following report: The Committee on Engrossed Bills, report the following bills as correctly engrossed, viz: 170 A bill to be entitled an act to modify and change the act en¬ titled an act to provide for the issue of Treasury Notes, approved February 14, 1861. A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Dr. John P. Du¬ val ; also, A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Jonathan C. Stewart, sheriff of Orange county. Respectfully submitted, WM. H. SCOTT, Chairman. Which was read, and the accompanying bills placed among* the orders of the day. A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Volunteers from this State, Was read the second time, when Mr. Russell moved that the same be indefinitely postponed ; Which was lost. Said bill was then ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an aGt for the relief of R. C. Williams, Was read and passed over informally. A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Frederick Lenders, Constable of Duval county Florida, Was read the second time. Mr. Pooser moved that said bill be laid on the table ; Upon which motion the yeas and nays being called, the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Campbell, Dansby, Howell, Pooser, Russell, Vann, Wall and Wells—10. Nays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Blount, Can ova, Clyatt, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Holland, McKinnon, Mizell, Oliver, Price, Rich¬ ardson, Scott, Seward, Williams, Yates and Yon—18.. So the motion was lost. On motion said bill was then referred to the Committee on the Militia. Senate resolution for the relief of Richard E. Frier, Was read the first time, and ordered for a second reading on to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Dr. John P. Duval, Was read the third time and put upon its passage upon which the vote was : Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Blount, Brox- son, Canova, Campbell, Clyatt, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Dansby, Howell, Holloman, Lee, McKinnon, Mizell, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Russell, Seward, Vann, Wall, Wells, Yates and Yon—26. Nays—None. 171 So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Jonathan C. Stew¬ art, Sheriff of Orange county, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendeil, Blount, Brox- son, Canova, Campbell, Clyatt, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Dansby, Haddock, Holland, Howell, Holloman, Lee, McKinnon, Means, Mizell, Oliver, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Rus¬ sell, Seward, Yann, Wall, Wells, Yogt, Yates and Yon—34. Hays—Hone. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. The following message was received from his Excellency the Governor, and read: Executive Chamber, ) Tallahassee, December 5, 1861. f Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir :—I have approved and signed the following bills, viz : An act to facilitate the collection of Taxes by the city of Pen- sacola, and to amend an act entitled an act more fully defining the duties of Tax Assessors and Collectors for the city of Pensa- cola, approved December 21, 1859. An act to authorize the Circuit Courts of this State to grant licenses for building toll bridges, and for other purposes. An act relative to taxation. An act to repeal the third section of an act amendat ory of the act of 1845, concerning roads and highways. An act to amend an- act permanently to locate the county site of Yolusia county. An act to establish and permanently locate the county site of' Manatee county. Yery respectfully, JOHH MILTOH. The following message was received from the Senate: Sexate Chamber, ) December 5, 1861. j Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir : The Senate has this day passed the following bills, viz: A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the Banks of this State to transfer their assets and place of business ; A bill to be entitled an act defining what shall be considered. 172 solvent Bank Bills in the payment of public clues to this State ; also, A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the Governor of this State to accept troops from the States of Georgia and Alabama. Very respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEHURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read, and the accompanying bills placed among the orders of the day. Also the following: Sex ate Chamber, ) December 5, 1861. \ Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir :—The Senate has this day rescinded the following resolu¬ tion, viz: Resolution in relation to going into the election of Confeder¬ ate States Senators, at half-past three o'clock, P. M. from day to day, until an election shall be effected. Very Respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEHURST, Secretary of Senate. Which was read. Also the following: Sex ate Chamber, ) Dec. 5, 1861. | Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Hcpresentatices : Sir : The Senate has this day passed the following bill, viz: House bill to be entitled an act to provide for appeals from the decisions of the Mayor or other officers of municipal corporations. Very respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEHURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read and the bill ordered to be enrolled. Also the following: Sexate Chamber, [ December 5, 1861. ) Hox. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir :—The Senate has this day passed the following bills, viz : House bill to be entitled an act to authorize the city of Pensa- cola to subscribe to certain Railroad stock, with amendments; 173 A hill to be entitled an act to regulate sale days for property levied upon by constables by virtue of executions issued by the Judge of Probate ex-offieio Justice of the Peace for Santa Rosa county ; A bill to be entitled an act to reduce the pay of Surgeon Gen¬ eral ; A bill to be entitled an act to change the mode of appointing Constables; also, A bill to amend the 5th seetion of an act to provide for the issue ofTreasuryNot.es, approved Feb'y 14,1801. Tory respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEIIURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read and the accompanying bills placed among the orders of the day. Also the following: Senate Chamber, ) December 5, 1861. j Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir : The Senate has this day passed the following bills and resolution, viz: House bill to be entitled an act to change the name of New River county in this State to that of Bradford, in honor of the memory of the late Captain Richard Bradford, of this State, and for other purposes ; House bill to be entitled an act to unite the offices of Judge of Probate and Clerk of the Circuit Court in Clay county ; House bill to be entitled an act to amend an act approved Feb'y 10, 1831, concerning the public health ; House bill to be entitled an act providing for a stay of execu¬ tions in this State, with amendments ; also, Resolution for the relief of John A. Vaughn, Sheriff of Holmes county. Very respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEHURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read, and the House bills Avhich had passed the Senate ordered to be enrolled, and the Senate resolution placed among the orders of the day. The following communication was received from the Treasu¬ rer, and read: 174 Treasury Office, f Tallahassee, December 5, 1861. f Hon. Samuee B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir—I herewith submit the information asked for in Hon. Mr. Vann's resolution of the 4th inst., so far as the business to which it refers has been transacted by this Department. The information as .to what amount the State was indebted can be more fully given by Gov. Perfy, who was the officer charged with the business. Gov. Perry's drafts accepted by me will be due 1st January, 1862, in favor of Bank of Charleston for $60,100 00 People's Bank, at Charleston, 77,683 67 Also one due 1st February, 1862, in favor of the Bank of Newberry, S. C., ■ 52,000 00 And *1 am informed by him that the balance due the Merchant's and Planter's Bank of Savan- nnh is in the form of a note given by him for about 20,000 00 I have received the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars in Confed¬ erate Treasury Notes, under the act of Congress referred to, for which I delivered the same amount of State Bonds issued under Convention Ordinance 34, and have disbursed this money under orders of the Executive, (under Convention Ordinance 46 for Equipment of Forces,) the greater part for contracts made by former Executive. The proposition as contained in Gov. Perry's letter has not yet been made to the Banks from this office. Pespectfullv, C, H. AUSTIN, Treasurer. The House bill to be entitled an act to authorize the city of Pensacola to subscribe to certain Railroad stock, as returned by the Senate with amendments, was taken up, and said amend¬ ments concurred in by the House, and the bill as amended or¬ dered to be enrolled. The House bill to be entitled an act to provide for a stay of executions in this State, as returned by the Senate with amend¬ ments, was taken up, and the House refused to concur in the first and second Senate amendments, but concurred in the third amendment, which action of the House was directed to be com¬ municated to the Senate. On motion, the House adjourned until to-morrow morning, 10 o'clock. 175 FRIDAY, December 6, 1861. Tbe House met pursuant to adjournment—a quorum present. The Rev. Mr. Blake officiated as Chaplain. On motion of Mr. Bloxham, the reading of the journal of yes¬ terday's proceedings was dispensed with. In pursuance of previous notice, Mr. Canova introduced a bill to be entitled an act to amend the charter of incorporation of the city of Jacksonville, approved Jan'y 13, 1859 ; Which was placed among the orders of the day. Mr. Means presented the following memorial of Thomas Or- man, of Franklin county: To the Hon. Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives: The memorial of the undersigned, Thomas Orman, who claims to be the representative of the county of Franklin, elected to till the vacancy caused by the following acts of Col. D. P. Hol¬ land, who is now occupying said seat of the county of Franklin, in your honorable body: as a member, against the expressed will of the people of said county, First. That his having accepted and acted in the office of Adju¬ tant and Inspector General of the State, disqualified him by law. Second. That he has been for several months removed from the county of Franklin, with his family, goods and effects, and is now residing beyond the limits of said county, and as under¬ stood, is now residing with said family, goods and effects at Fernandina, in the county of Nassau. For which reasons, your memorialist contesting the seat at present occupied by said D. P. Holland, asks in behalf of said people, that he be removed from said seat, and the t said seat be declared as of right to be held and occupied by your memorialist as the member elect, and hast from the people of said county of Franklin. And your memorialist will, as in duty bound, ever pray. THOMAS ORMAN. Tallahassee, Dec. 6, 1861. Which was read and referred to the Committee on Elections. Mr. Holloman from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, made the following report: The Committee on Enrolled Bills ask leave to report the fol¬ lowing bills as correctly enrolled, viz: An act to unite the Offices of Judge of Probate and Clerk of Circuit Court in Clay county; An act to amend an act, approved Feb'y 10, 1831, concerning the Public Health; 176 An act to provide for appeals from the decision of the Mayor or other officers of Municipal Corporations ; An act to authorize the city of Pensacola to subscribe to cer¬ tain Railroad Stock; An act to change the name of New River county in this State to that of Bradford, in honor of the memory of the late Captain Richard Bradford of this State, and for other purposes. D. W. HOLLOMAN, Ch'n. Which was read. Mr. Blount, from the Committee on the Judiciary, made the following report: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an act to suspend the operation of an act entitled an act to provide for the payment of the Florida Volun¬ teers and others, who have not been paid for services actually rendered the State of Florida in the last war with the Seminole Indians, approved February 8th, 1861, have had the same under consideration, and ask leave to report the same back to the House with the accompanying amendments, and recommend its pas¬ sage. R. H. M. DAVIDSON, Ch'n Senate Com. A. C. BLOIJNT, Ch'n House Com. amendments recommended by the joint judiciary committee 1 Sec. 3. Be it further enacted, That the Governor be, and he is hereby authorized and required to appoint three Commission¬ ers, to be paid a salarj* at the rate of two thousand dollars per annum, together with an allowance of all necessary travelling ex¬ penses, whose duty it shall be to proceed to the counties wherein the claimants aforesaid reside or have resided, and there to make investigation of the frauds allegdU to have been committed upon the treasury of this State under color of the said act, approved February 8th, 1861, as aforesaid. Sec. 4. Be it further enacted, That the said Commissioners or any two of them shall have full power and authority to adminis¬ ter oaths, to send for persons and papers, and by writ directed by them to the sheriff or sheriffs of any of said counties, to cause to be brought before them any person or persons whom they may be informed, or have good reason to suspect to have been engaged in the perpetration of the frauds aforesaid, or who may be able to testify as witnesses to the perpetration of said frauds- Sec. 5. Be it further enacted, That the said Commissioners, or any two of them, shall have full authority to examine the 177 books and records of the Treasurer and Comptroller of this State, together with any or all the officers of this State, touching the frauds alleged to have been committed as aforesaid. Sec. rcse».tutires : Sib i—The Senate has this clay passed the following hills, viz: A bill to be entitled an act to incorporate an Insiu-ance Com¬ pany in the city of Tallahassee, to be called the Gulf' State • In¬ surance Company as amended; A bill to be entitled an act for the benefit of defendants in suit with amendments; title amended as per enclosed. Yery Respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEHURST, Secretary of Senate. Which was read and the bills placed among the orders of the day. Also the following: Sex ate Chamber, ) Dec. 9, 1861. j To Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the Ilou^e of lleprt srnto tires : Sib :—The Senate has this day passed the following resolu¬ tion, viz : Resolution for the relief of Lewis Laird and others. Yery respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEHURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read and the Senate resolution placed among the orders of the day. Also the following : Sexate Chamber, ) December 9, 1S61. ) Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sib :—The Senate has this day adopted a resolution to go into an election for two Confederate States Senators, on Tuesday the 10th inst., at three and a half o1 clock, P. M., which is herewith enclosed. Yery respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEHURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read. Upon concurrence in the Senate amendments to the House bill to be entitled an act for the benefit of defendants in suit, the yeas and nays being called, the yote was: 213 Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Bellamy, Blount, Bloxham, Broxson, Canova, Coffee, Ilawes, Ilolloman, Lee, McKinnon, Means, Mickler, Oliver, Scott, Vogt, and Yon—18. Nays—Messrs. Arendell, Campbell, Carter,-Clyatt, Collins, Haddock, Holland, Howell, Hull, Mizell, Newburn, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Russell, Seward, Stewart, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Williams and Yates—25. So the House refused to concur in the Senate amendments to said bill. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. The following message from his Excellency the' Governor, was received and read: Executive Department, ) Tallahassee, December 10, 1801. j Fellow Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: Your attention is respectfully invited to the accompanying copy of a letter of resignation of the office of Comptroller of Public Accounts, which resignation lias taken effect to-day.— The public interests require that you should elect a Comptroller, and permit the Executive to express the opinion that in no office is intelligence, integrity and experience, more requisite to the public interest, and especially at a time like the present, which demands no" ordinary capacity to devise financial resources for the credit and support of the Htate Government. The Executive feels it to be also his imperative duty to invite your attention to the 15th section of the third article of flie Con¬ stitution, in connection with the fact that the commission held by Mr. Williams as Comptroller may have expired when the fast General Assembly adjourned. The information of the Ex¬ ecutive is, that no commission has been issued since the adjourn¬ ment appointing a Comptroller. If such be the fact, of which it is presumed there is no doubt, one Important enquiry arises as to what shall be done by'legislation to render valid the acts of Mr. Williams as Comptroller, in cases where the public interests and the rights of parties shall require legislation. Very respectfully, JOHN MILTON. Comptroller's Office, ) Dec. 9, 1861. j" Governor Mimton: Wishing to enter the military, and feeling that I can be of more service there than in civil position, I tender you my resig- 214 nation of the office of State Comptroller, to take effect on Tues¬ day, 10th of December. Allow me to tender you my sincere thanks for your uniform kindness and gentlemanly bearing toward me since we have- been officially connected. Respectfully, . R. C. WILLIAMS. On motion of Mr. Holland, eighty copies of the message were ordered to be printed. The rule being waived, on motion of Mr. Russell, the Senate resolution to go into the election of Comptroller to-day, at 12 M. was taken up and concurred in, and a Committee consisting of" Messrs. Russell, McKinnon and Arendell were appointed to in¬ form the Senate of the concurrence of the House. The rule being waived, Mr. Williams without previous notice introduced a bill to be entitled an act to authorize the suspension of specie payments; Which was read and placed among the orders of the day. ORDERS OF THE DAY. Senate bill to be entitled an act to repeal the 8th section of an act still further defining the duties of the Trustees of the In¬ ternal Improvement Fund, approved February 14, 1861, Came up on its second reading, having been made the special order of the day. Mr. Blount offered the following amendment: Mr. Blount moves to amend by striking out all after the enact¬ ing clause, and inserting, " That the operation of the 8th section of an act entitled an act still further defining the duties of the Trustees of the Internal Improvement Fund, approved February 14th, 1861, be and the same is hereby suspended during the war now existing between the United States and the Confederate States of America : Provided, that this act shall in no wise be construed as waiving the principle or impairing the obligation contained in the said 8th section of the act aforesaid." Upon which, the yeas and nays being called, the vote was : Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Blount, Blox- ham, Canova, Cartel', Clyatt, Cole, Hawes, Ilolloman, Hull, Means, Mickler, Newborn, Price, Scott, VanZant and Yogt—IP. NayS—Messrs. Bellamy, Broxson, Campbell, Coffee, Collins. Holland, Howell, Lee, McKinnon, Oliver, Parker, Peterson, Poo- ser, Richardson, Robinson, Russell, Seward, Vann, Wall, Wells. Williams, Yates and Yon—23. 215 So the amendment was lost. Mr. Holland then moved that said hill he indefinitely post¬ poned, Upon which the yeas and nays being called, the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. Bellamy, Campbell, Holland, Ilowell, Oliver, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Richardson, Robinson, Russell, Sew¬ ard, Vann, Wall, Wells, Williams, Yates and Yon—18. Nays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Blount, Bloxham, Brox- son, Canova, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Haddock, Hawes, Holloman, Hull, Lee, McKinnon, Means, Mickler, New- burn, Price, Scott, Stewart, VanZant and Yogt—25. So the motion was lost. The bill was then ordered for a third reading on to-morrow. Senate joint resolution to go into the election of Confederate Senators to-day at 3-f o'clock, P. M, Which was adopted. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. The rules being waived, Mr. Canova from the Committee on Claims made the following report: The Committee on Claims, to whom was referred a bill enti¬ tled an act for the relief of Benjamin Hopkins and others, ask leave respectfully to REPORT: That they have had the same under consideration, and find that a bill framed in the precise phraseology of the bill submitted to your Committee, was introduced into the Senate of this State, and was regularly passed by that Honorable Body, on the 19th December, 1859 : was sent to the House of Representatives and was passed by that body on the 22d December of said year. That it was not, however, approved by the Governor, and as the General Assembly adjourned on the same 22d day of Decem¬ ber, it is presumed that that, with other bills passed at the same session, which your committee find not approved, failed to be¬ come laws for the want of time. They further find that a bill of the same purport was after¬ wards introduced into the Senate, and Avas referred to the Com¬ mittee on Claims and accounts of that Honorable body, who, on the 28th day of January, 1801, made an able report, (found at page 180.of the journals,) in Avhich the justice of tfm claim was fully shown, and recommended the passage of the bill. That af¬ terwards, on the 31st January, it was passed by that Honorable Body almost unanimously, and was sent to the House of Repre¬ sentatives, where, as is supposed, from not being understood, it was by a very small vote indefinitely postponed. Your commit- 2 i(i tee have given a minute of the legislation had upon the hills men¬ tioned. This, however, was not all upon this subject. By au act of Assembly approved December 18, 1854, the Comptroller was instructed to audit and allow to Dr. Algernon S. Spear, one of the members of Gen. Hopkins1 stall", the pay and allowances of a surgeon in the army of the United States for the time he was engaged as surgeon of the troops under the command of General Hopkins, engaged in operations against the Indians in 1852, with a proviso that the pay already allowed to Dr. Spear as 1st Lieutenant under the act of January 8th, 1853, be de¬ ducted from said amount, and to allow to Arthur Ginn, another of the members of General Hopkins' staff, the pay and allow¬ ances of Quartermaster in the army of the United States for the same time, with a like proviso that the pay received by him as 1st Lieutenant under said act be deducted from said amount: which sums were duly allowed by the Comptroller and paid by the Treasurer. Your committee find said act of December 18, 1854, to be precisely similar to the act submitted to your com¬ mittee, the necessary difference being made of name of claimant, office, &o., and that while justice has been done to all who served under General Hopkins, except himself and the others named in the bill submitted to your committee, they have been asking for years that justice should be done to them, yet have not received it. Believing that the claim is just and should be paid, your com¬ mittee return said bill to the Home, and recommend its passage. A. A. CAY OVA, Chairman. Which was received and read and the accompanying bill placed among the orders of the day. A bill to be entitled an act relative to the Public Lands of the State of Florida, Was read the second time and the following amendments of¬ fered by Mr. Blount: Mr. Blount moves to amend by striking out of the 4th line of the Gth section, the words " middle circuit of Florida," and .in¬ serting the words u circuit in which the lands in controversy are situated;" Strike out the word u middle" from the 7th line of same section; Strike out the words " Leou circuit court," aud insert the " cir¬ cuit of the county within which said land may be situated," in the 11th line of same section ; Insert tly? word u said" between the word " the" and the word u circuit" in the 13th line of the same section; and strikeout from the same line of the same section the words u in and for Leon county1 Amend 7th section by striking out of the 3d line the words 217 for Leon county1' unci insert the word u said" between the word " the" and the words u circuit court Add to said 7th section the words "■ provided a copy of said writ shall be served upon the Register within thirty days before the first day of said term of court, and said writ may be directed to the Sheriff of Leon county:" Which were adopted. Mr. Scott, from the Committee on Engrossed Hills, made the following report: The Committee on Engrossed Bills report the following bills and resolution as correctly engrossed, viz: A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the Circuit Courts of this State to change the names of persons residing therein ; A bill to be entitled an act explanatory of an act to provide for the necessary supplies of the army to prevent monopolies, and for other purposes; A bill to be entitled an act to suspend the operations of an act entitled an act to provide for the payment of the Florida Vol¬ unteers and others who have not been paid for services actually rendered the State of Florida in the last war with the Seminole Indians, approved February 8th, 1861 ; also, Resolution for the relief of certain citizens of Leon county and all the counties in this State. Respectfully submitted, WM. IX. SCOTT, Chairman. Which was read and the accompanying bills and resolution -placed among the orders of the day. A Committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. Chain, Starke and Walker waited upon the House and informed them that the Senate was ready to go into the election of Comptroller. On motion of Mr. Holland, a Committee from the House con¬ sisting of Messrs. Holland, Pooser and Robinson were appointed to wait upon the Senate, and inform them that the House was ready to go into the election of Comptroller. The Senate entered the hall of the House, and the President by request of the Speaker took the chair, and announced the ob¬ ject of the Joint Meeting to be to elect a Comptroller. Nominations being announced in order, Mr. Brokaw nominated Walter Gtvynn of Leon county; Mr. Newburn nominated A. J. Peeler of Leon county ; Mr. Hawkins nominated Mr. Pooser of Jackson county ; Mr. Bowers nominated E. L. T. Blake of Leon county. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to the election. The vote was : Fob Blake—Senate 9. House—Messrs. Campbell, Coffee, McKinnon, Means, Scott and Yon—7. Total 16. 218 Foe Peelee—Senate 1. House—Messrs. Arendell, Blount, Canova, Carter, Clyatt, Cole, Holland, "Howell, Mizell, Peterson, Richardson, Russell, Seward, Vann, Wall, Wells, Williams and Yates—18. Total 18. Foe Gwynn—Senate 6. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Bellamy, Bloxham, Collins, Haddock, Holloman, Hull, Mickler, Oliver, Price, Stewart, VanZant and Vftgt—14. Total 20. Foe Poosee—Senate 5. House—Messrs. Parker, Pooser and Robinson—3. Total 8. Blank—House—Messrs. Ilawes and Lee—2. Neither of the candidates having received the requisite major¬ ity, the President declared there was no election. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to a second ballot. The vote was: Foe Blake—Senate 5. House—Messrs. Campbell, Coffee, McKinnon and Scott—4. Total 9. Foe Peelee—House—Messrs. Arendell, Blount, Canova, Carter, Clyatt, Cole, Howell, Lee, Means, Newburn, Peterson, Richardson, Russell, Seward, Wall, Williams and Yates—17. Total 17. Foe Gwynn—Senate 10. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Bellamy, Bloxham, Collins, Haddock, Hawes, Holloman, Hull, Mickler, Oliver, Price, Stewart, VanZant, Wells, Vogt and Yon—17. Total 27. Foe Poosee—Senate 5. House—Messrs. Broxson, Parker, Pooser and Robinson—4. Total 9. Blank—Senate 1. House—Mr. Vann—1. Total 2. Neither of the candidates having received the" requisite num¬ ber of votes, the President declared there was no election. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to a third ballot. The vote was: Foe Blake—Senate 2. House—Messrs. Campbell, Coffee, Mc¬ Kinnon and Means—4. Total C. Foe Peelee—Senate 2. Rouse—Messrs* Arendell, Blount,. Canova, Carter, Cole, Ilawes, Howell, Newburn, Peterson,. Richardson, Russell, Seward, Vann, Wall, Wells, Williams and Yates—17. Total 19. Foe Gwynn—Senate 11. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Bellamy, Bloxham, Collins, Haddock, Holloman, Hull, Mickler, Oliver, Parker, Price, Stewart, VanZant, Vogt and Yon—17. Total 28. Foe Poosee—Senate 5. House—Messrs. Broxson, Pooser- and Robinson—3. Total 8. Blank—Senate 1. House—Mr. Lee—1. Total 2. Neither of the candidates having received the requisite ma¬ jority, the President declared there Avas no election. 219 Mr. Dawkins then withdrew the name of Mr. Pooser; Mr. Bowers the name of Mr. Blake. Mr. Blake was again put in nomination by Mr. Pooser. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to a fourth ballot. The vote was: Fon Peeler—Senate 1. House—Messrs. Arendell, Blount, Canova, Carter, Clyatt, Cole, Howell, Lee, MeKinnon, New- burn, Peterson, Richardson, Russell, Seward, Yann, Wall, Williams and Yates—18. Total 19. For Givnw—Senate 14. House—Mr. Speaker,Messrs. Amos, Bellamy, Bloxham, Campbell, Coffee, Collins, Haddock, Hawes, Holloman, Hull, Mickler, Oliver, Price, Scott, Stewart, VanZant, Yogt and Yon—19. Total 3 3. For Blake—Senate 5. House—Messrs. Means, Parker, Pooser, Robinson and Wells—5. Total 10. Neither of the candidates having received the required num¬ ber of votes, the President declared there was no election. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to a fifth ballot. The vote was : For Peeler—Senate 1. House;—Messrs. Arendell, Blount, Canova, Clyatt, Cole, Hawes, Howell, Newburn, Peterson, Rich¬ ardson, Robinson, Seward, Yann, Wall, Wells, Williams and Yates—18. Total 19. For Gwynn—Senate 18. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Bel¬ lamy, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Collins, Haddock, Holland, Holloman, Hull, Lee; Mickler, Oliver, Price, Russell, Scott, Stewart, YogtandYon—21. Total 39. For Blake—Senate 2. House—Messrs. MeKinnon, Means, Parker and Pooser—4. Total 6. The President declared Walter Gwynn duly elected Comptrol¬ ler for the unexpired term of office of R. C. Williams, resigned.' On motion the Joint Meeting then adjourned. The following communication was received from his Excellen¬ cy the Governor and read : Executive Department, \ Tallahassee, December 9, 1861. ) Fellow Citizens of the Senate and House of Itepreseidatives : In consequence of the existing blockade of Southern Ports, the produce of Agriculture is confined within the States composing the Southern Confederacy. Commerce with foreign nations, and most happily with the so-called United States, is prevented. One consequence is, a scarcity of money, and hence, our citizens can¬ not, without a great sacrifice of property, beneficial alone to a few Shvlocks, pay debts existing, and the amount required by 220 taxation to support the State 'and Confederate Government. To save the people harmless from the necessity of a sacrifice to pay debts, a law exists in Florida, and similar laws in other States, " to stay Executions." In many instances the officers of the Courts are dependent for the support of themselves and families -upon the costs which have been incidental to existing judgments and decrees of the Courts. In the opinion of the Executive, the costs due to officers which have accrued up to the time of the rendition of judgments and decrees, should be-paid. . To the parties litigant, considered sev¬ erally, the amount of costs is inconsiderable; but collectively, is sufficient to insure the support of the officers of the Court. A law to prevent forced collections upon Executions, which have been issued, or the issue of which is justified by existing judg¬ ments and decrees until one year after peace shall be made, and the ordinary channel of trade restored, would be beneficial, secur¬ ing to creditors the rights they now have by the laws authorizing attachments. And if, by the provisions of the act and for the same length of time, the sessions of Court, except for the trial of crimes and misdemeanors, should be suspended, unnecessary liti¬ gation and the accumulation of costs may be avoided. How long the war shall last cannot be reasonably conjectured; but it is now most earnestly hoped it will continue until the in¬ dependence of the Confederate States of America shall not only be recognized, but experienced, by all foreign nations, or until the angel shall proclaim u Time is no more." And permit me to express to you, Senators and Representa¬ tives, the deep humiliation of feeling experienced by the great anxiety which has been manifested to have the independence of the Confederate States of America recognized formally by foreign nations, which should be made to Jecl the independence of the Confederates, and forced, by their own commercial interests, to respect it. " Free Trade and Sailors'Rights," were the watch¬ words of our lathers. "Free Trade and Farmers' Rights," should be ours. The support of the Confederate Government by direct taxa- iton, will avoid the enormous expense incident to Custom Houses and the corrupting influences of Executive patronage. Of the late tax imposed by Congress, there would have been no com¬ plaint if the provisions of the law had evinced, in the judgment of the people, a wise economy. There was perhaps no necessity for Tax xVssessors, &c., to have been appointed, and especially an States where the ad va lerem system of taxation prevailed. The information necessary could have been furnished in the sev¬ eral States by the Comptroller of Public Accounts, and thus the necessary information obtained at a cost of perhaps one hundred 221 dollars in each State, (and the people saved from the annoyance that a Tax Assessor's presence never fails to inspire) to obtain which, tens of thousands of dollars will he spent by the employ¬ ment of Tax Assessors. The portion of revenue due from Florida for the support of the Confederate Government, should be paid at any necessary sacrifice. " Millions for defence—not a cent for tribute," should be the motto of the gallant sons of the worthy sires of the Ameri¬ can revolution. To defend the South from the tribute—which would be de¬ manded by the North—millions upon millions, and life upon life, should be the willing offering of a brave and generous peo¬ ple, resolved to defend life, liberty and property from vandalism. But the necessities of the times, with the future prospects of Florida from increased population and wealth, make it desirable to pay the amount called for by the Confederate Government, without increasing taxation at this time, if it can be honorably done. How can it be done ? In the opinion' of the Executive, it may he done by the General Assembly authorizing the issue of Treas¬ ury Notes, none of which should be of less denomination than ten dollars. These Treasury Notes, unlike the present, payable only in taxes, should be redeemable as Bank Notes are in other States, and have the similitude and form of Bank Notes. These Treasury Notes may be used in defraying the expenses of the Confederate Government in the maintenance of the war, not only in Florida, but in our sister States, and in account with the Confederate Government its Treasury Notes may be substi¬ tuted to enable Florida to contribute her full quota to the sup¬ port of the Confederate Government. Official reports, not for¬ gotten, establish the fact that the climate of* Florida is more de¬ lightful and more healthy than the climate of any one of the Con¬ federate States. Florida's soil is fertile and easily cultivated, and will yield abundant and profitable crops of cotton, corn, rice, su¬ gar, tobacco, and every thing else which makes agriculture a profitable and delightful employment The orange, the lemon, the pine apple—in a word, all the tropical fruits, will, in a few years, be produced in the greatest abundance. These natural advantages, taken in connection with the fact, that while the Western States will for many years be exposed to depredations of Indians, Mexicans and abolitionists, Florida will be compara¬ tively secure " from enemies within and without her borders and more especially if patriotism and enterprise shall provide the proper coast defences. Such prominent advantages will induce emigration to Florida of citizens most conducive to the wealth and glory of a State: Farmers—Mechanics—and Artizans. 222 In a few years, the population and resources of Florida will become tenfold, and the amount to be realized by taxation to pay off debts now being incurred, will be light and cheerfully paid. Yery respectfully, your fellow-citizen, JOHN" MILTON. On motion, 80 copies thereof were ordered to be printed. On motion, the House took a recess until three o'clock, P. M. 3 O'CLOCK, P. M. The House resumed its session—a quorum present. Mr. Holloman moved that a Committee of Conference be ap¬ pointed on the part of the House to confer with a similar Com¬ mittee appointed by the Senate as a Committee of Conference on Senate amendments to House bill to be entitled an act providing for a stay of Executions; Which was agreed to, and Messrs. Holloman, Bloxham, Blount, Hull and Russell were appointed said Committee. A communication addressed to the Speaker of the House from sundry officers of the fourth Regiment Florida Yolunteers, Was, on motion, referred to the Committee on the Militia. .A bill to be entitled an act to suspend the operations of an act entitled an act to provide for the payment of the Florida Yolun¬ teers and others who have not been paid for services actually rendered the State ot Florida iu the last War with the Seminole Indians, approved February 8, 1861; Came up on its third reading, and on motion, was placed back on its second reading. Mr. Yann offered the following amendment to said.bill: Sec. 15. Be it further enacted, That nothing in this act shall be so construed as to impair the validity of the warrants in the hands of bona fide holders, which have already been-issued under the provisions of an act entitled u an act to provide for the pay¬ ment of the Florida Yolunteers and others who have not been paid for services actually rendered the State of Florida in the last War with the Seminole Indians, approved Feb'v 8, 1861. Upon which the yeas and nays being called for, the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. *Canova, Coffee, Peterson, Richardson, Yann, YanZant, Wall and Wells—8. Nays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Cole, Holland, Howell, Hull, Lee, Mickler, Newburn, Oliver, Pooser, Price, Russell, Scott, Seward, Yates and Yon—-25. So the amendment was lost. 223 On motion, the further consideration of the bill was postponed until to-morrow. On motion, Mr. Stewart was excused from attendance on the House to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the Circuit Courts of this State to change the names of persons residing therein, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was : Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Bellamy, Blox- ham, Broxson, Canova, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Hawes, Holland, Howell, Hull, Lee, McKinnon, Mickler, Hewburn, Oliver, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Russell, Sew¬ ard, Vann, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Vogt, Williams and Yon—35. Hays—Messrs. Haddock, St wart and Yates—3. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. The following message was received from the Senate, viz: Senate Chambek, ) Dec. 10, 1861. ) Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sib :—The Senate passed the following bill on the 1th inst., which, until this moment has been in possession of one of the ^Senate Committees, viz: A bill to be entitled an act to regulate proceedings before Justice's of the Peace in the trial of offences committed by slaves, free negroes, or mulattoes. V erv respectfully, JOHN B. WIIITEIHJRST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read, and the accompanying bill placed among the orders of the day. The following message was received from his Excellency the (Governor, and read: Executive Depxktment, ' ) Tallahassee, December 10, 1861. f Fellow-Citizens of the Senate ancl House of JReprese?itatwes : My attention has been invited, as will appear by a sub¬ joined copy of a letter from the Chairman of the Commit¬ tee on Claims of the House of Representatives, to a claim of Benjamin Hopkins and others now before your honorable bodies ; and having given it a careful examination, I am sat¬ isfied that faithful services were rendered by those of the 224 claimants? now living, and the gallant John L. Hopkins who is now dead, (whose widow now claims in his place.) in op¬ erations against the Seminole and other Indians in South* Florida in the year 1852 and 1858, for which they and oth¬ ers of Gen. Hopkins' stall were partially paid under a .Reso¬ lution of the General Assembly approved January 8th, 1858. I linu also that under said Resolution all the com¬ mand of Gen. Hopkins, except himself and staff, w eve fully paid; and that subsequently, viz: on the 18th December, 1854, an act of Assembly was approved instructing the Comptroller " to audit and allow to Dr. Algernon S. Spear," one of the members of Gen. Hopkins' staff, " the pay and allowances of a Surgeon in the army of the United States, for the time he was actually engaged as Surgeon with the troops under the command of Gen. Hopkins when engaged in operations against the Indians in South Florida in the year 1852, provided that the pay already allowed to said Spear as First Lieutenant under " said resolution, " approved- January 8th, 1853, be deducted from said amountand al¬ so to allow " Arthur Ginn (another of the members of the staff of Gen. Hopkins,) the pay and allowances of a Quar¬ termaster in the army of the United States service for the time he wTas actually engaged as Quartermaster with the troops under the command of Gen. Hopkins when engaged in operations against the Indians in South Florida in 1852, provided that the pay already received by said Ginn as First. Lieutenant, under " said resolution, " approved January Sth, 1853, be deducted from said amount." By said act of Dec. 18, 1854, the Treasurer of the State was directed to pay the warrants which were directed to be issued by the Comptrol¬ ler, out of any monies in the Treasury not otherwise expen¬ ded, which has been done. By this act, full justice was done to the Surgeon and Quartermaster, and in my judgment the same should long since have been done to the General and the other members of his staff living, and the one who is dead, who are the only parties who have not received it. Either the parties were entitled to pay for their services or they were not entitled, and it was scant justice, after they ^iad faithfully served the State, to meet out to a part of them full pay, and to the oth¬ ers scant compensation. They should all have been paid fully, and not a part paid in full, and the remainder partial¬ ly. When the act of December 18th, 1854, was passed and 225 approved, justice was done to two of the members of the staff of Gen. Hopkins, which has ever since been matter of »State pride, and ever will be; and should the same be done to General Hopkins and the others whose claim is now be¬ fore the General Assembly, the State will then, though tar¬ dily, have discharged an obligation which is above the mere question of the amount due. The State has, I believe, hon¬ orably discharged every debt due to all the soldiers that she lias ever had in the field in any former war, except to Gen. Hopkins and the others mentioned in the bill now before your honorable bodies, and I feel confident that she will honorably discharge it to the claimants in said bill. I there¬ fore respectfully recommend the claim to your favorable con¬ sideration. Y ery respectfully, Your fellow-citizen, JOHN MILTON. [copy.] House oe Representatives, \ December 9th, 1861. j Sir—The House has referred to the Committee on Claims, •f which I am chairman, a bill entitled " An act for the re¬ lief of Benjamin Hopkins and others," for services, against flie Seminole Indians in the year 1852. The bill, in the opinion of the Committee, possesses mer¬ it, and as there has been considerable legislation on the sub¬ ject by the General Assembly of 1859 and 1860, the Com¬ mittee will be under many obligations for any information you may communicate to the General Assembly in reference thereto. I have the honor to be, sir, Your obedient servant, A. A. CANOYA, Chairman. Mr. Russell moved that the same be laid on the table; Upon which the yeas and nays being called, the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. Howell, Russell and Seward—3. Nays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Bellamy, Broxson, Camp¬ bell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Holland, Hull, Means, Mickler, Oliver, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, fcott, Yann, Wall, Williams, Yates and Yon—26. 15 226 So the motion was lost. Mr. Hull moved that said message be referred to the Commit¬ tee on Claims; Which was agreed to. A Committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. .McCall, Ingram and Rogers waited upon the House and informed them that the Senate was now ready to go into the election of Con¬ federate Senators. On motion of Mr. Bloxham, a Committee of three, consisting of Messrs. Bloxham, Scott and Price, were appointed to wait upon the Senate and inform them that the House was now ready to go into the election of Senators. The Senate entered the hall of the House, and the President by request of the Speaker took the chair. The President declared the object of the Joint Meeting to be., to elect two Confederate Senators. Nominations being announced in order, Mr. McCall nominated J. T. Magbee of Hillsborough county. Mr. Rogers nominated George T. Ward of Leon county. Mr. Stewart nominated Geo. W. Call of Nassau county. Mr. Lee nominated James M. Baker of Columbia county. Mr. Chain nominated Jackson Morton of Santa Rosa county. Mr. Bellamy nominated A. E. Maxwell of Escambia county. Mr. Brokaw nominated Thomas Baltzell of Leon county. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to the election. . The vote was: Foe Waed—Senate 7. House—Messrs. Arendell, Broxson, Hawes, Holland, Scott and Stewart—6. Total 13. Foe Call—Senate 10. House—Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Broxson, Carter, Clyatt, Collins, Hawes, Mickler, Richardson, Stewart and Yates—11. Total 21. Foe Bailee—Senate 1. House—Messrs. Bellamy, Campbell, Coffee, Cole, Ilolloman, Hull, Lee, McKinnon, Newburn, Pooser, Price, Robinson, Russell, Seward, Yann, VauZant, Wall, Wells and Williams—18. Total 19. Foe Moetox—Senate 2. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Blount and Haddock—4. Total 6. Foe Maxwell—Senate 3. House—Messrs. Bellamy, Blox¬ ham, Carter, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Holloman, McKinnon, Peter¬ son, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Yann, YanZant, Wall, Wells and Yon—19. Total 22. Foe Maobek—Senate 6. House—Messrs. Blount, Clyatt, Howell, Lee, Mickler, Newburn, Oliver, Peterson, Seward, Yates and Yon—11. Total 17. Foe Baltzell—Senate 1. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. 227 Bloxham, Canova, Campbell, Haddock, Holland, Howell, Oliver and Williams—9. Total 10. Blank—Senate 3. House—Messrs. Parker and Yogt—2. Total 5. Neither of the candidates having received the requisite ma¬ jority, the President declared there was no election. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to a second ballot. The vote was: For Ward—Senate 6. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Brox¬ son, Haddock, Hawes, Holland, Scott and Stewart—7. Total 13. For Call—Senate 12. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendeil, Broxson, Clyatt, Collins, Haddock, Hawes, Mickler, Richardson, Robinson, Stewai't, Yogt and Yates—14. Total 26. For Baker—Senate 1. House—Messrs. Bellamy, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Cole, ITolloman, Hull, Lee, McKinnon, New- burn, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Russell, Vann, YanZant, Wall, Wells, Yogt and Williams—21. Total 22. For Morton—Senate 4. House—Messrs. Amos, Blount, Howell and Stewart—4. Total 8. For Maxwell—Senate 4. House—Messrs. Arendeil, Bella¬ my, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Holloman, Hull, Lee, McKinnon, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Yann, YanZant, Wall, Wells and Yon—23. To- -tal 27. For Magbee—Senate 5. House—Messrs. Blount, Clyatt, Howell, Mickler, Newburn, Oliver, Parker, Peterson, Seward, Yates and Yon—11. Total 16. ForBaltzell—Senate 2. House —Messrs. Bloxham, Canova, Holland, Oliver and Williams—5. Total 7. Blank—Senate 3. Total 3. Neither of the candidates having received the requisite num¬ ber of votes, the President declared there was no election. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to a third ballot. The vote was: For Ward—Senate 5. House—Messrs. Broxson, Haddock, Hawes, Holland, Holloman, Scott and Stewart—7. Total 12. For Call—Senate 14. House—Messrs. Broxson, Clyatt, Col¬ lins, Haddock, Hawes, Holloman, Mickler, Richardson, Robin¬ son, Stewart, Yogt and Yates—12. Total 26. For Baker—Senate 4. House—Messrs. Arendeil, Bellamy, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Cole, Hull, Lee, McKinnon, Newburn, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Russell, Yann, YanZant, Wall, Wells, Yogt and Williams—20. Total 24. For Morton—Senate 3. House—Messrs. Amos, Blount, IIol-. iand, Howell, Mickler and Seward—6. Total 9. For Maxwell—Senate 6. House—Messrs. Arendeil, Bella- 228 my, Bloxhiim, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Hull, Lee, McKinnon, Oliver, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Yann, YanZant, Wall, Wells and Yon—23. Total 29. For Magbee—Senate 5. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Blount, Clyatt, Howell, Newburn, Oliver, Peterson, Seward, Yates and Yon—10. Total 15. For Baltzell—Senate 1. House—Messrs. Bloxham and Wil¬ liams—2. Total 3. Blank—Senate 1. House—Messrs. Canova, Means and Par¬ ker—3. Total 4. Neither of the candidates having received the requisite num¬ ber of votes, the President declared there was no election. The President announced nominations still in order. Mr. Abercrombie nominated T. T. Long of Nassau county. Mr. Williams nominated A. L. Woodward of Leon county. Mr. Parker nominated J. M. Taylor of Hernando county. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to a fourth ballot. The vote was : For Ward—Senate 6. House—Mr.,Hawes—1. Total 7. For Call—Senate 12. House—Messrs. Collins, Haddock, Hawes, Holloinan, Mickler, Richardson, Robinson and Yogt—8. Total 20. For Baker—Senate 3. House—Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy,. Broxson, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Cole, Holloman, Hull, Lee, McKinnon, Newburn, Pooser, Price, Russell, Yann, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Yogt and Williams—21. Total 24. For Morton—Senate 3. House—Mr Blount—1. Total 4. For Maxwell—Senate 5. House—Messrs. Amos, Aren¬ dell, Bellamy, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Lee, Mc¬ Kinnon, Newburn, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Rus¬ sell, Scott, Yann, YanZant, Wall and WeUs—21. Total 26. For Magbee—Senate 5. House—Messrs. Blount, Clyatt, Howell, Peterson, Seward, Yates and Yon—7. Total 12. For Long—Senate 1. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Blox¬ ham, Broxson, Clyatt, Haddock, Holland, Howell, Hull, Means, Mickler, Oliver, Yates and Yon—12. Total 13. For Woodward—Senate 1. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Bloxham, Holland, Means, Oliver and Williams—6. Total 7. For Taylor—House—Messrs. Parker and Peterson—2. To¬ tal 2. Blank—Senate 2. House—Mr. Canova 1. Total 3. The President declared there was no election, neither of the candidates having received the requisite number of votes. Mr. Williams withdrew the name of A. L. Woodward. Mr. Parker withdrew the name of J. M. Taylor. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to a fifth ballot. 229 The vote was: For Ward—Senate g. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Brox¬ son, Hawes, Holland and Scott—5. Total 11. For Call—Senate 10. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Collins, Haddock, Hawes, Mickler and Kichardson—7. Total 17. For Baker—Senate 3. House*-Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Bloxham, Broxson, Campbell, Cartel*, .Coffee, Cole, Holloman,, Hull, Lee, McKinnon, Means, Newburn, Parker, Peterson, Poo¬ ser, Price, Robinson, Russell, Vann, VanZant, Wall, Wells and Williams—24. Total 27. For Morton—Senate 6. House—Messrs. Amos, Blount, Clyatt and Means—4. Total 10. For Maxwell—Senate 3. House—Messrs Arendell, Bella¬ my, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Haddock, Holloman, Hull, Lee, McKinnon, Newburn, Oliver, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Rulsell, Scott, Vann, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Williams and Yon—27. Total 30. For Magbee—Senate 4. Hohse—Messrs. Blount, Clyatt, Howell, Oliver, Parker, Peterson, Seward, Yates and Yon—9. Total 13. For Long—Senate r. House—Messrs. Holland, Howell, Mickler andYates—4. Total 5. Blank—Senate 4. House—Mr. Canova—1. Total 5. The President declared that there was no election, neither of the candidates having received the requisite number of votes. The President announced nominations still in order. Mr. Love nominated Hon. S. R. Mallory of Escambia county. Mr. Holland nominated McQueen Mcintosh of Franklin county. Tie Joint Meeting then proceeded to a sixth ballot. The vote was: ' For Ware—Senate 4. House1—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Blount, Broxson, Hawes, Holland and Stewart—6. Total 10.. For Call—Senate 9. House—Messrs. Broxson, Collins, Haddock, Hawes, Mickler, Richardson, Stewart and Yates—8. Total 17, For Baker—Senate 4. > House—Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Cole, Haddock, Holloman, Hull, Lee, McKinnon, Means, Newburn, Parker, Pooser, Price, Richard¬ son, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Vann, VanZant, Wall, Wells and Vogt—25. Total 29. For Morton—Senate 4. Llouse—Messrs.. Amos and Blount —2. Total 6. For Maxwell—Senate 4. House—Messrs. Arendell, Bel¬ lamy, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Hollo¬ man, Hull, Lee, McKinnon, Newburn, Oliver, Parker, Pooser, 230 Price, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Vann, Van Zant, Wall and Wells—25. Total 29. Foe Magbee—Senate 6. House—Messrs. Clyatt, Howell, Oliver, Peterson, Seward and Yates—6. Total 12. Foe Long—Senate 1. Total 1. Foe McIntosh—House-^-Messrs. Holland and Means—2. To¬ tal 2. Foe Malloey—Senate 4. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Bloxham, Canova, Clyatt, Howell, Mickler, Peterson and Wil¬ liams—8. Total 12. Blank—Senate 3. House—Mr. Yon—1. Total 4. The President declared there was no election, neither of the candidates having received the requisite number of votes. On motion, the Joint Meeting adjourned. On motion, the House adjourned until to-morrow morning, 10 o'clock. WEDNESDAY, December 11, 186.1. The House met pursuant to adjournment—a quorum present. On motion of Mr. Russell, the reading of yesterday's journal was dispensed with. The following communication, addressed to the Speaker, by the Rev. Mr. Blake, the Chaplain of this House, was read: Tallahassee, Dec. 11, 1861. Hon. Samuel B. Love, /Speaker of the Ilouxe of Representatives: Dear Sir: I shall not be able to serve the House as Chaplain during fhe remainder of the session. Respectfully, E. L. T. BLAKE. On motion, Messrs. Mickler and Ilawes were granted leave of absence, and excused from further attendance on the House after to-day, during the present session. Mr. Russell moved that the vote taken yesterday on an amend¬ ment offered by Mr. Vann, on a bill to be entitled an act to sus¬ pend the operations of an act entitled an act to provide for the payment of the Florida Volunteers and others, who have not been paid for services actually rendered the State of Florida in the last War with the Seminole Indians, approved Feb'v 8,1861, -The reconsidered; Which was agreed to. 231 Mr. Vann introduced a joint resolution to go into the elec¬ tion of Confederate Senators this evening, at 3^ o'clock, P. M. Which was adopted, and on motion, a committee consisting of Messrs. Coffee, Blount and Holloman, were appointed to con- A*ey said resolution to the Senate and request their concurrence. The rules being waived, the following bill was introduced without previous notice: By Mr. Russell: A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act to extend the time for collecting taxes in this State; Which was placed among the orders of the day. Mr. Blount, from the Committee on the Judiciary, made the following report: The Joint Judiciary Committe to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an act to provide for the issue of Treasury Notes, ap¬ proved February 14, 1861, have had the same under considera¬ tion, and ask leave to report the same back to the House with¬ out amendment, and recommend its passage. All of which is respectfully submitted, A. C. BLOUNT, Ch'n House Com. R. II. M. DAVIDSON, Ch'n Senate Com. Which was read and the accompanying bill placed among the orders of the day. Also the following: The Committee on the Judiciary to whom was referred a bil to be entitled an act more effectually to secure the payment for stock killed or injured on railroads, have had the same under con¬ sideration and ask leave to recommend the following amendments for the consideration of the House : Strike out all after the word " duty" in the 5th line of the 1st section and insert the words " of the Judges of Probate of the several comities of this State, into, or through which any railroad may pass, to appoint a suitable person or suitable persons to ap¬ praise stock killed or injured by any railroad train, or by the neg¬ ligence of any person or persons in the employment of any such railroad, and it shall be the duty of such person or persons thus appointed, upon application made to him or them, either by the railroad company or its agent or employee, or by the party in¬ terested in the stock so killed or injured, upon view of the stock so killed or injured, or upon the testimony produced before him or them touching the same, to appraise and assess the value of said stock, and make return of such appraisement or assessment to the Judge of Probate of the county within which he is ap¬ pointed. 232 Sec. 2. Be it further enacted, That it shall he the duty of every railroad company in this State to cause the marks and brands, to¬ gether with the flesh marks of any and all stock killed or injured on any such railroad, to be noted and taken down, and a memo¬ randum of the same to be published at the two nearest stations at which such killing or injury may have taken place, and it shall further be the duty of said company to transmit a copy of said memorandum to the person appointed by the said Probate Court to appraise said stock, and who may be residing nearest the sta¬ tion at which such killing or injury may have taken place, and' for the neglect or violation of either of the requirements contained in this section or for a delay of five days in publishing the same, said company shall be liable, and shall pay double the amount appraised and assessed as the value of such stock. Sec. 3 Be it farther enacted, That upon the return made to the Judge of Probate aforesaid by the appraiser aforesaid, if the value of the stock aforesaid is not paid within ten days after such return by the railroad aforesaid, the said Judge of Probate shall istue an execution therefor, said execution to be levied and re¬ turned as other executions now provided by law are levied and returned : Provided, however, That either party shall have the right of appeal to the Circuit Court from the decision of the ap¬ praiser aforesaid. Sec. 4. Be it farther enacted, That the appraisers aforesaid shall be entitled to and shall receive one dollar for each and every appraisement made under the provisions of this act, and the rail¬ road companies aforesaid, shall pay all the costs and expenses in¬ cident to the execution of the same. . K. H. M. DAVIDSON, Chairman Senate Committee. A. C. BLOUNT, Chairman House Committee. Which was read and the amendments adopted, and the ac¬ companying bill placed among the orders of the day. Mr. Holloman, from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, made the following report: The Committee on Enrolled Bills ask leave to report the fol¬ lowing bills as correctly enrolled, viz: An act to incorporate an Insurance Company in the city of Tallahassee, to be called the Gulf State Insurance Company ; An act to consolidate the office of Sheriff and Tax Assessor and Collector of Suwannee county; An act for the relief of R. B. Canova. D. W. HOLLOMAN, Ch'n. Which was read. * Mr. Holland offered the following resolution: 28 3 .Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed by thist House to act with a like Committee from the Senate, to report a joint resolution in relation to the adjournment of the General Assembly; Which was adopted. Messrs. Holland, Cole and Coffee were appointed said Com¬ mittee. . Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. ORDERS OF THE DAY. Resolution for the relief of certain citizens of Leon county, and -all the counties of this State, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Blount, Blox- ham, Broxson, Canova, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Haddock, Ilawes, Howell, Hull, Lee, Means, Mizell, Newburn, Oliver, Pooser, Price, Robinson, Scott, Seward, Wall and Yon—28. Nays—Messrs. McKinnon, Richardson, Vann, VanZant, Wells and Yates—6. So the resolution passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. A bill to be entitled an act to suspend the operations of an act entitled an act to provide for the payment of the Florida Volun¬ teers and others, who have not been paid for services actually rendered the State of Florida in the last War with the Seminole Indians, approved Feb'y 8, 1861; Came up on its second reading, and on the question of the adoption of the amendment to said bill as offered by Mr. Vann on yesterday, and which was lost, and the vote upon which, was reconsidered this morning. Mr. Love offered the following proviso to said amendment: Provided, however, That said bona fide holders shall be purged upon oath as to the real amount paid for said warrants, which amount, With legal interest, shall be allowed; Which was lost. The question then recurring upon the adoption of Mr. Vann's amendment, the yeas and nays being called, the vote was : Yeas—Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Blount, Canova, Clyatt, Cof¬ fee, Collins, Holloman, Newburn, Peterson, Richardson, Vann, VanZant, Wall and Yates—15. Nays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Bellamy, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Cole, Llawes, Howell, Hull, McKinnon, Means, Oliver, 234 Pooser, Price, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Seward, "Wells, Vogt, Williams and Yon—22. So the amendment was lost. Mr. Blount moved to amend the second section of said bill by adding the following words: But the Governor shall issue Bonds of this State dated Janu¬ ary the first, 1862, which Bonds shall be issued in sums of not less than one hundred dollars, and shall be due. and payable on the first day of January, 1882, and shall bear interest at the rate of seven per cent, per annum, payable semi-annually at the Treasury ol the State of Florida, for an amount sufficient to cover the Comptroller's Warrants upon the Treasury, issued prior to June the first, 1861, under the act above described, ap¬ proved Eebruary 8, 1861. Said Bonds shall be signed by the Governor, recorded in the Comptroller's office, and registered and counter-signed by the Treasurer. And all sums recovered from parties who may have fraudulently procured any portion of said Comptroller's Warrants, shall be used in paying interest upon said Bonds or in purchasing said Bonds at their market value. Which was lost. 'The further consideration of the bill was then on motion post¬ poned until to-morrow. The rules being waived, Mr. Holloman offered the following resolution : Be it resolved, That from and after Saturday, the 14th inst., no member of this House shall be allowed to introduce any bill during the present session of this legislature. Which was adopted. Senate bill to entitled an act to regulate proceedings before Justice's of the Peace in the trial of offences, committed by slaves, free negroes, or mulattoes, Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an act explanatory of an act to provide for the necessary supplies for the army in the State of Florida, to prevent monopolies and for other purposes, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. Arendell, Blount, Bloxham, Cartel-, Coffee, Had¬ dock, Holland, Hull, Lee, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Rus¬ sell, Seward, Yann, Yates and Yon—18. Nays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Broxson, Campbell, Cly- att, Collins, Cole, Holloman and VanZant—9. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. 235 Resolution for the purchase of Seals for the county of Bradford,. Was read the second time, and ordered to he engrossed for a third reading on to-morrow. Joint resolution providing for the lease and rent of an Execu¬ tive Mansion for the Governor of this State, Was read the second time and on motion indefinitely post¬ poned. Resolution requesting the Governor to commission a Surgeon General of this State at a proper salary, Was read the second time and on motion referred to the Com¬ mittee on the Judiciary. A hill to he entitled an act concerning distributions, Was read the second time and ordered to he engrossed for a third reading on to-morrow. Senate hill to he entitled an act to reduce the pay of Surgeon General, Was read the third time, and on motion placed hack on its second reading, and the further consideration of the same post¬ poned until to-morrow. A hill to he entitled an act to provide for the payment of the War Tax to he assessed upon and collected from the citizens of this State, Was read the second time and a substitute offered for tlm same, by Mr. Holland; Upon the adoption of which, the yeas and nays being called, the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Bellamy, Bloxham, Broxsorq Cartel-, Clyatt, Collins, Cole, Hawes, Holland, Howell, Hull, Lee, McKinnon, Newburn, Oliver, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Seward, Wall, Vogt, Yates and Yon—26. Nays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Bloun, Campbell, Scott and Vamv —4. So the substitute was adopted and ordered to he engrossed for ' a third reading on to-morrow. A hill to he entitled an act for the relief of E. E. Blackburn, late Marshal of the late United States, and his assistants, Was read the second time, and on motion referred to th«- Committee on the Judiciary. •A committee from the Senate consisting of Messrs. Rogers, Me- Call and McQueen waited upon the House and informed them that the Senate had refused to concur in the House resolution to go into the election of Confederate Senators to-day at three and. a half o'clock, P. M. The following message was received from the Senate: 236 Senate Chamber, \ December 10, 1801. ) Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sib :—The Senate has this day refused to concur in House amendments to a Senate bill entitled a bill to prevent persons from penning cattle without the consent of the owners of such cattle: The following House bills have this day been lost in the Sen¬ ate, viz: A bill to be entitled an act making it a penal offence for fire- ing the woods, except during the months therein specified, and prescribing the penalty tfierefor; A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of the citizens of Orange County. Very respectfullv, JOHX B. WHITEHURST, Secret ary of the Senat e. Which was read. Also the following,: Senate Chambeb, ' [ Dec. 10, 1861. } Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sib—The Senate has this day passed the following bill, ATiz: A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to amend the charter of incorporation of the City of Jacksonville, approved February 13, 1859. Very respectfully, JOHX B. WHITEHURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read and the accompanying bill placed among the orders of the day. Also the following: Senate Chamber, } December 10, 1861. J Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir : The Senate has this day passed the following bills, viz: House bill to be entitled an act to change the times of holding- Courts in the Southern Circuit; House bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act 237 to organize the county of Polk from the counties of Hillsborough, and Brevard ; A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of A. J. Braddock, sheriff of Nassau county. Very Respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEIIURST, Secretary of Senate. Which was read, and the House bills which had passed th# Senate ordered to be enrolled, and the Senate bill placed among the orders of the day. Also the following: Senate Chamber, ) Dec. 10, 1861. j Hon. Samuel B. Loye, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir:—The Senate has this day passed the following bill, viz: » House bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Jonathan C. Stewart, Sheriff of Orange county. Yery respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEHTRST, Secretary of the Senate. 'Which was read and the bill ordered to be enrolled. The House receded from its amendments to Senate bill entitled an act to prevent persons from penning cattle without the con¬ sent of the owners of such cattle, and the same was certified to the Senate. A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of P. and H. Peterman, Was read the second time, and on motion laid on the table. A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Aaron W. DeCosta, a Justice of the Peace for Duval county, Was read the second time, and ordered to be engrossed for a. third reading on to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Befijamin Hop¬ kins and others, Was read a second time and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on to-morrow. A resolution for the relief of James D. Green, ex-officio Tax Collector of Manatee county, Was read the second time, and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on to-morrow. On motion, the House took a recess until 3-J o'clock, P. M. 238 HALF-PAST THREE O'CLOCK, P. M. The House resumed its session—a quoram present. The following message from his Excellency the Governor was received and read: Executive Chamber, ) Tallahassee, Dec. 11th, 1861. j Hon. S. B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives : Sir-: I have approved and signed the following bills, viz: An act to consolidate the offices of Sheriff and Tax Assessor and Collector of Suwannee county; An act for the relief of R. B. Canova. Very Respectfullv, JOHN/ MILTON. Joint Senate resolution concerning the repeal of a certain act of the Provisional Congress, Was read the first time, and ordered for a second reading on to-morrow. The following message was received from the Senate: Senate Chamber, ) December 11, 1861. ) Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir—The Senate has this day refused to concur in the House amendments, and appointed a Committee of Conference to con¬ fer with a similar committee on the part of the House, in regard to a bill entitled an act to fix the salary and require additional duties performed by the Governor's Private Secretary, and for other purposes. Very respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEHURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read. Also the following; Senate Chamber, ) December 11, 1861. f Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir—The Senate has this day passed the following bills, viz: House bill to be entitled an act to amend an act to change the time for holding the Circuit Courts for the Western Judicial 239 Circuit, the title amended by adding the words " in the counties of Walton and Holmes ;" A bill to amend and consolidate the several acts of this Stat e in relation to patrols ; also, Resolution in behalf of the citizens of Key West. Respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEIIURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read, and bills placed among the orders of the day. The House refused to concur in the Senate amendments to House bill to be entitled an act to change the time for holding the Circuits Courts for the Western Judicial Circuit in the coun¬ ties of Walton and Holmes. Ordered that the same be certitied to the Senate. On motion, Messrs. Williams, Means, Holland, Blount and Price were appointed a Committee of Conference to confer with a similar committee appointed by the Senate, on refusal of the Senate to concur in House amendments to the bill entitled an act to fix the salary and require additional duties to be performed by the Governor's private Secretary, and for other purposes. Senate resolution in relation to the completion of the Pensaco- ■la and Georgia railroad company in its connection with the Sa¬ vannah, Albany and Gulf Railroad, Was read the firon the appli¬ cation. of the Governor of said State, Three Hundred Thousand Dollars in Treasury Hotes: provided, that the said State deposit with the Secretary of the Treasury of the Confederate States an equal sum in the Bonds of the State of Florida, authorized to be issued under Ordinance of the Convention of said State, which Bonds shall be held by the Secretary of the Treasury until the account of the State of Florida for advances made for military purposes is adjusted as Congress may direct.'" This act was approved August 31, 1861. 249 The General Assembly of the State of Florida has no constitu¬ tional right to amend or alter this Act, and the attempted inter¬ ference with it is discourteous, in the opinion of the,Executive, to the Government of the Confederate States of America. The State has 110 authority, and consequently can delegate no power to the Treasurer to draw his draft on the Secretary of the Treasury of the Confederate States for the sum of thirty-five thousand dollars, or any other sum of money. The authority does not exist, and cannot exist except the Provisional Con¬ gress, agreeably to the Constitution of the Confederate States of America, shall, by some future act, authorize it. The Quartermaster General is an officer of the Governor's Staff, and subject, to his orders only. If W. G. hi.' Davis, or " Colonel W. G. M. Davis," (if in fact there is such a Colonel,) has made an advantageous contract with Baldwin A Williams of the city of Richmond, Va., and " the means to meet the same " are needed, and to be supplisd by the Confederate Government, is it not indiscreet for the General Assembly of Florida to make a contract, upon the mere allega¬ tion of a cheap bargain, involving thirty-five thousand, dollars, for articles of the value of which they have no evidence,"-or if they were in possession of the most ample proof, for which they would make the Confederate Government responsible, and while the officers of the Government are at Richmond, and possessed of the knowledge necessary to determine upon the value, and. the use of the articles contracted for '? Would any individual in the exercise of (lie prudence requisite to individual right, purchase in times like these thirty-five thou¬ sand dollars worth of property, upon the mere representation of any other individual that he had made a contract for the articles which he could not comply with, although a very cheap bargain ? Cheap bargains and security debts seldom fail to injure credit, and entail distress. Hard bai'gains never! Hence the trite max¬ im, that " he who buys whatever is cheap, will in time not be able to buy that which he may need." The conventional regu¬ lations of society should admonish individuals not to make con¬ tracts with which they have not the ability to comply. Patriots and statesmen should exercise, in the judgment of the Executive, more prudence and foresight to guard and protect the rights of their country, than the ordinary shrewdness which self-interest seldom fails to command for the advancement, or the protection of individual rights. Entertaining these views, the Executive of the State could not, and should not command the respect of the General Assembly, and the people of the Con- 250 Confederate States, and of the State of Florida, if he hesitated to avow them. Very respectfully, JOHN MILTON. (copt.) In the name and by the authority of the State of Florida. To all to whom these presents may come—Greeting : "Whereas, John Bradford hath been duly elected according to the Constitution and laws of this State, to he Colonel of the 1st Regiment of Cavalry, from the 2nd day of September, 1861, to continue during good behavior, or until his office is vacated by law. Now, therefore, the said John Bradford is hereby commission¬ ed to be such Colonel 1st Regiment of Cavalry, according to the Constitution and laws of this State, for the term aforesaid, and to have, hold and exercise the said office, and all the powers ap¬ pertaining thereto, and to fulfil the duties thereof, and to re¬ ceive The privileges and emoluments thereof, as aforesaid. In testimony whereof, the Governor of said State has signed this commission, at the Capitol, in Tallahassee, this 14th day of September, A. D. 1861. M. S. PERRY, Governor of Florida. By the Governor—Attest: D. P. Holland, Ajdutant & Inspector General. Adjutant & Inspector General's Office. | Tallahassee, Dec. 11, 1861. A true copy from the records on file in this cffice. F. L. DANCY, Adj't & Insp'r Gen'I. On motion, the accompanying resolution vetoed by his Excel¬ lency was placed among the orders of the day^< to come up for the action of the House. Senate bill to be entitled an act to regulate proceedings before Justices of the Peace in the trial of offences committed by slaves, free negroes or mulattoes, 251 Was read the second time and ordered for a third reading on to-morrow. The rale being waived, the following resolution was introduced: By Mr. Yon: Resolved, That the House, the Senate concurring, go into the election of two Confederate States Senators to-day, at 3|-P. M., and ballot for said Senators from 3-J P. M. to P. M. Upon the adoption of which the yeas and nays being called, the vote was : Yeas—Messrs. Holloman, Robinson, Scott, Williams, Yates and Yon—6. Hays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Bloxham, Broxson, Canova, Campbell, Coffee, Collins, Haddock, Howell, Lee, Means, Newburn, Oliver, Parker, Price, Rich¬ ardson, Russell, Seward, YanZant, Wall and Yogt—25. So the resolution was lost. A committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. Hawkins, McQueen and Chain, waited upon the House, and conveyed to them a joint Senate Resolution authorizing the Governor of this State to receive troops from the other States which may be ten¬ dered for service in this State, Which was taken up, read the first time, rale waived, read a second and third times by its title, and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Bloxham, Broxson, Canova, Campbell, Clyatt, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Haddock, Howell, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Means, New- burn, Oliver, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Seward, YanZant, Wall, Wells, Yogt, Williams, Yates and Yon—35. Nays—None. So the resolution passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. A committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. McCall, Abercrombie and Davidson waited upon the House and conveyed to them a joint Senate resolution of thanks to Major General Braxton Bragg and his gallant army; Which was placed among the orders of the day. Mr. Bloxham moved that the Messenger of the House be ex¬ cused from further attendance on the same during this session Which was agreed to. The joint resolution providing for the purchase of winter cloth¬ ing for the first Regiment of Florida Cavalry, as vetoed by his Excellency, was, on motion, taken up. On the question of its passage, the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, 252 Bloxham, Broxson, Canova, Campbell, Clyatt, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Haddook, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Mizell, Newburn, Oliver, Parker, Peterson, Price, Richardson, Scott, Seward, VanZant, Wall, Williams, Yates and Yon—31. Nays—Messrs. Means, Pooser, Robinson, Russell and Wells —5. The Speaker decided that the resolution was lost, not having received the constitutional number of votes required. Senate bill to be entitled an act for the relief of A. J. Brad- dock, Sheriff of Nassau County, Was read the second time and ordered for a third reading on to-morrow. * A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the issue of patents for lands in Florida, the sales of which were not regularly reported, Was read a second time and on motion the House resolved it¬ self into a Committee of the Whole upon its consideration, Mr. Holloman in the Chair. After some time spent therein, the Committee rose and re¬ ported the bill back to the House and asked leave to sit again; Which was agreed to. A committee from the Senate consisting of Messrs. Rogers, Simpkins and McQueen, waited upon the House and conveyed to it a Senate bill to be entitled an act amendatory of the various acts to organize the Militia of the State of Florida, and requested the immediate action of the House thereupon. On motion of Mr. Holland, said bill was then taken up, read the first time, rule waived, read the second time by its title and the following amendment offered by Mr. Blount: Mr. Blount moved that the Cth section be amended by striking out of the 1st and 2d lines the words " appointed by the Gover¬ nor," and the words " elected as said officers are now provided by law to be elected." Which was adopted. . Mr. Williams moved to strike out the 11th section of said bill; Which was-adopted. The bill was then read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Blount, Broxson, Campbell, Clyatt, Coffee, Collins, Holland, Howell, Holloman, Newburn, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Wells, Vogt, Williams and Yates—24. Nays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Oliver, Robinson and Yon—4. So the bill passed—title as stated. On motion, a committee consisting of Messrs. Holland, Seward and Yates, were appointed to convey said bill to the Senate and request their concurrence in the House amendments. 253 The following message from his Excellency the Governor was received and read: Executive Chamber, ) Tallahassee, Dec. 11th, 1861. J Hon. S. B. Love, Speaker of the Souse of Representatives: Sir : I have approved and signed the following bills, viz : An act to unite the offices of Judge of Probate and Clerk of Circuit Court of Clay county; An act to incorporate an Insurance Company in the city of Tallahassee to be called the Gulf State Insurance Company. Yery Respectfully, JOHN MILTON. On motion, the House resumed its sitting in the Committee Of the Whole en the consideration of a bill to be entitled an act to authorize the issuing of patents for lands in the State of Florida, the sales of which were not regularly reported—Mr. Holloman in the chair. After some time being spent therein, the committee rose and re¬ ported the bill back to the House and recommended its passage. The bill was then read a third time by its title, and put upon' its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Blount, Blox- ham, Broxson, Clyatt, Coffee, Collins, Cole, Holland, Howell, Holloman, Means, Newburn, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Wells, Williams, Yates and Yon—28. Nays—None. So the bill passed—title .as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. A committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. Rogers, Ingram and McQueen, waited upon the House and informed them that the Senate had refused to concur in the House amend¬ ments to the Senate bill entitled an act amendatory of the vari¬ ous acts to organize the militia of the State of Florida, and had appointed a Committee of Conference to act with a similar com¬ mittee on the part of the House. Messrs. Holland, Williams, Blount, Coffee and Robinson, were appointed said Committee of Conference on the part of the House. On motion, the House took a recess until V o'clock, P. M. 254 1 O'CLOCK, P. M. The House resumed its session—a quorum present. Senate resolution for the relief of Lewis Laird and others, Was read the second time and ordered for a third reading on to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an act to provide for the payment of Flor¬ ida Y olunteers, Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second and third times by its title and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: ^Yeas—-^Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Bioxham, Broxson, Canova, Haddock, Howell, Hull, Lee, Mizell, Parker, Peterson, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Scott, Seward, YanZant, Walp Wells, Williams, Yates and Yon—26. Hays—Hone. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. The rule being waived, Mr. Blount from a Select Joint Com¬ mittee of Conference on the part of the House, made the follow¬ ing minority report: The undersigned, members of the Joint Committee of Con¬ ference, to take into consideration the disagreement ot the two Houses upon the bill to be entitled an act amendatory of the va¬ rious acts to organize the militia of the State of Florida, have, upon consultation, found themselves unable to agree with the majority of the said committee, recommending that the House do recede from their amendments to said bill. The proposition to place the appointment of Field Officers of the Regiments to be raised at the disposition of the Governor, strikes the under¬ signed as an invasion of the long , guaranteed rights of the citi¬ zen when voluntarily tendering his sendees in the defense of his country, to be deprived of the right and privilege of chosing those chiefs in whom they have confidence, and by whom they would desire to be led to battle, and imposing upon them persons to whom they are strangers, with whom they have no social relations, who do not possess the affection, re¬ gard and esteem of those whom they are appointed to command and in whose qualifications they can have no personal knowl¬ edge or confidence. The undersigned believe that this in¬ novation upon the established rights and disregard to the feel¬ ings of the citizen-soldiery, will prove detrimental to the public service. The undersigned are further of the opinion that the appoint¬ ment of a full General, with the rank and pay of General in the 255 army of the Confederate States, is both unnecessary and un¬ wise. The small number of troops that can now be raised from the remaining population of the State, not now in service, will not, in the opinion of this committee, justify the appoint¬ ment of an officer of such high grade, with the large pay of over $4,000 and emoluments attached to said office, and as your committee are informed that whenever such General shall be ordered to co-operate even with a subaltern in the Confederate service, he will not be permitted to assume the command, he must either be superceded by such subaltern, or each officer must act independently of the other, thus producing division in action and distraction in council, even perhaps, in the face of an enemy, when unity in sentiment and action are most impera¬ tively required. For these reasons the undersigned recommend that the House do not recede from its amendments. A. C. BLOUNT, Chairman. JOS. JOHN WILLIAMS, JAS. L. ROBINSON. Which was read. A bill to be entitled an act explanatory of an act to provide for the necessary supplies for the army in the State of Florida, to prevent monopolies and for other purposes, Was read the lirst time, rule waived, read a second and third times by its title and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. Ar en dell, Bellamy, Blount, Bloxham, Broxson, Canova, Haddock, Holland, Howell, Hull, Lee, Mizell, Parker, Peterson, Price, Richardson, Seward, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Williams, Yates and Yon—23. Nays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos and Scott—3 So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. On motion, a committee consisting of Messrs. Holland, Price and Hull were appointed to convey a bill passed by the House to the Senate to be entitled an act to provide for the payment of the Florida Volunteers. The following message was received from the Senate: Senate Chamber, ) December 12 th, 1861. j Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of liepresentatives: Sir :—The Senate has this day passed the following bill, viz: A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act entitled to change the mode of selecting Grand and Petit Jurors in this State, ap¬ proved February 8th, 1861. 256 Joint resolution providing for a Digest of tlie Laws was in¬ definitely postponed. Respectfully, JOHN B. WHITE HURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read and- the bill ordered to be enrolled. Also the following: Sex ate Chamber, ) December 12, 18G1. j Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir :—The Senate has this day passed the following bills, viz: House bill to be entitled an act to amend an act to extend the time for collecting taxes in this State ; and A bill to be entitled an act for the protection of and aid to paupers, and for other purposes. Yery respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEHURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read, and the House bill which had passed the Senate ordered to be enrolled, and the Senate bill placed among the orders of the day. Also the following: Sex ate Chamber, [ Dec. 12, 1861. \ To Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives : Sir :—The Senate has this day passed the following bills and resolution, viz: House resolution concerning the Indian River Canal; House bill to be entitled an act to amend an act to establish the records of the county of Columbia, and for other purposes; A bill to be entitled an act to amend the laws of this State in relation to elections. And the following House bill was lost, viz: A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of R. Saunders, Sher¬ iff of Leon'county. Very respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEHURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read and the House bill and resolution which had passed the Senate ordered to be enrolled, and the Senate bill placed among the orders of the day. A bill to be entitled an act m.ore effectually to secure the pay ment for Stock killed or injured on Railroads, Was read the second time and ordered to he engrossed for a third reading on to-morrow. Senate joint resolution in relation to the completion*of the Pensacola & Georgia Railroad in its connection with the Savan¬ nah, Albany & Gulf Railroad Company, Was read the second time and ordered for a third reading on to-morrow. A committee from the Senate consisting of Messrs. Rogers, Simpkins and Dawkins, waited upon the House and conveyed..to them a House bill to be entitled an act to provide for the pay¬ ment of the Florida Volunteers, and informed them that the same had been passed by the Senate with sundry amendments, and requested the concurrence of the House therein. The bill was then taken up and the House concurred in the Senate amendments and the bill ordered to be enrolled. The rules being waived, Mr. Holland from the Select Joint Committee of conference, on the part of the House, made the fol¬ lowing majority report: A majority of the conference Committee, appointed by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Florida, to whom was referred Senate bill to be entitled an act amendatory to the various acts to organize the militia of the State of Florida, and the House amendments thereto, beg leave to recommend that the said bill do pass without the amendments. All of which is respectfully submitted. -s. ST. GEO. ROGERS, Ch'n Senate Com. P. B. BROKAW, E. C. SIMPKINS, james w. McQueen, W. W. McCALL. D. P. HOLLAND, Ch'n House Com. C. C. COFFEE. The majority and minority reports being before the House upon said bill, the House referred to concur in the majority report. On motion, a Committee consisting of Messrs. Holland, Rob¬ inson and Hull were appointed to notify the Senate of such ac¬ tion on the part of the House. A Committee from the Senate consisting of Messrs. Davidson, Magbee and Simpkins waited upon the House, and informed them that the Senate had appointed a Committee of five to act with a similar Committee on the part of the House, in preparing 17 258 an appropriation "bill for the present session of the General As¬ sembly. The rules being waived, the following bills were introduced without previous notice, viz: By Mr. Holloman : A bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act entitled an act to provide for the payment of the Florida Volunteers and others who have not been paid for services actually rendered the State of Florida in the last Avar with the Seminole Indians, approved Feb. 8th, 1861. By Mr. Canova: A bill to be entitled an act to encourage the manufacture of salt within the limits of this State. "Which Avere placed among the orders of the day. A committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. DaA'idson, Magbee and Simpkins, waited upon the House and conveyed a Senate resolution in relation to adjournment, and requested the concurrence of the House. A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the GoATernor of this State to establish an Arsenal of Construction, and a Military Academy at the Arsenal at Chattahoochee, Was read the first time, rule warred, and read a second time by its title. Mr. Russell moved that said bill be laid on the table; Which was agreed to. A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the holders of Treas¬ ury notes to exchange the same for the bonds of this State, Was read the first time, rule waived, read a second and third times by its title, and put upon its passage, upon which the vote Avas:: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Bellamy, Blount. Bloxham, Broxson, Canova, Haddock, Holland, Howell, Hollo- man, Hull, Lee, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Seward, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Williams, Yate< and Yon—28. Nays—None. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. The rule being Avaived, Mr. Holland introduced a resolution concerning Arsenal of Construction at Chattahoochee ; Which was read, rule waived, read a second and third times by its title, and put upon its passage, upon Avhicli the vote Avas: 1 eas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Bloxham, Broxson, Holland, Howell, Holloman, Hull, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Seward, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Williams. Yates and Yon—25. 259 Nays—Messrs. Lee and Parker—2. So the resolution passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. A hill to be entitled, an act for the relief of E. E. Blackburn, fate Marshal of the late United States,.and his assistants, Was read the second time, and its further consideration post¬ poned until to-morrow. Mr. Ilolloman moved that a committee of five be appointed 011 the part of the House, to confer with a similar committee on the part of the Senate to take into consideration the subject of ap¬ propriations ; Which was agreed to, and Messrs. Holloman, Williams, Robin- "•on, Canova and Parker were appointed said committee on the part of the House. Resolution requesting the Governor of this State to commis¬ sion a Surgeon General at proper salary, Was read the second time, rule waived, read the third time by its title and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was : Yeas—Messrs. Holloman, Wells, Williams and Yates—4. Hays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Bloxham, Broxson, Canova, Holland, Howell, Lee, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Russell, Scott, Seward, VanZant, Wall and Yon—21. So the resolution was lost. A bill to be entitled an act to encourage the mamifacture of -alt within the limits of this State, Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of John B. White-' ' burst, Was read a second time and ordered to be engrossed for a tldrd reading on to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an act to amend the statute of limita¬ tions, Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second time by its title, and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on to¬ morrow. Resolution recommending the Honorable Wm. W. McCall for Captaincy in the regular army, Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second time mid put upon its passage, upon which the vote was : Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Blount, Blox¬ ham, Broxson, Canova, Holland, Howell, Holloman, Lee, Par¬ ker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Seward, YanZant, Wall, Wells, Williams, Yates and Yon—25. Nays—None. 260 So the resolution passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate; Resolution in relation to the return of the 2d Regiment of" Florida Volunteers from Virginia to this State, Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on to-morrow. Joint Senate resolution of thanks to Major General Braxton Bragg and his gallant army, Was read the first time, the rule waived, read the second anil third times by its title and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Blount, Blox- ham, Broxson, Canova, Holland, Howell, Holloman, Lee, Par¬ ker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Seward, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Williams, Yates and Yon—25. Nays—None. So the resolution passed—title as stated. On motion of Mr. Holland, a committee consisting of Messrs- Holland, Russell and Arendell, were appointed to convey to the Senate the Senate resolution just passed, and also a Senate reso¬ lution in relation to the Hon. William W. McCall. A committee from the Senate consisting of Messrs. Rogers, Ingram and McQueen, waited upon the House and informed it that the Senate had concurred in the second but refused to con¬ cur in the first House amendment to said bill, entitled an act amendatory of the several acts to organize the Militia of the State of Florida. Senate bill to be entitled an act for the protection of and aid to paupers, and for other purposes, Was read the first time, rule waived, read a second time by its title, and referred to the Judiciary Committee. Senate bill to be entitled an act to amend the laws of this State in relation to elections, Was read the first time, rule waived, read a second time by its title, and referred to the Committee on Elections. A bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act entitled an act to provide for the payment of the Florida Volunteers and others who have not been paid for services, actually rendered the State of Florida in the last war with the Seminole Indians, approved February 8, 1861, Was read the first time, rule waived, read a second time by its title and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on to- morrrow. On motion, the House adjourned until to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock. 261 FRIDAY, December 13, 1861. The House met pursuant to adjournment—a quorum present. On motion of Mr. Arendell, the reading of yesterday's journal was dispensed with. Mr. Blount moved that Hon. Mr. Amos, member from Santa Rosa, be excused from further attendance upon the duties of this House during its present session ; Which was agreed to.' Mr. Coffee moved that Mr. Collins of Taylor be excused from attendance on this House for the remainder of the session; Which was agreed to. Sundry members of the House who were not present yester¬ day, on the passage of a resolution providing for the purchase of .winter clothing for the First Regiment of Florida Cavalry, as vetoed by his Excellency the Governor, asked leave to have their names called and their votes recorded. The Speaker decided that the members could not now be per¬ mitted to so record their votes as to effect the result, without the unanimous consent of the House. Mr. Blount appealed from the decision of the Speaker, and upon the question of sustaining the ruling of the Chair, the yeas and nays being called, the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. Arendell, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Lee, Means, Pooser, Price, Robinson, Russell, Seward, Wells, Yogt and Yon—15. * Hays—Messrs. Blount, Bloxham, Canova, Cole, Haddock, Hol- laud, Howell, Holloman, Hewburn, Oliver, Parker, Richardson, Scott, VanZant, Wall, Williams and Yates—17. So the House refused to sustain the decision of the Speaker. Messrs. Howell and Holland were then permitted to record their votes for the passage of £he resolution over the veto of his Excellency" the Governor. The Speaker then announced the resolution as passed, having received the requisite constitutional majority. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate, together with the message of the Governor. A Committee from the Senate consisting of Messrs. Finlayson, Dawkins and Davidson waited upon the House, and conveyed to the Plouse an enrolled Senate bill entitled an act to change the mode of appointing Constables as certified to the Senate, but which the journals of the House showed had not been passed by the same, and which had been enrolled through mistake, the clerk of the House not having officially endorsed the same .as passed. 262 Mr. Holland moved, that a Joint Select Committee of three, he appointed by this House to act with a like Committee of the Senate to investigate the matter in the Special Message of the Executive, relating to documents being stolen from the Execu¬ tive Department and the Telegraph being cut; Which was agreed to, and Messrs. Holland, Haddock anil Campbell were appointed said Committee on the part of the House. Mr. Holloman from a Select Committee made the following report: The Committee to whom was referred the duty of examining the work of the House Recording Clerk, ask leave to report that they have performed their duty, find the work progressing in good style, that in consequence of the many reports and com¬ munications made to this House, the record will be unusually lengthy, and recommend that the sum of two hundred dollar? be allowed for his services. All of which is respectfully submitted, D. W. HOLLOMAR, Ch'n. C. C. COFFEE, A. A. CAROVA. Which was read. Mr. Holloman from the Committee on Enrolled Bills made the* following report: The Committee on Enrolled Bills ask leave to report the fob lowing bills as correctly enrolled, viz: An act to extend the time of collecting taxes in this State; An act to change the mode of selecting Grand and Petit Jurors in this State, approved February 8, 1861 ; An act to amend an act to establish the records of the county of Columbia, and for other purposes ; An act to provide for the payment of the Volunteers from this State, and other troops ; » An act providing for the stay of execution in this State; Resolution concerning the Indian River Canal. D. W. HOLLOMAR, Ch'n. Which was read. Mr. Russell, Chairman of a Select Committee on the part of the House, made the following report: The joint Select Committee to whom was referred the report of the Comptroller of Public Accounts, ask leave to submit the following REPORT: The Committee have spent much time in taking testimony and 263 investigating the character of the claims passed by the Comp¬ troller, and covered by his warrant upon the Treasury, under the act of the last General Assembly, entitled an act to provide for the payment of the Florida Volunteers and others who have not been paid for services actually rendered the State of Florida in the last war with the Seminole Indians, approved February 8th, 18G1. The amount of warrants issued under this act is reported by the Comptrolller at 168,524 83-100 dollars. It has been im¬ possible for the committee to investigate fully the character of these claims without sending for persons and papers now at a distance from the capital. They have, however, called before them many important witnesses who have been carefully exam¬ ined, and the principal features of their testimony taken down in writing, which testimony is at the service of the General i?ssem- bly. ( The committee also inspected a number of the claims presen¬ ted and which had been allowed and covered by warrants, and found them stated and certified in form exactly according to the provisions of the act, but some of them showing on their face evidence of the fact that the same hand had written most if not all the names connected with the affidavits and certificates, pre¬ senting, in the opinion of your committee, such evidence of fraud as should have awakened suspicion in the mind of the auditing officer. Without going into an elaborate view of the testimony ta¬ ken, your committee would state that the impression made on their minds by the investigation is, that there are many of the claims allowed that are founded in justice and properly certified and proved as the law directs ; there are others that are just in part, but extended beyond the service actually rendered; there are others that have little or nothing to stand upon but the easy consciences of willing witnesses, while in several instances, the testimony is direct that the wh le claims, affidavits, powers of .attorney and all, were gotten up without the presence, knowl¬ edge or consent of the party who appeared to be such claim¬ ant. Your committee further report that the Comptroller of Public Accounts, P. C. Williams, Esq., has charged a commission or com¬ pensation on a large portion of these claims, which commission amounted in the aggregate to three thousand eight hundred dol¬ lars, ($3,800) as stated in the testimony of Mr. Williams himself. This he states, that he charged in his character of Pay-master, though no payment on amounts of such warrants has yet been made. In addition to the above charge, it is in proof that the Comptroller's Clerk, Edward M. West, charged two of" the parties, viz: Wm. H. Kendrick and Abner D. Johnson, five per cent, upon the claims presented by them, which claims seem by 264 the Comptroller's books to amount to the sum of thirty-three thousand five hundred and sixty-one dollars, ($33,561,) and the commissions upon which would be sixteen hundred and seventy- eight 5-100 dollars. ($1,678 5-100.) This commission, Mr. West states, he charged in his character ot attorn ey-at-law. The Comptroller of Public Accounts, R. C. Williams, Esq., has received for his services the salary of eleven hundred dollars per annum, allowed by law to State officers. He has since May, up to a recent date, been in receipt of a salary as Paymaster of one hundred and eighty-five dollars per month, or at the rate of two thousand two hundred and twenty dollars . per annum, and as Comptroller audited his own accounts as Paymaster ; this being a salary fixed by law to the office of Paymaster, your committee regai*L the commission of three thousand eight hundred dollars on the warrants issued, as improperly regained as such Paymas- , ter, and is regarded rather as a commission on claims presented i adverse to the State Treasury. The issue of warrants upon the Treasury as the adjustment of claims provided by law to be paid, is in the opinion of your committee one of the principal duties of the Comptroller and is a part of the labor of the officer compen¬ sated for by the salary. He is by law made the guardian of the Treasury. He is the State's special agent and cannot in good faith represent or receive a fee for auditing any claim against the State. These remarks apply with little less force to the Comptroller's clerk who is an officer prescribed by law, and paid by the State as an assistant guardian of the Treasury. Having now stated the facts as elicited by the investigation, it may be expected that your committee will recommend such action by the General Assembly as may seem to be proper in the premises. They, therefore, recommend the appointment of a special commission to be composed of discreet and able men, learned in the law, whose duty it shall be to investigate the whole matter, ferret out all frauds and illegal transactions, prosecute* on the criminal side of the Court docket all frauds or perjuries, that they may detect, and bring all necessary actions on the civil side of the Court for the recovery of all sums paid or assumed to be paid by the State upon claims not sustained by the testimony, or the allowance of which the testimony may show had been obtained by fraud, perjury or false pretences. The law prescribed, with great precision, the character of the testimony and the number of affidavits that should be required to sustain each claim, and required that such testimony should be taken before a Court of Probate, which is a Court of record in this State. Upon the presentation of the testimony, as provided by law, with the certificate of the Judge of Probate in due form, 265 tlie Comptroller of Public Accounts was required to issue bis warrant upon tlie Treasury. When so issued, it became the act of the State, executed by her own appointed agents, and there¬ fore, in the hands of innocent parties, as binding upon her good faith as any act of hers, however solemn its sanctions could be be made. If fraud has been committed, that fraud is between the State and her citizens and agents, and should be rigidly in¬ vestigated, but the fair name of a proud State should never be tarnished by the repudiation of her own authorized acts; and for the purpose of carrying out the views and recommendations of this report, your committee ask leave to offer the accompa¬ nying bill entitled an act to provide for the prosecution of frauds and for funding certain claims against the State of Flor- P * ida, and recommend its passage. • In regard to so much of the Comptroller's report as relates to the manner in which the books in his office have been kept, your committee ask leave to report that they accompanied Ma¬ jor John Beard, one of the former Comptrollers of this State, into the Comptroller's office, and there, in the presence of the Comptroller's clerk, made an examination into the manner in which the books had been heretofore kept. The forms, the references easy and .correct, the Day Book or Journal, and Ledger, appeared to be correctly kept. The accounts against in¬ dividual revenue officers, fines and forfeitures, revenues, &c., all appear to your committee to be appropriate and readily un¬ derstood, while in regard to Warrant Book, Abstract Book, &c., there seemed to be n© difficulty that could have embarrassed an accountant. That there may be errors your committee will not deny, but none have been exhibited to them, and they are of opinion that none exist which could not have been readily cor¬ rected by the Comptroller or his clerk. Your committee further report that they recommend an act further to define the duties of the Comptroller and Treasurer of this State. JAS. S. RUSSELL, Ch'n House Com. A. S. COLE, C. C. COFFEE, ALEX. C. BLOUNT, JACOB H. POOSER, JAMES E. BROOME, Ch'n Senate Com. A. S. BALDWIN, W. J. J. DUNCAN. Which was read. 266 On motion of Mr. Holland, 80 copies of said report were or¬ dered to be printed for the use of the House. ORDERS OF THE DAY. On motion of Mr. Holland, a Senate bill to be entitled an act amendatory of the various acts to organize the militia of the State of Florida, Was first taken up, and upon the question of what action should be taken by the House in relation to the first House amendment, in which the Senate had refused to concur, and upon which a Joint Committee of Conference had been appointed, the yeas and nays being called, the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. Arendell, Holland, Holloman and Yogt—4. Nays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Bellamy, Blount, Bloxham, Brox- son, Canova, Campbell, Clyatt, Coffee, Cole, Haddock, Howell, Lee, Means, Oliver, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Scott, Seward, VanZant, Wall, Williams, Yates and Yon—28. So the House refused to recede from its first amendment to said bill. On motion, a Committee consisting of Messrs. Means, Williams'Mnd Holland were appointed to convey said bill to the Senate, and inform them of suc-h action of the House. A Committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. Dawkins, Chain and Broome waited upon the House, and informed them that the Senate had appointed a Committee to confer with the House Committee in relation to that part of the Governor's Special Message concerning certain documents being stolen or extracted from the Executive Chamber, and the destroying of Telegraph lines. A committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. Broome, Brokaw and McCall waited upon the House and informed them that the Senate had refused to concur in the House amendments to Senate bill providing a salary and requiring additional duties to be performed by the Governor's private Secretary, and re¬ quested a Committee of Conference. On motion, Messrs. Vogt, Holloman and Pooser, were ap¬ pointed said Committee of Conference on the part of the House. On motion, Messrs. Vogt, Holloman and Russell were appoin¬ ted a Committee to notify the Senate of the appointment of such Committee of Conference. Mr. Scott, from the Committee on Engrossed Bills, made the following report: The Committee on Engrossed Bills report the following bills and resolution as correctly engrossed, viz : A bill to be entitled an act to to repeal an act to provide for 267 the payment of the Florida Yolunteers and others, who have not been paid for services actually rendered the State of Flor¬ ida in the last War with the Seminole Indians, approved Febru¬ ary 8, 1861; A bill to be entitled an act concerning distributions; A bill to be entitled an act more effectually to secure the pay¬ ment for stock killed or injured on Railroads ; A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Benjamin Hopkins and others; also, Resolution for the purchase of seals for the county of Bradford. Respectfully submitted, WM. II. SCOTT, Chairman. Yfliich was read, and the accompanying bills and resolution placed among the orders of the day. The rule being waived, Mr. Peterson introduced a resolution for the relief of John M. Johns, and other citizens of Hernando county; Which was placed among the orders of the day. Senate resolution relative to adjournment of this session of the General Assembly, Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second time by its title. Mr. Russell offered the following amendment to said resolution: Strike out "Saturday, 14th inst.," and insert "Tuesday, 17 th inst Upon which the yeas and nays being called, the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, B1 ox- ham, Campbell, Clyatt, Haddock, Holloman, Meas, Oliver, Pe¬ terson, Price, Russell, VanZant, Wall, Yogt, Williams, Yates and Yon—20. Mays—Messrs. Broxson, Carter, Coffee, Cole, Holland, Howell, Lee, Parker, Pooser, Richardson, Seward and Wells—12. So the amendment was adopted. The resolution was then read the third time by its title, and adopted. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. Senate bill to be entitled an act to amend and consolidate the several acts of this State in relation to patrols, Was read the second time, and ordered for a third reading on to-morrow. The rule being waived, Mr. Bloxham introduced the following resolutions: Whereas, The Constitution declares that "no money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in consequence of an appropri¬ ation by law and whereas, certain ordinances of the Con- 268 vention have been construed as giving the right to draw money for various and sundry purposes; therefore, Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Florida in General Assembly convened, That in the opinion of this House the ordinance of the Convention which declares " that the officers and men of all ranks and grades in the ser¬ vice of Florida, when called into service or placed on duty, shall receive the same pay as officers and men of like rank in the ■army of the Confederate States," is merely declaratory of the rate of pay to the which troops referred to ffre entitled, and car¬ ries with it no appropriation. Resolved 2(7, That the ordinance numbered 46, which declares " that the Governor of this State be, and he is hereby authorized to cause any funds in the Treasury or in his control to be ap¬ plied to equipping the forces called or to be called into service by the Confederate States," limits the use of the funds so placed at the disposal of the Governor to the purpose therein declared, to wit: " to equipping the forces called or to be called into ser¬ vice by the Confederate States," and does not authorize the with¬ drawal of funds for any other purpose whatever. Upon the adoption of which, the yeas and nays being called, the vote was: Teas—Messrs. Bellamy, Blount, Bloxliam, Broxson, Can ova, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Cole, Holloman, Oliver, Peter¬ son, Scott, Williams and Yon—16. Nays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Holland, Howell, Lee, Parker, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Wall, Wells and Vogt—13. So the resolutions were adopted. Senate resolution concerning the completion of the Pensacola & Georgia Railroad in its connection with the Savannah, Albany and Gulf Railroad, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Blox¬ liam, Broxson, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Cole, Holland, Holloman, Lee, Means, Oliver, Parker, Pooser, Russell, Scott, Wells, Yogt, Williams, Yates and Yon—25. Nays—Messrs. Canova, Haddock, Howell, Mizell, Peterson, Price, Richardson, YanZant and Wall—9. So the resolution passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. A committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. Abercrorn- bie, McQueen and Ingram waited upon the House and conveyed to them a Senate bill to be entitled an act to authorize the cor- 269 porate authorities of the city of Pensaeola to issue change bills, Which was placed among the orders of the day. Senate resolution concerning the repeal of a certain act of the Provisional Congress, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was : Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Blox- ham, Canova, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Cole, Haddock, Holland, Howell, Holloman, Means, Peterson, Pooser, Price,. Russell, Scott, VanZant, Wall, Vogt, Williams, Yates and Yon —27: Nay—Mr. Parker-*-1. So the resolution passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. Senate resolution in behalf of sundry citizens of Key West, Was read the third time and put upon its passage upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Cano¬ va, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Cole, Haddock, Holland, Holloman, Means, Pooser, Price, Robinson, Russell, Wall, Vogt, Yates and Yon—21. Nays—Messrs. Howell, Parker, Richardson and Seward—4. So the resolution passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Seuate. On the passage of said resolution, Mr. Peterson, on motion, was excused fiom voting. Senate bill to be entitled an act to regulate proceedings before Justices of the Peace in the trial of offences committed by slaves, free negroes or mulattoes, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Bloxham, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Cole, Haddock, Holloman, Lee, Parker, Pooser, Richardson, Seward, Yogt, Williams, Yates and Yon—20. Nays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Broxson, Canova, Peterson, Price and Russell.—6. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. On motion, the House took a recess until three o'clock, P. M. 3 O'CLOCK, P. M. The House met pursuant to adjournment—a quorum present. 270 The rules being waived, Mr. Holland introduced without pre¬ vious notice, the following bill, -viz : A bill to be entitled an act in relation to Militia and Volun¬ teer Elections. On motion, the rules being waived, the bill was taken up and read the first time, rule waived, read a second and third times by its title and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was : Teas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell,'Blount, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Haddock, Holland, Howell, Holloman, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Seward, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Williams, Yates and Yon—25. Nays—Mr. Lee—1. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. The rules being waived, Mr. Russell introduced the following resolution : Resolution declaratory of the feeling of this House in relation to the election of Confederate Senators. Whereas, this House has at all times, during this session of the General Assembly, been willing and ready to unite with the Senate in Joint Meeting, to go into the election of Confederate Senators, and have respectfully united with them for this pur¬ pose, and intended to continue so doing until an election should be effected, but the Senate having laid upon the table a resolu¬ tion adopted by this House to go into such election on the , and not having since then given this House, by resolu¬ tion or otherwise, any indication of a desire upon their part to again meet the House in Joint Meeting for this purpose ; There¬ fore, Re it resolved by the House of Representatives, That this House is now ready and willing to meet the Senate in Joint Meeting from day to day, and at such time as the Sena.te by resolution may adopt to go into the election of Confederate Sen¬ ators, and in case of the refusal of the Senate to take any further action in this matter, the House will consider itself entirely ex¬ onerated from any blame for the neglect of so important a duty. Which was adopted. The following message was received from the Senate: Sexate Chamber, ) December 12, 1861. ) Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir:—The Senate has this day passed the following bill, viz: 271 House bill to be entitled au act for the relief of Sheriff s and other ministerial officers of the Court. Yery respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEHTRST, Secretary of the Senate. The bill was ordered to be enrolled. Senate bill to be entitled an act for the relief of A. J. Brad- dock, Sheriff of Nassau county, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the was : Yeas—Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Blount, Bloxham, Cimova, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Haddock, Parker, Price, Russell, vVall, Williams and Yates—15. Nays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Broxsou, Campbell, Holland, Howell, Hollomau, Richardson, Scott, Seward, YanZant and W ells—11. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. Senate bill to be. entitled for the relief of Joseph F. Prevatt, Was read the second time, and on motion, referred to a select committee, consisting of Messrs. Clyatt, Coffee and Carter. Senate bill to be entitled an act for the relief- of Lewis Laird and others, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Blount, Bfoxson, Canova, Carter, Clyatt, Hull, Lee, Parker, Robinson, Seward, ,Wells and Yon—15. Nays—Messrs. Bloxham, Campbell, Coffee, Haddock, Holland, Howell, Hollomau, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, YanZant, Wall, Williams and Yates—16. So the bill was lost. Ordei-ed that the same be certified to the Senate. A bill to be entitled an act to encourage the manufacture of ■salt within the limits of this State, Was read the second time, and referred to tlie Committee on Internal Improvements. A bill to be entitled an act, for the relief of R. P. Lewis of Bradford county, Was read the second time and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on to-morrow. ' Resolution for the purchase of Seals for the county of Bradford, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Blount, Blox¬ ham, Broxson, Canova, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Haddock, 272 Hull, Lee, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Scott. Seward, VanZant, Wall, Yates and Yon—24. Hays—Messrs. Coffee, Rohinson and Wells—3. So the resolution passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same he certified to the Senate. A hill to he entitled an act concerning Distributions, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs Amos, Blount, Canova, Holland, Hull, Lee, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Scott, Wall, Williams, Yates and 7|on—15. Hays—Messrs. Carter, Clyatt, Howell, Parker, Richardson. Robinson, Russell, Seward, VanZant and Wells—10. So the hill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. A bill to he entitled an act more effectually to secure the pay¬ ment for Stock killed or injured on Railroads, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was : Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Blount, Bloxham, Btox- son, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Holland, Lee, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Rohinson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Wall, Vogt, Williams, Yates and Yon—23. Hays—Messrs. Haddock, Ilowell, VanZant and Wells—4. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. A bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act entitled an act to provide for the payment of the Florida Volunteers and others who have not been paid for services actually rendered the State of Florida in the last war with the Seminole Indians, approved Februaiy 8, 1861, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was : Yeas—Messrs. Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Haddock, Hull, Pooser, Price, Robinson, Russell, Wall, Vogt, Williams and Yates—13. Hays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Broxson, Canova, Howell, Lee, Parker, Richardson, Seward, VanZant, Wells and Yon—12. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. The following message was received from the Senate: 27a Senate Chamber, j December 13, 1861. J Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir—The Senate has this clay passed the toll owing bills, viz: House bill to be entitled an act to authorize the suspension ol specie payments, amended ; House bill to be entitled an act in reference to lands bought in by the State for taxes; House bill to be entitled an act to amend an act to change the time for holding the Circuit Courts for the Western Judicial Circuit in the counties of Walton and Holmes ; Also a bill to be entitled an act to amend an act giving the State the right of Peremptory Challenges in Criminal cases, ap¬ proved February 14, 1861. Respectfully, JOHN B. WIITTEHURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read, and the House bills "which had passed the Senate ordered to be enrolled, and House bill to suspend specie payments amended by the Senate was taken up and upon the question of concurring in Senate amendments, the yeas and nays being called, the vote was : Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Blount, Blox- ham, Canova, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Haddock, Hol¬ land, Howell, Holloman, Lee, Pooser, Price, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Seward and Vogt—22. Nays—Messrs. Broxson, Parker, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Wil¬ liams, Yates and Yon—8. So the House concurred in Senate amendment to said bill and the same vTas ordered to be enrolled. Resolution for thd! relief of John M. Johns and others, citizens of Hernando county, Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on to-morrow. The following message from his Excellency the Governor was received and read: Executive Department, ) Tallahassee, December 13, 1861. ) Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives Sir—I have approved and signed the following bills and reso¬ lution this day transmitted me, viz: 18 274 An act to change the times of holding the terms of the Cir¬ cuit Court in the Southern Circuit; An act for the relief of Jonathan C. Stewart, Sheriff of Orange county; An act to amend an act entitled an act to amend the charter of incorporation of the City of Jacksonville, approved January 13th, 1859; An act to amend an act entitled an act to organize the county of Polk from the counties of Hillsborough and Brevard : Aft act to provide for the stay of executions in this State ; An act to amend an act entitled an act to change the mode of selecting Grand and Petit Jurors in this State, approved Febru¬ ary 8 th, 1861; An act to amend an act to establish the records of the county of Columbia, and for other purposes; An act to amend an act to extend the time of collecting taxes in this State; An act to provide for the payment of the volunteers from this State, and other troops; also, Resolution concerning the Indian River Canal. Yery respectfully, JOHN MILTON. The following message was received from the Senate, viz: Senate Chamber, December 13, 1861. ^ Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the Souse of Representatives: Sir :—The Senate has this day passed the following bills and resolutions, viz: A bill to be entitled an act to amend • an act relating to the distribution of the laws of this State, approved January 7th, 1853 ; A bill to be entitled an act to protect occupants upon the pub¬ lic lands of this State in their possession of, and to their improve¬ ments thereon, and for other purposes; Joint resolution recommending Hon. William W. McCall, for a Captaincy in the regular army ; and Resolution declaratory of the reserved rights of the State of Florida. Yery respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEHURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read and accompanying bills and resolutions placed among the orders of the the day. ZilO A bill to be entitled an act for tbe relief of Benjamin Hopkins and others, Was read tbe third time and put upon its passage, upon which, the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Canova, Haddock, Hull, Rich¬ ardson and Yates—6. Nays—Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Blount, Bloxham, Broxson, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Howell, Holloman, Lee, Parker, Pooser, Price, Robinson, Russell, Seward, Wall, Wells, Vogt, Williams and Yon—22. So the bill was lost. Senate bill to be entitled an act to authorize the corporate authorities of the city of Pensacola to issue change bills, Was read the third time, and by unanimous consent, Mr. Wil¬ liams was allowed to offer the following amendment: After the words "city of Pensacola," insert "Tallahassee," Which was adopted. The bill was then put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Blount, Canova, Holland, Howell, Scott, William and Yates—10. Nays—Messrs. Bloxham, Broxson, Campbell, Carter, Hollo- man, Lee, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Russell, Seward, Wall, Wells, Yogt and Yon—16. So the bill was lost. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. The rule being waived, Mr. Canova introduced the following resolution: Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor, and the Comp¬ troller of Public Accounts ot this State, be and they are hereby respectfully requested to render statements to the General As¬ sembly of the condition of the several Banks organized and in operation within this State, under the acts authorizing the same, that the Assembly may be advised as to their true condition and standing, and that the requirements of an act entitled "an act requiring certain statements to be made in the reports which the several Banks of this State are required to make to the Governor and Comptroller of this State," approved Feb'v 10, 1861, have been fully complied with. Which was adopted. Mr. Pooser moved that the Hon. C. L. Broxson be excused from further attendance on this House after to-day; Which was agreed to. Mr. Pooser moved that Mr. D. P. Holland be excused from further attendance on the House during the present session; Which was agreed to. 2'Ttj Senate bill to be entitled an act to amend an act relative to the distribution of the laws of this State, approved Jan'y 7,1853r Was read the tirst time, rule waived, read a second and third times by its title, and put upon its passagb, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Blount, Blox- ham, Canova, Campbell, Carter, Holland, Howell, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Parker, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Wall, Vogt, Williams and Yon—25. Nays—None. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. Senate bill to be entitled an act to protect occupants upon the public lands of this State in their possession of and to their im- prnvements thereon, and for other purposes, Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on to-morrow. The rule being waived, Mr. Hull introduced a resolution re questing the President to appoint Charles F. Hopkins and D. P. Holland as field officeys in the regular army; Which was placed among the orders of the day. On motion, the House adjourned until to-morrow morning, 19 o'clock. SATURDAY, December If, 1861. The House met pursuant to adjournment—a quorum present. On motion of Mr. Russell, the reading of yesterday's journal was dispensed with. Mr. Blount, from the Committee on the Judiciary, made tht following report: The Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred a bill to be entitled an act for the protection of and aid to paupers, and for other purposes, have had the same under consideration, and ask leave to report the same back to the House without recom¬ mendation. A. C. BLOUNT, Chairman. Which was read, and the accompanying bill placed among the orders of the day. Mr. Vogt, from a Committee of Conference on the part of the House, made the following report: The Committee of Conference on the House amendment to the Senate bill to be entitled an act to fix the salary and require ad¬ ditional duties to be performed by the Governor's Private Secre- 277 tary, and for other purposes, recommend that the Senate adopt the House amendment with the addition of the following section to.the bill: Sec. 8. Beit further enacted, That all acts or resolutions now in force in this State, inconsistent with the provisions of this act, be and the same are hereby repealed. Also strike out " Governor's Private Secretary" from the title and insert " Secretary of State." Respectfullv submitted, D. A. VOGT, Ch'n House Com. JACOB II. POOSER, D. W. IIOLLOMAN. Which was read and the amendments offered by the Committee adopted, and the accompanying bill placed among the orders of the day. Mr. Clyatt, from a Select Committee, made the following re¬ port : The Select Committee, to whom was referred a bill to be enti¬ tled an act for the relief of Joseph F. Prevatt, and the petitions relating thereto, have had the same under consideration, and recommend the passage of the bill. All of which is respectfully submitted, T. N. CLYATT, Chairman. C. C. COFFEE, JAMES P. CARTER. Which was read, and the accompanying bill placed among the orders of the day. The following message was received from the Senate: Senate Chamber, ) Dec. 13, 1861. j Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir—The Senate has this day passed the following resolution, viz : Resolution relating to coupon bonds authorized to be issued by ordinance of the State of Florida, passed April 21, 1861, and the payment of debts due by said State. Very respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEIIURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read, and the accompanying resolution placed among tke orders of the day. Also the following: 278 Senate Chamber, ) Dec. 13, 1861. J Hon. Samuel B. Loye, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir :—The Senate has this day passed the following bill and resolution, viz : A "bill to "be entitled an act to extend the jurisdiction of Justi¬ ces of the Peace in this State; also, Resolution in relation to completing the Railroad connection between the Pensacola & Georgia Railroad and the Savannah, Albany and Gulf Railroad. The following bill has this day been lost in the Senate, viz: A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Dr. J. P. Duval. Very Respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEHURST, Secretary of Senate. Which was read and the accompanying bill and resolution placed among the orders of the day. ORDERS OF THE DAY. Joint Resolution recommending the Hon. J. Q. Stewart for a Captaincy in the regular army, Was read the second time, rule waived, read the third time by its title, and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Blount, Camp¬ bell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Haddock, Holland, Howell, Hull, Lee, Means, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Rus¬ sell, Scott, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Williams, Yates and Yon—27. Nays—None. So the resolution passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. Joint resolution requesting the President to appoint Charles F. Hopkins and D. P. Holland as field officers in the regular army, Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second and third times by its title and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Blount, Campbell, Carter, Cly¬ att, Coffee, Haddock, Ilowell, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Means, Mizell, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Russell, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Vogt, Williams, Yates and Yon—28. Nays—None. So the resolution passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. 279 The rules being waived, Mr. Holland introduced a joint reso¬ lution providing for the organization of the Amelia Guerilla Company; Which was read, rule waived, read a second and third times by its title, and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, "Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Haddock, Holland, Howell, Hull, Lee, Means, Newburn, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Scott, Sew¬ ard, YanZant, Wall, Wells, Yogt, Williams, Yates and Yon —28. Hays—Mr. Mizell—1. So the resolution passed—title as stated. On motion, a Committee of three, consisting of Messrs. Hol¬ land, Yates and Hull were appointed to convey the same to the Senate. A committee from the Senate consisting of Messrs. Davidson, Baldwin and Dawkins waited upon the House and requested the return to the Senate of a House bill entitled an act to extend the jurisdiction of Justices of the Peace in this State. On motion, Messrs. Blount, Arendell and Carter, were ap¬ pointed a committee to convey said bill back to the Senate. Mr. Holloman, from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, made the following report: The Committee on Enrolled Bills ask leave to report the fol¬ lowing bills and resolutions as correctly enrolled, viz : An act to amend an act to change the time for holding the Circuit Court for the Western Judicial District; An act for the relief of Sheriffs and other ministerial officers ; An act in reference to lands bought in by the State for taxes; An act to amend an act giving the State the right of peremp¬ tory challenges in criminal cases, approved February 14th, 1861; An act to authorize the suspension of specie payment; Resolution delaratory of the reserved rights of the State of Florida; Joint resolution recommending Honorable William W. Me- Call for a Captaincy in the regular army; also, Resolution relative to completing the railroad connection be¬ tween the Pensacola and Georgia Railroad and the Savannah, Albany & Gulf Railroad. D. W. HOLLOMAH, Chairman. Which was read. The rules being waived, Mr. Williams, from the Committee on the Militia, made the following report: The Committee on the Militia to whom was referred a bill for the relief of J. H. Rhodes of Leon county, have had the same uuder consideration and beg leave to report, that they have care- 280 fully examined into the claim of said Rhodes and find that he has performed the duties assigned him as constable under the militia law of '59—'60, and knowing his claim to be a just one, would re¬ commend the passage of the bill. The committee find upon in¬ quiry that the sheriff of Leon county has paid into the military fund sums more than equal to the demands likely to be made, and also find that no separate record has been kept of these amounts, hence a failure to establish as the law directs a military fund. The Committee would recommend that the Treasurer be and he is hereby requested to pay the claim of the said Rhodes out of any monies not otherwise appropriated. JOS. JOHN WILLIAMS, Clfin. Which was read, and the accompanying' bill plficed among the orders of the day. Mr. Scott, from the Committee on Engrossed Bills, made the following report: The Committee on Engrossed Bills report the following bill", and resolutions as correctly engrossed, viz : A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of R. P. Lewis of Bradford county; A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of -Aaron W. Da- Costa, a Justice of the Peace for Duval county ; A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of John B. White- hurst ; Resolution for the relief of James D. Green, ex-ofiieio Tax As¬ sessor and Collector of Manatee county ; Resolution in relation to the return of the second regiment of Florida Vol unteers from Virginia to this State; also, A bill to be entitled an act to amend the statute of limitation. Respectfully submitted, WM. H. SCOTT, Chairman. Which was read, and the accompanying bills and resolutions placed among the orders of the day. Senate bill to amend and. consolidate the several acts of this State in relation to patrols, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Howell, Hull, Means, Newburn, Price, Russell, Scott, Wall, Vogt, Williams, Yates and Yon—22. Nays—Messrs. Haddock, Howell, Lee, Parker, Peterson, Richardson and Seward—7. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. The following message from his Excellency the Governor was 281 received, and on motion, referred to the Committee on the Mili¬ tia : Executive J ) ep artment, i Tallahassee, December 13, 1801. j letloio- Cithens of t/i e Sen ate and House of Repre sent citices : Your attention is respectfully invited to the proceedings of a Convention of Artificers, called to meet in Tallahasse, on the 1st of Movember, 1861. The Convention was com¬ posed of intelligent citizens, patriotic, sensible and practical men—gentlemen whose opinions are entitled to respectful consideration., The views of the Executive as to the necessity of an Arse¬ nal of Construction have been made known to you in a pre¬ vious message. The skill and energy of the patriotic arti¬ sans of the iState, in the judgment ot the Executive, should he brought into requisition by liberal appropriations of mo¬ ney on tiie part of the General Assembly. In the Executive Department, at this time, is a Sword Bayonet, invented and made by IV. IV. Ansel, a citizen of Florida, not surpassed in excellence by any other bayonet—also, the model of a gun invented by E. B. Ridley. M. D., a citizen of Florida, whose description of its powers accompanies this message. Also a splendid Sword manufactured in Georgia by the pa¬ triotic and accomplished artisan, A. II. Dewitt, of Colum¬ bus, Ga. These things are subject to your inspection, and if inspected, cannot fail to inspire the pleasing conviction that the skill and energy of the people of the Confederate States of America are sufficient for any emergency necessa¬ ry to the protection of liberty, life and property; and shall the gallant little State of Florida—the land of flowers— alike distinguished for the beauty, virtue and patriotism of her daughters, and the gallantry of her sons, be left depend¬ ent upon the skill and industry of the citizens of other States for the arms necessary to her defence, for the want of dol¬ lars and cents wisely appropriated to invite and support the enterprising and already ascertained skill of her own sons'( Respectfully, JOIIN" MILT OK' Mechanic's Meeting. The following are the proceedings of a Convention of Ar¬ tificers, called to meet in Tallahassee on the 13th inst., by 282 Ms Excellency Gov. Milton. Gen. R. A. Shine was unani¬ mously elected President of the Convention—A. B. Hutch- ins, Sec'y. On motion, a Committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Ledwith, Keenan and Robertson, to wait on the Gov¬ ernor and solicit his views with regard to the main object of the Convention. His Excellency being then introduced, proceeded at once to address the meeting, making known, in a very explicit manner, the purpose for which the Conven¬ tion was called. On motion, a Committee of five was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Ledwith, King, Davis, Keenan and Galagher, to take into consideration what course it would be most proper to pursue, relative to business concerning the Convention, and report the same at 7 o'clock this evening, until which time this meeting is adjourned. 7 o'clock, p. m. The Committee appointed to suggest business for the con¬ sideration of the Convention, respectfully submit the follow¬ ing preamble and resolutions :—■ Whbreas, it becomes the duty of every class of citizens within the State of Florida to put forth all their energy and skill in devising ways and means to repel the insolent foe that has invaded our borders, and to prosecute with zeal, to an honorable peace, the war that is now waged against the Confederate States of America: and whereas, There are many men of science within the limits of the State, who on¬ ly await an opportunity and State encouragement to display their skill and ability to manufacture arms of every descrip¬ tion, ammunition, and all other material used in warfare— Therefore be it Resolved, 1st. That his Excellency the Governor be and is here¬ by requested to urge upon the General Assembly, soon to convene, the appropriation of fifty thousand dollars for the. establishment of a manufactory of guns, gun powder, shot and shell, carriages of all necessary kinds, harness, swords, sabres, and every description of implement of war that may be necessary for the use of State troops ; and that a suitable person be employed to superintend said works, and that said Arsenal of Construction be situated at such place as the General Assembly may think most advisable. 283 Committee. 2d. That all works and private enterprises of every descrip¬ tion, tending towards the public good, should receive the protection and encouragement of the State of Florida, and the citizens thereof. MICHAEL LED WITH, I JOHN Q.GALAGIIEK, GEO. S. KING, D. L. KEENAN, I 0. II. DAYIS, J The following resolution was offered by Mr. Keenan : Resolved, That the change of the flint and steel musket to that of percussion, on the principles suggested and plan ex. hibited to this Convention by Mr. C. H. Davis, and the bay¬ onet attached to double barrel shot guns, as exhibited by Mr. Geo. S. King, be approved and recommended. Adopted. On motion of Mr.Kandam, it was Resolved, That the Secretary.be, and he is hereby instructed, to furnish the Governor with a copy of the preamble and resolutions passed by this Convention. Adopted. On motion of Mr. Davis, Resolved, That the newspapers of this State be requested to publish the proceedings of this Convention. Adopted. After the adoption of the above resolutions, on motion, the Convention adjourned. [copy.] Tallahassee, Florida, Dec. 13th, 1861. His Excellency John Milton, Governor of Florida: See : Having invented a gun which, if properly arranged, might, in my opinion, serve a valuable purpose in repelling the present threatened invasion of our soil, I deem it my duty as a loyal citizen of the State of Florida, to use every effort to render her defences as efficient as possible; but my means be¬ ing inadequate to the undertaking, I am reduced to the ne¬ cessity of asking State aid, and for the better understanding of the Executive and General Assembly, I have deposited a model of said gun in the Executive office, and herewith sub¬ join a description as follows: One hundred and twenty-eight guns constitute a full bat¬ tery; this to be sub-divided into sixteen sections of eight guns each; these to be placed on carriages similar to six 284 pound cannon, to be elevated and depressed upon the same principle as cannon, but the sighting will be accomplished by means of a tube, which will occupy a central position 011 the carriage. By means of a rod of iron which passes hori¬ zontally behind the breach of each gun, and to which is at¬ tached a crank and sundry pinions, all the guns are made to fire at the same time and at least once per second. As there are eight balls, they will take effect 800 yards, but it is con¬ templated to reduce the size and increase the number as the distance is lessened—thus: 8 oz. balls shoot 800 yards 1 oz. balls shoot 200 yards 4 oz. balls shoot 100 yards The number of balls per minute will be as follows— 8 oz. balls, 7,080 1 oz. balls, 61,240 i oz. balls, 122,880 The same amount of lead will be discharged each fire, upon the principle of solid ball, grape and canister for cannon. Each section of battery to be protected by a plate of boiler iron, 3-16 of an inch thick, presenting an inclined plane of forty five degrees front. One hundred and sixty men will man a full battery. Thirty-two horses will be sufficient for transportation of the whole battery. The cost of putting them up cannot exceed thirty dollars per gun. Believing that I have completed the description of every thing materially necessary for your information, I have the honor to be, Yery respectfully, Your obedient servant, E. B. BIDLEY, M. I). A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of E. E. Blackburn, late Marshal of the late United States, and his assistants. Mr. Bloxham moved the reconsideration of the vote taken yesterday on a Senate bill to be entitled an act to authorize the City of Pensacola to issue change bills ; Which was agreed to, and said bill placed among the orders of the day. Resolution for the relief of James D. Green, ex-officio Tax Collector of Manatee county, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: 285 Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Carter, Cly¬ att, Coffee, Haddock, Howell, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Means, Rewburn, Parker, Peterson, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Wall, Wells, Vogt, Williams, Yates and Yon—26. Rays—Rone. So the hill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same he certified to the Senate. A hill to he entitled an act for the relief of R. P. Lewis of Bradford county, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Blox- harn, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Haddock, Howell, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Means, Rewhurn, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richard¬ son, Scott, Seward, Wall, Wells, Vogt, Williams, Yates and Yon—28. Rays—Mr. Mizell—1. So the hill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same he certified to the Senate. Senate hill to he entitled an act to protect occupants upon the public lands of .this State in their possession of, and to their im¬ provements thereon and for other purposes, Was read the second time and ordered for a third reading on Monday. A hill to be entitled an act for the relief of John B. White- hurst, Was read the third time, and on motion was placed hack on its second reading and the following amendment offered by Mr. Love: Strike out last five lines and last word in sixth line from the bottom and insert, " Said office of Lieut. Colonel of the first Reg¬ iment of State Guards he declared vacant, and the Governor he and he is hereby authorized and required to order an election to fill said vacancy in accordance with the requirements of the law for election of field officers." Upon which the yeas and nays being called, the vote was: ■ Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Bellamy, Blount, Campbell, Car¬ ter, Howell, Holloman, Mizell, Price, Richardson, Russell and Scott—12. Rays—Messrs. Arendell, Bloxham, Clyatt, Coffee, Holland, Hull, Means, Peterson, Pooser, Robinson, Wall, Wells, Vogt, Williams, Yates and Yon—16. So the amendment was lost. The bill was then on motion read a third time by its title, and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was : Yeas—Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Bloxham, Clyatt, 286 Coffee, Holland, Hull, Lee, Means, Newburn, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Robinson, Russell, Wall, Wells, Vogt, Williams, Yates and Yon—22. Nays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Campbell, Carter, Howell, Rich¬ ardson, Scott and Seward—7. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. The rules being waived, Mr. Holloman introduced the follow- resolution: Joint resolution in reference to pay of members of the General Assembly. Resolved, That the Committee appointed for the purpose of preparing the General Appropriation Bill be, and they are here¬ by instructed to allow in said bill to each member of this Gen¬ eral Assembly the sum of three dollars per day, as heretofore allowed for services during this present session, and such mi¬ lage as has been heretofore properly allowed. Resolved further, That the provisions of an act, approved Feb'y 14, 1861, fixing the pay of members of the General As¬ sembly, do not apply to the present members of this General Assembly. • Mr. Bloxham offered the following as a substitute for said resolution : Resolved, That the Committee on appropriations be requested to adopt that law which will be most beneficial to the interest of the State; Upon which the yeas and nays being called, the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Blox¬ ham, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Holland, Howell, Hull, Means, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Sew¬ ard, Wall, Vogt, Williams, Yates and Yon—25. Nays—Messrs. Holloman, Lee, Newburn and Wells—4. So the substitute was adopted. Mr. Holloman moved that a Committee of three be appointed, whose duty if shall be to ascertain which mode of calculation on milage, and per diem, Avill be the most beneficial to this State, and that Mr. Bloxhanr be appointed chairman ot the same, to re¬ port to this House at as early an hour as possible. Upon which the yeas and nays being called, the vote was : Yeas—Messrg. Carter, Haddock, Holloman, Russell, Wells, Vogt, Williams and Yates—8. Nays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Bloxham, Campbell, Clyatt, Coffee, Holland, Howell, Hull, Lee, Means, Newburn, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Robinson, Scott, Seward and Yon—23. So the motion was lost. 287 The following message was received from the Senate: Senate Chamber, ) December 12th, 1861. ) Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir :—The Senate has this day passed the following bill, viz: A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the payment of certain claims accruing against the State of Florida between the times of the secession of said State and the formation of the Govern¬ ment of the Confederate States, as amended. See enclosed prin¬ ted bill. Very respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEHURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read and the amendments concurred in, and the bill ordered to be enrolled. Also the following: Senate Chamber, ) December 13, 1861. j Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir : I am instructed by the Senate to return the enclosed res¬ olution to the House of Representatives, having been transmit¬ ted to the Senate informally, there being no message accompany¬ ing the same. Very Respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEHURST, Secretary of Senate. Which was read. Also the following: Senate Chamber, ) Dec. 13, 1861. j Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir : The Senate has this day concurred in the House amend¬ ments to a bill to be entitled an act to fix the salary and require additional duties to be performed by the Governor's private Sec¬ retary, and for other purposes; and have adopted the enclosed as an additional section; also amended the title by striking out "Governor's private Secretary" and inserting "Secretary of State." Very respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEHURST, Secretary of the Senate. 288 Which was read. Also the following : Senate Chamber, f December 14, 1861. ) lion. Samuel B. Love, Speaker' of the House of Representatives: Sir : The Senate has this day passed the following hills, \iz,: A hill to be entitled an act for the relief of certain citizens of this State; A bill to be entitled an act to authorize the Secretary of this State to appoint an Assistant; also, A bill to be entitled an act to define the duties of the Comp¬ troller and Treasurer of this State. Very respectfully, J OH V B. WHITEHURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read, and the acconrpanying bills placed among the orders of the day. Also the following: Senate Chamber, } Dec. 14, 1861. To Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Rejyresentatives : Sir :—The Senate has this day passed the following bills, viz: House bill to be entitled an act to provide for the payment of the War Tax to be assessed upon and collected from the citizens of this State ; House bill to be entitled an act to modify and change the act entitled an act to provide for the issue of Treasury Rotes, ap¬ proved Feb'y 14, 1861; also, House bill to be entitled an act relative to the Public Lands of the State of Florida. Very respectfully, JOIIR B. WHITEHURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read and the bills ordered to be enrolled. The rules being waived, Mr. Hull introduced a joint resolution in relation to furnishing the volunteer soldiers of the State of Florida between the times they were actually in camp until they are mustered into the service; Which was read the first time, the rules waived and read the second and third times by its title and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Haddock, Llowell, 289 Holloinan, Hall, Means, Newburn, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Wall, Wells, Vogt, Williams, Yates and Yon—31. N ays—None. So the resolution passed—title as stated. Ordered ^hat. the same be certified to the Senate. On motion of Mr. Blount, a Cbmini1t.ee consisting of Messrs. Blount, Wall and Clyatt, were appointed to convey to the Sen¬ ate the Senate resolution amended by the House relative to ad¬ journment, and which was forwarded to the Senate* through mistake, and returned to the House this morning. On motion, the House took a recess mi til three o'clock, P. M. 3 O'CLOCK, P. M. The House resumed its session. A quorum not being present, on motion, the Sergeant-at-Arms was dispatched to request the attendance of absent members. v On motion, Mr. Robinson was excused from serving on th® Committee on Appropriations on the part of the House. Senate bill to be entitled an act for the protection of and aid to paupers, and for other purposes, Was, on motion, laid on the table. Senate bill to be entitled an act for the relief of J. H. Rhodes, Constable 2nd District, Leon county, Was read a second time and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on Monday. On motion, Messrs. Arendell and Russell were excused from further attendance on the House from 4 o'clock this evening un¬ til Monday morning next, at 10 o'clock. Senate resolution relating to coupon bonds authorized to be issued by ordinance of the State of Florida, passsed April 21st, 1861, and the payment of debts due by said State, Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on Monday. On motion, Messrs. Holland, Haddock and Carter, were ap¬ pointed a Committee to wait upon the Senate and ask the return of a Senate bill entitled an act amendatory and to consolidate the various militia laws of this State. • Senate bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Joseph F. Prevatt, Was read the second time and ordered for a third reading on Monday. 19 290- A Committee from the Senate, consisting; of Messrs. Rogers, Brokaw and Ingram, waited upon the House and returned to the House a Senate hill entitled an act amendatory of the various acts to organize the militia of the Stjite of Florida. A hill to be entitled an act to amend the law regulating Judi¬ cial Proceedings, Was read the first time and ordered fen- a second reading on Monday. A bill to be entitled an act to amend the Statute of Limita¬ tions, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Blount, Blox, bam, Haddock, Holland, Holloman, Hull, Peterson, Price, Wall- Vogt, Williams and Yates—15. Nays—Messrs. Campbell, Clyatt, Howell, Means, Parker, Rich¬ ardson, Robinson, Seward, Wells and Yon—10. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. Resolution for the relief of John M. Johns and other citizens of Hernando county, Was read the second time and ordered for a third reading on Monday. Senate bill to be entitled an act to authorize the corporate au¬ thorities of the city of Pensacola to issue change bills, Was read the third time and put upon its passage upon which the vote was : Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Blovham, Canova, Carter, Clyatt, Haddock, Holland, Hull, Means, Pooser, Price, Wells^ Vogt, Yates and Yon—19. Nays—Messrs. Campbell, Howell, Parker, Peterson, Richard¬ son, Russell, Seward and Wall—8. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. Senate bill to be entitled an act to authorize the Secretary of State to employ an assistant, Was read the first time, the rule waived, read the second time by its title and the following amendmens offered by Mr. Holland: Sec. 4. Be it further ena-tel, That the salary of the Secretary eha'l be two thousand dollars a year, and this shall be in lieu of all fees and salary. Which was lost. ■ The bill was then ordered for a third reading on Monday. Senate bill to be eutitled an act for the relief of certain citizens of this State, 291 Was read the second time, and ordered for a third reading on Monday. Se uite bill to be entitled an act further to define the duties of the Comptroller and Treasurer of this State, Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading on Monday. Senate bill to be entitled an act to amend the Election Laws of this State, Was j-ead the second time, rule waived, read the third time by its title and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Bellamy, Blount, Bloxharn, Can )va, Campbell, Clyatt, Haddock, Holland, Holloman, Hull, Means, Peterson, Price, Wall, Vogt, Williams and Yon—19. Navs—Messrs. Howell, Parker, Richardson, Seward, Wells and Yates—G. So the bill passed—title as stated.- Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. On motion, Mr. Bloxharn was excused from service on the Commit ee on Appropriations, and Mr. Blount appointed to serve in his stead. Mr. Hull from the Committee on Engrossed Bills made the following report: Tae Committee on Engrossed Bills beg leave to report the fol¬ lowing bill as correctly engrossed, viz : A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of John II. Rhodes, Constable of the Second District of Leon comity. N. H. HULL, Ch'n. Whi h was read and the accompanying bill placed among the orders of the day. A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of John II. Rhodes, Constable of the Second District of Leon county, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was : Yeas—Messrs. Bellamy, Blount, Bloxharn, Campbell, Clyatt, Holland, Holloman, Hull, Means, Peterson, Wells, Yogt, Wil¬ liams, Yates and Yon—15. Nays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Amos, Canova, Haddock, How¬ ell, Parker, Price, Richardson, Seward and Wall—10. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. The following message from his Excellency the Governor was received and read: 2i)2 Executive Department, ( Tallahassee, December 14, 1861. \ Hon. S. B. Love, Speaker of the House of lieprescntatiecs : Sir: I have approved and signed the following bills and reso¬ lutions, this day transmitted to me, viz: An act in reference to lands bought in by the State for taxes; An act for the relief of sheriffs and other ministerial otlicers of" the court; An act to amend an act entitled an act giving the State a right of peremptory challenges in criminal cases, approved February 14, 1861 ; An act to authorize the suspension of specie payments ; An act to amend an act to change the time for holding the Circuit Courts in the Western Judicial Circuit; Resolution relative to completing the Railroad connection be- tiveen the Pensacola and Georgia Railroad and the Savannah, Albany and Gulf Railroad ; Resolution declaratory of the reserved rights of the State of Florida; Joint resolution recommending Honorable William W. MeCall for a Captaincy in the regular army. Verv Respeetfullv, JOHN MILTON. Also the folloAving: Executive Department, ] Tallahassee, Dec. 14th, 1861. i Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representcith'es: Sir:—I respectfully recommend the following nomination for the advice and consent of the General Assembly, viz: John J. Turner, auctioneer for the county of Alachua. Verv respectfullv, JOHN MILTON. Which was read and the nomination advised and concurred in by the House. On motion, the House adjourned until Monday morning at 10 o'clock. 293 MONDAY, December 16, 1861. The House met pursuant to adjournment—a quorum present. On motion of Mr. Arendell, the reading of Saturday's journal was dispensed with. On motion of Mr. Means, J. F. Jackson, Assistant Clerk of the House, was excused from further attendance on the House after to-day. „v Mr. Blount introduced a resolution concerning the construc¬ tion of a Battery of Guns on the principle invented by Mr. E. B. Ridley ; Which was read the lirst time, rule waived, read a second and third times by its title, and put upon its passage, upon wh.eh the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Blox- ham, Canova, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Cole, Haddock, Howell, Hull, Lee, Means, Newborn, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Seward, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Yogi and Yon—29. Nays—None. So the resolution passed—title as stated. On motion, a committee consisting of Messrs. Blount, Hollo- man and Russell were appointed to convey said resolution to the Senate and request their concurrence. Mr. Blount introduced a resolution for the relief of the Hon. Levi Yon; Which was placed among the orders of the day. Mr. Hull, from the Committee on Engrossed Bills made the following report: The Committee on Engrossed Bills, beg leave to report the following resolution as correctly engrossed, viz : Resolution for the relief of John M. Johns and other citizens, of Hernando county. All of which is respectfullv submitted N. A. HULL, Ch'n. Which was read. Mr. Russell, from the Committee on Internal Improvements, made the following report: The Committee on Internal Improvements to whom was re¬ ferred a bill to be entitled an act to encourage the manufacture of salt within the limits of this State, have had the same under consideration, and highly approving of the object of the bill, beg leave to report the accompanying substitute therefor, and re¬ commend its passage. JAS. S. RUSSELL, Ch'n Com. 294 Which was, read and the accompanying substitute and bill placed among the orders of the day. ORDERS OF THE DAY. Resolution for the relief of John M. Johns and other citizens of Hernando county, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. Bellamy, Canova, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Howell, Hull, Lee, Mizell, Newborn, Peterson, Price, Richard¬ son, Seward,.VanZant and Yon—16. Navs—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Blount, Bloxham, Cole, Haddock, Holloman, Means, Pooser, Russell, Wall, Wells and Vogt—13. So the resolution passed—titled as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. Senate bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Joseph F~ Prevatt, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Bloxham, Canova, Carter, Clyatt, Cotfee, Cole, Haddock, Howell, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Means, Mizell, Newburn, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Seward, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Vogt and Yon.—30. Nays—None. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. Senate bill to be entitled an act for- the relief of certain citizens of this State, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas— Messrs. Bellamy, Blount, Bloxham, Carter, Ciyntt, Colfee, Cole, Haddock, Howell, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Newburn, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Seward, VanZant, Wall and Yon—21. Nays—Messrs. Canova, Robinson, Russell and Wells—4. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. The following message was received from his Excellency the Governor: Executive Department, [ Tallahassee, Dec. 16, 1861. J Fellow Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives : The interests of the State demand an amendment to the ordin- 295 anee No. forty-one of the late Convention, which requires the payments for lands sold to be made in specie—gold or silver. The Treasury Notes of the State should be received in payment of lands. Moreover, the citizens of the State generally will he benefitted by the enactment of a law requiring the Register in person or by deputy, to offer at certain times, to be specified in the act, at the Court House in each county, the lands at public sale in the county where the sale shall be made, and thai and there be prepared to make the title upon the payment being mado* in terms of the sale. The cost to the State will be more than counterbalanced by the increased quantity of land which will be sold, and by emigration to the State which the sales will induce, if proper notice of the 'times of sale shall be sufficiently published, and the citizens of the State will be saved much personal inconvenience, the loss of time, and expenses in coming to and returning from the Register's Office, and the occasional heavy losses of money attempted to be transmitted by mail to the Register at Tallahassee. These matters are respectfully submitted to the consideration of the General Assembly. The question arises, have the General Assembly the right to amend or repeal the ordinances of the Convention—ordinances relating to such matlers as are gener¬ ally the subject of legislation by the General Assembly ? The ordinance No. 14, passed in the Convention January 17, 18(51, reads as follows: Be it ordained by the people of the State of Florida in General Convention assembled, That the eleventh section of the sixth article of the Constitution be amended by striking from the last line of said section the words, " and of the United States " and adding the words, " and the ordinances adopted by this Convention." None will pretend that this ordinance is now of force. By the seventh section of Art. VI, of the amended Constitu¬ tion, it is provided, "Members of the General Assembly and all officers, civil or military, before they enter upon the executicil of their respective offices, shall take the following oath or af¬ firmation : I do swear (or .affirm) that I am duly qualified, ac¬ cording to the Constitution of this State, to exercise the office to which I have been elected (or appointed) and will, to the best of my ability discharge the duties thereof, and preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of this State and of the Con¬ federate States of America." The Constitution is the only fundamental law. Does this not appear to have been the opinion of the Convention, by the fact that the Convention, in framing the Constitution, incorporated into some parts of it an entire ordinance in one article, and in 296 another article, several parts of an ordinance, to form one, two or three articles ? The Constitution creates three departments of the Govern¬ ment. The second article of the Constitution reads as follows: "The powers of the Government of the State of Florida shall be divided into three distinct departments, and each of them con¬ fided to a separate body of magistracy, to wit: Those which are legislative, to one—those which are executive, to another, and those which are judical to another." "No person or collection of persons being one of these departments, shall exercise any power properly belonging to either of the others, except in the instances expressly provided for in this Constitution." So long as the Constitution is in existence, no person or col¬ lection of persons can interfere with the respective duties or pow¬ ers ot these departments of the Government. Their respective powers can only be changed with the Constitution, nor can any Convention of persons, except in the manner pointed out in the Constitution, interfere with the rights of legislation. The General Assembly can pass any law not forbidden by the Constitution of the Confederate States of America, or the Con¬ stitution of the State of Florida; and subject to this limitation, can repeal, alter or create. In the Constitution is there any provision forbidding the Gen¬ eral Assembly from repealing the ordinances legislative in their character? The 14th article reads : "That no part of this Con¬ stitution shall be altered except by a Convention duly elected." "2. No Convention of the people shall be called unless by the concurrence of two-thirds of all the members of each House of the General Assembly, made known by the passing of a bill which shall be read three times on three several days in each House. " 3 Whenever a Convention shall be called, proclamation of an election for Delegates shall be made by the Governor at least thirty days before the election. Every County and Senatorial District shall be entitled to as many delegates as it has represen¬ tatives in the General Assembly. The same qualifications shall be required in delegates and in electors that are required in mem¬ bers of Assembly and voters for the same respectively, and the elections for delegates to a Convention and the returns of such elections shall be held and made in the manner prescribed by law for regulating elections for members of Assembly; but the Convention shall judge of the qualifications of its members." If the Genera! assembly has no power to repeal the ordinances, the Constitution would have so declared. It expressly declares that the Constitution can be changed ^by a Convention, and by no other power. 297 The first Constitution of the State permitted the General As- ssmbly to amend it in the manner which was therein prescribed. If that article of the Constitution had not been changed, the Legislature could have amended it in the manner therein pre¬ scribed, and would it not be absurd to suppose that the General Assembly has not the power to amend or repeal tbe ordinances which are merely legislative in character ? If this be true, it follows that the only necessity for a Conven¬ tion that can arise will be to amend the Constitution. To exer¬ cise the ordinary powers of legislation belongs exclusively to the General Assembly, agreeably to the Constitution. If any change in the Constitution be necessary to the interests of the State, within so short a time after it has become the fundamen¬ tal law of the State, it is a sad reflection upon the wisdom of the late Convention. The ordinances, which were1 only intended to be temporary in their character and purposes, if defective or in¬ jurious in their tendency to the public, may be repealed or amended by the General Assembly. This is evident from the fact that the Convention which passed the ordinances from the 3d day of January to the 27th day of April, on that day incor¬ porated into one instrument such portions of the ordinances as they had passed,'and which to them seemed necessary to form the fundamental law of the land. This they adopted as the Con¬ stitution, and then on that day adjourned sine (fie, not to meet again unless convened by the President of the Con mention on or before the 25th day of December next, when, by the terms of the Constitution itself, the President had been deprived of the pow¬ er—a power which, if it existed, might endanger, in the exercise, the liberty, lives and property of the people of Florida, and no assumption of power over the liberty, life or property, should be submitted to by freemen. If, in the opinion of the General Assembly, any amendmen' of the Constitution shall seem necessary, the manner in which it can be made is prescribed in the Constitution, and secures to the people of the State the sacred right of exercising their judgment in the election of delegates to the Convention. Very respectfully, _ JOHN MILTON. Which was read, and on motion, said message was referred to the Committee "on the Judiciary, and 80 copies of the same were ordered to be printed for the use of the House. A Committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs.. Chain, Abercrombie and Simpkins waited upon the House and conveyed to them a Senate bill to be entitled on act in relation to alien enemies, and requested the immediate action of the House there¬ on. 298 A hill to be entitled an act to amend the law in relation to> Judicial proceedings, Was read the second time, and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on to-morrow. A committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. Abercrorn- bie, Ingram and Simpkins waited upon the House and returned to them a House bill entitled an act to provide for the payment of certain claims accruing against the State of Florida between the times of the secession of said State and the formation of the Southern Confederacy, the same having been sent to the Senate for proper endorsement by the Secretary and being properly en¬ dorsed, was ordered to be enrolled. Senate resolution relating to coupon bonds authorized to be issued by ordinance of the State of Florida, passed April 21,1861, and the payment of debts due by said State, Was read the second time, rule waived, read the third time and put upon its passage, upon wffieh the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Bloxham, Carter, Cly¬ att, Coffee, Cole, Ilolloman, Lee, Means, Mizell, Newburn, Par¬ ker, Pooser, Price, Russell, Scott, Seward, VauZant, Vogt, Wil¬ liams and Yon—22. Nays—Messrs. Can ova, Peterson, Wall and Wells—4. So the resolution passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. Senate bill to be entitled an act to protect occupants upon the public lands of this State and their irrrproveraents thereon, and for other purposes, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which' the vote was : Yeas—Messrs. Parker and Wells—2. frays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Blount, Bloxham, Ca- nova, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Cole, Haddock, Howell, Ilolloman, Hull, Lee, Means, Mizell, Newburn, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Seward, VanZant, Wall, Vogt, Wil¬ liams and Yon—20. So the bill was lost. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. Resolution in relation to the return of the second Regiment of Florida. Volunteers from Virginia to this State, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was : Yeas—Messrs. Can ova, Clyatt, Haddock, Hull, Lee, Newburn, Pooser, Price, VanZant, Wall and Wells—11. Nays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Car¬ ter, Coffee, Cole, Howell, Ilolloman, Means, Parker, Peterson, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Vogt, Williams and Yon—19. 299 So the resolution was lost. A committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. MoCall, McQueen and Davidson waited upon the House and conveyed to it a Senate resolution in relation to mail contractors, and request¬ ed the concurrence of the House therein. A committee from the Senate consisting of Messrs. MoCall, Ingram and Davidson waited upon the House anil conveyed to them Senate resolution to go into the election of Confederate Senators, and requested the concurrence of the House therein. Which resolution was taken up and adopted. On motion, a committee consisting of Messrs. Means, Peter¬ son and Price were appointed to return said resolution to the Senate and inform them of the action of the House thereon. A hill to be entitled an act for the relief Aaron W. DeCosta, a Justice of the Peace for Duval county, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Blox- ham, C mova, Ca"ter, Cole, Howell, Hull, Lee, Newborn, Parker, Pe terson, Price, R:chardson, Russell, Seward, YanZant, Wall, Wells, Vogt and Yon—23. Nays—Messrs. Coffee and Vann—2. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. Senate bill to be entitled an act further to define the duties of the Comptroller and Treasurer of this State, Was read the second time, the rule waived, read the third time by its title and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Blox- ham, Canova, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Cole, Ilolloman, Lee, Newborn, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Seward, Vann, Wall, Wells, Vogt, Williams and Yon—26. Nays—None. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. Mr. Ilolloman, from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, made the following report: The Committee on Enrolled Bills ask leave to report the fol¬ lowing bills as correctly enrolled, viz: An act to modify and change the act entitled an act to provide for the issue of Treasury Notes, approved February 14, 1861 ; An act to provide for the payment of the War Tax to be as¬ sessed upon and collected from citizens of this State; An act relative to the Public Laws of the State of Florida. D. W. IIOLLOMAN, Ch'n. Which was read. 300 Senate bill to be entitled an act to authorize the Secretary of State to appoint an assistant, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. Bellamy, Blount, Bloxham, Canova, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Ilolloman, Hull, Lee, Means, Mizell, Pe¬ terson, Russell, Williams and Yon—IV. Nays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Cole, Haddock. Howell, Newburn, Parker, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Seward, Vann, VanZant, Wall and Wells—14. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. Joint resolution for the relief of the Hon. Levi Yon, Wtis read the second time, and ordered for a third reading on to-morrow. Senate bill to be entitled an act to repeal the 8th section of an act entitled an act still further defining the duties of the Trustees of the Internal Improvement Fund, approved Feb y 14th 18G1. Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Blox¬ ham, Canova, Carter, Clyatt, Cole, Haddock, Holloman, Lee, Means, Mizell, Newburn, Pooser, Price, Scott, VanZant, and Yon—20. Nays—Messrs. Howell, Parker, Peterson, Seward, Vann, Wall, Wells and Williams—8. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the. Senate. A bill to be entitled an act to encourage the manufacture of salt in this State, Was read the second time, rule waived, read the third time by its title and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. Arendell, Bell my, Blount, Canova, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Cole, Holloman, Hull, Means, Newburn, Parker, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Vann, Wall, Wells and Yon—22. Nays—Messrs. Peterson, Seward and Williams—3. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. Senate bill to be entitled an act in relation to alien enemies, Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second time by its title and the House upon its consideration resolved itself into the Committee of the whole—Mr. Russell in the chair. After some time spent therein, the committee rose, and through their Chairman reported the bill back to the House and recom¬ mended its passage. 301 The report of the Committee of the Whole was then concurred in. The bill was then read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Cano- va, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Cole, Howell, Ilolloman, Hull, Lee, Means, Rewburn, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Seward, Vann, Wall, Wells, Yogt and Yon—25. Rays—Rone. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. A committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. McCall, McQueen and Duncan waited upon the House and conveyed to them Senate resolution tecommending Dr. William F. Robertson, for the position of Surgeon in the Confederate Army, and re¬ quested the concurrence of the House therein. Senate resolution relative to mail contractors, Was read the first time, rule waived, read a second and third times by its title, and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, BIox- ham, Canova, Carter, Clyatt, Cole, Howell, Holloman, 1 nil, Lee, Means, Rewburn, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richard sun, Russell, Scott, Seward, Vann, Wall, Wells, Vogt and Yon—28. Rays—Rone. So the resolution passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. Mr. Williams moved to reconsider the vote taken on the ques¬ tion of receding from the House amendment to Senate bill enti¬ tled an act amendatory to the various acts to organize the militia of the State of Florida; Which was lost. The following message was received from the Senate: Senate Chamber, ) December 16, 1861. J Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir:—The Senate has this day passed the following resolu¬ tion, viz: Senate resolution entitled a joint resolution recommending J. M. Commander for a Colonelcy. Respectfully, JOHR B. WHITEIIURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read and the accompanying resolution placed among the orders of the day. 302 Also the following: Senate Chamber, ) December 14, 1861. f Hon. Samuel B. Love, • Speaker of the Ilouse of Representatives : Sir:—The Senate has this day passed the following resolu¬ tion, viz: Joint resolution in relation to State Convention. " Very respectfully, JOHN B. WIIITEHTRST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read and the accompanying resolution placed among the orders of the day. Senate resolution recommending Dr. William F. Robertson for the position of Surgeon in the Confederate army, Was read the first time, rule waived, read a second and third times by its title and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. Arendell, Blount, Bloxham, Clyatt, Cole, How¬ ell, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Means, Newborn, Parker, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Wells, Vogt, Williams and Yon—22. Nays—Messrs. Haddock, Vann and Wall—3. So the resolution passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. The rules being waived, Mr. Williams introduced the follow¬ ing joint resolution : Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives cf the State of Florida in General Assembly conrened, That all recommendations heretofore passed by the Legislature for posi¬ tions in the Confederate States service be, and the same are hereby repealed. Upon the adoption of which, the yeas and nays being called, the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Blount, Canova, Carter, Peterson, .Pooser, Richardson, Scott, Vann, Wall, Vogt, Williams and Yon—13. Nays—Messrs. Arendell, Bloxham, Clyatt, Cole, Haddock, Holloman, Means, Newburn, Parker, Price, Russell, Seward and Wells—13. So the resolution was lost. On motion, the House took a recess until 3 o'clock, P. M. 303 THREE O'CLOCK, P. M. The House resumed its session—a quorum present. The following message was received from the Senate: Senate Ciiamijeb, ) Dec. 16, 1861. f Hon. Samuel B. Love, Bleaker o f the House of Represcutatives: Sin—The Senate has this day concurred in House amendment to Senate resolution relative to adjournment. Very respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEHURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read. Mr. Holloman, from the joint select committee on appropria¬ tions, made the following report: The joint Select Committee of the two Houses of the present General Assembly, to whom was assigned the duty of preparing a bill for making the necessary appropriations, and as origina¬ ting in the House of Representatives, having had the subject mat¬ ter under consideration, instructed us to REPORT the accompanying bill to be entitled an act making appro¬ priations for the expenses of the eleventh General Assemble, and for other purposes, which bill is to be introduced in the House of Representatives, and recommend that the same do pass. D. W. HOLLOMAN, Chairman House Com. JOHN CHAIN, Chairman Senate Com. Which was received and read and the accompanying bill, on motion, taken up and read the first time, the rule 'waived, read the second time by its title and ordered for a third reading on to-morrow. Mr. Williams from the same committee made the following minority report: * The undersigned, a minority of the Committee appointed to prepare a General Appropriation Bill, submit to the House that they cannot agree with the majority ot the Committee as to the principles upon which said appropriation bill has been prepared in reference to the pay and milage of the members of the General Assembly. The Constitution expressly provides that "each member of the General Assembly shall receive from the public 304 treasury such compensation for his services as may be fixed by law, but no increase of compensation shall take elf ret d-irbirj the term for which the Represent! it ires 'were elected when such law was passed." This provision of the Constitution is plain and emphatic; we see no room for doubtful construction. Wo cannot consent, therefore, to allowing or appropriating five dol¬ lars per day as pay to members of this House at this session. They are the very Represente es who passed this law increasing thzper diem of Representaives, and the "term for which they were elected" has not yet expired. Further argument is en¬ tirely unnecessary. We are in favor of appropriating three dol¬ lars per day, and ten cents per mile for travelling expenses to each member. We do not regard the practice which has some¬ times obtained, of allowing to members an additional three dol¬ lars" for every twenty miles of travel, as by any means binding upon this House, even if it is lawful. We are disposed to diminish the expenses of the Government, and we know of no reason either constitutional or otherwise, why the General Assembly may not refuse to allow this additional amount for milage, which, to say the least, is of a very question- able character. Respectfully submitted, JOS. JOHN WILLIAMS, Ch'n. JOHN PARKER. Which was received and read. A Committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. Finlayson, Rogers and MeCall waited upon the House and informed them that the Senate was now ready to go iuto the election of Con¬ federate Senators. On motion of Mr. Russell, a Committee of three, consisting' of Messrs. Russell, Scott and Price, were appointed to wait upon the Senate and inform them that the House was now ready to go into the election of Senators. The Senate entered the hall of the House, and the President by request of the Speaker took the chair. The President declared the object of the Joint Meeting to be, to elect two Confederate Senators. Nominations being announced in order, Mr. Chain nominated Jackson Morton of Santa Rosa county. Mr. Pooser nominated Mr. Dawkins of Jackson county. Mr. Baldwin nominated James M. Baker of Columbia county. Mr. Ilolloman nominated A. E. Maxwell of Escambia county. Mr. Rogers nominated George T. Ward of Leon county. Mr. Simpkins nominated Geo. W. Call of Nassau county. Mr. Howell nominated J. T. Magbee of Hillsborough county- The Joint Meeting then proceeded to the election. 305 The vote was: For Morton—Senate 4. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Blount, Howell and Seward—4. Total 8. For Baker—Senate 4. House—Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Cole, Hull, Lee, Newburn, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Vann, VanZant, Wall Wells and Williams—18. Total 22. For Dawkins—Senate 4. House—Messrs. Parker and Poos¬ er—2. Total 6. For Maxwell—Senate 2. House—Messrs. Arendell, Bella¬ my, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Cole, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Newburn, Price, Russell, Scott, Yann, VanZant, Wall, Wells and Williams—18. Total 20. For Ward—Senate 2. House—Messrs. Holloman, Peterson, Scotland Vogt—4. Total 6. For Call—Senate 7. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Clyatt, Haddock, Richardson, Vogt, Yates and Yon—7. Total 14. For Magbee—Senate 2. House—Messrs. Blount, Clyatt, Howell, Parker, Peterson, Seward, Yates and Yon—8. Total 10. Blank—Senate 6. House—Messrs. Canova, Coffee and Means —3. Total 9. Neither of the candidates having received the requisite ma¬ jority, the President declared there was no election. The President announced nominations still in order. Mr. Vogt nominated J. E. Broome of Nassau county. The name of G. T. Ward was withdrawn. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to a second ballot. The vote was: Fob Morton—Senate 6. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Blount and Vogt—3. . Total 9. For Baker—Senate 4. House—Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Campbell, Carter, Cole, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Newburn, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Vann, VanZant, Wall, Wells and Williams—19. Total 23. . For Hawkins—Senate 2. House—Messrs. Means and Poo- ser—2. Total 4. For Maxwell—Senate 3. House—Messrs. Arendell, Bella¬ my, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Newburn, Peterson, Price, Russell, Scott, Vann, VanZant, Wall, Wells and Williams.—18. Total 21. For Call—Senate 7. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Rich¬ ardson, Yon and Yates—4. Total 11. For Magbee—Senate 3. House—Messrs. Blount, Howell, Peterson, Seward, Yates and Yon—6. Total 9. 20 306 For, Broome—Senate 3. House—Messrs. Bloxham, Cole, Howell, Means and Yogt—5. Total 8. ■ Blase—Senate 4. House—Messrs. Can ova, Clyatt, Coffee, Haddock, Mizell and Parker—0. Total 10. Neither of the candidates having received the requisite num¬ ber of votes, the President declared there was no election. The President announced nominations still in order. Mr. Hawkins nominated G. S. Hawkins of Franklin county. The name of Mr. Hawkins was withdrawn. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to a third ballot. The vote was: For, Morton—Senate G. House—Messrs. Blount, Seward and Yogt—3. Total 9. For, Baker—Senate 3. House—Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Campbell, Carter, Cole, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Mizell, Mew- burn, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Yann, YanZant, Wall, Wells and Williams—20. Total 23. For, Maxwell—Senate 2. House—Messrs. Arendell, Bella¬ my, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Mew- burn, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Russell, Scott, Ypnn, YanZant, Wall, Wells and Williams—19. Total 21. For, Call—Senate 7. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Clyatt, Haddock, Richardson, Yates and Yon—C. Total 13. For, Macule—Senate 5. House—Messrs. Blount, Clyatt, Howell, Peterson, Seward, Yates and Yon—7. Total 12. For Broome—Senate 2. House—Messrs. Bloxham, Cale, Haddock,1 Howell, Means, Mizell and Yogt—7. Total 9. For, Hawkins—Senate 3. House—Mr. Speaker, and Mr. Means—2. Total 5. For, Blaxk—Senate 5. House—Messrs. Canova, Coffee and Parker—3. Total 8. The President declared that there was no election, neither of the candidates having received the requisite number of votes. Mominations being announced still in order, The name of G. S. Hawkins was withdrawn. The name of J. E. BroOme was withdrawn. Mr. McCall nominated Hon. S. R. Mallory of Escambia county. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to a fourth ballot. The vote was : For Morton—Senate 6. House—Mr. Blount—1. Total 7. For Baker—Senate 0. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Aren¬ dell, Bellamy, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Cole, Haddock, Hol¬ loman, Hull, Lee, Means, Mizell, Mewburn, Pooser, Price, Rich¬ ardson, Russell, Scott, Yann, YanZant, Wall, Wells and Wil¬ liams—25. Total 31. For Maxwell—Senate 6. House—Messrs. Arendell, Bel- 307 lamy, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Cole, Ilolloman, Hull, Lee, Hewburn, Pooser, Price, Russell, Scott, Vann, VanZant, Wall and Wells—19. Total 25. Foit Call—Senate 9. House—Messrs. Haddock, Ilowell, Means, Richardson, Vogt and Yates—0. Total 15. Fob Magbee—Senate 4. House—Messrs. Blount, Clyatt, Ilowell, Peterson, Seward, Yates and Yon—7. 11. Fob Malloby—Senate 2. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Peterson, Vogt, Williams and Yon—5. Total 7. Blank—Senate 3. House—Messrs, Canova and Parker—2. Total 5. Veither of the candidates having received the required num¬ ber of votes, the President declared there was no election. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to a fifth ballot. ' The vote was : Fob Mobton—Senates. House—Mr. Blount—1. Total 6. Baker—Senate 6. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Aren- dell, Bellamy, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Cole, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Hewburn, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Vann, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Vogt and Williams—22. Total 28. Fob Maxwell—Senate 6. House—Messrs. Arendell, Bella¬ my, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Cole, Haddock, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Newborn, Pooser, Price, Russell, Scott, Vann, VanZant, Wall, Wells and Williams—20. Total 20. Fob Call—Senate 10. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Clyatt, Haddock, Howell, Richardson, Vogt, Yates and Yon—8. To¬ tal 18. Fob Magbee—Senate 3. House—Messrs. Blount, Clyatt, Howell, Seward, Yates and Yon—6. Total 9. Fob Malloby—Senate 3. House—Mr. Seward—1. Total 4. Blank—Senate 3. House—Messrs. Canova, Coffee, Means, Parker and Peterson—5. Tatal 8. The President declared there was no election, neither of the candidates having received the requisite number of votes. The President declared nominations still in order. Mr. McCall withdrew the name of S. R. Mallory and placed the name of M. D. Papy of Leon in nomination. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to a sixth ballot. The vote was: Fob Moeton—Senate 4. House—Mr. Blount—1. Total 5. Fob Bakeb—Senate 5. House—Mr. Speaker. Messrs. Aren¬ dell, Bellamy, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Cole, Haddock, Hollo¬ man, Hull, Lee, Means, Newburn, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Vann, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Williams and Yon —24. Total 29. Fob Maxwell—Senate 5. House—Messrs. Arendell, Bel- 308 lamy, Bloxhara, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Haddock, Holloman,. Hull, Lee, Newburn, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Russell, Scott, ♦Seward, Yann, YanZant, Wall, Wells and Yon—22. Total 27- Fok Call—Senate 10. House—Messrs. Clyatt, Means, Rich¬ ardson, Vogt and Yates—5. Total 15. For Magbee—Senate 2. House—Messrs. Blount, Clyatt, Howell, Peterson, Seward and Yates—6. Total 8. For Papy—Senate 6. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Blox- ham, Canova, Cole, Yogt and Williams—7. Total 13. Blank—Senate 3. House—Mr. Parker—1. Total 4. The President declared there was no election, neither of the candidates having received the requisite number of votes. Nomination being announced still in order, Mr. Duncans nominated J. Patton Anderson of Jefferson county. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to a seventh ballot. The vote was : For Morton—Senate 3. -House—Messrs. Blount and Sew¬ ard—2. Total 5. For Baker—Senate 5. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Aren- dell, Bellamy, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Cole,- Haddock, Hol- loman, Hull, Lee, Newburn, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Rus¬ sell, Scott, Yann, YanZant, Wall, Wells, Yogt, Williams ami Yon—24. Total 29. For Maxwell—Senate 5. House—Messrs. Arendell,Bellamy, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Haddock, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Newburn, Pooser, Price, Russell, Scott, Yann, Yan¬ Zant, Wall, Wells and Yon—20. Total 25. For Call—Senate 6. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Howell, Peterson, Richardson, Yogt and Yates—6. Total 12. For Magbee—Senate 4. House—Messrs. Blount, Howell, Peterson, Seward and Yates—5. Total 9. For Papy—Senate 5. House—Messrs. Bloxham, Canova, Cole and Williams—4. Total 9. For Anderson—Senate 6. Total 6. Blank—Senate 3. House—Messrs. Clyatt, Means and Par¬ ker—3. Total 6. The President declared there was no election, neither of the candidates having received the requisite number of votes. Mr. Duncan withdrew the name of J. Patton Anderson. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to an eighth ballot. The vote was: For Morton—Senate 7. House—Mr. Blount—1. Total 7. For Baker—Senate 4. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Aren¬ dell, Bellamy, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Cole, Haddock, Hollo- man, Hull, Lee, Newburn, Parker, Pooser, Price, Richardson, 309 Russell, Scott, Seward, Vann, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Vogt, Williams, and Yon—26. Total 30. For Maxwell—Senate 5. House—Messrs. Arendell, Bella¬ my, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Haddock, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Newburn, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Vann, VanZant, Wall and Wells—20. Total 25. For Call—Senate 10. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Cly- att, Peterson, Vogt and Yates—5. Total 15. For Magbee—Senate 4. House—Messrs. Blount, Clyatt, Parker, Peterson, Seward and Yon—6. Total 10. For Papy—Senate 4. House—Messrs. Bloxham, Canova, Cole, Williams and Yates—5. Total 9. Blaxk—Senate 4. House—Mr. Means—1. Total 5. The President declared there was no election, neither of the candidates having received the requisite number of votes. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to a ninth ballot. The vote was: For Mortox—Senate 4. House—Mr. Blount—1. Total 5. For Baker—Senate 6. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Aren¬ dell, Bellamy, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Colo, Haddock, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Newburn, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richard¬ son, Russell, Scott, Seward, Vann, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Wil¬ liams and Yon—26. Total 32. For Maxwell—Senate 6. House—Messrs. Arendell, Bella¬ my, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Haddock, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Newburn, Parker, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Vann, VanZant, Wall and Wells—21. Total 27. For Call—Senate 9. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Clyatt, Howell, Vogt and Yates—5. Total 14. For Magbee—Senate 3. House—Messrs. Blount, Clyatt, Howell, Peterson, Seward, Yates and Yon—7'. Total 10. For Papy—Senate 2. House—Messrs. Bloxham, Canova, Cole and Williams—4. Total 6. Blaxk—Senate 4. House—Mr. Means—1. Total 5. Neither of the candidates having received the requisite num¬ ber of votes, the President declared there was no election. The President announced nominations still in order. Mr. McCall withdrew the name of M. D. Papy, and put W. G. M. Davis of Leon county in nomination. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to a tenth ballot. The vote was: For Mortox—Senate 2. House—Mr. Blount—1. Total 3. For Baker—Senate 6. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Aren¬ dell, Bellamy, Canqjbell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Cole, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Mizell, Newburn, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, 310 Richardson, Russell, Seward, Yann, YanZant, Wall, Wells, Williams and Yon—26. Total 32. For Maxwell—Senate 6. House—Messrs. Arendell, Bella¬ my, Bloxham, Campbell, Carter, Coffee, Haddock, Holloman, Lee, Rewburn, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Yann, YanZant, Wall, Wells and Yon—20. Total 26. For Call—Senate 1. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Clyatt, Haddock, Howell, Yogt and Yates—6. Total 13. For Magbee—Senate 3. House—Messrs. Howell, Parker, Peterson, Seward and Yates—5. Total 8. For Dayis—Senat 6. House—Messrs. Blount, Bloxham, Cole, Hull, Mizell, Scott, Yogt and Williams—8. Total 14. Blank—Senate 5. House—Mr. Canova—1. Total 6. Neither of the candidates having received the requisite ma¬ jority, the President declared there was no election. Mr. Howell withdrew the name of J. T. Magbee. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to an eleventh ballot. The vote was: For Morton—Senate 2. House—Mr. Blount—1. Total 3. For Baker—Senate 9. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Aren¬ dell, Bellamy, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Cole, Haddock, Howell, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Mizell, Rewburn, Parker, Peterson, Poo¬ ser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Yann, YanZant, Wall, Wells, Yogt, Williams, Yates and Yon—30. Total 39. For Maxwell—Senate 9. House—Messrs. Arendell, Bella¬ my, Bloxham, Carter, Coffee, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Rewburn, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Yann, Yan¬ Zant, Wall, Wells and Yon—20. Total 29. For Call—Senate 11. House—Messrs. Clyatt, Haddock, Howell, Mizell, Parker, Seward, Yogt and Yates—8. Total 19. For I)avis—Senate 3. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Blount, Bloxham, Canova, Cole, Williams and Yates—6. Total 9. Blank—Senate 3. House—Mr. Means—1. Total 4. The President declared that James M. Baker having received the constitutional majority, was duly elected one of the Confed¬ erate States Senators. The President announced nominations still in order. Mr. Love nominated Charles II. DuPont of Gadsden county. Mr. Davidson nominated A. S. Baldwin of Duval county. Mr. Howell nominated T. J. Eppes of Franklin county. The Joint [Meeting then proceeded to a twelfth ballot. The vote was : For Morton—Senate 2. Total 2. For. Maxwell—Senate 6. House—[Messrs. Arendell, Carter, Coffee, Cola, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Rewburn, Pooser, Price, Rich- 311 • ardson, Russell, Scott, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Williams and Yon —18. Total 24. Foe Call—Senate 3. House—Messrs. Clyatt, Haddock, Pe¬ terson and Vogt—4. Total 7. Foe Davis—Senate 2. House—Messrs. Bloxham and Means —2. Total 4. Foe DuPoxt—Senate 1. House—Mr. Speaker—1. Total 2. Foe Eppes—Senate 3. House—Messrs. Bellamy, Blount, Ca- nova, Howell, Parker, Seward, Vann and Yates—8. Total 11. Foe Balpwix—Senate 1. Total 1. Tlie Piesident declared tliere was no election, neither of the candidates having received the requisite number of votes. Mr. Davidson withdrew the name of Mr. Baldwin. Mr. Means withdrew the name of Mr. Davis. Mr. Love withdrew the name of Mr. DuPont. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to a thirteenth ballot. The vote was : Foe Moetox—Senate 4. Total 4. Foe Maxwell—Senate G. House—Messrs. Arendell, Bella¬ my, Bloxham, Carter, Coffee, Cole, Haddock, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Vann, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Vogt, Williams and Yon—22. Total 28. T mi Call—Senate C. House—Mr. Clyatt—1. Total 7. Foe Errns—Senate 3. House—Messrs. Mo. Speaker, Blount, Canova, Howell, Means, Parker, Peterson, Seward and Yates —0. Total 12. Blaxk—Senate 1. Total 1. The President declared there was no election, neither of the candidates having received the requisite number of votes. Nominations being announced still in order, The name of Mr. Morton was withdrawn. Mr. Rogers nominated T. B. Lamar of Jefferson county. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to a fourteenth ballot. The vote was: Foe Maxwell—Senate 6. House—Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Bloxham, Carter, Coffee, Cole, Haddock, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Mizell, Parker, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Vann, VanZant, Wall, Wells, Williams and Yon—23. Total 29. Foe Eppes—Senate 8. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Blount, Canova, Clyatt, Howell, Means, Peterson, Seward, Vogt and Yates—10. Total 18. Foe Lamar—Senate 3. Total 3. Foe Call—Senate 2. Total 2. Neither of the candidates having received the requisite major¬ ity, the President declared there was no election. The President announced nominations still in order, 312 Mr. Rogers withdrew the name of Mr. Lamar, and put in nom¬ ination the name of G. T. Ward of Leon county. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to a fifteenth ballot. The vote was: Foe Maxwell—Senate 8. House—Messrs. Arendell, Bella¬ my, Bloxham, Carter, Coffee, Cole, Holloman, Lee, Parker, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Yann, YanZant, Wall, Wells, Yogt, Williams and Yon—21. Total 29. Foe Eppes—Senate 4. House—Messrs. Blount, Canova, Clyatt, Howell, Means, Peterson, Seward and Yates—8. Total 12. Foe Waed—Senate 7. IIouse^-Mr. Speaker and Mr. Mizell— 2. Total 9. The President declared there was no election, neither ot the candidates having received the requisite number of votes. Nominations being declared in order, . Mr. Davidson withdrew the name of Geo. T. Ward. Mr. Simkihs nominated Mr. W. G. M. Davis of Leon county. The Joint Meeting then proceeded to a sixteenth ballot. The vote was: Foe Maxwell—Senate 10. House—Messrs. Arendell, Bella¬ my, Bloxham, Carter, Coffee, Cole, Haddock, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Newburn, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson,. Russell, Scott, Yann, YanZant, Wall, Wells, Yogt, Williams and Yon—25. Total 35. Foe Eppes—Senate 6. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Blount, Canova, Clyatt, Howell, Means, Mizell, Seward and Yates—9. Total 15. Foe Davis—Senate 3. • Total 3. The President- declared*, there was no election, neither of the candidates having received the requisite number of votes. The vote was : The Joint Meeting then proceeded to a seventeenth ballot. Foe Maxwell—Senate 11. House—Messrs. Arendell, Bel¬ lamy, Bloxham, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Cole, Haddock, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Newburn, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richard¬ son, Robinson, Russell, .Scott, Yann, YanZant, Wall, Wells, Yogt, Williams and Yon—27. Total 38. Foe Eppes—Senate 7. House—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Blount, Canova, Howell, Means, Mizell, Seward and Yates—8. Total 15. The President declared that A. E. Maxwell having received the requisite constitutional majority, was duly elected Confeder¬ ate States Senator. On motion the Joint Meeting then adjourned. On motion, the House adjourned until to-morrow morning, 10 o'clock. 313 TUESDAY, December 17, 1861. The House met pursuant to adjournment—a quorum present. The Rev. Mr. Blake officiated as Chaplain. On motion of Mr. Lee, the reading of the journal of yesterday's proceedings was dispensed with. By unanimous consent of the House, Mr. Blount introduced a bill to be entitled an act to provide clothing for the State troops, and moved the app#intment ot a committee to wait upon the Senate and request also the unanimous consent of that body for permission to introduce said bill, and the waiving of the joint rules of both Houses for that purpose. Messrs. Blount, Yann and Bellamy were appointed said com¬ mittee, who reported that such rule had been suspended. A committee from the Senate consisting of Messrs. Dawkins, Abercrombie and McCall, waited upon the House and conveyed to them a Senate bill to be entitled an act in relation to Treasury Rotes, and requested its passage by the House. A committee from the Senate consisting of Messrs. Brokaw, Abercrombie and Chain, conveyed to the House House bill entitled an act for the relief of John TI. Rhodes, constable for the 2d dis¬ trict of Leon county, as passed by the Senate; Which was read and ordered to be enrolled. Mr. Blount moved to suspend the 7th joint rule of both Houses of the General Assembly on the part of the House; Which was agreed to. On motion, a committee consisting of Messrs. Blount, Yann and Bellamy, were appointed to inform tile Senate of the suspen¬ sion of said rule on the part of the House. The following message was received from the Senate, viz : Sexate Chamber, ) December 16, 1861. ) Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir :—The Senate has this day passed the following bills and resolutions, viz: Senate bill to be entitled an act relative to certain public lands which have accrued to this State by Secession ; Senate bill to be entitled an act to punish frauds, and to provide for funding certain claims against the State of Florida, with amendments. The following House bill was reconsidered and lost upon its jiassage, viz : A bill to be entitled an act to extend the jurisdiction of Justi¬ ces of the Peace. 314 Resolution for the relief of Richard E. Frier, passed; Also joint resolution organizing the Amelia Guerilla Company,, was passed with amendments. Very respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEHURST, Secretary of the Senate. Which was read and Senate bills and resolutions placed among the orders of the day, and Senate amendments to the House resolution to organize the Amelia Guerrilla Company adopted, and said resolution ordered to be enrolled. Mr. Hull moved that the rule be waived and he be allowed to introduce a " joint resolution relative to furnishing the soldiers of the State of Florida" as a substitute for a similar resolution passed by the House, but which was lost or mislaid in the Senate ; Which was agreed to, and said substitute received and adop¬ ted, and on motion a committee consisting of Messrs. Hull, Rich¬ ardson and Arendell were appointed to convey the sdhle to the Senate. The following communication was received from the Comp¬ troller : Comptroller's Office, ) Tallahassee, December 17, 1861. \ Hon. Samijel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Bcpresentatives : Sir : In obedience to the resolution of the House, I herewith _ enclose the statement of the Banks that I find on file in my office: Respectfully, WALTER GWYNX, Comp'r. ANNUAL STATEMENT Of the State Bank of Florida, made hi conformity to Act of Legislature, viz: '•'•Act to authorize the business of Banking," Section 26 and 27 of said Act. First—Amount of Capital Stock, —$800,000 00 Second—Value of Real Estate owned, by Bank, None Third—Shares of Stock held as collateral, None Fourth—Amount of debts due to the Bank, viz: From Banks—Bank of America, $2,087 75 Bank of Commerce, 2,181 75 Bank of Charleston, 163 11 Bank of Middle Georgia, 6,072 13— 14,751 77 From Notes and Bills of Exchange, .7 157,819 91 Fifth—Amount of debts owing by the Bank, viz: On demand—Importers and Traders Bank, 29,712 18 Deposits and others, 71,560 96— 101,273 14 Capital Stock and profits on hand, 338,175 71 Sixth—Am't of claims against the Bank not acknowledged None 315 Seventh—Am't for which the Bank is hound as surety,... - None Eiqhth—Amount of Notes in circulation, 35,265 00— 35,265 00 " Loans and Discounts, 457,849 94 " Specie on hand, 29,050 90 Ninth—Amount of Notes in circulation, July, 1860, 86,350 00 " Specie on hand, July, 1860, 32,481 44 " Loans and Discounts, July, 1860, 425,392 93 Tenth—Amount of losses, Noen "• Dividends declared since Jan. I860... 20,000 00 Eleventh—Amount of Public Stocks deposited with Comptroller, viz: Jefferson County Bonds, 60,950 00 Madison " " - 14,300 00 Leon " " 12,600 00 Pensacola and Georgia Railroad Bonds, 58,200 00 Tallahassee Railroad Bonds, 70,700 00 8222,750 00 Interest on all of above Bonds paid as due, viz: to November 1st, 1860 and, January, 1861. The estimated value of the above Bonds is $185,000. WM. BAILEY, President. W. R. Pettes, Cashier. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 19th day of January, 1861. ANDREW J. HUDSON, Notary Public. Tallahassee, January 1st, 1861, E. and O. E. STATEMENT By the Bank of St. Johns, Jacksonville, Fla., made in accor¬ dance with Chapter 480, Sections 26 and 27 of the Laws of Florida. First—Amount Capital Stock certified, $125,000 00 • Second—Yalue of Real Estate, None Third—Shares of Stock held, None Fourth—Amount of Debts owing Association, viz: Loans and Accounts, 84,671 61 Other Banks, 12,468 40—$97,140 01 Fifth—Amounts of Debts owing by the Association, viz: , Depositors, 46,258 29 Other Banks, !. 6 50— 46,264 79 Sixth—Debts not acknowledged None Seventh—Amount bound for as security, None Eighth—Amount of Notes and Circulation and of Loans and Discounts, and of Specie on hand, viz -. Circulation, 51,150 00 Loans and Discounts, 84,671 61 Specie, 15,021 24 Ninth—Amount in circulation, July 1,1860, 58,230 00 Specie, 4,951 73 Bills of other Banks, 3,401 00 Due from other Banks, 16,566 67' Loans and Discounts,... 88,321 77 Tenth—Amount of Losses, None Eleventh—Description of Public securities deposited with Comptroller as secu- "rity for Notes issued, par value, viz: Columbia County Bonds 8 per cent, 73,550 00 City of Jacksonville Bonds 8 per cent, 21,450 00 F. A. & G. C. R. R. first mortgage Bonds 7 per cent, 30,000 00—125,000 00 316 Coupons paid to Stockholders direct. A. M. REED, President. J. H. H. Bouhs, Cashier. Sworn to and subscribed before me this first day of January, A. D. 1861. J. P. BOUSE, Notary Public. Jacksonville, January 1st, 1861. Mr. Holloman, from the Committee on Enrolled bills, made the following report: The Committee on Enrolled Bills ash leave to report the fol¬ lowing bill as corrected enrolled: An act to authorize the payment of certain claims accruing against the State of Florida between the times of the secession of said State and the formation of the Government of the Con¬ federate States. D. W. HOLLOMAN, Chairman. Which was read. Mr. Russell from a Select Committee made the following re¬ port : The Joint Select Committee to whom was referred so much of the Governor's message as relates to the Comptroller's and Treas¬ urer's accounts, in the investigation of the same, have examined the accounts of Ex-Governor M. S. Perry, in his reeeipts and disbursements of the sums realized from the bonds of one hun¬ dred and eighty-seven thousand, four hundred and ninety-two 45-100 dollars, placed in his hands under a resolution passed at the last session of the General Assembly for the purchase of arms and the payment of the debts of the State, and ask leave to re¬ port that said examination has satisfactorily shown that said dis¬ bursements have been properly made, and that upon a balance of said accounts, a considerable sum is found to be due to the said M. S. Perry, Ex-Governor, and should be placed to his credit upon the final auditing of his accounts. JAS. S. RLTSSELL, Chairman House Com. A. S. BALDWIN, Chairman Senate Com. Which was received and read. Mr. Hull from the Committee on Engrossed Bills made the following report: The Committee on Engrossed Bills report the following bill as correctly engrossed, viz : A bill to be entitled an act making appropriations for the ex¬ penses of the General Assembly and for other purposes. All of which is respectfully submitted, N. A. HULL, Chairman. 317 Which was received and read and the accompanying bill placed among the orders of the day. A Committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. Magbee, Walker and McQueen conveyed to the House a Senate bill to be entitled an act concerning pilotage for the Port of Cedar Keys. ORDERS OF THE DAY. Senate resolution recommending J. M. Commander for a Col¬ onelcy, Was read the second time, and ordered for a third reading on to-morrow. A bill to be entitled an act making appropriations for the expenses of the State Government for the fiscal year of 1862, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Can- ova, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Haddock, Howell, Hollo- man, Lee, Means, Mizell, Kewburn, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Vann, Wall, Wells, Yogt and Yon—29. Kays—Messrs. Cole, Parker, Williams and Yates—4. So the bill passed—title as stated. A Committee consisting of Messrs. Russell, Arendell and Carter were appointed to convey said bill to the Senate. Senate Joint resolution in relation to State Convention, Was read the first time, and on motion, was indefinitely post¬ poned. Senate bill to be entitled an act to punish frauds, and to pro¬ vide for funding certain claims against the State of Florida, Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second and third times by its title and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was : Yeas—Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Canova, Campbell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Cole, Haddock, Holloman, Hull, Means, Kewburn, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robin¬ son, Russell, Seward, Vann, Wall, Wells, Vogt, Williams, Yates and Yon—29. Kays—Kone. So the bill passed—title as stated. A Committee consisting of Messrs. Holloman, Coffee and Ar¬ endell, were appointed to convey the same to the Senate. Resolution for the relief of the Honorable Levi Yon, Was read the second time, rule waived, read the third time by its title and put upon his passage, upon which the vote was: 318 Yens—Messi's. Bellamy, Blount, Carter, Clyatt, Howell, II ol- loman, Lee, Means, Rewburn, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richard- soxr and Seward—14. Hays—Messrs. Arendell, Coffee, Hull, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Vann, AYall, Wells,. Arogt, Williams and Yates—12. So the resolution passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. Senate lull to be entitled an act in relation to Treasury Rotes, Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second time by its title, and on motion, was laid on the table. A bill to be entitled an act providing for the clothing of the State troops, AY as read the first time, rule wraived, read the second and third times by its title and put npon'its passage, upon which the vote was : Yeas—Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Canova, Clyatt, Coffee, Cole, Howell, Hull, Lee, Means, Mizell, Rewburn, Par¬ ker, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Abaim, AYells, Yogt, AYilliams, Yates and Yon—2G. Rays—Mr. Speaker and Mr. Robinson—2. So the bill passed—title as stated. Messrs. Means, Scott and Russell were appointed to convey said bill to the Senate. A Committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. Chain, Simpkins and Abercrombie conveyed to the House, House lull making appropriations for the expense of the State Government for the fiscal year of 1862, as having passed the Senate without amendment; AATliich was ordered to be enrolled. A Committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. Finlay- son, Hawkins and Jones conveyed to the House, House bill to be entitled an act explanatory of an act to provide for the necessary supplies of the army, and to prevent monopolies and for other purposes, as amended by the Senate; AYhich Avas received and the House concurring in said amend¬ ments, said bill was ordered to be enrolled. Mr. Scott, from the Committee on Engrossed bills, made the following report: The Committee on Engrossed Bills report the following bills as correctly engrossed, viz: A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of E. E. Blackburn, late Marshal of the late United States and his assistants; also, A bill to be entitled an act to amend the law in Judicial pro¬ ceedings. Respectfully submitted, AY. II. SCOTT, Ch'n. 319 Which was read, and the accompanying bills placed among the orders of the day. A Committe from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. McCall, Rogers and Walker conveyed to the House, Senate joint reso¬ lution authorizing the Governor of the State of Florida to pay for and issue certain clothing; Which was placed among the orders of the day. - A bill to be entitled an act for the relief of E. E. Blackburn, late Marshal of the late United States and his assistants, Was read the third time and put uponits passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Coffee, Hull, Lee, Russell and Wall—1. Hays—Mr Speaker, Messrs. Blount, Canova,' Campbell, Car¬ ter, Clyatt, Cole, Howell, Holloman, Means, Mizell, Parker, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Scott, Seward, Yann, Wells, Vogt, Yates and Yon—23. So the bill was lost. Mr. Holloman, from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, made the following report: The Committee on Enrolled Gills ask leave to report the fol¬ lowing bill and resolution as correctly enrolled, viz i An act for the relief of John H. Rodes, Constable for the 2nd District of Leon county ; also, Joint resolution organizing the Amelia Guerrilla Company. D. W. HOLLOMAN, Chairman. Which was read. Senate bill to be entitled an act relative to certain Public Lands which have accrued to this State by secession, Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second time by its title and ordered for a third reading on to-morrow. ' - A Committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. Aber- crombie, Walker1" and Chain conveyed to the House, House bill to be entitled an act to provide clothing for the State troops, as passed by the Senate without amendment; Which was read and ordered to be enrolled. A Committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. McCall, Rogers and Walker conveyed to the House, House joint resolu¬ tion relative to furnishing the soldiers of the State of Florida, as passed the Senate without amendment; " Which was ordered to be enrolled. The following message from his Excellency the Governor was received and read: 320 Executive Departmext, [ Tallahassee, December 16, 1861. J Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives : Sir :—I respectfully recommend for the advice and consent of the General Assembly, the following nominations, viz: escambia couxty : Auctioneer—Walker S. C. Young. gadsdex couxty: Auctioneer—William H. Bailey. leox couxty: Weigher of Cotton at Tallahassee—Robert Heir. Very respectfully, JOHN MILTON. Which was read and the nominations advised and concurred in by the House. The rule being waived, Mr. Williams from a Select Committee made the following majority report: The majority Committee appointed by the House to take into consideration resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the people of Florida, through their delegates in the General Assem¬ bly, commendatory of the action of the Confederate Government, our officers and soldiers in the army, beg leave to report the fol¬ lowing and recommend their passage. JOS. JOHN WILLIAMS, Ch'n. G. W. MEANS, A. A. CANQVA. Which was read, and the resolutions placed among the orders of the day. Mr. Blount, from a Special Committee, made the following re¬ port : The undersigned a member of the Special Committee to whom was referred certain resolutions, complimentary of the Hon. S. R. Mallory and others, is by his sense of duty to the State com¬ pelled to dissent from the conclusions arrived at in the separate resolution referred to the said gentleman, has not administered the functions of the high office conferred upon him by the Presi¬ dent of the Confederate States, in such a manner as to reflect credit upon himself, or to subserve the interests of the State of Florida; the conduct of this Honorable Gentleman, touching the military operations at Pensacola, and his willful and palpable neglect in fitting out the steamer Fulton at the Warrington Navy Yard, to the great hindrance and detriment of the public service, and his utter disregard of the pressing exigencies of the State of Florida in his recommendations to Congress, are matters of such notoriety, that the undersigned would be willfully stulti¬ fying himself, did he disregard their monitions in the considera¬ tion of a resolution of this character. The undersigned cannot therefore, with these facts in his possession, consent to give his approbation to the passage of said resolution. A. C. BLOUNT. Which was read. A bill to be entitled an act in relation to Judicial proceedings, Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Blount, Canova, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Howell, Ilolloman, Hull, Lee, Means, Mizell, Par¬ ker, Peterson, Price, Robinson, Russell, Seward, Yann, Wall, Wells, Yogt, Williams, Yates and Yon—26. Nays—None. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. A Committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. Chain, Watlington and Magbee conveyed to the House, Senate bill to be entitled an act to suppress monopolies, as passed the Senate, and requested the immediate action of the House thereupon ; Which was received and placed among the orders of the day. Senate bill to be entitled an act to repeal an act concerning pilotage in the Port of Cedar Keys, Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second and third times by its title and put upon its passage, but pending the vote a quorum not being in attendance, Mr. Williams moved the call of the House. The roll being called, the following members answered to their names : Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Canova, Car¬ ter, Clyatt, Coffee, Cole, Howell, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Means, Mizell, Parker, Peterson, Price, Richardson, Russell, Seward, Yann, Wall, Wells, Yogt, Williams, Yates and Yon. A quorum being found in attendance, on motion, the call of the House was dispensed with. The bill was then put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Can¬ ova, Carter, Coffee, Cole, Howell, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Means,- Peterson, Price, Richardson, Russell, Seward, Yann, Wall, Wells, Yogt, Williams, Yates and Yon—25. Nays—Mr. Parker—1. 21 322 So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. Joint resolution expressive of the sentiments of the people of Florida towards the Confederate Government and her armies in the field, Was read the second time. Mr. Blount moved to strike out the 3rd section of said resolution; Which was lost. The rule being waived, the resolution was read the third time by its title, and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was : Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Bellamy, Canova, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Cole, Holloman, Lee, Means, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Vann, Wall, Wells, Yogt, Williams and Yates—24. Nays—Messrs. Blount, Howell and Yon—3. So the resolution passed—title as stated. A Committee from the House, consisting of Messrs. Williams, Coffee and Holloman were appointed to convey said resolution to the Senate. On motion, the majority and minority reports of the Select Committees thereon were conveyed to the Senate therewith. Senate resolution for the relief of Richard E. Frier, Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second and third times by its title, and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Blount, Canova, Clyatt, Coffee, Cole, Howell, Holloman, Hull, Lee, Means, Parker, Pe¬ terson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Yann, Wall, Yogt, Williams, Yates, and Yon—26. Nays—None. So the resolution passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. A Committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. Chain, Abercrombie and Simpkins conveyed to the House, Senate bill to be entitled an act to amend the laws in relation to parties be¬ ing witnesses in suit in Justice Courts as passed the Senate. Senate resolution authorizing the Governor of the State of Florida to pay for and issue certain clothing, Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second time by its title. Mr. Blount moved that said resolution be laid on the table; Which was lost. Mr. Williams moved, that the rule be waived, and the reso¬ lution be read a third time by its title, and put upon its passage, which was agreed to, and upon which the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. Arendell, Carter, Clyatt, Coffee, Cole, Howell, 323 Holloraan, Hull, Lee, Means, Parker, Peterson, Price, Richard¬ son, Russell, Scott, Seward, Wall, Yogt, Williams, Yates and Yon—22. Rays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Blount, Campbell, Pooser and Yann—5. So the resolution passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. A Committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. Dawkins, Jones and Davidson waited upon the House, and conveyed to it enrolled Senate act to provide for the punishment before Jus¬ tices of the Peace of slaves, free negroes and mulattoes, as hav¬ ing been incorrectly enrolled in the Senate, and requested the House to reconsider its vote taken thereon. On motion, the House took a recess until 3 o'clock. 3 O'CLOCK, P. M. The House resumed its session—a quorum present. The rule being waived, Mr. Canova introduced a bill to be entitled an act to consolidate the offices of Sheriff and Tax As¬ sessor and Collector for the county of Duval; Which was read and placed among the orders of the day Senate bill to be entitled an act to suppress monopolies, Was read the first time, rule waived, read a second and third times by its title, and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Mr. Speaker*, Messrs. Arendell, Blount, Bloxham, Can- ova, Campbell, Carter, Cole, Haddock, Hull, Lee, Means, Oliver, Parker, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Stew¬ art, Yann, Wall, Wells and Yon—25. Rays—Messrs. Howell and Yates—2. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. Certain communications from his Excellency the Governor were received and read in the House, and were then trans- mittted to the Senate, to be read therein, by a Committee con¬ sisting of Messrs. Blount, Coffee and Scott. Senate bill to be entitled an act in relation to parties being Witnesses in Justices Court, Was read the first time and ordered for a second reading. A bill to be entitled an act to consolidate the offices of Sheriff and Tax Assessor and Collector in the county of Duval, 324 Was read the first time, rule waived, read the second and third times by its title and put upon its passage, upon which the vote? was : Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Arendell, Blount, Bloxham, Can- ova, Campbell, Carter, Cofi'ee, Cole, Howell, Lee, Means, Oliver, Parker, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Stewart, Vann, Wall, Wells, Williams, Yates and Yon—27. Rays—Rone. So the bill passed—title as stated. On motion, a committee consisting of Messrs. Canova, Stew¬ art and Williams, were appointed to convey" said bill to the Sen¬ ate and request their concurrence. A committee from the Senate consisting of Messrs. Baldwin, Davidson and Jones, conveyed to the House a House bill as hav¬ ing passed the Senate, a bill to be entitled an act for the relief of Aaron W. DeCosta, a Justice of the Peace for Duval county. Said bill was ordered to be enrolled. Mr. Holloman from the Committee on Enrolled Bills made the following report: The Committee on Enrolled Bills ask leave to report the fol¬ lowing bill as correctly enrolled, viz: An act making appropriations for the expenses of the General Assembly and for other purposes. D. W. IIOLLOMAM, Chairman. Whicl) was read. Mr. Vann offered the following resolution : Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Flor¬ ida in General Assembly convened, That the thanks of this House are due, and are hereby tendered to Hon. Samuel B. Love for the prompt, courteous, able and dignified manner in which he has presided as Speaker over the deliberations of this body. Resolved farther, That the thanks of this House are due, and are hereby tendered to the Chief Clerk, and the other officers of the said House, for the faithful discharge of their duties during the present session of the Legislature. Which was unanimously adopted. A committee from the Senate consisting of Messrs. Rogers, Broome and McCall, waited upon the House and returned to it certain communications from his Excellency" the Governor, sent t.o the Senate. Mr. Holloman, from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, made the following report: The Committee on Enrolled Bills ask leave to report the fol¬ lowing resolution and bill as correctly enrolled, viz: Joint resolution relative to furnishing clothing for the soidiers of the State of Florida ; 325 An act to provide clothing for the State Troops. I). W. HOLLOMAN, Ch'n. Which was read. A committee from the Senate consisting of Messrs. Baldwin, McCall and Jones, conveyed to the House a House bill to be en¬ titled an act to consolidate the offices of Sheriff and Tax Assessor and Collector of the county of Duval, as having passed the Sen¬ ate without amendment; Which was ordered to be enrolled. The House took a recess until 5 minutes before 5 o'clock. FIVE MINUTES BEFORE FIVE O'CLOCK, P. M. The House resumed its session—a quorum present. The following communication from his Excellency the Gov¬ ernor was received and read: Executive Chamber, ) Tallahassee, Dec. 17th, 1861. f Fellow Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: I herewith transmit you as requested, a copy of Joint Reso¬ lutions of the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, this day received from his Excellency the Governor thereof, and re¬ spectfully invite your attention to the subject therein referred to. Very respectfully, JOIHST MILTOK. -joint resolution to take steps to open the ports op the south to the commerce of the world. Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, That, as the sense of this Legislature, the following propositions are submitted for the consideration of the Planters of the South, and all others whom it may concern : 1st. That the present cotton crop of the Southern States is, to at least two of the leading powers of Europe, a national necessity. 2nd. That as under present circumstances, it seems improba¬ ble that this crop can be disposed of, the planting of another will place two crops on hand for sale at once. 3rd. That the purchase of these two crops by the European Powers above referred to, will give them a supply for two years; so that at any time when about to jiurchase the third crop, and 326 having one years stock to run upon, and the Planter being una¬ ble to hold his third crop until they are compelled to buy, they will have it in their power to dictate the price and terms of sale. 4th. That on the other hand, the Europeans Powers before mentioned having exhausted their present supply, and an other crop not being raised when those powers come into the market to buy, as they must and will, if we adopt this policy, the Plan¬ ters holding the great staple, which is a necessity to them, they will not only be compelled to bay, but also to pay a remunerative price. 5th. The armies of the South cannot subsist on cotton, but must have bread and meat, and while the interest of the Cotton Planter calls to him to plant no more cotton than will supply the home consumption, patriotism imperatively demands that his whole force should be turned into those channels in which he can contribute to the wants and wastes of a war, of which none can predict the end. 6th. That the vital interests herein involved may be summitted to the enlightened judgment of the South, the Governor of this State is requested to forward forthwith a copy of these resolu¬ tions to the President of the Confederate States, who is herein requested to submit them to Congress, and also the several Gov¬ ernors of the Confederate States, who are herein requested to submit them to their respective Legislatures when convened. EDWIN A. IvEEBLE, Speaker of the House of Rep. E. S. CHEATHAM, Speaker of the Senate. Adopted November 30, 1801. On motion of Mr. Williams, a Committee consisting of Messrs. Williams, Canova and Wall, were appointed to wait upon the Senate, and inform them that the House was now ready to re¬ ceive any further communication or business from that body to be transmitted to the House. A Committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. Chain, Rogers and McQueen waited upon the House, r.nd conveyed to the House as having passed the Senate without amendment, House resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the people of Florida towards the Confederate Government and her armies in the field, also House bill for the relief of John B. Whitehurst; Which wbre ordered to be enrolled. The rule being waived, Mr. Means introduced a joint resolu¬ tion concerning certain resolutions adopted by the State of Tennessee ; 327 Which were received and adopted, and on motion a commit¬ tee consisting of Messrs. Means, Bloxham and Russell, were ap¬ pointed a committee to convey the same to the Senate and re¬ quest their concurrence. Mr. Holloman from the Committee on Enrolled Bills made the following report: The Committee on Enrolled Bills ask leave to report the fol¬ lowing hills as correctly enrolled, viz: An act for the relief of Aaron DaCosta, A Justice of the Peace for Duval county; An act explanatory of an act to provide for the necessary sup¬ plies of the army, to prevent monopolies and for other purposes; An act to consolidate the offices of Sheriff and Tax Assessor and Collector for the county of Duval. D. W. HOLLOMAN, Chairman. Which was read. On motion the House took a recess until 7 o'clock, P. M.. 7 O'CLOCK, P. M. The House resumed its session. The rules being waived, Mr. Holloman introduced a resolution for the relief of Thoma's P. Wall, of Clay county, Which was read the first time, the rule waived, read the second and times by its title and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. Arendell, Bellamy, Bloxham, Canova, Cole, Holloman, Hull, Means, Mizell, Parker, Peterson, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Robinson, Russell, Scott, Seward, Stewart, Yann, VanZant, Wells, Williams and Yon—25. Nays—None. So the resolution passed—title as stated. On motion a committee consisting of Messrs. Holloman, Scott and Williams were appointed to convey said resolution to the Senate and request their action thereon. A committee from the Senate consisting of Messrs. Watlington, Chain and McQueen, conveyed to the House a House bill enti¬ tled an act to authorize the holders of Treasury Notes to ex¬ change the same for the bonds of the State, passed the Senate without amendment; Which was ordered to be enrolled. A committee from the Senate consisting of Messrs. Broome, Rogers and Magbee, waited upon the House and informed them 328 that the Senate had appointed a committee of three and reques¬ ted the appointment of a similar committee on the part of the House to unite with said committee in waiting upon his Excel¬ lency the Governor, to inform him that the General Assembly would adjourn at 10 o'clock this evening, and inquire of his Ex¬ cellency if he had any further business or communications to make to the General Assembly. Messrs. Russell, Yann and Arendell, were appointed said com¬ mittee on the part of the House, who after a short absence re¬ turned to the bar of the House and reported that they had per¬ formed the duty assigned them and were discharged. A committee from the Senate consisting of Messrs. Baldwin, McCall and Jones conveyed to the House a House resolution for the relief ol Thomas P. Wall of Clay county, as passed by the Senate without amendment; Which was read and ordhred to be enrolled. Mr. Holloman from the Committee on Enrolled Bills made the following report: The Committee on Enrolled Bills report the following bills and resolution as correctly enrolled, viz : An act for the relief of John B. Whitelmrst; An act to authorize the holders of Treasury Xotes to exchange the same for Bonds of this State; Joint resolution expressive of the sentiments of the people of Florida towards the Confederate Government, and her armies in the field. D. W. HOLLOMAN, Chairman. Which was read. The Committee on Enrolled Bills made the following report: The Committee on Enrolled Bills ask leave to report the fol¬ lowing resolution as correctly enrolled, viz : Resolution for the relief of Thomas P. Wall of Clay county. D. W. HOLLOMAN, Chairman. Which was read. A Committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. McCall, Chain and Magbee waited upon the House, and conveyed to them a certain House resolution concerning an act of the Legis¬ lature of Tennessee, as passed the Senate without amendment; Which was ordered to be enrolled. A Committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. Simpkins. Rogers and McCall conveyed to the House, a House bill entitlec an act in relation to Militia and Militia elections, as passed tin Senate without amendment; Which was ordered to be enrolled. Mr. Holloman from the Committee on Enrolled Bills made tin following report: 329 The Committee on Enrolled Bills ask leave to report the fol¬ lowing resolution as correctly enrolled, viz : Joint resolution relative to Joint Resolutions passed by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee. D. W. IIOLLOMAN, Chairman. Which was read. A committee from the Senate consisting of Messrs. Magbee, McQueen and Chain, conveyed to the House as passed the Senate without amendment a House Resolution for the relief of James D. Green ex-officio Tax-Assessor and Collector of Manatee eounty; Which was read and ordered to be enrolled. Mr. Holloman from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, made the following report: The Committee on Enrolled Bills ask leave to report the fol¬ lowing bill as correctly enrolled, viz : An act relative to Militia Elections. 13. W. HOLLOMAN, Chairman. Which was read. A committee from the Senate consisting of Messrs. McCall, Finlayson and Duncan, conveyed to the House as passed the Senate without amendment, House resolution concerning the construction of a battery of guns on the principle invented by E. B. Ridley; Which was ordered to be enrolled. A committee from the Senate, consisting of Messrs. Finlayson, Baldwin and Duncan conveyed to the House as passed the Sen¬ ate without amendment, a House bill entitled an act in relation to Judicial proceedings; Which was ordered to be enrolled. Mr. Holloman from the Committee on Enrolled Bills made the following report: The Committee on enrolled bills ask leave to report the fol¬ lowing resolution as correctly enrolled, viz : Resolution for the relief of James D. Green, ex-officio Tax Assessor and Collector of Manatee county. D. W. HOLLOMAN, Ch'n. Which was read. Messrs. Chain, McQueen and McCall conveyed to the House Senate bill entitled an act to authorize the Board of County Commissioners of Santa Rosa county to license parties to issue change bills; Which was read the first time, rule waived, read the second time by its title, and ordered for a third reading on to-morrow. The following message from his Excellency the Governor was received and read: 330 Executive, Chamber, ) Tallahassee, Dec. 17, 1861. $ Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir :—I have approved and signed the following bills and re¬ solutions, viz: An act to provide for the payment of the "War Tax to be as¬ sessed upon and collected from the citizens of this State; An act relative to the Public Lands of the State of Florida ; Joint resolution organizing the Amelia Guerrilla Company: An act for the relief of John]II. Rhodes, Constable for the 2nd District of Leon county; Joint resolutions relative to furnishing the soldiers' of the State of Florida; An act to provide clothing for the State Troops ; An act to authorize the holders of Treasury Rotes to exchange the same for bonds of this State ; Resolution for the relief of Thomas P. Wall of Clay county; Joint resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the people of Florida towards the Confederate Government and her armies in the field; Resolution in relation to the resolutions of the General As¬ sembly of the State of Tennessee; also, An act relative to Militia and Volunteer elections. Verv respectfully, JOHR MILTOR. Which was read. Mr. Holloman moved that the reconsideration of the vote ta¬ ken on the hour fixed for the adjournment of the General Assem¬ bly, and that the hour of ten o'clock, at which the General Assem¬ bly had resolved to adjourn, be stricken out and 12 o'clock inser¬ ted in lieu thereof; Which Avas agreed to. On motion, a committee consisting of Messrs. Russell, Ilollo- man and Pooser, were appointed to wait. upon the Senate and inform them of such action upon the part of the House. The commitee reported that the Senate had adjourned, and the hour of adjournment having arrived, the Speaker adjourned the House sine die. 331 APPENDIX. Being the Proceedings of the House of Representatives in Secret Session on a bill to be entitled an act to provide for the neces¬ sary Supplies for the Army in the State of Florida, to prevent Monopolies, and for other purposes. FRIDAY, November 22, 1861. On motion, the House weut into secret session. The committee on the part of the House from the joint com¬ mittee of the House and Senate, to whom was referred the spe¬ cial message of his Excellency the Governor, recommended for secret session reported a bill to the House to be entitled an act to provide for the necessary supplies for the army in the State of Florida, and to prevent monopolies and for other purposes, and recommended its passage. Said bill was taken up and read the first time, the rule waived, read the second time by its title and on motion the House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole upon its consideration, Mr. Canova in the Chair. After some time spent therein the Committee arose and through their chairman reported the bill back to the House as amended and recommended its passage. The bill was then read a third time, and put upon its passage, uppn which the vote was : Yeas—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Blount, Bloxham, Campbell, Car¬ ter, Coffee, Cole, Dansby, Haddock, Holloman, Hull, NcCormick, Means, Oliver, Pooser, Price, Richardson, Russell, Scott, Stew¬ art, Wall, Wells and Yon—23. Nays—Messrs. Broxson, Howell, Lee, McKinnon, Newburn, Parker, Peterson, Robinson, Seward, Yann and VanZant—11. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate, endorsed for its consideration in secret session ; Which was accordingly done. 332 WEDNESDAY, November 27, 1861. On motion, the House went into secret session. The following message from the Senate was received and read: Senate Chamber, ) November 27, 1861. f Hon. Samuel B. Love, Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir : The Senate has this day passed the following bill in secret session, viz; House bill to be entitled an act to provide for the necessary supplies for the army in the State of Florida, to prevent mono¬ polies and for other purposes. V ery-respectfully, JOHN B. WHITEHUKST, Secretary of the Senate. Accompanying bill ordered to be enrolled. Which was done, and said bill duly signed by the proper offi¬ cers of both Houses, transmitted to his Excellency the Governor for his approval. The above is a true record of the proceedings and minutes of the House of Representatives, while in secret session, which by direction of the Speaker I was instructed to prepare and have published as an appendix to the Journal of the same. A. J. PEELER, Clerk of the House of Representatives. December 17 th, 1861. The following is the corrected minutes of the House of Repre¬ sentatives on the passage of a certain bill, the vote upon which through mistake, was incorrectly printed and it being too late to have the journal corrected at the time, the same having been struck off in book form, as Clerk of the House I was directed to have it published with the foregoing appendix. Journal of Wednesday, December 11th, 1861. A bill to be entitled an act explanatory,of an act to provide for the necessary supplies for the army in the State of Florida, to prevent monopolies and for other purposes, 333 Was read the third time and put upon its passage, upon which the vote was: Yeas—Messrs. Amos, Arendell, Bellamy, Blount, Bloxham, Broxson, Carter, Clyatt, Collins, Cole, Hawes, Holland, Howell, Hull, Lee, McKinnon, Newburn, Oliver, Pooser, Price, Richard¬ son, Seward, Wall, Yogt, Yates and Yon—26. Hays—Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Campbell, Scott and Vann—4. So the bill passed—title as stated. Ordered that the same be certified to the Senate. A. J. PEELER, Clerk of the House of Representatives. December llth, 1861. DOCUMENTS ACCOMPANYING THE GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE. COMPTROLLER'S REPORT. Treasury Department, Comptroller's Office, 7 Tallahassee, November 1, 1861. y To his Excellency John Milton, Governor of Florida: Sir :—Appointed Comptroller by his Excellency Governor M* S. Perry, the Legislature failing to elect, I assumed the position and entered upon the duties appertaining to said office, Decem¬ ber 16th, 1860. On an examination of the books, I discovered a great many unsettled accounts and some of long standing, and suits in many instances never having been instituted against the Tax Collectors and Sheriffs to force them to a settlement, I employed a compe¬ tent accountant to draw off all unsettled accounts. The said ac¬ countant accordingly drew off and produced accounts against defaulting Tax Collectors and Sheriffs to the amount of One Hundred and Seven Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty- five Dollars and Forty-six cents. I immediately mailed to each defaulting Tax Collector and Sheriff his account, enclosed with a request for an immediate settlement. In some instances they have responded and made remittances, and where they Lave not, I have instructed the Solicitors of the several districts to institute suits against them upon their bonds. This seems to have been neglected heretofore, as there is no evidence in this office of any suits having been commenced against officers in arrears. During the making out of said accounts, the accountant noti¬ fied me that there had been important omissions of entries in the Day Book and Ledgers belonging to the office, and I thereupon instructed him to go over the entire books and rectify omissions from the beginning to the 31st of October, 1861. 2 Since the year 1848, there have been no entries made of the warrants drawn upon the Treasurer. The Treasurer's accounts had never been properly balanced. They were charged with the receipts proper and likewise with receipts in relation to the In¬ ternal Improvement, School and Seminary Funds, and yet had not been credited with the warrants drawn upon them. The present Treasurer has One Million and Seventy-nine Thou¬ sand, Two Hundred and Fifty-nine Dollars and Sixty-three cents charged to him, but the credit side is blank—he never having been credited for a single warrant drawn upon him. The Internal Improvement Fund stands credited by the amount of Fifty-seven Thousand Nine Hundred and Six Dollars and Forty-three cents, when properly it shoulel be Thirty Thousand Dollars. The School and Seminary Funds are credited by a balance of One Hundred and Forty Thousand Nine Hundred and Forty- eight Dollars and Thirty-four cents, when properly the State has settled with both by Bonds to the amount of Fifty-nine Thou¬ sand Dollars. David S. Walker, the former Register, stands credited with Forty-nine Thousand One Hundred and Forty-six Dollars and Ninety-three cents; and Hugh A. Corley, the pres¬ ent Register, with Fifteen Thousand Nine Hundred and Eighty- eight Dollars and Ten cents. T. W. Brevard, the former Comp¬ troller, stands debited by balance to Fifteen Thousand Six Hun¬ dred and Ninety-four Dollars and Forty-four cents in cash, when none has been received. The Books shew that Two Hundred and Forty-three Thousand Four Hundred and Seven Dollars and Ninety-eight cents have been paid out. Such are some and only some of the many inconsistent and erroneous entries, most of which have been expunged, while others have been rectified. Since the year 1848, there have been no accounts kept shewing the expense for which the State has been liable. For instance, there is no Executive, no Legislative, no Judicial, no Military, and no Contingent, nor other necessary expense accounts to be found in said Book, from the year 1848 down to the year ending November 1, 18G0. The revenue accounts, Fines, Auction and License Tax ac¬ counts, have been kept in such a manner as to show that they were but of little or no profit to the State. Two debits and one credit were made in most instances on receipt of money into the Treasury; for instance, the Treasurer was debited, and the Tax Collector or Sheriff credited, which was right and proper, but at the same time the accounts on which said moneys had been received, were also debited, which made the debit side of the book twice that of the credit, which 8 "is improper. The revenue accounts should receive no debit, but for actual expenses of collecting, for overcharges, and for Insolvencies allowed by County Commissioners. The former Comptrollers have attempted to keep, not only the books properly belonging to the State, but have blended therewith and endeavored also to keep the books of the Inter¬ nal Improvement, School and Seminary Funds, which was im¬ proper, they being separate and entirely distinct organizations. It is true, transactions may occur with any and all of them, but -only in so far as each is individually indebted to the State, or the State indebted to them. What the Trustees of the Internal Im¬ provement Fund do, have nothing to do with the State : they, and likewise the Trustees of the School and Seminary Funds, are separate and distinct organizations. When the Comptroller is made Trustee for School and Seminary Funds, and draws his warrant upon the Treasurer, these warrants should not be mixed with the warrants he draws upon the State Treasurer.— He should keep separate books having nothing to do with the books properly belonging to his office as Comptroller. The ac¬ countant has accordingly expunged from the books of the Comp¬ troller all the receipts and expenditures properly belonging to those funds. He has also gone over the entire books of this office, has opened accounts for the several and various expendi¬ tures, and has rectified the different revenue accounts by ex¬ punging entries wrongly posted, and has balanced up, for each year separately, each of said several different revenue accounts, showing thereby the actual profit derived by the State from them. He has also made out a balance sheet for each year, from 1846 to November, 1861, inclusive, showing the actual expenses and income of the State, and the balances for and against the State, and an aggregate of the entire expenditures of the gov¬ ernment, and the aggregate income from the various sources of revenue. The gross amount of receipts into the Treasury up to October 81st, 1860, are one million two hundred and eighty-five thousand two hundred and eighty-nine 91-100 dollars, and the gross amount of warrants drawn upon the Treasury are one million one hundred and seventy-four thousand six hundred and eighty one 82-100 dollars, leaving a balance of one hundred and ten thousand six hundred and eighty 09-1-00 dollars; whereas the Treasurer, in his report of October 31st, 1860, shows that he had paid out four 43-100 dollars more than he received. This dis¬ crepancy arises from the fact that the Treasurer pays out money, of which the Comptroller knows nothing, in the shape of interest upon bonds. This will account for,the discrepancy. I would 4 therefore recommend to the Legislature to enact a law requiring the Treasurer to pay out no money from the Treasury except upon a warrant of the Comptroller, and that when he pays out upon said warrant that he be required to stamp u paid" upon said warrant, and return it into the office of the Comptroller, in order to ascertain the exact amount at any time there may be in the Treasury, and that the Comptroller and Treasurer be required to compare accounts on the first day of each and every month during the year. ' I would also recommend that the Legislature take into consi¬ deration the expenses incurred by the State under the head of criminal prosecutions, a very large portion of which arises from suits brought in Justices Courts for light and trivial offences, and in almost every case the offender is discharged, and if convicted, receives some light punishment, by no means sufficient to deter him from a repetition of the offence. It is immaterial whether he is convicted or not, the State has to pay all the costs. I would also call attention to the maintenance of Lunatics sent from Florida to asylums in other States. There has been paid already for the year 1861, the sum of $1,445 20-100, and there is still due to the State of Georgia $2,7.47 70-100, and to South Carolina $443. 38-100. These bills should be paid at once, and a larger appropriation made for the ensuing year. I would suggest that all matters pertaining to the School and Seminary Funds, such as collecting interest and investing the same, together with the custody of bonds belonging to the two Funds, be placed under the control of the Register, and that he be authorized to draw his warrants upon the Treasurer for all expenditures accruing under these Funds. This would prevent confusion in the accounts in this office, and supersede the neces¬ sity of keeping a separate set of books. No interest has been collected upon the Bonds owned by either of the Funds for the year 1861. I have, as Trustee, invested Five Thousand Dollars for the School Fund, and One Thousand Dollars for the Seminary Fund, in State Bonds issued under an ordinance of the Convention. The Bonds on hand now belonging to the School Fund amount to $59,366 06-100, to Seminary Fund $8,633 94-100, ten thousand of which are Florida Railroad Bonds, and Fifty-eight Thousand are State of Florida Bonds—(see report for year 1860.) $57,492 45-100 in Bonds belonging; to School and Seminary Funds were turned over to Governor Perry by my predecessor, under Reso¬ lution No. 4 of the last Legislature, for the purpose of purcha¬ sing arms. You will see by the table furnished, that there are several Counties that have failed to report to this office their Tax returns 5 for the year 1861. The Counties of Santa Rosa and Columbia have made no returns for the years 1860 and 1861. There should be a law passed to the effect that Tax Assessors, failing to fur¬ nish the Comptroller with their returns by the time prescribed by law, should pay such a fine as would insure a compliance on their part. I herewith submit an abstract of the condition of the Finances of the State for each year, separately, from the years 1845 to 1861, inclusive, it being impossible to have my report printed in detail, either in Tallahassee or Savannah in time, on account of the want of proper type, it being composed almost entirely of figures embracing some seventy pages. This must be my excuse for not complying with the law and furnishing you with printed copies. I would respectfully suggest that a Committee be appointed to examine the condition of the Books in this office. Respectfully, R. C. WILLIAMS, Comptroller. The receipts at the Treasury for the year ending 31st Octo¬ ber, 1861, amount to $115,315 90 To wit:—Revenue, 1855, $ 653 54 1856, 341 80 1859, 2,099 60 " 1860, 94,666 49 1861, 1,071 94 Auction Tax, 448 90 Fines, 5,139 91 Licenses, 3,956 87 Contribution by F. H. Rutledge, 500 00 Public Lands, 432 35 Sale of Bonds, 6,000 00 Sale of Books, 4 50—$115,315 90 The "Warrants issued amount to $332,942 60 To wit:—Judicial Department— On account of Salaries, $24,500 00 Contingent expenses of Supreme Court, 2,532 64—$ 27,032 64 Executive Department— On account of Salaries, $ 5,100 00 Criminal Prosecutions, 26,788 35 Jurors and Witnesses, 27,642 04 Contingent State Expenses, 10,236 28 Post Mortem Examinations, 876 70 Repairs on Capitol, 966 91 Maintenance of Lunatics, 1,445 20 Presidential Electors, 90 60 Legislative Expenses, 26,422 34 Convention, 22,792 20 Relief Account, 2,883 43 6 Public Land, 4,600 93 Florida Volunteers U. S. Indian Hostil¬ ities, 168,524 83 Scrip, 79 98 Treasury Note Expenses, 756 50 Equipment of Volunteers, 6,703 65 $33^,942 611 School and Seminary Fund.—The following are the Re¬ ceipts for the year ending 31st October, 1861: On account School Fund, $7,629 67 " " Seminary Fund, 2,675 80 " " Interest School Fund, 868 00—$ 11,173 4<, VVarrants drawn for the same period are as follows: Seminary Fund, Register's Salary, $ 700 00 School » " • u J 700 00 East Florida Seminary, 2,042 00 West Florida Seminary, 2,042 00 Interest School Fund, pay of teachers, 2,759.60 School Fund to Gov. M. S. Perry, by Treas¬ urer, 13,000 00 School and Seminary Bonds turned over to Governor,. 57,492 47 School Fund, Relief of Walton County, 485 70 " " new mode of Investment in State Bonds, 5,000 00 Seminary Fund, new mode of Investment in State Bonds, 1,000 00 School Fund Expenses, 16 63—$ 85,238 35 School Fund Bonds on Hand— 44 State of Florida, $1000, 7 per cent., $44,000 00 10 " " " 500, 8 " u 5,000 00 Part of one Bond, 7 " u 860 00 u u u (( 7 « u 5O0 O0 9 Florida Rail Road, $1,000, 7 per cent., 9,000 00—$ 59,366 0C> Seminary Fund Bonds on Hand— 6 State of Florida Bonds, $1,030,7 per ct., $6,000 00 2 u " " u $500, 8 u u 1,000 00 1 Florida Rail Road, $1,000, 7 u " 1,000 00 Part of one Bond, 7 per cent.,. 140 00 u " u " 7 " 493 94—$ 8,633 94 Report of Revenue Returned 1861, COUNTIES. Alachua, no return....... Brevard Baker Clay Columbia, no return for 1860 and 61 Calhoun Duval, no return Dade, no return Escambia, no return Franklin Gadsden, no return Hamilton Hillsboro1 . Hernando Holmes Jefferson Jackson Leon Levy $311.94 590.61 972.81 1,023.02 2,983.74 3,180.22 1,437.25 2,314.99 410.47 9,608.49 9,008.3 15,941.42 1,314.94 COUNTIES. Liberty Lafayette, no return.... Madison Manatee, 1860. Manatee, 1861 Marion, no return Nassau New River Orange Putnam Polk,'no return St Johns Suwannee Santa Rosa, no return for 1860 and 1861 Taylor Volusia Washington Wakulla Walton 776.27 6,771.43 796.99 789.54 2,260.04 1,269.81 747.55 1,251.30 1,339.93 647.53 592.26 852.25 1,184.78 2,146.56 930.99 ABSTRACT Of Receipts and Expenditures as shown by the Books of the Comptroller, from the year 1845 to 31 st October, 1861, inclu¬ sive. For the first fiscal year of the government, ending October 31st, 1846, the amount of receipts at the Treasury were $28,498.44, and the amount of warrants issued $56,009.55 ; the gross amount of revenue $35,108.00, and gross amount of expenditure $56,- 314.24—leaving a balance against the State of $21,206.24. For the year ending October 31st, 1847, the receipts were $45,357.60, and warrants issued $52,787.46; the gross amount of revenue $71,809.97, and expenditures $54,584.21—leaving a. balance against the State of $3,980.48. For the year ending October 31st, 1848, the receipts were $56,832.72, and warrants issued $48,714.21 ; gross amount ot revenue $90,258.50, gross amount of expenditure $54,775.10— hatving a balance in favor of the State of $31,502.93. For the year ending October 31, 1849, the receipts we.e$58,- 651.11, and warrants issued $55,807.79; gross amount of revenue 8 #55,110.28, gross amount of expenditure #66,368.50—leaving a balance in favor of the State of #20,244.71. For the year ending October 31st, 1850, the receipts were #46,079.84, and warrants issued #38,559.33 ; gross amount of revenue #58,148.86, gross amount of expenditures #40,331.36— leaving a balance in favor of the State of #38,062.21. For the year ending October 31st, 1851, the receipts were #84,147.25, and warrants issued #69,078.34 ; gross amount of revenue #66,296.49, gross amount of expenditure #70,591.11— leaving a balance in favor of the State of #33,767.59. For the year ending October 31st, 1852, the receipts were #60,619.63, and warrants issued #56,749.87 ; gross amount of revenue #58,791.06, gross amount of expenditure #57,212.89— leaving a balance in favor of the State of #35,345.76. For the year ending October 31st, 1853, the receipts were #95,127.01, and warrants issued #107,955.35; gross amount of revenue #64,685.84, gross amount of expenditure #108,213.36— leaving a balance against the State of #8,181.76. For the year ending October 31st, 1854, the receipts were #62,801.51, and warrants issued #53,417.13 ; gross amount of revenue #71,211.71, and gross amount of expenditure $54,115.- 42—leaving a balance in favor of the State of #8,914.53. For the year ending October 31st, 1855, the receipts were #80,840.62, and warrants issued #85,365.19; gross amount of revenue #68,025.34, gross amount of expenditure #83,185.79— leaving a balance against the State of #6,245.92. For the year ending October 31st, 1856, the receipts were #92,021.98, and the warrants issued #76,430,01; gross amount of revenue #120,823.32, gross amount of expenditure $70,693.- 21—leaving a balance in favor of the State of #79,228.10. For the year ending October 31st, 1857, the receipts were #206,817.13, and warrants issued #168,515.12 ; gross amount of revenue #93,631.79, gross amount of expenditure #90,978.76— leaving a balance in favor of the State of #81,881.13. For the year ending October 31st, 1858, the receipts were #91,578.43, and warrants issued #68,772.33 ; gross amount of revenue #107,152.55, gross amount of expenditure #60,991.61— leaving a balance in favor of the State of #128,042.07. For the year ending October 31st, 1859, the receipts were #106,021.80, and warrants issued #106,879.12 ; gross amount of revenue #112,066.29, gross amount of expenditure #101,315.- 50—leaving a balance in favor of the State of #138,792.86. For the year ending October 31st, 1860, the receipts were $115,894.84, and warrants issued #117,808.85 ; gross amount of revenue $92,362.05, gross amount of expenditure $113,097.57 •—leaving a balance in favor of the State of $118,047.34. 9 For the year ending October 31st, 1861, the receipts were •$115,416.51, and warrants issued $332,942.60 ; gross amount of revenue $116,460.42, gross amount of expenditure $332,404.25 —leaving a balance against the State of $97,396.49. The gross amount of revenue returned from October 1845 to 1861, inclusive, is $1,282,432.48, and the gross amount of expen¬ diture $1,379,828.97. The gross amount of receipts at the Treasury $1,400,706.42, and gross amount of warrants issued $1,507,624.42. The outstanding liabilities of the State are - - $256,885.88 And the amount due the State is 159,489.39 Leaving a balance against the State of - - - - $97,396.49 The sum total of expenditures from 1845 to October 31st, 1861, amounts to- ---- - $1,379,828.97 To wit:—Executive Department $ 84,484 72 Legislative 240,809 70 Judicial 254,661 06 Criminal Prosecutions 200,067 42 Jurors and Witnesses 195,260 21 Court Contingent 30,639 62 Indian hostilities, 168,524 83 State Convention 22,792 20 Contingent and other minor expenses 175,885 56 Equipment of Volunteers.... 6,703 65—$1,379,828 97 The total amount of Revenue from all sources, from 1845 to October 31st, 1861, is $1,282,432 48 To wit:—Revenue $1,126,997 31 Fines 58,917 41 Auction Tax 25,607 44 License 70,410 32 Donation 500 00—$1,282,432 48 10 TREASURER'S REPORT. o Treasury Department, Treasury Office, £ Tallahassee, Nov. 13, 1861. i" His Excellency John Milton, Governor of Florida: Sir : Agreeable to the statute requiring exhibits to be made from this office to the General Assembly, I respectfully enclose reports of the transactions for account of the State and for the School and Seminary Funds for the period of Nov. 1, 1860, to October 31, 1861. Under the several acts and ordinances authorizing funds to be placed at the discretion of the Executive, the following have been delivered to Gov. Perry : From School Fund— Virginia and N. Carolina State Bonds. .$41,500 Cash 13,000—$54,500 From Seminary Fund— Virginia, N. Carolina and Georgia State Bonds $48,500 From Sinking Fund of State JBonds, Act. 11, Ch. 785— Tennessee and California State Bonds.. .fl0,000 Cash 5,000—$15,000 Also fifty thousand dollars of the Bonds of this State issued under Convention Ordinance 34. In the adjustment by the late Governor of some indebtedness to Institutions in another State, this Department is under ac¬ ceptances to become due in a short time. Enclosed is a copy of his authority, with a plan to provide for these drafts, which, to be executed, will require some action to place an amount of the bonds and fund subject to the object suggested. The appropriations for Jurors and Witnesses and Criminal Prosecutions hai'e been disbursed, and I respectfully apply for five thousand dollars for each account, until the General Appro¬ priation bill. The sum of five thousand five hundred dollars was appropri¬ ated by the last Assembly for printing and publishing. The warrants are thirty-six hundred 27-100 dollars for Dyke A" Car¬ lisle, and thirty-five hundred and forty-nine 10-100 dollars for E. A. Ilart—leaving balance of sixteen hundred and forty-nine 36-100 dollars to be appropriated. 11 There has been information, from a high official source, filed in this office, that fraud has been perpetrated in claims audited under Act No. 83, Chapter 1175. Very Respectfully, C. H. AUSTIN, Treasurer. ( copy. ) Executive Department, [ Tallahassee, Oct. 5, 1861. \ To Charles II. Austin, Esq., Treasurer of the State of Florida: Sir :—You are hereby authorized and directed to pay to the Banks of Charleston, the Peoples Bank, the Bank of Newberry and the Merchants and Planters Bank of Savannah, fifty per cent of the amounts due by the State of Florida to said Banks ; which payments you will make out of the amount of money to be rec eived by you, as Treasurer, from the Secretary of Treasu¬ ry of the Confederate States under the act of Congress approved the 31st day of August, 1861, entitled an act " To reimburse the State of Florida," and in order that the balance of the debt due by the State of Florida to said several Banks may be so arranged as to relieve the State from embarrassment, and at the same time to give to said Banks ample security for the balance of the debt due to them, I request you to propose to said Banks to ac¬ cept the Bonds of the State issued under the ordinance of the Convention, and if said Banks consent to receive said Bonds in payment of the balance due them, after you have made the pay¬ ments aforesaid, you will proceed to settle such debts in the manner herein directed. Very respectfully, [Signed] M. S. PERRY, Governor of Florida. 12 The Treasurer in Account with the State of Florida: 1861. DR. Nov. 1—To amount received on account revenue 1855, $653 54 " " " " 1856, 341 80 " " 44 " " 1859, 2,099 60 " " 44 " " 1860, 94,666 49 " " " " " 1861, 1,071 94 44 " " 44 fines, 5,139 91 44 " " " licenses, 3,956 88 " " " " auction tax, 448 90 " " 44 under Convention ordinance No. 33, relative to public lands, 1,249 03 " amount received from voluntary contribution, 500 00 " 44 invested by Governor and Comptroller in the State stocksjissued under Convention ordinance No. 34: From School Fund, $5,000 From Seminary Fund, 1,000 6,000 00 " amount from Secretary of State from sale of books, 6 00 " " " issue of treasury notes, 18,950 00 $135,084 09 1861. CR. Nov. 1—By balance last report, Nov. 1, 1860, $4 43 44 amount paid former employees of U. S., under Con¬ vention ordinance 33, relative to public lands, 1,389 93 " amount paid former TJ. S. Surveyors, 400 00 " " " for equipment of troops, 3,334 55 " " " for treasury certificates, 198 25 " " " under spepial acts, 1,930 70 44 " " for General Conventions, 14,402 74 " 44 " for Presidential election, 90 60 44 u " for tenth General Assembly, 26,894 55 " " " for public property and repairs of Capi¬ tol, 864 22 44 44 " for post mortem examinations, 551 00 " " 44 maintenance of lunatics, 257 98 44 " " Contingent Fund, 6,971 55 " " " Supreme Court conting't expenses, 971 46 " 44 " criminal prosecutions and contin¬ gent expenses Circuit Courts, 23,937 62 14 44 " for jurors and State witnesses, 27,234 21 " " " Military Department, 75 00 44 44 44 Judicial " 11,916 66 44 44 44 Executive " 4,050 00 44 44 44 interest on State debt, 9,601 20 44 balance, 11 87 $135,084 09 13 The Treasurer in account loith the School Fund: I860- DR- ^ 1—To balance per report of this date, $13,122 04 • 2— « amount received from H. A. Corley, Register, 892 69 Dec 3— « « " " " » 1,178 70 1801' u Feb. 7~ u Mar. 4— 4pr 13 « May 1J— u Aug. \— Oct. 1 1.164 84 " " '466 79 city of Tallahassee on loan, 236 00 H. A. Corley, Register, 2,635 66 795 65 259 34 " on interest account, viz: From Putnam county, on loan, 340 00 From city of Tallahassee, on loan, 528 00 868 00 1,619 71 To balance of cash on hand, Other assets, viz: Bond of city of Tallahassee, $3,300 00 " Gadsden county, (balance,) 2,071 37 5,371 37 5,743 23 Note.—Delivered to Gov. Perry, under resolution No. 4 of the General Assembly— Virginia and North Carolina State stocks, $41,500 00 1860. CR. Dec. 1—By paid "Warrant 927 for M. S. Perry, Governor, (reso¬ lution No. 4, I860,) $13,000 00 1861. Feb. 12—By paid Warrant 985 for H. A. Corley, Register, 175 00 " 276 for J. McDougall, 11 63 Apr. 6— " " 496 for Dyke & Carlisle, 5 00 May 13— " " 474 for H. A. Corley, Register, 264 00 " " 541 " u 175 00 " 1,203 " " 46 50 " " 1,593. for J. A. Vaughn, 290 90 Aug. 8— " " 1,547 for H. A. Corley, Register, 175 00 Oct. 8— u " 1,752 for R. C. Williams, Comptroller, for investment, act 26, chap. 338, 5,000 00 By amount interest money disbursed to School Teach¬ ers, on warrants, 1,929 82 " balance, 861 86 $21,619 71 14 The Treasurer in account with the Seminary Fund: 1§60. DR. Nov. 1—To balance per report this date, 2—To amount received from II. A. Corley, Register, Dec. 3— " " " " " u 1861, jPeb. 7 " " " " " " Mar. 4— u " " Aug. Oct. balance, Assets: Duval county bond, Land notes, CO o;:> M) 23 43 1,774 72 446 83 227 45 149 47 147 94 £3,812 00 1,000 00 606 57 $1,666 56 Note:—Delivered to Gov. Perry, under resolution No. 4 of General Assembly— Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia State bonds, $48,500 00 1861, CR, Feb. 12—To paid Warrant 586 for H. A. Corley, Register, 175 00 u " 277 for J. McDougall, 8 00 Mar. 20— " " •" 542 for II. A. Corley, Register, 175 00 " 1,204 " u 39 00 Aug. 8— " " " 1,545 " " 175 00 Oct. 3— " " " 1,753 for R. C. Williams, ComptrolT, act 27, chap. 338, (for investment,) 1,000 00 To paid Warrant 1,729 for H. A. Corley, Register, 175 00 " " 706 for W. T. Harrison for East Florida Seminary, 745 00 To paid Warrant 44 for G. M. T. Brinson tor West Florida Seminary, 75 00 To paid Warrant 3 for J. L. Demilly for West Florida Seminary, 745 00 1861. Nov. 1—By balance, ;,313 00 147 94 15 .1 Summary of the Receipts and Disbursements at the Treas unjfrom the first dap of November, 1860, to the 31s* of Octo¬ ber, 1861. RECEIPTS. On account of State of Florida from revenue sources, $116,134 09 From treasury notes, 18,950 00 ~ . ,Q , , -r, n $135,084 09 On account of School Jb und, 21619 71 Seminary Fund, 3|164 0G P , C • p , $159,867 86 Balance Seminary h und, 147 94 60,015 80 DISBURSEMENTS. On account of State of Florida, $135 973 33 u School Fund, 21247 85 Seminary Fund, 3^13 00 Balance State, 11 87 School Fund, 371 86 $159,632 07 383 73 $160,015 80 16 REGISTER'S REPORT. 0 State Register's Office, ] November 1st, 1861. f To His Excellency John Milton, Governor of Florida : Sir : As Register of Public Lands, I have the honor to submit to your Excellency the following report: seminary fund. From October 31, 1860, to November 1, 1861, I have sold of the lands belonging to this fund, 361 52-100 acres, at an average price of $1.82 per acre, producing in cash $195.54, and in bonds $521.85. The receipts on account of this fund during the year were $2,684.73. school fund. From October 31, 1860, to November 1, 1861,1 have sold of the lands belonging to this fund, 2,604 34-100 acres, of which 164 acres were sold at $2 per acre, and the remainder at $1.25 per acre. The receipts on account of this fund during the year wTere $8,- 135.34, of which $14.40 were received from the sale of wrecked and derelict property in Manatee county. common schools. I have received no report from the Comptroller shewing that any interest has been received this year upon the Common School Fund, and consequently no apportionment of such inter¬ est has been made. Respectfully, HUGH A. CORLEY, Register. ir ATTORNEY (GENERAL'S REPORT. To His Excellency John Mit.ton, Governor of Florida : Sir:—It is the duty of the Attorney'General, under the law, to make a written report to the Governor five days before the first day of every session of the General Assembly, as to the effect and opera¬ tion of the acts of the last previous session, the decisions of the Courts thereon, with such suggestions as to hiin may seem beneficial to the public interests. The extraordinary events that have transpired in the history of the country since the beginning of the last session of the General Assembly, the calling of a Convention of the People, the various ordinances of that Convention, the revision and amendment of the Constitution of the State, the resumption of our State sovereignty and the formation of a new Confederacy, have, with the numerous acts of the last session, created an unprecedented condition of pub¬ lic law, the effect and operation of which, at least as to policy, it is very difficult as yet to determine, especially in the present state of affairs. I deem it of the first importance that the Legislature should im¬ mediately provide for a thorough and complete digest and revision of our public law. This is demanded by every interest of the State, public and private. The la^vs of Florida are scattered through various boohs and pamphlets, difficult to be obtained by the people and more difficult to be compared and understood, thereby increas¬ ing greatly the labors and perplexities of public officers and render¬ ing it practically impossible, in many instances, that citizens should know the law. This is a state of things upon which it is'unneces¬ sary to comment. I know of no way, even under the present cir¬ cumstances, in wh'ch the same amount can be so well expended for every interest of the State, as in making provision for a digest of our laws. It is to be desired that the General Assembly will allow no cause whatever to deter it from making provision for a work so important. A very palpable defect exists in the law relative to taxation and the elective franchise, arising from an amendment to the VI Article of the Constitution, requiring as a qualification of every elector that the "shall have paid all taxes due by him at least five days before the, day of election." In construing this provision of the Consffu- tiou, I have been necessarily compelled to decide that the taxes o- Offic: ]R were "clue" when the Tax-Collector hacl the legal right to demand nad receive them, which was, according to law, when his books of assessment should have been approved by the Board of County. Commissiomers and a copy of the same delivered to him for the purposes of collection. Whether or not it was the intention of the framers of the Constitution that this provision should be so con¬ strued with existing laws as to make it applicable to elections occur¬ ring in the same year that said taxes were assessed and became due, or to defer its practical operation for one or more years, cannot be ascertained. The construction which I have put upon the law and Constitution in this respect is, for various reasons, the only conclu¬ sion to which I can come. It will be perceived, that without some further legislation on this subj ect, much uncertainty, injustice and confusion piust necessarily result in all elections throughout the State. I do not propose to discuss the policy of this constitutional provision, but I would suggest that the Legislature do fix some specified time when taxes shall be due, or devise some other means by which the operations of this provision of the Constitution may be modified and rendered more certain and reasonable than at pre¬ sent. There are some further defects in our fiscal laws which have come under my observation, calling for remedial legislation, among which I may mention the want of some authorized process by which Tax- Collectors who are in default, and the sufficiency of whose sureties is questionable, may be arrested in the further collection of taxes until they have made good their default and given such further security as may be deemed necessary for the interests of the State. I do not think it justice or, policy, that, npon the mere caprice of one of the sureties of a Tax-Collector, the collection of the revenue should be stayed or the Tax-Collector *himself put to unconscionable trouble in the procurement of new sufbties; but there are cases in which a provision of the law, such as the one proposed, would subserve the purposes of justice and policy. The militia laws of the State, as amended by the General Assem¬ bly at its last session, together with the ordinances of the Conven¬ tion on the same subject, present some inconsistencies and conflicts which have been especially troublesome in the present condition of public affairs. Without entering into a detail or discussion of the various matters connected with this important subject, which would be impossible in a report of this character, I would suggest that the present condition of the militia law is such as to render it very diffi¬ cult and, in many cases, impossible, to give them an intelligible and consistent construction, and that they do therefore demand a careful revision and consolidation. The importance of this matter will be duly appreciated at the present time without further suggestion from me, The peculiar condition of public affairs and the pros a- K) lenee of war have developed many imperfections in our militia sys¬ tem which many years of peace would not have discovered, and this is the most propitious time for their amendment. I would suggest, that unless some amendment is made to the law looking.to a mor<3 permanent status as to individuals, as between the ordinary militia and volunteer companies, that the regular militia organization of the State must lorever remain in confusion and imperfection. The de¬ fects of the preseut law, together with public indifference, must keep the beat companies constantly depressed and imperfect. The expenses of criminal prosecutions and Coroners' inquests have come under my official observation, but it seems to me that the full exposition of the extent and nature of these expenditures properly belongs to another department of the Government. The Only remedy of which I can conceive for this great drain upon the public treasury is, either to require a prosecutor responsible for costs in all criminal cases below the grade of felony, or to require the counties respectively to pay the costs of criminal proceedings within their limits, at least to a certain extent. It appears that various fees and costs are now paid by the State in prosecutions of the most frivilous and unnecessary character. Some remedy is surely necessary for this condition of things. The General Assembly, at its last session, passed "An act to pro¬ vide for the payment of the Florida Volunteers and others who have not been paid for services actually rendered the State of Florida in the last war with the Seminole Indians." The terms of the law being explicit and inevitable, as the least examination will show, warrants have been issued by the Comptroller for a large amount upon the treasury for thd payment of these claims. In every in¬ stance, I believe, the strictest letter of the law as to evidence has been required and complied with, and yet the amount of these claims has so far exceeded what- it was to be reasonably expected they would, that, together with other circumstances, it has induced the belief that frauds were being practiced upon the State, f would suggest a modification or entire repeal of this law, which was doubt¬ less eminently proper and just in its intention, but which has proba¬ bly been made to subserve dishonest purposes. At least, a full dis¬ cretion should be vested in the Comptroller as to the further audit¬ ing of these claims. And I take occasion further to suggest, as the result of experience, that it is very impolitic to pass laws which de¬ prive the Comptroller of that exercise of discretion in the auditing of claims, which is the surest safeguard of the treasury. The publication of the laws, together with the time of commence¬ ment of their operation, is a subject that deserves legislative atten¬ tion. Laws which are of force and effect from the time their passage are not published for weeks or months afterwards. This is, in some cases, the result of necessity.. .The preparation of the laws for pub- 20 ligation, the accuracy necessary to he observed and the time required for printing, render it impossible to publish the laws for some time after their passage in regular form. In th^ mean time, the people must remain ignorant of the laws, and even the Judiciary and other public officers cannot in all cases hhve access to them, The" only remedy for this is the passage of some general act defining the time when aid acts passed by the Legislature, in which it is not otherwise expressly provided, shall take effect, and fixing such time as will allow of the publication and distribution -of the laws before they become of force. If this be not deemed expedient, justice and policy require that some provision be made for the publication of each law, of a public character, immediately after its passage. These are the most important suggestions 'relative to the opera¬ tion of the laws of the last session of the General Assembly which I deem it proper to make. The Retails of each particular subject cannot be given in this report without making it entirely too prolix. It is'hoped that sufficient has been said to direct attention to the •matters suggested. There have been no decisions of the Courts, of which I am aware, relative to the acts passed at the last session of the General Assem¬ bly. Very respectfully, J. K GALKRAITrL DOCUMENTS ACCOMPANYING TIIE GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE on MILITARY AFFAIRS. [Governor Milton to Judge Baker.] Executive Department, ) Tallahassee, Oct. 17th, 1861. \ Hon. J. Wayles Baker : Dear Sir: To the Governor of this State letters were ad¬ dressed by the Secretary of War, (copies of which are enclosed,) relative to a Reserved Army Corps—one thousand being the quota of Florida. As yet, not one company for the purpose has been obtained ; but if my opinions relative to the matter shall be respected, the requisite number will, in a few weeks, be at a Camp of Instruction, of which the Secretary of War will be notified. Too many commissions were, in my opinion, issued by my predecessor to individuals to accomplish the purpose. Ten special commissions would have accomplished the object—twenty or thirty defeated it. Each had some men, but not enough for a company, affid neither would give way. The consequence was that four companies, (not five,) and I believe but one of the companies completed, were attempted to be formed into an Ar¬ tillery Battalion, to the command of which Gov. Perry appointed a Lieut. Colonel, D. P. Holland, and a Major, Chas. Hopkins, &c., &c., the battalion for 12 months in the Confederate ser¬ vice. There was nothing to authorize, in my judgment, the ex¬ ercise of such power by the Governor. The power was not conferred by the Ordinance^ of the Convention, the laws of the State, or by any Department of the Confederate Government. Gen. Grayson issued, if I am correctly informed, but one order upon the subject, (a copy of which is enclosed,) which should have been revoked, and will be, I presume, by Gen. Smith upon his arrival. Gen. Grayson acted upon the belief that the Gover¬ nor had the powrer, connected with representations of facts as to. oo the number of troops, which have not been sustained by a re¬ sponse from the muster rolls. I cannot presume for a moment that if the Governor had power to organize an Artillery Battal¬ ion, four or five companies, With a Lieut. Colonel and' Major, would be received as such. The companies should either go into a Camp of Instruction under the requisition of the Secretary of War, or retire from the service, unless the government will re¬ ceive a regiment for 12 months—then a suitable organization of infantry can be made, by setting aside the so-called Artillery Battalion. Within the last two days I have refused commissions to six different applicants, who have tendered themselves, with full companies of cavalry, for State or Confederate service, inde¬ pendent of Col. Davis' regiment. The cavalry is less requisite in Florida than perhaps in any other State—is much more ffxpen- siye than infautrj, and the armament necessary to our Coast de¬ fences. .Moreover, if encouraged, it null take hundreds, if not thousands, of horses from the plow, where they will be more useful, and their places cannot well be supplied when needed for agricultural purposes. Florida can be best defended by marine service, with' suitable boats, upon the coast, acting in concert with infantry, and a few companies already organized for State service, with a few companies of Flying Artillery, if the means can be procured to equip them. , At each point selected upon our coast for defence or observa¬ tion, qne or two good horses should be kept, so that, when ne¬ cessary, the approach of an enemy could be made known by ex¬ press, and forces concentrated accordingly. The present is an unhappy state of affairs. Whenever a man is mustered into the Confederate service, be he Colonel, Captain, Corporal or Private, he feels himself independent of State author¬ ity, in proportion to his ignorance. You know what difficulties had occurred at Fernandina and Apalachicola before you left. I do not desire to be considered desirous or willing to exer¬ cise authority, only when absolutely necessary. President Davis is both a statesman and a soldier. As a statesman he is famil¬ iar with what are and should be the rights of a State; and as a soldier has proved his readiness to defend them, Urge upon him and the Secretary of War the necessity of such general orders as will prevent a conflict of authority between officers in the ser¬ vice of the Confederate government and State government, and particularly with attention to the question of rank. I know that when Confederate and State officers of like rank are brought into service together, the Confederate officer, without regard to date of commission, is entitled to command. But if a Brigadier Gen¬ eral of the State service should be on duty at such position, 23 would he not have the command over a Confederate Colonel and other inferior officers ? You will please endeavor to have these matters settled by a General Order. It the power were clear, I should not exercise it, except in a very great emergency, fully justifying the adoption of such a course, without consulting the Department. My Dear Sir, I have written in much haste, have had to dic¬ tate the answers to at least twenty letters, on as many different subjects, while writing. Very respectfully, &c. JOHN MILTON. [Governor Milton to President Davis.] Executive Department, Tallahassee, Fla., Oct. 18th, 1861. j His Exceleercy Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America: Sir :—I feel it my duty to present for your consideration the following facts:— First—That, for the defence of Florida, Cavalry is parhaps less efficient than in the defence of any other State. At the most im¬ portant points we should have batteries of guns of heavy calibre. To guard between important points, boats of light draft, with signals at proper distances; and convenient to those guarding distant and exposed positions, a few good horses to be used by Expressmen, to give notice of any imposing approach of the enemy. Not many troops are required in the Confederate service, if those in the service shall be commanded at important points by brave and skilful officers. There is much derangement of Military affairs in this State, resulting chiefly from anixiety to enter into the Confederate service for short periods and certain pay. But if the War and Navy Departments will respect my opinions, I hope to establish such military organization as will in the end be least expensive and most useful. One chief reliance in connection with the coast defence should be Infantry and Light Artillery, not in service, but ready to be at a moment's warning, and to be concentrated where needed to support those in the Confederate service. The recent authority to W. G. M. Davis, Esq., to raise a Cavalry Regiment, has ex¬ cited a perfect furor on the subject. The large majority of those who were willing to serve as soldiers of Infantry, are now in favor of riding into service; and I assure you, Sir, that a battle will never be fought in Florida by Cavalry, unless the want of proper coast defences, Artillery and Infantry, shall induce inva¬ sion, and will then be fought at great disadvantage. I entertain no feeling or thought personally unkind to Mr. Davis. He is a gentleman of fine legal abilities, but I do regret that the material for the judicious defence of the State has been so much interfered, with by the disposition excited in favor of Cavalry service. In¬ dependent of the Companies raised for Col. Davis' Regiment, I have refused commissions to ten associations for Cavalry Com¬ panies within the last two days. Almost every man that has a pony, wishes to mount him at the expense of the Confederate Government. In this connection, I would most respectfully urge the appointment of an honest, prudent and experienced officer to visit Florida immediately, and enquire into and repiortthe expen¬ ses being incurred. Let him go first to Apalachicola and ascer¬ tain the nature and necessity of the expenditures thefe in the em¬ ployment of boats, &c., and report immediately to the proper De¬ partment. Thence, to other positions and examine and report. It will afford me pleasure to aid in the investigation, and if the officer will come to Tallahassee, I will, to the best of my ability, direct the course of enquiry. I am fully persuaded that one-half the amount that will be expended'—if there shall be no immediate check of expenditures—wisely appropriated, would secure the defence of Florida, and by measures that would be useful in a fu¬ ture emergency. The unnecessary expense for Cavalry would supply the means for the proper coast defences; would enable me equip companies of Light Artillery and Infantry, which equip¬ ments might be preserved to protect the peace which we hope to obtain by the war. But, the hundreds of horses which are now being withdrawn from agricultural industry, will be of little avail in war, and will leave the State without means of agricul¬ ture, which it will be difficult to supply. There is another point to which I would respectfully invite at¬ tention. By letter from the War Department dated 30th June, 1861, the Governor of this State was required to furnish one thousand men as the quota of the State, in the Army of Reserve, and to place them in a camp of instruction. For this purpose, four com¬ panies were under special commissions—and only four, if I am cor¬ rectly informed; and these were assembled at Fernandina, called a Battalion of Artillery, and put into the Confederate service under the command Mr. D. P. Holland as Lieut. Colonel, and Mr. Charles Hopkins as Major. I am not apprized that such a Battal¬ ion, if any, was called for or authorized by the Secretary of War; and the appointment of the officers by the Governor was, in my judgment, without authority, and contrary to the ordinances of 25 the Convention, find the Constitution, and laws of this State; and if, in the course of events, a Coiirt Martial shall be ordered, the matter will be enquired into by the civil authority—the commis¬ sions declared void, and the so-called Artillery Battalion will be disorganized and demoralised. I have felt it my duty thus candidly to submit to you my opin¬ ions, and invoke your judgment upon the matters submitted for your consideration. ' I am sir, very respectfully, JGIIJST MILTON, Governor of Florida. [Governor Milton to the Secretary of War.] Executive Department, ) Tallahassee, October 28, 1861. f Hon. J. P. Benjamin, Secretary of War: Sir : In a letter bearing date 30th June, the Secretary of War notifies the Governor of this State that " tie President deems it prudent, if not essential to the public safely, to form and or¬ ganize a reserved army corps of thirty thousand men, and ap¬ portions to Florida one thousand men. Your Excellency, will, therefore, receive for the war one thousand men, by independent companies," &c. When I came into office, not a company had been raised, and opinion, I think, was entertained by my worthy jredecessor thay}ie requisition could, not be even partially compile] with. I enter*qTie(] a different opinion, and hope to be able in a hw weeks to repoiv0 y0U one thousand men in camp, ready for instruction. For one mptalion, I shall establish a camp near Apalafificola, to be known a*. Camp Benjamin, (in honor of the acting Secre¬ tary of War,) wVere, if necessary, the companies can be usid in the defence of the pt-i.ee. I have not yet decided where die other camp will be established—desiring, after an interview wih General Trapier, to place it where it can be sustained at least ex pense, and the companies that compose it made most useful.— But permit me with due deference to protest against any author¬ ity in future to individuals to rape a company or companies of any kind in this State. It brings their influence, to accomplish the objects they have in view, in conflict with State authority, and has prevented, and will continue to prevent, if not checked, the Executive of this State from being able to comply with the requisitions of the President. 2D In a few days I will present to your consideration my views with regard to the defences of Florida, and the organization of a military department, embracing parts of Alabama and Georgia, adjacent to the Chattahoochee river, the importance and advan¬ tages of which will be readily understood. I have the honor to be, sir, Y ery respectfully, JOHN MILTON, Governor of Florida. [Secretary Mallory to Governor Milton.} Telegraphic Dispatch dated Richmond, 1861. Received Octo¬ ber 29, 1861. To his Excellency Governor Milton: Enemies' armada sailed last evening. Destination unknown, believed to be North or South Carolina. S. R. MALLORY, Secretary. [Governor Pickens to Governor Milton.] Telegraphic Dispatch dated Columbia, S. C. To Governor of Florida : This mining, at ten o'clock, thirty-six steamers and one tr^,s- port vessel started from Fortress Monroe—South. This I mow is certain Please give me the first intimation of their apPeal'~ ance. p\ riCKENS. [Governor Milton to Colonel Floyd.] Executive Department, ) Tallahassee, Oct. 29, 1861. j Col. Richard F. Floyd, Apalachicola: I have just received the following dispatch from Gov. F. "W. Pickens, of South Carolina, viz: "This morning at ten o'clock, thirty-six steamers and one transport vessel started from Fortress Monroe, South—this I 37 know is certain., Please give n\e the first intimation of their appearance." If they may appear, notify me and also the Governors of South Carolina and Georgia immediately. You have been assigned to the command of all the State troops at Apalachicola, and the messenger is on the way with the order if attacked to defend the city to the last extremity, and that troops will be sent forward to aid in the defence from (Georgia and Alabama, if possible to be had. I request you to notify the Governors of those States upon the first appearance of the enemy. JOHN MILTON, Governor apd Commander-in-Chief. [Gov. Milton to Col. Hopkins.] Executive Department, [ Tallahassee, Oct. 29, 1861. ) Col. Edward Hopkins, Uh Florida Regiment: Sir: The following dispatch has been revived from the Gov¬ ernor of South Carolina: " This morning at 10 o'clock, thirty-six stealers and one trans¬ port vessel started from Fortress Monroe, Soufi—this I know is certain. (Signed) _ "F. TV PICKENS." By suitable orders, which are now on the way ->y a messenger, Col/ Richard F. Floyd has been placed in comnarld of all the k«*te troops at Apalachicola, and agreeably to the order of the late-qjem John B. Grayson, you have been ordered t the defence on St.-Vincent Island. Repair to Camp Davis on it. Vincent Island, ai4 ]f attacked make the gallant defence expcted of a brave man a„q a soldier. < JOHN MILTON Governor of Flolda. [Governor Milton to President Davis.] Executive Department, ) Tallahassee, Oct. 29th, 1861. ) His Excellency Jefferson Davis, President Confederate States America: Sir : On the 28th instant I addressed a letter to the Hon. J. 'P. Benjamin, Secretary of War, in which I invited his attention, and requested him to call the attention of your Excellency, t.o tlie extract made from a letter of Col. J. Patton Anderson, of the First Florida Regiment, relative to members of his Regiment "being made prisoners while standing as a safe-guard over the enemy's hospital, to prevent it from sharing the fate of the bal¬ ance of the camp. Permit me, jSir, with due respect, to invite such demand on the part of your Excellency, as the laws of nations will sustain, for the honorable release of all the prisoners, and especially those from Florida, captured under these circumstances. But should the enemy be insensible to such demand, then, that in any ex¬ change of prisoners which may be made, the prisoners thus taken may be the first exchanged. October 30th.—I had the honor to receive your highly es¬ teemed favor of the 25th, and avail myself of the courteous in¬ vitation to a free correspondence. The extent of our Coaspand its character are easily ascer¬ tained by Maps and Coast purveys; but a personal acquaintance with the localities, settled portions of the State and mixed char¬ acter of the population, yould be required to a just appreciation of our exposed position^11 the present war. My opinion has beenMid is yet, that if Gen. Scott, as the Com¬ mander-in-Chief of th/Fnited States troops, with full powers to direct their movemfhts, really desired the subjugation of the South, (.of which iiiave no doubt,) and had possessed the dis¬ tinguished quality of a soldier which have been ascribed to him, with the lea/! intelligence as a Statesman as to causes and effects, the coi4uest °f Florida would have been promptly made. VirgiiA would noh have been disturbed. The cor' quest of Florda, as one of the seven States, would have a powerful aftuence upon foreign nations; an inspirins" e^ect upon the n/hds of his troops, and of the people and government of the UrA'd States, and formed a base for future "operations, which Avhbd have checked Virginia and other Spates that had not seeded, and dispirited many in the secede i States who ap¬ prehend! with fear and trembling the consequences of a change of government. The fate of the South would have been hair- hun/- But God in mercy permitted Ben. Scott's madness and foiy; and every movement he made but gave strength and vigor to'our cause. As it is, unable to conquer any other State, may not Florida claim their attention ? With our feebleness they are well ac¬ quainted through traitors, some of whom yet remain among us. Georgia and Alabama are as much, if not more, interested in the defence of Apalachicola, so far as Commerce is concerned, as is Florida. Therefore, in view of our extended Coast, and the almost insurmountable obstacles to its successful defence, I would recommend,most respectfully and earnestly, that a Military Department be composed of the counties contiguous on both sides of the Chattahoochie river, so as to embrace Columbus, Georgia. Look at the map, and see the relative position of the following counties in Georgia, Alabama and Florida. Such a Military Department, under a Brigadier General of Military ed¬ ucation, experience and sobriety, would contribute greatly to Southern defence. The Military Department now most respectfully proposed may be composed of the following counties in the States above named, viz: _ In Georgia—Decatur, Thomas, Miller, Early, Baker, Clay, Calhoun, Randolph, Quitman, Stewart and Muscogee. In Alabama—Henry, Dale, Barbour and Russell. In- Florida—Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Liberty, Washington, Jackson, Calhoun and Franklin. This proposition has been submitted to the Governors of Georgia and Alabama. The remaining counties in East and South Florida will form a Military Department sufficient in itself to command the utmost vigilance of an experienced and able officer. I have the honor to be, Sir, Very respectfully, JOHN MILTON. [Governor Milton to Governor Brown.] Executive Department, ) Tallahassee, October 31, 1861. j His ExcelWjvcy Joseph E. Brown, Governor of Georgia,: Sir : I have recommended to the President and Secretary nder these special permits from the War Department, and aS^cruiting officers have broken up our organizations, and takeK^uj- citizens off from the State, while at every im¬ portant ^0int the enemy's flag is unfurled, not only bidding us defiance, tmt threatening us invasion. Among other let¬ ters received M1 the same subject was one from Joseph Gon¬ zalez, at PensacOa, in which he says that a recruiting of¬ ficer from Mobile just passed through with sixty men recruited at Milton, avl two other recruiting officers have passed through on their -^ay to Holmes and Walton coun¬ ties, to get more men to defend the coast of Alabama Now, "? there not something superbly ludicrous in men being aken from Florida to defend the coast of Alabama ? Ala- ama and Georgia have their thousands and tens of thou- vnds well ecpiipped, to defend scarcely one-fifth of the ex- '