The Yazoo Democrat., 1860-04-14
YAZ00 CITY, MISSISSIPPI SATURDAY MORNING. APRIL IA 1860
4l1Sge9a0QY%
THE VIRGINIA MISsION-GEN. sTARKE',
REPORT TO GOV. PETTuS.
RICHMOND, VA, March 9th, 1860.


ern0r of the State Of Mississippi.
SIR-It becomes my duty to report to
your Excellency the events of the mission
to the Authorities of the Commonwealth of
Virginia, with which have lately been en-
trusted by the State Government Of Missis-
sippi.
After receiving my credentials and in
structions, proceeded promptly to Rich
mond, where l arrived on the 10Th of
February last. On the next day l pre-
sented to His Excellency, the Governor of
Virginia, together with my credentials, a
copy of the resolutions adopted by the
Legislature Of Mississippi, and addressed to
Gov. Letcher communication, dated Feb |
ruary Goth, "a copy of which is appended
to this report, marked SAD in which /
endeavored to state, as briefly as possible,
the character of my instructions, and of the
motives which had actuated the course
adopted by my State. ..r
In this first communication | did not find
it necessary to enter into any long or de
tailed statement or argument, either as to
the imminent necessity for immediate and
determined action on the part of the slaves
holding States to restore the integrity of
their already violated sovereign and confed-
crate rights, or as to the urgent requirement
for the harmonious cooperation of these
r States in some we'll settled plan of united
action, or yet as to the high expedieuey Of
our inter State conference, like that pro-
posed by South Carolina and Mississippi, to
secure such co operation.
All this had been carefully and very ably
discussed by the Commissioner from South
Carolina, whose visit to Richmond preceded
mine, and when it became my duty to add
to the urgent invitation of South Carolina
the earnest solicitation of Mississippi,
deemed it best to give their request every
indication of unanimity in motive and policy
was received with the utmost kindness
and courtesy by Governor Letcher, who
promptly transmitted to the General Assem-
bly, my official communication and during
the whole period of my temporary residence
in Richmond, l constantly received from
both the Governor and the Legislature O.
Virginia, as well as in all instances from the
numerous citizens of the Commonwealth
with whom it has been my good fortune t.
ing evidences of affection, confidence ant
respect indicated towards the authorities an(
people of Mississippi In addition to tLes
testimonials, have to express my gratefu
acknowledgement of the manner in whicl
h governmental courtesy and private kindnes
of wed in rendering to me personally ever.
es possible instance of generous aud refinel
ep hospitality.
e. During my stay at Richmond, by mean
ofconstant personal intercourse with eminen
official and unofficial persons, as we'll as b,
an attentive study of the recommendation
of the Governor aud the acts of the Genera
q :. Assembly, the views of the authorities an
~ citizens of Virginia as to the exigencies an
it. requirements Of the present involved con
ditiou of our federal relations.
In one, especially, of the Legislative doc
uments of the present session of the Gener'
Assembly, found such striking evidence
of just appreciation of this whole matte
that deemed it best to make it the subjet
Of another official communication to Cove
nor Letcher This / did in my note date
March 1st, "a copy Of which is appended
this report, marked "B, " which was in
mediately transmitted by the Governor
the General Assembly.
After long deliberation and much discu
sion, the General Assembly of Virginia h
taken final action on the proposal tendert
by South Carolina and Mississippi. The r
suit of that deliberation and the preei
character of that action, has been commun
Gated to mo by the presiding officers of Il
General Assembly, in document, a copy
which is appended to this report marked &c
1t is unnecessary for me to report to yo
Excelency any statement as to tho vie'
and motives Of the Government of Virgin
They are coucisely aud accurately defn
by their own resolutions, herewith comm
nicated to you.
- While, in common with the autboriti
and the people generally of Mississippi,
deeply regret that the Government of VI
ginia has not found it expedient to SCI
Es, representatives to the proposed conteren
of slaveholding States. l find much eau
ing for qualification in the evidence it affords
ac- the tone and language Of the rcsouto
adopted--that Virginia still looks forward
~ w. the re-establishment Of our Federal Uni
@. on the only honorable and enduring basis
unimpaired State Sovereignty and constit
tional right that she warmly cherishes
- sympathies and relations which have e.
bound her interest and affection to her sis
p States of the South; that her people
!iy fully sensible of the extent, injury and d,
.Si oSt ger, of the Oggressions and indiguities
said which they in common with the whole p
ace, pie of the South, have been, and are 8
lrn- subjected that both the Governm
,;ns sns and the people of Virginia indicate their
& &saiS sire to unite with the other slaveholdi
said States, in The adoption and enforcement
hey such active measures as shall be found /
Zoo adapted to restore and protect their soverei
oOo' and confederate rights.
w. In acknowledgment Of the many evider
Il Of respect for my State, and personal ki
5sE ness towards myself exhibited BY the anti
~ tiles and citizens of Virginia, | took
liberty on the eve Of my departure f
niles Richmond, to address Governor Letch,
lotAn, n any,1 &c urh;nb Il onnnnI,I a.