The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-11-29
Message OF jefferson Davis to tho
Rebel Congress.
Co. b, 10th Mass. Reg

WASHINGTON, Nov. %, The Richmond
papers of Wednesday, contain jeff. Davis
message to the rebel Congress. He says the
operations of the army are soon to be partial
" interrupted by the approaching winter.
They have afforded protection to the country
and shed lusture upon its arms, through the
trying yiccsSitudes Of more than one arduous
campaign, which entitle the volunteers to
QUA praise and gratitude.
Alter mOro than seven months OF war, the
enemy have not only failed to extend their
occupancy of Odr soil, but new States and
Territories have been added to our Conledera-
cy.
While, instead OF their threatened march
Of unchecked conquest, they have been driven
ut more than one point to assume the defen-
siye, and upon fair comparison between
the two belligcrants as to men, military
means and financial condition, the Conted.
crate States are relatively much stronger now
than when the struggle commenced. He
speaks in high terms OF the people OF Missouri
who have conducted the war, in the face OF
almost unparalleled difficulties, with spirit
and success alike worthy of themselves and
the great cause in which they struggled.
Finding the Confederate States were about
10 be invaded through Kentucky, and that
her people. after being deceived into mis-
taken security, were unarmed and in danger
of being subuglted by Federal forces, our
armies were marched into that State to repel
the enemy and prevent their occupation of
certain Strategic points, which would have
given them great Advantages in the contest
step which was justified not only by nee
eessity Of sclf-deiense on the part OF the Con-
federate States, but also by a desire to aid
the people Of Kentucky.
. Ii was never intended by the Confederate
Government TO conquer or coerce the people
Of that State, bat ON the contrary il was de-
clared by our Generals that they would with
draw thoir troops If the Federal Government
would do likewise.
A proclamation was also made Of our
desire to respect the neutrality of Kentucky,
and the intention TO abide by the wishes OF
her people, as soon rs they were free to ex-
pres their opinions.
These declarations were approved ofby me
and should regard il Us one OF the best
effects Of the march Of our troops into Ken
lucky. IL il should ard in giving to their peo-
PIC llntINN VI CuOlNt iANt
to decide their own destiny according to their
own will.
The army has been chiefly instrumental in
prosecuting the great contest in which we
are engaged; but the navy has also been
effective in full proportion to its means. The
naval officers, deprived to great extent OF
an opportunity 20 make their professional
skill available at sea, have served with CON-
mendable zeal and gallantry on shore and
upon inland waters, further detail Of which
will be found in the reports of the Secretary
Of the Navy and Secretary OF War.
In the transportation Of the mails many
difficulties have arisen, which will be found
fully developed in the report Of the Post
master General. The absorption Of the or
binary means Of transportation for the move
ment Of troops and military supplies. the in
suihciency OF the rolling stock OF railroads for
the accumulation OF business resulting both
from military operations and the obstruction
of water communication by the presence oil
the cnemys fleet, the failure and even refusal
of contractors to comply with the terms oil
their agreements, the difficulties inherent In
inaugurating 50 vast and complicated sys-
ten as that which required postal facilities
for every town and village in territory 50
extended as ours. have all combined to impede
the hest directed efforts of the Postmaster
General, whose zeal. industry and ability,
have been taxed To the utmostextent. Some
OF thcse difficulties can only be overcome by
time and an improved condition Oft country
upon the restoration Of peace, but Others may
ne remedied by legislation, and your atten-
ton Is invited to the recommendations con-
tained in the report Of the head Of that do
partment.