The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-08-20
GOVERNORS MESSAGE

1t is the duty of the Executive at the meeting of the
General Assembly to lay before them of the
affairs OF the State and make such suggestions as NAV
aid them in their deliberations.
Having so recently taken charge of this Office with an
extraordinary pressure of business upon it, and with
such limited opportunities for preparing of
tins KIND might well be excused from this duty but
tue great respect have for the Legislature and
earnest desire to secure their aid and cooperation
prompt HE to make this communication, however i'm
perfect or unsatisfactory it may be.
For the first time in the history of this State we
have to deplore the death of q Governor The Hon
j. W. Ellis late Governor of this State, died the Red
Sulphur Springs. Va the 18th of July last. This
communication might afford appropriate place for
| tribute to his worth and merit; but his public and
private virtues have, but recently, been eanvassed
through the State. and their thorough endorsement by
the people constitute his highest reward while living
and rich legacy to survive him.
| The great struggle which RACES throughout
country eXcitcs the most intense interest home and
abroad 1t is needless argue ourselves or the
world the justice and propriety of our cause. We
patiently yielded to every expedent and listened to
every promise in behalf of that Union around which
had so long chung interest and dearest affections.
But suddenly the mask was raised and we saw before
the sword of the yrant, and henceforth there
| no hesitation in
An extra session of the Legislature Immediately con-
vened and with dissenting voice submitted the issue
to the people in Convention, which unanimously passed
the Ordinance of separation and deverance and that
act has been sustained by the people with unanmity
unparalleled in the history of the political struggles of
the world. Men who but yesterday fronting each
other in fierce and angry debate this very issue
day marshaed side by side in the same ranks,
banded like brothers and stalking heir lives fortunes
and sacred honor in the common cause.
The unanimity of n. C. in this great struggle, while
it must insure success, will embellish page in her
history brilliant the victory which achieves her
independence.
Suddenly thrown into this great struggle without
army the organization support one find offered
to us army of volunteers who have come forward
with brave hearts and willing to enlist in the of
their country.
To sustain this course and make it effective in the
field the Legislature have voted ample powers to the
Executive, and devoved those entrusted with the
administration of affairs fearful responsibility.
The Convention which assembled soon after. not fore
seeing the increasing demand for troops, and disap
proving of the provisions of the Legislature for raising
and equpping volunteers, repealed them without pro-
vidng substitute Under the influence of the action
of the Convention, companies were disbanded and
check given to volunteering, which likely to
prove in furious These circumstances with certainty
of call for more troops induced me to vary some
what from the policy prescribed by the Convention,
change which | think they themselves wonld have
sanctioned under the changed aspect of affairs might
safely that the defence of the and the call for
troops from Virginia rendered it necessary.
The Conv ention with ample powers from the people,
repealed this law of the Legislature, but they did
repeal modify the power of egslating granted by
the Convention the General Assembly, and it
only concurrent power exercised by the Convention
the General Assembly has still the same power to
legsate that particular sub before; and the
Convention making its appeal to take effect only after
the meeting of the Legislature, seemed to indicate
design expectation that something should be done
must therefore press it your immediate attention
In connection with the subject of volunteering,
will suggest the proprety of some regulation whereby
it may be equalized among the several counties and
among the different districts of the county.
Some counties and parts of other counties have already
furnished than their full quota, while others have
been tardy in their movements, and thus have
the envied privilege Of serving their country This
could be done by selecting those counties which have
furnished ewest volunteers and pointing out the mode
of enrolling them from those counties 1t is fair and
equitable that in each county just proportion should
be observed between those who remain take of
the homes and make provisions for the absent soldiers
and those who go forth to risk their all for the country
The expenditures of the State have been and con-
tnue to be very large. The great and hurried demand
for troops in Virginia has strained every point equip
and send them forward rapidly possible; and it
has been the aim of the authorities to furnish our
troops with every comfort consistent with our means
If we have not been entirely successful have at
least been fatered with the compliment of sending the
best equipped troops that have gone TO Virginia; and
taking every means OF continuing these COM
forts.
The subject of blankets and winter clothes for the
troops has occupied attention. and making
efforts and appeals accomplish this object
Medical aid for the sick and suffering shall be extended
by every means in power.
should like to communicate to your body the whole
defence and armament of the Stae-the force which
has been sent out and that which still equpping in
the State. The of the defcnceS and the
plans for giving them still strength, it is your
right and duty to know but from prudential
not be communicated in public address.
With your Committee invite full and free con-
ference and through them hope to communicate all
information that may be desired.
will here call your attention to heavy source OF
expense in the equipment of troops Modern warfare
has made large demand for cavalry and flying artil
ery. The furnishing and equippng of horses exceeds
all prudent calculations made for the war and runs up
expenses further than meet them in justice
other branches of defence If the cavalry regiment
authorized by the Legislature and the one by the Con-
venton be fully equipped, this Legislature must
provide means than we now have the control Of
The great length of coast that now requires guarding
has also drawn largely funds, but not larger
than their immense importance deserves; and whatever
amount of money they need must be furnished. On
some parts of the have been unfortunate in
obtaining improper officers and engineers but better
management trust is prevailing This properly
falls under the and direction of the Confederate
Government
The State Naval armament has beer transferred pur-
suant to an Ordinance of the Convention and is now
being properly and transferred to the defence
of waters and feel great confidence that 1t
will contribute materially their defence. An officer
of the Confederate States has also been sent to inspect
defences and batteries preparatory to assum
ing the control of them But yet it has not been
accomplished. have lately addressed commnnca-
ton to the President this subject and am daily ex-
pecting favorable reply.
The curtament Of expenses has occupied my most !
xOus consideration, and trust to have your ehcent
aid in this all-important matter
The Convention postponed the issuing OF treasury
Notes authorized by your body till the fist of March
next, and in the meantime allowed the Treasurer to
borrow three millions dollars Of the Banks, less the
amount already loaned under the act passed at your
extra session. A large portion of the sum borrowed
has been expended and the additional sum to be bor