Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1861-05-10
VOLUME IX.---NO. 2

was unmistak kcably evident. The President
Of the United States called for au army of
seventy five thousand men, whose first SER
vice was TO be to capture our forts. 1t was
a plain declaration of war, which I was
not at liberty to disregard because Of my
knowledge under the Constitution Of the
United States tho President was usurp-
ing power granted exclusively to the Con-
gress. lIo is the sole organ of communi-
cation between that country and foreign
powers. The law Of nations did not permit
the to question the authority Of tho Execu-
tive Of foreign nation to declare war
against this Confederacy.
Although might have refrained from
taking active measures for our defence If
the States Of the Union had all inita-
ted The action Of Virginia, North Carolina,
Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mis-
scuri, by denouucing the call for troops as
an unconstitutional usurpation of power.to
which they refused to respond, I was not at
liberty to disregard the fact that many of
the States seemed quite content to submit
to tic exercise Of the power assumed by the
President Of the United States, and we're
actively engaged in levying troops to be
Suscd for the purpose indicated in the pro-
clamation.
Deprived Of the aid of Congress at tho
moment, [ was under the necessity Of con-.
flung my action TO a call on the States for
volunteers for the common defence, in ac-
cordancc with the authority you had conf
ded to me before teyour adjournment. I
deemed it proper further to issue procla-
'mation inviting applications from persons
disposed to aid our defence in private arm
ed vessels on the high seas, to the end that
preparations might be made :or the immedi-
ate issue of letters Of marque and reprisal,
which"you alone, under the Constitution
have power 10 grant. entertain no doubt
you will concur with me in the opinion that
in the absence of a feet ofpublic vessels, it
will be eminenty expedient to supply their
place by private armed vessels, so happily
styled by the puGlicists of the United States
the militia Of the sea- and so often and
justly relied on by them as an efficient and
admirable instrument of defensive warfare.
| earnestly recommend the passage ola law
authorizing me 10 accept the numerous
proposals already received.
Icannot close this review of the acts Of
the government Of the United States With
out r.ferring to proclamation issded by
their President, under date of the 10th in
slant, in which , after declaring that an in.
surrection has broken out in this Gonfeda-
r"cy against the government of the United
States, he announces blockade of all the
ports Of these States, ndssthreatens to pun
ish rs pirates all persons who shall molest
any vessel Of the United States under let
tiers of maraue issued by this government
Notwithstanding the authenticity Of this
proclamation, you will concur with me that
it IS hard to believe that it could have
emanated from President of the United
States.
Its announcement Of mere paper block
ade is so manifestly violation Of the law
of nations that it would seem incredible
that it could have been issued by authority
but conceding this to be the case SO far
as the Executive is concerned,it will be
difficult to satisfy thespeople Of these; State.
that .their late confederates will sanctionsits
declarations, will determine to ignore tt,es
usagcs Of civilized nations, and " i'll ilapeg-
rate war Of determination On botfs;
by treating as pirates,.open enemies 4aceidg
under the authority ofscomnissions issnsd
BY an organized government. If such proc,
lamation was issued, it could only have
been published under the sudden influence
of passion, and we may res. assured tnas-=
kind wif4be spared the horrors Of the con
ilict it seems 10 invite. -
For the details Of the administrator OF
the different departments, refer to tireffis-
ports ofthe secretaries which accompany
this message.
z The State Department las rfurnisl.ed
the necessary instructions for three Confisa.
toner's, who have been sent 10 England,
France, Russia, and Belgium; dda your
Adjournment, to ask our recognitioH asa
member Of the family Of nationss ahd to
make With each Of those powers, treaties of
amity and commences. Further steps sAill
be taken to enter into like negotsstiot Is With
the other Europeans .powefs, in pursuance of
yopr resolutions passed at the last session.
Sufficient time. hes not ydt elapsed since tie
departure. of ttsese Gommissionsrs "a, lie
receipt Of any intelligence from them. 4.
81 deem it dessf sfablA thst Commissioners Inv