Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-05-08
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
.Ralei5h, May LIST, 1861
Message Of His Excellency, President
jeff. Davis.

MONTGOMERY, Ala, April 29.-Cengress
met at noon to-day. The Presidents Mes
sage was received and read. He announced
the ratification of the. permanent Gonstitu-
ton by all the Confederate States, and it
now only remains for elections to be hell for
the choice of officers to administer the Gov
eminent
He says that the declaration Of war against
thus Confederacy by Abraham Lincoln rem
dered it necessary to convene Congress that
Cney ~isht davise the necessary measures
for the defence of the courrtry.
He then reviews at lengJa~U
heretofore existing between the States and
the events which have resulted in the present
warfare.
Referring to the result of the late mission
to Washington, he says that the crooked
paths of diplomacy can scarcely furnish an
example of such an utter want of courtesy,
candor and directness, as was the course of
the United States Government towards our
commissioners.
The President incidentally refers to the
prudent caution which was observed by the
fleet off Charleston during hesbombardment
of Fort Sumter, and pays a high compliment
to the South Carolinians for their forbearance
before, their hcroiSm during and their mag
immunity a1CcF the DOJlUaFutlc0G.
lie says Commissioners have been sent to
England, France, Russia and Belgium, to ask
our recognition as members of the family Of
nations, and make treaties-ef amity and com.
merce. He recommends the appointment o.
other diplomatic agents.
He SAYS that the Confederacy, through
Vice President Stephens, has concluded g
[ Convention with Virginia, by which Virgin
10 hoe ,,p;toJ bor orn ard fort,rac xr;tl
US.
He has satisfactory assurances that othe
Southern States will soon unite their fortune.
with ours, and says that the most of tn,
Executive Departments are in successful ope
ration.
The Postmaster General will soon be read
to assume the direction of postal affairs.
In conclusion, he congratulates the Con
federacy on the patriotic devotion exhibited
" the people of the Confederacy. Men il
nigh official capacity and social position ant
wealth, are serving in the volunteer ranks.
The railway troops arc liberal in thei
rates for the transportation of troops ant
supplies, and protfer liberal terms for tn
transportation of mails, and agree to reeeiv,
IS compensation the bonds of the Confed
eracy.
He says people thus united and resolved
cannot fail of inal success.
We feel, continues the message, that on
cause is just and holy and We protest sol
emily in the face of mankind, that we de
4 sire peace at any sacrifice, save that of on
honor and independence. We seek no con
quest, no ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, and no conces
sions from the free States. All we ask is t
be let alone.
That none shall attempt our subjugatiol
by arms. This we will and must resist t
the direst extremity. The moment this pre-
tension is abandoned, the sword will droI
from our grasp, and we shall be ready to er
ter INTO treaties of amity and m mt
tuaily beneficial.
So long as this ~pretension is maintained
with a firm reliance on that Divine PoUe
winch covers with its protection the jus
cause, we will continue to struggle for GU
inherentsright to freedom and selfgoverr
ment. JEFFERSON DAVIS,
President Confederate States of Americ;