The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1861-11-27
JEFF. DAVIS, MESSAGE.

WASHINGTON, Nov. % The Richmond
papers of Wednesday last, contain the mes
sage Of President Davis to the Congress OF
the Rebel States. ~
After the usual congratulations, he says
The operations Of the Army seem to be
partially interrupted by the approaching
winter, having afforded protection to the
country, and shed a glorious lustre upon its
arms through the trying vicisitudcs of more
than one arduous campaign, which entitle
our brave volunteers to our praise and graft
tude
Further on he says: After more than
seven months Of war. the enemy have not
only failed to extend their occupancy Of our
soil, but new States and Territories have
been added 10 our Confederacy, while, in
stead of their threatened march of unchecked
conquest, they have been driven at more
than one point to assume the defensive. and
npon fair comparison between the two bel.
ligerents as to men, military means and
financial condition, the Confederate States
are relatively much stronger now than wher
the struggle commenced. g,..s Il,
H. speaks in high terms of the people Of
the State of Missouri, who he says conduct
ed the war in the face ofalmost unparalleled
difficulties, with a spirit alike worthy Of
themselves and the great cause in VIII oh they
are struggling. II 4.
lie continues Finding that the Confede
rate States were about to be invaded through
Kentucky, and that her people. after being
deceived into mistaken security, were sur
rounded and in danger Of being subjugated
by the Federal forces, our armies wer.
marched into that State to repel the enemy
and prevent their occupation of certain
strong points, which would have given then
great advantages in the contest-a. ster
which was not only justified by the necessi
.y Of self-defence on the part Of the Confed
crate States, but also by desire to aid
the people Of Kentucky. 1t was never in
tended by the Confederate Government Ia
conquer or coerce the people of that State,
but OH the contrary, it was declared by our
Generals that they would witbd,aw their
troops If the Federal Government would do
likewise. A proclamation was also made Of
our desire to respect the neutrality of Ken
lucky, and the intention to abide by the
wishes of her people. as soon as they were
free to express their opinions. These dec
larations were approScd by me, and should
regard il as one Of the best effects OF the
march of our troops into Kentucky, if il
should aid in giving to her people liberty Of
choice and a free opportunity to decide their
own policy according to their own will.
While the army has been chiefly instru-
mental in prosecuting the great contest, be
says the Navy has also been effective in pro
portion to its means. He speaks of the
difficulties attending naval transportation
some of which, he declares can only be over
come only by time and the improved con.
dilion Of the country or the restoration Of
peace, but others by legislation.
As to the financial system. 1t has worked
well SO far, and promises good results for
the future. To the extent that Treasury
notes may be issued the Government is en-
abled to borrow money without interest, an