The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1861-05-08
and recommend that provisions be made for their ap-

and recommend that provisions be made for their APP
pOntment
In conclusion, congratulate you on the fact that III
every portion OF country there has been exhibited
the most patriotic devotion to common cause
transportation companies have freely rendered the use
Of Their lines for troops and supplies
HE president OF tile railroads Of the confederaey in
company with others who control lines of communca-
ton with States that hope soon to greet sisters
assembled in convention in this CITY, have not only
duced largely the heretofore demanded for mail
service and conveyance of troops and munitions, but
have voluntarily proered receive their
at their reduced rates in the bonds of the Conederacy
for the purpose Of leaving all the resources Of gov
eaument at It's disposal for the defence.
acquisitions for troops have been met with such aac
rity that the numbers rendering their services have in
every instance greatly exceeded the demand Men of
the highest official and social position are serving as
volunteers III the ranks The gravity of age the zeal
Of YOUTH rival each other in the desire to be foremost
in the public defence and though other point than
the one heretofore noticed have they been stimulated
by the excitement incident to actual engagement and
the hope of distinction for individual department. they
have borne, what for new troops in the most severe
ordeal patient toll constant vigil and all the exposure
and discomfort of active service with resolution and
tortltude such to command the appreciation and jus.
tfy the highest Of their conduct when active
valOr shall be required in place of steady endurance.
people thus united and resolute shrink from
any sacrifice which they they may be called on to make
nor can tere be reasonable DOUBT OF their maj sue
cess however long and may be the test Of their
determination maintain their brth-rght Of freedom
and equality, trust which it is their first duty
transmit unblemished to their posterity.
A bounte0us Providence cheers with the promise
Of abundant crops.
The fields of grain which will, within few weeks,
be ready for the sickle, give assurance Of the amplest
supply Of food whilst the corn cotton and other
pie productions of soil afford abundant proof that
up this period The has been propitious We
feel that our cause is just and holy.
We protest solemnly in the face Of mankind that
We desire peace at any sacrifice, that Of honor
In independence we seek no conquest, concession
OF any kind romthe States with which have lately
conederated All ask is be let alone-that those
who narer held power over US shall not now attempt
our subjugation by arms This we will, we must re-
sist, to the direst extremity.
The moment that this pretension is abandoned the
sword will drop from grasp and shall be ready
to enter into treaties of amity and commerce that
not but be mutually beneficial.
So long their. pretenson is maintained, with
firm reliance on that Divine Power which covers with
its protection the just cause will continue to strug
gle for our inherent right to freedom independence
and selfgovemyent JEFFERSON DAVIS
Montgomery, April 30, 1861.