The Nevada Democrat., 1861-05-11
Proclamation Of Jcfr. Davis.

WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln, President
of the United States, has, by proclamation.
announced bis intention OF invading the
Confederacy with an armed force. for the
purpose of capturing its fortresses, and
thereby snbvcrting It's independence. aud
suhiecting the free people therof to the do.
minion of foreign power, aud whereas, il
has thus become the duty Of this Govern
ment to repel the threatened invasion, and
defend the rights and liberties of the people
by all The means VIII ch the laws Of nations
aud usages of civilized warfare place q,
its disposal:
Now, therefore. l, jefferson Davis Presi-
dent Of the Confederated States OF America.
do issue this, my proclamation. inviting all
those who may desire by service n private
armed vessels on the high seas, to aid this
Government in resisting so wanton and
wicked an aggression, to make application
for commissions, or letters of marque or re-
prisal. TO be issued under The seal of these
Confederate States and do further noti-
fy all persons applying for letters of maraae
to make q statement in writing, giving the
name and suitable description Of The char
acter, tonnage aud force of the vessel, name
OF the place of residence of each owner CON
cerned therein, and the intended number of
crew, and 10 sign such statement, and de-
liver the same 10 the Secretary of State or
Collector of the port of entry of these Con-
lcderate States, To be by him transmitted
TO the Secretary Of State and further no.
tIiy all applicants aforesaid, before any
commission or letter of marque is issued 10
any vessel, or the owners thereof, and the
commander for the time being. they will be
required to give bond to the Confederate
States, with at least two responsible sure
ties not interested in such vessel. in the pc
nal sum of 5000. or if such vessel be pro-
vlded with more than one hundred aud liftv
men, then in the penal sum of $4,000 with
the condition that the owners officers
a0d crew, who shall be employed on board
such commissioned vessel, shall observe the
laws OF these Confederate States, and the
Instructions given them for regulation of
OF their conduct, that shall satisfy all dam
ages done contrary TO the tenor thereof hy
such vessel during her commission, and de-
liver up the same when revoked by the
President of the Confederate States.
Aud do further specially enioin on all
persons holding office, civil or military, un.
der the authority OF the Confederate States
that they be vigilant aad Jealous Ia the die.
charge Of their duties incident thereto.
Aud do, moreover eXhorL the good peope
Of these Confederate States, as they love
their country, as they prize tie blessings
of free Government, as they feel the wrongs
Of the past and those now threatened in an
aggravated form by those whose enmty Is
more implacable because unprovoked, they
exert themselves in preserving order, in
promoting concord, ia maintaining the au-
lhority aud efficacy of the laws, aud in sup
porting, invigorating the measures which
may be adopted for common defense, and
by which, under Divine Providence, we
may hope for for a speedy, just and hon
orable peace.
In witness whereof have set my hand
and caused the seal of the Confederate
States Of America to be attached, this l7th
day Of April, in the year Of our Lord, 1861
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
Robert Toombs, Secretary of State.