The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1861-04-19
Proclamation by Jefferson Davis.
LETTERS OF MARQUE TO BE ISSUED BY TIE CON
FEDERATE STATES.

Montgomery, April II -Wherea Abraham
Jircoln, President of the United States, has an
nounced his intention of invading the Con!eder-
acy with an armed force, for the purpose of cap.
turing its fortresses, and thereby subverting its
Independence, and subjecting its free people to
the dominion of a foreign power; and whereas
it has thus become the duty of this government
"a reDel the threatened invasion, and defend the
rights and liberties of the people by all the
means which the laws of nations and the usages
of civilized warfare place at it's disposal;
Now, therefore, l, Jefferson Davis, President
Of the Confederate States of America, do issue
this, my proclamation, inviting all these who
may desire by armed service in 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 and reprisal, to be issued under the
seal of these Confederate States.
And do further notify all applicants aioro-
said before any commission or letter. of marquee
is granted to any vessel, or the owner or owners
thereof, and the commander for the time being
that they will be required to give bond to the
Confederate States, withat least two responsible
suretics, not interested in such vessel, IN tbe
penal sum Of five thousand dollars, with the
condition that the owners, officers and crew,
who, shall be employed on board, shall observe
the laws of these Confederat tie States, and the
instructions, given them Tor the regulation Of
their conduct, that shall satisfy all damages
done contrary to the tenor thereof by such yes
sci during her commission, and deliver up the
same when revoked by the President of the
Confederate States.
And do further notify al persons applying
for letters Of marque to make statement in
writing, giving the name and suitable descrip-
ton of the character, tonnage and force OF the
vessel, the name of the. place of residence Of
each owner concerned therein, and the intended
number Of the crew, and to sign each statement
and deliver the same to the Secretary of State
or Collector Of the port Of entry of these Con
federated States, to be by him transmitted 70
the Secretary of State.
And do further specially enjoin upon all
persons holding offices civil aud military under
the authority Of the Confederate States, that
they be vigiant and jealous in the discharge
Of the duties incident thereto. And do mere
over solemnly exhort the good people Ct the
Confederate States, as they love their country
as they prize the blessing Of a free government
as they feel the wrongs of the past and thoS
now threatened IN aggravated form by those
whose enmity is more implacable because uu.
provoked, that they exert themselves in pre-
serving order, in promoting concord, in main,
tanning the authority and efficiency Of the
laws, and in supporting and invgoratirs all
the measures which may be adopted for the com
mon defence, and by which. under the Divine
Providence, we may hope for a speedy just and
honorable peace.
In testimony whereof have set ny hand AMI
seal this 18th day of April.
(Slgncd,) JEFFERSON DAVIS.
BY the President,
ROBERT looms, Secretary Of State.
New Orleans, April l6. Especial dispatch
to the New York HcralH.) Several vessels are
fitting out here in anticipation of the issuing of
letters of marque. The military status at Pen
sacoa is unchanged. Accounts from Kentucky
state that large numbers are enrolling under
the Confederate flag.