American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1851-1863, 1862-02-22
GOVERNORS PROCLAMATION.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE, Jackson, Miss,
February nth, 1862. !
The investment of Fort Donelson by
the enemy, and the surrender of the
greater portion Of our troops at that point,
intelligence of which has just been re-
ceived, make it my duty to address
LAST APPEAL.
To the patriotism Spd chivalry of Mis-
sissippians, before enforcing the Law for
DRAFTING TROOPS. 1t would re-
quire two months, or more, to carry
into effect the provisions of that ,Law.
We cannot afford the loss of that time.
Every moment is precious. The crisis is
impending. The hour has arrived which
must settle whether we shall conquer or
perish. Our fate is in our hands. It is
with ourselves to decide the alternative.
That decision should be. as I believe it
will. Liberty or Death. Besides the de-
lay, | am unwilling to visit upon the es-
cutcheon of the State the stigma which
would be implied in resorting to the
draft until every other means had been
exhausted. yet believe Mississippi will
vindicate the character achieved by her
sons on every field.
Already numerous companies have
been fully or partially organized under
my previous proclamation calling for two
Regiments for service on our Sea Coast,
or at such other points as they might be
required. Although they may have en-
listed under that proclamation with the
expectation of being sent to that point, |
feel well assured that they are patriotic
enough to hurry to any other point where
they can more certainly promote the
safety of the common cause.
So believing, in virtue of the author
ity vested in me, issue this my procla-
nation, appealing to those companies,
whether fully made up or not, to hurry
forward to MERIDIAN, where a Camp
of Instruction. and subsistence will be
furnished. Delay not to fill up lists. or
to march by companies. Go as individ-
uals or in squads. | also call upon all
companies which have been or may be
made up, under my proclamation, in an
swer to the requisition of the War De-
partment, for Seven Regiments. to serve
during the War. TO hasten forward to
Grenada or COrinth, which are hereby
appointed places of rendezvous, and
where Camps of Instruction and subsst-
ence will be provided. I urge upon all
officers engaged in recruiting under that
call, to send forward to those points all
who may enlist. and as fast as they en-
list. Let them organize into Companies
and Regiments, if need be, after their
arrival
also call upon the boards of police, in
all the counties of the State to proceed at
once. under the Military Bill recently
passed by the Legislature, to appoint en-
rollers, to ascertain and report the names
of all persons in their respective counties,
subject to military duty under the pro-
visions of that law. [ further recon-
mend to said Boards to establish WORK
SHOPS, in all the counties Of the State.
and to employ all the mechanics who
are capable Of making or repairing guns,
to engage at once in that business. at the
expense of the counties in which the
shops may be situated, when the citizens
owning guns requiring repairs, are I'M
able or unwilling themselves to defray
the expenses of such repairs. Every
loyal citizen owning a gun, who, for any
cause is himself unable, to enter service,
should at once place it in good condition,
to be used by those who will enlist
The times imperously demand of every
citizen, whether in public position or
private life, to devote himself, immedi-
ately, with ali he is or has, to the saliva
ton of his country in this solemn and
perilous crisis With such devotion. the
safety, honor and independence of that
country are placed beyond hazard, des-
pite the overwhelming numbers and aro-
giant exultations of the hated, demon foe,
against whom we are contending.-
Should they approach our border. /
shall not hesitate to enter the field my
self, and [ shall expect to meet every
Mississippian. capable Of bearing arms.
ready to respond at roll call.
JOHN J. PETTUS.