Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1863-01-19

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoToMAc(
Jonuarv IL lS63

a
January Is. 1863.
Richmond papers OF this morsing have come
to hand The most important feature OF the
news is JEFF Davis annual message.
After briefly referring to the campaig ns since his 4
last annual message, he saws the anticipatons
which entered into the contest have now ripened |
into conviction. which is not only shared with US
by the common opinion of neutral nations, but
is evidently forcing itself upon our enemies them
selves. The advent of peace will be hailed with |
joy. Our desire for it has never been concealed
But earnest as has been our wish for peace, and
great as have been sacrifices and suffer |
/ ings during the war, the determination OF
his people has with each succeeding month
became more fixed to endure any suffering and
continued sacrifice. however prolonged until their
right to self government and the sovereignty and
independence of the States shall have been tri-
umphantly vindicaied and established. He then
refers back to the history and to the days that
iou of the States now forming portion of the
| Confederacy were recognized as independent SOW
ereienties by the two great maritime powers of
Europe in a treaty of peace concluded in 1888.
He reviews the history of the Confederation and
| the ultimate reunion of the States, and asserts
| that the Confederate States were members
OF the Union with the right, as independent SOW
eregnties, to secede, when, in their judgment,
their safety aud honor required such step.
he speaks of the early determination of Eng
land. France. and other European powers, TO con
fine themselves to the selfeV ident fact of the
isience of strict neutrality during the progress
of the war; but draws from this the conclusion
that their course of action was but an actual de-
cision against the South, and in favor of the
Union, III the same time tending to prOlOng hos
tiies. He complains of European injustice in
other matters. citing the conclusion of a treaty
with the United States for the adjustment of
prvateerIng, thus preventing the Confederates
a.
which their privsteers capture.
This he thinks one OF the direct shafts aimed
at the success of the COniederacy, nOtwithstand-
ing the repeated remOnstranceS by the COnfed-
eracy to the neutral European powers. and their
own admission Of the ineficiencyOf the Federal
blockade Neutral Europe has received these
circumstances in almost unbroken silence, sub
hitting to the wrong inflicted on her commerce
by the United States He however asserts he
has no complaint to make that these nations have
declared neutrality
In speaking o the war he says: at is nv
painful duty again to inform you of the renewed
examples of every atrocity committed by the
armed forces of the United States at different
points.
"Since my last communication one General
Mcneil murdered seven prisoners of war in cold
blood, and the demand for his punishment has re-
manned dissatisfied. The Government of the
United States. alter promising examination and
explanation in regard to the charges made against
Geni Butler, has by its subsequent action, after
repeated efforts on my part 10 obtain some answer
on the subject, not only admitted his guilt but
sanctioned il By acquiescence.
Il have accordingly branded him as an outlaw,
and directed his execution in expiatiOn OF his
crimes, if he should fall into the hands of any of
our forces. Recently L have received information
of another General by the name of Milroy, who
has issued orders in Western Virginia for the
payment of money him by the inhabitants. ae-
companied by the most savage threats of shoot
ing the recusant, besides burning their houses and
threatening similar atrocities against any of our
citizens who shall fail TO beiray their country by
giving him PROMPT notice OF the approach of fmv
of our forces. This subject has also been sub
mitted TO the military authorities of the United
States, but with faint hopes Of any dsapprobation
of the act"
In relation to Lincoln's emancipation procla
nation, he says he MAXWELL leave it to the in
stnctS of that common humanity which benii
cent Creator has implanted in the breasts of our
fellow men of all countries to pass judgment on
Il measure by which several millions Of human
beings of an inferior race, peaceful and contented
laborers in their sphere. are doomed to extermin-
alton, while at the same time they are encouraged
to Il general assassination of their masters by the
insidious recommendation from violence unless
i'm necessary self defence. "Our own detes.atiOn
of those who have attempted the most execrabe
massacre recorded i'm the history OF guilty man is
tinctured by profound sentiment Of contempt
for the impotent rage which 1t discoses
as far as regards the action of this
Government all such criminals as NAV
attempt its execution, | conine myself to
informing you that l shall, unless in your wis
dom you deem some other course more expedi-
ent. deliver to the several State authorities all
Commissioned officers of the United States that
may hereafter be captured by our forces in any
of the STATES embraced in the prOcla nation, that
they NAV be dealt with in accordance with the
laws of those States provided for the punishment
of criminals engaged in exciting servile nsurrec-
tions In its political aspect this measure pos
sesses great significance. and to it in this light
would invite your attention.
cit affords to our people the complete and
Growing proof of the true nature of the designs
of the party which elevated to power the present
occupant of the Presidential chair at Washington.
and which sought to conceal its purposes by the
perfdious use of the most solemn and repeated
pledges Speaking of tie financial affairs of the
Couederacy he SAYS il i true that at the close of
the our debt will be large. but il viii be due
to our own people, and neither the interest nor
the principal will be exported to distant countries,
impovershine ours for their benefit"
The summary of military successes he ascrites
to Congress- which enacted the conscription laws
and organized the army. as well to the spirit
OF unity endurance and devotion OF the people.
While congratulating the Coniederacy on the
friendly relations With Indian tribes he deprecaies
the hostility of portion Of the Cherckees.
Referring to the report OF the Secretary of the
Navy. he speaks OF the progress made since the
last session of Congress, but wthhods details
from publication at present.
In conclusion he says: The energies Of a
whole nation have accomplished marvels. T" and
then winds up with prayer for the restoration Of
peace
In the Confederate House resolution was in
troduced and re-erred, looking 10 the recall of
the Confederate Commissioners abroad, eulOgiz
ing France for her enceavcrs 10 induce European
irtor