Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1863-01-29
MESSAGE OF GovnRNoR VANCE.

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The General Assembly of North Carolina:
With be flight of time great events have occurred and
are now croWdng upon Since your adjournment in
December the sders OF State have concentrated
large force upon our coast ana are again our
paration possible has been made to receive hem and 1t Is
Still much remains to be done to streng then army
and add to it's efficiency beg leave respectfully to Of
ous wills with which our Generals have to contend are the
execution of the conscpt law and the alarming
of assertions ia the long absence from
home amid the hardshps Of rapid and wonder
tu ampaisns naturally tends to produce these eff cur
them duty the militia have heretofore been employ
ed with some degree OF bat they have been
by law. Should officer start out to arrest deser
and spirit him out Of the way or the officer resisted with
AS deserton is not crime known to the Ia rs Of this
state persons who thus shield the deserter from
rest liable to Punishment The consequence is that
State and banding together for company and mutual
lection depredats upon the citizens neSr them thus form
hind of outlawed population in the midst OF q1ie
This state of things raincas alike to the discipline of
army and the MORALS of people, ought not to be
suffered to eontipue and ought prevented in my
opinion ny little prudent legislation With the consent
of hg military authorities from whose commands
they absent to give absenee from the
without leave By prccanation thirty Lays in which they
return to duty tree of apd after that time
make them liable for their delinquency to the severst
penalties Of the law To enable the authorities to effect
my regular message to you) that the militia laws be SO
amended to subject both officers and priVates Of
particular company regiment of the militia to the ar
ce of when ordered to perform any duty Of this kind
the o. 5ro o or Ihs I
wul neglect of duty, and that it be made crime to
shield harbor deEerers assist them avoid arrest
Should it be deemed best to continue to use the militia of
ths State for executing the cOnscrpt law these amend
to for the Of It's ao
have been applied to in several instances "a the APP
pointing power Of the regmenal officers of regiments
raised originally three years the war; promote
gallant and meri:orous conduct but en- close examna
the regular order of promot by seniority the appoint
ment Of company oficers This power ought to esi1e
humbes private works of the army ought feel that
there the power ard the viii to lit him above bis humble
that s authority be vested in the Executive,
be DSo ncs ion OF
Tbs sub ct of arresting citizens charges of dis
loyalty l beg Lave again to aIlude to. Many have
with spirit of ceur esq and respect for State au
:hoy turned s over to ms for in7fStigasin am
them myself, and OF course l regard it inconsistent
With my duty to set them at liberty wtnSs
rate at Salisbury, when the the accused al
never seen therefore reoomond the esssbishiDs Of
commission for the investigation charges all s1ch
per tribunals, if sufficient cause appears
In this connection take great pleasure in Transmitting
relation of the R. j. Graves, aud in response
the demaud for his delivery tie authorities of this State
made in dence of joint resolution Of two Houses
Admirable in spirit ample in explanation Of the circum
stances under which the arrest made AID express
ions of for the and sovereignty of the State
am that it did, tie prompt surrender
Of the accused it cannot fail give you the satisfaction
experienced on lis perueal.
In threatened invasion of the State, have
been advised by the War Department to call out the mill
tia to assist in repeng it. Having consulted the General
in command OF this Department. concluded to do but
least doubtful of my authority to take the STEP while
yosr body Is in session. Not wishing exercise any doubt
full authority, when and appreciation may
easily make certain most respectfully recommend that
be authorized Immediately to call out such portion of the
militia as may be deemed sufficient to meet the present
emergency.
have the honor herewith 20 transmit copies of resou
tons various subjects Of the Legislatures of the States
OF South Carolina Georgia. Florida and Alabama, forward
ed to by their respective Executives with request
that they would be laid before you
The most important of these ates to the proposition Of
guaranteeing by each State its proportion the Confede
rate War debt end to these invite your early and deibe
rate attention.
am also pleased to be able to inform you that the
respondence conducted by with the War Department.
at your request in relation to the burning Of cotton in
Eastern North Carolina, entirely satisfactory though
fer prudential reasons thought improper to make
public.
Very respectively,
z. B. VANCE.