Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1863-01-17
@gg Uelegrapt.
Annual Message of JefF. Davis.

n L
| -Richmond papers of this nornip0 havs
como to hand. The most important fca ).
ture is JET. Davis annual message After
briefly referring to the campaigns since
his last message, he says in authorization OF
which they entered into the contest. have
now ripened into a conviction. which is
not only shared with US by the common
opinion of, neutral nations, butts evidently
forcing itself upon our enemies themselves
The advent of peace will be hailed with
ljoy. Our desire for it has never been CON.
ceRled, but earnest as has been our vish
tor peace and great Rs have been our sac.
ri6ces and sn8eriugs during the war, tho
people have with each succeeding month
become more uunlterahly fixed 10 endure
any suffering and continued sacrifice.
however prolonged; until theiI rightof self.
government and sovereignty and indepen
oence OF the States shall have been tri-
umPhauuy indicated and established =
he then refers back to history, aud says
that four of the States now forming nor
ton of the Confederacy, were recognized as
independent sovereignties by the two great
| maratime Powers of Europe, in the treaty
of peace concluded in 1888. He reviews
the history of the Confederation, and ul,i-
mate reunion OF the States, and asserts tia,
the new Confederate States were members
OF the Union with the right as independent
soyereiBnties to secede, when in their
Judgment their safety and honor required
such step.
He speaks of an early determination, Of
England, France and other foreign powers.
TO contiue themselves to reorganizing the
self-evident fact of the existence of strict
neutrality during the progress of the war
but q avs from this the conclusion that
their course of action was but an actual
decision against the South ana in favor of
the Uniou, at the same time tending to pro-
long hostiIities.
He complains of European Injustice ia
other matters, citing the conclusion Of a
treaty with the United States Tor the abol-
lshmeut OF priTateering, thus preventing
the Confederates from disposiug of in for
eign ports the prizes which their privateers
captured. This he thinks is one of the di-
rect shafts aimed at the success of the
Confederacy. Notwithstanding remou.
strances by toe Confederacy for the neu-
trat European Governments and their own
admission as to tho inefFiCiency of the Fed.
eral blockade, Neutral Europe has re-
ceived these remonstrances in almost uu-
broken silence, submitting to the wrong
Infection on her commerce by the United
States. He, however, asscnts that he has
no complaint to make, that these nations
have declared neutrality.
In speaking of the war he says: at is
my painful duty again to inform you of the
renewed examples of.tbe enemys atrocity
committed by the armed forces of the Uni-
ted States at different points Since my
last communication onsiGen. Mcneil muir
dered prisoners of war in cold blood, and
the demand for his punishment has re-
manned unsatis6ed.
Tho Government of the United States
after promising examination and explana.
ton in regard TO chHrges made against
General Butler has by its subsequent ac-
ton after repeated efforts on my part TO
obtain some answer on the subject not
only admitted his guilt but sanctioned it
by acquiesceuce. have accordingly bran
ded him as an outlaw and directed his exc
cutton in expiation of his crimes, if he
should fall into the hands of any Of our
forces.
Recently I have received information of
another General by name of Milroy who
has issued orders in Western Virginia for
payment of money to him by the inhabit-
ants, accompanied by the most savage
threats of shooting one recusaut besides
burning his honse, and threatening similar
atrocities against any of our citizens who
him prompt notification of the approach Of
Con tederate forces
This subject has been reported to the
military authorities of the United States,
but with faint hopes of any dsapproba-
ton.
In relation to Lincoln's emancipation
proclamation, he says he will leave it to
the instincts of that common humanity
which beni6cent Creator has implanted
in the breasts of our fellow-men of ali
countries, and pass judgment on a measure
of which several millions of human beings
of an Interior race, peaceful, contented,
and laborions in their sphere, are doomed
to determination; while at the same time
they are encouraged to a general assassina-
ton of their masters by tho insidious re-
commendation 10 abstain from violence,
unless in necessary self. defence.
Our own detestatiOn of these who have
attempted the most execrable massacre re.
corded in the history of guilty man, is only
equalled by profound sentiment of con-
tempt for the impotent rage which it dis
| closes.
AS far as regards the action Of this Gov
erument on such criminals as may attempt
it, confne myself to Informing you that
shall, unless in your wisdom you deem
some other course more expedient, deliver
to the several State authorities all commis-
stoned 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 may be dealt With in ac-
cordance with the laws of those States pro-
viding for the punishment Of criminals en-
gagged in exciting serVle insurrections
In its political aspect this measure pos
sesses great Significance, and be it in this
light l would invite your attention. 1t
affords to our people the complete and
Growing proof Of tue true nature of the
design of the party which elevated the
power of tho present occupant of the Pres
identtal chair at Washington, and which
sought to conceal its purpose by the per6d.
ious use of the most solemn and repeated
pledges. Speaking Of the financial affairs
of the Contederacy he says it is true at the
close of tho EEar deht .z;lI hn go 49,: