The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-01-23
OUR SPECIAL DISPATCHES.
NEWS FROM RICHMOND.

|
The Richmond papers of this morning
have come to hand. The most important
feature of the news is Jeff. Davis Annual
| Message.
DESIRE FOR PEACE AND DETERMINATION OF
THE sOHTH.
After briefly referring to the campaign
since his last message, he says: 'The an
| ticipations of success with which we en-
tered 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 themselves The advent of
peace will be hailed with joy. Our desire
for it has never been concealed, but earn
est as has been our wish for peace, and
great as has been our sacrifices and suffer-
ings during the war, the determination of
this people has with each succeeding
month become more unalterably fixed to
endure any sufferings, and continue any
sacrifices, however prolonged, until their
right to self-government, and the sover-
eighty and independence of the Confed-
crate States shall have been triumphantly
vindicated and established"
THE RIGHT OF SECESSION.
He then, referring back to history. al
ludes to the day when four Of the States
now forming part Of the Confederacy, were
recognized as independent sovereignties,
by the two great maritime powers OF Eu-
rope. in the treaty Of peace concluded
in 1888.
lie reviews the history Of the cid Con-
fedcracy, and asserts that, at the ultimate
reunion of the States, the new Confederate
States became members of the Union, re-
serving the right, as independent sover-
eighties, to secede whenever, in their
Judgment, their safety or honor required
such 4 step.
COMPLAINTS AGAINST FOREIGN POWERS.
He speaks of the early determination Of
England, France, and other European
powers, to conform their actions with their
professions of strict neutrality, during the
self-evident existence of the war: but he
draws the conclusion that this course of
action was but an actual decision against
the South, and in favor of the Union, at
the same time tending to prolong hos
Titles
He complains of European injustice in
other matters, citing the conclusions of the
treaty with the United States for the
adjustment of privateering, thus prevent
ing the Confederates from disposing in for
eign ports of the prizes which their priva-
teers captured. This he thinks one of the
most direct shafts aimed at the success of
the Confederacy. Notwithstanding the
repeated remonstrances by the Contedera-
cy to the neutral European ports, and their
own admission as to the inetficiency of the
federal blockade, neutral Europe has recei-
we'd these remonstrances in almost unbro-
ken silence, submitting to the wrongs in
fiicted on her commerce by the United
States. He, however, asserts that he has
no complaints to make that these nations
have declared neutrality
DENUNCIATIoNs OF GENERALS BUTLER, NJ
NEIL AND MILRoY.
In speaking of the war, he says, sit is
my painful duty to again inform YOU of
the renewed example of atrocities commit
ed by the armed forces of the United
States, at different points.
''Since my last message, one Gen. Nc
Neil has murdered seven prisoners of war
in cold blood, and the demand for his
punishment has remained unsatisfied. The
Government of the United States, after
promising an examination and explanation
in regard to the charges made against
Gen. Butler, has by its subsequent action,
after repeated efforts on my part to obtain
some answer on the subject, not only ad
mitted his guilt, but sanctioned it by ac-
tulcScICC. L udht
him as an outlaw, and directed his execu-
ton in expiation of his crime, if he should
fall into the hands of any of our forces.
Recently have received information
of another gentleman named Milroy who
has issued orders in Western Virginia for
the payment Of money to him by the in
habitants, accompanied by the most saw
age threats, shooting one recusant besides
burning his house, and threatening similar
outrages against any of our citizens who
shall fail to betray their country by giving
him prompt notice of the approach Of any
of our forces. The subject has also been
submitted to the military authorities of the
United States, but with faint hopes of any
disapprobation Of the act
THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION.
In relation to Lincoln's emancipation
proclamation, he says, ''he may well
leave it to the feelings of that common