Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1863-01-22
1EFR DAVIS, MESSAGE.
HEADQUARTERS Army or PorOHAo.
- o.tl IannafY Is. !

-, hovs ,oneto hand. The most I'M.
portAt feature Of the news IS Jen; pa
y;s' annual message. After briefly re-
ferring 10 the campaigns since bis last
animal message, he says the antieips-
tions which entered into the contest
have now ripened into the conviction
which is not only shared with us BY the
common opinion OF neutral nations, but
is evidently forcing itself upon our ene-
mics themselves. -..-
The advent Of peace viii be hailed
with 10Y. Our desire for il has never
been concealed; but earnest as has been
our wish for peace. and great as have
been our sacrifices and sufferings du-
ring the war, the determination Of this
people has with each succeeding month,
become more fixed to endure any suf-
fering and continue any sacrifice how
ever prolonged. until their right to self
Government and the sovereignty and
Independence OF the States shall have
been triumphanlly vindicated and es-
ablished.
He then refers back TO the history
and TO the days that four OF the States
now forming portion of the Conieder-
acy. we're recognized as independent
soyereienties by the two great maritime
powers of Europe in treaty OF peace
concluded in 1898 He reviews the
history of the confederation and the
ultimate reunion of the States and as
serts that the new Confederate States
were members of the Union, with the
right as independent soverelgnties 10
secede when. IN their judgment their
safety and honor required such step
He speaks Of the early determination
of England, France and other Euro
mean powers TO cop6ne themselves 10
recognizing the self evident fact ol the
existence of a 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 'avor
of the Union, at the same time tending
to prolong hostilities. He complains of
European injustice in other matters
citing the conclusions OF a treaty with
the United States for the adjustment OF
privateering. thus preventing the Con
federates from disposing in foreign
ports Of the prizes which their prlva-
teers captured. This he thinks one Of
the direct shafts aimed at the success OF
the Confederacy, notwithstanding the
repeated remonstrancrs by the Confed-
eracy to the neutral European ports and
their own admission as 10 the ln+th
cheney of the Federal blockade. Nru
tral Europe has received three remon-
strances in almost unbroken silence,
submitting TO the wrong inflicted on
her commerce by the United States
He, however, asserts that be has nc
complaint TO make that these nations
have declared neutrality.
In speaking Of the war, he says;
alt is nv painful duty again to inform
YOU of the renewed examples OF every
atrocity committed by the ormsd forces
of the United States at different points
Since nv last communication one Gen
eral Mcneil murdered some prisoners
of war in cold blood and the demand
for his punishment has remained un'
satisfied. The Government Of the Uni
ted States. after promising examination
and explanation IN regard to th'
charges made against Gen Butler. ha'
by its subsequent action, after repeated
efforts on my part to obtain some an
swer on the subject, not only admitted
his guilt, but sanctioned it by acquies
cence. I have accordingly branded
him as an outlaw, and directed his ex
ecutien, in expiaIion OF his crimes. !
he should fall into the hands OF any o
the Confederate forces.
Recently have received information
ofanother General by the name OF Mil
roy, who has issued orders in Western
Virginia for the payment of money tt
him by the inhabitants, accompanied
by the most savage threats OF shooting
any one who is recuSant. besides burn
ing his house, and threatening similar
atrocities against any Of our citizen
who shall fail to betray their country
by giving him prompt notice OF th
approach Of any Of our forces.
This subject has also been submitted
to the military authorities of the United
States, but with faint hopes OF any dis
appreciation Of the act.
In relation to Lincoln's Emancipatlo
Proclamation. he says he may we
leave il to the instincts Of that commo
humanity which a bene6cent Create
has implanted in the breasts OF our ie
low men Of all countries, to pass judg
meut. It is measure by which se'
eral millions of human beings OF
inferior race, peaceful and contente
laborers in their sphere, are doome
TO determination. while at the san
time they are encouraged to gener
assassination OF their masters by Il
insjdious recommendations to sbsta
from violence unless in necessary SCI
defense. Our own detestatien OF tho
who have attempted the most execr
BILE massacre recorded in the history
guilty man is t;nctured by profouI
sentiment OF contempt for the impote
rage which 1t discloses. As far as !
cards the actions Of this Governme
on such criminals as may attempt
execution, l con6ne myself to in'ormi
YOU that shall. unless in your wisdc
YOU deem some other course more e