The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1863-01-23
JANUARY 90. 1868,
HKApouARrsRs ARMY OF THE Potomac.
- .9-E- Lamar ih 1864

]
is JEFF Davis annual message.
After briefly referring to tho campaign.
since his last annual message, no says tho
anticipations which entered into tho contest
have now riponed tuto conviction, sbich is
not only shared with us 10y tho commoi7
opinion Of neutral nations. but "a evidently
forcing itself upon our enomios themselves
Tho advent of poaco will be hailed With JOY
Our desire for it has novor bccn concealed:
Earnest as has been our wish FOR peace and
great as have been our sacrifices and snifer-
ing during tho war. tho determination
of the people has. With each succeeding
month. become moro unaltoraby fixed to on
dure any suffering and continued sacrifices.
however prolonged, until their right to SELF
government and tho sovereignty nud inde-
pendepce of tho States shall have been tri-
umphantly vindicatod and established.
He then refers back to tho history and to
the day that four Of the Statos now forming
a portion Of the Confcderacy wero rocog- |
nized as independent soveregnties by tho
two great maritime powors of Europa. In
treaty of poace concluded in 1888 Ho re-
views tho history of tho Confederacy, and
the ultimate re union Of tho States, and
INSERTS that the new Confederate States
were members Of the Union with tho right.
MS independent sovoroigntics. TO secede
when 10 their Judgment thoir safety aud
honor required such stop. He speaks OF
the early determination of England, Franco
and other European powers to confine thom-
selves to recognizing tho soIf-evidont fact of
tho existence of strict neutrOlty during
the progress Of tho war, but draws from this
the conclusion that their course OF action
was but an actual decision against tho
South and in favor Of the Union. at the
same time tending to prolong hostiitics.
He complains of their apparent injustice
in other matters. citing the conclusion OF
treaty with the United States for tho abOl-
ishment of prvatoeriug, thus preventing
the confedorates from disposing oe, in for
eign ports, the prizes which their privatcors
captured. This he thinks ono of tho direct
shafts aimod at tho Confodoracy. Notwiih.
standing the repeated romonstraDccs by the
Confederacy to tho neutral powers, and
their own admission as to tho ineficioDcy OF
tho Federal blockade, neutral Europe has
received these rcmonstrances in almost un-
brokon silence, submitting to the wrong in
ficted on her commerce by the United
States. He, however, assorls that he has no
complaint to make that these nations have
declared neutrality.
In spenkng of the war, he says, II is my
painful duty again to inform you of tho ro.
newed examples Of every atrocity committed
by the armed forces of tho United States,
at different points. Since my last com nu.
ucation. one General murdered seven pris-
oners of war, In cold blood. The demand
for his punishment has remained Unsatisfiod.
Tho Government of tho United States, after
promising an examination and explanation
in regard to tho charges mado against Con.
eral Butler, has by its subsequent action,
after repeated efforts on my part, to OBJ
kb.a 1r,,fF
ted bis guilt, but sanctioned it by acquios-
cence. have accordingly branded him as
an outlaw, in explanation of his crimes If he
should fail into hands Of any of the forces.
Hocentiy, bavo received Information Of
another General by tho nnmo OF Milroy,
who has issued orders in Western Virginia
for the payment of monoy to him by the
inhabitants, accom- panied by the most savage
threats of shooting one recusant, bosi1e'
burning his house, and threatening simia
atrocities against any of our citizens wh'
shall fail to betrav their country, by giving
him prompt notice of tho approach OF an.
OF our forces.
This subject has also bnen submitted t
the military authorities Of the Uui,ed States
but with faint hopes Of any disapproba'o
OF the act. In relation TO Lincoin's emnn
cipation proclamation, be says no may We
humanity which bonofcent Creator ha
planted In tho breasts of our tollowmon Q
all countries, to pass judgment on measur
by which several millions of human being
of an inferior race, peaceful and contonte
Iaborers in their sphore are doomed TO el
termination, whlo at tho same time the
are encouraged to general assassination {
their masters by tho insidous recommonda
tion to abstain from violence unless i
necas -ary self defense. Oar own dotesta
tion for those who bavo attempted the mos
oxecrable massacre recorded in tho histor
of guilty man, is tincturod by o profoun
sentiment OF contempt for tho impoton
rage 1t dscloses.
As far as regards tho action of this gov
ernment on such criminals as may attemp
its execution, confno myself to Informing
you that shall, unless in your wisdom go
deem some other course moro c4pedien
deliver to tho several State authorities u
commissioned officers Of tho United State
that may hereafter bo captured by OF
forces in any of tho States embraced in II
proclamation, that thcy may bo dealt vii
in accordance with tho laws of those Stat
provided for tho punishment OF great crir
finals engaged in exciting servile insure
tion.
In its political aspect, this measure pc
sessos groat signiiication, and to 500 II
this light would invite your attention
affords our pooplo the comploto and crow
ing proof OF tho truo nature of tho desig
of the party which elevated to power I
present occupant of tho Presidential CHI
at Washington, and which sought to conc'
its purpose by tho per!idious use of I
most solemn and repeated pledges
Speaking of tho financial affairs OF
Coufederacy. he says 1t is true that at |
close of tho war our debt will be largo, /
il will bo due to our peopie--uoithor ,
interest nor the capital will be exported
distant countries impOvershing onrs
their benefit.
Tho summary of military successos
nscribes 10 Congress, which enacted the CT
scription laws and organized tho army,
well as to the spirit or unity, endurance q
devotion of tho people. While cOngratn
ting tho Confodoracy on tho friendly
Iations with tho Indian tribes. no dopreca
the hostility of q portion Of tho Chcroke
Referring to report of the Secretary Of
Navy no speaks of progress made siI
tho iast session of Congress, but witbho
the details from the public ut present