Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1865-05-10
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER.


WASHINGTON CITY, May 9, 1865.
Executive Order to Re. establish the Au.
thority of the United States. and Execute
the Laws Within the Geographical
Limits Known as the State Of Virginia
ORDERED: First That all acts and proceed
ings Of the political, military and civil organ.
izations which have been in a state OF insur-
rection and rebellion, within the State OF Vir.
ginia, against the authority and laws of the
United States, and of which Jefferson Davis,
John Letcher and William Smith were late the
respective chiefs, are declared null and void
All persons who shall exercise, claim preten d
or attempt to exercise any political, military
or civil power, authority jurisdiction, or right,
by, through or under Jefferson Davis, late OF
the city OF Richmond, and his con federates or
under John Letcher, or William Smith and
their confederates, or under any preten ded
political, military or civil commission or au-
thority issued by them or either Of then. since
the 18th day of April, 1s6f, shall be deemed
and taken as in rebellion against the United
States, and shall be dealt with accordingly.
Second That the Secretary Of State proceed
to pat in force all laws OF the United States the
administration whereof belongs to the Depart.
ment of State, applicable to the geographical
limits aforesaid.
Third. That the Secretary OF the Treasury
n.
pointment, assessors Of taxes and collectors of
customs and internal revenue, and such other
officers OF the Treasury department as are
authorized by law, and shall put in execution
the revenue laws of the United States within
the geographical limits Aforesaid. In making
appointments, the preference shall be given to
qualified loyal persons residing within the dis.
tricts where their respective duties are to be
performed. But II suitable persons shall not
be fotnd. residents Of the districts, then per.
sons residing in other States or districts shall
be appointed.
Foarth. That the Postmaster General shall
proceed to establish post Offices and post
routes. and put into execution the postal laws
of the United States within the said State.
giving to loyal residents the preference OF
appointments; but if suitable persons are not
found, then to appoint agents, &C., from other
States.
Fifth. That the District Judge of said dis.
trict proceed to hold courts within said State
in accordance with the provisions Of the acts
Of Congress. The Attorney General will in
struct the proper officers to libel, and bring to
judgment, confiscation, and sale, property
subject to confiscation, and enforce the admin
istratlon Of justice within said State, in all
matters civil and criminal within the copniz.
ance and juris diction of the Federal courts
Si1th. That the Secretary of War assign
such Assistant Provost Marshal General, and
such Provost Marshals in each district OF said
State as he may deem necessary.
Serenh. The Secretary of the NAVY will
take possession Of all public property belong.
ing to the Navy Department, within said
geographical limits, and put in operation al,
acts OF Congress in relation to naval AFFAIR."
having application to said State.
Eighth. The Secretary of the Interior will
also put In force the laws relating to the De.
partment Of the interior.
Ninth. That to carry into effect the guarantee
Of the Federal Constitution OF q republican
form Of State government, and afford the adj
vantage and security of domestic laws, as well
as to complete the re.es.ablishment of the au.
thoTity Of the laws OF the United States, and
the full and complete restoration Of peace
within the limits aforesaid, Francis H. Peir-
point, Governor OF the State Of Virginia will
be aided by the Federal Government, SO far as
may be necessary, in the lawful measures
which he may take for the extension and ad
minstration Of the State government through.
out the geographical limits Of said State.
In testimony whereof, have hereuuto 60.
IsRAL. my hand and caused the seal OF the
United States to be affixed
ANDREW JOHNSON,
By the President
W. HUNTER, Acting Secretary OF State.