The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1865-07-11
PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF TIE
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Whereas, the fourth section of the fourth article
of the constitution of the United States declares that
the United States shall guarantee to every State in
the Union a republican form of government, and
shall protect each of them against invasion and
domestic violence, and
Whereas, the President of the United States is by
the constitution made Comman err in Chief of the
Army and Navy, well chief executive officer of
the United States, and is bound by solemn oath
faithfully to execute the office of President of the
United States. and take that the laws be faith
fully executed and
Whereas, the rebellion, which has been waged by
q portion Of the people of the United States against
the properly constituted authorities of the govern
nent thereof in the most violent and revolving FORM
but whose organized and armed forces have now
been almost entirely overcome, has in its revolu-
tionay progress deprived the people Of the Stale of
North Carolina of all civil government; and,
Whereas, it becomes necessary and proper TO carry
out and enforce the obligations of the United States
the people of North Carolina in securing them in
the enjoyment Of republican form of government,
Now, therefore, in obedience to the high and
solemn duties imposed upon me by the constitution
the United States, and fer the purpose of enabling
the loyal people of said State to organize State
government, whereby justice may be established,
domestic tranquility insured and loyal citizens pro-
tected in all their rights of life liberty and property
|, ANDREW JOHNSON President of the United States,
do hereby appoint William w. Holden provisional
Governor of the State of North Carolina whose duty
it shall be, at the earliest practical PERIOD pre-
scribe such rules and regulations may be neees-
sary and proper for converting convention, COM
posed of delegates to be chosen by that portion of
the people of said State who loyal to the United
States, and Others for the purpose of altering
amending the constitution thereof, and with uhor-
ty to exercise within the limits Of said State all the
powers necessary and proper to enable such loyal
people of the State of North Carolina said
State to its constitutional relations to the federal
government, and to present such republican form
of State government as will enttle the State the
guarantee of the United States therefor and its peo
pie to protection by the United States against in
vasion, instruction and domestic violence Provided
that in any election that may be hereafter held for
choosing delegates to any State convention, as
aforesaid, person shall be qualified elector,
or shall be eligible member of such convention,
unless he shall have previously taken and subscribed
to the oath or amnesty set forth in the Presidents
proclamation of May 90 1865, and is a voter quail
fed as prescribed by the constitution and laws of
the State ofNorth Carolina in force Immediately be-
fore the goth day of May, A d. 1861 the date of the
So-called ordinance of seces sion and the said
venton, when convened or the Legislature that may
be thereafter assembled, will prescribe the qualca
tons of electors and the eligibility of persons to
hold Office under the constitution and laws of the
State-a power the people of the several States
composing the federal Union have rghtfuy exer-
csed from the origin of the government to the pre-
sent time. And do hereby direct
First-That the military commander Of the depart
and naval service, aid and assist the said Provisional
Governor in carrying into effect this proclamation
and they enjoined to abstain from in any way
hindering impeding or discouraging the loyal peo-
pie from the organization of q State government
herein authorized.
Second-That the Secretary Of State proceed TO
put in force all laws of the United States, the admin
istration whereof belongs the State Department,
applicable to the gcogra phical limits aforesaid.
Thrd-That the Secretary of the Trea ury pro-
coed nominate for appointment of taxes
and collectors of customs and internal revenue and
such other officers of the Treasury Department as
authorized by law and put in execution the rev.
enue laws of the United States within the geograph
ical limits aforesaid.
In making the appointments the preference shall
be given to qualified loyal persons residing within
the districts where their respective duties to he
performed; but if suitable residents of the districts
shall not be found then persons residing in other
States districts shall be appointed.
Fourth-That the Postmaster General proceed to
establish post routes and put into execution the
postal laws of the United States within the said
State, giving to loyal residents rhe preference of
appointment; but if suitable residents not found
then appoint agents from other States.
Ffth-That the District Judge for the judicial dis
trict in which North Carolina is included proceed to
hold courts within said State, in accordance with
the provisions of the act of Congress.
The Attorney General will instruct the proper off,
libel and bring to judgment. conscatiou and
sale, property subject to con6scation and enforce
the administration of justice within said State ia all
matters within the cognizance and Jurisdiction of
the federal courts
Sixth-That the Secretary Of the Navy take pos
session of all public property belonging to the Navy
Department within said geographical limits and put
in operation all acts ofCongress in relation naval
affairs having application to said State.
Seventh-That the Secretary of the Interior put in
force the laws relating 10 the Interior Department
applicable to the geographical limits aforesaid.
In testimony whereof have hereunto set my hand
and caused the seal of the United States to be afx-
ed. Done nc the city of Washington, this 10th day
Of May in the year of Lord 1865 and of the in
dependence of the United States the eigh,y-nintb.