The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1865-03-21
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

&
President Davis addressed an important mes
sage to Congress on the 18th instant, which was
read in secret session. He says our country IS now
environed with perils which it is our duty calmly
to contemplate. The recent military successes OF
the enemy have had their natural effect, encour-
aging our foes and dispiriting many of our own
people. The capital of the Confederate States Is
now threatened and in greater danger thao IL mas
been heretofore during the The fact Is stated
without reserve as due to the people in whose con-
stancy and courage entire trust is reposed, and
Congress in whose wisdom and resolute spirit the
people have confded for the adoption o. such
measures as are required to guard them from the
threatened perils.
The President states his deliberate conviction
that it is within power to avert the calamltles
which menace u.s. and secure the triumph OF our
sacred cause This result is to be obtained by the
prompt and resolute devotion of our whole re-
sources in men and money in the Contederacy to
the achievement of our liberty and Independence
We need for carrying the war successfully,
men and supplies for the army. We have both
within the country sufficient to attain success
For the purchase of supplies the Treasury must be
provided with means. He recommends for reasons
stated that Congress devise means for making
available the coin within the Confederacy, for the
purpose of supplying the army. With two mil
lions of dollars in coin the armies in Virginia and
North Carolina can be amply supplied fol- the re-
mainder of the year.
The impressment law should be SO amended as
to authorize the impressment of supplies without
making payment of the valuation at the time OF
impressmept. This power is admitted to be OBJ
jectionab!e, but all objections must yield to abso
lutte necessity. He also suggests the valuation of
supplies impressed at specie rates, and the obllga
ton of Government to be given for the payment
of the price in conswith interest," Or at the option
of the creditor, a return in kind.
The President says the measures passed during
the present session for recruiting the army in
sufficient, and he is impelled by the profound con-
victions of duty, stimulated by the periIs which
surround our country to urge additional legislation
on this subject.
The bill authorizing the employment of negroes
as soldiers .bas DOT yet reached him, though the
printed journals inform him fits passage. Much
benefit is anticipated from this measure, though far
less than would have resulted from its adoption at
earlier time.
The President recommends the repeal of all class
legislation so as to strengthen the forces in the
field and abate discomfort in the army. The
measure most needed, however, for afording an
effective increase Of GU: military strength, is gen
eral military law prescribing not only how and of
what pel~ns the militia is to be organized, but to
provide the mode of calling them out, the States
reserving the appointment Of officers.
The President strongly urges the suspension of
the time has arrived when it is not only advisable
and oxpcdent but almost indispensable to the sue
cessful conduct Of the war.
With the prompt adoption of the measures
above recommended and the hearty cooperation of
Congress and the people in the execution of the
laws and in the defence Of the country We may en-
ter upon the present campaign with cheerful
confidence in the result. Whatever other re-
sources remains must be made available. But
with an undviro uncoDnuarahla resolve RI he free
we must continue this struggle to successful
ISSUE or make an abject unconditional submission.
The Preslden: then informs Congress that in the
course of the conference at Fortress Monroe sug-
gestion was made by one of our Commissioners for
negotiating BY means of convention between the
commanding generals Of the armies. Lincoln did
not accept the suggestion. Subsequently, Gen
Ord asked an interview with Gen. Long street,
during which the latter was informed there a
possibility Of satisfactory adjustment of the pre-
sent unhappy difficulties by means of a military
convention. Gen. Lee, according to instructions,
wrote to Gen. Grant, the I'd inst, proposing to
meet him for conference the subject, stating
that he was vested with the requisite authority.
Gen. Grant replied he had no authority to accede
to the proposed conference; that his powers ex-
tended only to making convention jccts of
purely military character.
1t thus appears that the government of the |
United States will not make any terms or agree |
ment whatever for the cessation of hostilities.
There remains no choice for us but to continue |
the contest to the fual issue.
The President invokes attention to the means |
by which above all others may hope to escape
the calamities that would result from failure. |
Prominent among these is the earnest, cordial CO. /
operation between all departments of the govern
nent, both State and Confederate, and all eminent
citizens throughout the Confederacy.
To the Senators and Representatives, do the peo-
pie especially look for encouragement and council.
Thus melted in common and holy cause, ris-
ing above all selfish considerations, and regarding
all our resources as tributary to countrys vel
fare, let US bow submissively to the Divine will
and reverently invoke the blessing oc cur Heaven
ly Father
ISGLE's MILLS, March 10th, 1865.
M. s. Robins, Esa Dear Sir:-I write you
few lines to apprise you Of the many depredations
that are committed upon the citizens of Guford
and Randolph. The desperadoes or outlaws are
robbing the citizens of Randolph and Guilfo,d
they are supposed to be deserters they visited the