The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1865-07-18
PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

ia
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 Comma in Chief of the
Army and Navy, as well as 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 care that the laws be faith
fully executed; and --. 80. t...'.
Whereas, the rebellion, which has been waged by
portion of the people of the United States against
the properly constituted authorities of the govern
ment thereof in the most violent and revolving form,
but whose organized and armed forces have now
been almost, entirely overcome, has in its revolu-
tonary progress deprived the people Of the State OF
North Carolina of all civil government; and,
Whereas, it becomes necessary and proper TO carry
outnd enforce the obligations of the United States
to 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
of the United States and for 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-
ected in all their rights of fe liberty and property,
l. ANDREW JOHNSON, President Of the United States,
do hereby appoint William w Holden provisional
Governor of State of North Carolina whose duty
it shall be- at the earliest practical PERIOD pre-
scribe such rules and regulations may be neees-
Sary ana proper TOT cOnEehlDg convention, COM
posed OF delegates to be chosen by that portion of
the people of said State who are loyal to the United
States and no others, for the purpose of altering
amending the constitution thereof and with author
ty exercise within the limits of said State all the
powers necessary and proper to enable such loyal
people of the State ofNorth Carolina to restore said
State to its constitutional relations to the federal
government and to present such a republican form
of State government will entitle the State to the
guarantee of the United States therefor and its peo-
q by he in
yasion insurrecton 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 as an elector,
or shall be eligible member of such convention,
unless he shall have previously taken aud subscribed
to the oath amnesty set forth in the Presidents
proclamation of May %, 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-caled ordinance of secession and the said con-
vention, when convened, the Legislature that may
be thereafter assembled will prescribe the quaifca-
tons of electors and the eligibility of persons
hold Office under the constitution and laws of the
State-a power the people of the several States
composing the federal Union have righfully exer-
cised from the origin of the government TO the pre-
sent time. And do hereby direct
First-That the military commander of the depart
ment and all officers and persons in the military
and naval service aid and assist the said Provisional
Governor in carrying into effect this proclamation
hindering, impeding discouragng the loyal peo-
pie from the organization of State government as
herein authorized
Second-That the Secretary of State proceed to
put in force all laws of the United States the admin
istraton whereof belongs to the State Department,
applicable to the geographical limits aforesaid.
Third-That the Secretary of the Treasury pro-
coed to 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
laws of the United States within the geograph-
ical limits aforesaid.
In making the appointments the preference shall
be given qualified loyal persons residing within
the districts where their respective duties are to be
performed but if suitable residents of the districts
shall not be found then persons residing in other
States or districts shall be appointed.
Fourth-That the Postmaster General proceed to
establish post routes and put into execution the
postal of the United States within the said
State, giving to legal residents the preference of
appointment; but if suitable residents not found,
then appoint agents from other States.
Fifth-That the District Judge for the judicial dis
tric in which North Carolina is included proceed
hold courts within said State in accordance with
the provisions of the act of Congress.
The Attorney General will instruct the proper off,
to libel and bring to judgment, conscation and
sale, property subject to confiscation, and enforce
the administration Of justice within said State in all
matters within the cognizance and jurisdiction of
the federal courts.
OlAth-1 nat tue secretary Oh the navy take pos
session of all public property belonging the Navy
Department within said geographical limits and put
in operation all acts ofCongess in relation to naval
affairs having application to said State.
Seventh-That the Secretary Of the Interior put in
force the laws relating to 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 afix-
ed. Done at the city of Washington, this 2sth day
of May, in the year of Lord 1865, and of the in
dependence of the United States the eiphtv-ninth
ANDREW JOHNSON.
By the President:
WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary Of State.