The West Virginia journal. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1864-1877, 1865-05-24
RECONSTRUCTION IN VIRGINIA
Ecccuticc Or1,r to Rc.cstoJ1iA the Az.
thoriy ct the United States, and Ere.
cute the LswS ,cithm the Geographical
Limits Enown as the State of Virginia.
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,
WASHINGTON CITY, May Q.

EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,
WASHINGTON CITY, May 0.
ORnrREp-First, That all acts and
proceedings Of, the political, military,
and civil Organizations which have been
in 4 state Of iDsurrcclion aud rebellion
within the State Of Virginia against the
authority of the United States, and Of
which jefferson Davis, John Lctchcr and
William Smith were late the respective
chiefs, arc declared null and void. All
pcrsons who shall exercise, claim, pre-
tend or attempt to exercise any political,
military or civil power, authority, juris.
dic,ion or right, by, through or under
Jefferson Davis, late Of the city Of Rich.
moud, and his confcdcrates, or under
auy pretended political, military or civil
commission, or authority issued by them
or ci,Ecr of them. since the 18th day Of
April, 1861, shall be deemed and taken
.s in rebellion against the United States,
and shall be dealt with accordingly.
Second. That the Secretary Of State
proceed to pu, in force all laws Of the
United States, the administration where
of belongs to the Department Of State,
applicable to the geographical limits
aforesaid.
Third. That the Secretary Of the
Treasury proceed, without delay, to no.
inmate for appointment, assessors Of
taxes and collectors Of customs and in
tcrnal revenue, and such other officers of
the Treasury Department as arc author
lied by law, and shall put in execution
the revenue laws Of the United States
within the geographical limits aforesaid.
la making appointments, the prclerc nee
shall be given to qualified loyal persons
residing within the districts where their
respective duties are 10 bc rcrIormcd.-
But If suitable persons shall not be
found, residents Of the districts, then
persons residing in other States or dis
lricts shall he appointed.
Fourth. That the Postmaster. General
shall proceed to establish post.oiliceS and
pos, routes, and put into execution the
postal laws Of the United States within
the said State, giving to loyal residents
the preference Of appointment; but if
suitable persons arc not found, then to
appoint agents, &C., from other States.
Fifth. That the District Judge Of said
district proceed to hold courts within
said State, in accordance with tic pro-
visions Of the acts Of Congress. The
Attorney. General will instruct the pro-
per officers to libel, and bring to judS-
mcnt, coniiscation and sale, property
subject TO coulscation, and enforce the
administration Of justice within said
State, in all matters civil and criminal
within the coguizapce and Jurisdiction
Of the Federal courts.
Sixth That the Secretary Of War as
sign such Assistant Provost Marsha!
General, and such Provost Marshals in
each district Of said State as he may
deem necessary.
Seventh. The Secretary Of the Navy
will take possession Of all public pro-
pcrty belonging to tho Navy Depart
mcnt within said geographical limits, and
put in operation all acts Of Congress in
relation to naval aAairs having imp!ica.
tion to the said State.
Eighth. The Secretary Of the Interior
will also put in force the laws relating
TO the Department CT the Interior.
Ninth. That to carry into effect the
guarantee Of the Federal Constitution Of
a republican form Of government, and
afford the advantage and security Of do
mes,ic laws, as we'll as TO complete the
re. establishment Of the authority Of
the laws Of The United States, and the
full and complete restoration Of peace
within the limits aforesaid, Francis II.
Picrpout. Governor of the State Of Nir-
sinia, will be aided by the Federal Gov
ernmcnt, so far as may be necessary, in
the lawful measures which he may take
for the extension and administration Of
State Government throughout the geo
graphical limits Of said State.
In testimony whereof, | have here.
'~ unto set my hand and caused
{ CO.. the seal Of the United States
"''" TO DC affixed
~~ ANDREW JOHNSON.
BY the President;
". HUNTER, Acting Secretary ofStatc.