Year: 1863

crwlse legally exempted; and III this class should
be embraced all persons who have procured ex-
cmptions by furnishing substitutes. No one
should be relieved from the, duty of defending
his home because of having furnished a substi-
tutc for the war for Confederate service. Aliens
who have declared their purpose to become
citizens as also suca as arc domiced amongst
us, enjoying the protection of our laws, should
be included. | recommend, also, that the class
or regiment in which they reside, be reduced
to the lowest practicable point consistent with
the safe policy of the State. call your attcn-
tion to the report Of the Adjutant and Inspcc-
tor General upon the subject, herewith trans
mittcd.


In connection with the subject of cxemp-
tions, | call your attention to my correspond
encc with the Commandant of Conscripts for
South Carolin, Major G. d. Melton, who is the
successor of Col. John S. Preston, with whom,
previous to your last extra session, had cor
respondence, a copy of which was then trans
mtted to you. Another copy, as also a copy
of that with Maj. Melton, is now transmitted.
This subject calls for legislation to recon-
cile far ras possible the difference between the
laws of the two Governments. 1t is an impor-
tant question involving the jurisdiction of the
two Governments, and needs to be delicately
handled. | am satisfied our true policy is, as
far as is compatible with the constitutional
rights of the State, to conform to the law of
Congress Oh this subject. have not felt at
liberty to make any distinction between the
classes exempted by Our law when the cases
have been made, but have claimed the cXemp-
ton of ali alike The action of the Executive
Council, on the same subject, and the action
of your two Houses, at your last session (the
House approving and the Senate by its silence
acquiescing) made it proper that should reply
to Maj. Melton as / had done to Col. Preston.


Additional legislation is needed to enable the
Executive, through civil or military authority,
or both, more ctfcctually to aid the Confcter-
ate Government in arrcsting dcscrtcrs from the
army. In most cases the abscntccs have prob
ably not left their commands with the intent
to desert their coors; but the result of their





service and protection Oft the country is con
ccrncd. have cndcavorcd, 50 far rs | was
authorized, to afford assistance, but the law is
inadequate to such efficient aid as is needed.
Many construe your late Act on this subject to
mean hat the Shcriffs are not to render aid to
the Enrolling Officer ill resistance has been
made. In all such cases the dcscrtcr, of course
makes his escape. Such law as you may think
proper to pass should embrace dcserters from
State service, and should also punish aiding
and in resisting or avoiding arrest.


invite your attention to the operation of
the system Of mprcssmcnt adopted ly the
Confederate Government. | am informed that
in some sections where the people have little
more than is absolutely necessary for their own
use, it is apprehcndcd that dcstitution will be
brought about by its unequal operation Com
ing as you do from every section of the State;
you arc doubtless better informed upon this
subject than myself, and better prepared to
adopt judcious policy than | am now to sug
ccst it. [ have called the attention of the
Confederate Government to the subject; and
suggested to them the probability that the col
lection of that tax in kind, which operates
more equally on all, would obviatc the neccss-
ty for the imprcssmcnt of provisions.


The system adopted for furnishing labor for