Journals of the Confederate Congress, Volume 1 - Feb. 15 - Feb. 22, 1861 Prepared for uploading to USGenWeb Archives by Linda R ussell L ewis ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** Volume 1 contains the Journal of the Provisional Congress of the Confederate States of America, the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention in Montgomery, Alabama, and an appendix containing the Provisional and Permanent Constitutions of the Confederate States. The Journals of the Senate, 1st Congress of the Confederate States of America, are found in volume 2 (1st and 2nd sessions) and volume 3 (3rd and 4th sessions). The Journals document the proceedings of the open, secret, and executive sessions of the Senate, which were held in Richmond, Virginia. The Journals of the Senate, 2nd Confederate Congress, are found in volume 4 (1st and 2nd sessions). The Journals of the House of Representatives of the 1st Congress of the Confederate States of America are found in volume 5 (1st and 2nd sessions) and volume 6 (3rd and 4th sessions). The Journals of the House of Representatives of the 2nd Confederate Congress are found in volume 7 (1st and 2nd sessions). The Journals document the proceedings of the House, including both open and secret sessions. http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/hlaw:@field(DOCID+@lit(cc001T000)): FRIDAY, February 15, 1861. OPEN SESSION. Congress met pursuant to adjournment. Prayer was offered by the Rev. A. D. Pellicer. The Journal of yesterday was read and approved. Mr. Chilton offered the following resolution: Resolved, That a committee of six, consisting of one Delegate from each of the States of this Confederacy, to be designated by the Delegates of said States respectively, be appointed to act in concert with the committees appointed by the public authorities of the State, and of this city, to make arrangements for the reception and inauguration of the President-elect of the Confederate States of America; Page 54 which was read three times and adopted: and in pursuance thereof, the following committee was appointed: From Alabama, Mr. Chilton; from Florida, Mr. Anderson; from Georgia, Mr. Kenan; from Louisiana, Mr. De Clouet; from Mississippi, Mr. Barry; and from South Carolina, Mr. Rhett. Mr. Brooke asked for leave of absence for his colleague, Mr. Campbell; which was granted. Mr. Stephens presented to Congress a design for a seal for the Confederacy, together with a communication from a citizen of Richmond County, Ga.; which, on motion of Mr. Stephens, were referred to the Select Committee on Flag and Seal. The Chair laid before Congress a communication from Messrs, Sands & Edwards, of New York, relative to ships suitable for the naval purposes of the Confederate States of America; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs. Mr. Memminger offered the following resolution: Resolved, That each of the standing committees of Congress is authorized to cause to be printed any matter which it may deem requisite for the use of the committee; which was read three times and agreed to. Mr. Shorter, from the Committee on Engrossment, made the following report: The Committee on Engrossment and Enrollment has examined and found correctly enrolled A resolution accepting the appropriation of $500,000 made by the general assembly of the State of Alabama; also A resolution to authorize the Judiciary Committee to have such matter printed as they may desire to lay before the Congress. SHORTER, Chairman. Mr. Fearn laid before Congress a communication from John B. Read relative to rifled cannon and projectiles; which, on motion of Mr. Fearn, was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. Mr. Fearn announced that Mr. Gregg, one of the Delegates from the State of Texas, had arrived. The ordinance of secession of the State of Texas from the Union and the credentials of the Delegates from the State of Texas were read; and, on motion of Mr. Fearn, were referred to a select committee of three. The Chair appointed as that committee: Mr. Fearn, Mr. Miles, and Mr. Marshall. On motion of Mr. Toombs, Mr. Gregg was invited to a seat on the floor of Congress while in open session. Mr. Smith presented to Congress from a gentleman of Mobile, a design for the flag of the Confederacy; which was referred to the Select Committee on Flag and Seal. On motion of Mr. Keitt, the hour of 1 o'clock Monday, the 18th instant, was fixed for the inauguration of the President-elect. On motion of Mr. Rhett, Congress went into secret session; and after remaining some time thereto, adjourned till to-morrow, 12 o'clock. SECRET SESSION. The Congress went into secret session on motion of Mr. Rhett. Mr. Shorter, from the Committee on Engrossment, reported as correctly engrossed and enrolled Page 55 An act to continue in office the officers connected with the collection of the customs in the Confederate States of America; A resolution to continue in office the officers of the customs; and A resolution to appoint an agent at Washington to furnish documents to the Congress. On motion of Mr. Crawford, the injunction of secrecy was removed from the bill and resolution relating to the customs; and On motion of Mr. Memminger, the Secretary was directed to have the same printed and forwarded to the several customs officers. The Congress then resumed the consideration of the resolution reported by Mr. Rhett, from the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Mr. Hill moved to amend the resolution by striking out the words "just and honorable principles" and inserting in lieu thereof the words "upon principles of right, justice, equity, and good faith." The amendment was adopted, and the resolution as amended was adopted, and is as follows: Resolved, That it is the sense of this Congress that a commission of three persons be appointed by the President-elect, as early as may be convenient after his inauguration, and sent to the Government of the United States of America, for the purpose of negotiating friendly relations between that Government and the Confederate States of America; and for the settlement of all questions of disagreements between the two Governments, upon principles of right, justice, equity, and good faith. The Congress then resumed the consideration of the resolutions reported yesterday by Mr. Bartow, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to wit: Resolved, That it is the sense of this Congress that an immediate demand should be made upon the Government of the United States for the delivery of Forts Sumter and Pickens. (2) Resolved, That if such demand be not forthwith complied with, the President be directed to take possession of them by force of arms, and he is hereby authorized to make all necessary military preparations for carrying these resolutions into effect. The resolutions were read the second time. After discussion, the committee, through Mr. Bartow, by leave of the Congress, substituted in lieu of the above resolutions the following: Resolved, That it is the sense of this Congress that immediate steps should be taken to obtain possession of Forts Sumter and Pickens by the authority of this Government, either by negotiation, or force, as early as practicable, and the President is hereby authorized to make all necessary military preparations for carrying this resolution into effect. The substitute was adopted, and the resolution as amended was unanimously agreed to. Mr. Memminger moved that the injunction of secrecy be so far removed from the action of the Congress on said resolution as to authorize the delegations herein from South Carolina and Florida to communicate the same, by mail, to the governors of said States, in confidence. The motion was lost. Mr. Shorter, from the Committee on Engrossment, reported as correctly engrossed and enrolled An act for the appointment of commissioners to the Government of the United States of America; and A resolution authorizing the Secretary of Congress to arrange for publication the Provisional Constitution for the Government of the Confederate States of America, with the autograph signatures of the members of the Congress. Page 56 Mr. Toombs offered the following resolution; which was read three times and adopted: Resolved, That, the secret Journals of this body shall at all times be open to the inspection of the President of the Confederate States. At 3 o'clock p. m., On motion of Mr. Stephens, The Congress adjourned until to-morrow at 12 o'clock. SATURDAY, February 16, 1861. OPEN SESSION. The Congress met at 12 m., pursuant to adjournment. Prayer was offered up by Rev. Dr. Petrie. The Journal of yesterday was read and approved. Mr. Bartow presented a letter from Augustus H. Hansell, of Georgia; which was referred to the Committee on Patents. Designs for flags were presented by Messrs. Bartow, Cobb, De Clouet, and Memminger, and were severally referred to the Committee on the Flag and Seal. Mr. Hale presented a communication from John B. Read in relation to projectiles; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. Mr. Clayton, from the Committee on the Judiciary, reported a bill in relation to citizenship and to prescribe uniform rules of naturalization; which was read twice, and ordered to be placed on the Calendar of the Secret Session, and 100 copies to be printed. Mr. Brooke, from the Committee on Patents, reported a resolution for the relief of J. M. Walden, of Georgia; which was read three times and adopted. Mr. Conrad presented a communication from Rufus Dolbear; which was referred to the Committee, on Patents. And then, On motion, the Congress went into secret session. SECRET SESSION. The Congress being in secret session, the Journal of yesterday's secret session was read and approved. Mr. President laid before the Congress the following communication from Governor Pickens, of South Carolina; which, on motion of Mr. Chesnut, was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and on motion of Mr. Withers was ordered to be spread upon the Journal, and is as follows: Headquarters, Charleston, February 13, 1861. To Hon. Howell Cobb, President of the Provisional Congress. Sir: I had the honor last night to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram, in which you informed me that the Provisional Congress had taken charge of the "questions and difficulties" existing between the several States of the Confederacy and the Government of the United States. In the reply made to you by telegram I stated that I would communicate with you by letter, and added to it the expression of the urgent conviction of the authorities of this State as to the period in which the reduction of Fort Sumter should be complete. Page 57 And in the first place, let me offer you my warm congratulations upon the success which has attended you in the organization of the Provisional Government. May it be equal to the emergency of every occasion which may arise; and be to each State in this new confederation the efficient guardian of those rights which, ignored or usurped under the former confederation, have united these States in the bonds of a new political compact. In taking charge of the "questions and difficulties" which relate to Fort Sumter, it will be necessary for the Congress to apprehend tightly their present position. The force of circumstances devolved upon this State an obligation to provide the measures necessary for its defense. It has been obliged to act under the guidance of its own councils, but has never forgotten the interests of its sister States in every measure which it was about to provide for its own safety. And I beg to assure you that in all which it may at any time do, a regard for the welfare and wishes of its sister States in the new confederation will exercise a marked influence upon the conduct of this State. The "questions and difficulties" of Fort Sumter can scarcely be fully appreciated unless by those who have been familiar with its progress from the commencement of its history to the present moment. If it shall appear otherwise, it has nevertheless been the constant, anxious desire of this State to obtain the possession of a fort, which, held by the United States, affected its dignity and safety, without a collision which would involve the loss of life. To secure this end, every form of negotiation which could be adopted in consistency with the dignity of the State, or had the promise or seeming of success has been honestly attempted. To all of these attempts there has been but one result; a refusal in all cases, positive and unqualified, varied only as to the reasons which were set forth for its justification, has followed each demand. And now the conviction is present to the State, derived from the most calm and deliberate consideration of the whole matter, that in this persistent refusal of the President of the United States is involved a denial of the rightful independence of the State of South Carolina. The "questions and difficulties," therefore, of Fort Sumter, comprehend now, as you will perceive, considerations which are political as well as military. And it would scarcely be considered that an undue estimate was made of the former if they were said to be as important as the latter. The establishment of them, moreover, is of the utmost consequence to every State which has united with this State in the bends of a now confederation. The State has held its right to the possession of Fort Sumter to be the direct and necessary consequence of its right as a sovereign State to have the control of a military post within its limits; which post, during the period of the political connection of the State with the other States, was held by the United States for the protection of South Carolina; because South Carolina was a part of the United States. And being so, upon the United States was devolved the obligation to provide that defense for this State. With the termination of the political connection between South Carolina and the United States, the obligation of the United States to defend that State ceased, unless that State itself was the property of the United States. If the State was an independent power, the rightful control within its limits of a military post, which involved its dignity and affected its safety, was, and is, recognized by the plainest rules of public law. The denial, therefore, of the right of the State to have possession of the fort was in fact a denial of its independence, Nor has there been even a colorable pretext for a consistency of that possession by the United States with the independence of the State, since the President authorized the distinct avowal that it was held as a military post. The sole use of it as a military post is in the control, called by the President the protection, it gives to the United States of the harbor of Charleston. The assertion, then, as you will perceive, of the rightful independence of the State carries necessarily with it the right to reduce Fort Sumter into its own possession, held as it is by a hostile power for an unfriendly purpose. It is a hostile power when it asserts a right to exercise dominion over the State, which that State refuses to recognize as consistent with its own dignity and safety; and its purpose can not be otherwise than unfriendly, when it can only be to enable the United States to commit to its military subordinates a power to refuse "to permit any vessel to pass within range of the guns" which are within its walls. It has, therefore, been considered at once proper and necessary for this State to take possession of that fort as soon as the measures necessary for the accomplishment of that result can be completed. And it is now expected that within a short time all the arrangements will be perfected necessary for its certain and speedy reduction. With the completion of these preparations and the assurance they afford of success, it has ever been the purpose of the authorities of this State to take this fort into the possession of the State. The right to do so has been considered the Page 58 right of the State; and the resources of the State have been considered equal to the exercise of that right. Whatever may be the mode in which the Congress will take charge of these "questions and difficulties," it is considered that in the solution of them you will retard the position which the State of South Carolina now occupies in relation to them. That position is marked by these propositions: That the right to have possession of the fort is a right incident to the independence the State has asserted; that to obtain possession of the fort she has exhausted all modes which consistently with her dignity can be devised for a peaceful settlement; that the failure of such attempts has remitted her to the necessity of employing force to obtain that which should have been yielded from considerations of justice and right, and that as soon as her preparations are completed, the reduction of that fort should be accomplished, in the absence of any explanation or direction connected with the telegram received from you, I have assumed that the policy and measures which have been adopted by this State, and in prosecution, will be recognized as proper. In the consideration of the question of Fort Sumter, I have not been insensible of those matters which are in their nature consequential, and have, I trust, weighed with all the care which befits the grave responsibilities of the case, the various circumstances which determine the time when this attack should be made. With the best lights which I could procure in guiding or assisting me, I am perfectly satisfied that the welfare of the new confederation, and the necessities of this State, require that Fort Sumter should be reduced before the close of the present Administration at Washington. If an attack is delayed until after the inauguration of the incoming President of the United States, the troops now gathered in the capital may then be employed in attempting that, which, previous to that time, they could not be spared to do. They dare not leave Washington now to do that which then will be a measure too inviting to be resisted. Mr. Lincoln can not do more for this State than Mr. Buchanan has done. Mr. Lincoln will not concede what Mr. Buchanan has refused. And Mr. Buchanan has placed his refusal upon grounds which determine his reply to six States as completely as to the same demand if made by a single State. If peace can be secured, it will be by the prompt use of the occasion when the forces of the United States are withheld from our harbor. If war can be averted, it will be by making the capture of Fort Sumter a fact accomplished during the continuance of the present Administration, and leaving to the incoming Administration the question of an open declaration of war. Such a declaration, separated as it will be from any present act of hostilities during Mr. Lincoln's Administration, may become to him a matter requiring consideration. That consideration will not be expected of him, if the attack on the fort is made during his Administration, and becomes therefore, as to him, an act of present hostility. Mr. Buchanan can not resist, because he has not the power. Mr. Lincoln may not attack, because the cause of quarrel will have been, or may be considered by him, as past. Upon this line of policy have I acted, and upon the adherence to it may be found, I think, the most rational expectation of seeing that fort, which is even now a source of danger to the State, restored to the possession of the State, without those consequences which I should most deeply deplore. Should such consequences nevertheless follow from an adherence to this policy, however much I would regret the occurrence, I should feel a perfect assurance that, in happening under such circumstances, they demonstrated conclusively that under the evil passions which blind and mislead those who govern the United States, no human power could have arrested the attempted overthrow of these States. And that in the exhibition of an ability by the States of the new confederation to maintain their rights, there could be found satisfaction in the reflection that their sufferings at this time might purchase for them quiet and happiness in time to come. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, F. W. PICKENS, Governor of South Carolina. Mr. Perkins offered the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs: Resolved, That the views and purposes of the Provisional Government of the Confederate States of America in regard to its future political relations with the Government of the United States of America may be distinctly understood: Therefore, be it Resolved, That while this Congress will admit into the Confederacy States whose institutions harmonize with those of the Confederate States, it will entertain no proposition for a reconstruction of the Federal Union, and declares the dissolution of all political connection with the Government of the United States to be "complete perfect, and perpetual." Page 59 Mr. Toombs, from the Committee on Finance, reported the following resolution: Resolved, That the President of Congress instruct the collectors of the several ports of this Confederacy to enforce the existing revenue laws against all foreign countries, except the State of Texas. On motion of Mr. Toombs, the resolution was laid on the table for the present. Mr. Toombs, from the same committee, reported A bill to exempt from duty certain commodities therein named, and for other purposes; which was read the first and second times. Mr. Conrad moved that the further consideration of the bill be postponed until Monday next, and that 100 copies thereof be printed; which motion was lost. Mr. Chesnut moved to amend the bill by additional section as follows: Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That the State of Texas be, and is hereby, exempted from the operation of the tariff laws heretofore passed or adopted by this Congress. Mr. Brooke, at 2 o'clock p. m., moved that Congress now adjourn until Monday at 12 m.; which motion was lost. The question recurred on the adoption of the amendment offered by Mr. Chesnut; which was adopted. Mr. Conrad moved to amend the bill by additional section as follows: Sec. 4. Be it further enacted, That in continuing in force the laws of the United States in force declaring duties on imports it was not the intention of Congress to apply those laws to importations into the Confederacy of goods, wares, or merchandise the product or manufacture of the United States. The amendment was lost on a vote by States, the vote being unanimous in the negative. Mr. Sparrow moved to amend the bill by additional section, viz: Sec. 4. Be it further enacted, That it was not the policy of Congress in adopting the tariff and revenue laws of the United States that they should apply to articles produced in the States lying upon the Mississippi River, and introduced therefrom directly into this Confederacy. Mr. Kenner moved that the further consideration of the bill and amendment be postponed until Monday next; which motion was lost. The question recurred on the amendment offered by Mr. Sparrow, and on a vote by States the same was lost. Yea: Louisiana, 1. Nay: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina, 5. Mr. Curry moved to amend the bill by additional section, as follows: Sec. 4. Be it further enacted, That all railroad iron now entered in any port of the Confederate States upon which the duty has not been paid, or which may be entered within the next six months, shall be admitted free of duty: Provided, That the owner or consignee of such iron shall make oath that such iron is to be exclusively used within twelve months from the passage of this act in the construction or repair of roads within the Confederate States. Said amendment was lost on a vote by States, to wit: Yea: Alabama and Florida, 2. Nay: Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina, 4. Mr. Sparrow moved to amend the first section of the bill by inserting in the free list the words "bagging and rope made from hemp, and all agricultural products." Page 60 Said amendment was lost on a vote by States, to wit: Yea: Louisiana. 1. Nay: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina, 5. And then the bill was read the third time and passed. The resolution reported by Mr. Toombs, as above, was taken from the table, read the third time, and adopted, as follows: Resolved, That the President of Congress instruct the collectors of the several ports of this Confederacy to enforce the existing revenue laws against all foreign countries, except the State of Texas. Mr. Memminger, from the Committee on Commercial Affairs, reported A bill to declare and establish the free navigation of the Mississippi River; which was read twice, placed on the Calendar, and 100 copies ordered to be printed. Mr. Memminger, from the same committee, made the following report: The Committee on Commercial Affairs, to which was referred a resolution of inquiry as to the expediency of repealing the navigation laws of the Confederate States, respectfully report that they have duly considered the same, and are of opinion that the said laws ought to be repealed, and that the commerce of the Confederate States should be opened as far as practicable to the competition of the world. The committee, in furtherance of these views, respectfully report herewith A bill to repeal the navigation laws, and all discriminating duties on ships or vessels. Said bill was read twice, placed on the Calendar, and 100 copies thereof ordered to be printed. Mr. Fearn, from the select committee to which was referred the credentials of the Delegates from Texas, reported: That in the opinion of the committee, it is desirable and proper that said Delegates should be immediately invited to seats upon the floor of this Congress, both in secret and open sessions, and be requested to participate in its debates and deliberations; that they have free access to the Journals of the secret sessions already held, and the right to attend the meetings of all standing committees; that, as the ordinance of secession of Texas does not take effect until the 2d day of March, the Delegates from said State neither claim nor desire to exercise the right to vote prior to that time. Mr. Fearn, on the part of said committee, reported the following resolution; which was read three times and adopted: Resolved, That the Delegates to this Congress from the State of Texas be invested with all the privileges of membership herein, except the right to vote. Mr. Shorter, from the Committee on Engrossment, reported as correctly engrossed and enrolled A resolution to provide for the printing for the committees of the Congress; A resolution for the preservation of the records of the Congress; A resolution in relation to the occupation of Forts Sumter and Pickens; A resolution giving certain powers to the Committee on Naval Affairs; and A resolution in regard to the State of North Carolina and the commissioners from said State to this Congress. Mr. Cobb, from the Committee on Printing, reported the following resolutions; which were adopted: Resolved, That the printers selected by Congress, Messrs. Shorter and Reid, and the foreman in their printing office, and all journeymen, apprentices, or laborers employed by them in executing the printing ordered in secret session be required to appear before the President of the Congress and be sworn to keep secret all such Page 61 matters connected with the secret proceedings of Congress as shall necessarily pass through their hands. Resolved, That the said public printers be instructed and required to provide a separate and distinct apartment, or room, in which to have executed such printing for Congress as shall require secrecy on the part of the printers, from which shall be excluded all persons save such as shall be obligated to secrecy while secret matter is being printed. Mr. Sparrow presented a communication from George C. Morse, of Louisiana, relating to the establishment of an armory; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. Mr. Memminger offered the following resolution; which was adopted: Resolved, That the Committee on Military Affairs be instructed to inquire and report as to the expediency of taking immediate measures for establishing a manufactory of powder and an armory, and that if deemed expedient they report a plan to Congress. Mr. Chilton, from the Committee on Postal Affairs, made the following report: The Committee on Postal Affairs, having considered of the duties assigned them, have instructed me to submit the following report, and the bill accompanying the same: The committee have mainly directed their inquiries to the question whether, without material inconvenience to the public, the post-office department of this Confederacy can be made self-sustaining. The committee find, from the latest and most reliable means of information of which they have been able to avail themselves, that the excess of expenditure over the receipts of this department in the six States composing this Confederacy for the fiscal year ending 30th June, 1859, was $1,660,595.83. They have not been able to obtain the report of such receipts and expenditures for the last fiscal year, but they presume the above furnishes an approximation sufficiently accurate for the predicate of our present action. To provide for this deficit, your committee would suggest that the rates of postage may be increased as proposed by the accompanying bill. By this they estimate an increase of receipts approximating $578,874.83. They believe that a saving can be effected by a change in the mode of letting out mail contracts, adopting what is usually called "the star bid system," providing all due safeguards for the celerity, certainty, and security of the mails, but without other restrictions as to the mode of transportation. In this way your committee are satisfied that the expense of mail transportation may be reduced, say, 331/3 per cent upon the present cost--say, $619,033. They are further of opinion that there should be a discontinuance of numerous routes the cost of which is greatly disproportioned to their convenience and the receipts of the post-offices supplied by them. In this way they believe a saving of one-tenth of the present cost of transportation may be attained--say, $206,344. The service upon many of the routes may, without material detriment, be changed, daily routes reduced to triweekly, etc., at an estimated reduction of, say, $206,344. They would also recommend the abolishing of a number of minor post-offices, which occasion considerable expense without corresponding profit or convenience. In this way a saving to the department might be readily secured to the amount of, say, $50,000. These sums added, say, by increased receipts by reason of postage rates ... $578,874.83 By saving as above indicated total ... 1,081,721.00 Total ... 1,660,595.83 Present excess of expenditures over receipts ... 1,660,595.83 Your committee are of opinion that steps should be immediately taken to procure postage stamps of the denomination of two, five, and twenty cents; that these stamps will be sufficient to meet the wants of the department for the present. They would further suggest that immediate steps should be taken for procuring a supply of locks and keys for the mail service, and for post-office blanks, such as are now in use. They would further recommend that all the mail contracts within this Confederacy be relet at as early a day as practicable, and until they are relet, the existing contracts remain of force, this Government becoming responsible to such contractors from the 8th day of February, 1861. Page 62 Your committee are unable to suggest any plan until further arrangements shall have been made for the transmission of mail matter to and from other governments. They believe, however, that until postal treaties can be made, expedients arising from the necessities of the public will readily suggest themselves which will, in a great measure, remedy the inconvenience. The widespread ramifications of the express companies Would furnish valuable auxiliaries for communication beyond the Confederacy, the mail matter bearing the stumps of each Government through which it may pass by said express. All which is respectfully submitted. W. P. CHILTON, Chairman. Mr. Chilton, from the Committee on Postal Affairs, reported the following bill; which was read twice, placed on the Calendar, and 100 copies thereof ordered to be printed, viz: A bill to prescribe the rates of postage in the Confederate States of America, and for other purposes. Mr. Chilton made the following report: The committee appointed to arrange for the inauguration of the President-elect for the Confederate States of America, beg leave to report that they have performed that duty, and, in connection with the other committees, have agreed upon the following programme: 1. Music. 2. Military escort. 3. The President-elect with Vice and Chaplain in open carriage drawn by six horses. 4. Congressional Committee on Ceremonies of Inauguration. 5. Committee on part of the State of Alabama. 6. Committee on part of the authorities of the city of Montgomery. 7. Commissioners to this Government from States other than the States of this Confederacy. 8. Governors of the several Confederate States. 9. Judges of the supreme courts of the several States of the Confederacy. 10. Ministers of the gospel. The above in carriages. 11. Citizens generally, in carriages. 12. Citizens generally, on foot. The whole under the command of Gen. H. P. Watson, marshal of the day, with such assistants as he may appoint. The committee would recommend the passage of the following resolution: Resolved, That upon the arrival of the President-elect at the Capitol he and the Vice-President and Chaplain shall be introduced into this body by the Congressional committee, and President-elect and Vice-President shall be seated on the stand with the President of this body, and this body, upon motion, at one o'clock p. m., shall proceed to the stand prepared for them in front of the Capitol, the President-elect supported on the right and left by the Vice-President and the President of this body to the stand, when the President of this body shall call the Congress to order and announce that the Congress has assembled to inaugurate and install the President of the Confederate States of America, and shall call upon the Chaplain for prayers, after which the President-elect shall deliver his inaugural address, and then take the oath of office to be administered by the President of the Congress. After which the Congress with the President, shall return to this Hall in the same order in which they left it. The resolution was then taken up, read three times, and adopted. And then, On motion of Mr. Stephens, Congress adjourned until Monday, at 12 m. MONDAY, February 18, 1861. OPEN SESSION. Congress met pursuant to adjournment. Prayer was offered up by the Rev. Mr. Shepherd. The Journal of yesterday [Saturday] was read and approved. Page 63 Mr. Shorter, from the Committee on Engrossment, made the following report: The Committee on Engrossment and Enrolled Bills have instructed me to report that they have carefully examined the enrolled copy of "The Constitution for the Provisional Government of the Confederate States of America," and that the same has been correctly and handsomely enrolled on parchment in accordance with the resolution of the Congress, and is now herewith presented complete and ready for the attestation and signatures of the deputies from the several States represented in the Congress at the date of its adoption. SHORTER, Chairman. On motion of Mr. Shorter, the President and the different members of Congress affixed their signatures to the Constitution of the Provisional Government as enrolled, the same being signed first by the President and then by the deputies from the several States in the order in which they appear in the preamble of the Constitution, to wit: South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Mr. Brooke, from the Committee on Patents, reported A bill to establish a patent office and to provide for the granting and issuance of patents for new and useful inventions and improvements; which was read twice, ordered to be placed on the Calendar of the Secret Session, and to be printed. On motion of Mr. Perkins, Congress went into secret session. SECRET SESSION. The Congress being in secret session, Mr. Perkins moved to reconsider the vote by which, on Saturday last, the Congress passed the bill to exempt from duty certain commodities therein named, and for other purposes. The motion prevailed, and the vote by which the bill was ordered to a third reading was reconsidered. On motion of Mr. Perkins, and by the unanimous consent of the Congress, the first section of the bill was amended by adding thereto the words "also all agricultural products, in their natural state." The bill was then read the third time and passed. At 1 o'clock p. m. the President-elect of the Confederate States of America, escorted by the Vice-President and the Committee of Arrangements, appeared within the Hall of Congress, and was escorted to the chair, supported on his right by the Vice-President and on his left by the President of the Congress. On motion of Mr. Chilton, the Congress then repaired, in company with the President-elect, to the front of the Capitol for the purpose of inaugurating the President. The President of the Congress presented the President-elect to the Congress. The Rev. Dr. Basil Manly, as chaplain of the day, offered prayer. The President-elect then delivered his inaugural address; after which the oath of office was administered to him by the President of the Congress. On motion of Mr. Chilton, the Congress returned to its Hall, accompanied by the President of the Confederate States. On motion of Mr. Chilton, it was ordered that the inaugural address of the President be spread upon the Journal of this body, and that 5,000 copies thereof be printed for the use of the Congress. And then, The Congress adjourned. TUESDAY, February 19, 1861. Page 64 OPEN SESSION. Congress met pursuant to adjournment. Prayer was offered by the Rev. Mr. H. Cobbs. The Journal of yesterday was read and approved. Mr. Shorter announced to Congress the arrival of Mr. Thomas N. Waul, one of the Delegates from the State of Texas. Mr. Waul appeared and took his seat by virtue of the resolution previously adopted in relation to the deputies from Texas. Mr. Shorter, from the Committee on Engrossment, made the following report: The Committee on Engrossment beg leave to report that they have examined and found correctly engrossed and enrolled A resolution for the relief of J. M. Walden, a citizen of Georgia; A resolution giving certain powers to the Committee on Naval Affairs; A resolution for the preservation of the records of Congress; A resolution for the enforcement of the revenue laws; and An act to exempt from duty certain commodities therein named, and for other purposes. Mr. Chilton laid before Congress a communication; which was referred, without reading, to the Committee on Permanent Constitution. Mr. Brooke, from the Committee to Organize the Executive Departments, reported A bill to organize the department of state; which was read two times, ordered to be placed on the Calendar of the Secret Session, and to be printed. The inaugural address of the President was received, spread upon the Journal, and is as follows: Gentlemen of the Congress of the Confederate States of America, Friends, and Fellow Citizens: Called to the difficult and responsible station of Chief Executive of the Provisional Government which yen have instituted, I approach the discharge of the duties assigned to me with an humble distrust of my abilities, but with a sustaining confidence in the wisdom of those who are to guide and to aid me in the administration of public affairs and an abiding faith in the virtue and patriotism of the people. Looking forward to the speedy establishment of a permanent government to take the place of this, and which by its greater moral and physical power will be better able to combat with the many difficulties which arise from the conflicting interests of separate nations, I enter upon the duties of the office to which I have been chosen with the hope that the beginning of our career as a Confederacy may not be obstructed by hostile opposition to our enjoyment of the separate existence and independence which we have asserted, and, with the blessing of Providence, intend to maintain. Our present condition, achieved in a manner unprecedented in the history of nations, illustrates the American idea, that governments rest upon the consenter the governed, and that it is the right of the people to alter or abolish governments whenever they become destructive of the ends for which they were established. The declared purpose of the compact of Union from which we have withdrawn was "to establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity;" and when, in the judgment of the sovereign States now composing this Confederacy, it had been perverted from the purposes for which it was ordained, and had ceased to answer the ends for which it was established, a peaceful appeal to the ballot-box declared that so far as they were concerned the Government created by that compact should cease to exist. In this they merely asserted a right which the Declaration of Independence of 1776 had defined to be inalienable; of the time and occasion for its exercise they, as sovereigns, were the final judges, Page 65 each for itself. The impartial and enlightened verdict of mankind will vindicate the rectitude of our conduct, and He who knows the hearts of men will judge of the sincerity with which we labored to preserve the Government of our fathers in its spirit. The right solemnly proclaimed at the birth of the States, and which has been affirmed and reaffirmed in the bills of rights of States subsequently admitted into the Union of 1789, undeniably recognize in the people the power to resume the authority delegated for the purposes of government. Thus the sovereign States here represented proceeded to form this Confederacy, and it is by abuse of language that their act has been denominated a revolution. They formed a new alliance, but within each State its government has remained, the rights of person and property have not been disturbed. The agent through whom they communicated with foreign nations is changed, but this does not necessarily interrupt their international relations. Sustained by the consciousness that the transition from the former Union to the present Confederacy has not proceeded from a disregard on our part of just obligations, or any failure to perform every constitutional duty, moved by no interest or passion to invade the rights of others, anxious to cultivate peace and commerce with all nations, if we may not hope to avoid war, we may at least expect that posterity will acquit us of having needlessly engaged in it. Doubly justified by the absence of wrong on our part, and by wanton aggression on the part of others, there can be no cause to doubt that the courage and patriotism of the people of the Confederate States will be found equal teeny measures of defense which honor and security may require. An agricultural people, whose chief interest is the export of a commodity required in every manufacturing country, our true policy is peace, and the freest trade which our necessities will permit. It is alike our interest, and that of all those to whom we would sell and from whom we would buy, that there should be the fewest practicable restrictions upon the interchange of commodities. There can be but. little rivalry between ours and any manufacturing or navigating community, such as the Northeastern States of the American Union. It must follow, therefore, that a mutual interest would invite good will and kind offices. If, however, passion or the lust of dominion should cloud the judgment or inflame the ambition of those States, we must prepare to meet the emergency and to maintain, by the final arbitrament of the sword, the position which we have assumed among the nations of the earth. We have entered upon the career of independence, and it must be inflexibly pursued. Through many years of controversy with our late associates, the Northern States, we have vainly endeavored to secure tranquillity, and to obtain respect for the rights to which we were entitled. As a necessity, not a choice, we have resorted to the remedy of separation; and henceforth our energies must be directed to the conduct of our own affairs, and the perpetuity of the Confederacy which we have formed. If a just perception of mutual interest shall permit us peaceably to pursue our separate political career, my most earnest desire will have been fulfilled. But, if this be denied to us, and the integrity of our territory and jurisdiction be assailed, it will but remain for us, with firm resolve, to appeal to arms and invoke the blessings of Providence on a just cause. As a consequence of our new condition and with a view to meet anticipated wants, it will be necessary to provide for the speedy and efficient organization of branches of the executive department, having special charge of foreign intercourse, finance, military affairs, and the postal service. For purposes of defense, the Confederate States may, under ordinary circumstances, rely mainly upon their militia, but it is deemed advisable, in the present condition of affairs, that there should be a well-instructed and disciplined army, more numerous than would usually be required on a peace establishment. I also suggest that for the protection of our harbors and commerce on the high seas a navy adapted to those objects will be required. These necessities have doubtless engaged the attention of Congress. With a Constitution differing only from that of our fathers in so far as it is explanatory of their well-known intent, freed from the sectional conflicts which have interfered with the pursuit of the general welfare, it is not unreasonable to expect that States from which we have recently parted may seek to unite their fortunes with ours under the Government which we have instituted. For this your Constitution makes adequate provision; but beyond this, if I mistake not the judgment and will of the people, a reunion with the States from which we have separated is neither practicable nordesirable. To increase the power, develop the resources, and promote the happiness of a confederacy, it is requisite that there should be so much of homogeneity that the welfare of every portion shall be the aim of the whole. Where this does not exist, antagonisms are engendered which must and should result in separation. Page 66 Actuated solely by the desire to preserve on r own rights and promote our own welfare, the separation of the Confederate States has been marked by no aggression upon others and followed by no domestic convulsion. Our industrial pursuits have received no check. The cultivation of our fields has progressed as heretofore, and even should we be involved in war there would be no considerable diminution in the production of the staples which have constituted our exports and in which the commercial world has an interest scarcely less than our own. This common interest of the producer and consumer can only be interrupted by an exterior force which should obstruct its transmission to foreign markets--a course of conduct which would be as unjust toward us as it would be detrimental to manufacturing and commercial interests abroad. Should reason guide the action of the Government from which we have separated, a policy so detrimental to the civilized world, the Northern States included, could not be dictated by even the strongest desire to inflict injury upon us; but otherwise a terrible responsibility will rest upon it, and the suffering of millions will bear testimony to the folly and wickedness of our aggressors. In the meantime there will remain to us, besides the ordinary means before suggested, the well-known resources for retaliation upon the commerce of an enemy. Experience in public stations, of subordinate grade to this which your kindness has conferred, has taught me that care and toil and disappointment are the price of official elevation. You will see many errors to forgive, many deficiencies to tolerate, but you shall not find in me either a want of zeal or fidelity to the cause that is to me highest in hope and of most enduring affection. Your generosity has bestowed upon me an undeserved distinction, one which I neither sought nor desired. Upon the continuance of that sentiment and upon your wisdom and patriotism I rely to direct and support me in the performance of the duty required at my hands. We have changed the constituent parts, but not the system of our Government. The Constitution formed by our fathers is that of these Confederate States, in their exposition of it, and in the judicial construction it has received, we have a light which reveals its true meaning. Thus instructed as to the just interpretation of the instrument, and ever remembering that all offices are but trusts held for the people, and that delegated powers are to be strictly construed, I will hope, by due diligence in the performance of my duties, though I may disappoint your expectations yet to retain when retiring, something of the good will and confidence winch welcome my entrance into office. It is joyous, in the midst of perilous times, to look around upon a people united in heart, where one purpose of high resolve animates and actuates the whole--where the sacrifices to be made are not weighed in the balance against honor and right and liberty and equality. Obstacles may retard, they can not long prevent the progress of a movement sanctified by its justice, and sustained by a virtuous people. Reverently let us invoke the God of our fathers to guide and protect us in our efforts to perpetuate the principles which, by His blessing, they were able to vindicate, establish and transmit to their posterity, and with a continuance of His favor, ever gratefully acknowledged, we may hopefully look forward to success, to peace, and to prosperity. On motion of Mr. Nisbet, Congress went into secret session; and after spending some time therein, adjourned till 12 o'clock to-morrow. SECRET SESSION. The Congress being in secret session, The following bills were reported from the Committee to Organize the Executive Departments: By Mr. Stephens: To organize and establish an executive department to be known as the department of justice. By Mr. Shorter: To organize the treasury department. By Mr. Conrad: To establish the war department. By Mr. Boyce: To establish the post-office department. Said bills were severally read the first and second times, placed on the Calendar of the Secret Session, and ordered to be printed. Mr. Brooke introduced A bill supplemental to "An act to exempt from duty certain commodities therein, named, and for other purposes;" Page 67 which was read the first and second times, placed on the Calendar of the Secret Session, and ordered to be printed. The bill to organize the department of state, reported by Mr. Brooke, from the Committee to Organize the Executive Departments, on this day in open session, was placed on the Calendar of the Secret Session and ordered to be printed. The Congress then resumed the consideration of the bill in relation to citizenship and to prescribe uniform rules of naturalization. And, after some discussion had thereon, On motion of Mr. Stephens, the further consideration of the bill was postponed for the present, retaining its place on the Calendar. Mr. Bartow, from the Committee on Military Affairs, reported A bill to provide munitions of war, and for other purposes; which was read three times and passed. Congress resumed the consideration of the bill to declare and establish the free navigation of the Mississippi River. Mr. Cobb moved to amend the first clause of the first section by striking out the words "or of the President;" which motion was lost. On motion of Mr. Conrad, the first clause of the first section was amended by striking out the words "by authority of Congress" and inserting in lieu thereof the words "by law." The second section having been read, as follows: 2. All ships, boats, or vessels which may enter the waters of the said river: within the limits of this Confederacy, from any port or place beyond the said limits, may freely pass with her cargo to any other port or place beyond the limits of this Confederacy without any duty or hindrance, except light money, pilotage, and other like charges: Provided, That whenever such ship, boat, or vessel shall have on board any manufactured goods, wares, or merchandise, consigned to any port or place beyond the limits on the Confederate States, and the said ship, boat, or vessel shall reach a port of entry within this Confederacy, the master, agent, or consignee of such ship, boat, or vessel shall deliver to the collector of such port a manifest of his cargo, and shall give bond with sufficient sureties, to be approved by the collector, that none of the said manufactured goods, wares, or merchandise on board the said ship, boat, or vessel shall be sold, delivered, or disposed of in any of the Confederate States; and in case any of the said goods, wares, or merchandise shall be landed or delivered, the said bond shall be forfeited, and the said goods, wares, and merchandise shall be liable to be seized and condemned as forfeited to the use, of the Confederate States. On motion of Mr. Memminger, the same was amended by adding after the words "goods, wares, or merchandise," where they first occur, the words "subject to the payment of duties by the laws of the Confederate States," and by striking out the word "a" in the words "shall reach a port of entry within this Confederacy" and inserting in lieu thereof the words "the first," and by inserting after "and shall give bond" the words "in a sum equal to the amount of the duties upon the said merchandise," and by adding after the words "approved by the collector" the words "with condition," and by striking out in the same the words "sold, delivered, or disposed of" and inserting in lieu thereof the word "landed." And was also amended, on the motion of Mr. Memminger, by inserting after the words "of the Confederate States" the words "unless the entry thereof shall be first made and the duties thereon be paid or secured according to law." Mr. Memminger moved further to amend said section by inserting after the words "and shall give bond" the words "in New Orleans." And pending the discussion thereon. The Congress adjourned until 12 o'clock tomorrow. WEDNESDAY, February 20, 1861. Page 68 OPEN SESSION. Congress met pursuant to adjournment. Prayer was offered by the Rev. Mr. Heard. Mr. Wright laid before Congress a communication from Mark A. Cooper relative to the manufacture of arms; which was read and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. Mr. Stephens, from the Committee to Organize the Executive Departments, reported A bill to be entitled "An act to authorize the President to appoint a private secretary;" which was read three times and passed. On motion of Mr. Stephens, Congress went into secret session; and after remaining some time therein, adjourned till 12 o'clock to-morrow. SECRET SESSION. The Congress went into secret session. The unfinished business of yesterday was resumed; which was the consideration of the bill To declare and establish the free navigation of the Mississippi River. Several amendments having been offered, on motion of Mr. Memminger the bill, together with the amendments, was recommitted to the Committee on Commercial Affairs and ordered to be printed. On motion of Mr. Stephens, the regular order of the day was postponed and Congress resumed consideration of the bills organizing the executive departments of the Government. The first bill in order was the bill to be entitled "An act to organize the department of state." Mr. Conrad moved to amend the same by striking out in the fourth section the words "a copy of a," where their occur in these words, viz: "And for authenticating a copy of a record or paper, under the seal of office, one dollar," and inserting in lieu thereof the Word "any." The motion was lost. The bill was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading; which having been done, was read a third time and passed. The Congress then resumed consideration of the bill to organize and establish an executive department to be known as the department of justice. On motion of Mr. Stephens, the enacting clause was ordered to be as follows for this bill and all others to be passed by the Congress, viz: "The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact." The bill was then ordered to be engrossed for a third reading; which being done, was read a third time and passed. The Congress then resumed the consideration of the bill to establish the treasury department. On motion of Mr. Shorter, the first section declaring the following words, "That there shall be a department of treasury," was amended so as to read as follows: "That there shall be an executive department known as the department of treasury." On motion of Mr. Shorter, the bill was further amended by filling Page 69 up the blank in the tenth section, requiring the treasurer to give fond, to be approved by the secretary of the treasury and comptroller, with the words "one hundred and fifty thousand dollars." The bill was then engrossed, read a third time, and passed. Mr. Shorter, from the Committee on Engrossment, reported as correctly engrossed and enrolled A bill to authorize the President to appoint a private secretary. Congress then took up and considered A bill to be entitled "An act to establish the war department." Mr. Howell Cobb moved to strike out from the second section thereof, where they first occur, the words "and navy;" also to strike from the same section the words "and naval forces;" which was agreed to. On motion of Mr. Conrad, the word "land" in the second section was stricken out and the word "army" inserted in lieu thereof. The bill as amended was read the third time and passed. The second section of the bill as amended and passed is as follows: Sec. 2. Be it further enacted, That said secretary shall, under the direction and control of the President, have charge of all matters and things connected with the Army, and with the Indian tribes within the limits of the Confederacy, and shall perform such duties appertaining to the Army, and to said Indian tribes, as may from time to time be assigned to him by the President. Congress then took up for consideration A bill to establish the post-office department. On motion of Mr. Perkins, the same was amended so as to read as follows: The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That there shall be an executive department, to be denominated the post-office department, and there shall be a principal officer therein, to be called the postmaster-general, who shall perform such duties in relation to post-offices and post-roads as shall be enjoined on him by the President of the Confederate States, agreeably to the Constitution and the laws of the land, who shall be paid an annual salary to be fixed by law, and have power to appoint a chief clerk and such inferior clerks as may be found necessary, who shall receive such compensation as may be fixed by law. On motion of Mr. Withers, the word "roads" was stricken out and the word "routes" inserted in lieu thereof. The bill as amended was read the third time and passed. The following was received from the President, viz: Mr. President: The President has approved and signed the following acts which passed the Congress: An act to provide munitions of war, and for other purposes; and An act to authorize the President to appoint a private secretary. The President has appointed Robert Josselyn, of Mississippi, his Private Secretary. ALEX. B. CLITHERALL, Private Secretary pro tempore. On motion of Mr. Barnwell, the regular order of the day was postponed for the time; when he reported A bill to determine the salaries of the Vice-President and of the heads of departments; which was read the first and second times, engrossed, and read a third time, and passed. Congress then took up for consideration A bill to repeal the navigation laws and all discriminating duties on ships or vessels. Mr. Memminger moved to amend the same by striking out of the third section the words, where they first occur, "tonnage" and "of Page 70 fifty cents per ton, together with the additional amounts," and also to strike out the word "fifty," where it next occurs, and inserting in lieu thereof the word "twenty." Pending the discussion on which motion, Mr. Bartow moved to postpone the further consideration of the bill for the present; which was adopted, and the bill retains its place on the Calendar. The injunction of secrecy was ordered to be removed from the acts organizing the executive departments. On motion of Mr. Bartow, it was ordered that it be left in the discretion of the President as to whether the injunction of secrecy should be removed from the whole or any portion of the bill to provide munitions of war, and for other purposes. Mr. Harris offered the following resolution, viz: Resolved, That the President of Congress be authorized to direct for the time being the publication of all the public laws of Congress of general nature, heretofore enacted, in one newspaper of each of the Confederate States; which was read three times and agreed to. Mr. Chilton offered the following resolution: Resolved, That the Committee on Military Affairs be instructed to inquire into the expediency of appointing at the earliest practicable period a competent officer to proceed to the State of Texas to receive and accept the services of such volunteers as may be desirous of entering the Army of this Confederacy in said State; also into the propriety of conferring rank and pay upon all officers and privates now in the service of the United States within the State of Texas who may resign and join the Army of this Confederacy, and the time when such pay shall commence. The resolution was read three times and adopted. Mr. Chilton also offered the following resolution: Resolved, That the Committee on indian Affairs be directed to inquire into the expediency, and report by bill or otherwise, for opening negotiations with the Indian tribes of the West in relation to all matters concerning the mutual welfare of said tribes and of the people of these Confederate States; which was read three times and adopted. On motion of Mr. Miles, the Committee on Flag and Seal of the Confederacy were authorized to employ a draftsman. Mr. Conrad, from the Committee to Organize the Executive Departments, reported A bill to establish the navy department; which was read the first and second times and engrossed, and read the third time and passed. Mr. Brooke moved that when Congress adjourn it adjourn until 11 o'clock to-morrow. The motion was lost. On motion of Mr. Withers, Congress adjourned until 12 o'clock to-morrow. THURSDAY, February 21, 1861. OPEN SESSION. Congress met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of yesterday was read and approved. Mr. Chilton laid before Congress two communications from William P. Barker; which, on motion of Mr. Chilton, were referred one to the Committee on Military Affairs and the other to the Committee on Patents. Page 71 Mr. Fearn presented to Congress a paper on the subject of an armory from Samuel P. L. Marshall; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. Mr. Cobb offered the following resolution: A resolution of inquiry as to an export duty on cotton. Resolved, That the Committee on Finance be instructed to inquire into the expediency of laying an export duty on all raw cotton which may be exported from the Confederate States to any foreign country by any other channel than through the seaports of this Confederacy; which was read three times and adopted. Mr. Shorter, chairman of the Committee on Engrossment, reported as correctly engrossed and enrolled An act to establish the treasury department; An act to organize the department of state; An act to establish the navy department; An act to establish the war department; An act to establish the post-office department; An act to organize and establish an executive department to be known as the department of justice; and An act to determine the salaries of the Vice-President and of the heads of departments. On motion of Mr. Harris, Congress went into secret session; and after remaining some time therein, adjourned till 12 o'clock to-morrow. SECRET SESSION. Congress having gone into secret session, The Journal of yesterday was read and approved. Congress resumed the consideration of A bill to be entitled "An act to prescribe the rates of postage in the Confederate States of America, and for other purposes." Mr. Crawford moved to strike from the first section the following words, to wit: "not exceeding three hundred miles" and further to strike out the words "and for any distance exceeding three hundred miles, double that rate;" which was lost. On motion of Mr. Waul, the word "three," where it occurs in the first, section, was stricken out and the word "five" inserted in lieu thereof. Mr. Crawford moved to strike out the following words, they being the last sentence of the second section, to wit: The publishers of newspapers or periodicals may send to each other, from their respective offices of publication, free of postage, one copy of each publication; which was lost, the States voting as follows: Yea: Florida, Mississippi, and South Carolina, 3. Nay: Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana, 3. On motion of Mr. Chilton, the following was adopted as the beginning of the first section, viz: The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That from and after such period as shall be announced by the proclamation of the Postmaster-General there shall be charged the following rates of postage, to wit: Page 72 Mr. Cobb moved to amend the bill by adding the following as additional sections, to wit: Be it further enacted, That every deputy postmaster at whose office any mail matter is delivered from any contractor, or other officer, or agent, in the postal service of the United States of America, which matter shall have upon it the postage stamps of the said United States, shall forward the said matter by due course of mail, without prepayment of postage, to this Confederacy. And all deputy postmasters in the Confederate States to whose office such mail matter shall come, shall collect on all such matter, before delivery, the postage due thereon under the rates established by this act. And be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of all the deputy postmasters appointed under this Confederacy to deliver any mail matter directed to offices without the territorial limits of this Confederacy and within the United States to any contractor, or other officer, or agent, in the postal service of the said United States. Pending discussion thereon, The following communication was received from the President: Mr. President: The President has approved and signed on this day the following bills which passed the Congress: A bill to establish the War Department; A bill to establish the Navy Department; A bill to establish the Post-Office Department; A bill to organize and establish an Executive Department to be known as the Department of Justice; A bill to determine the salaries of the Vice-President and of the heads of Departments; A bill to establish the Department of State; and A bill to organize the Treasury Department. ROBERT JOSSELYN, Private Secretary. February 21, 1861. On motion of Mr. Stephens, Congress went into executive session; and after spending some time therein, resumed the consideration of business in secret session. Mr. Hale moved to amend the amendment offered by Mr. Cobb by substituting for Mr. Cobb's amendment the following: Be it further enacted, That the Postmaster-General of the Confederate States be, and is hereby, authorized to make all necessary arrangements for the transmission of mails between the territories of this and other governments, subject to the approval of the President, until postal treaties can be effected; which was agreed to, the vote thereon being taken by States with the following result: Yea: Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina, 5. Nay: Georgia, 1. The question then recurred on the adoption of Mr. Hale's amendment as an additional section of the bill, and which was agreed to. Mr. Conrad moved to amend by adding the following additional sections, to wit: Be it further enacted, That until such arrangement be made that every deputy postmaster at whose office any mail matter is delivered from any contractor, or other officer, or agent, in the postal service of the United States of America, which matter shall have upon it the postage stamps of the said United States shall forward the said matter by due course of mail without the prepayment of postage, to this Confederacy. And all deputy postmasters in the Confederate States to whose office such mail matter shall come, shall collect on all such matter, before delivery, the postage due thereon raider the rates established by this act. Be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of all the deputy postmasters appointed under this Confederacy to deliver any mail matter directed to offices without the territorial limits of this Confederacy and within the United States to Page 73 any contractor, or other officer, or agent, in the postal service of the said United States. The vote being taken on the amendment by States is as follows: Yea: Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana. Nay: Alabama, Mississippi, and South Carolina. Mr. Crawford for the State of Georgia moved to reconsider the vote taken by States upon the motion to strike out the last clause of the second section of the bill; which was lost, the States voting as follows: Yea: Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, 3. Nay: Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, 3. The bill as amended was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading; which having been done and read a third time, was passed. On motion of Mr. Kenner, it was ordered that when the act prescribing the rates of postage for the Confederacy shall be published that the report of the Committee on Postal Affairs relative thereto be also published with the act. On motion of Mr. Stephens, Congress adjourned till 12 o'clock to-morrow. EXECUTIVE SESSION. The Congress having gone into executive session, the following communication was received from the President, viz: Executive Department, Montgomery, Ala., February 21, 1861. Hon. Howell Cobb, President of the Congress. Sir: I hereby transmit for the advice of the Congress the following nominations, to wit: Robert Toombs, of Georgia, to be Secretary of State of the Confederate States of America. C. G. Memminger, of South Carolina, to be Secretary of the Treasury. Leroy Pope Walker, of Alabama, to be Secretary of War. JEFFERSON DAVIS. The question being, Will Congress advise and consent to the nominations made by the President as above communicated? It was unanimously decided in the affirmative. There being no further executive business, the Congress resumed the consideration of the business upon the Calendar. FRIDAY, February 22, 1861. OPEN SESSION. Congress met pursuant to adjournment. Prayer was offered up by the Rev. Mr. A. D. Pellicer. The Journal of yesterday was read and approved. Mr. Hale laid before Congress a communication relative to a flag for the Confederate States, together with designs for a flag from H. A. Pond; which were referred to the Committee on Flag and Seal. Mr. Wright introduced a bill to be entitled An act to form a volunteer division in the Army of the Confederate States of America; Page 74 which was read twice, and on motion of Mr. Wright referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. Mr. Brooke offered the following resolution: A resolution for the relief of William P. Barker. Resolved, That William P. Barker, a citizen of the State of Alabama, be authorized to file in the office of the Attorney-General a specification of an invention claimed to have been made by him as an improvement in the mode of casting ordnance, and that the same shall from this date operate as a caveat to protect his said invention until an application can be made for a patent according to law; which was read three several times and adopted. On motion of Mr. Barnwell, Mr. Memminger was excused and relieved from further service on the Committee on Commercial Affairs; Whereupon, Mr. President appointed Mr. Miles to be a member of said committee. On motion of Mr. Smith, Congress went into secret session; and after spending some time therein, adjourned till 12 o'clock to-morrow. SECRET SESSION. The Congress being in secret session, the following proceedings were had: Mr. Shorter offered the following resolution, viz: Resolved, That the committee to arrange for public buildings be authorized to buy or lease amansion for the residence of the President of the Confederate States; which was read the first and second times. On motion of Mr. Conrad, the same was amended by striking out the words "buy or." Mr. Crawford moved to postpone the resolution indefinitely; which motion was lost. Mr. Conrad moved to amend the resolution by adding the following words, viz. "Provided, That the rent of said mansion shall not exceed five thousand dollars per annum." The motion was lost. The resolution was engrossed, read the third time, and on the question of agreeing to the resolution, the vote having been taken by States is as follows: Yea: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi. Nay: Louisiana and South Carolina. So the resolution was passed. Mr. Barnwell, from Committee on Finance, reported A bill to raise money for the support of the Government of the Confederate States; which was read a first and second time and ordered to be printed and placed on the Calendar. Mr. Clayton, from the Judiciary Committee, reported A bill in relation to the slave trade, and to punish offenses against the same; which was read the first and second times, ordered to be printed, and placed on the Calendar. Mr. Clayton, from the same committee, also reported a bill to establish the judicial courts of the Confederate States of America; which was read the first and second times, ordered to be printed, and made the special order for Monday next. Page 75 Mr. Conrad, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, made the following report, to wit: The Committee on Naval Affairs beg leave respectfully to report that the committee, believing that in the present condition of our affairs, With the limited means at our command and with no navy-yard in our possession except that of Pensacola, which is commanded by the guns of Fort Pickens, any very extensive naval preparations in time to meet the dangers that threaten us are impracticable, have for the present limited their inquiry to such naval means as might serve as auxiliaries to forts and arsenals and cooperate with land forces in the defense of rivers and harbors. The committee having no means of informing themselves on this subject, and (the Executive Departments, whose appropriate duty it would be to furnish this information, not being yet established) they summoned to their aid several gentlemen of reputation and experience lately attached to the Navy of the United States and another formerly a distinguished officer of the Corps of Engineers, and requested them to prepare a report upon the subject. This report was promptly made, and the committee herewith append it. The committee think that the suggestions therein contained are highly important and call for immediate action, but, as the duty of carrying them into effect has now devolved upon the Executive, the committee will simply recommend that a copy of this report and of the documents accompanying the same be sent without delay to the President. On motion of Mr. Conrad, it was ordered that the report, with accompanying documents, be immediately laid before the President. Mr. Bartow, from the Committee on Military Affairs, reported a bill to provide for the public defense; which was read the first and second times, ordered to be printed, and placed on the Calendar. Mr. Bartow, from the same committee, reported the following resolution, to wit: Resolved, That the President of the Confederate States be requested to communicate, in such manner as he may deem expedient, to the governors of South Carolina and Florida the resolution of Congress concerning Forts Sumter and Pickens; which was read the first and second times, engrossed, read a third time, and agreed to. On motion of Mr. Brooke, the bill to establish a patent office, and to provide for the granting and issuance of patents for new and useful discoveries, inventions, and improvements, was removed from the Calendar and made the special order of the day for Tuesday next. Mr. Crawford, from the Committee on Commercial Affairs, to whom was recommitted A bill to declare and establish the free navigation of the Mississippi River, together with amendments thereto, reported a substitute as an amendment to the same; which, being taken up and the first section having been read, Mr. Hale moved to amend the same so as to make it read as follows: The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the peaceful navigation of the Mississippi River is hereby declared free to the citizens of any of the States upon its borders, or upon the borders of its navigable tributaries; and all ships, boats, rafts, or vessels may navigate the same under such regulations as may be established by law and such police regulations as the States within their several jurisdictions may establish; which was agreed to. Mr. Withers moved to amend the first section so as to make the concluding clause of the same read as follows: and all ships, boats, rafts, or vessels may navigate the same under such regulations as may be established by the States within their several jurisdictions; which was lost. Page 76 The second section being read as follows: Sec. 2. All ships, boats, or vessels, which may enter the waters of the said river within the limits of this Confederacy, from any port or place beyond the said limits, may freely pass with her cargo to any other port or place beyond the limits of this Confederacy without any duty or hindrance, except light money, pilotage, and other like charges. But it shall not be lawful for any such ship, boat, or vessel to sell, deliver, or in any way dispose of any part of her cargo, or land any portion thereof for the purpose of sale and delivery within the limits of this Confederacy; and, in case any portion of such cargo shall be sold or delivered, or landed for that purpose, in violation of the provisions of this act, the same shall be forfeited, and shall be seized and condemned by a proceeding in admiralty before the court having jurisdiction of the same in the district in which the same may be found; and the ship, boat, or vessel shall forfeit four times the amount of the value of the duties chargeable on the said goads, wares, or merchandise so landed, sold, or disposed of in violation of the provisions of this act, to be recovered by a proper proceeding in admiralty before the said court, in the district in which such ship, boat, or vessel may be found, one-half for the use of the collector of the district who shall institute and conduct such proceeding, and the other half for the use of the Government of the Confederate States: Provided, That if any such ship, boat, or vessel shall be stranded, or from any cause become unable to proceed on its voyage, the cargo thereof may be landed and the same may be entered at the nearest port of entry, in the same manner as goods, wares and merchandise regularly consigned to said port; and the person so entering the same shall be entitled to the benefit of drawback of duties or of warehousing said goods, wares, and merchandise, as provided by law in other cases. Mr. Hale moved to amend the same by striking out the words where they occur, viz: shall forfeit four times the amount of the value of the duties chargeable on the said goods, wares, or merchandise so landed, sold, or disposed of in violation of the provisions of this act, to be recovered, And to insert in lieu thereof the following words: "and her cargo shall be forfeited and may be seized and sold;" which amendment was lost. On motion of Mr. Memminger, the same was amended by adding after the words "it shall be lawful to enter the said goods, wares, and merchandise at any port" the words or to forward them under bond or seal, according to the regulations customary in such cases, when consigned to any port or place beyond the limits of this Confederacy. On motion of Mr. Conrad, the section was further amended by inserting after the word "port," where it next occurs after the amendment of Mr. Memminger, the words "and on payment of the duties on said goods to obtain from the collector a license to land at any point on the river." The fifth section having been read, On motion of Mr. Walker, the same was amended by inserting after the words "goods, wares, and merchandise," where they first occur, the words "subject to the payment of duty," and after the words "a manifest of the cargo on board," where they first occur, the words "subject to the payment of duties." On motion of Mr. Harris, the said section was further amended by adding as the hast clause thereof, the following proviso: Provided, however, That until ports of entry shall be established above the city of Vicksburg, on the Mississippi River, the penalties of this act shall not extend to the delivery of goods above that port by vessels or boats descending said river. The report of the committee as amended was then adopted in lieu of the original bill. The bill was then engrossed as amended, read a third time, and passed. Page 77 Mr. Shorter, from the Committee on Engrossment, reported as correctly engrossed and enrolled An act to prescribe the rates of postage in the Confederate States of America, and for other purposes. On motion of Mr. Sparrow, The Congress adjourned until 12 o'clock to-morrow.