ducted upon a scale commensurate with the demand that the military supplies for the war created-railroad depots, machine shops connected with themevery thing of that description which had been in any degree subservient to the cause of the rebellion, was laid in ashes. Out of some sixty odd brick stores in the city, forty-nine, I think, were consumed. On the line of march, you were scarcely out of sight of some indication of its terrible consequences. Indeed, after three weeks had elapsed, it was with difficulty you could travel the road from Plantersville to that city, so offensive was the atmosphere in consequence of decaying horses and mules that lay along the roadside. Every description of ruin, except the interred dead of the human family, met the eye. I witnessed it myself. The fact is, that no description can equal the reality. When the Federal forces left the little town-which is built on a bluff on the Alabama River-they crossed at night on a pontoon bridge, and their way was lighted by burning warehouses standing on the shore. The expedition of Gen. Wilson which terminated in the interior of Georgia, was in many respects a most remarkable one. Consisting entirely of cavalry, it captured during its progress no less than six strongly fortified towns. The surrender of the armies of Lee and Johnston was followed by that of Gen. Taylor, by which all opposition to the Federal forces ceased, and the State became entirely subject to their military control. The war suddenly ended, the authority of the United States was again recognized, and a restoration to their position of citizens became the object of the people. On May 29th the proclamation of President Johnston was issued, granting amnesty and pardon to all citizens of the Southern States who had been engaged in the rebellion, with certain exceptions. This amnesty and pardon was açcompanied with the restoration of all rights of property except as to slaves, and in cases where loyal proceedings for confiscation had been commenced, but on the condition of taking an amnesty oath. (See UNITED STATES.) This measure restored a large mass of the people to peaceful citizenship in the United States. None of the political institutions of Alabama were recognized as existing until they had been changed to suit the views of the conquerors. To accomplish this object a person was selected in each Southern State, and authorized by the President to set on foot a series of measures which should result in a reconstructed State Government. On June 21st, the President issued his proclamation appointing Lewis E. Parsons a Provisional Governor for the State of Alabama, and recognizing a portion of the previous institutions of the State. The authority by which this appointment was made and the plan of proceedings were thus stated in the Proclamation: Whereas, The fourth section of the fourth article 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 Commander-in-chief of the army and navy, as well as hief civil executive officer of the United States, and is bound by solemn oath faithfully to execute the office of President of the United States, and to take care that the laws be faithfully executed; and, whereas, the rebellion which has been waged by a portion of the people of the United States against the properly constituted authorities of the Government thereof in the most violent and revolting form, but whose organized and armed forces have now been almost entirely overcome, has, in its revolutionary progress, deprived the people of the State of Alabama of all civil government; and, whereas, it becomes necessary and proper to carry out and enforce the obligations of the United States to the people of Alabama in securing them in the enjoyment of a 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 a State government, whereby justice may be established, domestic tranquillity restored, and loyal citizens pro tected in all their rights of life, liberty, and property, I, Andrew Johnson, President of the United States and Commander-in-chief of the army and navy of the United States, do hereby appoint Lewis E. Parsons, Alabama, whose duty it shall be, at the earliest prac of Alabama, Provisional Governor of the State of ticable period, to prescribe such rules and regulations as may be necessary and proper for convening a convention composed of delegates to be chosen by that portion of the people of said State who are loyal to altering and amending the Constitution thereof; and the United States, and no others, for the purpose of with authority to exercise within the limits of said State, all the powers necessary and proper to enable such loyal people of the State of Alabama to restore said State to its constitutional relations to the Federal Government, and to present such a republican form of State government as will entitle the State to the guarantee of the United States therefor, and its people to protection by the United States against invasion, insurrection, and domestic violence. Provided, that in any election that may be held hereafter for choosing delegates to any State Convention, as aforesaid, no person shall be qualified as an elector or shall be eligible as a member of such convention, unless he shall have previously taken and subscribed the oath of amnesty, as set forth in the President's proclamation of May 29, A. D. 1865, and is a voter qualified as prescribed by the Constitution and laws of the State of Alabama, in force immediately before the 11th of January, A. D. 1861, the date of the so-called ordinance of secession. And the said con vention, when coavened, or the legislature that may be thereafter assembled, will prescribe the qualifica tion of electors and the eligibility of persons to hold office under the Constitution and laws of the Statea power the people of the several States composing the Federal Union have rightfully exercised from the origin of the Government to the present time. And I do hereby direct: First. That the military commander of the department, and all officers and persons in the military and naval service, aid and assist the said Provisional Govand they are enjoined to abstain from in any way ernment in carrying into effect this proclamation; hindering, impeding, or discouraging loyal people from the organization of a State Government as herein authorized. Second. That the Secretary of State proceed to put in force all laws of the United States, the administration whereof belongs to the State department, applicable to the geographical limits aforesaid. Third. That the Secretary of the Treasury proceed to nominate for appointment assessors of taxes and collectors of customs and of internal revenue, and such other officers of the Treasury Department as are authorized by law, and put in execution the revenue laws of the United States within the geographica! limits aforesaid. In making appointments the pref erence shall be given to qualified loyal persons residing within the districts where their respective duties are to be performed. But if suitable residents of 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-offices and post-routes, and put into execution the postal laws of the United States within said State, giving to loyal residents the preference of appointment; but, if suitable residents are not found, then to appoint agents, etc., from other States. Fifth. That the district judge for the judicial district in which Alabama is included, proceed to hold courts within said State, in accordance with the provisions of the act of Congress, and the Attorney-General will instruct the proper officers to libel and bring to judgment, confiscation, and sale property subject to confiscation, and enforce the administration of justice within said State in all matters with in the cognizance and jurisdiction of the Federal courts. Sixth. That the Secretary of the Navy take possession of all public property belonging to the Navy Department within said geographical limits, and put in operation all acts of Congress 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 I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be By the President: WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State. The Governor thus appointed immediately entered upon his duties. After an investigation of the condition and views of the people, he issued a proclamation stating the plan of proceedings for the reorganization of the State. He described the condition of the State before the war, its population, wealth, and improvements, and said: "In the prosecution of the war, for the last four years, into which Alabama was precipitated, about 122,000 of her sons have been carried to the field of battle, 35,000 of whom will never return; and it is probable an equal or larger number are permanently injured by wounds or disease while in the service. A very large proportion of our material wealth has been exhausted. Our fields are laid waste, our towns and cities, our railroads and bridges, our schools and colleges, many of our private dwellings and public edifices are in ruins. Silence and desolation reign where once stood the comfortable home which resounded with the joyous laugh of childhood and innocence. "The State has contracted a large war debt during this period, and has on hand as near as can now be ascertained about $- in Confederate Treasury notes, which are utterly worthless, and about $- in good funds. "Untold sufferings have been, and are still endured by thousands of our women and children, and the aged and helpless of our land. "There is no longer a slave in Alabama. It is thus made manifest to the world that the right of secessior for the purpose of establishing a separate Confederacy, based on the idea of African slavery, has been fully and effectually tried, and is a failure. "Yet, amid all the ruin, suffering, and death which have resulted from it, every political right which the State possessed under the Fed eral Constitution is hers to-day, with the single exception relating to slavery." He then urged the importance of sustaining the measures proposed by President Johnson, and ordained the following regulations for that purpose: Now, for the purpose of carrying into execution the commands of the President, and to enable the loyal people of Alabama to secure to themselves the benefits of civil government, I do hereby declare and ordain: 1. That the Justices of the Peace and Constables in each county of this State, the members of the Commissioners Court (except the Judges of Probate), the County Treasurer, the Tax Collector and Assessor, the Coroner and the several municipal officers of each incorporated city or town in this State, who were respectively in office and ready to discharge the duties thereof, on the 22d of May, 1865, are hereby appointed to fill those offices during the continuance of this provisional government. And as it is necessary that the persons who fill these several offices should be loyal to the United States, the power is hereby reserved to remove any person for disloyalty or for improper conduct in office, or neglect of its duties; and I earnestly request all loyal citizens to give me prompt information in regard to any officer who is objectionable on any of these grounds. The Judges of Probate and Sheriffs, who were in office on the 22d of May, 1865, will take the oath as herein required of other officers, and continue to discharge the duties of their respective offices until others are appointed. 2. Each of these persons thus appointed to office must take and subscribe the oath of Amnesty, as prescribed by the President's proclamation, of the 29th day of May, 1865, and immediately transmit the same to this office. At the end of said oath, and after the word "slave," he must add these words, "and I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office to the best of my ability." Each of these officers must also give bond and security payable to the State of Alabama, as required by the laws of Alabama on the 11th day of January, 1861. If any person acts in the discharge of the duties of any of the aforesaid offices tions on his part, he will be punished. This oath of without having complied with the foregoing regula amnesty and of office may be taken before any commissioned officer in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States; and the Judge of Probate in each county in this State, on the 22d of May, 1865, may also administer it, unless another Judge of Probate shall have been appointed by me in the mean time, and approve and file the bond which is hereby required to be given. But no one can hold any these offices who is exempted by the proclamation of the President from the benefit of amnesty, unless he has been specially pardoned. of 3. The appointment of Judge of Probate and Sheriff in each county will be made specially, as soon as suitable persons are properly recommended, and when appointed they will take the oath of amnesty prescribed in the foregoing section, and give bond and security as required by the law of Alabama on the 11th of January, 1861. And vacancies in any of the county offices will be promptly filled when it is made known and a proper person recommended. 4. If the loyal citizens of the State find it necessary Circuit Courts, Solicitors, Juages of the Circuit to have other officers appointed, "iz.: Clerks of the Courts, Chancellors and Judges of the Supreme Court, when that necessity is satisfactorily established, the appointments will be made. 5. An election for delegates to a convention of the loyal citizens of Alabama, will be held in each county in the State on Monday, the 31st day of August next, in the manner provided by the laws of Alabama on the 11th day of January, 1861; but no person can vote in said election, or be a candidate for election, who is not a legal voter as the law was on that day; and if he is excepted from the benefit of amnesty, under the President's Proclamation of the 29th of May, 1865, he must have obtained a pardon. 6. Every person must vote in the county of his residence, and before he is allowed to do so, must take and subscribe the oath of amnesty prescribed in the President's Proclamation of the 29th of May, 1865, before some one of the officers hereinafter appointed for that purpose in the county where he offers to vote; and any person offering to vote in violation of these rules or the laws of Alabama on the 11th of January, 1861, will be punished. 7. There will be elected in each county of the State, on said day, as many delegates to said Convention as said county was entitled to representatives in the House of Representatives on the 11th day of January, 1861; and the delegates so elected will receive a certificate of election from the sheriff of the county, and will assemble in Convention at the Capitol in Montgomery, on the 10th day of September, 1865, at 12 M. 8. From and after this day, the civil and criminal laws of Alabama, as they stood on the 11th day of January, 1861, except that portion which relates to slaves, are hereby declared to be in full force and operation; and all proceedings for the punishment of offences against them, will be turned over to the proper civil officers, together with the custody of the person charged, and the civil authorities will proceed in all cases according to law. Suits in civil cases now pending, whether an original measure, or final process, before any officer acting under military authority, will also be turned over to the proper civil officer, and will be governed in all things by the laws of the State aforesaid. 9. All unlawful means to punish offenders are hereby strictly probibited. No "vigilance committee" or other organization, for the punishment of supposed offenders, not authorized by the laws of the State, will be permitted, and if any such are attempted, the person or persons so offending, will be promptly arrested and punished. The lovers of law and order throughout the State are appealed to and solemnly urged to aid, by all lawful means, in sustaining the cause of law and order. If the people of the State will do this willingly and promptly, we shall be able to restore peace and security to every home in our beloved State; but if offenders become too strong, the military power of the United States will aid us. Henceforth that power will act in aid of, and in subordination to the civil authority of the State. 10. The oath which is required to be taken by those who desire to vote for Delegates to the Convention, may be administered by the Judge of Probate of the county where the voter lives, or by any Justice of the Peace in said county and by officers specially thereunto appointed. Blanks will be furnished these officers by the Judge of Probate, to whom they will be sent on application, where they cannot be printed. One copy of said oath will be given to the voter and another will be kept by the officer before whom it is taken, which must be filed with the Judge of Probate and endorsed by the Judge of Probate, with affiant's name, and numbered from one up, and preserved by him as a part of the records of his office. The Judge of Probate must make out a certified list of names numbered to correspond with the affidavit, and transmit it to this office by some one of the Delegates to the Convention. It is important the lists should all be here on the 10th day of September next, when the Convention meets. The several officers will also transmit their accounts for these services at the same time, and if the list of voters, made in a proper manner, accompanies them, the accounts will be promptly laid before the Convention for adjustment. 11. There are no slaves now in Alabama. The slave code is a dead letter. They who were once slaves are now free, and must be governed by the laws of Alabama as free men. It is the dictate of wisdom, and we owe it to ourselves and them, to pro. duce the best possible results for both races, from the new order of things. 12. All good citizens are respectfully and earnestly urged to set the example of engaging cheerfully, hopefully, and energetically, in the prosecution of industrial pursuits. In so doing, they will exert a good influence upon those who are despondent and cast down by the calamities which have befallen us. 13. The idle, the evil-disposed, and the vicious, if any such there be within the limits of our State, must distinctly understand that all violations of law will be promptly punished. The Sheriffs of the several counties are hereby required to keep in readiness a sufficient force of deputies or assistants to enable them to execute all legal process and arrest all offenders promptly, and they will be held strictly accountable for any neglect of duty in this respect. Rights of person and property must be respected-law and order must be preserved. If seriously impeded in the execution of these orders, Sheriffs will immediately report to me, that prompt and effectual measures may be taken to repress violence and assert the supremacy of the laws. Done at Montgomery, Alabama, on the 20th day of July, A. D., 1865. LEWIS E. PARSONS, Provisional Governer of Alabama. the persons holding the township offices in the This proclamation renewed the powers of State; called a State Constitutional Convention to assemble on September 10th, and reordained the civil and criminal laws, except those relating to slaves as they existed previous to the adoption of the Secession Ordinance of 1861, and prescribed other incidental regulations. These measures were well received by the people of the State, and a disposition was promptly and generally manifested to cooperate with the Provisional Governor. Candidates for members of the Convention were soon nominated, and in a quiet and orderly manner elected on the appointed day. The vote given was large, but many who were qualified electors did not act. The Convention duly assembled at Montgomery on September 10, and after the roll was called Provisional Governor Parsons administered the oath to support the Constitution of the United States and the union thereof, and to support all proclamations relative to the emancipation of slaves. He then declared the Convention authorized to make a permanent organization. This was done by the election of ex-Governor Benjamin Fitzpatrick unanimously as chairman, and W. H. Ogbourne as secretary. A resolution was then adopted that a committee of one member from each judicial district should be appointed by the President to report such amendments to the Constitution as might restore the State to her proper relations with the Federal Government; and also a similar committee to report relative to the act of secession, and further relative to the manner erence shall be given to qualified loyal persons residing within the districts where their respective duties are to be performed. But if suitable residents of 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-offices and post-routes, and put into execution the postal laws of the United States within said State, giving to loyal residents the preference of appointment; but, if suitable residents are not found, then to appoint agents, etc., from other States. Fifth. That the district judge for the judicial district in which Alabama is included, proceed to hold courts within said State, in accordance with the provisions of the act of Congress, and the Attorney-General will instruct the proper officers to libel and bring to judgment, confiscation, and sale property subject to confiscation, and enforce the administration of justice within said State in all matters with in the cognizance and jurisdiction of the Federal courts. Sixth. That the Secretary of the Navy take possession of all public property belonging to the Navy Department within said geographical limits, and put in operation all acts of Congress 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 I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be By the President: WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State. The Governor thus appointed immediately entered upon his duties. After an investigation of the condition and views of the people, he issued a proclamation stating the plan of proceedings for the reorganization of the State. He described the condition of the State before the war, its population, wealth, and improvements, and said: "In the prosecution of the war, for the last four years, into which Alabama was precipitated, about 122,000 of her sons have been carried to the field of battle, 35,000 of whom will never return; and it is probable an equal or larger number are permanently injured by wounds or disease while in the service. A very large proportion of our material wealth has been exhausted. Our fields are laid waste, our towns and cities, our railroads and bridges, our schools and colleges, many of our private dwellings and public edifices are in ruins. Silence and desolation reign where once stood the comfortable home which resounded with the joyous laugh of childhood and innocence. "The State has contracted a large war debt during this period, and has on hand as near as can now be ascertained about $- in Confederate Treasury notes, which are utterly worthless, and about $- in good funds. "Untold sufferings have been, and are still endured by thousands of our women and children, and the aged and helpless of our land. "There is no longer a slave in Alabama. It is thus made manifest to the world that the right of secession for the purpose of establishing a separate Confederacy, based on the idea of African slavery, has been fully and effectually tried, and is a failure. "Yet, amid all the ruin, suffering, and death which have resulted from it, every political right which the State possessed under the Fed eral Constitution is hers to-day, with the single exception relating to slavery. He then urged the importance of sustaining the measures proposed by President Johnson, and ordained the following regulations for that purpose: Now, for the purpose of carrying into execution the commands of the President, and to enable the loyal people of Alabama to secure to themselves the benefits of civil government, I do hereby declare and ordain: 1. That the Justices of the Peace and Constables in each county of this State, the members of the Commissioners Court (except the Judges of Probate), the County Treasurer, the Tax Collector and Assesso1, the Coroner and the several municipal officers of each incorporated city or town in this State, who were respectively in office and ready to discharge the duties thereof, on the 22d of May, 1865, are hereby appointed to fill those offices during the continuance of this provisional government. And as it is necessary that the persons who fill these several offices should be loyal to the United States, the power is hereby reserved to remove any person for disloyalty or for improper conduct in office, or neglect of its duties; and I earnestly request all loyal citizens to give me prompt information in regard to any officer who is objectionable on any of these grounds. The Judges of Probate and Sheriffs, who were in office on the 22d of May, 1865, will take the oath as herein required of other officers, and continue to discharge the duties of their respective offices until others are appointed. 2. Each of these persons thus appointed to office must take and subscribe the oath of Amnesty, as prescribed by the President's proclamation, of the 29th day of May, 1865, and immediately transmit the same to this office. At the end of said oath, and after the word "slave," he must add these words, “and I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office to the best of my ability." Each of these officers must also give bond and security payable to the State of Alabama, as required by the laws of Alabama on the 11th day of January, 1861. If any person acts in the discharge of the duties of any of the aforesaid offices tions on his part, he will be punished. This oath of without having complied with the foregoing regula amnesty and of office may be taken before any commissioned officer in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States; and the Judge of Probate in each county in this State, on the 22d of May, 1865, may also administer it, unless another Judge of Probate shall have been appointed by me in the mean time, and approve and file the bond which is hereby required to be given. But no one can hold any of these offices who is exempted by the proclamation of the President from the benefit of amnesty, unless he has been specially pardoned. 3. The appointment of Judge of Probate and Sheriff in each county will be made specially, as soon as suitable persons are properly recommended, and when appointed they will take the oath of amnesty prescribed in the foregoing section, and give bond and security as required by the law of Alabama on the 11th of January, 1861. And vacancies in any of the county offices will be promptly filled when it is made known and a proper person recommended. 4. If the loyal citizens of the State find it necessary to have other officers appointed, "iz.: Clerks of the Circuit Courts, Solicitors, Juages of the Circuit Courts, Chancellors and Judges of the Supreme Court, when that necessity is satisfactorily established, the appointments will be made. 5. An election for delegates to a convention of the loyal citizens of Alabama, will be held in each county in the State on Monday, the 31st day of August next, in the manner provided by the laws of Alabama on the 11th day of January, 1861; but no person can vote in said election, or be a candidate for election, who is not a legal voter as the law was on that day; and if he is excepted from the benefit of amnesty, under the President's Proclamation of the 29th of May, 1865, he must have obtained a pardon. 6. Every person must vote in the county of his residence, and before he is allowed to do so, must take and subscribe the oath of amnesty prescribed in the President's Proclamation of the 29th of May, 1865, before some one of the officers hereinafter appointed for that purpose in the county where he offers to vote; and any person offering to vote in violation of these rules or the laws of Alabama on the 11th of January, 1861, will be punished. 7. There will be elected in each county of the State, on said day, as many delegates to said Convention as said county was entitled to representatives in the House of Representatives on the 11th day of January, 1861; and the delegates so elected will receive a certificate of election from the sheriff of the county, and will assemble in Convention at the Capitol in Montgomery, on the 10th day of September, 1865, at 12 M. 8. From and after this day, the civil and criminal laws of Alabama, as they stood on the 11th day of January, 1861, except that portion which relates to slaves, are hereby declared to be in full force and operation; and all proceedings for the punishment of offences against them, will be turned over to the proper civil officers, together with the custody of the person charged, and the civil authorities will proceed in all cases according to law. Suits in civil cases now pending, whether an original measure, or final process, before any officer acting under military authority, will also be turned over to the proper civil officer, and will be governed in all things by the laws of the State aforesaid. 9. All unlawful means to punish offenders are hereby strictly prohibited. No "vigilance committee" or other organization, for the punishment of supposed offenders, not authorized by the laws of the State, will be permitted, and if any such are attempted, the person or persons so offending, will be promptly arrested and punished. The lovers of law and order throughout the State are appealed to and solemnly urged to aid, by all lawful means, in sustaining the cause of law and order. If the people of the State will do this willingly and promptly, we shall be able to restore peace and security to every home in our beloved State; but if offenders become too strong, the military power of the United States will aid us. Henceforth that power will act in aid of, and in subordination to the civil authority of the State. 10. The oath which is required to be taken by those who desire to vote for Delegates to the Convention, may be administered by the Judge of Probate of the county where the voter lives, or by any Justice of the Peace in said county and by officers specially thereunto appointed. Blanks will be furnished these officers by the Judge of Probate, to whom they will be sent on application, where they cannot be printed. One copy of said oath will be given to the voter and another will be kept by the officer before whom it is taken, which must be filed with the Judge of Probate and endorsed by the Judge of Probate, with affiant's name, and numbered from one up, and preserved by him as a part of the records of his office. The Judge of Probate must make out a certified list of names numbered to correspond with the affidavit, and transmit it to this office by some one of the Delegates to the Convention. It is important the lists should all be here on the 10th day of September next, when the Convention meets. The several officers will also transmit their accounts for these services at the same time, and if the list of voters, made in a proper manner, accompanies them, the accounts will be promptly laid before the Convention for adjustment. 11. There are no slaves now in Alabama. The slave code is a dead letter. They who were once slaves are now free, and must be governed by the laws of Alabama as free men. It is the dictate of wisdom, and we owe it to ourselves and them, to pro. duce the best possible results for both races, from the new order of things. 12. All good citizens are respectfully and earnestly urged to set the example of engaging cheerfully, hopefully, and energetically, in the prosecution of industrial pursuits. In so doing, they will exert a good influence upon those who are despondent and cast down by the calamities which have befallen us. 13. The idle, the evil-disposed, and the vicious, if any such there be within the limits of our State, must distinctly understand that all violations of law will be promptly punished. The Sheriffs of the several counties are hereby required to keep in readiness a sufficient force of deputies or assistants to enable them to execute all legal process and arrest all offenders promptly, and they will be held strictly accountable for any neglect of duty in this respect. Rights of person and property must be respected-law and order must be preserved. If seriously impeded in the execution of these orders, Sheriffs will immediately report to me, that prompt and effectual measures may be taken to repress violence and assert the supremacy of the laws. Done at Montgomery, Alabama, on the 20th day of July, A. D., 1865. LEWIS E. PARSONS, Provisional Governer of Alabama. the persons holding the township offices in the This proclamation renewed the powers of State; called a State Constitutional Convention to assemble on September 10th, and reordained the civil and criminal laws, except those relating to slaves as they existed previous to the adoption of the Secession Ordinance of 1861, and prescribed other incidental regulations. These measures were well received by the people of the State, and a disposition was promptly and generally manifested to cooperate with the Provisional Governor. Candidates for members of the Convention were soon nominated, and in a quiet and orderly manner elected on the appointed day. The vote given was large, but many who were qualified electors did not act. The Convention duly assembled at Montgomery on September 10, and after the roll was called Provisional Governor Parsons administered the oath to support the Constitution of the United States and the union thereof, and to support all proclamations relative to the emancipation of slaves. He then declared the Convention authorized to make a permanent organization. This was done by the election of ex-Governor Benjamin Fitzpatrick unanimously as chairman, and W. H. Ogbourne as secretary. A resolution was then adopted that a committee of one member from each judicial district should be appointed by the President to report such amendments to the Constitution as might restore the State to her proper relations with the Federal Government; and also a similar committee to report relative to the act of secession, and further relative to the manner |