ENpage_0032
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2 revisions | carolfink at Nov 18, 2023 05:44 PM page_003227 29
disposition to embark the Legislature in new - and untried experiments,
affecting the legitimate pursuits of the people. Hard-times- money
pressures and individual calmities can be but slightly controlled
by the interposition of questionable legislative expedients It is not
the province of the Government to put money into the pockets of
the People, so much as to protect it when deposited in the pockets
of the Peoples by their own legitimate labor and Industry. Many
of our People talk as though they expected to sustain an army of near
half a million, and whip-out the Yankee Nation, and make no
sacrifices of time or means. The progress of events is daily adding
to our security - strength - and certainty of triumph, and all the
energies of the State should be devoted to sustaining the
Government, & the army in the field - to hasten - on the glorious
day of our deliverance. But some people, in this hour of peril
to all we hold most dear, seem to have their Horizon
bounded by their own pecuniary interests; and, instead of nobly
offering - up all they have - if need be - to maintain the honor
of our Cause, are claiming at the Government to make them
loans or advances - when every dollar the Government
can raise, is needed to defend their Homes & firesides,
and all our labors should be devoted, night-and day,
to the accomplishment of this purpose.
The Legislature made all needful appropriations
for the Public Defense, and all my energies shall
be given to make them available. The "Cotton Scheme", as
it was called, which failed in the House, was, in my
judgement, a most unwise measure. Had it succeeded, it w,d
have carried-up the indebtedness of the State to over
thirteen Millions of Dollars, and the present tax-laws
of the State would hardly have been sufficient to keep
the State machinery in motion and pay the Interest on
the Public Debt. I have not time to explain the matter,
but it was most fortunate for the State, that the Scheme
failed.
Our people must make sacrifices and endure
privations - until we achieve our independence. If we are
not prepared to do this, we do not deserve to be free. Thank
God! such is the spirit of our people, that they will
cheerfully peril all for the sacred cause in which we
are engaged
Your obt Ser't
(Signed) Jno Gill Shorter.
=
Executive Department.
Montgomery, Ala, Jany 24th 1862
Maj. Gen. Braxton Bragg; Pensacola. [check]
Sir,
I have a few hundred muskets here - now being
altered from flint to percussion - a very good arm - smooth
bore - with bayonets, which will will be ready for use in a week or
two. My predecessor promised them to Col. Watts - for his men;
and I am personally disposed to ship them to Col Watts, unless
you are of opinion that the Public interest will be most
subserved by shipping them to Mobile - for the use of the
unarmed Troops, near that City. I have 100 boxed- and ready for
shipment. The direction of these arms shall be controlled
by your advice.
Your obedient Servant,
(Signed) Jno Gill Shorter.
= 27 29 The Legislature made all needful appropriations Our people must make sacrifices and endure page_0032 |
