Resolution from James Whitfield to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; February 10, 1862

[seal]

Columbus Feby 10^th 1862

At a large meeting held at this place this day, on motion Honl James Whitfield was called to the chair & A E Love appointed Secretary. the Chair. explained the object of the meeting. On motion a Committee of Five was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the Sense of the Meeting. the Chair appointed A E Love Honl H Dickinson. W W Humphries. Gray A Chandler. and Bartley Barry—who presented the following resolutions which being read were unanimously adopted.

1^st Resolved that in view of the very perilous Condition of the Country. and that the enemy is now within the bounds of the State. this meeting recommend and earnestly appeal to the patriotism of the citizens of this county who can possibly leave their homes. immediately to form volunteer companies and organize themselves with such weapons as can be procured to Serve for three years or for the war

2^nd [gap] We recommend and respectfully request all citizens of this county who from age or Physical inability cannot enter the Service. who have arms of effectual kind in their Possession to furnish these to the Companies now [in?] progress of formation.

3^d [gap] We recommend that the Governor of this State exercise immediately the power vested in him by the act of the legislature of the 29^th day of January 62. to draft men for the defence of the country. Provided the requisite number of men do not volunteer & report to the adjutent Genl of the State by the 20^th inst

4^th We recommend to the Police Court the immediate exercise of all powers vested in them by the legislature. for the protection and Support of the families of all our Soldiers now in the Service & those who may hereafter enter it.

5^th We recommend for the more effectual cooperation of all our Citizens in this County who from age and Physical inability are not Subject to be drafted. to at once form themselves into Companies in every neighborhood of this County. by the election of officers and that they drill regularly at least twice a week.

6^th Your Committee would respectfully recommend to Planters. Merchants. Grocers and tradesmen in our midst to exercise a more liberal Spirit to the people and that they be Content with a reasonable profit on all their goods and family Supplies. Keeping in mind the fact that the Soldier who is bareing his breast for the rights and liberties of our own beloved. South are greatly effected by the extortion practiced by Some.

7^th We recommend that the Secretary of this meeting furnish a copy of these resolutions to the Gov. of this State. also a copy to the "Mississippian" and Southern Republic for publication

Meeting adjourned after Stiring Speeches made by Capt. Beverly Mathews. Rev. Geo. T. Stainback. P P. Neely DD & others

A E Love Secretary

James Whitfield Chair

Resolutions of Citizens of Columbus

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