This text was obtained via automated optical character recognition.
It has not been edited and may therefore contain several errors.

---

92G
CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.
constantly in tho field all tho volunteer State cavalry that could possibly bo raised, and while 1 have not been as successful in raising as largo bodies of troops as I desired, T have given essential aid in tho protection of a largo portion of the State which would otherwise have been loft in a wholly defenseless condition, and I am luippy to bo able to state to tho Legislature that these State organizations have rendered much good servieo in tho northern and northwestern districts at a time when there were no Confederate troops to spare for that purpose. Being mostly in unattached battalions and companies, and well acquainted with the roads and principal localities of tho country in which they have operated, these State organizations have been able to afford much greater security to the citizens and do much more damage to tho enemy than larger bodies of troops less acquainted with tho country could have accomplished, after inflicting severe chastisement upon marauding parties whoso only object was plunder. While other bodies of tho State troops have been kept in the iield less actively engaged than tho cavalry, they have been placed, at tho request of the commanding generals, to guard important depots of public stores, and other important points along tho lino of the different railroads, and have thus relieved tho regular troops of that duty, and to that extent strengthened the Confederate army in the field.
In explanation of tho causes that occasioned tho organization of the State troops in the first instance, and tho continuing them in tho field, I herewith transmit copies of the several calls and requisitions made by Generals Jtuggles, Price, and Van Dorn, and also the additional correspondence with the President of tho Confederate States, Secretary of War, and Generals Johnston and Pemberton upon tho same subject.* My efforts to place the number of troops in tho field which I deemed necessary to guard the State against destructive raids have been much embarrassed by the opposition of a part of the press of tho State opposing tho enforcement of tho militia law passed at the last session of the Legislature. Tho great confidence of the people in tho ability of the Confederate Government to protect the State from invasion induced large numbers of them to regard the efforts being made to organize and bring into the field tho militia of the State as unnecessary, and the law itself as impracticable and oppressive. Had the efforts which have been made to organizo tho State troops received that support which in view of tho great danger threatening us I had a right to expect, there is much reason to believe that the condition of Mississippi would now bo much better than it is. A fow thousand additional troops at Jackson in May might-liavo hold that placo until re-enforcements to General Johnston, then arriving, could have overwhelmed tho invading army and maintained our position at Vicksburg. The present condition and prospects of tho country demand of the Legislature to seriously consider the subject of a thorough and extended reorganization of the military strength of the State. I therefore again recommend the extension of tho militia law so as to include and make subject to militia duty every freo white male person, either a citizen or temporary resident, not actually con-scribed, between tho ages of sixteen and sixty years, and as a largo portion of these will necessarily be kept at home, only such as are physically able to discharge the duties of soldiers should be sent to the field, and the remainder should be organized, armed, and equipped for local defense against sudden raids and held as a police force for
*	None of these documents found herewith.
CONFEDERATE AUTHORITIES.
927
the comities in which they live. Tho militia oflicers should be allowed pay for the time they are actually engaged in the discharge of their oflicial duties. The law as it now stands imposes duties often arduous and expensive upon them, and makes no provision for pay or allowance. I am satisfied if this w'oro done it would add much to the efficiency of these officers. Tho extension of the conscription laws to forty-five years has so reduced tho militia strength of the State that I do not believe it necessary to retain the oflieo of brigadier-general of militia. Tho major-general, with tho assistance of tho regimental and company officers, will be entirely sufficient to carry into effect any law necessary to bo passed. In any organization that it may be found necessary to make, tho Governor should be authorized to appoint all the quartermasters and surgeons. Under tho existing law neither tho Governor nor tho quartermaster-general have had the control over those officers which in my opinion the good of the service requires.
SALARIES OF STATE OFFICERS.
The salaries of the Slate officers were fixed by law at a time when provisions and properly were at a low valuation compared to the present exorbitant, prices at which every species of property and provisions is held. Tho pay which is allowed to these officers if made in the currency of tho country is not sufficient to give them that support and maintenance which the credit of tho State demands they should receive. I therefore recommend that their salaries be increased. I have sought from the beginning of the war to the present time to make tho largest preparation to meet our enemies which the means and power intrusted to mo enabled mo to make. I have believed it better to spend what we have in manly resistance than permit it to become tho prey of plundering invaders, and in this my last message to the representatives of a people threatened by a more destructive invasion than any in modern times; in view of the known purpose of tho enemy to lay waste our land and confiscate whatever escapes tho ravages of war; in view of tho known determination of tho Lincoln Government to reduce this people to a condition far worse than European serfdom; in view of that “dark durance” this and succeeding generations are doomed should Federal arms prevail, permit mo earnestly to recommend that no consideration of dollars and cents should stand in the way of the amplest preparation of men and means and tho most extreme measures for the defense of the country. There is no halfway house of rest in this revolution. Independence or death, or that which is worse than death, are tho alternatives presented to this people, and the sooner this truth is fully realized and acted upon tho better for us and our children. May God, who favors the just cause and blesses with success fidelity, patriotism, and courage, preside over your deliberations and direct your councils.
JOHN J. PETTITS.
[Indosure.]
Headquarters State of Mississippi,
Adjutant and Inspector General’s Office,
Columbus, November 1, 186S.
Ilis Excellency John J. Pettus,
Governor and Commander-in- Chief:
Sir: 1 have the honor to submit herewith a report of Mississippi regiments and battalions now in the service of 1 lie Confederate States.