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protection and defense of the entire South against the war that is now being carried on against it.’
On the 7th of the same month, Henry W. Hilliard, commissioner for the Confederate States, and Gustavus A. Henry, A. O. Totten and Washington Barrow, commissioners on the part of Tennessee, entered into a ‘temporary convention agreement and military league’ for the purpose of protecting the interests and safety of the contracting parties.
On the same day the general assembly ratified and confirmed this agreement, and pledged ‘the faith and honor of the State of Tennessee’ to its observance.
On the 6th of May, 1861, the legislature submitted an ordinance to the people of the State which embraced the question of ‘separation’ from the Federal government, and of union with the Confederate States, to be voted upon on the 8th day of June following.
On the 24th of the same month the governor issued his proclamation declaring that ‘it appears from the official returns that the people of the State of Tennessee have, in their sovereign capacity, by an overwhelming majority, cast their votes for separation, dissolving all political connection with the United States, and adopted the provisional government of the Confederate States of America.’
The political union thus established was followed by the election of delegates to the Provisional Congress, and in a few months by the adoption of the permanent government and constitution, the election of Jefferson Davis as President by the people, and the election of senators and representatives to the Congress of the Confederate States.
The legislature provided for the organization of an army of 50,000 men, appropriated $5,000,000 toward its equipment, and provided for a complete general staff to be appointed by the governor, and for the pay of officers and men. Authority was also given for the appointment of a military and financial board.
On the 9th of May, 1861, the governor appointed, by and with the advice
Atlanta, Ga. 1899.
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