[392] to the people of said State, notifying them that all communication of whatsoever character between them and the citizens of the States and Territories now at war with the “Confederate States of America,” must be discontinued; that all contracts heretofore made between them are suspended, and all that may be made during the continuance of said war, and until treaties of reciprocity are established, will be void. It will be regarded as treason against the Confederate States of America, and against the State of Texas, for any citizen of said State to donate, sell, or in any manner exchange any property or commodity whatsoever with any citizen or citizens of either of said States or Territories now at war with said Confederate States, without special permission from proper authority. It will also be treasonable for any citizen of Texas to pay any debts now owing by him to a citizen or citizens of either of said States or Territories, or to contract with them any new debts or obligation during the continuance of said war. The statute of limitations will cease to run, and interest will not accrue during the continuance of war. If there be citizens of the State of Texas owing such debts, the Executive would suggest that they deposit the amount of the same in the Treasury of the State, taking the Treasurer's receipt therefor. The United States are largely indebted to the State of Texas, and it may be determined by the Legislature of said State at some future time, that such deposits shall be retained until the United States has satisfied the claims now held by Texas against her. The Executive deems it proper especially to warn all persons from endeavoring to procure title, in any manner, to property situated in Texas, and now claimed by persons who are citizens of either of said States or Territories now at war with said “Confederate States,” or of any of the States or Territories not included among those making war upon said Confederate States, and who have joined her enemies, as the Legislature may hereafter deem it proper to provide for the confiscation of such property. No act of treason or sedition, whether it shall consist in material aid to our enemies, or in language, written, printed, or spoken, which is intended to comfort or encourage them, will be knowingly permitted within its borders. Citizens of either of the States or Territories now at war with the Confederate States, will no longer be permitted to visit Texas, during the continuance of such war, without passports issued by authority of the Executive of the Confederate States, or of this State. And if any such persons are now within the limits of Texas, they are hereby warned to depart within twenty days of this date, or they will be arrested as spies; and all citizens of the State of Texas are warned from holding any friendly communication whatsoever with such persons. The Executive has issued this proclamation impelled by the belief that public safety required it, and he relies upon the people to sustain him, and to aid him in discovering and bringing to just and lawful punishment any one who may disregard his duty as therein set forth. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name, and caused the great seal of the State to be affixed, at the city of Austin, this the eighth day of June, A. D. 1861, and in the year of the independence of Texas the twenty-sixth, and of the Confederate States the first. By the Governor,
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Van Nostrand. New York, New York. 1862.
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