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North has ceased to exist.
Mutual confidence has been succeeded by mutual distrust, and mutual good will by mutual aversion.
No government can be enduring, which does not possess the affection and respect of the governed.
It cannot be that the people of the Confederate States can again entertain a feeling of affection and respect for the Government of the United States.
We have, therefore, separated from them, and now let it be understood, that the separation “is and ought to be final and irrevocable”--that Virginia will, under no circumstances, entertain any proposition, from any quarter, which may have for its object a restoration or reconstruction of the late Union, on any terms and conditions whatever.
We must be content with nothing less than the unqualified recognition of the independence of the Southern Confederacy and its nationality by the Government of the United States; and to this end we must meet the issue they have tendered to us with spirit, energy and determination, and with a firm resolve, on the part of each of the Confederate States, that everything shall be done that may be necessary to insure the triumph of our arms, and thus secure our liberty and independence for the South.
In conclusion, I recommend that, before your adjournment, this day, you reaffirm, by solemn vote in each House, the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly of Georgia.
The Empire State of the South has spoken, let not “the Mother of States” remain silent on a subject of so much significance and importance to the Southern Confederacy.
Respectfully.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of joint resolutions, adopted by the General Assembly of Georgia.
The Legislature has not directed me to forward them, but I do so under the conviction that you will be pleased to learn the action of Georgia on the important subject to which they relate.
Very respectfully,
Joint resolutions of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia, passed at its late session.
Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of Georgia, in General Assemby met, That it is the sense of this General Assembly, that the separation of those States now forming the Confederate States of America, from the United States, is, and ought to be, final and irrevocable; and that Georgia will, under no circumstances, entertain any proposition, from any quarter, which may have for its object a restoration or reconstruction of the late Union, on any terms or conditions whatever.
Resolved, That the war which the United States are waging upon the Confederate States, should be met on our part with the utmost vigor and energy, until our independence and nationality are unconditionally acknowledged by the United States.
Resolved, That Georgia pledges herself to her sister States of the Confederacy that she will stand by them throughout the struggle — she will contribute all the means which her resources will supply, so far as the same may be necessary to the support of the common cause; and will not consent to lay down arms until peace is established on the basis of the foregoing resolutions.
Warren Aiken, Speaker of the House of Representatives. L. Carrington, Clerk of the House of Representatives. John Billups, President of the Senate. James M. Mobley, Secretary of the Senate. Approved December 11, 1861.
Joseph E. Brown, Governor.
Joseph E. Brown, Governor.