The message of
Gov. Clark to the Legislature of North Carolina was delivered on Friday last.
We make some extracts, which will repay perusal:
‘
For the first time in the history of this State, we have to deplore the death of a Governor.
The Hon. J. W. Ellis, late
Governor of this State, died at the
Red Sulphur Springs, Va., on the 7th of July last.
This communication might afford an appropriate place for a tribute to his worth and merit; but his public and private virtues have but recently been can passed through the
State, and their thorough endorsement by the people constitute his highest reward while living, and a rich legacy to survive him.
The great struggle which now rages throughout our country excites the most intense interest at home and abroad.
It is needless to argue to ourselves or the world of the justice and propriety of our cause.
We patiently yielded to every expedient, and listened to every promise in behalf of that Union around which had so long clung our interest and dearest affections.
But suddenly the mask was raised, and we saw before us the sword of the tyrant, and henceforth there was no hesitation in our course.
An extra session of the Legislature immediately convened and with no dissenting voice submitted the issue to the people in Convention, which unanimously passed the Ordinance of separation and deliverance, and that act has been sustained by the people with a unanimity unparalleled in the history of the political struggles of the world.
Men who but yesterday were confronting each other in fierce and angry debate on this very issue, are to-day marshalled side by side in the same ranks, banded like brothers and staking ‘"their lives, fortunes and sacred honor"’ in the common cause.
The unanimity of
North Carolina in this great struggle, while it must insure success, will embellish a page in her history brilliant as the victory which achieves her independence.
Suddenly thrown into this great struggle, without an army or the organization to support one, we find offered to us an army of volunteers who have come forward with brave hearts and willing to enlist in the cause of their country. * * * *
The expenditures of the
State have been, and continue to be, very large.
The great and hurried demand for troops in
Virginia has strained every point to equip and send them forward as rapidly as possible; and it has been the aim of the authorities to furnish our troops with every comfort consistent with our means.
If we have not been entirely successful, we have at least been flattered with the compliment of sending the best equipped troops that have gone to
Virginia; and we are taking every means of continuing these comforts. * * * * *
It is mortifying to our State pride to think that we have hitherto been so dependent on the
Northern States for even the means of defence, including all the munitions of war; and apprehensions have been felt among us that the want of these might impair the means and resources of maintaining this war. But from a recent survey made by our able State Geologist,
Prof. Emmons, I am gratified to state that we have in our midst, within a few miles of the N. C Railroad, a most extensive and valuable supply of lead, now ready to be taken up. And he further reports that we have the material for the manufacture of gunpowder.
The most valuable ingredient of powder (saltpetre), is found abundantly in the limestone caves of
Tennessee,
Georgia and
North Alabama.
A company is now engaged in the western part of this State for the manufacture of powder, and if any assistance is required, I would suggest that the
State should furnish aid for the purpose of facilitating the supply of this necessary material, which the blockade of our coast now effectually cuts off.
The blockade of our coast, and the non-intercourse around our borders, have established two very important facts: 1st, That in our commercial relations we have become almost entirely dependent upon the
North for almost every article that we use connected with machinery, farming, merchandize, food and clothing, both the luxuries and necessaries of life, including almost every article needed for our defence.
The second and more important fact is now established that we have the means and material for supplying all these wants within our own borders.
Necessity is developing these resources and driving us to the use of them.
The continuance of this war and blockade for two or three years may inflict much personal suffering, but it will accomplish our national and commercial independence.
If the war was to terminate soon, our political rights might be secured, but trade would resume its old channels.
Time alone will successfully divert the course of trade; but when once diverted, it becomes more difficult ever to restore it. Once check and turn off the great flood of Northern trade, and Southern labor, Southern trade and Southern capital will roll their strength together to establish Southern prosperity and independence; and it is equally important to us to establish our commercial as our political independence.
A decisive victory may establish our political rights in a single day, but a continuance of the war and blockade can only accomplish the other.
To us the blockade and war is a sharp but temporary pain, but it is a slow consumption preying on the vitals of Northern wealth and commerce.
’
