Letter from Legislator Edward P. Jones to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; November 20, 1862

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Letter from Legislator Edward P. Jones to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; November 20, 1862

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Jones, Edward P.Pettus, John Jones, 1813-1867 Smedes, Charles Edward Tupper, T. C.

Events

Confederate States of America--Draft Confederate States of America--Draft. Evasion Crime Crime--Destruction of property Crime--Fraud Crime--Treason Criminal Procedure Criminal Procedure--Trial Legislation. Confederate States of America. Congress Legislation. Confederate States of America. Congress. Twenty Negro Law (1862)Military Events--Invasions

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Mississippi. Militia

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Confederate States of America--Congress Mississippi--Legislature

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Maryland Mississippi--Hinds County. Jackson

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Page 1

[seal]

Jackson, Nov. 20^th 1862

Governor Pettus

Dear Sir:

Being a member of the Legislature I do not feel at liberty to advise the convocation of that Body in extraordinary Session, as has been in many quarters recommended; but after conversations with Maj. Gen^l. Tupper Brig. Gen^l. Smedes, and other patriotic gentlemen, I am induced to address you this note. to say, that should you think proper, in the exercise of your constitutional discretion, to adopt such a measure, I shall Stand prepared to vote for and advocate a Bill. to call into the field of active Service every able bodied white male to be found within the limits of the State, between the ages of Sixteen and Sixty years, for Such a time as may be deemed necessary to protect the homes of our people from the fearful invasion, with which they are now imminently threatned, and in part ^indeed^ already visited.

It must be obvious that the present crisis demands, the exercise of larger authority and Stronger power than have been conferred by the "Militia Law" now in force upon those to whom has been committed its execution,

The "Exemption Bill" recently enacted by the Confederate Congress, Seems in its operation. to furnish abun-dant excuses through which so many recreant men endeavor to escape the military duty they rightfully owe their country. in

Edw^d P. Jones, M. L.

Jackson Nov 20^th /62

Urging you to convene the Legislature.

Page 2

this hour of her trial, that it is feared the effect will be to diminish rather than increase. the ^active army^ ~~forces~~ of Mississippi;—notwithstanding the late law of Congress. extending the Conscript age from 35 to 45 years.

The people of Mississippi at-large. have probably been too much heretofore, accustomed to view "the battle from afar" and through, in the history of this great revo-lution. her gallant Sons have well attended their heroism upon every field, it is seriously feared. that too much apathy prevails throughout the State, amid the dangers of its present situation, [gap] Notwithstanding the spectacle of Maryland, and other States, down trodden, if not Spirit=broken, by tyrannies,—by multiplied Spoilations and insults, Our people Still Seem not to realize the menaced preparation for themselves, of a Similar fate of ruin and degradation. [gap] It would seem that some great public effort ought forthwith to be made, to arouse them to a Sense of the horrible perils by which they are environed.

If there ever can be a time when Mississippians should forget every thing but, Mississippi, and merge all private interests and feelings in public and patriotic considerations,—that time has Surely arrived.

When we shall have driven the vandals from

our Soil. it will do then to think of "details". and of the pursuits of individual business, and personal profit,

Let us first maintain our title;—afterwards arrange the management of the estate.

Temporary Sacrifices are now indispen-sable, not only for permanent Safety. but for the present preservation of that which should be dearer to us, than even life itself,

A great exertion now and all will be well;—delay or hesitation,—and all may be lost,

I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your ob^t. Serv^t.

Edw^d,, P. Jones,