Among the many important questions which may be expected to demand attention upon the reestablishment of civil government and the assembling of a Legislature, will be that of the public credit of Louisiana, exposed as it has been to a rude shock by the bad men whose machinations have plunged us into war. The faithful recognition and discharge of the interest upon the public debt have ever been held as among the most sacred of obligations by the people. I fully partake the public solicitude in regard to this subject, and the fair fame of the State will be indelibly tarnished should the present default be continued one day after the termination of the present abnormal condition of our domestic concerns.
The exertions made to recruit the national army at this point by our citizens are graciously recognized by the Commanding General, who has given official testimony to the valor and fidelity of the Louisiana volunteers. Unfortunately the deprivations of a civil State government has prevented us from having a bounty fund wherewith to reward the patriotic and heroic volunteers of Louisiana, and until a thorough reorganization of the State government takes place and legislative provisions be made, there is reason to fear that great injustice will be done these our faithful volunteer defenders. A recognition of their services at Baton Rouge, Fort Bisland, Port Hudson, Donaldsonville, and all the principal battle-fields in this State, and a just compensation for their sacrifices, should be among the earliest acts of the State government. In view of the peculiar circumstances which surround us, it may be well to afford such assistance as ought not to be withheld in a national crisis of the highest magnitude. The increase of the volunteer force of the State upon the basis of compensation adopted in other States, will assist materially in the early restoration of peace and the prosperity of the people, and present to the country the soundest proof of loyalty.
From every light before me I am constrained to believe that the cause of rebellion is in extremities. At all points the national arms are either victorious or prepared to deliver deadly blows, and it seems to me not extravagant to look upon this year as the final one of the most senseless, causeless and murderous rebellion that ever occurred in a civilized nation. Where on earth will the conspirators, who took up arms to destroy the most perfect temple of liberty ever erected, flee, to shelter themselves from universal execration when the nation has triumphed? The loyal men of Louisiana have suffered much and deeply, but with the blessings of God upon our exertions all will soon be right again, and peace, happiness and prosperity will smile upon our thresholds as of old.
Fellow-citizens, again from the bottom of my heart I thank you for the confidence you have reposed in me, and the honors you have now and heretofore lavished upon me. My fondest and most cherished hope is that when my term of service shall have ended, you may enjoy the inestimable blessings of “a more perfect Union,” with its accompanying justice, domestic tranquillity and liberty, and that you may be able to assure me that I have not disappointed your expectations or proved unworthy of the distinguished trust which I have this day assumed, and which, as a true son of Louisiana, I shall feel more ambition to discharge meritoriously than any other upon earth.
