Greensborough Patriot
Sep. 4, 1862
Page 2
Message of Gov. Moore, of Louisiana
The Franklin (La.)
Banner, of July 5th, contains the message of Governor Moore to the
people of Louisiana in reference to the occupation of New Orleans by the enemy.
The
Governor refers to the anomalous condition of affairs established between the
citizens of New Orleans and all other towns between the occupation of the
enemy, and those of country Parishes, and says the only safe rule for their
guidance is absolute non-intercourse—the entire suspension of communication by
visit or for trade.
In
relation to the hanging of Mumford the Governor
says:
The noble heroism
of the patriot Mumford has placed his name high on
the list of martyred sons. When the
Federal navy reached New Orleans a squad of marines was sent on shore who
hoisted their flag on the Mint. The city
was not occupied by the United States troops, nor had they reached there. The place was not in their possession. Wm. B. Mumford
pulled down the detested symbol with his own hands, and for that was condemned
to be hung by Gen. Butler after his arrival.
Brought in full view of the scaffold, his murderers hoped to appall his
heroic soul by the exhibition of the implements of ignominious death. With the
evidence of their determination to consummate their brutal purpose before his
eyes, they offered him life on the condition that he would abjure his country,
and swear allegiance to her foe. He
spurned the offer. Scorning to stain his
soul with such foul dishonor, he met his fate courageously, and has transmitted
to his countrymen a fresh example of what men will do and dare when under the
inspiration of fervid patriotism. I
shall not forget the outrage of his murder, nor shall it pass unatoned.
The
Governor concludes his message as follows:
I am not
introducing any new regulations for the conduct of our citizens, but am only
placing before them those that every nation at war recognizes as necessary and
proper to be enforced. It is needless,
therefore, to say that they will not be relaxed. On the contrary, I am but awaiting the
assistance and presence of the General appointed to the Department to
inaugurate the most effectual method for their enforcement. It is well to repeat them:
Trading
with the enemy is prohibited under all circumstances.
Traveling to and
from New Orleans, and other places occupied by the enemy, if forbidden. All passengers will be arrested.
Citizens
going to those places, and returning with the enemy’s usual passport, will be
arrested.
Conscripts
or militiamen, having in their possession such passports, and seeking to shun
duty under the pretext of a parole, shall be treated as public enemies. No such papers will be held sufficient excuse
for inaction by any citizen.
The
utmost vigilance must be used by the officers and citizens in the detection of
spies and salaried informers, and their apprehension promptly effected.
[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]
