31

or conferred by the high measure of confidence they hare reposed
in me, and which will ever be gratefully remembered and cherished.

Upon you gentlemen, in this juncture of our affairs, devolves the
duty of vindicating and protecting the great first principle of our
political existence, that all government derives its just powers from
the consent of the governed. If this be obliterated, and the ex-
pression of the public will, suppressed by force or fraud, we cease,
practically, to be a free people, and our theory of government
becomes a failure.

I fervently implore for the State and all her interests, the contin-
ued protection of Divine Providence, and for her public servants,
the guidance of wise and patriotic counsels.

T. WATKINS LIGON.

Executive Department,

January 6th, 1858.