war and devising ingenious schemes for distressing and maltreating the citizens of the seceding States.

To give any hope either of a satisfactory adjustment or of a peaceful separation, we must refrain from war, and from whatever will inevitably lead to war; and as the undersigned is convinced that the proposed bill will be the most irritating form of hostilities, he cannot concur with the committee in recommending its passage.

L. O'B. BRANCH.