<title type="main">Provisional Government of the State of Kentucky, Journal

Tuesday December 17.th 1861

The Council met. J. W. Crockett President Pro.tem in the chair.

Mr Moore from the Committee on Ways and means made the following report Towit

The Committee to whom was referred the resolution requiring a report in regard to the compensation of Commissioners to settle with the collecting officers &c. would beg leave to submit the following report.

In view of the difficulties which suggest themselves growing out of the nature of the duties to be performed by the Commissioners, we recommednd that no specific compensation be now fixed. While this Committee will be willing to allow and pay to said Commissioners a just and liberal compensation, we at the same time desire, that it shall be as nearly equal, as the nature of the case may require. In some sections of the Country the duties of the Commissioner will be as we apprehend comparatively easy -- in others very difficult. We therefore think that we can much more easily approach Justice and equity by making the allowance after the labor is performed- Therefore we ask to be discharged form the further Consideration of the subject of the resolution untill after the said Commissioners shall be discharged their duties.

Said report was adopted and the committee discharged from a further consideration of the subject.

Mr Moore from the Committee on the Judiciary reported a bill entitled "an act to define Treason" which bill was read a first time. Ordered That said bill be read a second time. On motion the rule of the Council Constitutional provision and second reading were dispensed. with.

Mr Moore moved the following resolution Towit Resolved That the Committee on the Judiciary be instructed to report a bill providing for the taking of the oath of allegiance to the Government of the Confederate States of America." And before the question was taken thereon it was withdrawn

Mr Thompson moved the following resolution Towit Resolved That hereafter there shall be but one daily session, of this Council, unless specially Ordered. The question being put said resolution was rejected --

A Special Message from the Governor by R. McKeeSecretary of State: Mr President I am directed by the Governor to lay before this Council a communication in writing:

Executive Office Bowling Green Ky December 16.th 1861 Gentlemen of the Council of the State of Kentucky

The resignation of the Office of Treasurer by the Honl Theodore L. Burnett is herewith inclosed to you.

I nominate for this Office John Burnam

George W. Johnson

The resignation referred to in the foregoing message is as follows Towit

Bowling Green Ky 16.th Dec. 1861. His Excellency: George W Johnson

Sir. Having been honored by an election to a seat in the Confederate Congress I here- tender my resignation as Treasurer of the Provisional Government of the State of Kentucky

I have the honor to be most Truly Your Obt Servt T. L. Burnett

The resignation of T. L. Burnett as Treasurer was accepted and the nomination of John Burnam unanimously confirmed.

Executive Office Bowling Green Ky. Dec. 16.th 1861

Gentlemen of the Council of the State of Kentucky

I herewith lay before you a communication by Telegraph from the Hon H. C. Burnett.

George W. Johnson

The communication referred to reads as follows Towit "By Telegraph from Richmond -- 16- 1861 To George W. Johnson Govr. of Ky.

Congress has rescinded resolution of adjournment -- Bill in regard to Kentucky Banks passed

H. C. Burnett

And then the Council adjourned until 2 1/2 O'Clock P. M.

Evening Session

The Council met at 2 1/2 O'Clock P. M. J W Crockett Prest Pro tem in the chair

The committee on enrollments reported that they had examined an enrolled bill entitled "An act requiring all the Officers of the State of Kentucky to take an oath to support the Constitution of the Confederate States of America." Also a preamble and resolutions in reference to the 1st Kentucky Regiment" and that they had found the same truly enrolledThereupon the President Protem affixed his signature thereto

And then the Council adjourned until 10 O'Clock A. M. tomorrow.

Attest A. Frank Brown Clerk.