the ladies of my native State of Florida, I assure you we go heart and hand into the cause, and will do all in our feeble power to assist in the maintenance of her proud Declaration of Independence. I cheerfully accept the portion of duty assigned me, and will embellish the immortal Parchment as you desire and request.
I have the honor to be, yours respect'y,
E. M. EPPES.
Which was read.
Mr. Beard of Leon moved that Committees of three each be appointed by the President to wait on his Excellency the Governor, both branches of the Legislature, and upon the Judges of the Supreme Court, and inform them that the Convention is now ready to proceed to the East Portico of the Capitol, to ratify the Ordinance of Secession and invite their attendance;
Which motion was agreed to and the Committees appointed.
Mr. Beard of Leon, from the Committee, to wait on the Governor, reported that the Committee had performed the duty assigned them, and that the Governor, from indisposed health, could not be present at the signing of the Ordinance of Secession, but that Gen. Milton, Governar elect, was present, and would officiate on the occasion.
The Convention then proceeded in procession to the east portico of the Capitol, and after prayer by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Rutledge, signed the Ordinance of Secession before the assembled citizens of Florida.
After which the President declared that the State of Florida was a free and independent State, and that all political connection between her and the "existing government of the United States" was dissolved.
Gen. Milton, Governor elect, in behalf of the Ladies of Broward's Neck of Duval county, presented to the Convention and to the people of Florida a beautiful flag, which was received and responded to by the President.
The Convention returned to their Hall and resumed business.
On motion of Mr. Davis of Leon, the Convention went into Committee of the Whole on an ordinance to provide for the assembling of a Convention of all the seceding slaveholding States, Mr. Pelot of Alachua in the Chair. After some time spent therein, the Committee rose, reported progress and asked leave to sit again;
Which report was concurred in.
Mr. Davis of Leon made the following report:
The Select Committee on South Carolina Relations, to whom was referred the communication made to this House by the State of South Carolina, through her Commissioner, and in compliance with the instruction of the Convention, beg leave to re-
