Southern Congress,
An impressive prayer was delivered by Rev. Basil May.
On motion of Mr. Rhett, Howell Cobb, of Ga., was chosen permanent President.
Johnson F. Hooper, of the Mail, was elected Secretary.
All the delegates were present except F. Martin, of Fla.
In the course of Mr. Cobb's address on taking the chair, he said.
The occasion which has assembled us together is one of no ordinary character. We meet as representatives of sovereign and independent States, who by their solemn judgment have dissolved all the political associations which connect them with the Government of the United States. It is now a fixed and irrevocable fact that the separation is perfect, complete and perpetual. The great duty now imposed is to provide a Government for our future security and protection. We can and should extend our late sister States who are identified with us in interest, feelings and institutions, a cordial invitation to unite in a common destiny, desirous at the same time of maintaining with our late confederates friendly relations, political and commercial.
The usual preliminary business was attended to.
Adjourned until to-morrow.
