Only a single army remains to the Confederacy, and that under its boasted, "invincible chief," has fled to its intrenchments around their besieged capital. How long can it stand?

Only until the Union armies, flushed with victory, and strengthened by reinforcements, at the command of the Lieut. General, from every point of the compass, commence their triumphal march upon the doomed place. It will fall, and in its fall the Confederacy, black with treason, stained with blood, and abhorred by all good men throughout the world, will perish miserably. Upon the blackened spot where it fell will rise in resplendent beauty the reestablished Union, purified in the heated furnace of its fierce trial; consolidated in unity and affection by common sufferings and dangers; adorned with the garlands of victory and peace, it will start upon its new career. It is the career of liberty to all men. This is proclaimed to whom it may concern. In fancy we might seek to penetrate the future, and proclaim the triumphant progress of our country in its new path. But not now. It is enough that it is clear and bright. Peace approaches, following victory. Its dawning is already visible, and its full blaze will fulfill our utmost desire.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE, Lansing January 4, 1865.

AUSTIN BLAIR.

APPENDIX.

PARDONS.

The following contains a list of all the pardons granted during the year 1863 and 1864, with the reasons for the same, so far as it is possible to state them within any reasonable compass:

Peter Higgins.-Convicted of adultery in the Circuit Court for Monroe county, Nov. 7, 1862, and sentenced for two years. The offense was committed with a lewd woman, whose husband has cohabited with her ever since. The facts indicate that Higgins "was more sinned against than sinning." He had a good character before this, except that he sometimes drank too deep. The jurors who tried him, and the best citizens generally, requested his pardon.

Pardoned January 19, 1863, on condition of abstinence from the use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage.

Nathan McOmber.-Convicted of adultery in the Circuit Court for Lenawee county, at the February term. of 1862, and sentenced for three years. He is an old man, and feeble in health; the husband of the adulterous woman has continued to live with her; the evidence on the trial was very inconclusive, and there is reason to fear that there was collusion between the woman and her husband to extort money.

Pardoned March 25, 1863.

George White.--Convicted of robbery in the Circuit Court for St. Joseph county, June 19th, 1861, and sentenced for three years. The crime of the prisoner was certainly not robbery, though he was much to blame in the affair. I think his punishment has been quite sufficient. The Prosecuting Attorney and many citizens, recommended his pardon.

Pardoned March 25, 1863.

Edmund J. Bobier and William Bobier.-Convicted of arson, in the Circuit Court for Ingham county, at the April term, for 1858, and sentenced for ten years each. They have been well conducted in prison, and have served out more than than half their time. I was engaged in the trial of both of them, and am familiar with the whole case. I had then great doubt of their guilt, and have more now; but they had been keeping bad company, and drinking to excess. Their pardon has been requested by many citizens of Ingham county, and nearly all the jury who tried them.

Pardoned April 15th, 1863, on condition of abstinence from the use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and enlistment in the United States service within thirty days.

D. J. Quinn.-Convicted of assault and battery in the Police Court of Detroit, March 11th, 1863, and sentenced to pay a fine of $25, or in default to be imprisoned in the House of Correotion seventy-five days. Quinn was a soldier, and a good one. It is better that he should serve in his regiment. The sentence was too long.

Pardoned April 22, 1863.

Patrick Connell.--Convicted of murder in the second degree, in the Circuit Court for Ottawa county, April 17th, 1857, and sentenced for twelve years. Patrick was a boy of only seventeen years, and committed the act in a spree on New Year's day. There was no malice, and I am satisfied that the unlucky blow was not intended to kill. He had a good reputation previously, and has been unusually well behaved in prison. The Prosecuting Attorney, the entire board of supervisors, and most of the leading men of the county, have recommended the pardon. I have full confidence that he will be a good citizen. Pardoned April 30th, 1863, on condition of abstinence from the use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage.

John Cook.-Convicted of forgery in the District Court for Ontonagon county, July 3d, 1858, and sentenced for eight years. Cook was a lawyer, given to habits of intemperance,