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of Virginia, to be Secretary of State, in the place of Robt: Toombs (signed) Jefferson Davis

On motion of Mr. Keitt – Congress immediately and unanimously advised and consented to said appointment, Mr H- filled this important trust with eminent ability – until [?] [a?] perma- nent confederate constitutional Gov- ernment went into effect on Feb 22, 1862 shortly before that date was unanimously elected a number of Confederate States Senate.

On Nov 27th 1861. He was appointed by Congress one the commissioners to arrange terms for the admission of the State of Missouri into the Confederacy - their report was presented to Congress and unanimously adopted.

On Feb: 18th 1862 the Confederate Congress met for the first time in the City of Richmond and Mr H was elected Presdt protempore of the Senate, - a position which he continued to fill with [?] and ability – was also chairman of the finance committee -

In all financial and economic

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measures he naturally took the lead. He took a lively interest in all matters of legislation and both in the provision al congress and afterwards in the Senate it was a very rare circum stance if his role was not recorded and every question , no matter how trivial, which arose in the body of which he was at the time a member. – I have been struck with the fact that his role was so frequently recorded in the negative, which to my mind indicated his [extreme?] watchfu lness and his constant effort to [punish?] [?], bad or unwise legislation no less than his constant aim, to preserve that which was wise and wholesome.

That was a much critical period and demanded the greatest ability and resource, both in the Executive and legislative departments of the hard pressed confederacy.

Mr Hunters influence was great and commanding. His advice, counsel and influence were not only felt and welcomed in all the great measures of military defense

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and equipment then adopted, but even in the election of officers to important commands.

He had the confidence and friendship of Mr Davis and his cabinet and was freely consulted as to all the great measures of defense and supplies.

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[Stamped envelope]

[Postmark] Baltimore, MD Nov 4 730PM 1906

[Handwritten] [Address]

William Baird Esq, Occupacia Essex Co. Va

[Marginalia]

Journal Confed Cong:

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Journal of the C. S. Congress [First Session.][underlined] Held at Richmond, Va. Feb 18, 1862 to April 21, 1862 [Second Session][underlined] Held at Richmond, Va. Aug. 18, 1862 to Oct. 13, 1862. Vol. II, P.[6?] The first business in order being the election for President for the time being, on motion of Mr. Davis (N.C.) Mr. Hunter was unanimous elected to that position ([?] by chair by [?] [?] his acknowledgement of the honor confered.) p. 15 Mr. H. administered oath of office [?] [?] V.P. at inauguration on Feb 24, 1862. [p. 13?] Tuesday April 1, 1862 The President of the Senate being absent Mr Hunter, by unanimous consent, took the chair. p. 19 Vol. II – Tuesday Febr 25, 1862 On motion by Mr Hunter & by unaminous consent, ordered that the following be the standing committees of the Senate - - - - - A committe on Finance, [counting?] of Mr Barnwell (Chariman), Hunter, Davis, Denis, & Henry – (This is the only committee on which Mr Hunter ‘s name appears) - - - (Mr Hunter’s name occurs repeatedly in reporting bills from the Committee in Finance.

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Journal of Congress of C.S.

Vol. II p. 213 - April 21, 1862 The Senate proceeded [?] election for President [pro tempore][underlined], Mr. Clay nominated Mr. Hunter, and no other nominations being made it was [Resolved unanimously][underliend] that the Hon R M T Hunter be appointed President of the Senate pro tempore. On motion of Mr. Clay [Resolved][underlined] that a committee of [two][underllined] be appointed to inform Mr Hunter of his election and conduct him to the chair. Mr Clay & Mr Johnson were appointed The committee [?] conducted the President pro tempore [to the?] chair, he rose and adressed the Senate as follows: [Senators:][double underline] It is with deep sensibility that I [?] [?] to you my thanks for the honor which you have done me in electing me as President pro tempore of the Senate. I have endeavored [?] so to discharge the duties of that office as [to?] promote the efficiency of your labors. With what success this [?] [?] for me to judge, But it could be no difficult task to preside over such a body as this, [?] as this [  ? ] my earnest desire?