s222_b027_x01_01

Whereas the admission of the Territory of Iowa as a sovereign State of the Union, would in our opinion, if Florida is not at the same time admitted, give an undue preponderance in the National Councils to the northen and non-slave holding States; and tend to destroy that balance of power; which ever ought to preveil between the conflicting and sectional interests of the Republic: and Whereas, we are warned by facts and circumstances most significant, that the interests and institutions particular to ourselves, and the South generally, will be assailed with renewed vehemence, and that it is a duty which we owe to our Southern brethren of the confederacy generally, as well as to ourselves, to seek and gain admission to the Union as an independent State, in order that we may have our due weight and just share of influence in the Congress of the United States. And although the individual interests of the people of Florida, who are but just recovering from the desolating and ruinous effects of a protracted Indian war, as well as from very general and severe pecuniary embarrassments, might, perhaps, be better advanced by remaining still longer in a Territorial Givernment, yet, in view of the more important and paramount interests above suggested, and believing that the people of Florida are ready and willing to make any and all reasonable sacrifices for the general good, therefore. Resolved, that it is expedient and proper, in our opinion, that Florida should be brought into the Union as an independent and sovereign State, at the same time that Iowa shall be admitted. Resolved, that our Delegate in Congress be requested, in case Iowa is admitted, or seeks admission to the Union, to use his utmost endeavors to procure the passage of a law admitting Florida also to the confederacy, and to endeavor to introduce into the same a provision for the future division of the State, which will secure to us by the treaty of eighteen hundred and nineteen with Spain. /s/William A. Forward Adopted by the Senate 23rd January Speaker of the House of Representatives /s/Thos. H. King Secy. Senate /s/George W. Macrae Adopted by the House 25th January 1845 President of the Senate /s/H. Archer Approved January 27th 1845 Secty Ho Rep /s/W. Mosely Gov. of Florida