[Confederate Imprint] HOUSE BILL, No. 214. A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO DEFINE AND PUNISH CONSPIRACY AGAINST THE CONFEDERATE STATES (House of Representatives, Nov. 18, 1864)

[Richmond, 1864]. Unbound. Very Good binding. Octavo. 2 pp. Confederate imprint. Caption title: "House of Representatives, Nov. 18, 1864.--Read first and second times, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. November 22, 1864.--Reported back favorably, and ordered to be printed. [By Mr. Russell.]" Single leaf. Early "Rebel Archives, War Department" rubber stamp on the top of the recto; expected toning to the leaf, but a clear, bright print. An interesting bill that outlines what constitutes "conspiracy" against the Confederate States and the punishment for those found guilty of this "high crime." Indeed a broad scope that would range from "subvert, overturn, or destroy, by force, the Government of the Confederate States" to "annoy the soldiers in the military service." Conviction would be punished by a fine up to $5,000 and imprisonment "with or without labor" up to 5 years. In the closing months of the war, one might imagine this as a last ditch effort to keep soldiers and civilians engaged in the cause. Parrish & Willingham 719; Crandall 455.