The Governor had also issued a proclamation on April 2d, convening the Legislature in extra session at Lansing on the 7th of May. The Legislature met pursuant to the call, when a stirring address was delivered by the Governor, in which he gave a detail of the work already accomplished, and at the same time asked the Legislature to legalize his past action, and to invest the State authorities with sufficient power for the future.
A session of four days resulted in the passage of laws endorsing the acts of the Governor, and clothing him with full authority to raise ten regiments; also to effect a loan of one million dollars, which was speedily accomplished. The Legislature, fully appreciating the patriotic and perilons services required of the troops, and the sacrifices which must be made by their families in their absence, especially as to a means of support, and at the same time anticipating that some might be unprovided for, or might be left in want by the contingencies or casualties of war, wisely enacted the "Soldiers' Relief Law," to contribute aid to their families by counties; this allowance to be made in the discretion of the supervisors according to circumstances, but not to exceed fifteen dollars a month, and in case of the death of a soldier, to continue one year thereafter.