Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1833-12-19
FOR TIE ENQUIRER
To the Members of the Virginid LepisI0fure

To the Members of the Virginia LegisIafure
Ge,'fiemen-You will be called on time this
sion, to fill the office of Brigader General for the 18th
Brigade occasoned by the resignation of Gen. billiard, of
Henry In making the appointment various opinions will
those you should suppor-but IL you will bear in mind
the wise saying Of the noble that
guen The honor Of comanding ought tohave been long
and fully instructed hOto to obeywe have no fears az
to the beneficial and popular result of your selection Let
this maxim govern yo in choice, and the result will
be- that you will appoint who will be acceptable pro-
h,ab'e nay more, highly popular with the Brigade On
these occasions, personal esteem party feelings indeed
every thing, the grand object Of promoting the honor
pride, and standing of the Brigade should be laid aside
Oh late years, we think we have much DISPOSE
ton the part Of Legislature TO elect TO our higher
Offices in military lie, this Congress that Senator
-apd whilst we have the same exalted opinon OF these
gentlemen as statesmen and politicians, and even would
lend our humble aid in exaltng them the highest pitch TO
which their laudabIe ambition aspes;sil think without
previous study, without military experience bey are
better suited for the Cabinet than the field an, an old
officer, and have long since learnt and many Of you
also well aware OF the truth Of the assertion, that il
are not blessed by birth with faculties that are naturally
adapted to the situation OF officer and if talents do
not ut the extraordinary attending military
lite, we will scarcely Ise above mcdiocriy II IL
the pursuits Of life is in painting music Per.
lection In either art science grows Of innate talents
nurtured by long anu assuos cultivation Of its
and can never be acquired without il.
To our highest Offices In military life, we should mos,
certainly appoint those OF known probiy Of character
esteemed fellow citizens and OF eminent military qualica
tons We should appoint those who have done the
State some serpce and who, by their devotion mill
assuuuy perseverance IN these
matters, have shown themselves worthy of their counry
appreciation, and their countrys promotion. We should
appoint those whom we have every reason TO believe
would be personally popular. and those whom the suba
terms weuld delight TO honor and obey. We should ap-
point those whose military accomplishments are equalled
only by their social and private virtues. Ii such he the
rules that viii govern You your choice, would
specully point you to able and mertorious Brigade
Inspector, Col David Rodes. as one who will deserve
your support On entering the army during the late war;
he Volunteered as private; leaving it, the dis
charge OF his regiment his merit had promoted him the
Adu,ancy On removing to Lyncbburg, he organized q
Volunteer Company, of which he unanimously chosen
Captain and after having passed through all the interne
date grades, he has risen Brigade Inspector the last
highest gift in the hands Of his feow-solders. There
none but will testify TO the able mastery and salts
factory manner in which he acquitted himself in all the
different offices he has held And now, should
you continue to aid that promotion which Col Rodes
met with, and which his distinguished talents
officer has claimed for him, you will be doing al act
to the Brigade, which know will give general salts
faction; and we have no hesitation in saying. from his
general and thorough acquaintance Of those composing
Brigade, that should he be promoted Brigader
that IL will prove the able and popular appointment
that could be made. AN OFFICER THE
91sf Reo'f Virpiuin MILITIA