The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-12-12
virginia Legislature.

Il
Scott ESQ., reelected speaker of the Senate and Mr.
A. Hansford, clerk. William o. Goode. esq, was re-
elected speaker OF the House of Delegates, and g. w
MunfoTd, esq, clerk.
On the same day, Governor William Smith sent in
his annual message
The governor exEahates upon many interesting sub
eets Of State polcy-upon the condition of the liter
airy fund, and the education OF the people-upon the
internal mproyements-he penitentiary--un asy-
um--reoms in the courts-the case OF Robert r.
Smith, of Nansemond condemned to death but repreYed
by the former goyemor-upon the condition of the
banks-the militia, and upon variety of subjects
bearing upon the great interests OF Virginia Weare
der the necessy>of passing these, and combining
ourselves to the following extracts from the message
touching upon matters Of national concemment:
During the past year Texas became member of our
federal Union. Pending this negotiation which led to
this suspicious result, Mexico protested against il in the
most formal manner, notifying our government that she
would regard Il a cause OF war. Upon the passage of
our resolutions for annexation, the Mexican minister,
Gen. Almonte under the orders OF his government abb
uptly terminated his diplomatic relations, and left the
country He did not wait for Texas TO adopt the meas
ures called for by resolutions, and TO give her
sent To the union. The consular agents OF Mexico
also withdrawn. War to the Sabine was announced.
And such her various manifestations of active hos
ity that Texas called upon the United States Tor pro-
lection This power having taken the steps which ust
fed our Intervention, our troops advanced into the coun
try and quarterel at Corpus Christi, west of the Nueces
This post was then held by a body of Texan rangers.
and had been for months and were ordered there for the
protection OF Texas against the inroads OF the Cqman-
ches. 1t Texan settlement. Texas had always
claimed the Rio Gnnde her western boundary. Santa
Anna had admitted it, Our most distinguished states
men had maintained it. Congress had extended the
laws of the United States over the whole country up
to this limit and then, and not until then, did our
troops march upon the Rio Grande. When they reach
ed this boundary, and encamped opposite Alaamoros,
General TAYLOR gave TO the Mexican general every
OF peaceful purpose. For some tune no bel
ligeren act was done by the Mexicans So thorough
~ satisfied was our little army that the peace OF the two
countries would not be disturbed that the gallant orth
gave up his command upon point OF rank and rendered
his commission 10 his government Up to thus moment
no begerent act had been committed by either party
But the hostile intentions OF Mexico were not long TO
remain concealed Colonel Cross under the confidence
of our peaceful relations having left encampmen was
basely murdered Porter and small party met similar
fate Other acts OF aggression occurred and hnaly Mex
leo abandoned her disguise, marched her troops across
the Rio GTande, and commenced the war. The gallant
defence of Fort Brown, made immortal by the death OF
hero and the battle of Pao Alto and Resaca de la Palma,
were the consequences These deeds of arms are des-
tined TO make glnering page IN the history OF our
country They filled the American heart with g!ainesS
and with confidence but unmnged with disposition TO
trample upon our beaten and wanton Zoe. Peace was
again offered by us, and again rejected by Mexico with
out effort at negotiation And nothing Is now lett US
but nglorously to abandon those fields which we have
gorously won Or by change in our plan OF opera
tons originally designed suppose, merely to secure
satisfactory frontier TO conquer peace, by penetrating
81 must be higly gratifying to every American that
General TAYLOR was instructed by his government care
fully avoid, il possible, all collision with the troops OF
Mexico And is less gratifying 10 know that this
order strictly obeyei The peace OF the world was
not broken BY us Mexico had committed outrage upon
outrage upon us, through series OF years relying upon
her numerical superiority and confident OF an easy VIC
tory, she made bold and daring assault upon our army
at in view of these facts that the Congress OF the
United States on the 18th May 1916 BY an act passed
with despatch and unanmity unknown in our leglsa-
ton declared that whereas, by the act of the republic
OF Mexico state of exists between that government
thorized the President so call for and accept the SER
vices of number of volunteers, not exceeding nifty
thousand. Under this authority, was called upon by
the War Department under date OF May last TO Mold
in readiness three regiments OF volunteers To put my
self in condition promptly to answer call for immediate
service, by proclamation, announced to my tellow-cl
readiness to receive tender OF the services OF
thirty companies of volunteers This announcement was
responded TO in highly gratifying manner More than
the amount required promptly enrolled and rendered their
services for a twelve months campaign. These troops
were not called into the field but under date OF the 10th
November last by virtue of the authority of the act OF
the 18th May, requistlon was made upon me Tor one
regiment of volunteers of ten companies, for immediate
service and to serve for the war promptly issued my
proclamation announcing the new call upon our State
declared the enrolment under my former proclamation
null and void, and made call for the regiment required
in conformity with the new conditions of the War
Department II is source OF pride and satisfaction to
be able to inform YOU that this new call has been res
ponded to- far as have definite information from the
State, with spirit and aacrty; and that the contest
among is not who is to be excused but VINO Is to be
permitted to rally under the banner OF Their State and
country.
sIn the performance OF the duties which these calls
imposed upon me, have felt great difficulty from the
OF clear and explicit legislation providing for such
emergencies But deeming it wholly inconsistent with
the pride, character and patriotism OF the State to omit
TO respond to the calls which have been made upon me,
from any doubt OF my powers took the measures have
stated, and also authorized the volunteers to elect their
company officers. | have not made the appointment OF
field officers although it is important that 1t should be
done without delay not deemng absolutely mdspensa
be and regarding as more respectful to leave the whole
matter TO Your consideration indeed, have strong
doubts, if this at all provided for by law; and
have consequently not felt myself at liberty to do more
than what seemed urgently necessary togo as lar as has
been done by the of other States For the pu
pose therefore, of putting what has been done beyond all
doubt, recommend the passage OF law or JOINT resolu
ton confirming the elections that have been held, and
the commissions that have been issued in pursuance there
Of and also providing for the appointment of field officers,
leaving the appointment OF the stall as now provided In
the case of militia officers.
"a considerable portion of the volunteer companies of
this city consists OF gallant young from the coun
try, coming to this city with the patriotic purpose OF
Joining the expedition in which they have engaged but
some of them without the means of supporting them
selves until mustered into the service OF the United States
felt myself bound to make soldiers provision for
them / accordingly directed the captain Of the pub
lie guard to furnish such might need the best
that this arrangement afforded much relief, and help
ed to spread the fine feeling that has been manifested
have also felt myself bound to take responsible
ty in providing uniforms and other clothing for reg
nen II is the only plan by which it could be made to
present uniform appearance, or be furnished with good
and substantial clothing for anything like the allow
ed by the federal government would also suggest that
ho Tod