Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1846-12-17
thirty companies Of volunteers. Thi, an

thirty companies Of volunteers. This an.
nouneement was responded 10 in a highly
gratifying names. More than the com
piement 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 Of November last, by virtue Of
The authority ofthe act Of The 18th Of MAY,
a requisition was made upon me for one
regiment of volunteers, often companies
for immediate service. and to serve Tor the
war. promptly issued my proclamation,
announcing this new call upon our State
declared The enrolment under my former
proclamation null and void, and made a
call for The regiment required g. in conformi-
~ with the new conditions Of the War
Department. !; is a source TO me Of pride
and satisfaction TO be able 10 inform you
that This new call has been responded to,
as far as ] have definite information from
the State, With spirit and alacIity; and
tina, the contest among us will not be who
is TO be excused, but who is TO be per-
miited 10 rally under the banner Of their
State and Country.
In the performance OF the duties which
these calls imposed upon me, | have EEL,
grea, difficulty from the clear and explici,
legislation providing for such emergencies.
But deeming it wholly inconsistent, with
the pride, character and patriotism Of the
State to omit TO respond 10 the calls which
have been made upon me, from any doub,
of nv powers, | took The measures | have
stated, and also authorized the volunteers
to cleo, their company officers. have
not made the appointment Of FIELD officers.
although il is important that II shosId be
done without delay, not deeming it ab,o-
Iuteiy indispensable. and regarding it as
more respectful TO leave the whole mat
ter TO your consideration. Indeed, have
strong doubts If this case Isl all provided
for by law; and ! have consequently nc' felt
myself at liberty 10 do more than what
seemed urgently necessary, or 10 20 as far
as has been done by the Governors OF other
States. Fer the purpose, therefore, ofput-
ting what has been done beyond all doubts,
recommend the passing OF law or joint
resolution, confirming the elections that
have been held. and the commissions that
have been issued in pursuance thereof,
and also providing for the appointment Of
feld-oficers, leaving the appointment Of
the staff as now provided in the case Of
! militia officers.
A considerable portion of the volunteer
companies Of this city consists of gallant
young men from the country, coming TO
this city with the patriotic purpose of join
ing the expedition in which they have en-
gagged, but some Of them withou, the
means Of supporting themselves until
mustered into the service of The United
States. l felt myself bound TO make a SOL
dier's provision for them. accordingly
directed the Captain of the Public Guard
TO furnish such as might need it, the best
accommodations in his power. ! am graft
fled to believe that this arrangement ac-
forded much relief, and helped to spread
the fine feeling that has been manifested.
| have also felt myself bound 20 take some
responsibility in providing uniforms and
other clothing for our regiment. 1t is tho
only plan by which it could be made to
present a uniform appearance, or be fur
nished with good and substantial clothing
for any thing like the sum allowed by the
Federal Government. / would also sug-
gest that a sum of money, not exceeding
$4,000, be appropriated for the purpose Of
supplying any deficiency in the foil and
complete equipment and comfort Of our
regiment. think that this burden should
be borne by the State alone. Other States
have promptly assumed it, aud you, gem
tlemen, will, ! am sure. cheerfully do
likewise.
Some of the finest spirits in our State,
are laboring under the disabilities Of our
snti-duelling law. Already, | believe,
some OF them have been elected officers Of
our volunteer forces; and others are pant
ing to enter the service Of their country.
Although | am fully convinced, that this
law has been productive Of the finest re-
rults, | most respectfully recommend the
passage of law exemp,ing all those who
may be engaged as volunteers in our re-
giment, from the disabilities which they
may have heretofore incurred.
am opposed to an aggressive war
Our growth will be more efectually pro-
NOTED by the arts of peace than by the
iOitC ~ diiHs Dut ltNhPNltu d. W. '"'S
been INTO our existing war, "by the actot
the Republic of Mexico" and necessarily
involved in a heavy expenditure in its
prosecution, peace should not be made ex-
cept upon concessions of territory by The
offending power. This mode Of ending
the war SO necessarily brought upon Us by
Mexico, is so obviously just, that ! am sat-
isfed it will receive the decided appro-
val Of a free and enlighted people. am
not one of those who entertain fears for our
institutions from accessions Of territory
Happiness and prosperity, not misery and
calamity-strength, not weakness, follow
ed the noble acquisition of the territory
Of Louisiana. Texas has naturally and
happily taken her position in our political
brotherhood. And, so lar, the elevation
and enlargement Of the arch oil our Union
has no, been found to weaken the noble
edifce. So far, then, from regarding ac'
cessions Of territory as dangerous to our
republic, ! consider its extention as lndIs-
pensable TO the preservation aud NAM
%ienance Of the pure principles Of our Fed