Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1847-01-19

The alacrily with which the Cadets of The Viz
einia Military Ii stiule have responded 10 The
cal OF the State Tor volunteers for the Mexican
war, is worthy oil all commentator, and pre-
ssnts a strong iDducement 10 The Legislature 10
cherish an institution which has proved its abli-
" to furnish mill asy aid OF the best description
in time Of need. As Standing armies are opposed
TO the genius Of our institutions, and frequent mi
litia drills in line Of peace would mol be loara-
TED there IS no nther feasible method Ivy which any
available amount OF military science can be i'm
ma rted 10 The mass OF our citizen soldiers, but
through The medium CT military schools. These
Offer a, once lhe cheapest, and indeed The only
pfact ca Die means By which so desirable al end
can b. even apptoxlmaltd, and The Virginia MI
mary lnsi'ulc ailutd> striking instance OF what
.ii,aiy schools may and viii perform, II sus-
;ainra u; Legislative encouragement nj patron
age Bu whist paw a well deserved tribute 10
The patriotic zeal and military requirements OF
the Cadets, cannot pass by the opportunity
which The occasion offers, TO render honor 10
whom honor is due, for the distinguished militia
~ reputation, which public opinion accords TO
The Lexington cadets. From the second year Of The
establishments Of the institute up 10 this time,
Cant. Thomas n. Williamson has been the
professor of tactics, civil and military engineer
ing, and drawing, and The sole Instructor in the
military department.; and the public e1amlna-
lions, Annually made al The institute, have al
fordei The most Satisfactory evidence oil The adm-
fabIe manner in which The cadets have been drill
ed, and oil the thorough manner in which they
have been taught every thing properly appertan-
lug 10 military service. For Ibis they have been
indebed 10 an instructor. who, | am con6dent,
has M superior, !; he has his equal, in The Stale
Of Virginia, a, a military teacher Capt. W..
was educated al Wesl Point, aud has for many
Years since devoted himself assiduousy 10 The
duties OF MS profession and Ia the requirement n
military Information, IN which respect he will
fdvorably compare v ith The most accomplished
captains in COR country. And, with the frank and
rprn-hearrd manacrs 4 the solder, he possesses
me snuni'sr :, mnds Of the perfect genllsman.-
Hence no iearhcr has ever Obtained a larger
.nafe 81 the "sscm and regard OF their pupils or
mas ever exercise a more commanding n1oial IN
hueuce owe, ihne committed Ia tleit chaig-- an
nd sprn>a Ole auxi.tary 10 all good and cErcliyc
discipline As might nave been ANTICIPATED, the
military acquirtmeAi> al lie cadets, their gentle
manly brafin., AND chivalrous spirit, with lev
Unavailable exceptions have mot conclusively
illustrated h. ABILITY and the fidelity with which
the military professor has discharged all his du-
lies.
The Institute has done honor 10 The State, and
10 singss individual mas done more than Captain
Wills mson 10 exall lis military reputation and
10 inlu.e iuio The bosons OF IFS alumni the chival-
~ which hey have so conspicuously displayed.
10 bes,oW,ne upon Capt. Williamson, however,
this well meIiied eulogy, | desire no oisparaoe-
men, To me Other distinguished professors who
adorn Inc Ioslu,e and whose several depart
meuts are ably and faithfully hI!ed. Ii is only in
| reference 10 the military reputation of The Lex
insineton school that claim for Capt. William
son The distinguished honor OF being its chief ar
chilec and | am persuaded, from what know
of the sentiments OF the cadets upon this subject,
that large majority OF them will most cordially
assent 10 the justice OF this claim and rejoice lc
aid in establishing it. B.