Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-01-07
CITY AFFAIRS.
VOLUNTEER COMPANIES.

writer in the Republican. over the signature OF
Morgan has laerly addressed series of articles to
Governor Floyd, the organization and equipment OF
Volunteer Companies. Ii seems, that revival in mill
tay spirit has lately developed itself in city, and
that chs Excellency The Governor" whatever his po-
Hticdt delnquencies, has expressed himself as Co
should do, most mautuy in favor OF the rege-
neration and amelioration Of our Volunteer Compa-
MES.
Whatever difference of opinion may exist in this COM
munity to the utility OF these associations in times OF
peace, it is very certain that their dsbandment would be
regarded with universal regret. The very composition
OF our population renders proper to maintain at least
semblance of power, and those who believe such ex-
hbtons unnecessary are utterly ignorant OF the nature
OF moral forces Other inducements may operate at the
South to create and foster military associations but with
us the necessity of keeping the complicated influences Of
our social system within due bounds is paramount to all
other considerations, and indeed all sufficient oi itself
to induce every good citizen TO lend his aid to object
so praseworthy.
Viewed in this light, the utility of Volunteer Compa-
MES is be questioned they in fact the only or
ganzed forces available for emergencies as the regular
army is scattered in dninuve squads over the vast
frontier of the West and "a we'll regulated militia
lists yet only 10 the distractions OF Virginia Legsa
tors.
But the problem with us is the organization and main
enance Of these Volunteer Companies upon respecta-
bic and economical footng-for it does seem, notwith
standing the recent revival which has occurred in Rich
mond, that military spirit is not only at Glow ebb"
throughout the "Old Dominion but that even the
skeleton formations that exist likely to die for
want of encouragement The writer referred to pro-
poses the exemption Of Volunteers from jury duty and
ellis Excelency, the Governor has most decidedly
recommended the experiment. But this will be nsufi-
Gent unless the expenses attending these associations
met by liberaty the part OF the Government
It is idle to suppose that in this community or else
where, actively engaged in business will devote either
time OF money to empty pageant, without
responding remuneration.
Accordingly it will be found necessary not only to re-
organize the whole SYSTEM but to invest with certain
privileges and perquses without which all the labor,
enterprise and patriotism OF few, will be wasted in
vain efforts to boserup power which possesses in itself
no inherent strength
II tits, therefore, advisable foster the military spirit
of people, and to maintain Volunteer Companies in
our community, for purposes of utility the recommended
ton OF the Governor should be adopted and certain al
owances OF arms, equipments and ammunition, granted
each year, at the expense of the State.
The diminished numbers that compose the volunteer
corps of our city attest not only its ns gncance but
its dependence upon the fluctuations of popular fancy.
Membership is easily acquired and readily thrown
aside, that it is unusual for individuals to enrol
themselves with view to participate in some gala day
festival after which they carefully avoid the dudgery of
drills and such like requirements.
There many who also hold themselves in reserve
to turn out in cases of emergency, forgeu of the fact
that uninstruced evies not always rentorcements
The military act requires progressive instruction, and
without some stability and regularity in memberships
efficiency can be expected 1t is for this that
eleventh hour accessions are scarcely desirable.
1t follows from these views that little will be done in
the instruction of volunteers beyond the manual Of
arms, unless permanency is Infused into the sys-
tenn; or that be mpraccable there must be vast in
crease in the rank and file, for when the number is
large the more interest is aptto be excited.
But the necessity of change in the organization Of
the volunteer service Especially demanded the cavalry
arm In it the squadron is the unit Of force, and
cordngto the prescribed tactics, the minimum strength
of squadron must be 4S files or ninety-six men,
Every troop intended for field service should at least
through the school Of the squadron but as the organza
ton contemplaes two rank formation it will be found
utterly mpracticable to drill and manGuvre squadron
composed of less than is files. The same may be APP
piled to certain extent to the artillery arm, for few
evoutions OF tactics be performed with less thar
four pieces.
The armament of volunteers is scarcely less defective
than their organization In the cavalry, sabre. ps
tolls tthe latter flint lock- without carbines rifles mus
kets other weapon available for active duty upon foot
anything beyond the duties OF skirmishes could scarce
! ly be expected from such corps especially when
supported by infantry 1t is proposed therefore, to fur
nsh the cavalry with carbnes of the Inch pattern for
independent OF its excellence in other respects, it is
easily and economically served with ammunition.
1t is somewhat questionable however, whether rifles
or shot guns, furnished with movable bayonet
would not prove better adapted to the desutoy servc
incidental volunteers. AS is, the cavalry and art
lery alike powerless, except under certain circum
stances for discreet commander would be 10th to rel
much upon such weapons as pistols and sabres.
Touching the UNIFORM much may be said, for so va
ried the tancies Of people that every style of gar
ment may be found in the volunteer corps. Exrava
gance apt be the chief characteristic, and it is no
unusual at the North to find companies and regiment
ignorant of the of their arms but gttering on pa
rade in all the prouson of gold lace and embroidery
This is that has induced certain class of citizens
regard these associations with dstrust The wastetul ex
ol any OSlenSlDe re
Enumeration to the individuals, the State are sui
Gent to enlist the preudces of large class any
muny.
But the gaudy rappngs and superhuous habiliments
ostenatously displayed in some of our cities, would b.
found in actual service sad drawback upon the eff
cheney Of troops for even veterans accustomed to thu
camp for years, very readily lay aside gay feathers
and tight coats for cloth caps and round jackets Thu
hatc hrac b, A.
frontier and in the woods of Florida, were exceen
marks to direct the Indian rifles and many brave fellow
have lost their lives by wearing the livery of their pro
fession.
Butslmphclty and economy are not incompatible will