Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1859-11-30
ORGANIZATION OF THE MILITIA.

IT, me Editor If the Wing:
FavOraby impressed with the views presented bv one
Of your correspondents few days since and Of the entire
feasibility OF the plan suggested by him for the thorough
organization Of the militia Of the State now call YOUR
attention. and through you the attention Of the public
60 a rcteratiou Of the substance OF that article
Fearing neither Greek, nor jew nor mortal race and
accustomed look only 10 the remote possibility Of war
With some foreign power, have quietly suffered our
militia 10 degenerate into mere name. Though nomi-
rNly the system il revived yet who benefit like.
" to arise from the revival Of the actg That the act
should have been revived there be no quesdon.-
Inat the militia should be thoroughly organized, prop
ery ocercd aud drilled the cxigcnries Of the times inn
peratiyely demand. They the great bulwark upon
which Virginia must rest for support aud protection
The recent prompt action Of her volunteers leaves no
doubt Of their efficiency and their patriotism But val
INIT and determined they are, can they alone defend
aud preserve the State from impending danger? What
proportion Of able bodied population do our voun
teors comprise very small one, Whyg Because
the body Of people the bone and snew Of our popu
hton are laborng men, and poor men albeit men full
Of patriotism and bravery, who cling with holy affection
around their STATE, who feel the blood rush ercely
through their veins as insult after insult il offered yr
g.ul.
such arc the men who form our Wli,i, Shall ,bov
rot be organized and made avaiabeg Are they not the
true defence 90 which must ookg The gay uniform
aud sOid1rv bearing OF our Volunteers are gratifying 10
the eye, aud inspire high degree Of pride 10 hearts
yet gorgeous may be the tint OF the full blown flow
whence comes it uourshmeut its very existence
Prom The rugged hllfhidsn root Cultivate that and
Won improve the flower. NOursh and for that and
parent stem, another will be generated IN s stead
let the Militia then, the root Of our defence be cult
'atc1 Let them Doe drilled and made ready 20 second
and H take The place Of Volunteers should
c misfortune Of war sweep them away How shall th.
Doe donet The plan is simple, and overcomes the two
objections commonly urged % the Volunteer corpz viz
expense and time Let the Captains Of the various Mill
Do companies convene their men, cause the election o
ai necessary oicrr- and OK upon some simple uniform
such 900 you choose as suggested by your former CORES
r'ndcuf, VIZ black pant black felt hat aud red or blu
flannel shirt coming TO The waist Let every man b,
provided boy the state with % musket cartridge box
.ca0bord and belt and then let them be regularly drill
Cd n least once boz every month II the occrs elect ar
not acCiaus then Jet The officers Of Volunteer couuan
icf aud Others who have enjoyed The benefits Of mtar
instruction, volunteer 20 instruct and drill them.
~ oud Dc the highest pleasure Of any true soldier
Though private citizen aud an Indifferent acucisu
would ncverthelc seize with pleasure any opporurit
81 in'iructng our Militia aud rendering them an cHcen
domestic guard for the immediate protection of our 6r,
sides. When shall ibis be- done answer At once -
The public security and honor Of our State require IN
2 step % be taken now
Indignation at the insults offered Virginia and loy
Tor This Old Commonwealth have induced he present.
ton q The above views. VIII they be secondedg
Il GAVIN A