Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1859-11-24
ORGANIZATION OF THE MILITIA.

10 the EdttOT Of the Richmond Wing:
SiR-The time has come when the South must
look the danger meuacing her long fully in the face
aud prepare TO meet it, Upon Virginia is The duty par.
ticullry incumbent; for whenever the struggle comes
she will be the Flanders of America Her people see
this and are taking steps to sustain themselves a. they
speak here of one of those steps only. Her armed
defence.
perception of the necessity for organizing her mill.
ary force and the readiness Of her to defend her
honor exhibits itself in the rapid formation of youpteer
companies throughout the State.
but this Is not sufficient. We know not how soon the
necessity may come. When il does volunteer force
Is not large enough land will not bel TO enable Us 10
throw large body Of men at needed points and retain
enough efficient men for home protecton-for our you
eers form but small per centage Of the male adult
population.
The following large classes among others do not belong
20 such companies
i Young men, clerks living on small salaries appren
ices, iOurneymcn mechanics etc whose rnesns IL ,n,
enable them to 90 TO the expense Of obtaining uniforms
equipments and paying company charges
? Men whose occupations do not afford them the time
necessary Tor the frequent drills and meetings required
by regular volunteer service
o. Men whose health tastes or habits are such tina,
hey could not well conform to the acquisitions Of such
companies.
J. Men past the meridian Of life who would dislike
the attendance Of ordinary volunteer life and never ioiu
volunteer companies, as now organized
let, all these men willing TO fight for their coun
nv ana Their institutions, when needed and are good
true, valuable men. But brave and willing ne tbev are
aud elective ms they would be- under organization ib
ont il they would be almost yauelpss i'm an emergoncv
Tor want oil concert Of action pre-arranged order rcog
H'cd commanders and arms at hand and recent eYpe
Renee has told us that when wanted there will be ftis
time for arrangement and arming consequently We rnus
nave an organization Of our militia
The following seems feasible IL not IL NAV cali ,ri
thc suggestion Of a better plan.
Let each militia captain write out an agreement Of mr.
t'nlzation see every man in HE company and obtain
he signatures Of al he can
The uniform 10 be black pants black felt hat and beav,
I' uAunti .rt officers distinguished bv stripes on m,
shoulder or hat This uniform will be eSceedinpl,
neat, and can DO obtained 10y every one
Each member 20 draw from the State and L.e, {,
perfect order muskei bayonct bayonet bel, carbide,
/ hpx ana ten rounds ball cartridges
f@ch company 10 have separate fixed pIare az ron
'zhou7, within H. district, at the tap Of the bell
Tue companies 10 elect fun COMPLEMENT Of oHcers
"" 'hah mold Office upon certificate Of the cspi,in iI
,. necessity OF obtaining commissions or further uui
'oTm', until required by the company
h''h company 70 have n monthly drill and ipsrec,;o,
~ aIm, pr some building provided by the eity Tor m,
General drllroom - ' ivy Jul WV
tor lhe next four months competent drill officer, q,
Fse9t at The general drl.rOou nightly for the our
present thcmscivrs '''P'"'S ~ ma
in'' system seems adapted to alI cities t,v,,. .i II,
Z - Nun ~ adopted throughout the whole south -
I, 49, man over sixteen years of aOe soili,
. | :! W, c'ch man very little will consur,o s...i
/, - ', W lho'c who have little ubic /, lin - .
{ ,,,fIts = 'y ~ luI drill 20 those who wish il N vu
."u'tI. population, now nearly useic.s e. a. - .l
~ nlu0nA guard, DO which each man al 49,, ~, y,
notice. e''"'u oi'eeIs' az moment
CIVILIAN