Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1860-04-27
The Proposed Military EncnInpn,ent.
u liz EIlitnrx M, Tie Eunni1er.


To Tie Editors Of the Enquirer:
Permit Inc, Mcssrs. Editors, to express my
cordial appreciation Of your suggestion for a
military gathering and friendly contest for SUI
periority, at or near Richmond, next fall.
In response to the call from the whole people
Of our State, the Legislature has just passed
an act providing for Il supply Of the best arms,
and our young linen have volunteered, in COM
nanies and squadronS, furnished themselves
with uniforms, and all that is now wanted, to
place our Commonwealth in il state of defence,
such as will frown down any future attempt tC
desecrate her soil, is a knowledge Of the use Of
the arms in their hands and the evolutions cs
sential to present these arms in the most eticC
tive position for successful results. In other
words, our troops want to he well drilled
Now, 10 obtain this, there must he some, more
than ordinary, stimulant.
Young men will put themselves in handsome
uniforms and attend IL few drills, just 10 enable
them to turn out on public occasions TO be
gazcd at. This done, any further efforts to II
more thorough drill are generally abOytive;
hence there arc but Il very few corps either ii
our cities or country that are in 4 condition tc
take the field as well disciplined, efficient troops
4 Stimulant being necessary, can any one be
so uncxccptionablc as that of gathering oul
Several companies and squadrons in one COM
mon field, there, in the presence of admiring
crowds, to amicably contend for the prize o.
superiority, TO De determined by a board of l.
S. army officers, whose experience and disin'
terestedneSs will place their decisions beyond
Impeachment. No one can doubt that suclI
an exhibition would be prolific of great good,
and that the fixing a day for such a gathering
would at once %inauguratc L system of drills
with full ranks Of most Of our volunteer corps.
The main objection 10 this | suppose will BIZ
its cost. Let lis look at this for j moment.
Suppose 1500 or o000 of our s~oldiery, mount
ed and on foot, we'll equipped and well drilled,
on our beautiful fair grounds near Richmond,
there to 90 through their daily exercises, such
rs drills, paradcs, reviews, guard lnourtingS,
military games, leaping, running, &c, enter.
tanned by bands Of music, for one week, and
especially to undergo 4 contest for superiority
in presence Of q committee Of veteran officers
Of the United States Army How many
would throng to witness such an exciting
scene, 4 scene of so much meaning as atonce
to elicit the outpourings Of patriotism from the
heart Of every Virginian: Is it too much 10
say that the number of these visitors would
equal that attending one Of our annual fairs,
about sc, 600 during the week? If this can
be expected, ut IS cents admission ut the gate
there will be collected $12, 500, a sum ample
to meet all expenses Of provisioning 200O
troops and feeding their horses. 1t would be
4 self sustaining affair; Of this have no doubt;
and as I know Of no other serious objection, |
wait to learn if any other exists,
What say you, fellow soldiers of the cities,
towns and the country; will you carry out this
grand and patriotic suggestion?