Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1861-06-25
TO TIE PEOPLE OF NORTHWESTERN VIRGINIA
BY THE GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA.
A PROCLAMATION.

The sovereign people OF VirgDii, unbiased, ana by
their own free choice have, by majority OF neatly one
hundred housard qualified voters, severed the mes that
toore bound them the Government OF The United
s,es aud united this Commonwealth with the Coined
o ate States That our people have the right ITO ns-
tate new government LAYING ita foundations IN such
PRINCIPLES and organ zing lite powers IN such form as 10
t1em shall seem most likely to effect thtir safety and
hlppiness" was proclaimed by fathers, and il is
eht which no freeman should everi relirqiish. The
State OF Virginia has now the second time III her history,
asserted this right aud is the duty OF every Vgnian
10 ackuog ledg, her when ratified by such maj )ry
aud TO give his willing cooperation TO make gooi the
decsra ion All her people nave voted Each has taken
his chance 10 have his personal views represented You,
ne well az the rest of the State, have cast your
vote fairly aud the ms GRITTY is against you
t the duty Of good citizens yield to the will Of the
State The bill Of rights has proclaimed THAT the peo-
have right 10 uniform government; and therefore,
that no separate from independent OF the
government Of Virginia ought TO Oe erected or 1stao-
shed within the limits thereof The orty, thus de-
jared therefore have right to govern But notwlth-
sanding this right thus exercised has been regarded by
the people of all sections OF the United States as I'M
dou5t,d aud sacred yet the government at Washington
Low utterly denies it, and, by the exercise OF d.spoc
DO Ser s endeavoriug TO coerce people 70 abJect
submission to their authority Virginia has asserted her
Independence She will maintain it at every haz
ard She is sustained by the power OF ten OF her sis
ter Southern States ready and willing to uphold
her cause Can any true yTginan refuse render
sisance? Men of the Northwest, appeal to you, by
all the considerations which have drawn US together as
one people heretofore TO rally to the standard OF the
Old Dominion BY all the sacred ties OF consangunty,
by the inteInxLure of the blood OF East and West by
common Maternity by friendships hallowed by tbou-
sand cherished recolechOns, by memories OF the past,
by the relics of the great men of other days come to
Vrgnias banner and drive the invaders from your SOIL
There may be traitors in the midst OF you who, for sell
fish ends have turned against their mother and would
cad nd adgi
But | cannot will not believe that jority of you
are not true sons who will give your blood aud your
. treasure for Virgnias defence
have sent for your protection ouch troops the
emergency enabled me to collect in charge OF comPe'
tent commander have ordered large force TO go TO
your aid but rely with the utmost confidence upon
your own strong your resides and affairs
from the oil uon Of q reckless aud ruthless enemy The
Safe is 10, led several points but ample orcss have
been collected to defend her.
There has been complaint among you that the Eastern
portion OF the State has enjoyed exemption from tax
alton to your prejudice. The State, by majority of
g5 600 has put the two sections equality in this
respect. BY display of magnarmity 10 the vote just
given the East has, by large monty consented TO re-
hruush this exemption and Is rady to share with YOU
all the burdens of Government and to meet all Virginia
liabilities. They nov to aid you as you came in
former DAYS 10 AID them. The Of the Southern Con
federae States glory in coming TO your rescue Let ore
helrt, mind, one energy, one power, nerve every
patriot arm in a common cause The heart that will not
beat in unison with Virginia is traitors heart the
arm that viii not strike in her now is pa=ed
by a coward fear.
The troops are posted at Huttonsyle. Come with
your own good weapons and meet them as brothers
~ Given under my hand, and under the seal of the
& Common ealh this l4.h day OF June, 1861,
L. D and in the s5th year OF the Commonwealth.
JOHN LETCHER
By the Govcraor-
GEoRGE W. EUNFosD,
S5,r.t,rv ,f he CofnmonH wealth.