Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1861-05-14
For the E%,nqHn'er,
1"' ~ O'I
Til Defence of Richmond.

MrssRs. BDlroRs:-I have seen iatina-
tons and threats in various papers that
it was the intention Of the Federal Gov
crnment 10 re.takc l~larpcr's Ferry afi the
Gosport Navy Yard, and also to establish the
head quarters Of their army at R,chInond.-
Whether there is any truth in these reports OR
not, it is the height Of folly for us to disregard
the fact Of their pre-eminent inportance-as
one of most grave and serious consideration,
and especially in relation TO the last one, of not
more transcendant value to the enemy than to
us. With a moments reflection I'LL must see
and know this. Harper's Ferry is already for
titled and garrisoned by a considerable body
of our troops. Norfolk is also fortified and garri-
soned by ten thousand men, and is believed 10
be impregnable To any force that can be
brought against it.
The question then is asked by every body,
what preparation is being made, OF conlrrnpla-
ted TO defend Richmond
have not yet seen the first man that was
not entirely in the dark upon the whole sub
ject, who could even hazard IN opinion or con-
lecture upon the probabilities Of any intention
on the part Of our military Hoard to take steps
for the immediate protection and safety Of the
city. In view Of the great peri. and The deep
stake involved in this matter, it seems 10 me
ttiittr- neutrality-suspicious. gin :the last DEGREES.
remain, seem 10 be following their usual bur-
suits Of business with & strange Indifference as
to the impending storm and dcsoluiion that
seems ready to empty its wrath upon our de-
voted city. Why is this: Is i: because they
rely upon that brave banl If volunteers that
stands between us and the encinyr or Is it be-
cause they believe that no invasion will be
attempted! la regard to Invasion, let us not be
deceived, but let every one, old and young, be
ready TO meet it. The question is one Of peace
or war. Tho North will never recognize the
independence Of the South. We must fight for
our independence. We must conquer q peace
at the mouth Of the cannon, or by it we must
fall. Let us not risk our gallant army with
out their knowing that n powerful body OF cit
izcn soldiers are ready in the last extremity for
them to fall back upon.
Let every man, no matter how old, and every
boy that can handle a gun, be prepared to dis
pute the passage Of the h~irclings and MERGE
narics in their march to this capital. sup
pose that ull the arms Of modern Improvement
are already or will be in the hands of the vo-
lunteers; but there must b: a large number Of
the old flint lock muskcts yet in the hands Of
the authorities, and | think every cnnsidcra-
ton Of duty, Of peril, and Of safety demand
their immediate distribution among the citi-
ZenS.
If there should not be arms enough to arm
every one, there are enough Of all sorts in the
hands OF private individuals 10 leave nonr with
ont 4 weapon.
The war of the revolution was fought chief
~ with the old flint lock musket>; four boxes
Of which, containing 100 muskets, was ~rccciv-
ed, opened and distributed to our home guard
Of the town OF Manchester, a few days ago,
and although made and packed away more
than % years ago, yet they were as brightand
in as splendid order, rs if they had just come
from the hands Of the armorrr and have
been told by several members Of the company
who hare prac,iced with them, they shoot
with accuracy and great power, being almost
a dead shot at the distance Of 100 yards. One
gentleman fired Mt q mark OH a barn on the
Falls Plantation, 10 yards, making a good
shot, the ball passing through and through
two houses, from West to Fast, and may have
in the dismal swamp Tor aught that |
know to the contrary. When | commenced
this article it was entirely for the purpose of
why tits that the State authorities, city
authorities, or the citizens themselves arc not
immediate and vigorous steps to forti(y
this city by erecting batteries at several
points, to command every approach to its
entrance.
The Importance Of this matter cannot be
over estimated. What ought to be done should
be done without another moments delay
the Mayor call a meeting Of the citizens
at once to take this matter in hand, appoint an
to select the points for batteries, and
let the work he commenced forthwith. There
ire Il great number Of slaves unemployed
whose services, have no donbt, would be !
promptly and chcerlully offered for this rur.
pose.
Let us strike quickly and fearlessly fnr our
independence, our affairs and our firesldes.
have a strong, able-bodied negro man, at
he service of the authorities, (who is exceed.
ngly anxious hinsclf,) to render any service
hat he may be called upon to perform.