The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1861-05-16


the regiments were in camp in Detroit,
in good order and in fine condition.
When it is taken into account that
at the time the President called for one
regiment of Infantry from Michigan
there was not anything like full regi-
ment in the State, nor even single
company with the full complement of
men required 5y the call, and that there
was no money in the Treasury that
could be used for military purposes, l
am more than satisfied with the pro-
gress made. s-s
For a more detailed account of, the
present condition of the military forces,
| refer you to the report of the Adja.
tant-G General, John Robertson, which
will be laid before you, and of whose
efficiency have occasion to speak in
the highest terms. -
In the choice of companies to COM
pose the first and second regiments,
some embarrassment was felt in conse-
quence of the great competition be-
tween them, to be included therein,
arising chiefly from the fact that many
of our fellow-citizens either did not un-
derstand the statute under which we
were acting, or in their zeal refused to
recognize its justice. The statute left
me no discretion, but absolutely re-
quired me to select first such compa-
nies of the uniformed militia of the
State as might be offered, and these
were nearly sufficient to answer the en-
tire call. The people, however, will
not be satisfied with the two regiments
provided for by law, and already full
companies enough have been formed
to fill at least three more regiments,
while the business of recruiting still
goes on as briskly as at first. They
recognize the fact that the struggle is
imminent and great-that the existence
of the government is involved in its
success. Ithas not been really believed
by our countrymen of the Free States
that such a government as this could be
broken up by those who had grown
great and rich under its benign protec-
ton; but the attack upon Fort Sumter,
and the fall of that stronghold, reused
them like the shock of an earthquake
All previous political differences were
at once forgotten, party lines oblitera-
ted, and the whole mass of the people
have seized their arms and demand to
be at once led forth to battle against
this most foul and unnatural rebellion.
They are not satisfied with an army
of IS, 900 men, and they mean to quad
ruple it. They call upon the President
of the United States to abandon al
once and forever the policy of mere de,
fense of the national forts and property
and Immediately to take the field to
punish the traitors who are in arms
against their country, and reduce re-
bellious States to unconditional obedi
dence. A dishonored flag and a gal
liant little band driven forth with fire
and sword from a national fortress, cal
f for speedy redress, and the people ot
the country declare that they shall ger
it.
1t has been thought best in all re
J spects, that the troops to go from Mich
igan into the service of the United
), States, should be fully armed, equipped
, and uniformed before they leave tht
State. . So far, this has been, believe
| well, and economically done, and tht
two regiments are prepared to marcel
to the assistance of the National Gov
. ernment, in a condition Immediately t.
| take the field, and if need be, to fight
battle. They are under the com
mand of the most intelligent and thor
, oughly educated officers, several o
whom have seen previous and honor
: able service in the army of the Unitee
States. Both officers and men are per
| fecting themselves in military drill an(
, war-like science. They are gallan
t citizen from all the walks of life, VIII;
: 60 forth to fight, not for conquest, bu
f for liberty, security and peace. l lool
= to see them return, bearing the laure
wreath of victory.
Though the President has, thus far
called for but one regiment from thi
t State, there can be little doubt that h,
: will finally ask for several more, ant
? it will be your duty to provide ampl,
e in all respects, for meeting prompt.
f and efficiently such demand. l re
f commend, therefore, that the law o
= your late session, authorizing the rails
t ing of two regiments be SO amended
e as to authorize calling Immediately in
r to the field for drill, and placing on
e war footing, four more regiments, max
ing in all six, with power, in case o
\ emergency, to raise the number to ten
D 1t would seem proper also, to pay tn
/. volunteers while in the service of tn
!, State, preparatory to being called int
: service of the United States, at tn
), same rate that they will be entitled t.
!. after being mustered into that service
: The great addition to the duties o
e the offices of Adjutant and Quarter
: master General, occasioned by callin,
r into service so large a body of militia
e has rendered it necessary for these off
i. GERS to devote the whole of their tim
e to the business of their respective off
D ces. The salaries allowed them by th
D present law are wholly inadequate as
: compensation, having been provided
solely in view of their duties durin.
!, the time of peace. / recommend
e therefore, such an increase of the sala
+ Iries of these officers. as will he q fa;