Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-04-23
Proclamation by the Governor of Virginia.

Proclamation by the Governor of Virginia
Whereas, seven of the States formerly com
posing q part of the United States, have, by au
thority of their people, solemnly resumed tht
powers granted by them to the United States
and have framed Constitution and organized
a Government for themselves, to which the peo
pie of those States are yielding willing obedi-
ence, and have so notified the President of the
United States by all the formalities incident
to such action, and thereby become to the Uni
ted States a separate, independent and foreign
power; and, whereas, the Constitution of the
United States has invested Congress with the
sole power ito declare war; and until such dec
aration is made the President has no authority
to call for an extraordinary force to wage offen-
sive war against any foreign power; and, where
as, on the 10th inst, the President of the United
States, in plain violation Of the Constitution, has
issued Proclamation calling for a force of sew
enty five thousand men, to cause the laws of the
United States to be duly executed over people
who are no longer part of the Union, and in
said Proclamation threatens to exert this unusual
force to compel obedience to his mandates and,
whereas, the General Assembly of Virginia, by
q majority approaching to entire unanimity, has
declared, at its last session, that the State of
Virginia would consider such an exertion Of
force as virtual declaration of war, to be re-
sisted by all the power at the command of Vir-
ginla; and subsequently, the Convention now in
session, representing the sovereignty of this
State, has re-afirmed in substance the same poll
icy, by almost equal nnanimity !; and, whereas,
the State ofVirginia deeply symlpathizes with
the Southern States, in the wrongs they have
suffered, and in the position they have assumed,
and having made earnest efforts peaceably to
compose the differences which have severed the
Union, and have failed in that attempt through
this un unwarranted act on the part Of the Presi-
dent; and it is believed that the influences which
operate to produce this Proclamation against the
seeded States will be brought TO bear upon this
Commonwealth, if she should exercise her un-
doubted right to resume the powers granted by
her people, and it is due to the honor of Virginia
that an improper exercise OF force against her
people should be repelled: Therefore, /, JOHN
LEToHER, Governor Of the Commonwealth of
Virginia, have thought proper to order all armed
volunteer regiments or companies within this
State forthwith to hold themselves in readiness
for immediate orders, and upon the reception of
this Proclamation to report to the Adiutant Gen.
eral of the State their Organization and numbers.
and prepare themselves tor efficient service
Such companies as are not armed and equipped
will report that fapt, that they may be properly
supplied. s M y 9'a9s os,s'9 'ola'f !.
In witness whereof, have hereunto set my
{ ~>>) hand and caused the seal of the Com
Il. 8. monwealth to be affixed, this 18th day
(~~) of April, 1861, and in the s5th year Of
the Commonwealth. JOHN LETCHER.