Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1861-05-10

edtloli III expressing the opinion that the
existing laws are wholly inadequate to
the emergency that is upon US. forbear
making suggestions in detail upon this
subject, and will content myself merely
with remarking that the military regula-
tions OF other countries, especially those
renowned for achievements in arms,
should not be lost sight of in the trying
necessity by which we are surrounded
The efficiency of this branch of the public
service requires, in my opinion, a thor
ough revision and modification of existing
legislation on the subject.
[ would respectfully recommend the
raising and organization of ten regim ents
to serve during the war, and that appro-
pirate bcunties be offered to all persons
thus enlisting.
OF the sum Of three hundred thousand
dollars appropriated at your late session
for arming the State, I have expended
$35, 55-which amount will be in
creased by outstanding contracts to the
further sum of $25, 900 or thereabouts.
The State being at present provided
with arms | would recommend that the
remainder OF this appropriation be direct
ed to the preparation of munitions of war
and the manufacture Of arms that may
hereafter he needed. The Arsenal at
Fayetteville is in all respect suitable
location for the prosecution of such works
Oar seaboard defences are Of the utmost
importance and have engaged large
share OF the attention Of this department.
Specific plans for the construction of new
works and making good our defence in
that quarter will with more proprie,y be
laid before the proper committees Of your
body.
An expenditure has been made for va
rious purposes, connected with the de-
fence OF the Stare, the details and amount
Of which will be communicated to you by
the proper officers. 4 portion of it has
been advanced by private individuals and
a portion remains unpaid. Adequate
means should be provided to meet this
expenditure and also to enable the State
to carry on the war in defence Of its rights
and liberties.
1t gives me pleasure to acknowledge the
tilnely and important aid rendered me by
the Governors Of Virginia and South Car
olina towards placing our Notifications on
the sea coast in detensible condition. |
cheerfully reciprocated this favor to the
extent of my ability by sending to the
Governor of Virginia a portion of the
arms IN our possession and which could
conveniently be spared.
The Northern Government is now con-
centrating large force in the District OF
Columbia, ostensibly to protect the seat of
Government, but such a force cannot be
allowed to remain within the limits of
Maryland and on the borders of Virginia,
without seriously endangering the liber-
ties Of the people of those States. If they
be conquered and overrun, North Carol-
ma will become the next prey to the inva-
ders. Policy then, as well as sympathy
and feeling of brotherhood, engendered
by a common interest, requires us to exert
our energies in the defence Of Maryland
and Virginia. Every battle fought there
will be a battle fought in behalf Of North
Carolina, and there are troops should be
speedily sent.
There can be no doubt that the people
of our State are now f:llly united as to the
policy to be pursued with reference to the
future Northern Government. It is set
tied conviction of the public mind that