Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1861-12-14
GOVERNOR LErcnEa,s MESSAGE.


gins, contains some curious facts and state
ments. The Governor seys they are not re-
possible for the war, ahd contends that they
have been victorious 10 every conflict. In
regard to the doratou of the war, be says:
at is not with os to determine whether this
war shall be Of long or short duration. We
have decided, however, that it cannot termi-
nate until our enemies shall recognise fully
aud uuconditiona!ly the Independence of the
Southern Coniederacy. Whatever OF men or
money is needed to work out the result will
be cheerfully furnished. There can be and
there will be cheerfully furnished. There can
be and there will be no compromise. We
can Dever again live in harmony and peace
uuder the same government. We can never
entertain friendly feelings for o people who
have ruthlessly shed Southern blood upon
Southern soil in so execrable q war. They
have shown themselves our worst enemies,
and such we hold them to be. The separa-
tion that has taken place has been sgnalized
10 blood, aud it ought to be, and trust will
be, permanent separation. Reconstruction
is Dot desirable, and even if il were, it is now
sD impossbility."
Notwithstanding the eageruess Of the Chi
valry of Virginia FOR the 6ght, they are ev
IDENTIFY tired of that kind Of sport on their soil,
and the Governor thinks that the banks of
the Susquehauna would afford better fighting
ground than the Potomac, aud the sooner it
is removed there the better for Virginia aud
the Confederacy. The Governor therefore
proceeds to say
at is our duty, therefore, to devote oil
our energies TO vigorous prosecution Of the
war. Everything must be done that vigilance
and fidelity require. and nothing left undone
that patriotism and prudence suggest as ne
cessary for our protection against actual and
contemplated sggressons aud encroachmeDts
upou our rights. No hesitatiDg or doubtful
policy will answer when armies are 10 the
held. Nor will it do TO act alone on the de.
fensve. The Susquehanna is o better fight
ing line for US than the Potomac, and the
sooner the war is pushed forward to that line
the better for Virginia and the Southern
Contederacy. To tbat line it must 60 if we
would save Marylsnd. Let our actions show
10 her people that we feel for their condition,
aud that we intend to aid them in effectiDg
their deliverance from the tyranny that now
oppresses them, aud thousands will welcome
US to their State aud hock to the standard Of
the Southern C0niederacy, with a resolution
to plant that flag firmly upon her soil, or die
IN the attempt. This war will not end until
we show the Northern people the difference
between invading and being invaded"
The Governor admits, that Virginia had
been, for some time past, preparing for this
rebellion The capture of the Navy Yerd at
Norfolk supplied them with heavy gnus. He
regrets they were not able to capture Fortress
Monroe, oDd says:
al is to be regretted that Fortress Monroe
is not 10 our possession that it was not as
easily captured as the Navy Yard an0 Har
pers Ferry. As far back as the Sth of Janu
ary last. | consulted with gentleman whose
position enabled bin to know the strength
OF that fortress, and whose experience in mill
tary matters enabled him to form an opinion
as to the number Of men that would be re.
quired to capture it. lie represented it to be
| one Of the strongest fort 6cations 10 the world
and expressed his doubts whether it could be
taken, unless assailed by water as well as by
land, and simultaneously. He stated empha
tically and distinctly, that with the force then
! in the fortress, it would be useless to attempt
| its capture without large force, thoroughly
/ equipped and we'll appointed. AT no time
| previous to the secession OF virginia mad We
| d military organization sufficient to justify on
! atlSUpb 10 ldhS II, uNu events SluCe tuul
occurrence demonstrate very clearly that with
our military organization since, aud now exist
ing, it has not been deemed prudent TO make
the attempt"
The Governor is determined to conquer
Western Virginia, whose conduct be thinks
has been most "unnatural, disgracefui aud
reasonable" I" aud proceeds to say:
"The northwestern portion Of Virginia
must not be abandoned and surrendered 10
the traitor residents and the mercenary SOL
dery who now occupy it. We owe it to those
noble and generous men who have stood by
US throug hout this great struggle, who have
sacrificed their all in their devotion to Virgi.
MIA and the South, who are now refugees,
scattered here end there throughout the loyal
portions of the Common wealth. far removed
from ell the endesrments and comforts OF
home and family aud friends. We must re-
store those men to their home; we must re.
possess this country, and bring it again under
snbugatiou to the laws Of Virginia. The
Commonwealth must not be diSmembered -
When this war ends, she must be what she
was when il was iuaugurated. The Ohio river
was the western bouneary then, aud it must
coCtinue TO be her boundary"