Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-06-12
Organize the Militia.

Only IS 600 Of the men of Tennessee are authoriZ
ed to be called out volunteer troops for her de-
tense, under the present military act But more
than double that number are able and willing to
participate in the present glorious struggle for the
freedom and indS pendence of their native South.
Every citizen of Tennessee, in fact, who is not a
traitor, would gladly take up arms in her defense,
AID share in the glories of the present contest AL
though the number of troops that be received into
the Confederate army is necessarily Limited by the
means and wants of the Confederate Government
yet all may at least share in the qualification and
honor of being ready TO fight for the Confederate
cause, whenever the opportunity may offer.
After the complement of Tennessee shall be filed
and mustered into service those who shall be left
at home, can without imposing any pecuniary bur-
then the State, organize themselves into an eec-
tive military force which, in the progress and ex-
igencies of the may render invaluable service
they can and ought State militia, TO form them-
selves into companies regiments and brigades which
should include all the men and even boys in the
State capable of fighting, are not mustered into
regular service.
Uniformity of arms and costume may be dis
pensed with this miscellaneous organization. Let
every man carry whatever arms he has or can pro
cure. The ordinary rifles and shot guns, with the
improved balls, are effective arms ; and to these
might be added pistols and bowie-knives, and any
other weapons where with the enemy may be hs
raised and slaughtered As Governor Wise said
when speaking recently at Richmond, on this sub
ject our need not walt 10 procure guns Of long
range as coming 10 close quarters with the enemy
will be the best mode of fighting for our Southern
braves and most adapted TO their tastes and habits
Every procure arms of some kind, with
which he can DO effective execution when oppOrtu-
nitV shall Oiier.
This miscellaneous force OF all arms, in every
neighborhood should DC formed, we have sug
gested into regular military organizations, and
drilled. Ii might consist of cavalry, infantry, and
artillery. Our farmers having horses of their own.
could, without expense, furnish any number Of
effective cavalry. We would have these miscella
neous troops to arm and equip themselves at their
own expense which they could do without opp-es>
siOb, being allowed 10 such arms as they hap
pen to have al hand We would also have them 10
drill at such times and places in their respective
neighborhOOds, might suit their convenience
| Quite creditabe state OF discipline might be OBJ
| tanned without any serious interference with the
industrial occupations of our citizens.
Who can doubt that if all our male white populR-
ton, capable of bearing arms. who may be left at
home, were thus formed into regular organizations,
a military force would at once be created OF m ost
formidable character and capable of rendering i'm
| portant service TO the Southern cause.
In case the enemy should succeed in forcing his
way into territory, these militia forces, as guer-
! lila ban IS lowering along his line of march, and
| every where eXtemporized into service, at mo-
ment's notice, could by constant and harrassing at
tacks ambusCaGes and surprises. do large amount
| of mischief They would be the Marion men of the
| waF-the scOurge and terror of the enemy, who
would find every citizen armed foe and deadly
/ peril at every turn.
The organization OF this kind of military force
| is now going on in Virginia, Governor Wise having
initiated 1t by forming brigade, of which he takes
command. We suggest the immediate passage of
an act by our Legislature providing for a similar
| organization in this State
| We would not style it Home guard, but simply
| the State militia. We would give no countenance
| TO the idea of staying at home when our country
! demands our services abroad. Besides, the term
| Home Guard" has been diSgraced by its applca-
| ton to the vile minions of Abe Lncolns des'
pOtism in Missouri and Kentucky. In these States
| it means cOwardly assassin. ready to shoot down
| unoffending women and children, or an abject sub
missionst ready to lick the hsnd that smtes him OF
kiss the foot that spurns hma creature so infinite
" base and craven that no language can furnish
| terms TO describe him--R rare combination OF the
| cowardy poltroon and the dastardly Sssassin-G
traitor ready 10 mbrue his frstrical hands in the
blood of his kindred and neighbors, and sells his
own section into slavery for pitiful bride.
Our own home regiment adopted the name before
it twas thus prosututed and of very different strips
from the banditti who have adopted It in Other
! .,,s.. I Aanfinr m n