Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-12-21
VIRGINIA.,

This old Commonwealth has done a noble part in
sustaining the war. She has been more deeply in
iured so far than any of her sisters yet her people
have rallied almost one man. excepting in the
Panhandle, to beat back the invaders. Gov Letch-
er in his recent Message gives the following crafty
ing account of what she did before transferring her
military operations to the Confederate States:
l. The Navy Yard and Harper's Ferry arsenal,
captured without the loss of single life, and secu-
ring to the State property estimated in its intrinsic
value at from So, 600, 600 to $50, 10000
g Upwards of 40, 900 volunteers have been drawn
from their peaceful pursuits, and some of them from
the most distant parts Of the State-have been in
structed in the most elementary exercises of the
soldier; have been armed equipped and supplied
with every necessary for active service in the field
and are ready to defend the honor and maintain
the liberties of the State.
g. A navy department, hitherto unknown to our
State organization, has been thoroughly and effec
lively organized. Navy batteries, numbering up
wards of 800 pieces and heavy ordnance, varying
in weight from 5000 to 10000 pounds, have been
established, the gun-carriages for the most part
made, and the ammunition prepared, while upwards
of 100 pieces Of heavy ordnance have been forward
ed to other States of the Southern Confederacy.
f. The various staff corps, embracing commssary,
euartermaster, medical and engineer departments,
have been organized under ordinance the goth April
1861 and their efficiency has not only contributed
to the promptneSs and completeness of the prepare
ton which has enabled us to put so large force
from our own State into the field but to facilitate
the movements and efficiency of most of those who
have come to our aid from the other States OF the
CoDfederaey.
3. And finally, these results have been reached
in due regard to an economical expenditure of the
public money. The stores and other property pur.
chased for the military operations, have been paid
for, as they bought and thus the credit OF the
State has been fully sustained ...
1t is due to truth and justice that should here
record in this recapitulation, my high appreciation
of the industry, Judgment and professional skill
which have marked the conduct of the distinguish
ed officer who has been called by me, with the
unanimous approval of the Convention, to conduct
the military and naval operation of Virginia.
From every principle of duty and patriotism, the
the Executive Department of the State has felt call
ed upon to cooperate cordially and heartily with
the Government of the Confederate States, and the
policy which has controlled my action heretofore
will continue to regulate it. The great interests at
stake demand the surrender Of all questions OF
subordinate character in vigorous and united ell
fort to maintain the common rights of the South
Nothing will be left undone to advance the interests
of ALL and the candor frankness, and sincerity which
have been exhibited by the President assure me
that harmony and concert of action Will be the re-
sult He only appreciates the importance of the
occasion, and his courage, prudence, and military
experience will exert a sautary influence IN direct
ing and controlling the military movements, now IN
progress for the protection OF Virginia and the
South i..... .... .....