New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-12-10

! MESSAGE OF GOV. LETCHER OF VIRGINIA
TIE Norfolk Day Book of the 5th inst. publisher
in part the Message of Gov Letcher TO the Legisla
ture of Virginia. The document is very lengthy
one, and as the journal above mentioned is very lin
tied in IFS space it is unable to publish il entire anC
gives the first half as followa
i ExEoUrIyE DgPABTNyST Dec. 2, 1891.
| GeRGemea Of he Senate OHd HOME Of Deieg0ies:
Since the adjournment OF the General Assembly
on the 9TH day Of April last Virginia has withdraw
from the Federal Union and hae resumed her sover
eighty as an independent State. The reasons which
impelled her to the adoption OF this course are nl
merous and nre ample TO Justify her action. Ii d.
sufficient to state that the Government which ouI
forefabers established was a Government OF free
dom and Of equality-that 1t has been subvorted,
and It's aim and objects defeated. Free will and the
consent Of the governed were the great principles
lying at its foundation. They never entertained the
idea that one section Of the country was 10 be held
By subjUgaion under the dominion of the other.
Their own history has shown that they had freed
themselves from unwise and unjust legislation, from
coercion and subjugatIon, by their Revolutionary
struggiethe noblest aud most glorious in its results
that has adorned the annals Of history. They founded
Il Government for the protection of all, which com
mended itself TO popular approval and around which
the affections of the people were closely entwined,
giving to IT strength, power, and influence. la the
pure days Of its existence il enjoyed the confidence
Of the people and commanded the respect of the ma.
tons Of the EARTH SO long as II gave protection, all
interested in maintaining and peTpetusting its
existence, but when it ceased to afford protection,
and the attempt was made 10 coerce and subugate
States, the Government Of our forefathers was
oyerthrown.
We are in no sense responsible for tie present con-
diliOn Of the public affairs. The Northern masses,
maddened by passion aud innamed by prejudice, have
pushed these aggressions upon ue until every con-
alteration of duty and patriotism requires to
separate from them. We desired 10 separate In
peace. We wanted no war, but yel we had made
Up our minds to vindicate conduct the battle
field If need be- and trust TO that Cod who directs
the destnies Of men and nations 20 guide into tho
pathway TO success and independence. so far, he
has watched over us, guarded and protected ms III
righteous resistance TO tyranny has presided in
the councils Of our brave generals; has stimulated
our officers ard men 10 deeds Of noble daring and
has crowned our efforts with the wreath Of victory.
IL would lie an idle consumption Of time TO present
all the reasons which influenced actions in this
communication. They are familiar to tie public
mind and under their influence the people OF Yir-
inia have pronounced their judi ment at the polls
aud by majority unparalleled have declared for
separation. The events that have transpired since
the 18th day of April fully attest the sincerity OF
heir convictions. am content TO leave their viadi-
cation with pOserity, assured that their ACTION will
be fully justised
The purpose Of the Federal President TO subj1,a;s
ne and coeree us to remain in Unon.the great aims
and objects of which have Failed, hes involved in
a war Of resistance to defeat bis unholy designs. w,
nave met his movements with frmuess, resolution
ard courage that become freoaan ia the maintenance
Of their honor their rights, and their ingTtulions
We have beaten bis best troops ard driven them il
confusion and dismay from lis own eelested battle
ields. Bethel AID ilaybesgile, i'lD Ruo s1t Ma