Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1863-10-16
BY THE GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA.
A Proclamation.

the Governor, whenever in his opinion the
emergency demands it, to call into service
volunteers, to protect our citizens and res
pei invasion. These troops are intended
for service in this Commonwealth. They
are to be called out for term of service
not exceeding sixty days at any one time
are to be organized, armed and equipped az
1 State troops, and to be paid as such Wher
called into the field under any Executive
order.
The force is to be organized by compa-
MES, and when embodied in sufficient mum
bers under such orders. field officers will
appointed by the Governor to command
battalions or regiments.
Companies are not to be organized under
the act until at least thirty men are en-
rolled. Any number of men over thirty
may elect Captain q first and second
Lieutenant. But it is desirable that com-
panies should be composed of not less than
/ fifty men fit for service. When officers are
! elected, they will endeavor to gil up their
ranks and report as soon as practicable, the
formation Of the company to the Adjutant
! General, stating the number enrolled the
names of the officers and their rank, the
place selected for their rendezvous and the
post Offices Of the several officers. When
the officers are commissioned. they will
muster their men into the State service, re-
port the muster to the Adjutant General OF
Virginia, and hold themselves and their
companies in readiness for future orders
] his force is to be composed Of persons
! not liable TO CONSUMPTION by the Confeder
ate authorities, and to be differed by those
uot now 10 the service Of that Government.
Companies already organized as home
guards, under the act passed l4th May,
1862, are not to be interfered with in this
organization. Such companies arc not la
bic to be called into the field without their
consent. Nor is it Designed in this call for
volunteers to destroy any existing organiza-
tons, but they will be preserved, and are
to be armed as part Of the force nowcalled
for
have caused to be appended hereto the
act which authorizes the enrolment Of this
new force.
The people Of Virginia viii see in the
passage ef this law. new determination
on the part of the General Assembly to put
forth The strength of this Commonwealth in
order to protect our citizens and maintain
our Independence History has taught us
that a united ahd determined people may be
oyerrin BY superior numbers, but that they
Cannot be conquered if they are firm,
enough to resist every assault, and in turn
to assail their ASSISTANTS whenever opportu-
nifty offers.
We intend not to boast Of the force that
this State has called into the field, or the
! treasure She has expended; but We intend
to perform our duty to the Coufederacy ard
to ourselves, faithfully, and to the utmost
Of our ability. This force is deemed nee
essary to give to the State the ability to
meet emergencies which cannot be prompt
/, y met b. The Confederate government, ana
to prevent the withdrawal Of troons from
essential positions Aud it is sincerely
/ hoped an earnestly psessed upon The go
pie to respond with alacrity to the efforts of
their representatives to furnish adequate de-
fence for positions exposed to raids and in
curs!nns from q detestahls, fs,e There are
still housaJlds in Virginia who have the
patriotism TO strike for their homes, their
families their property, aud the honor and
glory Of the State. invite them to come
forth now and enroll themselves in these or
ganiza!ions.
- Given under my hand as Gov
L s erpor, and under the seal of the
49, Commonwealth of Virgins, this
Beth day Of 5 pteniber, 1863, in the eighty
eighth year Of the Commonwealth
JOHN LETCIIER.
By the Governor