Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1863-10-09
by THE GOVERNOR or VIRGINIA..
A Proclamation

by THE GOVERNOR or VIRGINIA..
A Proclamation.
The General Assembly has authorized
the Governor, whenever in his opinion the
emergency demands it, to call into service
volunteers, to protect our citizens and re-
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 aud equipped as
State troops, and to be paid as such when
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
sbattalions 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, 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 fill up their
ranks and report as soon as practicable, the
formation Of the company to the Adjutant
Generai. 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
Ibis force is to be composed of persons
not liable to CONSUMPTION by the Confeder
! ate authorities, and to be differed by those
rot now in the service Of that Government.
| Companies already organized as home
guards, rnder the act passed 18th Nav.
Fl862~are not to be interfered with in this
Organization. Such companies arc n la
Bile to be called into the field without their
consent. Nor is it designed in this call for
volunteers to destroy any existing organiza-
tions, but they will be preserved, and are
to be armed as part Of the force now called
for.
| have caused to be appended hereto the
act which authorizes the enrolment of this
new force.
The people Of Virginia will see 10 the
passage OF this law, new determination
on the part Of the General Assembly to nut
forth the strength of this Common wealth in
order to protect our citizens aud maintain
our independence. History has taught us
that united and determined people may be
overrun by superior numbers, but that thew
cannot be conquered if they are firm
enough to resist every assault, and in turn
to assail their assailants whenever oppnr.u.
nifty offers. fs
We intend not e boast Of the force that
this S..aa..e has called into the field. or the
treasure she has expended but we intend
to perform our duty to the Confederacy and
to ourselves, faithfully, and to the utmost
Of our ability. This force is deemed nee.
essary to give to the State the. ability Il
meet emergencies which cannot be prompt-
" met by the Confederate government, and
to prevent the withdrawal Of troops from
essential positions. And it is sincerely
hoped and earnestly pressed upon the REQ.
pie to respond with alacrity to the efforts Of
their representatives. to furnish adequate de.
fence for positions exposed to raids and in
cursions from detestable foe. There are
still thousands in Virginia who have the
patriotism to strike for their homes. their
families their property. and the honor and
glory of the State. | invite them to come
forth now and enroll themselves in these or.
CARNATIONS.
(-- Given under my hand as Gov
L. s. ernor, and under the seal of the
~ Commonwealth of Virginia, this
Both day Of September, 1868, in the eighty
eighth year of the Commonwealth
JOHN LETCHER.
By the Governor
GEO. W. MuNroRD,
Secr'y Of the Commonwealth
AN ACT to authorize the Governor to call
out forces for the public defence. Passed
Sept. 28th, 1868.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly.
That the Governor of this Commonw alth
be, and he is hereby authorized to call into