Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1863-01-27
Lincoln and MilrOy.

On Monday last, Governor Letcher sent COM
munication to the General Assembly relative to
the Emancipation Proclamation Of Abraham Lin
coin, and the more recent Proclamation of r. Fl.
Miroy, Brigadier General commanding at Win
chester, dated 9TH instant. The Governor, af-
ter stating that he had transmitted copy Of the
latter to the two Houses ssfor such action as may
be deemed appropriate" proceeds as follows:
Abr sham Lincoln, in violation of all the prin-
pies of humanity and of the nobler and more
generous impulses Of our nature, in disregard of
all social, moral and political obligations which
should influence a just and wise ruler, and in ut
ter restitution of all those virtues which should
adorn husband, father and citizen, and in
wanton heedlessness of the peace, the happiness,
and even the lives of thousands of innocent and
unofending women and children, has issued
proclamation bearing the date January 1st, in
slant, from which take this paragraph:
[The paragraph quoted is that declaring the
negroes free and ordaining that the military and
naval authorities shall maintain them in any eff
fort they may make for their active freedom
No public man in our country has exhibited
such depravity no statesman has shown such
an abandonment of moral principle no Ameri-
can citizen, save John Brown, has displayed SO
atrocious spirit as is manifested in this propo-
sition. This INSCRIPTIONS man, fesling that he
cannot cope with the Southern Army in fair bat
tie, aided with all the advantages that he has
possessed in numbers, in improved arms, in sup
plies and munitions OF war of all kinds, smarting
under the numerc US reverses and defeats that
mis- army has suffered in moment of despera-
ton, seeks to excite servie instruction and del
uge Southern soil in blood.
The Governor comments further upon the
atrocious proclamation, exposing the hypocrisy
and malignity Of its promuigator.
Referring to the proclamation of Milroy, the
Governor says:
The proclamation of Milroy is natural sequel
to the proclamation of Lincoln, and is charac-
terised by the same ferocious and malignant
spirit He is, in all respects, suitable tool for
the execution of SO execrable q work. He fol-
lows the lead of his master, and therefore prom
Uses to maintain the freedom of the slave-urgas
a ready compliance with the proclamation of
Lincoln, and admonishes our people that IN case
they manifest disposition to resist its enforce
nlent, ssthey will be regarded as rebels, in arms
against the lawful authority of the Federal Gov
erEment, and dealt with accordingly" The Off
GERS are ordered to act in accordance with said
proclamation, and ssto yield their ready co-cpe-
ration in its enforcement
This action on the part of Miroy violates, in
the most positive manner. the provisions of our
Act of Assembly which declares, ssif free per-
SON advise or conspire with slave to rebel or
make insurrection, or with any person, to induce
slaves to rebel raise Instruction, he shall be
punished with death, whether such instruction
or rebellion be made or not
The Governor next refers to TIE execution of
John Brown and his guilty associates for the vi
oation Of this act Of the General Assembly and
says that ssthe only difference between Brown
and Lincoln consists in this the former had a
corporal's guard of followers to aid him the
latter comes backed with his thousands of hire
iings. Their objects are the same and both are
alike guilty Of attempting to excite a servile in
surrection, etc." The Governor quotes the stat
ute prescribing the penalty for stealing and car
rying away slaves
The Governor quotes from the recent cable
ard excellent message of the President his al
lusions TO Lincoln's proclamation, and the an
nouncement of his purpose s'to deliver to the
several State authorities all commissioned OIL
GERS of the United States that may be hereafter
captured" &c. The Governor closes as follows
If these prisoners are turned over to the State
for trial, as the President suggests, it Will be
necessary to amend our laws in regard to trials.
so that any Circuit Court in the Commonwealth
shall be invested with power to hear and deter
mine all cases that may be brought before it
This suggestion of the President accords with
my own views, and believing it to be right, lap-
peal TO you to adopt such legislation aswill en-
sure fair and speedy trial.
I trust the General Assembly will, at an early
day, give expression to their views on the sub
ject have presented for their consideration IN
this communication.