Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-02-26
From the State Line.


tract Of letter from youthful soldier in the State
Line TO his father in Albemarle The high toned manly
aud patriotic spirit which it bresthes, will meet with
warm response in the hearts of our brave army, and
from the masses of our people. We commend it most
urgently to the consideration of Congress- whose sacred
duty is to make all share alike far possible the
peris and harshp5 of this savage and destructive
We do most earnestly hope they will not hesitate to
mass an act bringing into the field of active service the
numerous abe-bodied men all Confederacy
who have thus far proved inseusble only to the
promptings of honor and patriotism but the aunts
and leers Of our old mcu, the women and children:
Il is more than probable that the State Line will soon
be turned the Confederate army if it has al.
ready been accomplished the terms forth in Mr.
Seddou letter In this all unattached officers will
lose their commissions and very properly too confess
though am present of that gOOdIy number for what
right have officers without men to command, to draw
paw. Hence am the alert to be assigned to some
regiment as sOOn as possible If General Floyd thrown
overheard in the general upse-hS staff officers will be
in ike predicameuL He will accept OF nothing less
than a Major Genealship-aud throwing out of view the
appeal which Virginia makes to him through her rep
reSentatyes, cannot but believe, that there is suf-
cent anness and generosity in the nature of our Pres
deut TO do this act of sheer justice TO General who has
raised separate armies aud who has proved that he
both possesses and deserves the confidence of the
people of the Southwest than any other living man.
Col IL. came to me yesterday and insisted my ac-
ceptng of the Qlartermaster place OF his regiment
(he finest in the lne) aud urged it upon me- because
ne needed me, having no Quartermater and it is per-
manent post whether transferred or not Sew
era of nv friends here advised me to accept it, would
have the rank and pay OF Captain but positively de-
cIned. For my past | had rather be private aud
Eight the war out in my Old Company than to be
called . OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES such duties as
buying and Issuing beef bread hunting and driving cat
tie sporting fine uniform and living on the fat oil the
land without striking blow IN It's defence. IL Is
an ambition IN stout able-bOdied men, that never
could comprehend or appreciate. don't want to serve
in any capacity during this war; that would be dshdR
Cd to acknowledge in after wears and if lose my posi-
ton by the transfer of The State line will either light
ia the army belong TO i at al: knowing ss dc,
your contempt and that OF the whole people for those
whose bold declaration before the war led to the belief
that bars bolts and chains could not hold them back
from the thickest OF the ght-nOw ensconced in
petty little office rugged in the uniform Of officer,
reminding of the under the lions skin--his ears
still sticking out-sepping about with air of impu-
dence aud med superiority superativey dicuoust
every one except themselves-Some making contribu-
ton with the patriotic aud dsntereSted motives
afterwards cuunngy avail Of it to save them from dan
ger dreading far the suns OF the enemy than the
tauntS eers and derision OF their peOpe-men, women
aud children Approaching do, this universal feel
refusal of Col. II : kind offer.
As have before minated TO you am very strongly
inclined 70 Join the Navy, if can get a suitable place.
It would, without doubt crafty my most ardent desire
TO obtain a Midshipman's place, Lleutenancy Of
Marines till the end OF the These posts especially
the latter, require acquaintance with infantry tao
tics, with which am quite familiar / wish very much
you would write to prominent friend in Richmond
aud learn what chance Virgnan would stand for such
place.
adj tn tbn ,y;tb lao
ather long as could do So consistently with feel
ings OF honor one, you well aware hOnors more
than do those secessionsts who bravely stand up
their professions but when healthy, stout men,
under iOrty-hve, many under thrtyiiYe, some under
twenty five in the full vigor of lire Who be ore single
warcloud darkened the horizon, apparently fired
with the burning enthusiasm with the Oudest and
bOdet professions all times in their life now that the
war-in all its magnitude, is upon u.s. and every real
brave feels his nerved stronger to meet it
when see these liieservice patriots ready at tme
yea anxious to capture Washington, and, not satisfied
to stop there but penetrate far into the densey pco-
pied townships of the enemy. securing by every posi-
bic appliance various petty Offices and agencies TO shield
them from FIRE they so much coveted sheltering
ao their sons brothers, nephews, cousins nephews-in-
law etc. clerks, deputies aud agents, cannot sup
press the indignation, rather, in charity should
say, oOmmseraons which all truehearted soldiers feel
for all such.
II Congress acting up TO the principles Of common
Justice and humanity will not turn deaf to the
wishes Of the entire army, and every fairminded
and woman at home, l am they will pass a bill
forcing these carpetSnghts INTO the army-fing their
places with over forty-fye, Of more experience,
and from the numerous disabled and discharged soldiers
who are left pennyess on the world certainly deserve
th boon for the support aud comfort of themselves aud
families.
do not wish to be understood as denouncing the
entire corps Of quarermastersr be it from me TO do
So some of whom have not the physical strength and
health to perform the hard duties of the soldier and
are emincntly worthy of the post which they fill but
alude 10 that class of mockheroes who hnd 1t lar more
congen9l to their tastes and feelings under little brief
authority 10 impress the hIrdearned products Of the
honest farmers labor taking special care, some them,
ID get the highest price for their own than to be I'M
pressed into service which has no charm for the
ven the coward, or the hypocrite.
Army NORrllwEs1ERS VIRGINIA.,