The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-07-17
BY THE GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA.
A PROCLAMATION.

NSHE frequent and destructive raids Of the
Il enemy render it necessary that the reserves
of our population, capable Of military service,
should be employed for local defence, and for
repelling, with deserved punishment, those en-
gagged in such invasions.
For this purpose I have received a requisition
from the President of the Confederate States for
eight thousand men, to be furnished from this
State for service therein, for six months from
the first day of August next am informed at
the same time, by the Secretary Of War, that
the Congress has passed an act authorizing the
President to accept the services of volunteers,
to serve for such time as he may prescribe, for
the defence of exposed localities, or such special
service as he may deem expedient; that the Pre-
sident prefers to accept such volunteers in lieu
of the militia, and that any number of men rem
dered under that law will be deducted from the
requisition for the militia.
But it being impossible for me to ascertain, at
this time, what number will choose to organize
themselves under the act of Congress referred to,
feel it to be my duty to aid the President, as
far as the power of the Executive extends, to
provide for the necessary home defence; and for
that purpose do hereby proclaim, that the mi
litia of this Commonwealth, between the ages of
40 and 45 years. new liable to militia duty,
shall forthwith be organized and hold themselves
ready for ddty by the first day of August next.
To this end. all commandments of regiments of
the militia of the line within the Commonwealth,
will cause their respective commands to be inn
mediately summoned, appointing time and place
of meeting for the purpose Of electing company
and field officers for making out mental districts,
consolidating companies when below the mini
mum strength, perfecting their organization as
far as practicable, and making full report of
the strength and condition Of their commands
as soon as possible to the Adjutant General. 1t
becomes each private to prepare himself for
six months tour of duty, and to be prompt in his
preparations. 1t is incumbent upon the officers
to perform the preliminary duties, necessary to
effect this organization with efficiency and zeal.
Additional orders will be issued by the first day
of August, appointing the places of rendezvous
and designating the officers for mastering them
into service.
If the voluntary organization referred to be
accepted, it will diminish the number of the mi
litia called for, and those who adopt it will have
the privilege of remaining at home in the pursuit
OF their ordinary avocations, unless when called
on for temporary emergency to perform for
more limited time active duty.
It is necessary that the people of the Com
monwealth, who have heretofore cheerfully
borne all the discomforts and privations incident
to an invaded territory, and to tae heartlessness
Of an INSCRIPTIONS and worse than savage foe
should exert themselves still further to protect
their property and their homes with their che
rished inmates. I doubt not they will be found
now as heretofore, equal to the emergency
They will prove to our enemies that the gulf
that severed us has widened and become impas-
sable, and that the breach cannot be reunited
and will demonstrate to the world that we are
initiating and endeavoring to excel our fathers
in detestation Of tyranny and tyrants in our de-
termination to be independent and free.
(-l Given under my hand as Governor,
L. S. and under the seal Of the Common
~ wealth at Richmond, this 18th day of
june 1868. and in the eighty-seventh year Of
the Commonwealth. JNO. LETCHER.
By the Governor:
GEo w. MUNFoRD,
Sec'y Of the Commonwealth.
July II 1S63-2W