Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-01-08


quirement Of the law has been carefully observed.
This law is exceedingly disiastef,l TO many Of our
ctzens-not because they unwilling TO make Ill
necessary sacrifices for the cause and the county ut
because the law is so indefne in its erms that there
has been no uniform construction. The amendmehts
indicated would think, have the effect Of removing
the objections Of many, and the law is to continue
for any considerable length Of time, would perhaps re-
conciie the people TO il. .4f -fta
The has operated most oppressively on our peo-
pie in Virginia, and ii becomes US, while we perform
our duty to ourselves and TO the Confederate govern
ment TO frame our legislation as to make the
burden bear as lightly possible upon them We have
already lost untold millions in slave and other per-
sona properly and the devastation Of our territory
Our losses have been very travyexcesding greatly,
apprehsnd the losses OF the people Of any other slste
in this Our citizens have submitted 10 them with
fortitude in the highest degree commsndsbIe. The
multiplied wrongs and outrsges inflicted upon them BY
the enemy have had other effect than to strengthen
their resolution, and arouse them 10 determined
purpose to succeed in the struggle in which we
gagged.
RpcKER's CASE.
The Confederate government turned over to me this
notorious criminal for trial for his numerous offences
against the laws of Virginia. the 9Th day Of Octo
Der last He was Immediately sent TO Allegheny com
ty, and subsequently, indicted by the grand jury in
several cases As the cases possess uncommon inter-
est and importance, felt il to be my duty nstruc
the attorney general to attend and aid in conducting
the prosecution. The report Of this distinguish
to it refer you for full information respecting the pro-
ceedings, as far as they have progressed.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE Axp OTHER oyynEhs.
have received Information that several of the Jug
tioes of the peace of Mercer county have taken an
oath Of allegiance TO the federal government Tie first
question that preseSted itself was whether their Offices
thereby became vacant This question was presented
10 the attorney general for his opinion aud regret 10
say that this experienced officer find mo law
eating their Offices pso faeto." As there doubtless
many of like kind in the state earnestly
your attention to the adoption Of the necessary legs
ton to relieve the state from all such unworthy officers
The be reached by Investing the county courts
with authority where the fact is established TO declare
the Offices vacant. The law should be made sppiioa-
BILE to sherihs, coroners, clerks, constables. etc.
LEdiiLATIvE RESOLUTIONS. 200
resolution requesting information as TO whether
any free negroes claiming to be from the United sate
invading the soil Of this state In violation Of its laws,
and captured by the armies Of the Confederate States
have been surrendered by the Confederate authorities;
and ii SO, upon what ground such surrender has been
made, adopted by the house Of delegates Septem-
Der Dad last. Onthe same day transmitted copy of
the resolution TO the honorable secretary of war, with
the request in writing that he would furnish the inform
alton desired at his earliest convenience. On the 2st
November last reply was received from the assistant
secretary OF war, enclosing report from Conmis-
sioner Ould, both Of which accompany this sommuni-
cation.
The Senate have adopted resolution September
2sth last, requesting the governor 'to enquire Of the
confederate authorities , what number OF slaves and
free negroes have been captured by armies Cd,
what disposition has been made Of the same Sd, how
the owners Of said slaves may obtain possession of
them :" and the governor 'further requested 10
procure LIST OF the said slaves and Of their owners
names, so far as practicable, and the to DO
published for general information and that he also be
requested TO communicate the same to the senate"
This resolution transmitted TO the honorable
tary Of war; on the day Of It's adoption, with request,
AZ
No answer has been received to this ap
plcation and hayetherefore been unable 10 carry
the instructions Of the senate.
MSH - THE LUNATIe AsYLUMs.
have received a report from the directors of the
at Staunton and gratifed to you that
IL continues TO be managed with The ability and
which has characterized its accomplished super
The institution is filled 18th patients and
regret TO say applicants Of this unfortunate
class of citizens for admission, have been rejected
With every disposition To accommodates, "a 10 found I'M
possible 10 receive another patient.
The enemy still being in possession OF williamsburg
have been unable 10 procure reliable information 10
the condition and management Of the yum located at
that place. have however, ascertaned that shortly
after the city taken, Dr. Gait aud the assistant hs
clan both departed this life Their places have been
supplied By two physicians from the north, and at the
latest dates they continued in the performance Of their
duties. All ile oEcers who we're IN charge when the
enemy took of the place, resigned because
they required to tassan oath Of allegiance to the
federal government Subsequently, the larger portion
at the request of the federal authorities resumed their
places and still in Office Iii just TO them 10 state
that nothing said about the oath when they re-
turned, AID they have exhibited their devotion 10 the
by atherng 10 her fortunes and refus
ing TO acknowledge their allegiance TO the government
OF enemies.
20 Two discharged patients made their way 10 Rich
mond weeks since. They informed me that the
medical attendants were faithful and attentive, aud they
fad for heir Ina
supplies were ample for their support, but were badly
prepared owing 10 the difficulty of controlling the,ser-
wants. They further stated that when their orders Of
discharge were delivered, they were informed that ne
Their money provisions could be furnished, and they
must make their way to Richmond as best they could
After much toll and suffering, they arrived here and
after being informed of their destitute condition. applied
for their relief from the civil contingent fund,
sufficient to enable them to reach their homes The
one resided in Pttsyyania, and the other in Floyd
county.
Some months ago. hayng heard the mos, distressing
reports TO the condition Of the lunatcs, determined
10 enquire into the truth Of these reports, By sending
Col Ewell, late president Of William and Mary col
lege and Mr. Gusts Of the house of delegates TO make
careful examination and report the results General
g. w Smith, gallant officer, and a Rind hearted and
humane gentleman, readily assented TO allow dag o.
truce but the federal authorities REFUSED to permit
these gentlemen TO pass within their lines. This az
tempt on my part to relieve these poor helpless people
was thus defeated. and therefore unable to speak
more definitely respecting the management OF the ns-
luton and the condition of its inmates.
cannot permit this occasion to pass, without placing
record my unqualified condemnation of the action Of
the federal authorities in this matter, and my protest
against it, scandalous outrage upon the principles
IF civilization and the dictates of christian humanity.
WILLIAM AND MARY COLLEGE.
This Is the Oldest literary institution in this country,
with the single exception Of Harvard university The
original charter Of the cullsgs was granted by William
md Mary the 9Th Of February, in the year 1922 and
has continued institution Of learning Of high char
,cter and great merit, dispensing the benefits aud bless
ngs Of education to Thousands up 10 the period when
his war broke out Its graduates and students anil
heir descendants are to be found almost all the states
hat constituted the late United States No institution
dom. mora Cor the ca,,se or tim scieace and