The Vermont transcript. [volume] (St. Albans, Vt.) 1864-1870, 1864-11-25
Timely Suggestions.

LIT. Col. X. &. Benton issued several
weeks since, the following circular,
which we republish, that it may have
as large circulation as its Importance
demands. We trust that the SUCCESS
tons will be read and needed by all
interested.
Having been charged by His Ex-
cellency the Governor, with the duty
of taking precautions to intercept any
movements similar to the one in st.
Adams, October 10Th, / submit the
following suggestions for the consid-
Grafton of the inhabitants of the
county of Franklin.
The danger to be apprehended is n
sudden dash and surprise. Accord
ingly the essential point is to secure
prompt action.
70 this end the citizens of all the
frontier villages should have an or
ganization, and be prepared to act un-
der recognized leaders.
Arms will be issued sufficient to
equip such companies These arms
so issued should not be kept in any
armory, or one place, for such armory
would be the first place of attack, and
the arms so issued would be used to
defeat the purpose for which they are
sent
The muskets should be distributed
among the members of the companies,
and be kept at their several places of
business with the equipments in such
position as can be put in use in the
least possible time. Every member
of the companies should be personally
instructed in putting on his belts, and
practiced till he can equip himself in
three seconds.
The companies should have central
points of rendezvous, and in large
villages to.
They should have frequent exercise
in rallying into line, SO as to be able to
get in order in the least possible time
Too much pains cannot be taken to
impress upon the citizens the neces-
sity of being in line when they meet
the enemy. Unless they are SO, it is
worse than useless to issue muskets,
for our own men are in as mach dan
ger as the enemy. Besides, in line
there is much less exposure.
Properly organized, no party, how
ever small, need have any fear OF at
lacking tae largest party Of raiders,
because they cannot stop to fight They
cannot know how many reserves will
come up, and when resolutely attacked
must yield or run.
I The chief object Of the raiders is
plumber, but they cannot transport
goods except jewelry. 1t is not prob
able they could have the means an d
time to break open even common
safe if the citizens keep on the alert.
There may be disposition to retain
the arms issued in the stores and 9th
er places of business, of those who re-
ceiye them, and trust TO them without
joining any organization.
This is wrong. The best way for q
imam to defend his store is to unite
with his neighbors, and defend the
whole village If every man stays al
home to defend his house, the result is
the whole village is taken in detail, land
the arms kept in that way, only
strengthen the enem.'
arms cannot be supplied to be used IL
that lcay. 1t must be understood that
whoever receives a musket from the
government must pledge himself tC
use it in some regular organization
and under command of proper officers
Rules and instructions in regard u
the care of arms will be furnished by
the Adjutant General
1t is to be understood that the or
CARNATIONS here contemplated, are
only till the Legislature makes Other
provision for the danger, but they
should be sufficiently permanent tC
last till the other action is provided
whenever that may be.
II. c. BENTON,
Lieut.. Col CONC.