The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1864-09-19
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1Y THF GOVERNOR OF VIR0I.

10y THE GOVERNOR OF VIRGIL
II NIA--A PROCEAMAT10N.-Ths 0ensssl
assembly Of this State, on the 10Th Of January,
1884, passed act containing the following provi-
i. aThat all rosisfrates. sherii1s. sergeants and
constabes Of the several counties and towns IN this
Commonwealth be required to inform the nearest
Confederate officer Of all deserfsrs and other deli-
qnfats owing military service TO the Confederate
Government who may be found in their respective
counties cities or towns and to arrest and to aid In
the arrest of all such denquents whether desertefs,
conscrpts or absentees without leave, from the army
or navy Of the Confederate States. And they shall
promptly notify the nearest Confederate ofieer or
Adiutant- General or the Secretary Of War, OF such
arrests and shall commit such deserter other de-
iuauent to some secure county or corporation jail
until he can be delivered to the Confederate autho-
rites.
q asaid officers may summon 30 many Of the
people of their county corporation" for assist
ance in the execution of the law as they may deem
proper.
perform any duty herein required Of him." or any
summoned citizen shall fail to do," such officer
or citizen shall be deemed guilty of misdemean0r,
and, on conviction thereof, shall be fined by the
Jury not less than fifty dollars nor more than five
hundred dollars, and shall be imprisoned in the
county or corporation jail not less than two nor
more than six months.
f. 1t shall be the duty of the presiding Justice,
when requested by the Governor of the State, to
summon two other magistrates and to organize for
the arrest of all such deiinquents, failing in which,
ne siia ue sucJecs ~ tif0 pains GA" priioS
referred to.
The importance Of rigidly enforcing the provisions
of this law, at this time, cannot be misunderstood
The Government of the United States is exerting
itself to reinforce ITS armies and it becomes our au-
thorities, State and Confederate, to meet these
efforts of the enemy with corresponding energy and
determination. Our armies must be strengthened
Distinguished as they by marvellous gailantry,
and animated with an undying spirit, they yet re-
auire the assistance of greater numbers, and these
numbers must be speedily forthcoming. This lawis
and it is the duty of the officers referred to to en-
force it with all their activity and power.
am invested by law with authority to certify for
exemption from military duty such officers as may
deem necessary to execute the laws Of the State and
TO carry on and administer its government. Accord
ing,y with view to the execution of this law, l
have certified for exemption large number OF JUS
tees of the peace and other county officers, and am
panied to believe that the duty imposed upon them
has not been efficiently discharged and am, there
FORE bound to declare that if this apathy and neg
ligence continue, shall feel it my duty to revoke
many Of the certificates which have already grant
ed in order that such officers may be required to
take the places of the delinquents whom, by their
negligence they have failed to restore to their sew
eral commands. .
The State must have the services of her able bodied
men, and delinquents must be brought ba elk to their
duty or those negecting to arrest them must take
their places. call upon all officers to read the law
which have partly quoted and see ia it that 1t is
rigidly enforced
-, Given under my hand at Richmond, and
L. s. under the seal Of the Commonwealth, this
49, 18th day of September. 1854.
Teste: WILLIAM SMITH.
GEORGE W. MUEFoRD,
Sc l1-3t Secretary of the Commonwealth.