Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1904-11-23
For Confederate Records
Richmond, Va, Nov. II.

congress, Is now IN progress. and
work will soon be begun on the
Virginia rolls.
The Act of our General Assem-
bly,, of March 9TH, 1904, directs
that the Secretary of Virginia Mil
itary Records shall, by every
proper means at his command.
seek to obtain the muster rolls and
records, "of the several companies.
bataliOns, regiments, and other
military organizations from Vir-
ginia in the Armies (or other mill
tary), marine or naval service of
the Confederate States. and the
names of all Virginians, of what
ever rank" in said service.
Many valuable rolls and records
have been secured; but, it is known
there are many others in the hands
of persons who have not been
reached, or who are reluctant 10
part with them. Many are held
as souvenirs, and many have fallen
into the hands of spectators.
These latter are the property either
of the United States, or the State
Lof Virginia, and are held without
legal right.
1t was not thought by the Con-
gress or our Legislature that these
muster-rolls would ever become
merchandise, and no provision was
made by either for their purchase.
On the contrary. it was confidently
believed that all Nirginians. glory
ing in the States Incompatible
record, would eagerly embrace the
opportunity to rescue from obi
won the names of her sons. whose
herolsm contributed so largely to
It's achievement: and specially. that
all officers who were honored with
commands would be as solicitous
for the enduring fame of their men
as they were proud of their bearing
in battle. The results so far have
fallen short of expectation; but
there is still time, if all interested
will bestir themselves.
As it will be impossible to make
our Roster complete if any rolls
are withheld for any reason what
ever, |, again, urgently appeal TO
my comrades throughout Virginia
and West Virginia. to the Sons
and Daughters of the COnfederacy.
in their individual and organized
capacity and to the newspapers of
both States to come now actively
TO my aid in order that this noble
work may not fail. If not done
now it will never be done. To my
comrades still living, l say that no
one is warranted, from mercenary
or other motives, in depriving a
soldier of his place upon this
Roster; that YOU have right to
demand that your names be placed
there, and, further more. that it is
4 duty we owe To our valiant Dead
to see that they are not robbed of
the fame they have won with their
blood.
The State asks only the loan of
these muSter-rollS, and, it Is hoped
she will not be forced to assert her
right to them. Under the ruling
of the War Department 'onIy
cOntemporaneous official records
of the War period will be accepted
as basis for the Roster" Copies
of Rolls will not answer. The
originals are required. As they
are periShable and likely to be lost.
! they should be sent to me at once
! that they may be copied at the
War Department, and thus SaveC
from the chances of destruction
Their value will be enhanced rather
than impaired by the authentica
ton of the Official Roster. Specia
, care will be taken of them and TN,
! faith of the State and the United
States alike is pledged for their
j., return to the lenders, if desired.
Packages of papers, too large I,
be sent by mail, may be sent b,
express at the expense of thi
Office.
Il. W. HUNTER.
= Sec'y. of Va. Military Records.
: The above letter explains itself
n ANY persons in this section VIII,
II may possess muster rolls or othe
II information of value to those VIII
: are compiling the records. wi
r. confer very great favor by ad
q dressing Maj Robert W, Hunter
n care of Virginia State Library
Richmond, Va.