Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1904-12-01


been issued by Major R. W. Hunter,
secretary of Virginia Military Rec
Ords of Virginia. It is hoped that
his request will be complied with
RICHMOND, Va, Nov. II, 1904.
The compilation OF the Roster of
the Officers and enlisted men of the
Union and Confederate Armies, pro-
vided for by Act OF Congress, is now
in progress, and work will soon be be-
gun on the Virginia Rolls
The Act of our General Assembly,
of March 7th, 1904, directs that the
Secretary of Virginia Military Rec
ords shall, by every proper means at
his hand, seek to obtain the muster
rolls and records "of the several COM
panies, bsttalions, regiments, and 9TH
er military organizations from Vir-
ginia in the Armies Cor other military
marine, or naval service Of the Con-
federate States, and the names Of all
Virginians, of whatever 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 to part with
them. Many are held as souvenirs
and many have fallen into the hands
SPECTATORS. These latter are the
property either Of the United States
or the State of Virginia, and are held
without legal right.
It was not thought by the Congress
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
Virginians, glorying in the States ln'
comparable record, would eagerly en-
brace tn. opportunity to reecus from
oblivion the names of her sons, whose
heroism contributed 30 largely to 'tS
achievement and especially, that all
officers who were honored with COM
mands would be as solicitous for the
enduring fame Of their men as they
were proud OF their bearing in battle.
The results 80 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 whatever, l
again urgently appeal to my comrades
throughout Virginia and West Viz
Qinia-to the Sons and Daughters OF
the Confsderacy, in their individual
and organized capacities, 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, ! say that
no one is warranted, from mercsnary
or other motives, in depriviDg col
der Of his place upon this Roster !;
that you have right TO demand that
your names be placed there, and, fur
thsrmore, that it is 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 "only contsm-
poraneous official records Of the War
period will be accepted as basis for
the Roster" Copies Of rolls will not
answer. The originals are required.
AZ 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 saved from
the chances of destruction. Their
value viii be enhanced rather than
impaired by the authorization Of the
Official Roster. Special care will be
taken Of them and the faith Of the
State and the United States alike is
pledged for their return to the lend