Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-11-22
THE CONFEDERATE ROSTER.

The compilation Of the "Roster OF
the officers and enlisted men of the
Union and Confederate armies,' proyid-
ed for by act of Congress, is now in prog
ress. aud work will soon be begun on
the Virginia rolls
The act of our General Assembly, of
March 9TH, 1904, directs that the Secre-
tary of Virginia Military Records shall,
by every proper means at his command,
seek to obtain the muster rolls and re-
cords 'of the several companies, bat
talions, regiments aud other military
organizations from Virginia in the armies
Tor other military, marine or naval ser
vice Of the Confederate 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 of spectators. These
latter are the property either Of the
United States, or The State of Virginia,
and are held without legal right.
1t 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 con-
identIy believed that all Virginians,
glorying in the States Incompatible
record, would eagerly embrace the OPP
portunity to rescue from oblivion the
names of her sons, whose heroiim con-
tributed so largely to its 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
ia battle. The results, so far, have fallen
short of expectation, but there is still
time if all interested will bestir them
selves.
As it will be impossible to make our
roster complete if any rolls are withheld
for any reason whatever, again urgent
ly appeal TO my comrades throughout Vir-
ginis and West Virginia, TO the Sons and
Daughters ofthe COnfederacy, in their in
dividual 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
vii! never be done. To my comrades
still living, ! say that TO one is war
ranted, from mercenary or other motives,
in depriving a soldier of his place upon
this roster; that you have right to de-
mand that your names be placed there,
and, fur hermore, that il is a 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 Depart
ment "only contemporaneous official re-
records of the war period will be
accepted as a basis for the roster"
Copies of rolls will not answer.
The originals are required. As they are
perishabIe 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 de-
siruction. Their value will be enhanced
rather than impaired by the authentica-
ton 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 lenders,
ii desired.
Packages of papers, too large to be
sent by mail, may be sent by express
at the expense of this Office.
r. w. HUNTER,
Secretary Of Virginia Military Records.
Richmond, Nov. II.