Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1904-11-30
MUSTER ROLLS WANTED
Rcquired Tor Compilation Df
Confederate Rosters

Roqnired Tor Compilation of
Confederate Rosters
Maj. r. w. Hunter, secretary of
Virginia military records, has
issued the following call through
the State press:
The compilation Of the "Rosters
of the Officers and Enlisted Men
of the Union and Confederate
Armies" provided for by Act OF
Congress, is now IN progress, and
work will soon be begun on Vir-
gina rolls.
The act of our General Assem-
bly,, Of March 18th, 1904, directs
that the Secretary of Virginia
Military Records shall, by every
proper means at his command,
seek to obtain the muster rolls and
records "of the several companies,
battalions. 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 reluc-
tant to part with them. Many
are held as souvenirs, and many
have fallen into the hands of spec
ulators. These latter are either
the property of the United States
or the State of 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 conf
IDENTIFY believed that all Virginians,
glorying in the States incompaia-
bic record, would eagerly embrace
the opportunity to rescue from
oblivion the names of her SONG,
whose heroism contributed so
largely to its achievement; and
specially, that all officers who were
honored with commands would be
s.solicitous for the enduring fame
of their men as they were proud
of their bearing in battle. The
results so fer 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 appeal to my COM
rades throughout Virginia ana
West Virginia-tD the Sons OF
and Daughters of Confederaey, in
their individual and organized
capacity, and to the newspapers Of
both States, to come now actively
to nv aid in order that this noble
work may not fail. Ii not done
now il never will be done. TO my
comrades still living, | say that
no one is warranted, from mer-
cenury or other motives, in de-
priving a soldier Of his place upon
this roster; that you have right
to demand that your names he
placed there, and, furthermore,
that it 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.
TIE State asks only the loan Of
these muster rolls, und, it is hoped,
she will not be forced to assert her
right to them. Under the ruling
of the War Departments "only
contempOraneous official records
of the war period will be accepted
as Il 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 Depar, ment, and thus
saved from the chances CT destruc-
ton. Their value will be en-
HANGED 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
lenders if desired.
Packages of papers, too large to
be sert by mail, may be sent by
express at the expense at this
office.
Mexico and the Gold Standard