Year: 1864

cd of three years, but these were at the time
regarded rs mere form, the assurances given
being most lfofnnent in the minds Of the re-
cruits, and being wholly relied upon Ivy them.
The faith OF the State thus became strongly
pledged to these men, and they lad the right
to believe that the pledge would be preserved
inyiolste.


In May last first called the attention of the
President and Secretary of War to the subject,
and they informed me that no authority had
ever been granted 10 this State for such assur-
ances as were gisen, and while they deeply re-
GREETED The disappointment to these recruits,
and would cheerfully grant the request for their
discharge with the several regiments to which
they were attached il il could consistently be
done, yet, that regard for the public safety,
compelled them to deny the request. That the
same question existed in other States, and TO
grant the request in one instance would settle
the principle as to all, and great injury would
consequently result 20 the service, just at the
critical period of an important and active cam
paign. Subsequent applications have resulted
in similar manner. The disappointment to
the recruits in many instances is very great, and
yet, am proud to say, that, so far as has come
TO my knowledge, these soldiers have borne
their disappointment manfully, and have per-
formed all the duties assigned them with a
cheerfulness and alacrity that speaks loudly in
their praise.


would respectfully submit for your consid-
erntion whether it might not be well TO place
these recruits for the remainder Of their term
on the footing Of re-enlisted men, and, il any
thing should be done for these latter in the
form of bounty from he State that these re-
cruitsshould also, under these circumstances, he
considered, and receive the same or propor-
lionate bounty. These recruits embrace those
who enlisted in 1862 into the regiments and
organizations then in the service and compa-
nes L and NJ of the lst VT cavalry.


STATE MILITIA AND MILITIA LAW.


In my last communication took occasion to
direct your attention briefly 10 the subject Of
adopting an efficient and active militia system.
The events Of the past year and the present


threatening aspect of AFFAIRS, render it especial
ly proper that l should again, and more earn


esty, invite you TO a serious consideration of


the subject.


Vermont stands to-day utterly destitute of


any arm Of defense. or any efficient power to


resist or to prevent invasion. The dangers to


our northern frontier are by no means incon-


siderable, nor can with just regard for the


welfare of the State overlook them nor, in the


light of the evidence now N my possession, can


Justify myself in Withholding an urgent APP





will place the State in that position Of security


and afford those means of protection to her


people, without which they are left exposed to


the most wanton and hgh-handed predatory


incursiuns. A prudent regard for the public


interest does not admit of my communicating


in this form, all the facts in my possession tend


ing to show the actual dangers to which, dur


ing the past year, the State has been exposed


1t is sufficient for me to say that such evidence


coming from authoritative sources, was placed


in my possession, as satisfied me that the peace
and safety of our border were seriously threat
ened, and TO lead to the adoption Of proper


measures TO prevent disasters which would have


been mos, serious in their consequences to the


entire community. Nor are the dangers by


anv means altogether avered. The more re-
cent movements upon the Western lakes ant
, along the Northern frontier are but evidences


Of thoroughly organized plans, limited by nc
, means to those special localities, but extending
! throughout the whole line of our frontier, man


ifesting themselves now upon the more easterll


portion and now at the other and more remote
points along the Western border, but all par
taking OF the same general purpose and bear
ing unmistakabe evidence of being controlled


and actuated by one master mind.


:, am not unmindful of the sentiment that ha


hitherto so extensively pervaded the minds @
the people of the State, in regard to organizing


the militia and the arguments that have bee
, urged against such measure have appealed L
nv own mind heretofore with controlling force
, The burdens already resting upon the State ar
i large The young Hien who would have bee
relied upon to bear the most prominent part il
, such organization have been drawn from US l.


engage in the active service OF the country tn
: industrial enterprises of the State have thus t


a great extent been made TO suffer, and heavie


burdens are in consequence thus imposed upo
those who are left at home.


These and kindred arguments have weighe
~ with me hitherto with great force and | hav
E been not altogether free from doubt as TO tn
, eXpediency OF attempting such an organlzatlo
. at the present time. have however becom
4 fully satisfied that just regard to the safet
). of our commonwealth demands now at tn
!. hands of the Legislature an immediate and Wig
, orous preparation for defence.


i If there were ever time when our saf.t
a depended upon our vigilance, when a well oil
r. ganized and efficient militia would prove bu
n wark to preserve our peace and "basis OF de
q tense" against threatened invasion, and pei
. haps the only means of averting il, that tim
d has, in my deliberate judgment fully arrived.
q Feeling thus the importance OF an immed
Il ate organization of the militia, and, with eie
y 10 relieve the State, so far as is practicable,


the great and principal source of expense al


tending such an organization, | made appllca


ton TO the Secretary of War for suthcier
If quantity Of arms, accoutrements and ordnanc
i stores to arm and equip the militia of this Stot
n to the extent of fifteen thousand muskets, |
i. the even of an organization of the militia b
l. the Legislature. In reply the Secretary of Wa
4, has signifed his Willingness to furnish III
1t amouot required. The State will thus be r,
d leved of the great and principal item of e,
At pense and that which has hitherto been use
ct as most potent argument against an orgar
h ization, is now removed. | also received pc


sonal assurance from the Secretary that cam
er equipments such as might be required for dri
f. and instruction n camp would he freely fu
rs nished by the department to the extent needle
es on the proper requsiton.


transmit with this the correspondence vii
b. the Secretary of War on this subject, TO whiC
r | would respectfully call your attention.
of would therefore respectfully recommen
is the passage of an act providing for an immed
ne ate and pl oper enrolment OF all the arms bea
n ing population of the State, with proper pr
ne visions for examinations and exemptions fro
he the number thus enrolled. such number Of reg
ie ments, brigades, and divisions to be organize
he armed and equipped as your better iudgme
in may be thought expedient, and suitable pr
at vision TO he made for necessary drill and i
as structon in military duty, and for calling o
RS the militia as occasion may require, with POI
IS. er 10 the Executive of the Stale to draft fro
,,;I;t;a IN 6ll IN from, ,;,.a az,