Year: 1864

s@ud by several OF these recruits who had been informed u
officially that they to be held for the full three years
vice The enlistment contracts and muster rolls signed by the


recruits for the period of three years but these the
time regarded form the given being most


prominent in the minds Of the recruits and being wholly relied
upon by them The faith of the State thus became strongly
pledged these and they had the right believe that the
pledge would be preserved nyoate.


In May last first called the attention Of the President and
Secretary OF War the subject and they informed that no
authority had been granted this State for such assurances
given and while they deeply regretted the dsappont
mcn these recruits and would cheeruy grant the request
for their discharge with the several regiments to which they
attached if could consistently be done yet that regard for the
public safety compelled them to deny the request That the


question existed in other States aud to grant the request in
instance would settle the principle all and great injury
would consequently result the service Just the critical period
Of an important and active campaign Subsequent applications
have resulted il similar The disappointment to the


recruits many instances very great and yet am proud to
say that 50 far has my knowledge these soldiers


have borne their disappointment manfuy and have performed all


the duties assigned them with chcerfunes5 and aacrty that
speaks loudly in their praise.


would respectfully submit for your consideration whether it
might not be well place these recruits for the remainder Of
their the footing Of reenlsted men and If anything
should be done for these latter the form bounty from the
State that these recruits should also under these circumstances
be considered and the poportonate bounty
These recruits embrace those who enlisted 1862 into the reg
ments and organizations then in the service and companies h.
and NJ. Of the lst Vermont Cavalry.


STATE MILITIA AND MILITIA LAW


In my last communication took occasion to direct your
attention briefly to the subject OF adopting efficient and active
militia system The of the past year and the present
threatening aspect Of affairs render especially proper that
should again and earnestly invite you serious cond
Grafton Of the subject


Vermont stands to-day utterly destitute Of any Of defence
any efficient power resist or to prevent INVASION The dan
GERS our northern frontier by nconsderabe
with Just regard for the welfare Of the State overlook
them nor the light Of the evidence IN my possession
can Justify myself in withholding urgent appeal to the
Legislature to frame such law will place the State that pc
ston Of security and afford those Of protection to her
people without which hey left exposed the most wanton
and high handed predatory mcurslons prudent regard for
the public interest does admit Of my communicating in this
form all the facts my possession tending show the actual
dangers which during the past year the State has been
posed 1t sufficient for say that such evidence coming


from authoritative sources placed in my possession salts
fed that the peace and safety of border seriously
threatened and lead the adoption of proper to
prevent disasters which would have been serious their
consequences to the community Nor the dangers by
any altogether aerted The upon
the western lakes and along the northern frontier but eyen
of thoroughly organized paus limited by no means to those
special localities but extending hroughou the whole line OF our


frontier inancug themselves upon the easerly por
ton and now other and more remote points along the western
border but all paIng of the general purpose and bearing
unmakabe evidence Of beng controlled and actuaed by one
master mind.


am not unmi ul Of the sentiment that has hitherto
ensyey peryaied the minds Of the people of the State in
gard to organizing te militia and the arguments that have been
urged against such have appealed to my mind
heretofore with conrong force The burdens already resting
upon the State large The young who would have been
relied upon bear the prominent part in such organization
have been drawn from engage in the active service OF the
country the industrial enterprises OF the State have thus to
great extent been made suffer and heavier burdens
sequence thus imposed upon those who are left at home


These and kindred arguments have weighed with hitherto
with great force and have been not altogether free from doubt
as to the expedency Of attempting such organization the
present have however become fully satisfied that just
regard to the safety Of our commonwealth demands the
hands Of the Legislature immediate and vigorous preparation
for defence


If there were ever time when safety depended upon


vigilance when well organized and efficient militia would prove
bulwrk preserve peace and basis Of defense against
threatened INVASION and perhaps the only means Of ayerng it
that time has in my deliberate Judgment, fully arrived


Feeling thus the Importance of immediate organization Of
the militia and with view to relieve the State so TARA pac
cbe of the great and principal source of expense attending
such organization made application to the Secretary OF War
for sufficient quantity Of arms accoutremene and ordnance
stores to arm ana equip the militia of this State the extent of


fifteen thousand muske in the event of organization OF the
militia by the Legislature In reply the Secretary OF War has
sgnifed his willingness furnish the amount required The
State will thus be relieved of the great and principal item of
pee and that which has hitherto been used potent
argument against organization removed also received
personal from the Secretary that camp equipments such
might be required for drill and instruction in camp would be
freely furnished by the department to the extent needed the
proper requisition


transmit with this the correspondence with the Secretary of
War on this subject to which would respectfully call your
tenton.


would therefore respecu recommend the passage of act
providing for immediate and proper enrolment of all the
bearing population of the State with proper provisions for
nations and exemptions from the number thus enrolled such
number Of regiments brgades and divisions to be organized
armed and equipped your better judgment may be thought
expeden and suitable provision to be made for necessary drill
and instruction in military duty and for calling out the militia
may require with power the Executive of the State
to draft from the enrolled militia fill up from time to time the
regiments organized, necessary organize new


Upon the proper details of such organization you will be
best able to Judge and commit the whole subject your
u consideration, trusting that you will be led to such favorable
results and perfect such system will be simple and efficient
and at the the State that and ample
measure of protection from foreign aggression which be best