Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 1.
Frank Moore, Ed.

Whereas, a requisition has been made upon the undersigned, as Executive of the said State of Delaware, by the Secretary of War, for one regiment, consisting of seven hundred and eighty men, to be immediately detached from the militia of this State, “to serve as infantry or riflemen for the period of three months, unless sooner discharged ;” and, whereas, the laws of this State do not confer upon the Executive any authority enabling him to comply with such requisition, there being no organized militia nor any law requiring such organization; and whereas, it is the duty of all good and law-abiding citizens to preserve the peace and sustain the laws and government under which we live, and by which our citizens are protected:

Therefore I, William Burton, Governor of the said State of Delaware, recommend the formation of volunteer companies for the protection of the lives and property of the people of this State against violence of any sort to which they may be exposed. For these purposes such companies, when formed, will be under the control of the State authorities, though not subject to be ordered by the Executive into the United States service — the law not vesting in him such authority. They will, however, have the option of offering their services to the general government for the defence of its capital and the support of the Constitution and laws of the country.