fellow-citizens:--I am in your section of
Virginia, in obedience to the legally constitute ed authorities thereof, with the view of protecting this section of the
State from invasion by foreign forces and to protect the people in the full enjoyment of their rights — civil, religious, and political.
In the performance of my duties, I shall endeavor to exercise every charitable forbearance, as I have hitherto done.
I shall not inquire whether any citizens of
Virginia voted for or against the Ordinance of Secession.
My only inquiry shall and will be as to who are the enemies of our mother — the
Commonwealth of
Virginia.
My duty impels me now to say to all that the citizens of the
Commonwealth will at all times be protected by me and those under my command.
Those who array themselves against the
State will be treated as her enemies, according to the laws thereof.
Virginians! allow me to appeal to you, in the name of our common mother, to stand by the voice of your State, and to defend her against all enemies, and especially to repel invasion from any and every quarter.
Those who reside within the
State, who invite invasion, or who in any manner assist, aid or abet invaders, will be treated as enemies to
Virginia.
I trust that no Virginian, whether native-born or adopted, will refuse to defend his State and his brothers against invasion and injury.
Virginians! be true, and in due time your common mother will come to your relief.
Already many of you have rallied to the support of the honor of your State and the maintenance of your liberties.
Will you continue to be freemen, or will you submit to be slaves?
Are you capable of governing yourselves?
Will you allow the people of other States to govern you?
Have you forgotten the precepts of
Madison and
Jefferson?
Remember that the price of liberty is “eternal vigilance”
Virginia has not made war!
War has been made upon her and the time-honored principles.
Shall she be vindicated in her efforts to maintain the liberties of her people, or shall she bow her head in submission to tyranny and oppression?
It seems to me that the true friend of national liberty cannot hesitate.
Strike for your State!
Strike for your liberties!
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Rally! rally at once in defence of your mother!
