Doc. 77.-proclamation of Governor Watts.
The recent action of Congress has deprived the State of much of the materials of the second-class militia.
It is important to the defence of the State that Alabama shall have more troops subject to the call of her Commander-in-Chief.
We have within the State the materials for an efficient army.
It needs nothing but the spirit, the prompt and willing spirit, to fight as men ought to fight, to guard our firesides and drive the hireling Yankee from our borders.
We are threatened with raids into the heart of the State.
As your Executive Chief, I call upon the middle-aged, the young men and boys, to organize into companies at once, and report, without delay, that they are organized and ready.
I cannot suppose that Alabamians will wait to be drafted into the service.
The enthusiastic reenlistment of our veteran troops in the Virginia and Tennessee armies has caused a thrill of joyful hope to animate the hearts of even the croaking and despondent.
If these battle-scarred heroes, who for three years have carried their lives in their hands, ready to be sacrificed in defence of their homes and liberty, are willing to battle on while the feet of a hated foe press on our soil, shall we at home be laggards in the race of glory?
I trust no such damning stigma shall rest upon the honored name of Alabama.
I confidently expect a hearty, prompt, and noble response to this call.
The rolls of companies will be reported to the Adjutant-General.
