Arming the county.
--This subject was considered by the
County Court of
Henrico yesterday, all the
Justices being present.
Col. J. Lucius Davis, from the committee appointed by the
Court to inquire into the cost and description of military arms necessary to place the county of
Henrico in a more efficient position of defence at this time of threatened danger, reported that they had considered the subject with earnest attention.
They find, upon consultation with the
Adjutant General of the
State, that there are now a sufficient number of the smooth-bore percussion musket of good quality to meet the immediate requirements of the
Infantry corps, and of sabres of admirable quality to supply the demands of the Dragoons.
The Committee have the assurance of the
Adjutant General that these weapons will be promptly issued to such volunteer companies, organized according to law, as may make application for them.
There is, however, a deficiency of the revolving pistol, to supply which, by purchase on the part of the county, $2,500 will be needed.
The Committee do not, at present, deem it necessary to arm the militia generally, but recommend the immediate raising of an efficient Cavalry squadron and four Infantry or Rifle companies, to aid in the organization and uniforming of which a liberal contribution from the patriotic citizens is urged.
There is already in the county a nucleus from which the volunteer corps recommended may be raised, and it will, they are persuaded, only require some pecuniary assistance by private subscription, to perfect the organization of the requisite number, With regard to the sum of $2,500 necessary for the more thorough arming of these companies, should the amount be raised in the county, the
Committee recommend that application be made to the
State authorities for reimbursement of such expense.
The report was approved, and an order was passed inviting the people of the county to meet at the
Court-House on Wednesday next, to consider the subject of memorializing the Legislature to authorize the
Court to levy on the people such amount as may be necessary to put the county in an efficient state of defence, and also authorizing the
President of the
Court to convene the same immediately, to lay such levy.
After the reading of the foregoing report, patriotic Southern speeches were made by
Col. J. Lucius Davis,
Col. Sherwin McRae,
N. F. Bowe,
Esq.,
Capt. John Wilder Atkinson,
Col. John B. Young,
Robt. A. Mayo,
Garland Hanes, and
Wm. Boulware, Esqs.
