Very important to the city.
In our issue of yesterday appeared an address from
Captain Wyatt M. Elliott, well-known to the community as a soldier of unimpeachable skill and large experience, ‘"to the men of
Richmond and its vicinity,"’ in which he sets forth in strong terms the necessity of embodying in some available form all men able to do duty.
The demand for soldiers already trained to arms call all such to the field.
The services of a city guard are thereby lost and yet it is indispensably necessary that there should be such guard.
Under these circunstances, at the suggestion of the
Secretary of War, and by his authority, he announces his intention and desire to organize a battalion for the purpose indicated as speedily as possible.
In the design he has the co-operation of the City Council, who offer a bounty of twenty dollars a month to every non-commissioned officer and private who shall enlist.
The authorization of the
Secretary of War is appended.
Five companies of one hundred men each are to be raised.
They are to serve within the circuit of the batteries around
Manchester and
Richmond.
Capt. Elliott is appointed
Major, and the officers are so be elected by the several companies.
Capt. Elliott indicates five gentlemen, all good soldiers, with whom he has lodged the power to enroll, each, one hundred men. They are to act as
Captains if the requisite number be obtained.
They are
Louis J. Bossieux,
Wm. L. Maule,
John H. Greener,
J. F. C. Potts, and
Wm. Wirt Harrison.
All these citizens are well-known.
They are all known as skilful soldiers.
The would all make first rate officers.
The term of service is to be six months, unless sooner discharged.
The battalion is to do all the duties of soldiers within the limits above mentioned.
There is scarcely a citizen in
Richmond who does not see the necessity of some such organization.
And if it be done at all, it ought to be done promptly.
Order must be kept at home, while our army is in the field.
Here is every inducement, first rate officers, excellent pay, and the glory and honor of doing something for one's country in the hour of trial.
There are many excellent soldiers among us, who by age are exempted from going into the field.
Here is a first rate opportunity for all such.
There are many others, who do not wish to leave the city, but are willing to serve in defence of it. Here is a chance for them.
By serving here, they will do as much good as if they were on the
Chickahominy.
We expect to see
Captain Elliott's ranks field in a very short time.
