Doc. 56.-Gov. Clark's proclamation.
North-Carolinians!
Our country needs your aid for its protection and defence against an invading foe. The President of the confederate States has made a requisition upon our State to complete her quota of troops in the field.
Our own borders are invaded by the enemy in force, now threatening to an advance to deprive us of liberty, property, and all that we hold dear, as a self-governing and free people.
We must resist him at all hazards and by every means in our power.
He wages a war for our subjugation — a war forced upon us in wrong and prosecuted without right, and in a spirit of vengeful wickedness without a parallel in the history of warfare among civilized nations.
As you value your rights of self-government and all the blessings of freedom — the hallowed endearments of home and fireside, of family and kindred — I call upon you to rally to their defence, and to sustain the noble and sacred cause in which we are engaged.
North-Carolina has always proved true, constant and brave, in the hour of trial and of danger.
Never let it be said, that in the future she has failed to maintain her high renown.
If we are threatened now more than heretofore, and upon our own soil, let our exertions be equal to every demand on our patriotism, honor and glory.
No temporary reverses dampened the ardor of your ancestors, even though the enemy marched in columns through the State.
The fires of liberty still burned brightly in their breasts.
They were moved to new energy and resisted by gallant deeds, with abiding hope and unflinching courage and perseverance, bravely contending with enemies at home as well as the foreign foe, until, after a struggle of seven long years, our independence was achieved and acknowledged.
Let us imitate their glorious example.
The enemy is redoubling his efforts and straining every nerve to overrun our country and subjugate us to his domination — his avarice and ambition.
Already it is proposed in their Congress to establish a territorial government in a portion of our State.
Now is the time to prove our zeal and animate by example.
I call upon the brave and patriotic men of our State to volunteer, from the mountains to the sea.
You are wanted both to fill up our quota in the confederate army and for the special defence of the State.
I rely, with entire confidence, for a prompt and cheerful response to this call upon your patriotism and valor.
Tender yourselves in companies and squads, under officers of your own selection.
You will be at once accepted and organized into regiments under the laws that are or may be made, and which it is my duty to execute.
The Adjutant-General will issue the necessary orders for this purpose.
Fellow-citizens!
Your first allegiance is due to North-Carolina.
Rally to her banners.
Let every man do his duty and our country will be safe.
Given under my hand and seal of the State, at Raleigh, this twenty-second day of February, 1862.
[seal]
