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Domestic News
December 20, 1832
Richmond Enquirer
Richmond, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
The General Military Convention met in Richmond, Virginia, from December 10-13 to review and reform the state's militia system. They elected Brig. Gen. William Lambert as president, formed committees, debated militia laws, adopted 18 recommendations for improvements including better discipline and organization, and appointed a drafting committee to prepare a memorial for the legislature.
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FOR THE ENQUIRER.
The General Military Convention to take into consideration the Militia System of Virginia, to point out the defects in the organization of the militia, and to devise and to recommend to the Legislature, a system more efficient and better adapted to the country, assembled in the City of Richmond on Monday the 10th day of December. On motion,
Brig. Gen. William Lambert was unanimously elected President, and Capt. Thomas B. Bigger, and Capt. Wm. W. McCreery were appointed Secretaries.
On motion of Lieut. Col. Hyde Resolved That all officers of the Militia of Virginia now in this City, be invited to seats in this Convention.
On motion of Maj. Thos J. Randolph, Resolved That this Convention do adjourn to ten o'clock to-morrow morning.
December 11th.—The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
On motion of Col. Joseph S. Watkins, Resolved, That a committee of seven be appointed by the President, to take into consideration the Militia laws of Virginia, and to report to this convention such amendments thereto as they may deem necessary.
The following officers were appointed said committee:
Col. Joseph S. Watkins of the 35th Regt. Infantry
Maj. Thomas J. Randolph, Regt. Cavalry.
Col. George M. Carrington, 19th Infantry
Capt. Miles King, 4th Regiment Artillery,
Capt. Henry G. Street, 7th Infantry.
Maj. John D. McPherson, 97th Infantry.
Lieut. Col. George W. Wilson, 48th Infantry.
On motion the President was added to the Committee:
On motion the Convention adjourned to 10 o'clock to-morrow.
December 12th.—The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Col. Watkins, from the Committee appointed to take into consideration the Militia Laws, &c., reported that the Committee had had the same under consideration, but were not yet prepared to report, 'and asked leave to sit again—which was granted.
On motion, the Convention adjourned to 10 o'clock to-morrow.
December 13th. —The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Col. Watkins, from the Committee appointed to take into consideration the Militia Laws, &c., presented the following report :
The Committee appointed to advise and recommend an improvement in the present Militia System, and the laws in relation thereto, respectfully represent, that in the performance of this duty, your Committee were fully sensible they approached a subject of no ordinary magnitude, nor were they unaware of the great difficulty of reconciling the various conflicting views and interests, so as to produce a system, which would give the desired energy and efficiency, and at the same time, meet with general approbation; in recommending therefore, the outlines of the proposed plan, they do not expect, nor indeed did they aim, to attain a perfect system : if it should only be the means of eradicating some of the most prominent defects, it is, under existing circumstances, all they can hope for. Your Committee are not insensible of the many important objections to the present system, and that the consequent want of an efficient militia has become a most serious and deplorable evil; they consider too, the manner of performing the duties, now devolved on the militia, not only burdensome, but a useless requisition; but, whilst your committee are prepared to concede, that the present system is deficient in all its most essential parts, and inadequate to the attainment of the objects proposed, they are nevertheless, satisfied, that these defects are mainly attributable to the entire absence of all good discipline, not only amongst the privates, but the commissioned officers themselves. It seems, then, manifest to your committee, that if some efficient, economical, practicable mode could be devised, to remedy this radical and fatal evil, the existence of which is so universally acknowledged, and to inspire your militia, with that true military pride and noble zeal which should animate the citizen soldier in the attainment of an art so essential to his security, an improvement of the other defects of the system, comparatively of minor importance, would of consequence follow in quick succession, and that then your militia would become in reality, what it is now in theory only, the pride of Virginia, and the great bulwark and safeguard of the rights and liberties of a free people.
In accordance then with these views, your committee submit the following, as in their opinion best calculated to impart the greatest degree of discipline, energy and usefulness to the militia, consistently with a just regard to the public expenditure, and the convenience of the great body of the people.
1st. That the entire military force of Virginia should be arranged and distributed into Divisions, Brigades, Regiments, &c. as is now provided for by the existing laws, [and that all officers should receive their appointments and commissions in like manner.]
2d. That the number of officers shall correspond with the system provided by Congress.
3d. That each company of Infantry of the line shall consist of not less than 50 nor more than 100 men.
4th. That every able-bodied white male citizen between the ages of 18 and 45 years should be enrolled for militia duty.
5th. That volunteer companies should remain generally, as at present organized, with adequate encouragement to keep the existing companies well filled, and an inducement to the formation of other like companies.
6th. That fines should be increased, and promptly collected.
7th. That the services of the Brigade Majors should be dispensed with.
8th. That a greater time should be occupied in the training of officers, and all trainings should immediately precede the Regimental musters.
9th. That one Instructor, and necessary assistant Instructors, should be appointed, whose duty it should be to attend the trainings for the purpose of Instructing the officers agreeably to the system prescribed by Congress. A certificate of the entire performance of their duties should be given by the commandants of Regiments. Whereupon the Instructors and Assistants should be allowed an adequate compensation.
10th. That Battalion musters should be restored and the company musters increased.
11th. That Brigadier Generals should attend the Regimental or Battalion musters of their respective Brigades.
12th. That Commandants of Brigades and Regiments should be authorized, on emergencies, to employ expresses at moderate compensations, to convey their orders.
13th. That Commandants of Regiments, Battalions and Companies, should be authorized to employ competent musicians for the drill and musters.
14th. That all officers after Seven years service, should not be compelled to perform military duty in time of peace but should be kept enrolled for service in time of war.
15th. That Volunteer Companies should appear in uniform, and that each separate corps of Volunteers of the same denomination should have a uniform differing from the others, but peculiar to itself.
16th. The mode of tendering the resignation of Commission, and the time of holding the same, should be better provided for by law
17th. That a classification of the Militia is inexpedient.
18th. Finally, Whether the plan here-in presented, or the general outlines of any other plan should be adopted, your Committee would earnestly recommend, as of great importance, that the Convention should select Delegates from their own body, to prepare the same with all the details for the consideration and adoption of the Legislature.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
On motion of Col. Watkins,
Resolved, That the report be considered clause by clause.
Whereupon the several clauses were considered and adopted.
On motion of Lieut. Col. Hyde, the following additional clause was adopted.
"That it is expedient to arm certain portions of the militia; and that adequate penalties be enacted for the preservation of the arms."
On motion of Col. Watkins, the Convention adjourned to meet again at 4 o'clock this afternoon.
December 13th. The Committee met pursuant to adjournment.
On motion of Col. Watkins,
Resolved, That a committee, consisting of thirteen, be appointed by the Convention, to draft a system of organization and discipline for the militia in conformity with the principles adopted by this Convention, and to present the same together with a memorial to the Legislature.
On motions severally made, the following Officers were appointed the Committee:
Col. Joseph S. Watkins, Infantry.
Lt. Col. Charles H. Hyde, Infantry.
Capt. Samuel Watts, Light Infantry
Col. George M. Carrington, Infantry,
Maj. Thomas J. Randolph, Cavalry.
Captain Henry G. Street, Infantry.
Captain Thos. B. Bigger, Light Infantry
Brigadier General John C. Crump.
Captain Miles King, Artillery.
Col. Robert Wallace, Artillery
Captain William W. McCreery, Infantry
Col. Archibald Ritchie, Infantry.
On motion, the President was added to the Committee.
On motion of Capt. Magruder,
Resolved, That the proceedings of this Convention be published in the different newspapers edited in the city of Richmond, and that the Editors of newspapers throughout the State be requested to copy the same in their respective papers.
On motions severally made, it was unanimously
Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be given to the President, Secretaries and several Committees, for the manner in which they performed the duties assigned them.
On motion of Lieut. Col. Guerrant,
Resolved, That this Convention do adjourn sine die.
WM. LAMBERT, President.
Thomas B. Bigger,
Secretaries.
WM. W. McCREERY,
The General Military Convention to take into consideration the Militia System of Virginia, to point out the defects in the organization of the militia, and to devise and to recommend to the Legislature, a system more efficient and better adapted to the country, assembled in the City of Richmond on Monday the 10th day of December. On motion,
Brig. Gen. William Lambert was unanimously elected President, and Capt. Thomas B. Bigger, and Capt. Wm. W. McCreery were appointed Secretaries.
On motion of Lieut. Col. Hyde Resolved That all officers of the Militia of Virginia now in this City, be invited to seats in this Convention.
On motion of Maj. Thos J. Randolph, Resolved That this Convention do adjourn to ten o'clock to-morrow morning.
December 11th.—The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
On motion of Col. Joseph S. Watkins, Resolved, That a committee of seven be appointed by the President, to take into consideration the Militia laws of Virginia, and to report to this convention such amendments thereto as they may deem necessary.
The following officers were appointed said committee:
Col. Joseph S. Watkins of the 35th Regt. Infantry
Maj. Thomas J. Randolph, Regt. Cavalry.
Col. George M. Carrington, 19th Infantry
Capt. Miles King, 4th Regiment Artillery,
Capt. Henry G. Street, 7th Infantry.
Maj. John D. McPherson, 97th Infantry.
Lieut. Col. George W. Wilson, 48th Infantry.
On motion the President was added to the Committee:
On motion the Convention adjourned to 10 o'clock to-morrow.
December 12th.—The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Col. Watkins, from the Committee appointed to take into consideration the Militia Laws, &c., reported that the Committee had had the same under consideration, but were not yet prepared to report, 'and asked leave to sit again—which was granted.
On motion, the Convention adjourned to 10 o'clock to-morrow.
December 13th. —The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Col. Watkins, from the Committee appointed to take into consideration the Militia Laws, &c., presented the following report :
The Committee appointed to advise and recommend an improvement in the present Militia System, and the laws in relation thereto, respectfully represent, that in the performance of this duty, your Committee were fully sensible they approached a subject of no ordinary magnitude, nor were they unaware of the great difficulty of reconciling the various conflicting views and interests, so as to produce a system, which would give the desired energy and efficiency, and at the same time, meet with general approbation; in recommending therefore, the outlines of the proposed plan, they do not expect, nor indeed did they aim, to attain a perfect system : if it should only be the means of eradicating some of the most prominent defects, it is, under existing circumstances, all they can hope for. Your Committee are not insensible of the many important objections to the present system, and that the consequent want of an efficient militia has become a most serious and deplorable evil; they consider too, the manner of performing the duties, now devolved on the militia, not only burdensome, but a useless requisition; but, whilst your committee are prepared to concede, that the present system is deficient in all its most essential parts, and inadequate to the attainment of the objects proposed, they are nevertheless, satisfied, that these defects are mainly attributable to the entire absence of all good discipline, not only amongst the privates, but the commissioned officers themselves. It seems, then, manifest to your committee, that if some efficient, economical, practicable mode could be devised, to remedy this radical and fatal evil, the existence of which is so universally acknowledged, and to inspire your militia, with that true military pride and noble zeal which should animate the citizen soldier in the attainment of an art so essential to his security, an improvement of the other defects of the system, comparatively of minor importance, would of consequence follow in quick succession, and that then your militia would become in reality, what it is now in theory only, the pride of Virginia, and the great bulwark and safeguard of the rights and liberties of a free people.
In accordance then with these views, your committee submit the following, as in their opinion best calculated to impart the greatest degree of discipline, energy and usefulness to the militia, consistently with a just regard to the public expenditure, and the convenience of the great body of the people.
1st. That the entire military force of Virginia should be arranged and distributed into Divisions, Brigades, Regiments, &c. as is now provided for by the existing laws, [and that all officers should receive their appointments and commissions in like manner.]
2d. That the number of officers shall correspond with the system provided by Congress.
3d. That each company of Infantry of the line shall consist of not less than 50 nor more than 100 men.
4th. That every able-bodied white male citizen between the ages of 18 and 45 years should be enrolled for militia duty.
5th. That volunteer companies should remain generally, as at present organized, with adequate encouragement to keep the existing companies well filled, and an inducement to the formation of other like companies.
6th. That fines should be increased, and promptly collected.
7th. That the services of the Brigade Majors should be dispensed with.
8th. That a greater time should be occupied in the training of officers, and all trainings should immediately precede the Regimental musters.
9th. That one Instructor, and necessary assistant Instructors, should be appointed, whose duty it should be to attend the trainings for the purpose of Instructing the officers agreeably to the system prescribed by Congress. A certificate of the entire performance of their duties should be given by the commandants of Regiments. Whereupon the Instructors and Assistants should be allowed an adequate compensation.
10th. That Battalion musters should be restored and the company musters increased.
11th. That Brigadier Generals should attend the Regimental or Battalion musters of their respective Brigades.
12th. That Commandants of Brigades and Regiments should be authorized, on emergencies, to employ expresses at moderate compensations, to convey their orders.
13th. That Commandants of Regiments, Battalions and Companies, should be authorized to employ competent musicians for the drill and musters.
14th. That all officers after Seven years service, should not be compelled to perform military duty in time of peace but should be kept enrolled for service in time of war.
15th. That Volunteer Companies should appear in uniform, and that each separate corps of Volunteers of the same denomination should have a uniform differing from the others, but peculiar to itself.
16th. The mode of tendering the resignation of Commission, and the time of holding the same, should be better provided for by law
17th. That a classification of the Militia is inexpedient.
18th. Finally, Whether the plan here-in presented, or the general outlines of any other plan should be adopted, your Committee would earnestly recommend, as of great importance, that the Convention should select Delegates from their own body, to prepare the same with all the details for the consideration and adoption of the Legislature.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
On motion of Col. Watkins,
Resolved, That the report be considered clause by clause.
Whereupon the several clauses were considered and adopted.
On motion of Lieut. Col. Hyde, the following additional clause was adopted.
"That it is expedient to arm certain portions of the militia; and that adequate penalties be enacted for the preservation of the arms."
On motion of Col. Watkins, the Convention adjourned to meet again at 4 o'clock this afternoon.
December 13th. The Committee met pursuant to adjournment.
On motion of Col. Watkins,
Resolved, That a committee, consisting of thirteen, be appointed by the Convention, to draft a system of organization and discipline for the militia in conformity with the principles adopted by this Convention, and to present the same together with a memorial to the Legislature.
On motions severally made, the following Officers were appointed the Committee:
Col. Joseph S. Watkins, Infantry.
Lt. Col. Charles H. Hyde, Infantry.
Capt. Samuel Watts, Light Infantry
Col. George M. Carrington, Infantry,
Maj. Thomas J. Randolph, Cavalry.
Captain Henry G. Street, Infantry.
Captain Thos. B. Bigger, Light Infantry
Brigadier General John C. Crump.
Captain Miles King, Artillery.
Col. Robert Wallace, Artillery
Captain William W. McCreery, Infantry
Col. Archibald Ritchie, Infantry.
On motion, the President was added to the Committee.
On motion of Capt. Magruder,
Resolved, That the proceedings of this Convention be published in the different newspapers edited in the city of Richmond, and that the Editors of newspapers throughout the State be requested to copy the same in their respective papers.
On motions severally made, it was unanimously
Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be given to the President, Secretaries and several Committees, for the manner in which they performed the duties assigned them.
On motion of Lieut. Col. Guerrant,
Resolved, That this Convention do adjourn sine die.
WM. LAMBERT, President.
Thomas B. Bigger,
Secretaries.
WM. W. McCREERY,
What sub-type of article is it?
Military
Politics
Appointment
What keywords are associated?
Virginia Militia
Military Convention
Richmond
Militia Reform
Discipline
Training
Volunteer Companies
What entities or persons were involved?
William Lambert
Thomas B. Bigger
Wm. W. Mccreery
Hyde
Thos J. Randolph
Joseph S. Watkins
George M. Carrington
Miles King
Henry G. Street
John D. Mcpherson
George W. Wilson
Charles H. Hyde
Samuel Watts
John C. Crump
Robert Wallace
Archibald Ritchie
Magruder
Guerrant
Where did it happen?
Richmond, Virginia
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Richmond, Virginia
Event Date
December 10 13
Key Persons
William Lambert
Thomas B. Bigger
Wm. W. Mccreery
Hyde
Thos J. Randolph
Joseph S. Watkins
George M. Carrington
Miles King
Henry G. Street
John D. Mcpherson
George W. Wilson
Charles H. Hyde
Samuel Watts
John C. Crump
Robert Wallace
Archibald Ritchie
Magruder
Guerrant
Outcome
convention adopted 18 recommendations for militia reform, including better discipline, organization, and training; appointed a 13-member committee to draft a detailed system and memorial for the legislature; adjourned sine die.
Event Details
The General Military Convention assembled in Richmond to review Virginia's militia system, elected officers, formed a committee to propose amendments, received and adopted a detailed report with 18 clauses on organization, enrollment, training, fines, and more, added a clause on arming militia, and appointed a drafting committee.