Special Edition: From the Richmond Daily Dispatch (March 17 - March 22, 1862)
The Richmond Dispatch was originally established in October 1850 (as the Daily Dispatch) by James A. Cowardin and William H. Davis, and was the first penny paper published south of Baltimore. Editorially, the paper downplayed most of the vitriolic political propaganda common at the time, and offered itself as the best possible source for local, state, and national news. By 1860, the Daily Dispatch was one of four dailies printed in Richmond, with a circulation equal to that of its three rivals combined. Although initially, the paper was nonpartisan, Cowardin, a staunch southern Whig, increasingly included conservative and pro-slavery editorials. He envisioned the emergence of Richmond as an industrialized city on the James River and believed slavery was integral to Virginia’s prosperity. He also believed that if Virginia remained in the Union it would continue to be marginalized by its wealthy counterparts in the North and never realize its potential as an industrial powerhouse.
Attention! Second Military Class!
—In pursuance of the Proclamation of the Governor of Virginia of the 18th March, calling out special force from certain cities and corporations, for the defense of the State, "all the white male inhabitants of the city of Richmond who reside in and around it, within one mile of the corporation line, on the north side of James river," and who are between the ages of sixteen and eighteen and forty-five and fifty-five years, except such as are exempt by law from all military duty, are required to assemble for enrollment and organization as the military of the second class, at the times and places hereinafter mentioned. It is hoped that all will cheerfully and promptly respond to this call, that a large and effective reserve corps may be speedily organized. The young men will be formed into companies separate from the older men, and each company will elect its own officers.
--Young men under sixteen, able to bear arms, will be admitted into the ranks. All the youth of this character in the district are invited to come forward and prepare themselves for the service of their country…. The Commissioners of Revenue for the city and county will meet at the places appointed in their respective districts, to aid in the enrollment.
By order of the Governor. H. K. Ellyson, Sheriff of the City of Richmond
The New Secretary of War.
—General George W. Randolph, the new Secretary of War, needs no introduction to our Virginia community. A grandson of Thomas Jefferson, his public and professional career have reflected no discredit even upon that illustrious name. As a lawyer, he has no superior at the bar of Virginia, and in forensic or legal debate, the strongest of our statesmen and advocates would find in him "a footman worthy of their stool." We have listened with great admiration to his simple unadorned, irresistible current of thought and logic, which flows on as smoothly, quietly, and powerfully as a great river. Dignity and simplicity are the characteristics of the style of both the lawyer and the man. If these were all Mr. Randolph's recommendations, however, we should never think of his being peculiarly qualified for Secretary of War
--Mr. Randolph, however, has received a military education, and during the present war has shown vast energy and aptitude in military organization, rising rapidly from the post of Captain of Artillery to that of General, until he has now been honored with his present most responsible and difficult position. He comes to the helm of the ship in a dark hour, with the roar of the breakers and the eager waves throwing the spray and foam ever her decks. But she has a stout-hearted crew on beard, and the man who can rightly collect and apply their energies, will yet have the proud satisfaction of seeing her safe and afloat in the open sea, her broad flag kissed by favoring winds and his own name honored and immortal.
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