[From the William and Mary College Quarterly, Oct., 1904, pp. 141-2.]
VIRGINIA'S CONTRIBUTION TO CONFEDERATE STATES ARMY.
The following documents are found in the Virginia State Library. As the war continued eighteen months longer, the contribution of Virginia was much in excess of the figures given by Governor Letcher. The total number of troops up to October, 1863, was about 133,000 men.
[It may be urged that in the often desperate straits of the Confederate government, by raid and the imminent menace of occupation of important points, the service of every male had in many instances to be availed of, even the maimed and the invalid had to hasten to the front—robbing, as has been quite truthfully stated—"the cradle and the grave." Whilst veritable rosters may not be cited, the contribution of Virginia to the Confederate States Army, first and last, must have been at least 150,000. I would urge upon every true and self-respectful Virginian his palpable duty in helping, as he may, by the loan for copying, of muster rolls in his possession to Major Robert W. Hunter, "Secretary of Virginia Military Records," Richmond, Va., so that as accurate a statement as may be attained, be presented, of the aid and sublime sacrifices made by our grand old Commonwealth and her devoted people to the sacred Cause of Right.—Ed.]
Executive Department,
Richmond, Va., October 7th, 1862.
Gentleman of the House of Delegates:
In response to the Resolution adopted by the House of Delegates, I have the honor to transmit the accompanying report from Adjutant-General Cooper, of the Confederate Government, and General Dimmock, of the Ordnance Degartment of Virginia.
I have only to add that upwards of thirty thousand conscripts have passed through the camp of instruction in charge of Col. [John C.] Shields.
Respectfully,
John Letcher.
