To The People of Virginia From G. A. Porterfield May 30 1861

              To the People of Northwestern Virginia

 
 
 
                                                                     Head Quarters Virginia Forces
 
                                                                                        Philippi, Va., May 30th, 1861

 
 
  Fellow Citizens—I am in your section of Virginia in obedience to the legally consti- 
tuted authorities thereof, with the view of protecting this section of the state from invasion 
by foreign forces, and to protect the people in the full enjoyment of their rights, civil reli- 
gious and political.  In the performance of my duties I shall endeavor to exercise every 
charitable forbearance, as I have heretofore done.  I shall not enquire  whether any citizen 
of Virginia voted for or against the ordinance of secession.  My only enquiry shall and will 
be, as to who are the enemies of our mother—the Commonwealth of Virginia.   My duty 
impels me now to say to all that citizens of the Commonwealth will at all times be 
protected by me, and those under my command.  Those who array themselves against the 
State will be treated as her enemies, according to the laws thereof.

 
  Virginians!  allow me to appeal to you, in the name of our common mother, to stand by 
the voice of your State, and to defend her against all enemies, and especially to repel inva- 
sion from any and every quarter.  Those who reside within the State, who invite invasion, 
or who in any manner assist, aid, or abet invaders, will be treated as enemies to  Virginia. 
I trust that no Virginian, whether native born or adopted,  will refuse to defend his State 
and his brothers against invasion or injury.  Virginians!  be true,  and in due time your 
common mother will come to your relief.

 
   Already many of you have rallied to the support of the honor of your State and the 
maintenance of your liberties.  Will you continue to be freemen, or will you submit to be 
slaves?  Are you capable of governing yourselves?  Will you allow the people of other 
States to govern you?  Have you forgotten the precepts of Madison and Jefferson?  Re- 
member that the price of liberty is “eternal vigilance!”   Virginia has not made war!  War 
has been made upon her and her time honored principles.   Shall she be vindicated in her 
efforts to maintain the liberties of her people, or shall she bow her head in submission to 
tyranny and oppression?   It seems to me that the true friend of rational liberty cannot hesi- 
tate.  Strike for your State !  Strike for your liberties!  Rally! rally at once to the de- 
fense of your mother!

 
 
                                                                                    G. A. PORTERFIELD,
 
                                                                                     Colonel of Volunteers Commanding