The American Annual Cyclopaedia and Register of Important Events of the Year, 1861-1865, vols. 1-5. New York: Appleton & Co., 1868.

Confederate States in 1861, Part 5: Virginia

VIRGINIA, one of the largest States of the Union, is bounded on the North by Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland; east by Maryland and the Atlantic Ocean; south by North Carolina and Tennessee; and west by Kentucky and Ohio. The population in 1860 was 1,047,613 white, 57,579 free colored, and 490,887 slaves. The area of the State is about 61,352 square miles. The assessed value of real property in 1860 was $417,952,228; of personal property, $239,069,108. (See New American Cyclopedia.) The popular vote for President in 1860 was as follows: Lincoln, 1,929; Douglas, 16,290; Breckinridge, 74,323; Bell, 74,681. That at the election in 1856 was: Fremont, 291; Buchanan, 89,706; Fillmore, 60,310.

No State watched the proceedings in South Carolina and Alabama relative to secession, with greater interest than Virginia. In favor of the union by a large majority, she still possessed the warmest sympathy with the slaveholding States. Public affairs, however, maintained their ordinary course until the 7th of January, when an extra session of the Legislature convened at Richmond. Governor Letcher, in his Message, alluding to the condition of the country, said that all see, know, and feel that the danger is imminent, and all true patriots are exerting themselves to save the country from impending perils. He renewed the proposition in his previous Message for-a convention of all the States, and said it is "monstrous to see a Government like ours destroyed merely because men cannot agree about a domestic institution. It becomes Virginia to be mindful of her own interests. A disruption is inevitable, and if new confederations are to be formed, we must have the best guarantees before we can attach Virginia to either." lie charged upon the non-slaveholding States the responsibility for the state of affairs, and, if the Union was disrupted, upon them would rest the blame. He alluded at length to their aggressions, and said they have the power to end the strife and restore confidence. "Will they do it ?" He awaited their response without apprehension.

The Governor further declared he would regard any attempt of the Federal troops to pass through Virginia for the purpose of coercing any Southern State as an act of invasion, which would bo repelled. He was not without a hope that the present difficulties would find a satisfactory solution. "Let New England and Western New York be sloughed off and ally themselves with, Canada." He opposed a State convention, and suggested such measures as to him seemed most suitable for the crisis. In the House, a resolution was unanimously adopted to appoint a committee with instructions to report a bill for assembling a State convention; and anti-coercion resolutions were passed, saying that "any attempt to coerce a State would be resisted by Virginia." The bill in favor of calling a State convention was finally adopted, and February 4th fixed as the day for the election of the delegates, and the 13th as the day for them to assemble. 

Numerous Union meetings, at this time, were held in Western Virginia. Resolutions were passed by the Legislature, declaring that the Union, being formed by the assent of the States, ought not to bo maintained by force, that the Federal Government had no power to make war on a State, and that they would resist all attempts at coercion into reunion or submission.

On the 10th of January another resolution, having for its object to preserve peace, was adopted in the House. It requested the President, and also the Governors of the seceded States to give assurances that the status quo in all matters tending to a collision should be maintained for the present. In the Senate the resolution was amended to ask of the President an assurance of absolute preservation of the peace for sixty days, and the whole matter was then referred to a committee. It was also resolved in the House to submit to the people on the election for delegates to the State convention, the question whether, if any action should be taken in convention relative to the Federal Union, it should be submitted to the people for ratification or rejection. The vote was ayes 77, nays 61. This was considered by the friends of the South as so "emasculating " the convention bill as to throw into imminent peril "all that the people of Virginia held most sacred and dear, both as to the Federal Constitution and the rights and honor of the State."

On the 14th propositions were introduced in the Legislature looking to a national convention, to bo held at Washington on February 4th. (See page 178.) Meantime Union meetings were held in Winchester, Portsmouth, and other towns, particularly in the western part of the State.

On the 17th the Governor communicated to the Legislature the resolutions which had been adopted by the New York Legislature, with a Message expressing the utmost disdain ; saying, at the close, that the threat conveyed can inspire no terror with freemen. The Legislature ordered these resolutions to be returned to Governor Morgan, in New York, as an expression of the indignation with which they were received, because understood to countenance the doctrine and contemplate the policy of coercion. (See New York.) On the same day the House adopted the resolutions contemplating a national convention at Washington, providing that the commissioners should at all times be subject to the control of the Legislature or the State convention, if in session. This was regarded as embracing an approval of the Crittenden propositions.

The passage of the propositions for a peace conference at Washington were a matter of considerable interest, not only to the State, Page 730 but to the country. It was hailed, at the time, as a step on the part of that ancient commonwealth to effect a peaceable solution of the difficulties of the country, and to preserve the Union with its friendly and fraternal feeling. When the resolutions were before the House, a motion to amend of such a character as to bring up the question of the right and present policy of secession was offered and voted down, ayes 36, nays 90. On the adoption of these resolutions in the Senate, another was offered of this purport:

Resolved, That if all efforts to reconcile the unhappy differences between sections of our country shall prove abortive, then every consideration of honor and interest demands that Virginia shall unite her destinies with her sister slave-holding States. 

This resolution was adopted unanimously.

Messrs. John Tyler and John Robertson were appointed Commissioners, the former to President Buchanan, and the latter to Governor Pickens, to request them to abstain from hostile acts during the session of the Conference, and to obtain from South Carolina a representation therein.

On the 18th a bill passed the House appropriating one million of dollars for the defence of the State. It was also passed by the Senate on the 23d.

On the 22d the Governor sent to the Legislature the resolutions of the State of Ohio, breathing a coercive spirit. He suggested that such, resolutions sent to slave-holding States had no other effect than to excite resentments and inflame prejudices, as well as to increase the difficulties, and embarrass, if not defeat, all the efforts being made to adjust the controversy. Ho suggested also the propriety of a rebuke to the Governor of Ohio for his refusal to surrender Owen Brown and Francis Merriam when demanded by the Executive of Virginia, as fugitives from justice. The Message was laid on the table by a small majority.

The members of Congress from Virginia, even at this period, had, it seems, given up all hope of an adjustment of the difficulties of the country. Ten of them sent an address to the people of the State, giving a view of the proceedings and the probable action of Congress, and declaring: "It is vain to hope for any measures of conciliation and adjustment from Congress which the people of Virginia could accept." They said, further, that they were satisfied the Republican party designed by civil war alone to coerce the Southern States, under the pretext of enforcing the laws, unless it should become speedily apparent that the seceding States were so numerous, determined, and united as to make such an attempt hopeless. They concluded by expressing their conviction that prompt and decided action by the people of Virginia in the Convention would afford the surest means, under the providence of God, of averting the impending civil war, and preserving the hope of reconstructing a Union already dissolved.

Messrs. Tyler and Robertson, the Commissioners, proceeded to discharge their duty. The reply of the President was that he had no power to make such an agreement. (See United States.) The reply of South Carolina was embraced in the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted by the Legislature of that State:

Resolved unanimously. That the separation of South Carolina from the Federal Union is final, and she has no further interest in the Constitution of the United States; and that the only appropriate negotiations between her and the Federal Government are as to their mutual relations as foreign States.

The reply from Maryland, through Governor Hicks, to the request from Virginia to meet in conference at Washington, concludes with these words: "I am rejoiced that Virginia has made the move, and I trust it will be met in a corresponding spirit by the other States; if so, we may anticipate the best of consequences from their patriotic action." The letter was ordered to be printed by the Legislature. The views of the Legislature on coercion are embraced in this resolution, to which there were only five dissentient votes in the House:

Resolved, That when any one or more of the States have determined, or shall determine, under existing circumstances, to withdraw from the Union, we are unalterably opposed to any attempt on the part of the Federal Government to coerce the same into re-union or submission, and that we will resist the same by all the means in our power.

The number of delegates to the State Convention was 152, a large majority of those elected preferring the Union to secession. This was considered as a declaration against precipitate secession, and in favor of making every honorable effort to restore the Union. Virginia demanded her rights in the Union, looking to the conservative people of the North, if they were in a majority, to make a peaceful adjustment of difficulties. Of unconditional " Unionists," and extremists on the other side, there were very few elected. The effect of this election on the people of Maryland, Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina was exceedingly favorable for the Union. All party distinctions had thus been forgotten in the choice of the delegates.

On the 11th of February the Governor sent to the Legislature the report of Commissioner Robertson, who had been sent to the seceded States. He reported that the Governor of Georgia accepted the mediation of Virginia, and gave assurances that the authorities of Georgia would abstain, during the period contemplated, from all acts calculated to produce a collision between that State and the General Government. The Commissioner believed that the Governor of Alabama would give a favorable answer, and that South Carolina would conform her course to the action or recommendation of the Southern Congress. The resolutions from the Legislature of Michigan were ordered to be returned to the Governor of that State.

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The State Convention met at Richmond on the 13th of February. John Janney, of Loudon, was elected President of the Convention, and upon taking the chair, he made an address friendly to the Union, hut said that Virginia would insist on her own construction of her rights as a condition of her remaining in the present Union. The next day was devoted to perfecting the organization. The Commissioners from South Carolina, Mississippi, and Georgia were invited to seats in the Convention.

The object of the people of Virginia, as expressed by their Legislature, and by their vote at the election for delegates to the Convention, was, if it could be done, honorably " to restore the Union of the States, and preserve that Union for all time to come."

On the 16th numerous resolutions were offered, which, while expressing a hope that the difficulties then existing might be reconciled and the Union perpetuated, yet denounced the idea of coercing in any way the seceding States.

Mr. Wise, of Princess Anne, reiterated1 his. policy of fighting in the Union, and counselled speedy action.

Mr. Moore, of Rockingham, opposed haste. He would not be driven by the North, nor dragged by the cotton States, who had acted without consulting Virginia. he was opposed to coercion; but if the seceded States choose to assault the forts, let them take the consequences.

Mr. Carlisle contended that the Government had not yet attempted to coerce the South, and when this was done the people would resist it.

Addresses were made to the Convention by the Commissioners from other States who were present. Mr. Preston, from South Carolina, in his remarks, said that the Union could never be reconstructed "unless power should unfix the economy of good. No sanctity of human touch could reunite the people of the North and South."

Mr. Hall introduced resolutions declaring that Virginia had a legal right to secede; that the mere election of Mr. Lincoln was not just ground for secession; but, since a portion of the South had seceded, leaving the Border States greatly in a minority in Congress, Virginia should demand additional guarantees and proper amendments to the Constitution; that she should present an ultimatum to the Northern States, and fix a time beyond which she would not wait; and, if she failed in these, Virginia should take the proper steps to secure her just rights out of the Union.

On the 20th of February, numerous resolutions were offered and referred. They generally expressed an attachment to the Union and the desire for an equitable settlement, but denounced coercion, and declared a purpose to resist it. Others maintained that the union of the South was the safety of the South, and that each State should speedily resume the powers delegated to the General Government. A resolution was offered to raise a committee to inquire whether any movement of arms or men had been made by the General Government towards strengthening any fort or arsenal in or bordering on Virginia, indicating preparations for an attack or coercion. It was laid on the table without further action, but taken up the next day and adopted. The report of the committee on the election of members stated that all the counties except sixteen had sent in returns thus far, and the majority for referring the action of the Convention to the people was 52,857.

On the 28th of February, Mr. Morton made a speech in favor of immediate secession, and denouncing the result of the Peace Conference as a failure.

On the 1st of March, resolutions were  offered and referred that an ordinance should be passed submitting to the voters of the State the question whether Virginia shall remain with the North, or secede and go with the South; also, that Virginia should use her best efforts to procure a vote in all the States on the question of Union on the basis of the Peace Conference propositions or disunion, and that she would cooperate with the States agreeing with her in the result of the vote.

Mr. Baylor endorsed the Peace Conference propositions, and opposed the right of secession, as well as the right of coercion.

Mr. Turner said he meant to exert all his efforts to obtain an adjustment, but if they failed, Virginia ought to unite with the South.

Mr. Goode, of Mecklenburg, denounced the Peace Conference.

Mr. Goode, of Bedford, introduced the following resolution:

Whereas the powers delegated by Virginia to the Federal Government have been perverted to her injury and oppression; and whereas the moderate and reasonable demands known as the Crittenden propositions, with the essential modifications presented by the General Assembly as a final effort to restore the integrity of the Union, have been deliberately rejected by the Northern confederates; therefore Revolted, That every consideration of duty, interest, honor, and patriotism requires that an ordinance be adopted bv the Convention and submitted to the people, by which Virginia will resume all the powers delegated to the Federal Government, and declare her connection With that Government dissolved.

The resolution was referred.

Mr. Fisher presented resolutions suggesting that the General Government should early negotiate with the Confederate States for the transfer of Forts Sumter and Pickens to said Confederacy, and for an equitable division of the public property and obligations. These were also referred.

The Inaugural Address of President Lincoln created much excitement among the members of the Convention and others. A resolution instructing the Committee on Federal Relations to report a plan for a Border State Convention was offered on the 5th of March, to which a substitute was moved to instruct the committee, in view of the coercive policy of President Lincoln, to report an ordinance for Virginia to secede Page 732 and declare herself free from future alliance with the United States, &c, &c. To this an amendment was offered, instructing the committee to report in effect that,

Whereas it is plain that it is Mr. Lincoln's purpose to plunge the country into a civil war by a coercive policy which Virginia will resist; therefore

Resolved, That the Legislature make the needful appropriation of means, and provide the necessary forces to resist and repel every attempt of the Federal authorities to "hold, occupy, and possess" the property and places claimed by the United States in any of the seceded States, or those that may withdraw, or collect duties on imports in the same.

On the other hand, resolutions were offered opposing coercive measures for the collection of the revenue, &c, declaring that Virginia would repel such attempts, &c.; and though, while Virginia remained a member of the Union, she would assume no hostile attitude to the General Government, she would prepare to repel any assaults made upon her. All the members of the Convention appeared to be opposed to coercion. The committee appointed to examine into the subject reported that, in their opinion, there had been no movement of armed men towards the Virginia forts by the General Government, indicating any attempt at attack or coercion.

On the 7th of March, Mr. Carlisle made a speech against the resolution instructing the Committee on Federal Relations to make a report pledging the State to resist Mr. Lincoln's policy of coercion, and requesting the Legislature to make the needful preparations for that purpose. He denounced it as a treasonable measure; upheld the right of the Government to collect the revenues in the seceded States; was agreeably disappointed in the pacific tone of Mr. Lincoln's inaugural; and opposed any action by which Virginia should place herself in a hostile attitude to the General Government. He believed in the power of the people yet to restore the Union.

On the next day Mr. Wysor offered an ordinance dissolving the political connection between Virginia and the other States of the Union, and for establishing a separate independence. The former part was referred. Mr. Brent, in a Union speech, opposed the policy of secession, but at the same time opposed coercion. He thought Mr. Lincoln's inaugural unsusceptible of a warlike construction, but disagreed with many of its doctrines.

The Committee on Federal Relations, to whom the principal business of the Convention had been referred, and whose action would decide, in a measure, the character of all their proceedings, submitted several reports on the 10th. The report of the majority consisted of a series of resolutions, which were summarily as follows:

The first reaffirmed the doctrine of State rights.

The second declared any interference of slavery by the Federal or other authorities, or by the people, contrary to the Constitution, offensive, and dangerous.

The third condemned the formation of goo. graphical or sectional parties.

The fourth demanded a fair partition of the Territories, and equal protection therein.

The fifth declared that in a time of profound peace with foreign nations, as now existed, and when no symptoms of domestic insurrection appeared, it was impolitic and offensive to accumulate within the limits of a State interested in irritating pending questions of the deepest importance an unusual amount of troops, munitions of war, &c.

The sixth indulged in the hope of a restoration of union and fraternal feelings.

The seventh recommended a repeal of unfriendly and unconstitutional legislation, and proper amendments to the Constitution.

The eighth conceded the right of States to withdraw from the Union for just causes.

The ninth alluded to the position of the Federal Government as disclaiming the power, under the Constitution, to recognize a withdrawal.

The tenth, without expressing an opinion on the question of power, desired to confer upon the General Government the powers necessary to deal peaceably with the questions involved, and, if necessary, to recognize separate and combined seceding States, to make treaties, and to pass any laws such separation may make necessary.

The eleventh recommended the people of the sister States to respond, at their earliest convenience, to the foregoing positions, and to the proposed amendments to the Constitution, and to a consultation intended to be held afterwards; and in the event that Virginia failed to obtain satisfactory responses from the non-slaveholding States, she would feel compelled to resume her sovereign powers and throw herself upon her reserved rights.

The twelfth made it an indispensable condition that a pacific policy be adopted towards the seceded States, and that no attempt be made to reenforce or recapture the forts, or exact payment of imposts upon commerce, or any measure calculated to provoke hostilities.

The thirteenth affirmed that Virginia would regard any hostile action on either side as hurtful and unfriendly, and as leaving Virginia free to determine as to her future policy.

The fourteenth recommended a conference of the Border States at Frankfort, Kentucky, on the last Monday of May.

The foregoing report did not fully meet the approval of the Union members, because it apparently recognized the right of secession.

Mr. Wise submitted the minority report, giving a list of demands, arid requesting the States to give their answers by October, and in the mean time that every step should be taken to preserve the peace ; that neither the General Government nor the seceded States should commence hostilities; and that the Government should retain only a sufficient number of men in the forts, &c, to preserve and guard the public property therein.

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Mr. Harvie submitted a minority report, with three signatures, for the passage of an ordinance of secession.

Mr. Barbour, of Culpepper, submitted another minority report, to the effect that the Government must immediately adopt measures to afford the people of the slaveholding States full constitutional assurances of their safety in continuing a further association with them under the common Government; also, recommending the appointment of commissioners to Montgomery to confer with the Confederate authorities.

Mr. Baldwin, from the minority of the committee, submitted a report, endorsing the Peace Conference propositions; recommending a Border State convention at Frankfort, Kentucky; opposing coercion; favoring the removal of all causes of the present complaints, and charging the present condition of affairs on the politicians.

Mr. Wickham presented another minority report, opposing coercion; proposing a Border State conference at Frankfort; and favoring the peace propositions as a fair and honorable adjustment. 

A resolution, tendering the thanks of the people of Virginia to Senator J. J. Crittenden, of Kentucky, "for his recent able, zealous, and patriotic efforts in the Senate of the United States to bring about a just and honorable adjustment of our national difficulties," passed by a vote of ayes 107, noes 16. Mr. Tyler, who had returned from the Peace Conference, was opposed to the adoption of the peace propositions, ne desired Virginia to put forth an ultimatum, demanding full and ample security as the only condition of remaining in the Union. He thought such security, if guaranteed, might ultimately bring back the cotton States. Virginia could not exist without them.

On the 25th the Convention refused, ayes 4, noes 116, to strike out the report of the majority of the Committee on Federal Relations and substitute the report of the Peace Conference.

On the 28th the first and second resolutions of the report, were adopted.

Mr. Hall, of Wetzel, offered the Constitution of the Confederated States as a substitute for the report of the Committee on Federal Relations. The majority accepted the opportunity to make a test vote on the proposition, and the minority (the friends of secession) vainly sought to withdraw it. A vote, after considerable parliamentary manoeuvring, was forced, and the proposition substituting the Constitution was rejected—yeas none, nays 78.

On the 4th of April the Convention proceeded to vote on the other resolutions reported by the Committee on Federal Relations.

The third resolution, which opposed the formation of geographical or sectional parties in respect to Federal politics, was adopted.

The fourth resolution was taken up, and, on motion, was amended by inserting the words "the several States," in lieu of the words " the United States," making it declare that the Territories constitute a trust fund, to be administered for the common benefit of the people of the several States, &c. This was agreed to— yeas 68, nays 66. Mr. Morton moved to amend by striking out the last sentence, namely, "If equal admission of slave and free labor into any Territory excites an unfriendly conflict between the two systems, a fair partition of the Territories ought to be made, and each system protected within the limits assigned to it by laws necessary to its proper development." This was lost—yeas 38, nays 91. The fourth resolution, as amended, was adopted.

The fifth resolution coming up, Mr. Flournoy moved to amend it by striking out the words "and to aid in suppressing domestic insurrection," thus making the declaration simply that the legitimate use of the forts, &c, is to protect the country against a foreign force. This was agreed to—68 against 61.

The sixth resolution being under consideration, Mr. Harvie moved to strike out the whole of it, and to insert in lieu thereof the following:

Resolved, That an ordinance of secession, resuming the powers delegated by Virginia, and providing for submitting the same to the qualified voters of the commonwealth for adoption or rejection at the polls in the Spring elections in May next, should be adopted by this Convention.

Several motions that the Convention adjourn were voted down. Mr. Harvie's substitute was then rejected—yeas 45, nays 89. It was not strictly a test vote.

On the sixth resolution Mr. 'Wise moved to strike out the whole, and insert a substitute contemplating resistance to the wrongs of the South, indulging a desire for an adjustment, and that Virginia should not offer or adopt any terms of adjustment which ought not to be acceptable to the seceded States, and restore them to the Union. The Convention, by a vote of 57 ayes and 83 noes, refused this substitute. Mr. Wise then moved to amend by adding the last clause of the foregoing substitute, which was rejected—64 to 74. The resolution was then adopted as amended. The seventh, with slight amendments, was also adopted.

The Convention then referred to the eighth resolution, recognizing the right of secession for just causes. Mr. Carlisle moved to strike it out, and insert a substitute embodying President Madison's language, justifying secession only in the event of the failure of every constitutional resort. The Convention rejected the motion— yeas 22, nays 114. Other amendments were proposed and rejected. The eighth resolution was then adopted, after striking out the words "they concede."

On the ninth resolution Mr. Bouldin moved to strike out the whole, and insert a substitute embodying a declaration that the independence of the seceded States ought to be acknowledged without further delay, and such laws passed as a separation may make proper. The amendment Page 734 was rejected—yeas 68, nays 71. The resolution was adopted—yeas 92, nays 37.

Mr. Preston offered a preamble and resolution, which were modified, on the suggestion of Mr. Baldwin, and accepted by Mr. Preston, as follows:

Whereas, in the opinion of this Convention, the uncertainty which prevails in the public mind as to the policy the Government intends to pursue towards the seceded States is extremely injurious to the commercial and industrial interests of the country, tends to keep up an excitement which is unfavorable to an adjustment of the pending difficulties, and threatens a disturbance of the public peace; therefore

Be it Resolved, That a committee of three delegates be appointed to wait on the President of the United States, and respectfully ask him to communicate to this Convention what course he intends to pursue.

Mr. Carlisle offered an amendment to include a desire to know what policy the seceded States intended to pursue towards the General Government, which was rejected, and Mr. Preston's resolution, as modified, was adopted. The Commissioners appointed under this resolution were Messrs. Wm. Ballard Preston, A. H. H. Stuart, and Geo. W. Randolph, who waited upon the President. For his reply see United States. The tenth resolution was adopted by a vote of 120 against 20.

The eleventh resolution was then taken up, when Mr. Wickham offered an amendment, expressing confidence in the justice of the people of the other States; appealing to them for a satisfactory adjustment by the adoption of the amendments to the Constitution hereto appended; and declaring that a definite refusal or neglect of the non-slaveholding States to accede to such amendments should and would result in a total and final disruption of the Union.

Mr. Goode offered an amendment, declaring further that in such event Virginia will feel compelled to resume her powers and throw herself upon her reserved rights. This was rejected—54 against 70, and Mr. Wickham's amendment was also lost—57 against 08.

Mr. Tarr moved to strike out the last sentence in the eleventh resolution, declaring that the State of Virginia will resume her powers in the event of a failure to receive satisfactory responses. Rejected—54 against 70.

On the 10th, the Convention considered the other resolutions. The twelfth having been taken up, Mr. Carlisle moved to strike out that portion making it an indispensable condition that no attempt shall be made to reenforce or recapture the forts, &c., This was rejected— 17 against 104. Mr. Wise moved to add a clause declaring that all forts, &c, in the limits of seceded States ought to be evacuated for purposes of pacification. Lost—60 against 67. The resolution was adopted.

On the 13th the debate turned exclusively upon the surrender of Fort Sumter. Messrs. Carlisle and Early deprecated the action of South Carolina in firing upon the fort, and expressed devotion to the flag of their country. Others applauded the gallantry of South Carolina and maintained that whatever the Convention might do, the people would take Virginia out of the Union.

A communication was received from the Governor, submitting a dispatch from Governor Pickens, giving an account of Friday's bombardment. He said: "There was not a man at our batteries hurt. The fort fired furiously upon us. Our iron battery did great damage to the south wall of the fort; the shells fell freely into the fort, and the effect is supposed to be serious, as they are not firing this morning. Our 'Enfield' battery dismounted three of Anderson's largest columbiads. "We will take the fort, and can sink the ships if they attempt to pass the channel. If they laud elsewhere, we can whip them. "We have now 7,000 of the best troops in the world, and a reserve of 10,000 on the routes to the harbor. The war has commenced, and we will triumph or perish. Please let me know what your State intends to do."

Governor Letcher replied: "The Convention will determine."

On the 15th the reply of the President was presented by the Commissioners. A resolution was offered to go into secret session to consider this report. A debate followed. The proclamation of President Lincoln, calling for seventy-five thousand men, constituted the principal theme. Messrs. Scott and Preston (Unionists) declared that if the President meant subjugation of the South, Virginia had but one course to pursue. A difference of opinion existed as to whether it would bo best to secede immediately or await the cooperation of the Border States, and it was believed the alternative propositions would be submitted to the people. Some delegates doubted the authenticity of the proclamation, and, in deference to their wishes, the Convention adjourned.

The reply of the Governor to the requisition of the Secretary of War was made on the 16th, as follows:

Executive Department

Richmond, (Virginia,) April 16, 1861. 

Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War.

Sir: I received your telegram of the 15th, the genuiness of which I doubted. Since that time I have received your communication, mailed the same day, in which I am requested to detach from the militia of the State of Virginia " the quota designated in a table," which you happened, " to serve as infantry or riflemen for the period of three months, unless sooner discharged.

In reply to this communication, I have only to say that the militia of Virginia will not be furnished to the powers at Washington for any such use or purpose as they have in view. Your object is to subjugate the Southern States, and a requisition made upon me for such an object—an object, in my judgment, not within the purview of the Constitution or the act of 1795— will not be complied with. You have chosen to inaugurate civil war, and, having done so, we will meet it in a spirit as determined as the administration has exhibited towards the South. Respectfully,

JOHN LETCHER.

On the 16th the Convention assembled in secret session. This was immediately after the surrender of Fort Sumter.

On the 17th an ordinance of secession was passed by the Convention. The vote was 88 in Page 735 its favor and 55 against it. Only 91 delegates had signed it at the expiration of the first month after its passage. It is stated by a member that when the Convention assembled, a clear majority was for the Union, at which a mob excitement existed in Richmond. It was then calculated that if ten Union men could be kept away, there would be a majority for secession. Accordingly, ten members were waited upon and informed that they were given the choice of doing one of three things: either to vote for the secession ordinance, to absent themselves, or to be hanged. Resistance was found to bo useless, and the ten yielded and were absent. The report of the vote, however, shows that at the final moment the majority in favor of the ordinance was large.

The following is the Ordinance of Secession:

An Ordinance to repeal the ratification of the Constitution of the United States of America, by the State of Virginia, and to resume ail the rights and powers granted under said Constitution.

The people of Virginia, in the ratification of the Constitution of the United States of America, adopted by them in Convention, on the 25th day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight, having declared that the powers granted under the said Constitution were derived from the people of the United States, and might be resumed whensoever the same should be perverted to their injury and oppression, and the Federal Government having perverted said powers, not only to the injury of the people of Virginia, but to the oppression of the Southern slave-holding States;

Now, therefore, we, the people of Virginia, do declare and ordain, that the Ordinance adopted by the people of this State in Convention on the twenty-fifth ay of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight, whereby the Constitution of the United States of America was ratified, and all acts of the General Assembly of this State ratifying or adopting amendments to said Constitution, are Thereby repealed and abrogated; that the union between the State of Virginia and the other States under the Constitution aforesaid is hereby dissolved, and that the State of Virginia is in the full possession and exercise of all the rights of sovereignty which belong and appertain to a free and independent State. And they do further declare that said Constitution of the United States of America is no longer binding on any of the citizens of this State.

This Ordinance shall take effect and be an act of this day, when ratified by a majority of the votes of the people of this State, cast at a poll to be taken thereon, on the fourth Thursday in May next, in pursuance of a schedule hereafter to be enacted.

Done in Convention in the city of Richmond, on the seventeenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and in the eighty-fifth year of the commonwealth of Virginia. A true copy,

                        JNO. L. EUBANK,

                    Secretary of Convention.

At the same time the Convention passed an ordinance requiring the Governor to call out as many volunteers as might be necessary to repel invasion, and to protect the citizens of the State. The following is the Governor's Proclamation:

Whereas seven of the States formerly composing a part of the United States have, by authority of their people, solemnly resumed the powers granted by them to the United States, and have framed a Constitution and organized a Government for themselves, to which the people of those States arc yielding willing obedience, and have so notified the President of the United States by all the formalities incident to such action, and thereby become to the United States a separate, independent, and foreign Power; and whereas the Constitution of the United States has invested Congress with the sole power " to declare war," and until such declaration is made the President has no authority to call for an extraordinary force to wage offensive war against any foreign Power; and whereas on the 15th instant the President of the United States, in plain violation of the Constitution, issued a proclamation calling for a force of seventy-five thousand men, to cause the laws of the United States to be duly executed over a people who are no longer a part of the Union, and in said proclamation threatens to exert this unusual force to compel obedience to his mandates; and whereas the General Assembly of Virginia, by a majority approaching to entire unanimity, declared at its fast session that the State of Virginia would consider such an exertion of force as a virtual declaration of war, to be resisted by all the power at the command of Virginia; and subsequently, the Convention now in session, representing the sovereignty of this State, has re affirmed in substance the same policy, with almost equal unanimity; and whereas the State of Virginia deeply sympathizes with the Southern States in the wrongs they have suffered and in the position they have assumed, and having made earnest efforts peaceably to compose the differences which have severed the Union, and having failed in that attempt through this unwarranted act on the part of the President; and it is believed that the influences which operate to produce this proclamation against the Seceded States will be brought to bear upon this Commonwealth if she should exercise her undoubted rights to resume the powers granted by her people, and it is due to the honor of Virginia that an improper exercise of force against her people should be repelled:

Therefore I, John Letcher, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, have thought proper to order all armed volunteer regiments or companies within this State forthwith to bold themselves in readiness for immediate orders, and upon the reception of this proclamation to report to the Adjutant-General of the State their organization and numbers, and prepare themselves for efficient service. Such companies as are not armed and equipped will report that fact that they may be properly supplied.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 17th day of April, 1861, and in the eighty-fifth year of the Commonwealth.

JOHN LETCHER.

During the next day, it was announced from the hall of the Convention, that an ordinance of secession had been passed, to take effect as an act of that day, should the same be ratified by the people on a vote to be taken thereon on the fourth Thursday of May. The intelligence spread throughout Richmond and produced immense excitement. Loud and prolonged cheering proceeded from the assembled crowds. In a very short time a rush was made by a party of citizens to the custom-house, for the purpose of signalizing the act of secession in a more demonstrative manner. The gilt letter sign, "United States Court," over the portico was speedily displaced and taken down, and the occupants of the building notified that the United States jurisdiction over the property had ceased. The next act was to raise a Southern Confederacy flag, with eight stars, over the capitol, in which the Convention held its sessions.

Page 736

The Confederate flag was displayed on the same day from the custom-house, hotels, and private residences, eight stars being generally the number on the flag—one having been added for Virginia. The custom-house was also taken out of the hands of the United States officials, and placed under-a guard of State troops. The steamships Yorktown and Jamestown (belonging to the Virginia and New York Steamship Company) were both seized and put in charge of Virginia State troops. Many other seizures were also made.

The Traders' Bank at Richmond tendered the State a loan of $50,000.

A proclamation was issued by the Governor, prohibiting the exportation of flour, grain, and provisions from Virginia, and another was issued ordering all private vessels and property recently seized or detained, with the exception of the steamers Jamestown and Yorktown, to be released and delivered up to their masters or owners. For this purpose proper officers of the, State were assigned to each of the rivers Rappahannock, York, Potomac, and James, with orders to release such vessels and property, and give certificates for damages incurred by their seizure or detention.

The supply of troops, under the call of the. Governor authorized by the State Convention, was so great that further orders wore issued directing no more troops to proceed to Richmond until called for. About 6,000 had assembled there, and 4,000 at Harper's Ferry.

An intelligent citizen of Richmond thus describes the military spirit existing there on the 25th of April: "Our beautiful city presents the appearance of an armed camp. Where all these soldiers come from, in such a state of preparation, I cannot imagine. Every train pours in its multitude of volunteers, but I am not as much surprised at the number as at the apparent discipline of the country companies. Some of them really march like regulars, and with their stalwart forms, dark, fierce countenances, and the red-coated negro fifers and drummers in front, present quite a picturesque as well as most warlike aspect.

"General R. E. Lee, late of the United States Army, has been appointed by the Governor to the chief command of the Virginia forces. Colonel Walter Gwynn, formerly of the United States Army, received a commission of Major-General.

"Yesterday evening, in addition to the largo force pouring in from all parts of the country, five hundred troops arrived from South Carolina, under command of Brigadier-General M. D. Bonham. About the same number from the same State will arrive to-day.

"The Cadets of the Virginia Military Institute, under the Superintendent and officers, are here drilling and disciplining the various companies of military who require such aid. But I can give you no idea of the military spirit of the State. Augusta County, a strong Whig Union county in Western Virginia, and Rockingham, an equally strong Democratic Union county, lying side by side with Augusta, each contribute 1,500 men to the war. These are like all our volunteer companies, farmers, mechanics, professional men, the bone and sinew of the country. It was of Augusta that Washington said in the darkest hour of the Revolution that, if defeated everywhere else, he would unfurl a banner on the mountains of Augusta, and raise the prostrate form of Liberty from the dust. Amherst County, with a voting population of only 1,500, contributes 1,000 volunteers.

"But the war spirit is not confined to the men nor to the white population. The ladies are not only preparing comforts for the soldiers, but arming and practising themselves. Companies of boys, also, from ten to fourteen years of age, fully armed and well drilled, are preparing for the fray. In Petersburg 300 free negroes offered their services, either to fight under white officers, or to ditch and dig or any kind of labor. An equal number in this city and across the river in Chesterfield have volunteered in like manner."

The lights on the Virginia shore of Chesapeake Bay were removed or extinguished, by order of the authorities of the State.

The accession of Virginia to the Southern Confederacy was announced by the Governor in the following proclamation:

Whereas the Convention of this Commonwealth has, on this, the 25th day of April, 1861, adopted an ordinance "for the adoption of the Constitution of the Provisional Government of the Confederate States of America " and has agreed to a " Convention between the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Confederated States of America, which it is proper should be made known to the people of this Commonwealth and to the world:

Therefore, I, John Letcher, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, do hereby publish and proclaim that the following arc authentic copies of the Ordinance and Convention aforesaid.

Given under my hand as Governor, and under the seal of the Commonwealth at Richmond, [l. s.] this twenty-fifth of April, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and in the eighty-fifth year of the Commonwealth.

JOHN LETCHER.

By the Governor.

Geo. W. Munford, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

An Ordinance for the adoption of the Constitution of the provisional Government of the Confederate States of America.

We, the delegates of the people of Virginia, in Convention assembled, solemnly impressed by the perils which surround the Commonwealth, and appealing to the Searcher of hearts for the rectitude of our intentions in assuming the grave responsibility of this act, do by this Ordinance adopt and ratify the Constitution of the Provisional Government of the Confederate States of America, ordained and established at Montgomery, Alabama, on the eighth day of February, eighteen hundred and sixty-one; provided that this Ordinance shall cease to have any legal operation or effect if the people of this Commonwealth, upon the vote directed to be taken on the Ordinance of Secession passed by this Convention, on the seventeenth day of April, eighteen hundred and sixty-one, shall reject the same. A true copy.

JNO. L. EUBANK, Secretary.

Page 737

Convention between the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Confederate States of America.

The Commonwealth of Virginia, looking to a speedy union of said Commonwealth and the other slave States with the Confederate States of America, according to the provisions of the Constitution for the Provisional Government of said States, enters into the following temporary Convention and agreement with said States, for the purpose of meeting pressing exigencies affecting the common rights, interests, and safety of said Commonwealth and said Confederacy.

1st. Until the union of said Commonwealth with said Confederacy shall be perfected, and said Commonwealth shall become a member of said Confederacy, according to the Constitutions of both powers, the whole military force and military operations, offensive and defensive, of said Commonwealth, in the impending conflict with the United States, shall be under the chief control and direction of the President of said Confederate States, upon the same principles, basis, and footing as if said Commonwealth were now, and during the inval, a member of said Confederacy.

2d. The Commonwealth of Virginia will, after the consummation of the union contemplated in this Convention, and her adoption of the Constitution for a permanent Government of said Confederate States, and she shall become a member of said Confederacy under said permanent Constitution, if the same occur, turn over to said Confederate States all the public property, naval stores, and munitions of war, etc., she may then be in possession of, acquired from the United States, on the same terms and in like manner as the other States of said Confederacy have done in like cases.

3d. Whatever expenditures of money, if any, said Commonwealth of Virginia shall make before the union under the Provisional Government, as above contemplated, shall be consummated, shall be met and provided for by said Confederate States.

This Convention, entered into and agreed to in the city of Richmond, Virginia, on the twenty-fourth day of April, 1861, by Alexander II. Stephens, the duly authorized commissioner to act in the matter for the said Confederate States, and John Tyler, William Ballard Preston, Samuel McD. Moore, James P. Holcombe, James C. Bruce, and Lewis E. Harvie, parties duly authorized to act in like manner for said Commonwealth of Virginia; the whole subject to the approval and ratification of the proper authorities of both Governments respectively.

In testimony whereof the parties aforesaid have hereto set their hands and seals, the day and year aforesaid and at the place aforesaid, in duplicate originals.

          [Seal] ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS,

Commissioner for Confederate States.

John Tyler, Wm. Ballard Preston, S. [Seal] McD. Moore, James P. Holcombe, James C. Bruce, Lewis E. Harvie, Commissioners for Virginia.

Approved and ratified by the Convention of Virginia, on the 25th day of April, 1861.

              JOHN JANNEY, President.

Jno. L. Eubank, Secretary.

In Western Virginia, on the 23d of April, at a public meeting held in Clarksburg, Harrison County, eleven delegates were appointed to meet delegates from other north-western counties at Wheeling on May 13th, to determine what course should bo pursued in the present emergency. This movement resulted in the separation of Western from Eastern Virginia.

The State Convention appointed delegates to the Confederate Congress, which assembled on the 29th of April. A resolution was passed, inviting the Congress to make Richmond the seat of government for the Southern Confederacy. The banks were authorized to suspend specie payments. An ordinance establishing a navy for Virginia, and providing for enlistments in the State army was passed. The Convention further ordered a poll to be held in the camps of Virginia Volunteers on the Ordinance of Secession. It also dismissed all militia officers, from generals to captains, thus removing a mass of incapable, and opening their places to competent men. Thus the ancient commonwealth of Virginia bared her breast as the shield and her arm as the defence of the Southern Confederacy. Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and South Carolina now hurried forward troops to Virginia, and before the year expired, nearly a million of soldiers from North and South were encamped within her borders.

The State Convention adjourned from the first of May to the eleventh of June. The injunction of secrecy was still retained as to their proceedings relative to the secession ordinance. The acts of violence which had been committed thus far, such as the march upon Harper's Ferry, and the sinking of vessels at the month of the Elizabeth River, were done in opposition to the authority of the State. The Governor refused to consent that troops should be ordered to the Ferry. It was his purpose to preserve the State in an uncommitted position until after the vote on the Ordinance of Secession. The seizure at Harper's Ferry was, however, afterwards approved by him, and his thanks given to the party who made it. He also issued his proclamation calling out troops, in accordance with the requisition of the Confederate Government. Whatever might have been his previous purposes, he seems now to have had only one object in view, which was, to secure Virginia to the Southern Confederacy. The vote on the Ordinance of Secession in the Convention was not published by them. It was rumored to have been—ayes 88, nays 55. Many of the negatives were subsequently induced to acquiesce with the majority.

In Western Virginia, the attachment to the Union was so strong, and the opposition to secession so great, that this state of feeling soon manifested itself in public meetings in different townships of several counties; the result was, that delegates were appointed in these counties to meet in convention at Wheeling. This Convention assembled on the 13th of May. Delegates wore present from twenty-five counties. The Union flag floated from all the principal buildings, and was raised with much ceremony over the custom-house. The topic discussed in the Convention was the division of the State of Virginia.

Subsequently, the Convention adopted resolutions, condemning the Ordinance of Secession and annexation to the Southern Confederacy, as being destructive of the rights and interests, social and political, of Western Virginia, and providing for holding a Convention, to be composed of all the counties in the State favorable to the division thereof, on the 11th day of June, Page 738 provided the Ordinance of Secession was ratified against the vote of Western Virginia. The Convention then adjourned. (See Virginia, Western.)

Great activity took place in Eastern and Southwestern Virginia in the organization and equipment of troops. It was claimed as early as the 20th of May, that the whole number volunteered was 85,000, and that 48,000 of these were under arms, and distributed at Richmond, Norfolk, Petersburg, Lynchburg, Fredericksburg, Alexandria, Staunton, and Harper's Ferry. These points were nearly all connected by railroad. There were said to be, in addition, about 8.000 from other States. This assembling of troops in such positions that a rapid concentration of forces could be easily effected at any moment, doubtless caused the authorities at Washington to make an advance into Virginia and occupy the heights opposite that city and Alexandria. This occupation was commenced on the night of the 23d of May. In consequence. Northeastern Virginia was occupied by hostile armies during the remainder of this year. At its close a great battle appeared more nearly impending than ever before.

The advance of Southern troops upon Washington was stayed by intrenchments on the south side of the Potomac, defended by at least two hundred thousand men from the North. The advance from the North upon Richmond was stopped by an equal number of men intrenched at Manassas Junction.

The advance of Ohio and Indiana and Western Virginia troops, under General McClellan, through Western Virginia towards the Potomac was among the earliest military movement?. The sympathy of the inhabitants was strongly on the side of the Union, and the State troops, under the command of officers in the Confederate service, were repulsed and driven out. It was in the early period of these operations that the Governor of Virginia addressed the following letter to a commandant of the State troops.

RICHMOND, Virginia, May 25, 1861.

Dear Sir: When you get matters in proper condition at Grafton, take the train some night, run up to Wheeling, and seize and carry away the arms recently sent to that place by Cameron, the United States Secretary of War, and use them in arming such men as may rally to your camp. Recover the State arms also recently seized by the malcontents at Kingwood.

It is advisable to cut off telegraphic communication between Wheeling and Washington, so that the disaffected nt the former place cannot communicate with their allies at head-quarters. Establish a perfect control over the telegraph, (if kept up,) so that no despatch can pass without your knowledge and inspection before it is sent.

If troops from Ohio and Pennsylvania shall be attempted to be passed on the railroad, do not hesitate to obstruct their passage by all means in your power, even to the destruction of the road and bridges.

Having confidence in your discretion, I am sure you will manage all things wisely and well. Yours, truly,

JOHN LETCHER.

Colonel Porterfield, Grafton, Virginia

The popular vote on the Ordinance of separation was almost unanimously against it in Western Virginia, while with equal unanimity Eastern Virginia voted in favor of it. It was carried by a large majority of the votes cast. The vote in the city of Richmond was 2,400 in favor to 24 against it, being less than half the vote (5,400) polled at the presidential election in November previous.

As the troops arrived from the South, Richmond became the general rendezvous whence, as soon as inspected and properly outfitted for active duty, they were distributed wherever most needed. It was estimated that there were, by the 5th of June, in active service in Virginia, about fifty thousand Confederate troops, namely: about eight thousand at or near Manassas Junction; about five thousand at Fredericksburg and Acquia Creek; about twelve thousand at Norfolk and its neighborhood; about five thousand at Yorktown and Williamsburg; and about fourteen thousand at Harper's Ferry. Of this aggregate, nearly all, exclusive of the force at Harper's Ferry, were so posted that they could be concentrated by railroad at any point between Norfolk and Alexandria within twenty-four hours. About forty thousand, it was calculated at Richmond, could be thrown almost at once upon the Union troops whenever they might present themselves along the line. Such a movement, however, had a certain degree of hazard connected with it, as any concentration by which they withdrew their troops from the seaboard, exposed them to invasion from the fleet.

On the 15th of June the State Convention again assembled. A resolution was offered, inquiring into the number of the members of the Convention whose seats were vacant, the causes of their absence, their attitude towards the commonwealth, and proposing the punishment of such by hanging or otherwise. Various resolutions and ordinances relative to the more efficient organization of volunteers and militia companies throughout the State; to the more speedy and efficient protection of the northwestern counties, and "to the summary chastisement of the cowards and traitors who have entered our State for purposes of subjugation," were referred to the appropriate committees. Special instructions were given to the Military Committee to report the best mode in which it became Virginia to meet the policy proclaimed by General Butler, and approved by the Federal Administration, in reference to the slave property. A resolution placing the bonds of the Southern Confederacy on a par with the notes issued by the banks of Virginia, and another authorizing military commanders throughout the State to compel free negroes to labor on all works of defence, were adopted.

On the 24th, the ordinance proposing to repudiate the payment of the interest on State bonds, the property of the United States Government or any State or citizen thereof, which were owned by the same on the 23d of May, the day on which the Ordinance of Secession was ratified, was taken up.

Page 739

Mr. Morton and Mr. McFarland opposed the ordinance. They were of the opinion that such a course would place Virginia in a suspicious and unenviable position before the enlightened world, and maintained that plighted faith should never be broken, however strong the temptation might be. In the course of Mr. McFarland's remarks he said that he was not aware of a single instance in which any such course had been pursued in the North towards the South, but, on the contrary, the North had thus far liquidated their obligations with all propriety and promptness.

Mr. Ambler asked the gentleman whether he did not know that the usurpation at Washington had declared money to be contraband of war, and arrested it in its transmission from the North to the South?

Mr. McFarland replied that, as far as his information extended, the usurpation at Washington may have expressed opinions of that character, but ho was not aware of any official act to that effect. He continued to urge the policy of retaining their ancient prestige, and coming up manfully to their obligations, alluding with especial emphasis to the power in the hands of the North, where many of their citizens owned valuable property.

Mr. Ambler made a reply to the argument . of Mr. McFarland, contending that it was not only just, but proper, for Virginia to keep out of the hands of her enemies the means of prosecuting this war upon her. He referred to legal authorities and to history in support of his position.

Mr. Holcombe made a brief reply, in which he maintained that the ordinance proposed was inconsistent with public and constitutional law, and that the precedents referred to by the gentleman related to individual debts, and not to debts in which the honor of a State was concerned.

Mr. McFarland was about to make some additional remarks, when he gave way to a motion to lay the ordinance on the table for the present, and the Convention then adjourned. On a subsequent day the act was passed— ayes 58, nays 37, prohibiting the payment of interest as above stated. The interest on all other bonds, except those payable in London, was made payable in currency or State notes at the State treasury.

The following delegates were chosen by the Convention to represent the State in the Southern Congress, at its adjourned session in Richmond, on the 20th of July: R. M. T. Hunter, John Tyler, W. H. McFarland, Roger A. Pryor, Thomas S. B. Cooke, AV. C. Rives, Robert E. Scott, James M. Mason, John W. Brockenbaugh, Charles W. Russell, Robert Johnson, Walter Staples, Walter Preston. For the State at large, James A. Seddon, and W. B. Preston.

The acceptance or holding of office under the Federal Government by any citizen of Virginia, after the 1st day of August, was declared to be evidence of treason to the State. The privileged question, regarding the expulsion of certain members of the Convention, was called up, and the following named members, mostly from the western section of the State, were expelled by nearly a unanimous vote in every instance: Win. G. Brown, of Preston County; James Burley, of Marshall; John S. Burdett, of Taylor; John S. Carlisle, of Harrison; Ephraim B. Hall, of Marion; Chester D. Hubbard, of Ohio; General John J. Jackson, of Wood; James E. McGrew, of Preston; George McPorter, of Hancock; Chapman J. Steuart, of Doddridge; Campbell Tarr, of Brooke; and Waitman I. Willey, of Monongalia.

A proclamation was issued by the Governor, stating the popular vote on the question of ratifying the secession ordinance to be: for ratification, 125,950 ; for rejection, 20,873; majority, 105,577. He therefore proclaimed that " The Constitution of the Provisional Government of the Confederate States of America, ordained and established at Montgomery, Alabama, on the 18th day of February, 1861, was now in full force in the Commonwealth, and must be respected and obeyed."

The Governor stated that the returns from some of the counties had not been received, "in consequence of the presence of a hostile force in the northwestern, and of the blockade in the eastern portions of the State." Among this number were thirty-four counties in Western Virginia. The average majority in these counties was as four to one against secession. The total vote of the State at the presidential election was 167,223.

A requisition from the Confederate authorities was made upon the Governor at this time, for calling into immediate service the militia of the counties north of James River and east of the Blue Ridge, as well as all the militia in the valley of the State, north of James River. The necessary proclamation was issued on the 16th. By another proclamation of same date, the following persons were exempted from the call: operatives employed in the manufacture of arms, munitions of war, and woollens; millers, railroad employees, farm overseers, bank officers, city police officers, and telegraph agents. By another proclamation he prohibited the bills or notes of the Merchants' and Mechanics' Bank of Wheeling, and the Northwestern Bank, with the offices of discount and deposit of each, except the branch of the Northwestern Bank at Jeffersonville, from being received in payment of any money due to the State. The reason was that the banks named had "given aid to the enemy." The following note, addressed to the commandant of the Loudon County militia, describes the measures to which the Confederate troops were compelled to resort to obtain supplies:

Head-quarters. Army or Potomac, 

Manassas, July 28, 1861.

Colonel: Mr. George Johnson, special agent of the Quartermaster's Department, is sent to Loudon County for the purpose of collecting wagons, teams, and grain forage for the use of this army. It is expected that he will have no difficulties whatsoever; Page 740 that the loyal citizens of your rich county will be glad to have an opportunity thus to furnish supplies for our army, which has so gloriously maintained the independence and sovereignty of Virginia, and driven back in ignominious flight the invaders of her soil, lint, at the same time, all classes of your citizens must contribute their quota; therefore, if necessary, it is expected that constraint must be employed with all who are forgetful of their obligations.

By order of General Beauregard.

Respectfully, Colonel, your obedient servant,

      THOS. JORDAN, A. A. Adj't-General.

To Colonel A. T. M. Rust,

      Commandant Militia Loudon County.

A flood of paper money was now issued throughout the seceded portion of the State. Every bank, every town and village corporation, even the State itself, and private bankers, deluged the State with currency in notes from five cents to one dollar. Gold and silver were eagerly bought at eight per cent, premium for these notes, and carefully hoarded away. In North and South Carolina these notes were often printed on coarse brown paper, without any pretensions to a bankable appearance. Such was the amount of this species of currency thrown upon the community in Eastern Virginia, that alarm was excited among the people. In Lynchburg the notes of numberless defunct Southern banks were long imposed on the ignorant and unsuspecting; and finally, individual notes of denominations of ten, twenty, and twenty-five cents made their appearance. This "rag currency" passed off readily with the ignorant, and soldiers who were strangers.

The entire military strength of Virginia was now required in the field. In some counties, in which the militia refused to turn out, force was used, and if this was ineffectual, orders were given to treat those who refused as deserters, or alien enemies. All between the ages of eighteen and forty-five were required to enlist, and not such only as a draft would call into the field. The extreme measures often used were proof of a degree of desperateness and urgency hardly to be believed.

For this struggle, so suddenly commenced, Virginia had for some time been making such preparations as her means enabled her, and although she was not so well provided as the secessionists desired, still, she was better prepared than most of her Southern sisters—better, perhaps, than any one of them. For some time anterior to the secession she had been engaged in the purchase of arms of different kinds, ammunition, and other necessary articles, and in mounting artillery, in anticipation of the event which subsequently occurred. A large portion of the ammunition which was used during the year was captured at Norfolk, and the heavy guns supplied to the Southern States for coast, river, and land defence, were  captured at the same time with the navy yard. All the field artillery issued belonged exclusively to the State of Virginia, and much the larger part of it had been in her possession for half a century. The small arms were all her own exclusive property, save 7,000 altered percussion muskets, furnished by Governor Ellis, of North Carolina.

On the 30th of June, in compliance with the request of the Confederate Government, Virginia paid off her troops. The report of the paymaster-general states that at that time he had paid seventy-eight companies of cavalry, fifty-two companies of artillery, four hundred and two companies of infantry, one company of cadets and seven companies of militia, while there remained to be paid six companies of infantry and one of cavalry; making 54-7 companies of all arms, and comprising on June 30 41,885 men. The precise number of troops which the State had in the field near the close of the year was not known, owing to the fact that the mustering officers at Norfolk, Lynchburg, Abingdon, Staunton, 'Winchester, Harper's Ferry, the Potomac division, and other places had not made their returns. The number was estimated at not less than seventy thousand by Governor Letcher. There were fifty-nine regiments of infantry, and a considerable number of infantry battalions and companies not organized into regiments; also eight organized regiments of cavalry, and a number of companies attached to different commands, sufficient for three regiments. Three hundred and fifteen pieces of artillery were issued, and nearly all in service in the field, and one artillery regiment was organized. The expenditures of the State for war purposes subsequently to the 17th of April, up to the close of the year, exceeded six millions of dollars. The military operations of the year took place in Eastern and Western Virginia. (For the latter, see Virginia, Westers.) The term Eastern Virginia as here used, is intended to include that portion of the State adjacent to the Potomac River, at and below Harper's Ferry, to the mouth of that river, and thence along the shore to Norfolk. Below Washington, on the Potomac, the skirmishes which took place were chiefly between Federal gunboats and batteries on the shore; the latter being placed for the purpose of stopping the passage of Federal vessels engaged in carrying supplies to Washington. The blockade thus attempted was never effective. During the months of September and October, when the number of batteries was the largest, many vessels came up to Washington, and it was seldom that one was injured. No lives were lost. In the neighborhood of Fortress Monroe, nothing of special moment occurred, except the battle at Great Bethel, after the troops were established in their positions. Newport News was occupied by a Federal force, and Yorktown by a considerable Confederate force. The latter position was the proper landing point for an army destined to attack Richmond. The occupation of Manassas by the Confederate army was intended to prevent an advance of Federal troops into Virginia, or rather to defend the territory of the State, and to threaten Washington. The flank of this force on the left was posted at Winchester, to defend the valley of Page 741 the Shenandoah. The battle of Bull Run was the most serious conflict between the Confederate forces in this part of the State and the Federal troops. (See Bull Run.) It resulted in no change in the military operations in Virginia on either side. A list of a large number of battles and skirmishes throughout the State is appended below. They occurred chiefly in Western Virginia, and in the neighborhood of the Potomac River above Washington. On two occasions a Confederate force crossed the river into the State of Maryland, and a skirmish took place at Darnestown, in which one Federal and several Confederate troops were killed. This was on the 15th of September. Previously, on the 5th of August, a small affair took place at Point of Rocks, in which seven Confederate prisoners were taken. These were the only instances of the invasion by Confederate troops of any State east of the Alleghany Mountains, which had not joined the Confederacy.

The condition of affairs in the State is thus described by the Governor of Western Virginia in his message to the Legislature of that section,' near the close of the year: "I have embraced all the sources of information in my power to ascertain the truth. There seems no reason to doubt that nearly all the able-bodied men between the ages of sixteen and sixty have been forced into the Confederate army, including thousands who are at heart true to the Constitution and the Union. I need not mention that our public improvements, railroads, canals, bridges, and public buildings have been destroyed wherever the secession forces have had control of the country. Rapine and plunder have marked their path; and men, arrogating to themselves a superior civilization, derived, as they say, from the existence of negro slavery among them, have abandoned the rules of civilized warfare, and made war, like savages, a scene of indiscriminate and useless destruction. A large proportion of the slaves have been sent further South for security. All the live stock within the rebel lines have been seized for the use of their army. Farms have been stripped of horses, wagons, fencing, and timber, and the houses of the people of blankets, and even clothing—whatever, in short, that could he made useful to the soldiers. The property of men known or supposed to be true to the Union has been taken without compensation, and they regard themselves fortunate if their lives are spared. The property which is pretended to be paid for is paid for in Treasury notes of the Confederate States, or in bank notes issued on the deposit of such Treasury notes. This currency, even at Richmond, is already at a discount of not less than thirty per cent., and the papers there are seeking to maintain its credit by denouncing the penalties of death or confiscation against merchants and bankers who make any distinction between such notes and coin. Yet this circulation is really valueless. If the rebellion fails to sustain itself, the notes must go down with it; if

Battles and Skirmishes in Virginia, 1861.

Place.

Aquia Creek  Anandale Back River Ball's Bluff Ball's Cross Roads... Federal Loss. Confed. Loss. Date. May 81 June 1 Dec 4 July 25 October 21 August 80 Sept 18 July £ July 15 Boalington... Barboursville. Beverly July 12

Bolivar Heights. Oct 16] Boone Court House.. Sent 1 Blackburn's Ford.... July 18| Buckhannon July 1 Bunker Hill July 15' Bull Run Camp Alleghany December 18 Carnifex Ferry Sept 10 Chapmansville Sept 25 Cheat Mountain Sept 12 Cuincotcague Inlet Oct 5 Cross . Dranesville. Edward's Ferry Elkwater Falling Waters. Fairfax Court House. Fall's Church Gauley's Bridge. Grafton Great Bethel.... Great Falls Greenbrier Green River Guyandotte Hawks' Nest Harper's Ferry. Haynesville Harrisonville .... Hampton Hunter's Chapel. Kanawha Valley. Lady's Fork Laurel Hill Lewinsville Lovettsville Martin-burg Matthias Point... August 21 November 20 Middle Fork Bridge New Market Newport News. Occoquan Elver. Philippi Patterson Creek Opp. Point of Rocks.. Quantico Creek Rappahannock River Rich Mountain (July Komney June "Oct "Sept "November 14 Scarry Hill July 18 Shorter Hill July 28] Summersville Shepardstown 'Sept 14 Stewart's Hill 4 Upton's Hill... Vienna.. Webster County. West Court House

Page 742 it succeeds from the immense amount issued and the character of the leaders, we may safely, assume the repudiation of the debt as inevitable."

An amended constitution of the State was adopted during the year. It provides that the members of the Assembly shall be elected annually, and hold annual sessions. It abolishes the Board of Public Works, and provides for a new one. The district courts were abolished. The judges of the appellate and circuit courts are to be elected by the Assembly instead of an election by the people. Their term of office expires when they arrive at the age of seventy years. Clerks and attorneys for the State are to be appointed by the courts, and the attorney-general elected by the Assembly and not by the people. A right of voting is preserved to volunteers in the service. Numerous other amendments were made of local importance.

Virginia, east of the Chesapeake Bay, consists of the counties of Accomac and Northampton. It is a peninsula, having the Atlantic ocean on the east, and the bay above mentioned on the west. It was understood, near the close of the year, that a body of secessionists, who were chiefly residents, were in arms and exercising a hostile control over the inhabitants of these two counties. General Dix, then in command of that Department, with his head-quarters at Baltimore, despatched a body of troops to restore the Federal authority. At the same time he issued a proclamation, stating the objects of the expedition, which produced the happiest results. The troops as they advanced met with no opposition. The people declared their intention to submit to the authority of the United States before the arrival of the military force. On the night of November 15, a force of Confederate troops, in Accomac County, mostly drafted, militia disbanded. They gave as reasons that they were satisfied with the proclamation, and they believed they could not withstand the military force. In Northampton County, the secessionists to the number of 1,800 laid down their arms, and the Union troops held peaceful possession of the entire county. The following was the proclamation of General Dix:

HEAD-QUARTERS, BALTIMORE, November 13, 1861.

To the People of Potomac and Northampton Counties, Virginia:

The military forces of the United States are about to enter your counties as a part of the Union. They will go among you as friends, and with the earnest hope that they may not by your own acts be compelled to become your enemies. They will invade no right of person or property. On the contrary, your laws, your institutions, your usages, will be scrupulously respected. There need be no fear that the quietude of any firesides will be disturbed, unless the disturbance is caused by yourselves. Special directions have been given not to interfere with the condition of any person held to domestic servitude; and, in order that there may be no ground for mistake or pretext for misrepresentation, commanders of regiments or corps have been instructed not to permit such persons to come within their lines.

The command of the expedition is intrusted to Brigadier-General Henry H. Lockwood, of Delaware— a State identical in some of the distinctive features of its social organization with your own. Portions of his force come from counties in Maryland bordering on one of yours. From him and from them you may be assured of the sympathy of near neighbors, as well as friends, if you do not repel it by hostile resistance or attack.

This mission is to assert the authority of the United States, to reopen your intercourse with the loyal States, and especially with Maryland, which has just proclaimed her devotion to the Union by the most triumphant vote in her political annals; to restore to commerce its accustomed guides, by reestablishing the lights on your coast; to afford you a free export for the produce of your labor, a free ingress for the necessaries and comforts of life which you require in exchange, and in a word, to put an end to the embarrassments and restrictions brought upon you by a causeless and unjustifiable rebellion.

If the calamities of intestine war which are desolating other districts of Virginia, and have already crimsoned her lands with fraternal blood, fall also upon you, it will not be the fault of the Government. It asks only that its authority may be recognized. It sends among you a force too strong to be successfully opposed—a force which cannot he resisted in any other spirit than that of wantonness and malignity If there are any among you, who, rejecting ail overtures of friendship, thus provoke retaliation and draw down upon themselves consequences which the Government is most anxious to avert, to their account must be laid the blood which may be shed, and the desolation which may be brought upon peaceful homes. On all who are thus reckless of the obligations of humanity and duty, and all who are found in arms, the severest punishment warranted by the laws of war will be visited.

To those who remain in the quiet pursuit of their domestic occupations, the public authorities assure all they can give peace, freedom from annoyance, protection from foreign and internal enemies, a guarantee of all constitutional and legal rights, and the blessings of a just and parental Government.

                         JOHN A. DIX,

                     Major-General Commanding.

The following were the wholesale prices of certain articles at Richmond, on November 20th: Bacon, hog round, 23 to 26 cts. Butter, 45 to 50 cts., very scarce. Corn meal, 80 to 85 cts. Candles, tallow, 20cts.; adamantine, 45 to 49 cts. Coffee, none in the market. Hay, timothy or clover, $1.35 per hundred. Halifax herrings, $8 to $10, but none to be had. Pig iron, $40 to $45, stock small. Nails 7 to 7£ cts. Refined English iron, $115 to $120. Leather, 60 to 65 cts.; demand immense, stock very light. Lead 7  1/2  to 7 ¾ . New Orleans molasses, 52 to 65 cts. "Pepper, 70 to 75 cts., very scarce. Salt, fine Liverpool, $9.50 to $10. "Wool, washed Virginia, (common) 50 to 60 cts.; fine merino do., 50 to 60 cts. Exchange on New York in Richmond, 6 to 6 ½  per cent, premium; silver at 15 per cent., and gold at 20 per cent.; Confederate States bonds, ($15,000,000 issued,) 98 to 98 ½ , Confederate money being rated at par.

ALEXANDRIA, VA. is a city in Alexandria County, Virginia; it is on the right bank of the Potomac, and 8 miles below Washington. The river is here one mile wide, and forms a commodious harbor for the largest ships. The streets cross each other at right angles and are generally well paved. The Alexandria, Loudon, and Hampshire Railroad terminates here. This road extends to Leesburg, passing through the following places: to Arlington Heights, 6 miles; Carlinville, 7 miles; Falls Church, 11 miles; Vienna, 15 miles; Hunter's Mill, 18 miles; Thornton, 21 miles; Herndon, 23 miles; Guilford, 27 miles; Farmwell, 31 miles; Leesburg, 88 miles. The Orange and Alexandria Railroad also terminates here. It extends from Alexandria through Manassas Junction to Gordonsville, 88 miles, where it unites with the Virginia Central. The distance to Springfield is 9 miles; Burke's, 14 miles; Fairfax, 18 miles; Union Mills, 23 miles; Manassas Junction, 27 miles from Alexandria. When the District of Columbia was ceded to the United States by Virginia and Maryland, Alexandria was in the part conveyed by the former. It was subsequently retroceded to Virginia by an act of Congress, passed July 2d, 1846. The city was occupied by Ellsworth's Zouave Regiment and a Michigan Regiment, on the morning of the 24th of May, 1861, and continued in the possession of the Federal troops through the year.

The effect of its military occupation is thus described: "Its trade was almost broken up. The Corn Exchange room was entirely deserted. The counters where the merchant exposed his samples of flour and grain, the little sample boxes lying here and there, the desk with the books of sales on it and the newspaper stand, all remained as they used to be; but there was no grain scattered around or in the boxes, no entry on the books of the Exchange since May, and the last newspapers bore date on May 23d, 1861. Of all the merchants who were accustomed to do business there only a few remained."

Six months previous to its military occupation, Alexandria was a thrifty, growing city, with an energetic, prosperous, and happy population It occupied an enviable position, and in a social point of view stood preeminently high. Soon after its occupation a large number of the oldest and most respected families no longer remained, having left their homes at the beginning of the war; their houses were closed or occupied by others, and their wonted life and cheerfulness departed. The wharves, too, where once were crowded vessels from foreign and domestic ports, and where all was bustle and activity, were now, save when a transport or pungy arrived, almost bare, and on the river or ships appeared, save three used in the service of the Federal Government. But very few warehouses on the wharves were open or occupied, and Union street, next to King the principal business street of the city, was now, except as a burden train passed, as quiet as on Sundays. Prince, Duke, Cameron, and Quern streets lost their vitality, and King alone resembled what it was wont to be. The city Government was no longer administered upon its chartered basis, the Mayor and night and day police having been deposed; and the sound of the watchman's horn heard in the town at 10 o'clock at night—"since time whereof the Page 16 memory of man runneth not to the contrary" —was now silenced, the bugle's signal and drum's tattoo having taken their time-honored place.

Among the appointments made after the military occupation of Alexandria, was that of Provost Judge Freese. In the exercise of his duties it was decided by him that Southern merchants within the Union lines should pay their debts to Northern merchants. The decision was received with much favor in commercial cities at the North, and the business of the Court in which the Judge presided, was rapidly increasing. But this involved a point within the sphere of the civil Government, rather than within the jurisdiction of a Provost-Judge, and instructions were given by the military authorities to their Judge to confine himself to the limits of his military jurisdiction.

AQUIA CREEK, VA. is located on the right bank of the Potomac, at the termination of the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad. This was a part of the through route from New Orleans and Mobile to New York. The connection between Aquia Creek and Washington was made by steamboat, 55 miles. It is 15 miles from Fredericksburg. The creek itself, after which the railroad termination takes its name, flows through Stafford County into the Potomac, and is navigable for vessels of light draft for several miles from its mouth. Batteries were erected here by the Virginia troops, which were cannonaded by Commander H. J. Ward in the gunboat Freeborn, supported by the Anacostia and Resolute on the 31st of May. He thus reported the affair:

"After an incessant charge, kept up for two hours by both our 32-pounders, and the expenditure of all the ammunition suitable for distant firing, and silencing completely the three batteries at the railroad terminus, the firing Page 20 from shore having been rapidly kept up by them until so silenced, and having been recommenced from the new batteries on the heights back, which reached us in volleys, dropping the shot on board and about us like hail for nearly an hour, but fortunately wounding but one man, I hauled the Vessel off, as the heights proved wholly above the reach of our elevation.

"Judging from the explosion of our ten-second shells in the sand-batteries, two of which were thrown by the Anacostia, it is hardly possible the enemy can have escaped considerable loss. Several others of the Anacostia's shells dropped in the vicinity of the battery."

Another attack was made on the batteries on the 1st of June, by the Freeborn and Pawnee, gunboats.

Just as the firing opened the men at the batteries burnt the depot houses at the end of the wharf, probably to prevent them from being in the way of their shot. They continued burning throughout the whole engagement, as it was not safe for any one to leave the batteries to extinguish the fire. It also burnt the entire wharf to the water's edge.

A slight affair had taken place on the 29th of May, previous to these two attacks, which was the first hostile collision on the waters of the Potomac.

BARBOURSVILLE, VA. the county seat of Cabell County, in the extreme west of Virginia, situated on the Guyandotte River, a tributary of the Ohio, was the scene of a brilliant skirmish on the 13th July, 1861, which resulted in the expulsion of the Confederate forces from the village. Five companies of Colonel Woodruffs Regiment, belonging to General Cox's division of Federal troops on the Great Kanawha River, started at midnight, on the 12th, from their camp, and marched silently but rapidly upon Barboursville, which, however, they did not reach till two hours after sunrise. On coming in sight of the town they found the Confederate troops drawn up in order of battle, in a very strong, and apparently inaccessible position, commanding their route for two miles. Between them and the Federal troops was a covered bridge, which must be crossed, and which was commanded by the enemy's cannon. The Federal troops entered the bridge at double-quick-step, but found that the planks had been removed from the farther end, and after a moment's delay, were compelled to cross it in single file on the string pieces, subjected to a galling fire. Though necessarily disordered by this movement, they rallied at once, and under a succession of volleys from the Confederate troops, charged bayonets up the precipitous side of the hill, pulling themselves up by the bushes and jutting turf, and rushed, yelling at the top of their voices, upon the enemy, who fled panic-stricken, without attempting any further resistance. The Federal forces occupied the town at once, and fired upon the retreating foe, wounding one or two, but were too much exhausted to pursue them.

Page 69

BEALINGTON, VA. A small village at the foot of Laurel Hill, near Beverly, Randolph County, in Western Virginia, where a severe skirmish took place on the 8th of July, between a detachment of the 14th Ohio and 9th Indiana regiments and the Georgia 3d, one of the finest regiments in the Confederate service, numbering 1,260, and supported by portions of several Kentucky and Tennessee regiments. The Confederate troops, a considerable portion of whom were cavalry, advanced from a wood near their camp, to attack the Federal force, when their progress was arrested by a sharp volley from the latter. They rallied, and put forward their cavalry to charge upon the Unionists, when Colonel Barrett's (Ohio) battery threw a couple of shells into the midst of the troop with such effect that they retreated into the wood; the Federal skirmishers pursued, and the battery shelled the woods till the Confederate force broke and fled, and could not be rallied, and the Federal troops advanced and occupied their camp. The Union loss in the engagement was 2 killed and 6 wounded; the Confederate loss, 20 killed and 40 wounded.

CARNIFEX FERRY, VA. over the Gauley River, eight miles southwest of Summerville, Nicholas Co., "Virginia, crosses the river at the only point for several miles where the river, which flows mainly through a deep ravine, is accessible for a ford or ferry. On the west bank of the river near this ferry, on the 10th of Sept., General Floyd, with a Confederate force of about 5,000 troops, had a strongly fortified camp, flanked by deep and marshy ravines on each side, and in front, west of the river, protected by a dense forest, which, at a distance of 300 yards, completely concealed his camp. General Rosecrans, with a force nearly equal, marched seventeen miles, and about three o'clock in the afternoon sent forward General Benham, with his brigade, to make a reconnoissance in force. They were soon engaged with the enemy, and after a severe action were about being reenforced, when, from the great difficulties of the position rendering night fighting almost impossible, General Rosecrans ordered his men to form in order of battle and rest upon their arms, intending to renew the attack in the morning. During the night General Floyd and his force escaped across the Gauley, leaving their camp, baggage, small arms, and munitions of war, and burning the bridge which he had constructed, and the ferry boats. Being unable to effect a crossing of the river, General Rosecrans could not pursue them, but took a few prisoners. The Federal loss was, according to official report, 15 killed and 80 wounded; that of the Confederates was less, as they were protected by the forest and their fortifications. But for some misunderstanding of the orders given to two or three regiments, the Confederate camp might have been taken at the time-of the first attack, though probably not without a heavy loss.

CLARKSBURG, VA. the capital of Harrison county, Virginia, is located on the west fork of the Monongahela River, at the mouth of Elk Creek. It is 220 miles northwest of Richmond. The village is situated on high tableland, environed by hills. When the ordinance of secession passed the Virginia State Convention, some of the first indications of opposition to it in Western Virginia were manifested here. The ordinance was passed on the 17th of April, and on the 23d a public meeting was held, and delegates appointed to meet similar delegates from other counties at Wheeling, to consult on the posture of affairs.

The first belligerent issue between the Union men of Western Virginia and the State troops recognizing the authority of the Southern Confederacy, was joined at this town. Two companies of the Confederate military having marched into the place on the 20th of May, the court house bell was rung as a signal for the assemblage of the two Union military companies, under the command of Captains Moore and Vance, who demanded that the Confederate forces should surrender their arms and disband. After a brief parley the demand was complied with.

DRANESVILLE, VA. is 17 miles west of "Washington, in Fairfax County, Virginia. A skirmish took place in its neighborhood on the 26th of November. The First Pennsylvania Cavalry, under Colonel Bayard, were ordered to proceed to the village, and arrest certain citizens who were openly and actively aiding the Confederate cause. Having accomplished this object without meeting any of the Confederate force, except two picket men, who were captured, the party set out on their return, when a tire was opened upon them from a thick pine wood a few miles from the village. The wood was immediately surrounded, and four were captured, and two killed, of the hostile force. Another conflict took place near the village on the 20th of December, which was a sharp affair. Its success was so complete in favor of the Union troops that much credit was bestowed upon them. A brigade of General McCall's division, under the command of General E. O. C. Orde, having been ordered to advance in the direction of Page 282 Dranesville, for the purpose of obtaining a quantity of forage known to be in the possession of secessionists, they marched from camp about 6 o'clock in the morning. Apprehending that they might be attacked, General McCall ordered another brigade, under General Reynolds, to follow at 8 o'clock. Meantime, General Orde's brigade, having advanced nearly to Dranesville, were assailed by a Confederate force in ambush. A spirited engagement ensued, which lasted nearly an hour, when the enemy's force fled in the direction of Fairfax Court House, abandoning on the field a number of their killed and wounded, besides arms, clothing, and other articles. The force under General Reynolds did not come up until the action was over. The Union force, after remaining at Dranesville till near sundown, returned to their camp, which they reached between 9 and 10 o'clock at night, bringing with them fifty wagon loads of forage, and the prisoners and abandoned articles.

The enemy's force was composed of the First and Eleventh Kentucky regiments, and the Tenth Alabama, with a Regiment of cavalry and a battery of cannon, all under the command of Colonel John H. Forney, acting Brigadier-General. They left on the field ninety dead bodies, and ten of their wounded. Eight of their number, unhurt, were taken prisoners.

On the Union side, about seven were killed, and sixty-three wounded.

FAIRFAX COURT HOUSE, VA. is a small town and the capital of Fairfax County, in Virginia. It is 120 miles north of Richmond, 21 miles west of Washington, and 14 from-Alexandria. After the United States forces had taken possession of the south bank of the Potomac opposite Washington, and the Confederate forces had concentrated at Manassas Junction, near the end of the month of May—Fairfax, thus situated between the two armies, became the scene of many skirmishes. On the 1st of June a dash was made through the village by a company of regular cavalry, consisting of forty-seven men, under command of Lieut. Tompkins. The Confederate troops, in some force, were in possession of the village, and made a vigorous and determined resistance.

The cavalry charged through the principal street, and, upon their return, were met by two Confederate detachments of troops with a fieldpiece. Again wheeling about, they found themselves assailed in the rear by another detachment, through which the cavalry fought their way and escaped, bringing off with them five prisoners. The cavalry lost nine horses, six shot down in the engagement, and three so badly wounded as to render it necessary to kill them shortly after leaving the village. They captured, however, with their five prisoners, three good horses with their saddles and bridles. The loss on the other side was estimated to be larger. This was the first skirmish of any interest between the Federal and Confederate forces in Northeastern Virginia.

GREENBRIER RIVER, VA. On this river, in Pocahontas Co., Western Virginia, 13 miles from Cheat Mountain summit, and the same distance from Monterey, at the point where the Staunton turnpike ascends the Alleghany Mountains, the Confederates had an advanced camp after their flight from Tygart's Valley. Their force was said to be about 9,000, with about 6,000 near by as a reserve. Brigadier-General J. J. Reynolds, with a force of about 5,000 Federal troops, left his camp on Cheat Mountain summit at midnight of Oct. 2, to make an armed reconnoissance of this camp. They reached it shortly after daylight, drove in the Confederate pickets, and advanced regiments approached to within 700 yards of his intrenchments, and opened fire. A battle followed of about 4 hours' duration. The Confederate force at the camp were driven from their guns, three of which were disabled, and lost heavily in killed and wounded; their reserve came up after the action had continued about two hours, and, thus reenforced, they maintained their position behind their fortifications, but did not sally out to attack the Federal troops. General Reynolds, finding his ammunition exhausted, and having accomplished his purpose, withdrew in perfect order, without being pursued, and returned the same night to his camp. The Federal loss was 8 killed and 82 wounded. The Confederate loss was much larger, and was estimated by General Reynolds as at least 800. General Reynolds brought away 13 prisoners, and completely disabled 3 of the Confederate guns.

GUYANDOTTE, VA. is a village in Cabell County, Virginia, situated on the Ohio River, at the mouth of the Guyandotte, 228 miles below Wheeling, and 360 miles west by north from Richmond. It contains from 1,000 to 1,500 inhabitants. A small body of Federal troops occupying the place were attacked by a Page 354 considerable Confederate force on the night of Nov. 10th. The Federal force consisted of 250 men, belonging to a Western Virginia regiment, and a few of Colonel Zeigler's Fifth Virginia Volunteers. A plot was contrived between the Confederate force in the vicinity and some of the inhabitants of the town, who were their friends, to capture or destroy the Federal force. Accordingly, the latter were kindly received by these citizens, and invited to their houses on various pretests. Those not on duty accepted the invitations. Meanwhile a body of Confederate cavalry made a dash upon the town. Signals were displayed from the houses in which were the Federal soldiers, who were immediately attacked' and killed. Many of these friends of the Confederate troops seized their arms and aided in the slaughter. Most of those who were killed were the unarmed men. Only 50 of the Federal force escaped, the remainder were either killed or taken prisoners. Colonel Zeigler, with a Federal force, arrived soon after, and upon learning the facts, ordered the town to be set on fire. Between 15 and 2C of the most valuable stores and dwellings were burned.

HARPER'S FERRY, VA. The situation of this town is at the confluence of the Shenandoah River with the Potomac, in Jefferson County, Virginia. The united stream at this point breaks through the Blue Ridge. It is 160 miles north of Richmond and 53 miles northwest of Washington. It is on the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. On the other side of the Potomac passes the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. The village is compactly though irregularly built around the base of a hill.

A United States Armory and a National Arsenal were located here. At the armory 10,000 muskets were  made annually, and the arsenal often contained 80,000 to 90,000 stand of arms. On the 2d of January, orders were received from Washington for the Armory Guard, Flag Guard, and Rifles to go on duty, as a precautionary measure. A few days afterwards a detachment of unmounted U. S. Dragoons, numbering sixty-four, under command of Lieut., Jones, arrived there. Affairs remained in a quiet condition until the excitement created through the country by the capture of Fort Sumter, and the issue of the first proclamation by the President calling out troops. A movement was immediately made by friends of the Southern Confederacy in Northern Virginia, to take possession of Harper's Ferry Arsenal. As early as the 18th of April, Lieut. Jones was informed that between 2,500 and 3,000 State troops would reach the ferry in two hours. Deeming the information positive and reliable, he gave orders to apply the torch to the buildings. In three minutes or less both the arsenal buildings, containing nearly 15,000 stand of arms, together with the carpenters' shop, which was at the upper end of a long and connected series of workshops of the armory proper. Page 363 were in a complete blaze. Lieut. Jones then withdrew his small force, and marching all night, arrived at Carlisle barracks at half-past 2 o'clock the next afternoon. This was done by orders of the Government. The place was then taken possession of by the Virginian troops. Most of the machinery which was not destroyed was removed to Richmond. About sis hundred arms were recovered. The official report of Lieutenant Jones to the War Department was as follows:

Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, April 20 1861

Assistant Adjutant-General, :

Sir: Immediately after finishing my despatch of the 18th instant, I received positive and reliable information that 2,500 or 3,000 State troops would reach Harper's Ferry in two hours, from Winchester, and that the troops from Hulltown, increased to 300, were advancing, and even at that time—a few minutes after 10 o'clock—within twenty minutes' march of the ferry. Under these circumstances I decided the time had arrived to carry out my determination, as expressed in the despatch above referred to, and accordingly gave the order to apply the torch. In three minutes or less, both of the arsenal buildings, containing nearly 15,000 stand of arms, together with the carpenters' shop, which was at the upper end of a long and connected series of workshops of the armory proper, were in a blaze. There is every reason for believing the destruction was complete. After firing the buildings I withdrew my command, marching alt night, and arrived here at 2v p. h. yesterday, where I shall await orders. Four men were missing on leaving the armory and two deserted during the night. I am, sir, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant, B. JONES, First Lieutenant K. M. Rifles.

War DEPARTMENT, WASHINTON

April 23, 1861.

Lieutenant R. Jones:

My dear Sir: I take pleasure in apprising you that, in consideration of your very skilful and gallant conduct at Harper's Ferry, I have ordered a commission to be issued to you as assistant quartermaster-general, with the rank of captain.

SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.

War DEPARTMENT. WASHINGTON, 1 April 22,1861.

 Lieutenant R. Jones:

My dear Sib: I am directed by the President of the United States to communicate to you, and through you to the officers and men under your command at Harper's Ferry armory, the approbation of the Government of your and their judicious conduct there, and to tender you and them the thanks of the Government for the same. I am, sir, very respectfully,

SIMON CAMERON,

Secretary of War.

Southern troops marched for the ferry immediately, and on the 20th of May, there were on the spot 8,000, made up from Kentucky, Alabama, South Carolina, and Virginia. They occupied all the neighboring heights on both sides of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, and claimed to hold an impregnable position against 40,000 men, so eligible were the points of defence. They expected accessions to their number under the belief that the United States Government intended to make an effort to replant the national flag wherever it had been displaced.

A small force was thrown over the river to the heights on the Maryland shore, thus occupying a position important to the security of Harper's Ferry. The invasion of Maryland by Virginia caused a remonstrance from Governor Hicks, addressed to Governor Letcher, of Virginia. The latter replied that the movement was unauthorized and should be countermanded. On the 14th of June the ferry was evacuated by the Confederate troops. Their total force on that day in and around the place was about 10,000.

The population of Harper's Ferry, previous to its occupation, and the adjacent towns of Bolivar and Virginians, consisted of about 5,000 people. About 350 armorers and laborers were employed in the arsenal, and the whole population depended for their support upon the Government's annual expenditure in the fabrication of arms. Besides, the place afforded a market to the neighboring farmers of Loudon and Jefferson counties in Virginia, and of Washington in Maryland, for wood and produce of field and garden. The workmen and others who were not forced into the army, have been scattered, and their families mostly left in a state of destitution.

The region had once been called "the garden spot of Virginia." On the day the evacuation commenced, the bridge over the Potomac was destroyed, having been partly blown up and then set on fire by the retiring force. It was a long and costly structure. This retreat arose in consequence of the movement of Union troops up the Potomac, from Washington, and from Chambersburg, in Pennsylvania, towards Harper's Ferry. At a later day, a small force of Confederate troops returned and burned the bridge over the Shenandoah and other property. After the passage of the Union troops across the Potomac at Williamsport, under General Patterson, the Confederate force retired, and the ferry remained in possession of the former until the 29th of July. Subsequently the entire Union force under General Banks, who had succeeded to the command in place of General Patterson, recrossed the Potomac to the Maryland side, except one regiment left as a guard. This movement was in consequence of the indefensible nature of the place from the south. The army stores and provisions were removed to the Maryland side, about three miles from Sandy Hook, and five miles from the ferry. The construction of the bridge was also stopped. Previous to the close of the year, however, the bridge was rebuilt, and the town relieved of all apprehensions of an approach of the Confederate troops.

LEESBURG, VA is a handsome town, and the capital of Loudon County, Virginia. It is situated near the Kittoctan Mountains, three miles from the Potomac River. The streets are well paved, and the town is built in a substantial manner. It is 150 miles north of Richmond, 38 miles northwest of Alexandria, and about 20 miles south by east of Harper's Ferry. It is the termination of the Alexandria, Loudon, and Hampshire railroad. All the buildings of this road were destroyed by the Confederate troops when they evacuated this place on the 15th of June. This evacuation was immediately followed by its occupation by Union troops, under Colonel Stone, who subsequently evacuated the place, when it was again occupied by Confederate troops, who remained in possession until withdrawn from northeastern Virginia.

MARTINSBURG, VA. a thriving village heretofore, is the capital of Berkley County, Virginia. It is located on the Tuscarora Creek and on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, 180 miles north of Richmond. Its situation is in an elevated and fertile region a few miles west of the Blue Ridge. The force of General Patterson which crossed the Potomac on the morning of July 2d at Williamsport, after the skirmish at Falling Water, moved to Hainesville, and thence, to Martinsburg on the 8d July. The nearest force of the Confederates at the time was at Big Springs, on the route to Winchester, three miles below. This was only a double picket-guard. General Johnston had moved forward the heaviest part of his column to Bunker Hill, a small village ten miles below. Whilst this point was in the possession of the Confederate force, a great destruction of locomotives, cars, and other property of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company was made. An eye-witness thus describes the scene presented to his view:

"On the 6th June we rode about three miles along the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. All along were scattered coal-cars in long lines, with the coal still burning, having been set on fire by the Confederate force. They had kindled huge fires around them, burning all the wood-work, and a great deal of the iron. They were all fine iron cars, holding about twenty tons each. Here and there the road led above them, and looking down, we could see the inside—a mass of red-hot coals. Some small bridges had been burnt with the cars on them, and, giving way, the cars were left piled one on another in the small streams below, all battered and bent. We counted the line of locomotives that had been burnt, (forty-one, or forty-two in all,) red and blistered with the heat. (See B. & O. Railroad.) The withdrawal of troops on the retreat of General Patterson again exposed the inhabitants of this town to the power of the Confederate force.

NORFOLK, VA. a city in Norfolk County, Virginia, is situated on the right or north bank of Elizabeth River, eight miles from Hampton Roads, thirty-two miles from the sea, and one hundred and sixty miles, by water, or one hundred and six miles, by land, southeast of Richmond. The river, which is here seven-eighths of a mile wide, separates it from Portsmouth. Next to Richmond, Norfolk is the most populous city of Virginia, having about 14,000 inhabitants. It has more foreign commerce than any other place in the State, and, together with Portsmouth, has been the most important naval station in the Union. The entrance to the harbor is defended by Forts Calhoun and Monroe. The navy-yard was located at Gosport, a suburb of Portsmouth, on the side of the river opposite Norfolk. This is accessible to the largest ships. A naval hospital and a large dry-dock were also located there.

At the time of the secession of Virginia, April 18th, the marines and Government forces at the yard numbered not less than eight hundred men. The vessels of war there at that time were as follows:

Ships-of-the-Line.—Pennsylvania, 120 guns; Columbus, 80; Delaware, 84; New York, (on stocks,) 84. Frigates.—United States, 50 guns; Columbus, 50; Raritan, 50. Sloops-of-War.— Plymouth, 22 guns; Germantown, 22. Brigadier— Dolphin, 4 guns. Steam frigate.—Merrimac, 40 guns.

As to their condition, there was the liner Columbus, useless; liner Delaware, useless; liner New York, never launched; frigate Columbus, out of order: frigate Raritan, out of order; steam frigate Merrimac, needing full repairs; corvette Germantown, almost ready for sea.

The force of the Government within a short distance of the yard, not to mention Fortress Monroe, was the flag ship Cumberland, 300 men; receiving ship Pennsylvania, 350; marines at the barracks, 70; steamer Pocahontas, 60; total, 780.

Upon the first excitement, a party of men, without any authority, had seized the lightboats, and floating them to the shallowest point Page 536 at the mouth of the harbor, had sunk them, to prevent the removal of the vessels of war from the navy-yard.

On the 19th General Taliaferro and staff arrived at Norfolk. He had command of all the Virginia troops in that section, and was waited on shortly after his arrival by the captains of the several military companies of the city and vicinity for the purpose, of reporting their strength, condition, &c, and receiving orders.

On Saturday, the 20th, the greatest excitement prevailed in the city. It was reported that the Cumberland was about to sail from the navy-yard, and preparations were made to prevent her. At twelve o'clock an officer came from the yard bearing a flag of truce, and was conducted to General Taliaferro's head-quarters, where a consultation was held, which resulted in a promise from Com. Macauley, the commandant of the yard, that none of the vessels should be removed, nor a shot fired except in self-defence.

This quieted the excitement; but it was renewed at a later hour, when it was ascertained that the Germantown and Merrimac had been scuttled, and that the heavy shears on the wharf at which the Germantown was lying had been cut away and allowed to fall midships across her decks, carrying away the main topmast and yards. It was also perceived that the men were busily engaged in destroying and throwing overboard side and small arms, and other property, and boats were constantly passing between the Pennsylvania, Cumberland, and other vessels. (See Navy, U. S.)

About midnight a fire was started in the yard. This continued to increase, and before daylight the work of destruction extended to the immense ship-houses known as A and B, (the former containing the entire frame of the New York, 74, which had been on the stocks, unfinished, for some thirty-eight years,) and also to the long ranges of two-story offices and stores on each side of the main gate of the yard. The flames and heat from this tremendous mass of burning material were set by a southwest wind directly towards the line of vessels moored on the edge of the channel opposite the yard, and nearly all of these, too, were speedily enveloped in flames.

The scene, at this time, was grand and terrific beyond description. The roar of the conflagration was loud enough to be heard at miles distance; and to this were added occasional discharges from the heavy guns of the old Pennsylvania, ship-of-the-line, as they became successively heated.

"When the destruction of the ship-houses was certain, the Pawnee, which arrived on Saturday, and had been kept under steam, was put in motion, and, taking the Cumberland in tow, retired down the harbor, out of the reach of danger, freighted with a great portion of valuable munitions from the yard, and the commodore and other officers. The ships proceeded as far down as the barricades at the narrows, where the Cumberland was left at anchor, and the Pawnee continued on to Fortress Monroe. The Cumberland subsequently passed out.

It afterwards appeared that the ship Pennsylvania was burnt, and the Merrimac, Columbus, Delaware, and Raritan, Plymouth, and Germantown were scuttled and sunk, and a vast amount of the machinery, valuable engines, small-arms, chronometers, &c, had been broken up and rendered entirely useless. Besides the ship-houses and their contents, the range of buildings on the north line of the yard, (except the Commodore's and Commander's houses,) the old marine barracks, and some workshops were burnt. Much of value, however, was not destroyed. The great dry-dock was uninjured. The large number of 2,500 cannon, of all kinds and sizes, full into the hands of the State of Virginia; also shot, shell, and other warlike missiles to a very large amount. Besides these, the machinery of the yard was generally uninjured. A collection of ship-building and outfitting material, large and valuable, including a number of steel plates and iron castings, was found ready for use, and capable of being turned to account.

Old Fort Norfolk, used as a magazine, was taken by the Virginia authorities without resistance. Within were three thousand barrels of powder, containing three hundred thousand pounds; also, a large number of shells and other missiles, loaded, and for that reason necessary to be kept in magazines.

The value of the property destroyed was estimated at several millions. The cost of the immense and magnificent ship-houses and then contents formed a considerable item in the account, and so did that of the Pennsylvania. "It brings tears into our eyes," said a citizen of Norfolk, "when we realize the destruction of this noble ship, so long the ornament of our harbor and the admiration of thousands from all parts of the country who visited our waters." That splendid specimen of naval architecture, the new and beautiful frigate Merrimac, and four or five other vessels, were given to the flames, or with their valuable armament to the deep.

On the same day an order was issued by General Taliaferro, prohibiting the collector of the port from accepting any draft from the United States Government, or allowing the removal of deposits, or any thing else, from the customhouse. The collector, being informed that on his refusal to obey the order a file of men would be sent down to occupy the premises, acquiesced.

To relieve the pecuniary embarrassment, and to provide an equivalent for cash for immediate purposes, the City Council immediately issued a considerable amount of small notes. The lowest denomination authorized was twenty-five cents.

On the 20th the Richmond Grays, a fine company numbering one hundred rifle muskets, Page 536 arrived. They brought 'with them fourteen pieces of ride cannon of large size, one of the pieces weighing 10,000 pounds, and three box cars filled with ammunition of various kinds, to be distributed to the patriotic companies by the way side.

On the night previous, four companies of Petersburg riflemen and infantry, numbering in all four hundred men, reached Norfolk. They were followed by two additional companies of one hundred each.

On the 22d, three companies of troops from Georgia arrived in the express train from Weldon; the Light Guards, from Columbus, numbering eighty men; the Macon Volunteers, eighty men ; and the Floyd Rifles, from Macon, eighty men. The first and last commands marched immediately to the naval hospital.

About the same time the hull of the old ship United States, in which Com. Decatur captured the Macedonian, was taken possession of at the navy-yard by an efficient crew and towed down to the narrow part of the channel, a mile below Fort Norfolk, where she was moored across the channel and sunk. Only a few feet brought her in contact with the bottom. Any naval force that might attempt to pass up the harbor must remove the hulk, while, in the mean time, the shot and shells from the two forts above— one on the right and the other on the left— would be poured into them.

Norfolk thus was occupied by Confederate troops, who remained in undisturbed possession through the year.

PHILIPPI, VA. is the capital of Barbour County, Virginia. It is situated on Tygart's Valley River, about 210 miles N. W. from Richmond. The first serious encounter of the war took place here. A camp of Confederate troops in the neighborhood were completely surprised by Union troops, consisting of Virginia and Indiana Volunteers under Cols. Kelly and Dumont, and both under the command of Brigadier-General Morris. On the morning of the 2d of June, five regiments, formed in two divisions, left Grafton, Virginia, for an attack on this Confederate force. The first division consisted of the First Virginia, part of the Sixteenth Ohio, and the Indiana Seventh, under Colonel Kelly; the other consisted of the Indiana Ninth, and the Ohio Fourteenth, accompanied by Colonel Lander, formerly engaged against the "Western Indians. The division under Colonel Kelly moved eastward by railroad to Thornton, five miles from Grafton, and thence marched to Philippi, a distance of twenty-two miles. The Indiana Ninth, uniting at Webster with the Fourteenth Ohio, forming the second division, pushed on to Philippi, twelve miles distant, on foot. The march of both divisions was performed on the night of the 2d, through rain and mud. The division under Colonel Dumont arrived on the hill across the river from and below Philippi early on the morning of the 8d. They at once planted two pieces of artillery on the brow of the hill, and prepared to open on the enemy as soon as four o'clock should arrive. This division was to attack the enemy in front, while the other, under Colonel Kelly, made an attack in the rear; but the darkness of the night and the violence of the rain so impeded the march as to render it impossible for the division to arrive before Philippi at the appointed hour. The artillery of the division, under Colonel Lander, opened fire soon after four o'clock, when the enemy began to retire at once, leaving their camp behind. At this moment Colonel Kelly, with the division, came up across the river, and below the camp. At the same time Colonel Dumont's force rushing down the hill and over the bridge to unite in the attack, the retreat of the enemy became a complete rout, and he fled, leaving seven hundred stand of arms, a number of horses, and all his camp equipage and provision. The loss on both sides was small. Among the badly wounded was Colonel Kelly; he, however, subsequently recovered from the wound. The town was occupied by the Federal force.

PIG POINT is a projection or point of land on the James River, nearly opposite Newport News, in Virginia. A Confederate battery was located here to guard the entrance of the river, which was attacked by the steam cutter Harriet Lane, on the 5th of June. The cutter was proceeding up the river to reconnoitre and look out for batteries. She soon observed a large and heavy one planted upon the point, and about five miles distant from Newport News. The cutter opened fire, which was briskly returned by the batteries, for nearly a half hour. It was found that but one gun of the cutter could reach the battery, the guns of which being heavier easily reached the former, and several shot struck her. These were supposed to come from a rifled 32-pounder. Several shells were thrown into the battery by the gun Page 582 from the cutter. There were five injured on board the Harriet Lane.

PORT ROYAL. (See St. Helena Parish.)

WHEELING, VA. the capital of Ohio County, in the western part of Virginia, is situated on the coast or left bank of the Ohio River, and on both sides of Wheeling Creek. It is ninety-two miles below Pittsburg, three hundred and sixty-five miles above Cincinnati, and three hundred and fifty miles northwest of Richmond. It is also a port of entry for a district on the Ohio River. On the secession of Virginia, orders were received from Governor Letcher as early as the 20th of April, to seize the custom-house. But the people, being strongly in favor of the Union, maintained a guard over the building, under the direction of the city authorities. It subsequently became the seat of the State Government organized in Western Virginia. (See Virginia, Western.)

WINCHESTER. VA. is the capital of Frederick County, Virginia, one hundred and fifty miles north-northwest of Richmond, and seventy-one miles west by north of Washington. Excepting Wheeling, it is the largest town in the State west of the Blue Ridge, which is twenty miles distant. It is the terminus of the Winchester and Potomac Railroad, thirty miles long, which connects with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at Harper's Ferry. The Confederate forces, on their retreat from Harper's Ferry in the middle of June, halted here. The place was thenceforth occupied by them through the year. It was the head-quarters of a wing of the great army of the Confederates, whose centre was at Manassas Junction. The number of troops was greater or less as circumstances might require. The fortifications surrounding the town, except to the southward on the high ground, were very heavy. The works were made with logs and barrels filled with earth. In front of the breastworks deep trenches were dug, communicating below with the inside of the works. The guns were masked by artificial thickets of evergreens, extended in some cases, to be used as ambuscades for riflemen and sharpshooters. The fortifications extended two and a half miles, and the trees were felled between Bunker Page 756 Hill and Winchester to impede a hostile advance.

VIRGINIA, Western, is that part of the State of Virginia which refused to acquiesce in the vote by which the Ordinance of Secession was passed. The attachment to the Union was here so strong and so nearly unanimous, that the people rejected the authority at Richmond. By the aid of the United States Page 743 troops from Ohio and Indiana and the volunteers in this region, the Confederate and regular State troops were forced to retire entirely. Under this new aspect of affairs the people determined to form a political organization of their own, which should either supplant the old State organization throughout Virginia, or become separate and distinct from it.

This district of country known as Western Virginia, is bounded north by Ohio and Pennsylvania; east, by the Alleghany Mountains; (with, by these mountains and South-western Virginia; and on the west by Ohio and Kentucky. In consequence of its location, the affinities of its inhabitants are more naturally with those of the free States, than with those of the slave States; the soil, climate, and productions are the same as those of Ohio and Pennsylvania adjoining. The number of slaves has always been small, and their labor afforded small remuneration, except in other pursuits than agriculture. These circumstances placed her inhabitants among the loyal people of the North, devoted to the Union, and desirous of its perpetual preservation. Their preliminary movements for a political organization of their own, (see Virginia,) resulted in the assembling of a convention of representatives of the people at "Wheeling, on the 11th of June. About forty counties were represented. The Convention was organized, and before proceeding to business, each county delegation came forward and took the following oath: "Wo solemnly declare that we will support the Constitution of the United States and the laws made in pursuance thereof, as the supreme law of the land, any thing in the Ordinance of the Convention that assembled in Richmond on the 13th day of February last to the contrary notwithstanding, so help us God."

On the next day a committee of thirteen, which had been previously appointed to prepare business, reported a Bill of Rights for adoption. It repudiated all allegiance to the Southern Confederacy, and vacated the offices of all who adhered to it, whether legislative, executive, or judicial. This was laid over for the day. Resolutions were also offered and adopted, declaring the intention never to submit to the Ordinance of Secession, but to maintain the rights of Virginia in the Union, and calling on all persons in arms against the United States to disband and to return to their allegiance.

On the 13th an ordinance was reported, vacating the offices held by all State officers acting in hostility to the Federal Government, and providing for the establishment of a Provisional Government and the election of officers; and further requiring all State, county, and town officers immediately to take the oath of allegiance.

On the 17th a form of Declaration of Independence was adopted unanimously, and signed by all the members present.

On the 20th, under an ordinance previously adopted, a Governor, Frank Pierpont, a Lieutenant-Governor, and Council were elected. The new Governor was inaugurated on the same day. The Declaration of Independence, which had previously been adopted by the Convention, thus reviews the proceedings of the Richmond Convention:

The true purpose of all government is to promote the welfare and provide for the protection and security of the governed; and when any form or organization of government proves inadequate for or subversive of this purpose, it is the right, it is the duty of the latter to alter or abolish it. The Bill of Rights of Virginia, framed in 1778, reaffirmed in 1830, and again in 1851, expressly reserves this right to the majority of her people; and the existing Constitution does not confer upon the General Assembly the power to call a Convention to alter its provisions, or to change the relations of the Commonwealth, without the previously expressed consent of such majority. The act of the General Assembly calling the Convention which assembled at Richmond in February last, was, therefore, usurpation; and the Convention thus called has not only abused the powers nominally entrusted to it, but, with the connivance and active aid of the Executive, has usurped and exercised other powers, to the manifest injury of the people, which, if permitted, will inevitably subject them to a military despotism.

The Governor, on taking the oath of office, delivered a speech in which he thus defined the position of Western Virginia:

We have been driven into the position we occupy to-day by the usurpers at the South, who have inaugurated this war upon the soil of Virginia, and have made it the great Crimea of this contest. We, representing the loyal citizens of Virginia, have been bound to assume the position we have assumed to-day for the protection of ourselves, our wives, our children, and our property. We, I repeat, have been driven to assume this position; and now we are but recurring to the great fundamental principle of our fathers, that to the loyal people of a State belongs the law-making power of that State. The loyal people are entitled to the Government and governmental authority of the State. And, fellow-citizens, it is the assumption of that authority upon which we are now about to enter.

Meantime Governor Letcher issued the following address to the inhabitants of this part of the State.

To the People of Forth-western Virginia:

The sovereign people of Virginia, unbiased, and by their own free choice, have, by a majority of nearly one hundred thousand qualified voters, severed the ties that heretofore bound them to the Government of the United States, and united this Commonwealth with the Confederate States. That our people have the right " to institute a new Government, laying its foundations on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness," was proclaimed by our fathers, and it is a right which no freeman should ever relinquish. The State of Virginia has now, the second time in her history, asserted this right, and it is the duty of every Virginian to acknowledge her act when ratified by such a majority, and to give his willing cooperation to make good the declaration. All her people have voted. Each has taken his chance to have his personal views represented. You, as well as the rest of the State, have cast your vote fairly, and the majority is against you. It is the duty of good citizens to yield to the will of the State. The Bill of Rights has proclaimed "that the people have a right to uniform government; and, therefore, that no government separate from or independent of the government of Virginia ought to bo erected or established within the limits thereof."

The majority, thus declared, therefore, have a right Page 744 to govern. But notwithstanding this right, thus exercised, has been regarded bv the people of all sections of the United States as undoubted and sacred, yet the Government at Washington now utterly denies it, and by the exercise of despotic power is endeavoring to coerce our people to abject submission to their authority. Virginia has asserted her independence. She will maintain it at every hazard. She is sustained by the power of ten of her sister Southern States, ready and willing to uphold her cause. Can any true Virginian refuse to render assistance? Men of the northwest, I appeal to you, by all the considerations which have drawn us together as one people heretofore, to rally to the standard of the Old Dominion. By all the sacred ties of consanguinity, by the intermixtures of the blood of East and West, by common paternity, by friendships hallowed by a thousand cherished recollections anti memories of the past, by the relics of the great men of other days, come to Virginia's banner, and drive the invader from your soil. There may be traitors in the midst of you, who, for selfish ends, have turned against their mother, and would permit her to be ignominiously oppressed and degraded. But I cannot, will not, believe that a majority of you are not true sons, who will not give your blood and your treasure for Virginia's defence.

I have sent for your protection such troops as the emergency enabled me to collect, in charge of a competent commander. I have ordered a large force to go to your aid, but I rely with the utmost confidence upon your own strong arms to rescue your firesides and altars from the pollution of a reckless and ruthless enemy. The State is invaded at several points, but ample forces have been collected to defend her.

There has been a complaint among you that the majority of 60,000, has put the two sections on an equality in this respect. By a display of magnanimity in the vote just given, the East has, by a large majority, consented to relinquish this exemption, and is ready to share with you all the burdens of Government, and to meet all Virginia's liabilities. They come now to aid you as you came in former days to aid them. The men of the Southern Confederate States glory in coming to your rescue. Let one heart, one mind, one energy, one power, nerve every patriot to arm in a common cause. The heart that will not beat in unison with Virginia now is a traitor's heart; the arm that will not strike home in her cause now is palsied by common fear.

The troops are posted at Huttonsville. Come with your own good weapons and meet them as brothers!

Given under my hand, and under the seal of the [l. s.] Commonwealth, this 14th day of June, 1861, and in the 85th year of the Commonwealth.

By the Governor:

JOHN LETCHER.

Geo. W. Munford, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

The Commanding General, McClellan, of this Department, issued a proclamation in which ho thus states the position of military affairs:

To the Inhabitants of Western Virginia:

The army of this Department, headed by Virginia troops, is rapidly occupying all Western Virginia. This is done in cooperation with and in support of such civil authorities of the State as are faithful to the Constitution and laws of the United States. The proclamation issued by me, under date of May 26, 1861, will be strictly maintained. Your houses, families, property, and all your rights will be religiously respected. We are enemies to none but armed rebels, and those voluntarily giving them aid. All officers of this army will be held responsible for the most prompt and vigorous action in repressing disorder and punishing aggression by those under their command.

The Legislature of Western Virginia organized at Wheeling on July 2. Governor Pierpont delivered a Message, stating the circumstances tinder which that body was convened, and recommended the passage of such acts and appropriations as were necessary for the newly organized government.

John S. Carlisle and Waitman T. Willey were chosen United States Senators from the State of Virginia, to occupy the seats vacated by Messrs. Mason and Hunter. (See Congress, U. S.)

A resolution was passed by the House, instructing the Senators and requesting the Representatives in Congress to vote the necessary appropriations of men and money for a vigorous prosecution of the war, and to oppose all compromise; $27,000 in specie, belonging to the State and deposited in the Exchange Bank at Weston, were seized and brought to Wheeling.

A stay law was enacted by the Legislature, and an act authorizing the Governor to organize a patrol in such counties as may need it; and about $200,000 were appropriated for carrying on the Government. A similar sum was also appropriated for military purposes.

The question of a division of the State was debated at somo length, in the Senate, upon a report in its favor by a committee, bat was voted down by 20 to 17. The agitation of the subject wa3 considered premature.

Measures were also proposed for a thorough military organization of the north-west. The thirty-nine counties of Virginia lying west of the main chain of the Alleghany Mountains, the extreme southern point of which was about 87° 20' N. latitude, were those which formed the organization known as Western Virginia. They were, with their population, as follows:

Logan County 4,858  Barbour 9,959 Wyoming 2,805 Raleigh 8,367 Fayette 6,997 Nicholas 4,626 Webster 1,555 Randolph.; 4,990 Tucker 1,423 Preston 13,312 Monongalia 13,048 Marion 12,721 Taylor 7,463 Jackson 8,306 Roanoke 8,048 Calhoun 2,502 Wirt 8,751 Gilmer 8,759 Ritchie 6,847 Ohio 22,422 Brooke 5,494 Upshur 7,292 Harrison 18,790 Lewis 7,999 Braxton 4,912 Clay 1,767 Kanawha 14,575 Boone 4,840 Wayne 6,747 Cabel 8,020 Putnam 6,301 Mason 9,185 Wood 11,040 Pleasants 2,945 Tyler 6,517 Doddridge 5,203 Wetzel 6,703 Marshall 13,001 Hancock 4,445

Total population 281,786

The whole population of Virginia in 1S61 was 1,593,190, including 495,826 slaves, leaving a white population of 1,097,373. Not more than eight or ten thousand of the slaves were in the counties included above, so that, in losing this population of 281,786, Virginia would lose about one-fourth of her white inhabitants. The territory of the Kanawha, as it was proposed to call it, including the valley of the river of that name, and the fertile region along the Ohio, is as fine as any in the State, and in the decade between 1850 and 1860 the population increased Page 745 there more rapidly than in any other part of Virginia. The proposition to erect this portion of Virginia into a new State created considerable discussion. The views of the Attorney-General of the United States, (Bates,) together with a statement of the plans of the Government relative to the seceded States, were thus expressed in a letter to a member of the Convention in Western Virginia: "The formation of a new State out of Western Virginia is an original, independent act of revolution. I do not deny the power of revolution—I do not call it right, for it is never prescribed; it exists in force only, and has and can have no law but the will of the revolutionists.) Any attempt to carry it out involves a plain breach of both the Constitutions—of Virginia and of the Nation. And hence it is plain that you cannot take such course without weakening, if not destroying, your claims upon the sympathy and support of the General Government, and without disconcerting the plan already adopted both by Virginia and the General Government for the reorganization of the revolted States and the restoration of the integrity of the Union.

"That plan I understand to be this: When a State, by its perverted functionaries, has declared itself out of the Union, we avail ourselves of all the sound and loyal elements of the State, all who own allegiance to and claim protection of the Constitution, to form a State government as nearly as may be upon the former model, and claiming to be the very State which has been in part overthrown by the successful rebellion. In this way we establish a constitutional nucleus around which all the shattered elements of the commonwealth may meet and combine, and thus restore the old State in its original integrity.

"This, I verily thought, was the plan adopted at Wheeling, and recognized and acted upon by the General Government hero. Your Convention annulled the revolutionary proceedings at Richmond, both in the Convention and the General Assembly, and your new Governor formally demanded of the President the fulfilment of the constitutional guarantee in favor of Virginia—Virginia as known to our fathers and to us. The President admitted the obligation, and promised his best efforts to fulfil it. And the Senate admitted your Senators, not as representing a new and nameless State, now for the first time heard of in our history, but as representing 'the good old commonwealth.'

"Must all this bo undone, and a new and hazardous experiment bo ventured upon at the moment when dangers and difficulties are thickening around us? I hope not; for the sake of the nation and the State I hope not. I had rejoiced in the movement in Western Virginia as a legal, constitutional, and safe refuge from revolution and anarchy—as at once an example and fit instrument for the restoration of all the revolted States.

"I have not time now to discuss the subject in its various bearings. What I have written is written with a running pen and will need your charitable criticism."

The Convention in session at this time passed an ordinance creating a State. This was to be approved by the people at an election on the 24th of October. Provision was also made for the annexation to the State of any adjoining counties which might desire it. This ordinance was approved by a majority of nearly one hundred to one. It was proposed to call the new State, Kanawha. Its population would bo about 282,000.

Public affairs, however, remained in the position in which they were  originally placed. The new organization was regarded as representing the old commonwealth. On the 2d of December, the Legislature again assembled. The Governor recommended the repeal of the stay law, and the confiscation of the property of secessionists. He congratulated the people that they had contributed their full quota to the army of the United States, which was about 6,000 men. He added: "We have been repeatedly told that Western Virginia would soon be overrun and subjugated by the Confederate armies, our property confiscated and ourselves •driven from our homes or subjected to the penalties of treason. Wise, Floyd and Lee were in their turn to accomplish this work. They have attempted it, and have owed their own safety to the rapidity with which they have retreated before our forces."

After the proclamation calling for troops by President Lincoln, military operations assumed great activity in the bordering State of Ohio. General George B. McClellan was invited from his duties in connection with the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad, by the Governor of Ohio, and appointed to the chief command in the State. Under his directions the volunteers were organized, and preparations for a campaign made. Early in May, the forces were  ready to cooperate with the two or three regiments organized in Western Virginia, to oppose the advance of Confederate troops. The occupation of Western Virginia, which had voted against the Ordinance of Secession, and its control, was early an object with the Confederate Government. To oppose them, General McClellan pushed forward, under the orders of the United States Government.

On the 26th of May, he issued the following proclamation to the people of Western Virginia, from his head-quarters at Cincinnati, Ohio:

To the Union Men of Western Virginia:

Virginians: The General Government has long enough endured the machinations of a few factious rebels in your midst. Armed traitors have in vain endeavored to deter you from expressing your loyalty at the polls. Having failed in this infamous attempt to deprive you of the exercise of your dearest rights, they now seek to inaugurate a reign of terror, and thus force you to yield to their schemes and submit to the yoke of traitorous conspiracy dignified by the name of the Southern Confederacy. They are destroying the property of citizens of your State and ruining your magnificent railways.

The General Government has heretofore carefully Page 746 abstained from sending troops across the Ohio, or even from posting them along its banks, although frequently urged: by many of your prominent citizens to do so. It determined to wait the result of the State election, desirous that no one might be able to say that the slightest effort had been made from this side to influence the free expression of your opinions, although the many agencies brought to bear upon you by the rebels were well known. You have now shown, under the most adverse circumstances, that the great mass of the people of Western Virginia are true and loyal to that beneficent Government under which we and our fathers lived so long.

As soon as the result of the election was known, the traitors commenced their work of destruction. The General Government cannot close its ears to the demand you have made for assistance. I have ordered troops to cross the river. They come as your friends and brothers—as enemies only to armed rebels, who are preying upon you ; your homes, your families, and your property are safe under our protection. All your rights shall be religiously respected, notwithstanding nil that has been said by the traitors to induce yon to believe our advent among you will be signalized by an interference with your slaves. Understand one thing clearly: not only will we abstain from all such interference, but wo will, on the contrary, with an iron hand crush any attempt at insurrection on their part. Now that we are in your midst, I call upon you to fly to arms and support the General Government; sever the connection that binds you to traitors; proclaim to the world that the faith and loyalty so long boasted by the Old Dominion are still preserved in Western Virginia, and that you remain true to the Stars and Stripes.

                        G. B. McCLELLAN,

                     Major-General Commanding.

On the same day he issued the following proclamation to his troops:

Soldiers : You are ordered to cross the frontier and enter on the soil of Virginia. Your mission is to restore peace and confidence, to protect the majesty of the law, and secure our brethren from the grasp of armed traitors. I place under the safeguard of your honor the persons and property of the Virginians. I know you will respect their feelings and all their rights, and preserve the strictest discipline. Remember, each one of you holds in his keeping the honor of Ohio and of the Union. If you are called upon to overcome armed opposition, I know your courage is equal to the task. Remember, that your only foes are armed traitors, and show mercy even to them when in your power, for many of them are misguided. When, under your protection, the loyal men of Western Virginia shall have been enabled to organize and form until they can protect themselves, you can return to your homes with the proud satisfaction of having preserved a gallant people from destruction.

                             G. B. McCLELLAN,

                          Major-General Commanding.

The instructions to General McClellan were to cross the Ohio, and, in conjunction with the forces of Western Virginia under Colonel Kelley, to drive out the Confederate force, and advance on Harper's Ferry. On the night of the 20th of May, orders were given to Colonel Kelley at Wheeling, to march on Grafton, which ho proceeded to execute early the next morning with the First Virginia Volunteers. He was followed on the same day by the Sixteenth Ohio, Colonel Irvine, which had been stationed at Bellair, Ohio. These forces advanced by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. At the same time, the Fourteenth Ohio, Colonel Steadman, crossed the Ohio at Marietta, and occupied Parkersburg. These, advancing on the railroad, were welcomed by crowds at every station. On the same night, a Confederate force of 1,500 men evacuated Grafton, and that place was occupied, on the 29th, by the Virginia and Ohio Volunteers. Here they were joined by the Seventh and Ninth Indiana. The Confederate force, in the mean time, had retired to Philippi, where they prepared to make a stand with considerable strength. Philippi is twenty-four miles from Grafton, and General McClellan determined to surprise the Confederate force. On the night of Juno 2, two divisions moved forward for this purpose. (See Philippi.) The surprise was complete, and the Confederate force, under Colonel G. A. Porterfield, was forced to retire, abandoning a large amount of stores and arms, with a loss of fifteen killed. Owing to the storm and the darkness of the night, the first division, under Colonel Kelley, was unable to arrive in the rear of the Confederate force soon enough to cut off its retreat. This force retired to Laurel Hill, in the vicinity of Beverly, where the enemy was concentrated in a strongly fortified position, which not only commanded the road to the southern part of the State, whence the Confederate supplies were obtained, but from which an attack upon the Federal forces was constantly threatened. Laurel Hill is on the western slope of a range of the Alleghany Mountains, which runs from northeast to southwest, and which is impassable for an army except at certain points. The Confederate encampment was on a slope which declined gradually to the valley, and was strongly fortified in front, below which passed the only road to southern Virginia. The plan of General McClellan was to occupy the attention of the enemy, by the appearance of a direct attack, while a strong force marched round to his rear to take possession of the road by which his supplies came. The enemy must then either come out of his intrenchments and fight, or starve. Taking the main body of his army, composing a force of ten thousand men, General McClellan moved to Clarksburg, and thence to Buckhannon, on the west of Laurel Hill. Previously however, and on the 7th of July, he ordered General Morris to march upon Laurel Hill, to occupy the enemy. Taking with him the Ninth Indiana, Colonel Milroy, the Fourteenth Ohio, the First Virginia, the Cleveland Artillery, the Sixth and Seventh Indiana, and the Sixth Ohio, in the order named and making a force of about 4,000 men, he left early in the morning, and reached Bealington in front of the enemy at eight o'clock, with his right, having flanking parties on each side, and two companies of skirmishers ahead. The Confederate pickets fired and retreated. A slight skirmish ensued with a party of the enemy in a wood beyond the town, about two miles from the Confederate camp, which the Federal force had occupied. On the 8th, a brisk skirmishing was kept up all the afternoon with the Confederates, and somo were  killed Page 747 on both sides. On the 9th, the skirmishing was renewed, and every outlet of the Confederate camp was watched except that hack to Beverly, where General McClellan was soon expected to be. Thus the enemy was held in check on the north and occupied, while General McClellan was attempting to get in his rear. Meantime, as General McClellan reached Buckhannon, he found that the roar of the enemy was strongly fortified at a position called Rich Mountain, which was defended by one to two thousand men, under Colonel Pegram. lie now formed the plan of capturing this entire force. For this purpose, General Rosecrans with about three thousand men was sent to attack his rear, while General McClellan himself made a direct attack in front. General Rosecrans with the Eighth, Tenth, Thirteenth Indiana, and Nineteenth Ohio, therefore proceeded, on the 11th, along the line of hills southeast of the enemy's intrenched camp on the Beverly road, to make an attack on the east side, while General McClellan made it on the west side, as soon as he heard from General Rosecrans. A courier, who mistook the road through the enemy's camp for the route of the troops, gave the enemy intelligence of the movement. Their position was about two miles west from Beverly, which is on the east side of what is called Rich Mountain, a gap in the Laurel Hill range, through which the southern road passes. General Rosecrans arrived in the rear of the enemy at four o'clock, and meeting a small force, immediately began the attack, to which they made a vigorous resistance, but were unable to withstand it. The effect was to alarm Colonel Pegram, and upon finding out his exposed position he silently moved off with his main body, with the hope of being able to join the camp at Laurel Hill. Meanwhile General McClellan was in position with his whole force during the afternoon ready to make an assault, but heard nothing from the other column except distant firing. Early in the morning ho was about proceeding to plant cannon upon an eminence commanding a portion of the Confederate camp, and preparing to attack the whole next in front, when it was ascertained that the enemy had evacuated his position during the night, moving towards Laurel Hill, leaving only a few men in charge of the sick, cannon, and camp equipage and transportation.

The following despatch from General McClellan thus announced these movements:

Rich Mountain, Virginia, 9 a. m. July 12.

Colonel F. D. Townsend, Assistant-Adjutant General:

We are in possession of all the enemy's works up to a point in sight of Beverly. We have taken all his guns; a very large amount of wagons, tents, A&.; every thing he had; and also a large number of prisoners, many of whom are wounded, and amongst whom are several officers. They lost many killed. We have lost in all, perhaps twenty killed and forty wounded, of whom all but two or three were in the column under Colonel Rosecrans, which turned the position. The mass of the enemy escaped through the woods entirely disorganized. Among the prisoners is Dr. Taylor, formerly of the army. Colonel Pegram was in command. Colonel Rosecrans column left camp yesterday morning and marched some eight miles through the mountains, reaching the turnpike some two or three miles in the rear of the enemy. He defeated an advanced force, and took a couple of guns. I had a position ready for twelve guns near the main camp, and as the guns were moving up I ascertained that the enemy Lad retreated. I am now pushing on to Beverly—a part of Colonel Rosecrans' troops being now within three miles of that place. Our success is complete and almost bloodless. I doubt whether Wise and Johnston will unite and overpower me. The behavior of our troops in action and towards prisoners was admirable.

                        G. B. McCLELLAN,

                     Major-General Commanding.

By the retreat of Colonel Pegram, the rear of the Confederate force at Laurel Hill was entirely exposed. On the 11th, General Garnett first learned that General McClellan was in his rear. He immediately evacuated his camp, and retired before General Morris, hoping to reach Beverly in advance of General McClellan, and thug be able to withdraw his forces by the road to southern Virginia. Upon arriving within three miles of Beverly, the fugitives of Colonel Pegram's force were met, and finding escape impossible by that route, General Garnett returned towards Laurel Hill, arid took the road branching off to the northeast towards St. George, in Tucker County. His aim was now to press along the base of the mountains down the Cheat River, with the hope of finding some practicable path across the mountains into the valley of Virginia. The following despatch of General McClellan describes the precise state of affairs at this time:

Beverly, Virginia, July I3, 1861.

To Colonel E. D. Townsend:

The success of to-day is all that I could desire. We captured six brass cannon, of which one was rifled; all their camp equipage and transportation, even to their cups. The number of tents will probably reach two hundred, and more than sixty wagons. Their killed and wounded will fully amount to one hundred and fifty. We have at least one hundred prisoners, and more coming in constantly. I know already of ten officers killed and prisoners. Their retreat is complete. We occupied Beverly by a rapid march. Garnett abandoned his camp early this morning, leaving his camp equipage. He came within a few miles of Beverly, but our rapid march turned him back in great confusion, and he is now retreating on the road to St. George. I have ordered General Mortis to follow him up closely. I have telegraphed for the Second Pennsylvania Regiment at Cumberland to join General Hill at Rowlesburg. The General is concentrating all his troops at Rowlesburg, to cut off Garnett's retreat, if possible, to St. George. I may Bay we have driven out some ten thousand troops, strongly intrenched, with the loss of eleven killed and thirty-five wounded. Provision returns were found showing Garnett's force to have been ten thousand men. They were Eastern Virginians, Georgians, Tennesseans, and, I think, Carolinians. To-morrow I can give full particulars, A&. Will move on Huttonsville to-morrow and endeavor to seize the Cheat Mountain pass, where there are now but few troops. I hope that General Cox has by this time driven Wise out of the Kanawha valley. In that case I shall have accomplished the object of liberating Western Virginia. I hope the General will approve my operations.

G. B. McCLELLAN,

Major-General Commanding.

Up the mountains, through defiles, and Page 748 over rugged ridges, guided by the tents, camp-furniture, provisions and knapsacks thrown away, the hot pursuit of the flying enemy was pressed. Captain Bonham led the advance, and General Morris the rear, and after fording Cheat River four times, they came up with the enemy's rear guard at Carrick's Ford, where the enemy attempted to make a stand, but were attacked on the right flank and forced to retire. At another turn in the river, about a quarter of a mile below, the enemy again attempted to stand. General Garnett tried in vain to rally his men and gather them around him. While he was thus standing with his back to the Federal forces, he received a Minie ball on the left of the spine. It made a terrible wound, piercing the heart and coming out at the right nipple, lie threw up his arm and fell dead. The Confederate rout was now complete. Only about two thousand of the troops with which General Garnett left his intrenchments, escaped. General McClellan's despatch was as follows:

HUTTONSVILLE, July 14, 1861.

To Ed. Townsend: Garnett and forces routed. His baggage and one gun taken. His army demoralized. Garnett killed.

We have annihilated the enemy in Western Virginia, and hare lost thirteen killed and not more than forty wounded. We have in all killed at least two hundred of the enemy, and their prisoners will amount to at least one thousand. Have taken seven guns in all. I still look for the capture of the remnant of Garnett's army by General Hill. The troops defeated are the crack regiments of Eastern Virginia, aided by Georgians, Tennesseans, and Carolinians. Our success is complete, and secession is killed in this country.

                            G. B. McCLELLAN,

                           Major-General Commanding.

Meantime Colonel Pegram, hearing of the retreat of General Garnett, surrendered the remnant of his force to General McClellan, (see Beverly,) who now issued the following address to his soldiers:

Western Virginia, Beverly, Virginia, July 19,1861.

Soldiers of the Army of the West;

I am more than satisfied with you. You hare annihilated two armies, commanded by educated and experienced soldiers, intrenched in mountain fastnesses and fortified at their leisure. You have taken fin guns, twelve colors, fifteen hundred stand of arms, one thousand prisoners, including more than forty officers. One of the second commanders of the rebels is a prisoner, the other lost his life on the field of battle. You have killed more than two hundred and fifty ot the enemy, who has lost all, his baggage and camp equipage. All this has been accomplished with the loss of twenty brave men killed and sixty wounded on your part.

You have proved that Union men, fighting for the preservation of our Government, are more than a match for our misguided and erring brothers. More than this, you have shown mercy to the vanquished. You have made long and arduous marches, with insufficient food, frequently exposed to the inclemency of the weather. I have not hesitated to demand this of you, feeling that I could rely on your endurance, patriotism, and courage. In the future I may have still greater demands to make upon you, still greater sacrifices for you to offer. It shall be my care to provide for you to the extent of my ability; but I know now that, by your valor and endurance, you will accomplish all that is asked.

Soldiers! I have confidence in yon, and I trust you have learned to confide in me. Remember that discipline and subordination are qualities of equal value with courage. I am proud to say that you have gained the highest reward that American troops can receive —the thanks of Congress and the applause of your fellow-citizens.

                  GEO. B. McCLELLAN,

                                Major-General.

The disaster at Bull Run occurred at this time, and General McClellan was called to the active command of the Army of the Potomac. On the 1st of August ho undertook the reformation and reorganization of a defeated army.

The gaps of the Cheat Mountain formed the key to Western Virginia, and they were now held by a strong Federal force. No further attempts were made by the Confederate Government to recover the country, until later in the year, when their forces reappeared under General Wise, and subsequently under General Floyd; and although many skirmishes took place, no material success was obtained, and finally, at the approach of winter, both generals had retired, the former to Southeastern Virginia and North Carolina, and the latter to Middle Tennessee, and Fort Donelson in Kentucky.

CHARLESTON, VA., is the capital of Kanawha County. It is situated on the Kanawha River, CO miles from its mouth, and at its confluence with Elk River, 308 miles west by north of Richmond. The river here is three hundred yards wide, and is navigable for steamboats at all seasons of the year. The principal thoroughfare from Richmond to the Ohio River passes through the town. The Virginia troops under General "Wise collected here in considerable numbers in July, but upon the approach of the Page 103 Union forces under General Cox, they retreated. One shot was fired from the Union force into the steamboat Moffit, which caused her boiler to explode, and she was burnt to the water's edge. The troops under General Wise were in a fortified camp below Charleston, but they evacuated their position and left considerable spoil behind them, which was taken by General Cox's troops. They retreated to Gauley bridge, thirty-eight miles above.

CLARKSBURG, the capital of Harrison county, Virginia, is located on the west fork of the Monongahela River, at the mouth of Elk Creek. It is 220 miles northwest of Richmond. The village is situated on high tableland, environed by hills. When the ordinance of secession passed the Virginia State Convention, some of the first indications of opposition to it in Western Virginia were manifested here. The ordinance was passed on the 17th of April, and on the 23d a public meeting was held, and delegates appointed to meet similar delegates from other counties at Wheeling, to consult on the posture of affairs.

The first belligerent issue between the Union men of Western Virginia and the State troops recognizing the authority of the Southern Confederacy, was joined at this town. Two companies of the Confederate military having marched into the place on the 20th of May, the court house bell was rung as a signal for the assemblage of the two Union military companies, under the command of Captains Moore and Vance, who demanded that the Confederate forces should surrender their arms and disband. After a brief parley the demand was complied with.

WHEELING, the capital of Ohio County, in the western part of Virginia, is situated on the coast or left bank of the Ohio River, and on both sides of Wheeling Creek. It is ninety-two miles below Pittsburg, three hundred and sixty-five miles above Cincinnati, and three hundred and fifty miles northwest of Richmond. It is also a port of entry for a district on the Ohio River. On the secession of Virginia, orders were received from Governor Letcher as early as the 20th of April, to seize the custom-house. But the people, being strongly in favor of the Union, maintained a guard over the building, under the direction of the city authorities. It subsequently became the seat of the State Government organized in Western Virginia. (See Virginia, Western.)


Source: The American Annual Cyclopaedia and Register of Important Events of the Year, 1861-1865, vols. 1-5. New York: Appleton & Co., 1868.