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down by superior force will die in convulsive agonies.
You seem to think that Virginia can go out of the Union, and still preserve her integral Statehood.
I think that when she dismembers the nation she will herself be dismembered.
But I will not continue the contrast.
My heart is sorrowful when I contemplate the present degradation of Virginia.
“How are the mighty fallen?”
With the loss of her power she has lost all prestige also, and can no longer lead the people and direct the counsels of other States.
She remembers her patriots and sages of former times only to boast of them — not to imitate their talents and virtues — but (by implicit faith) to impute to the present generation the posthumous reputation of the glorious dead.
Formerly she proudly marched in the van of all the States; now she creeps in the rear of South Carolina, and consents to be detailed as a picket guard, to man al outpost of the “Cotton States.”
Poor old Virginia!
In my heart I pity her. Already they boast in the South that they have transferred the seat of war from their homes to yours.
And soon their devouring legions will be upon you to eat up your substance and do your voting at the disunion election.
Now mark my prophecy.
Unless Virginia by a rapid revolution redeems herself from the gulf that lies open just before her, she will be degraded, impoverished, and dismembered.
For her I hope almost against hope.
And for you, I remain, as heretofore,
Your friend,
--Wheeling (Va.) Intelligencer, May 28.
