Fourth day.--[Second Session.]
Richmond, June 17, 1861.
To the reporters for the city press, who are not regularly sworn officers of the Convention, this was a day of penance and fasting.
For four mortal hours we were consigned to "outer darkness," deprived of the bright flashes of intellectual reencounter which, while grave questions of State were under consideration, doubtless irradiated the inner hall.
We did not complain, however, though the institution of secret sessions, whatever may be its political necessity, is aggravated in its penal effects upon the meritorious and patriotic class of citizens to which we have the honor to belong, by the provoking uncertainty of its duration.
How much good, for instance, might we not have been able to accomplish for our common country; how many little personal comforts might we not have enjoyed during four long hours, had we only known beforehand that our services would not be required in spreading fight and knowledge before the people for precisely that length of time.
But we suppose it is one of the inevitable hardships which every good citizen must bear with the best he can, and we therefore proceed to report the little that transpired in open session.
After the Convention was called to order by the presiding officer, a fervent and strikingly impressive prayer was pronounced by the Rev. Joshua Peterkin, of the Episcopal Church.
The committees were then called for reports, in the usual order, but none were submitted.
On motion, the Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads was abolished, that subject being now transferred to the Confederate Government.
These and other preliminary proceedings having been passed upon, the President stated that when the Convention adjourned on Saturday, the subject of nominations by the Governor was under consideration in secret session, and the regular business being now in order, he would order the lobbies and galleries to be cleared.
After a secret session of between three and four hours, the doors were opened, and the President directed the Secretary to read a letter which he had received from President Jefferson Davis in reply to a resolution of the Convention of Saturday last, the purport of which will be seen from the letter, of which the following is a copy:
"I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th inst. communicating to me the resolution of the Virginia Convention to visit me at such hour as I may appoint. It will afford me great pleasure to receive you and the members of the Convention at 8 o'clock, on Monday, the 17th instant
"Very respectfully,
"Jefferson Davis."
"Jefferson Davis."
On motion of Mr. Tyler, it was agreed that when the Convention finishes the business of to-day, it will meet again at 7 ½ o'clock this evening, for the purpose indicated above. A letter was also read from Secretary Walker of the War Department, thanking the Convention for its courtesy in inviting him to a seat in the Hall whenever he might chose to visit its sessions. A series of resolutions were submitted by Mr. Tyler, eulogizing the gallant Magruder, Hill, and their officers and men, for the recent brilliant victory at Bethel Church. Mr. Tyler followed the reading of his resolutions in a speech of great eloquence and force. There was, he said, but one instance on the whole page of history that could be cited as a parallel to the victory at Bethel Church--that was the battle and the victory of Buena Vista, where the gallant Davis, now our President, with his Mississippi Regiment, and the invincible Bragg, with his grape and cannister, turned the fortune of the day and routed an enemy of about five to one. The resolutions were unanimously adopted. A resolution of the very first importance was submitted by Mr. Conrad, of Frederick, asking an immediate action on an ordinance authorizing the construction of a railroad between Strasburg and Winchester. Our military operations seem now to be converging towards Manassas Junction, and it is highly important that the connection with Winchester should be completed as soon as possible. The company who propose to complete the road ask an advance from the State of an amount equivalent to the duty on the iron, which will be refunded under ample guaranties. Mr. Gregory thought the subject had better lay over at present, and moved an adjournment to 7 ½ A. M., this evening, This was carried, and the Convention ordered a recess until 7 ½ for the purpose of paying their respects in a body to the President of the Confederate States of America.
