[
770]
The wanton destruction of the private property of citizens of
Virginia, by the orders of
General Hunter, a Federal commander, may be considered as one of the strongest reasons for the retaliation, by
Early's order, upon the city of
Chambersburg.
Andrew Hunter lived in the county of
Jefferson, near
Harper's Ferry, and was a relative of
General Hunter;
A. R. Boteler and
E. J. Lee also lived in the same vicinity.
No reasons that I have ever heard have been given for the burning of their houses.
Governor Letcher's property was in
Lexington, Virginia; the Military Institute was near
Lexington, also.
I do not think that any better reasons can be given for the destruction of these properties than could have been given if
General Hunter had destroyed every house, barn, or other building, that was standing and in good order, upon his line of march from
Staunton to
Lynchburg.
The property of
J. T. Anderson was in the county of
Botetourt, and located near the banks of
James river, at
Buchanan.
Mrs. Anderson and a lady relative were the only occupants at the time.
I destroyed the bridge across
James river to retard
Hunter in his march upon
Lynchburg, and it detained him with his army for two days, during which time he occupied this house as his headquarters.
He promised the ladies protection, and after his departure, an officer and some soldiers returned with a written order from him to destroy everything about the premises.
A few days afterward, as
General Hunter was passing another
Virginia mansion, a lady asked him why he destroyed the magnificent home of
Colonel Anderson.
He replied, “that
Virginia women ”
