Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Poetry and Incidents., Volume 1.
Frank Moore, Ed.

As Virginia is to be the great battle-ground between the contending sections, and the first collision of arms is likely to take place on the banks of the Potomac, we hope that both parties will consent to respect one spot as sacred and neutral ground. Let the grave of Washington be still venerated by his countrymen of both sides, and let his ashes not be disturbed by the clash of hostile steel or the roar of cannon. Let there be one spot where the descendants of the men who fought under Marion and Sumter, Putnam and Greene, can meet without shedding each other's blood; and if ever an amicable settlement of this unhappy civil war is to be attempted, let us keep the holy ground of Mount Vernon dedicated to the purposes of peace, and there let the arbitrating convention, which sooner or later must treat on some terms for an adjustment of hostilities, meet for the purpose.

Let the press, the only organ which can now speak to the people, South and North, claim from the leaders on both sides, that no “military necessity” shall excuse the defilement of the soil of Mount Vernon with carnage, or its air by the sulphurous breath of battle.--Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle, April 30.