Virginia State Convention.
Ninth day.
Saturday,Feb. 23, 1861.
The Convention was called to order by the
President, at 12 o'clock.
Prayer by
the Rev. Geo. W. Nolley of the
M. E. Church.
Personal explanation.
Mr.Hall, of
Wetzel, arose to make a personal explanation, in regard to his remarks on Thursday, which had been made the subject of newspaper criticism, as well as comment by gentlemen from the
Northwest.
He had been represented as saying that the whole Northwest was unsound; in other words, that they were not true representatives of
Virginia sentiment, and not loyal to the
Commonwealth.
He did not intend to include, in the remarks he had made, the whole Northwest, or any considerable portion thereof.--He alluded to those two or three thousand
Lincoln votes in that section, and to that portion of the people who sent members to this Convention elected upon a platform dictated by the Wheeling
Intelligencer Lincoln's organ in the
Northwest, which has a reporter upon this floor.
In this connection he mentioned
Messrs. Clemens and
Hubbard, of
Ohio.
Mr. Clemens--Did I understand the gentleman to say that I stood upon a platform dictated by the Wheeling
Intelligencer!
Mr. Hall-- said, sir, this--
Mr. Clemens--I want a categorical answer to my question.
Mr.Hall.--I said this: that he ran upon a platform of resolutions defended by the editor of the Wheeling
Intelligence.
Mr. Clemens--That is not an answer to my question.
Mr.Hall--It is all you will get from me.
Mr. Clemens.--Very well, sir.
The President here interposed, and said the remarks were taking a course beyond his understanding of a personal explanation.
A gentleman might set himself right on any point which had been misunderstood; but could not allude to the position occupied by others.
Mr. Hall said he had no disposition to misrepresent the people of the
Northwest.
He had supposed the gentlemen alluded to represented the sentiments of a majority of their people; not that they were doing anything wrong on this floor.
He went on to speak of the importance of unity among the people of
Virginia on the great question now agitating the country.
Mr. Carlile rose to a point of order.
He was not aware that there was any question before the
Convention.
The President said the gentleman from
Wetzel had arisen to make a personal explanation, but he thought he had exceeded his privilege.
Mr. Hallthen produced the following special dispatch to the Wheeling
Intelligencer, which was read:
"
RichmondFebruary 20th.
‘
"Great indignation prevails here among Northwestern members on account of the course pursued by
Leonard S. Hall, delegate from
Wetzel county.
He openly denounced his colleague last night, in the parlor of the
Spotswood House, as a submissionists, and read a letter from
Mr. Charles W. Russell, of
Wheeling, in support of his views.
‘"The gallant old
Gen. John Jackson, of
Wood county, repudiated
Hall and his letter before a large crowd, showing that
Hall did not represent
Wetzel county, much less the
Northwest, having been elected only by a meagre plurality, and that through a division of the
Union men of his county.
The letter of
Mr. Russell to
Hall is reprobated by
Messrs. Willey,
Clemens,
Jackson,
Burley, and all others from the
West whom I have heard speak of the affair. C."’
Mr.Hall then read the letter from
C. W. Russell, alluded to above, to show that it was not Able to the construction placed upon it.
’
Transportation of Negroes.
Mr. Montague offered the following, which was adopted:
‘
Resolved, That the several railroad companies in this State be requested to report to the
Convention, as soon as practicable, the number of negroes carried over their roads,
en route for any Southern States, within the years 1855 to 1861, inclusive.
’
Another personal explanation.
Mr. Clemens arose to a privileged question.
Only one consideration prompted him to say a single word in reply to the gentleman from
Wetzel.
He was here as a representative of a portion of the people of the
Commonwealth, and was not insensible of impressions that had been sought to be created against him, both in public and private.
The effect of this was apparent in the faces and breasts of those around him, and in the sentiments of the sovereign people of this section.
He would put the heel of inexpressible contempt on every insinuation, come from whence it might, that he was wanting in loyalty to the
Commonwealth.
He reviewed his Congressional record, and alluded to his speech which had been extensively circulated.
Let any gentleman who denounced that — as the gentleman from
Middlesex did, and then acknowledge that he had never read it — as an incendiary document, peruse it, and say if it will not satisfy the most extreme secessionist.
To the gentleman from
Wetzel he could afford to be magnanimous.
When he declared that he (
Mr. Clemens) stood on a platform dictated by the editor of the Wheeling
Intelligencer he said that which he would not presume to say was prompted by malice, but would assume that it was said through ignorance; he said that which showed a most miserable lack of information.
He stood on his own platform, which he made in the face of the most fleury opposition in his own county, and triumphed — triumphed gloriously.
Mr. Clemens expressed extreme devotion and loyalty to
Virginia.
Mr. Montague arose to a privileged question, though he regretted the necessity; for it seemed to be the general sentiment among gentlemen, that they were here to make personal explanations, and for nothing else.
The gentleman from
Ohio (
Mr. Clemens) had said that he denounced his speech as an incendiary document, and then admitted that he never read it. The point which he made, on that occasion, related to the corruption of the
Government, which had resorted to forgery, and violated our laws by sending documents to the negroes of the
Commonwealth to stir up insurrection.
He had not read
Mr. Clemens' speech; he was not in the habit of reading speeches, for he had matters of more importance to attend to.
Mr. Hubbard, of
Ohio, replied to the remarks of the member from
Wetzel.
He denied that he was elected on a platform dictated by the Wheeling
Intelligencer, and read his address to his constituents to show the position he occupied.
He affirmed his loyalty to the
Commonwealth, but seemed to think
Virginia's rights would be more secure in than out of the
Union.
The National difficulties.
Mr.Tredway, of
Pittsylvania, called up his resolution which was laid on the table on Wednesday, and it was accordingly taken up. The resolution reads as follows:
‘
Resolved That a select committee of five be appointed, with instructions to inquire and report as speedily as possible, whether any movement of arms or men has been made by the
General Government, to any fort or arsenal in, or bordering upon,
Virginia, indicating a preparation for attack or coercion.
’
Mr.Barbour, of
Jefferson, regretted that his absence should have caused such a resolution to be laid upon the table, for it met his cordial approbation.
Occupying, as he did, the position of
Superintendent of the Arsenal at
Harper's Ferry, he was anxious that the people should have all the information it was possible to obtain, relative to movements at that place.
He would inform them that every soldier and every piece of ammunition sent there was sent at his suggestion.
An investigation of that matter would prove a subject of interest to the people of
Virginia.
Mr. Borst, of page, advocated the resolution.
His people were opposed to coercion, and to the reinforcement and arming of the forts in order that, if
Virginia should deem it right and proper to pass an ordinance of secession, the
General Government would be in a position to coerce her. They were in favor of a Union that would secure the equality of all the States.
Their voice would ever be heard to pray for Union, such as their fathers established, but they were opposed to a Union which did not furnish equal protection to all. He hoped the resolution would pass.
Mr. Barbour said he had no disposition to figure in the local papers at home, and did not propose to discuss the great subject of Union on such a resolution as this.
He would say, however, that
Virginia was in an unfortunate condition if she was afraid of fifty blue-coated men. In further remarks, he said that those who were the last to go out of the
Union would be the first to fight.
He wanted to stay in the
Union on terms satisfactory to all our people; but if such terms could not be obtained, then go out. If
Virginia did leave the
Union, no consideration that could be presented to her brave people would bring her back.
Mr. Early, of
Franklin, fully appreciated the position of the gentleman, as an officer of the
Federal Government, but could see no necessity for the adoption of the resolution.--He then alluded to the rumored proceedings at
Fortress Monroe, and went on to show that the same state of things had existed there for years.
In the progress of his remarks, he desired to do an act of justice to his old companions in arms,
Capt. Dyer, the Command and of Artillery at
Fortress Monroe, and to
Maj. Anderson, the commander at
Fort Sumter.
The President thought the line of remark did not pertain to the subject under consideration.
By general consent,
Mr. Early was allowed to proceed.
In
Anderson's veins run the blood of the Marshalls, and both of the officers named were true and loyal sons of the
South.
If duty required them to point their guns at their own countrymen, every shot would wring their hearts; but they would do their duty to the last.
Mr. Barbour of
Culpeper, made a statement as an act of justice to the
Superintendent of the Arsenal at
Harper's Ferry, showing that it was under his advice that the communication relative to the proceedings at
Harper's Ferry was made to the
Executive at
Washington.
Mr. Tredway said that the resolution was not dictated by any want of confidence in the gentleman from
Jefferson as
Superintendent of the Arsenal at
Harper's Ferry.
He believed the result would place him in the position which he never doubted he occupied, of a true and loyal Virginian.
He was glad to have the information already drawn out, from the gentleman from
Franklin, that the forts were commanded by men who would never do aught against the honor of the
South.
Mr.Jackson, of
Wood, thought the
Convention was taking an improper course in regard to the proposed investigation.
The proper mode would be for the
Executive of the
Commonwealth to obtain the desired information by making a respectful communication to the
President of the
United States.
The course proposed by the resolution indicated an indefinite prolongation of the session.
He moved to lay it on the table, but withdrew the motion at the request of.
Mr. Barbour, of
Jefferson, who said that the debate had taken such a course that he hoped the investigation would be made.
He knew naught of the proceedings at
Fortress Monroe, but the force at
Harper's Ferry was sent at his suggestion, and that consideration took the poison from the
Executive head.
Mr.Carlile gave the reasons why he opposed the resolution.
If he could reconcile it to a sense of duty, he would oblige his friend from
Jefferson, and vote for it. But
Virginia was still part and parcel of the
Federal Government, and as a constitutional man he preferred a constitutional mode of making the investigation.
It should be made by the representatives of the
State, at
Washington.
He moved an indefinite postponement of the resolution, and called for the yeas and nays in order that he might record his vote.
Mr. Harvie, of
Amelia, would with great pleasure vote against indefinite postponement, and for the resolution.
Not that he thought or believed that the gentleman from
Jefferson had done anything improper, but because he wanted to know if the
Federal Government had done anything intended to coerce
Virginia into submission in the event that she should be compelled to go out of the
Union.
He wanted
Virginia to be prepared to meet the issue.
Mr.Wickham, of
Henrico, opposed the indefinite postponement of the resolution.
He had good reason to believe that there were fewer
United States soldiers in
Virginia now than on the 6th of November.
He wanted to have the public mind quieted on the subject, and to allay an agitation that had been artificially created, by sensation dispatches, in the minds of the people of the
Commonwealth.
After some further remarks by
Mr. Tredway,
Mr. Carlile withdrew his motion, and said he would content himself with voting "no" on the resolution.
The question was then taken, and the resolution passed.
Mr. Fisher, of
Northampton, offered the following:
‘
Resolved, That this Convention does not wish to inaugurate a National Convention, and would not rely on such a body to afford redress for the grievances and wrongs of which the
South complains, nor give such guarantees as would satisfy the people of this State that their honor and interest would obtain an effectual protection from such a Convention; but, on the contrary, that the people of the
South might reasonably apprehend that such a body would reorganize the judiciary system of the
United States, and make the
Judges elective by the whole people of the
Union, as
Mr. Seward has declared his party would do as soon as they acquired the power, and that such a body would make other innovations upon the non-recognized rights of the minority section.
’
Mr. Clemens asked if the rules did not allow him to object to any resolution on Federal Relations.
The President said that under a rule adopted, all such resolutions would be referred, after they had been explained by the member offering them.
Mr. Fisherthen proceeded to advocate his resolution, after which it was referred to the
Committee on Federal Relations.
The following resolutions were also offered, and referred to the same committee:
‘
By
Mr. Whitfield, of
Isle of Wight.
’
Resolved,That the election of
Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency of the
United States, and the apprehensions entertained as to the policy of his administration, together with the withdrawal of the seceded States from the
Union, having placed
Virginia in great peril and embarrassment, the
Convention should deliberate coolly and calmly upon the course she is to pursue for the future.
Resolved. That if the Peace Congress should fail in its mission; or if the guarantees which may be adopted by it, and assented to by this Convention, be not ratified within --, by the people of the
North.
Virginia, co-operating with the border slave States, will unite with the seceded States, provided the latter have not incorporated in their Constitution provisions prejudicial to her interests.
Resolved, That while we tender our warm sympathies to our Southern sisters, and feel embittered by the wrongs and injuries received from the
North, this Convention should, nevertheless, look
first to the interests of
Virginia, and by conciliation and compromise pursue that course which will produce harmony and prevent discord among ourselves.
ResolvedThat in the judgment of this Convention, this Commonwealth should resist, with all her means, any attempt to coerce a seceded State.
Resolved,That if the force of events shall present the alternative to
Virginia of uniting either with the
North or the
South, in the opinion of this Convention her true position will be with the latter.
By
Mr. Wilson of
Harrison:
‘
Resolved,That we, the people of
Virginia, in Convention assembled, do adhere with patriotic devotion to the
Union of these States, and that we will do so as long as the same can be perpetuated consistently with full security of all our constitutional rights and the maintenance of the equality of all the States.
Resolved, That it is inexpedient and improper for the
General Government to increase its forces at the forts, arsenals, and dock-yards, within the limits of
Virginia, or to do any act looking to warlike preparations against this State.
’
By
Mr. Sharp, of
Lee:
- 1st. Be it Resolved, as the sense of this body, that the Constitution of Government, and the Union, founded and established by our forefathers, having been the silent, yet prolific source of prosperity, peace and happiness to all the people of the United, and of prosperity, peace and happiness only, from its foundation to the present time, and will be for all time to come to our posterity if we are but true to the great trust reposed in us, as freemen, should not be broken up and destroyed except from grave and weighty causes of intolerable oppression and insufferable grievances, and only then after all peaceful and constitutional means of redress have been tried and have failed.
- 2d.
That, without expressing an opinion as to whether or not a State has the constitutional right to seceded from the Union, yet this body deprecates its exercise on the part of any State, as an act of political suicide, that would aggravate an hundred fold every grievance complained of, rather than remedy a single one.
- 3d.
That though we believe that a government, without the constitutional right and power to enforce all its laws made in pursuance of the Constitution establishing it; and to hold all its property, everywhere, to the extent of its limits and jurisdiction; is worthless, and equivalent to just no government at all; yet we would deprecate an attempt, on the part of our Federal Government, to exercise its laws in the seceding States, or to take, by force, the forts and other property of said Government, in the seceding States, that have been captured by said States from said Government, as an act of policy bad in its inevitable results; an act unmistakably calculated to produce civil war and sectional strife; the direst calamity that could possibly befall a people.
- 4th.
That whilst we would deprecate on the part of the Federal Government any act calculated or intended to coerce the seceding States, or any of them, and to produce a state of civil war and sectional strife; yet we would equally deprecate and condemn any attempt to take, by force of arms, from the Federal Government, by the seceding States, or any of them, any fort arsenal, navy yard, or other property, owned by and in the possession of said Federal Government, as an act of war, on the part of said seceding State or States, in which act said State or States would be the aggressor or aggressors; and that Virginia, under such circumstances, would be under no obligation to, and would not assist or support such State or States in a war produced by such act.
- 5th.
That the unhappy differences that now distract and divide the country ought to be met in a spirit of fairness to all parties and settled in the same spirit; and that, in the opinion of this body, the Crittenden or border States resolutions do present a basis of settlement that would be fair to all parties, and satisfactory to Virginia and to the border States of this Confederacy.
On motion of
Mr. Preston, the
Convention adjourned.
