The Daily Dispatch: March 18, 1861., [Electronic resource]

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Nine Cheers for the gallant Cockade.

Petersburg has covered itself with glory. At one time the strongest Union town in Virginia, the manifest coercion policy of the Irrepressible Conflict Administration at Washington has opened its eyes to the truth that secession is now the only remedy consistent with the honor and independence of Virginia. The vote for instruction shows a clear gain of 309 votes over the vote received by Mr. Wallace, on the 4th ult. We should like to hear Richmond speak, and all slaveholding Virginia to let its voice be heard. The same revolution which has carried the citadel of Unionism has swept over every portion of the State which is identified with the slavery institution. We have never doubted for one moment that the majority of the people of both parties, with few and inconsiderable exceptions, are true to the Southern cause, and to their Southern brethren — that they are candid, honest, and open to conviction, and only need to see the light to embrace it. As Petersburg has gone, so goes all Eastern Virginia, and, if our information of the movements of Northern squadrons be confirmed, the Border States will go out in a solid mass. The members of the Convention may disregard these manifestations of public sentiment, but let them pursue their own course. The people of Virginia will soon take this matter, in a lawful and constitutional manner, in their own hands.