Squatter sovereign., 1857-02-24
A SCRAP FROM COZ. sTRA0GLE. s
JOURNAL.

rial char of OLD Virginia was occupied
BIZ the renowned and talented James Bar
bour. The capital of the Old Dominion
was threatened with British invasion. and
the Governor. being ex-officio command
er of the State militia, issued his IS fiery
cross" calling upon all good citizens TO
come to the defence of their capital. and
to drive out the insolent invaders. Old
ond young responded to the call. Gath
ering up what arms they could find, they
rushed pell.lneil to Richmond-some with
fowling peaces, or old muskets, others
with rusty blades that had been used By |
their fathers in the Revolution: and ma
ny entirely without arms. Soon the city
was thronged with country people. The
Governor, being better statesman than
chiehain, had made but little preparation
for such a host In astonishment he ask
ed of his council s. What am | TO do with
this multitude There is no food! no
ammunition there are no arms! no tents
Who would have thought that my call
would have brought every man and boy TO
my door 2" There was no alternative, but
to send the greater part back to their
homes.
The " citizen soldiery," then under
arms. were stationed at Camp Carter and
Camp Holly. low down in Eastern virgin
ia, not very far from the Chesapeake Bay.
and the Governor announced his intention
of visiting the army. The facetious Billy
Pope, so often mentioned in kenedy's
ad.nirable as Life of Williams Wirt." hear
ing of tho proposed trip, begged the Gov.
ernor to appoi. him one CT his staff In
deed. Mr.. Pope" said the Governor, .you
are very fine company, and am very fond
of your society, but Indeed. sir / am
afraid you will not support the dignity oil
the Governor of the Commonwealth of
/ Virginia. You know you Know you are
sometimes profane and that it would not
do for one of my staff to be swearing"
:. By G.! excuse me Governor" said
Pope, g bat if you will apoint me, won't
swear an oath whilst we are gone" -
!" WE'LL" said the Governor, with that
understanding, will give you the appoint
ment-so be ready to start in tae morning"
They made the journey to the camps, and
Pope lightened its tolls BY his sparkling
wit.
| Whilst near the Bay. the Governor and
Ibis suit received the an invitation to visit
one OF our men of war which had been
hemmed in there by the British cruisers.
The Invitation was accepted and as soon
as the invited guests stood upon the deck
of the coed old ship. she gave forth a
grand salute with all her guns. Pope,
who had never heard more than one can
: non fred at time, was perfectly trans.
= ported by the grandeur of OCCASION
!, Rushing up to the Governor, he shouted
| /" Excuse me, Governor, but by c. we
: are great people pa. the same TIM
b throwing his hat high up into the air.
Whilst on the Bay. the Governor wish
e ed to visit some point below Norfolk, ant
d for this purpose engaged small craft Il
|, take him and his suit to the desired place
g During the voyage night came on, am
with it e dreadful storm. The captain
came below to consult his august passen
= ger. He found the Governor excited, an
= Pope very mucn frightened. The brow
= old tar, taking off his hat. saiuted tn
. Governor, and told him they were al
: preaching near the shore, but that the Sc
= was SO rough it would be very hazzardot
'e 10 attempt to attempt landing. but tina
- If he would allow him to take little mol
ie sea-rooin, he could beat about in safet.
= and run no risk except tnat OF being picke
up by some of the British cruisers. I'll
II Governor reflected for some moments. be
i. fore naking known his decision. Poi
at stood in great trepidation, anxlously awal
in ing the Governors answer, exciailniai
,;s !. Put ashore. Put shoIel Il will new
he do fo- the Governor of the Commonweal
ne of Virginia TO be taken prisoner. Pops
~ knees gave way. and he sank into Sc
near the Governor. When the captain b
left the cabin. Pope reaching out his Fl
al ger, and whispered. g Governor, for wi
'er man, / think you haqe make the d
no esd fooIishesf choice ever knew made
im my life. Why did you not let that +
lid low keep off of these id rocks Z
en What If we should be taken prisoner
ny you would be treated as Governor Of Y
gisia, and Billy pope as one OF your 81
ave- merely prisoners Of war. and We wo'
be soon be exchanged. But now. we viii
oreI find here waiefy grave, and be food
sharks And what good viii i 90 ~