New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-07-13
STATEMENT OF A FUGITIVE FROM EASTERN
VIRGINIA.

CrsTEHILLr, o., June 4, 1861.
Iiutended soon arrived ut tits place, 30 give
you an account OF my flight ION the Valley OF Virgin
H. the state of Affairs there, &c.
On the 18th Of JuBeevefy man in Shenandoah Coun-
ty, who enrolled in tho militia, was ordered 10
parade, and march that ss day To Winchester, or
sume OF Der point ia that direction. As had resolved
never 10 serve under that accused Rebel dag against
the Government, ] asked and obtained permission TO
remain at home until the next morning. After giving
few bssty duec ions 10 my wife, and packing up q
change OF clothes started about II ocvck al night TO-
ward Western Virginia, in company OF of my
neighbors Eli Hottie. LETT a wife behind me, Iloi
tie wife and eight children. We Travelled seventy
five Ilty mlles through the mountains, avoiding
towns villages and pub lie roads sleeping an hour or
two, when worn out with fatigue on tho ground.
irving ia Piedmont the night OF tue II {, where
found the people in high state OF excitement and
alarm account OF the depIe iaiiOns committed by
the Rebels The night before, AT New Creek, about i've
miles below on the railroad. From Piedmont we
came on tho 10 Grafton, in company with Cnp.
Dayton'e Union Guards II believe that IL the nsmel
ana from The latter place we came TO Wheeling under
tie protection Of pass given us by Gen. Morris.
1t would be ute ~ impossible TO give Il correct idea
OF all suffered in the mountains. Sometimes com
pleley lost yet fearing 10 ak any questions o! thCe
whom might meet. Sometimes puching with
tirst for the weather excessively hot, ana suier
ing with the most intcDte pains IRON lying ON the
ground when our clothes were dipping wet with per-
tpirAtion. We were several times questioned vriy
closely, but not otherwise molested, although We
passed Nltl1h mile OF an en'dmpnent OF nVe or SIX
hundred rebels, fast Of which we were iguorant 1t
the time
The Valley OF Virginia, when / left, was under
Joint reign Of terrorism and despotisn. All the men,
Union men as well AZ Se0eaioniss, were ordered OF
70 service, leaving the country, 70 lar IA relates 10
men, almost desolate. The wheat was fast getting
fipe, yet none except over foriy-iiye aud boys
under eighteen Were left behind 10 harvest II. Though
there were in the valley comparatively few slaves,
they were dreaded by the women and children. a
number had been arrested and lodged in Ail our
county account of threats made by them aud arms
being found ia their posse ,siOn.
There are many devoted, incorporating Union
men ia the vail Of Virginia, but, being in the mi
notify, their treatment IL almost incredible. In our
county Union forced to vote for seces ion
almost at the point Of the bayonet. In Woodstock
company ordered 10 parade the day Of election.
II did 80, keeping their stacked Ia the voting
hhllr Leading proclaimed that If any dared
for Union they would be shot down nj the polls.
Printed notices were TO be seen week before The
election warning men not TO vote for Union under
peualiy of being treated traitors TO Virginia, and
further informing them that II they ana not 'o at Ill
they would DO treated likewise. few Of US did not
vote, for which we were severely threatened. Many
Union voted for Secession with tears IN their
eyes. The above Is no oyerdrawn picture; II Is 1T
orally true--only too true. The Union men, though
forced into service are determined not 70 tight. They
will desert or be taken prisoners fast possible.
They have long ago been pray ing for the appearance
OF large Federal force in the valley. / have heard
men iarmers and others, often say that they would
9aOy give all they have to contribute tn the support
OF The Government forces. But no man dare utter
Union sent ment il heard by Secessionit. But why
say any more can give you no correct idea OF the
wretced state OF aiairs there when lett. God grnut
that long the siars aud stnpesthe glorious old
flag Of our country-Inay again Haunt its folds in the
bieezes that wait the mountains and through the
valleys Of Virginia. JANIS w. BAER.
FROM FORT PICKENs.
e VI