Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1861-06-04
TO THE PEOPLE OF FREDERICK COUNTY.

At the time the election for members Of the Conven
ton took place. the leading wish aud purpose in the
great majority of the people of Frederick was to try the
possibility of reconclng the sectional differences oil the
country so as to preserve the Union and Constitution Of
the United States This my aim and effort in the
Convention The object has failed-the former Federal
Constitution has passed awaythe Union OF the North
ern and Southern States is dissolved.
Upon my return home | stated in public meeting that
tn, only practical matter to be considered was the
effsctusl defence of our Commonwealth against the
lust and uuholy war which Lincoln and his party had
declared against her. that all questions of responsibility
bg individuals parties, for the present state Of things,
should be deferred until OF quiet that the u-
ure political relations of Virginia would better be deter
mined after the expiration OF the provisional constu-
lion and that all hearts and hands should be united
in defence of our hearths and our affairs.
But as the action of the Convention was expressly to
take effect only upon the approving vote OF the People,
whilst entertained no doubt what that vote would be,
nv conclusion was TO give no advice upon the sub
ielt and not even disclose what my own course, as an
individual citizen would be. In pursuance OF this de-
termination, although nominated for the Assembly,
against nv own judgment WISH suffered the election
10 60 by default and did not appear at the polls to
vote for or against the ordinance OF secession.
fl could think for a moment that the late election
was any indication OF dsapprova by my constituents OF
the course taken by in the Convention would at
once resign my seat This however am well assured,
is not the fact Many who voted for the ordinance, and
some who zeaousy advocated it at this election, held
even the rizhulncss of coercion, whilst maintained
that any such attempt unconstitutional, and should
be resisted by Virginia TO the last extremity.
The vote of the people of Virginia declaring almost
with unsnimty, her independence of the Federal Gov
ernmeut which she had formed for cause this day as
righteous as the fer which she threw off the Gov
ernment of Grea Britain in 1916 leaves no ground for
further controversy upon this question among her true
citizens.
In truth there remains no difference of opinion as TO
tbn or
condition.
A malignant aud insane war is now waged against us
BY party whose very existence s destructive OF union
aud peace and this party is sustained by the gen
era voice of the Northern people Our ports are block
aded-Our soil inyaded-our citizens slain-under the
miserable rreeyt that Virginia Is in instruction against
Abraham Lncoln. The Northern people OF al! RAJ k aud
grades of Intelligence virtually maintain that the public
scrSant OF free people may justly become at his own
will military des pot that free distinct people may
be subjected by force OF arms TO submit TO his Govern
men, aud yet that such Government would be founded
or their consent and republican in fact.
So long this continues, have 10 choice OF alter
natives The Gle is east. The Rubicon is passed. II
OILY remIius for TO defend ourselves with all cur
might. well know that, with very few, If any e1-
ceptions these the sentiments OF those who voted
against as of those who voted for the ordnance in the
county of Frederick; and trust that throughout the
whole State real citizens Virginia will be found one
man IN defiant opposition to this military despot5m,
sought to be established over US.
The appeal which desired to make to the Northern
people for the overthrow OF the Seward and Lincoln
party would now be utterly in vain and involve shame
and degradation. ANY oyertures for reconciliation must
come from those who have declared against US
AMI the first Indispensable article of agreement must be
the unconditional acknowledgement of the Independence
of these Confederate States.
We should entertain 10 fears for the issue. speedy
peace every way desirable but in the end, sooner or
later our success sure. No people, Of race, ever
were or every can be sutjugated whatever the odds
against them. But, in this case upon ordinary cacua-
tons our enemies mud their exhaust
| ed and their strength ell expended.
Ny principal object in now addressing you ia TO state
| hs; NY purpose u; this time IT, according to your in
sruc.On the polls to place my signature, on your be-
half and with my cordial assent 10 the ordinance
declaring the withdrawal by Virginia Of all her powers
conferred upon the Federal Government OF the United
| States Immediately upon my return 10 Richmond. In
all further proceedings necessary 10 consequence OF this
ordinance and in all necessary proper for
the ofsctua defence Of the Commonwealth, will also
cooperate 10 the best of my ability.
Respectfully, your fellow-ci;izen
ROB- Y. CONRAD.