Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-11

For the .SDectntor

DEAR SPECTATOR :-Supposing that you and
your numerous readers would be- pleased to read
something about the "Beverly expedition" |
send you the following particulars, which may
be relied upon as authentic
Owing to the threatening aspect of affairs in
the Northwest, it was thought advisable to es-
tablish a military post at Grafton, which is
small town at the junction of the Parkersburg
branch with the main stem of the b. & o. Rail
Road.
The Churchville Cavalry, the Highlanders and
Franklin Guard were among the troops ordered
there These troops have endured the prvations
of the longest and most difficult march of any in
the service Of Virginia, SO far as my knowledge
extends Upon reaching Beverly, where it was
generally supposed they would remain some time,
orders came on, requiring them to proceed i'm
mediately to Grafton.
| The impression made by the presence and be-
havior of the troops on their march has been of
the most happy character in cheering up the
| friends of Southern rights, and in keeping down
the mobocratc spirit unhappiy SO prevalent in
some of the strong holds of the Unionists
| The troops reached Grafton on the 25th of
May in remarkable health and spirits, consider
| ing the bardships they endured, for which many
of them were but poorly prepared. There being
quite number of vacant houses, but little diff
Guilty was had in procuring ample Accommodations.
It was not long, however, before we found out
lsympathy for Southern rights. A number of
little girls with Union aprons, Union Flags, and
wearing bonnets trimmed with Union Ribbon,
/. walked the streets, waving their flags at every
soldier they saw. The troops took no notice OF
them, and they were permitted to return home
without the satisfaction OF being noticed or in
suited in any way whatever.
On Sabbath morning divine services were held
lin the camp. In the meanwhile, however, some
persons not friendly to us, indnstrously circulat-
ed the report that on Monday every man in the
place would be pressed into service, and that
f Sunday was the only day they could get away
This produced intense excitement and by the
, middle OF the afternoon dozens of d-ays, carts
! and wagons were in motion, burdened with fur
! niture and household utensils. Women and chill
dren were seen going from house to house, anG
many Of them leaving for the country. This
T continued late Sabbath night, and was resumed
with renewed energy on Monday morning. The
most frightful stories were told by the persons
leaving town about the cruelty of the Secession
! lists. 1t seems to me have heard more lies toli
t since have been here than ever did in all my
$ life put together The Unionists are doing theil
. utmost to infarne the passions of their party
against the troops, and many of them are SO de
plOraDly lgnOraDC ana IdnatlCal tDat tu6y COult
lsee all llnurdered in cold blood, as persons wht
have come to drive themEfrom their homes an(
deprive them of their dearest rights.
1t is very sad to find such state of things OF
Virginia SOIL Truly it may be said Virginia.
enemies are those of her own household.
spend my time mostly among the Highland
ers and the Ohurchville Cavalry, when | am ir
camp. F. H. Hull is Captain of the HighlaDders
and, as is well known, Captain Serrett com
J. mands the Churchville Cavalry. These Officers
have much reason to be proud of their men. 81
far as my acquaintance goes, every member o
the company of Cavalry prides himself upon be
ing gentleman, and the same remark is true 0
Captain Hull's company, with few exceptions
and think these exceptions will be shamed ou
of their behavior in due time.
The present aspect of affairs is really threat.
ening. | think there is every prospect of bar,
fighting to be done, and that before many weeks
Brave hearts and strong arms, with Gods bles
}, sing, are what we need in the impending strug
gle, should it come to the worst.
Yours, truly, GRAFTON.
Near Grqfton, May 1861.