The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1862-09-17

mind in Sirasnia--s0 far as my observation
has extended, and the historic steps by which,
as they say. it has been reached. There are
here and there men who have stood out, at
every sacrifice, (loss of property by confs-
cation and personal imprsonment)p rotesters
for Federal allegiance and recusant as 10 any
recognition of Confederate sovereignty. But
they are the rare exceptions in Eastern and
Southern Virginia. There is large class OF
men of moderate means, who cannot afford
losses or shrink from them, who greatly pre-.
fer the quiet aud security Of Federal rule.
but quiet and security being their. object,
they remain neutral or compliant under the
powers ae facfo, of whichever side. There is
no civil government in action from Harper's
Ferry, here-eyen the last class fails TO fur
nish volunteers to take the Office OF justice
Of the Peace.* Crime Of all sorts, therefore,
exceptit be by soldiers subject to court.mar
tal, has a holiday, and horse stealing and
robbery are the order Of the day and night.
The presence OF troops from distant States
Especially those of one diyision) has exas-
perated at any rate--you may belieye-and
tina incorporate exultations here Of soldiers
over victories in which sons, husbands, and
brothers OF those whoisten have fallen. tends
but little to soOthe or to reunite. A chap
lain, and one of our church, preaching in the
open air in the heart Of the town on recent
Sunday, after his service, announced 10 the
assembled troops the recent victories in de-
tail, and then called for 5" three cheers and a
tiger and Yankee Doodle lie Is not a
great man, you will perceive he meant It all
as very we'll and loyal, but he knew not what
he did, for the battles had been between bro
Tiers, over whose bers. and IN presence Of
the mourners on one side, lie asked wild sol
diers TO "gye tiger
As shank away into corner Of a church
on that day, stranger in my motiIer's house,
and thanked God for the upholding Of law,
and offered myself willing sacrifice on the
altar If constitutional allegiance. /" the VIC
tory was turned to me into mourning, for
better ones thar Absalom were slain in bat
tie and had been sent sixteen miles from
the post headquarters tie day before TO car
~ TO the widow and orphans Of Virginian
the tidings OF the fall IN battle of husband and
father, the assurance Of unmolested quiet for
the present to the home thus made desolate,
to offer soldiers sympathy aud TO suggest
the consultations Of relgion.t
The problem, my dear Bishop, OF militia
~ conquest and occupation is simple and
almost solved but the second problem, that
of healing, restoration, and reconstruction.
would appal the sioUtest heart, who well uh-
dersIands its conditions and terms. were il
not for trust in His Almighty wisdom. mercy
and power, 10 whom 50 many faithful hearts
on both sides have turned aud duplicated
this entire struggle. That he
brings good out Of evil, and light out Of dark
ness, and that his methods are unsearchible,
is an infinite stay and comfort.
The condition Of Virginia is sad now. Ar
mics are everywhere. Here j. Northern
towards the Rappahan-
mock, Jackson's forces; and. 81 course.
where both meet, infinite desolatiOn. Hus-
bands and sons are away with the Southern
army aged men, the inhrm, the youth in
boyhnod, and women. and what servants
have not fed. are all that remain. You may
imagine the feelings that prevail in the in
terror Of families, and you will not wonder
that sadness rules the hour now. But you
remember our stay 10 Richmond in 1859.
Anu tue tANlltulEHi W 5ubN btuNMs lam
then. In the midst of her fatherless chill
dren, the widow whose bereavement have
mentioned said to me, as she covered her
face with her hands, Why, my dear sir,
We have not seen sunshine 10 Virginia since
John Brown entered III People forget this.
This war is not the beginning. II has been
home guard and nlghtaa,eh. aud patrol, and
rumor Of instruction. ever since that day"
p. S.--i have just taken the precaution to
read over what have written above TO ven
cradle yirginIan. now quietly attending 10
the duties Of his calling here. lie is one
who may be truly characterized as man Of
large acquaintance and wide observation Of
4 calm aud dispassiona,e temper. and who
has never taken part in politics. lie attests
tie correctness uf nv statement, 1.-THE figures
he has supplied and thanks me for the spir.
il which hc thinks my letter exhibits. lie
asks me to add what follows as az old mans
record. Il write from his dictaiion. and lie.
sire to open up thus 70 others the mind Of
the class he represents:
That notwithstanding the reyerses Of the