Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1865-04-26
FROM LYNCHBURG-WHAT OCCURRED
THERE AFTER TIE EVACUATION OF

THERE AFTER THE EVACUATION OF
RICHMOND.
For the first time since the evacuation OF Rich
mond and the surrender Of General Lees army we
6nd ourselves in possession Of authentic intelli-
gence of the events that took place in Lynchburg
during the eventful ten days that succeeded the
flight of the so-called Confederate Government
from its Capital. We. are indebted for our infOr-
nation to gentleman connected with the Ccnfed-
crate Medical Purveyor's Department at Lynch
burg, and who left that place only week ago.
Extra Billy Smith figured largely during the last
days Of Confederate rule in Lynchburg. He left
Richmond on Sunday night the I'd instant, on
horseback, and, following the course Of the canal,
reached Lynchburg on Wednesday, where he an
nounced that he had been the last man to leave
Richmond. st the time Of his arrival Stoneman
was reported 20 be moving on the town from The
southwest, and Lomax who commanded the Con
tederate troops in Lynehburg, making an eff
tort to put every man into the trenches. But many
Of the citizens and other persons in the town had
exemption papers, which Lomax felt bound 10 re-
spect, and consequently these fortunate individuals
were left at liberty to about at their pleasure
"a privilege which they exercised in collecting in
crowds at the street corners and discussing the
situation. The sight of these knots of men in
censed the Governor beyond endurance; il being
his one idea during the war that the trenches
was the proper place for every male thing
in the country between the agesI of
ten and one hundred years and he forthwith
began "stumping'' the streets, addressing every
crowd, and making one last old effort to sire the
art hat !; bor
duced rather derision than war feeling and enthu-
siasm, he wound up by publicly dining such a
miserable set" He then expressed his determine
tion TO have the tobacco warehouses fired, but was
informed by the citizens that this should not be
done, and that any attempt Of the kind would be
resisted by force and'arms. This spirited and un-
expected response acted on him like an extinguish
er. He made no more speeches, and very soon
after left the town and set ont for Danville.
On Sunday evening, the 9th instant, information
was received that Gen. Lee had that morning sur
rendered to Gen. Grant al Appomattox Court
House, and thereupoR Lomax Immediately evac-
mated the town. Stoneman, who had been expect
ed for several days, had not arrived, and Lynch
burg was left without military OF any kind, except
q small body Of citizens who had been armed 70
spirit that might show itself. This proved to be an
unpleasant state Of suspense. II was felt to be de
sirable that some one should take the place, but
no such person making their appearance during
Monday, on Tuesday scouts were sent out with
orders to give up the town to the first Union
force they could come up with. The scouts.
however, after traversng the highways and by.
ways within circuit of nine miles around,
returned unsuccessful, IT having been able to find
any one to whom they could give the town. The
Lynchburgers were happily put out of their misery
on Wednesday, by the arrival of McKenzie's caval.
~ brigade of the army of the Potomac. The citi.
zens were very much gratifed by the treatment
they received from Gen. Mckenzie and his men.
which vas lctly similar to the treatment OF the
city of Richmond by Gen. 0rd's forces All pri-
yate property was protected, and'eyen the medical
stores of the Puryeyots department were not inter-
fered with Only the munitions Of war and proJ err
Nv of the Davis Government were taken possession
ofand destroyed After remaining in Lyrchburg
several days, the Union troops were withdrawn
Gen, Mckenzie directing the council and citizens
10 resume charge of and protect their town.
The spirit of the citizens Of Lynchburg III resist.
mo the designs OF Smith to fire their tobacco ware
bopses, Is much to be admired. BY so doing, they
saved their city from the sad fate OF Richmond
FROM FREDERICKSBURG
W., had the pleasure yesterday of conyersing