The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-05-30
APRIL EfGHrEENTB, '0f.
Account Of the Day AZ spent In Win
chester. Va.


chester, Va.
In April. 1861. the people OF Virginia
were most impatlently and anxiousiy
awaiting the action OF the convention
that had BEEN for many weeks, IN ses-
sion In Richmond. Public opinicn was
divided as 20 the expediency OF immc-
date secession. there were some VINO
stlll clung TO the hope Of success In the
efforts made by the Old Dominion 10
bring about some peaceable settlement
OF the vital questions that we're at stake
others believed that not only did her
best interests require that virginia
. should at once join the Southern Con-
fedcracy. but that her sclf-resrect ana
honor demanded her withdrawal from
the Federal Urion. The feeling was
growing deeper and stronger, and the
closest ties Of friendship and Of blood
were being constantly severed by differ
cnce Of opinion upon this all absorbing
subject.
Day after day the anxiety and sus-
pense became more intense, as the sigr
Of the approaching storm were more
clearly recognized. The mutterings OF
distant thunder had long been heard
from the halls Of Congress and through
the press: the clouds grew darker and
more threatening. yet some stu said they
would be disI Suddenly, the Presi-
dents proclamation. Of April 18TH like
fash of tightening. threw a dazzling
light upon the situation of the country
and revealed TO the people the truth.
which until then, some had refused to
believe.
This call upon the several States for
their respective quota OF men for the
army being raised for the purpose OF
"subduing the rebellion" by invading the
southern States and reducing them 20
the condition Of conquered provinces
left 20 the Nirginians only the choice be-
tween obedience 10 this order and the
organization Of an opposing army not
only for the defence Of their political
freedom, but for the protection Of their
homes. their wives and their children.
Seldom has the application of a torch
10 gun-powder been attended by more
instantaneous or greater results than
was this proclamation OF April -. 1851.
on the 18th the convention passed the
Ordinance of Secession, and before pub
fishing the fact. dispatched one or more
OF Its most trusted members TO Frederick
and the adjoining counties with authori-
~ 10 call the men TO arms and to in
struct them to take possession Of the
stronghold of Harpcr's Ferry, without
allowing time or opportunity for the
Federal Government to reinforce the
, small garrison always kept there in
charse OF the United States arsenal. so
quickly ana so secretly was this accom-
| plishcd that large numbers Of men from
the adjacent country arrived IN Win
chester early in the morning of the lsth
before the Town had been fully awakened
or the work Of the day had begun
Never before had this quiet town been
made the scene Of such excitement, per-
maps, never before had similar scene
been enacted.
hundreds OF men who had been, the
day before gently pursuing their ordi-
nary vacations as carpenters, shoemakers,
tanners, teachers doctors, lawyers. and
IN n any Instances clergymen. had been
suddenly transformed into soldiers, and
had obeyed the call Of their State with
out an hours delay, some without even
stoi ping 90 get change of clothing. All
day the cry was heard "still they come"
some on horseback, some in wagons.
very many on foot. All were eager 10
take the first train 10 the ferry Natural
| ly enough, the volunteer companies OF
| winchester claimed precedence as being
already equipped and drilled, while the
majority Of those now arriving had yet
| 10 organize companies, elect officers. and
collect such guns, pistols. and ammunl-
ton as could be found in the town. 1t
was a question too, whether sufficient
transportation could be, at once, pro-
vided by the railroad. as one or two
cars were usually quite enough for the
daily tram All was hurry and hustle.
but the first problem 10 be solved was:
How this multitude should be fed2 This
was thought by the housekeepers. the
most pressing business and even the men
had not then learned to treat the ques-
ton Of breakfast or dinner as one that
could be disregarded.
The first impulse of fhe people was ~
take as many as possible 10 their nom
ana TO seuu food TO those not AUS prD-
vidcd for. but Il soon became evident
that this plan would not supply the con-
stanty Increasing number At this june
ture, Mr. John Amber, a gentleman well
known and admirably respected through
all that neighborhOOd, mounted a large
store box. In the midst of the crowd on
the street. and made an impromptu ad-
dress. calling attention to the necessity
for systematic arrangement and concert
or action I'm the work Of providing food
and shelter for the soldiers thus sudden
~ assembled
He appealed 10 several of the citizens
present, 10 form themselves into a COM
mittee 10 ascertain what unoccupied
warehouses or other rooms could be used
as barracks, and called upon all to open
their houses. as well as their hearts. for
the reception Of the strangers: finally he
proposed TO buy on his personal RESPONSE
blity. as much meat -four coffee. and
sugar as might be needed to meet the
emergency. saying he felt no fear OF
trouble I'm having the bills paid by the
government as soon as the necessary or
eanization of the army could be effect
ed. II is needless to add this appeal
met the heartiest response from "all sorts
and conditions Of people" every house
was filled with guests, and every man
was well fed, and well housed Mr.. Am
bier was thus, the first quartermaster on
duty among the Virginia troops, and the
first experience Of the war in Virginia
began I'm Winchester.
BY ONE WHO WAS THERE.