Year: 1863




We republish below the communication written
November, 1852, soon after his return from the
North, where he had been for the benefit of his
health. This communication, with conversation
alleged to have taken place between him and fed
erai officer in Virginia made the foundation for
his arrest and incarceration in Castle Thunder.


After his return from the North, Mr.. Graves ad-
dressed his congregation on one or two occasions,
giving his impressions of what he had seen and heard
North, and urging them, as they desired success
In the present struggle to redouble their exerons
and brace themselves for long war. At the request
of friend he wrote out these impressions, and they
we're transmitted for publication in the Enquirer


Soon after, an officer was sent from Richmond by
Gen. Winder, to The Oaks, in Orange County, and
Mr.. Graves was arrested on the Sabbath day, near
the Church in which he had just delivered dis
course to his congregation; and, without any civil
process or authorityshe was hurried to Richmond
and cast like common felon into Castle Thunder.
But the Legislature of the State, which soon after
assembled, took up the subject, on the motion of
Mr.. Graham, the Senator from Orange, and resolu-
lions were passed demanding Mr.. Graves release
and return to this State. The demand was complied
with, and an examination was had before Judge
Manly, of the Supreme Court. After full hearing
the evidence offered against him being vague and
dimsy, Mr. Graves was required to give bond in the
um of $4,000 to appear and stand his trial or trea-
:On before the Confederate Court in Richmond, Vir-
ginia, in which State it was alleged the crime was
committed. Mr.. Graves accordingly appeared in
Richmond on the 10th of this month, when the
Grand jury after full and patient hearing of the
evidence, refused to find bill against him, and he
was discharged.


Such is brief outline of the facts in this case of
gross and wicked political persecution, in which the
civil law was set at defiance, and an innocent man
deprived of his liberty and attempted to be consign
ed to felon's doom. We forbear to recur at any
length to the profane and vulgar manner in which
he. an unarmed and unoffending Minister of the
Gospel, was treated by Gen. Winder, commanding
the department of Henrico when he was delivered
into his hands in Richmond. We are content to let
oil that pass, now that Mr. Graves has been acquit
ted. He has gone through the fire of persecution
and come out of it pure gold. He is now above sus
pcion even for jury of his country has declared
He can now afford to look down on his prosecutors
here and in Richmond, and can pity the passionate
and misguided old man who deprived him of his lib
erty, and sought to blacken his name and deprive
him of his life


The communication below is truthful expos-
ton Of Northern sentiment and action and the lapse
of time has but revealed its correctness. 1t was
statement of facts at the time, with calm, clear,
and dispassionate warning by Mr.. Graves to his
countrymen to prepare for the worst The worst
is not yet come but if the war should continue
twelve months longer, unless Providence should in
terpUse in a marked manner in our behalf the worst
may be yet in reserve for US. We can only hope
now and trust in Providence Weall know that
His will will be accomplished, whatever man may
hope or devise.