Year: 1865




From the Lynchburg Virginian.l


The people of Virginia understand their
interests and comprehend their situation
fully. Always jealous of power and depre-
eating its abuse, they engaged in the late
revolution upon point Of honor, and more
from an apprehension that the power of the
Federal Government was to be exercised in
"crushing the States," as Mr.. Webster ex-
pressed it, than from any thing that had really
happened. 1t was not the slavery question,
as many think, that influenced the action of
Virginia. Her motives were higher and
more honorable. True, thousands of us who
were sincerely attached to the Union coun-
selled forbearance. We would have waited
for an ouert act. But this did not suit the
'leaders," who wanted "a blow to be
struck; blow that would "carry Virginia
out in an hour by Shrewsbury clock" And
that sad blow was struck, and events fol-
lowed that have clothed this land in mourn
ing. Though Virginia loved the Union, at
whose birth her Washington presided, and
sought to preserve it, principle of honor
impelled her, when she thought the die was
cast, TO share the fortunes of her Southern
sisters. She was 'dragged" against her will
but robly did she vindicate her honor, and
right or wrong, the voice of Virginia's sons,
who love her with the fondness of devoted
children, will never be heard uttering re-
proach against her. 1t is for such State
and people that We plead to-day. Let them
be treated kindly, magnanimously, and their
respect and confidence may be won. Let
there be Union in fact as well as in name.
1t can be cemented only by love. To be
perpetual and fulfil its high mission, it must
be embalmed in the hearts of the people.
We trust that our rulers will be wise and
patriotic enough to appreciate this view; and
if they act upon it, there will soon be firm
concord and lasting tranquility.


From the Fredericksburg Ledger.l


We shall labor to please our readers, and
hope, with them, yet to enjoy many days of
happiness under the Constitution and the
Union. Let us hope and believe that the
Government of the United States will be as
magnanimous in the hour of its great tri-
umph as it has been persevering in the pros
ecuton of the war for the restoration OF its
authority over all the States. And that
Governor Pierpont, now that he has been
recognized by President Johnson as the
Chief Magistrate OF Virginia, may speedily
succeed in restoring the civil law over the
limits Of the Commonwealth, should be the
wish OF all good citizens.


In conclusion, we indulge the hope that
the distinguished citizen upon whom the
mantle OF the first Magistracy of the Nation
has fallen by the deeply to be deplored death
Of President Lincoln, may, in the spirit OF
his predecessor, so resolve and execute the
functions of his high office as "to do all
which may achieve and cherish Just and
lasting peace among ourselves and with all
nations"


From The Ne,o Era, (Fredbg).


Governor Pierpont is expected TO arrive in
Richmond to-day. We hope that by tenn
perate, conciliatory, and just performance OF
his duties, he will unite this now divided
State, and receive the frank, cheerful and
honest assistance of the people of Virginia in
every effort 10 restore peace and friendly re-
lations among them. Although a majority
were against him, whose blood and treasure
have been wasted in lost cause, they have
been conciliated by the honorable and gener-
GUS course of their military rulers, and will
not enter sullenly upon the performance of
their duty as citizens of the United States.


We trust and believe he will carry on the
work OF Cancellation so wisely begun, and we
invoke the aid of all the intelligent and pa
triotic in the cause of restoring to Virginia
q government worthy Of her past and future
greatness. The lot of Secession and
"Union men" is now the same, children of
common mother, whose prosperity depends
upon and demands the strenuous efforts of
all her sons.