The Wail of a Virginia Fugitive from the Tyranny of Secession
Summary
A fugitive from VA [Berkeley Co. WV] living in Clear Spring, MD letter to the editors of the Baltimore American, October 5, 1861, explaining the tyranny of secession. "Know, then, I am one of those whom Secession denominates "traitors," merely because I, being a Virginian, refused to think as Virginia's tyrant and master (Jeff. Davis) thinks, and not as he dictates." Impressed into Southern militia in Winchester but refused to go; threatened with death so he and 4 others escaped to North Mountain, tried to cross Potomac River at Cherry Run but couldn't "as those living there are tainted with secession." Again refused "by a Secession constable, John S. Miller" then taken across 4 miles above Cherry Run to MD. Describes life in VA: salt is rare and a sack sells for $25-40; sugar 30 cents per lb., coffee 60 cents per lb. Farmers not threshing grain because it will be taken; cultivating 30 acres rather than 100 acres; do not fatten hogs because no salt to cure the meat. "Soldiers of Maryland, our citizens are willing to join you...In God's name, come quickly and well. Not as the timid Patterson...but as the victorious McClellan in Western Virginia..."
Article Source
Newspaper: The Herald of Freedom & Torch Light
Publication Date: October 23rd, 1861
Page/Column: 1G
Town: Hagerstown, MD
County: Washington
Subjects
- Civilian Divided Loyalties
- Civil Liberties
- Home Front / Effects of War
