Augusta County: John H. Cochran to His Mother, March
3, 1861
Summary:
Cocrhan talks about fomenting a revolution in the state if Virginia opts for
peace over secession.
Mother
March 3d 1861
Richmond
Dear Mother
Without anything from you to answer I have seated myself to write to you. As you see by the papers the peace conference has made a report. A report which I fear the convention will adopt. If it does woe to Virginia this proud old mother of states. For close upon the heels of such a cowardly submission will follow in "the course of common law" (which the republicans and such men as Botts and that ilk say does not recognize slavery) a general exodus of the owners of slaves with their slaves, and with the money for their lands in their pockets. Then will come dishonor disgrace and repudiation. Then will this fair land be polluted with the presence of hoards of yankees and other such like vermin. Then will Stuart, Summers, Rives, S. McD.More, and Botts lift their heads and glory in the consciousness of having acquired high offices among their collaborators the abolitionists by selling and disgracing their native state.
There is but one way to avert such dire calamities to the
old commonwealth and that is by revolution. Some will say that the remedy is
worse than the disease -- but sooner would I see this fair land drenched in the blood of contending brothers than to
see such a fate as the submissionist are preparing
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for her
accomplished. If it must be so I am a rebel and amenable to the law of reason. But trusting in "God and keeping my
powder dry" I intend to make the best fight I can. And I think there are enough
of my way of thinking to inaugurate a revolution which will be triumphant. There
is no news here every thing appears to be at a stand still. I saw Dr. Shelton
down here a day or two ago he says that Mr. A. McChesney had been sick but was
then well.
Has Frank got his tobacco yet.
Give my respects to all kind friends. Cousin Mary will write soon she can give you the news or rather such little so is stirring. Hoping all are well I remain your affectionate son.
John H. Cochran
