Augusta County: John H. Cochran to His Mother, April
14, 1861
Summary:
Cochran describes the debate and discord in Richmond over the subject of
secession.
Mother
April 14th 1861
Richmond
Dear Mother
Your letter was received several days ago. But owing to the mail communications being cut off I did not think it worthwhile to write to you before there was some news to write. All of the rail roads to the north were very much damaged so much so that we had no northern mail for several days. The river rose so high that it formed a connection with the dock and at one time looked like it would flood the lower part of the city entirely. Boats were rowed about in the lowest parts of Main and Cary streets. The river has subsided considerably and is fast resuming its [unclear: wanted ] bounds.
If I go south it will be for the double purpose of taking up arms and of
attending to the business connected with my grandfathers estate. But I shall
wait in Virginia until all hopes of secession or revolution
are killed. The feeling is growing here that we will have
to disperse this convention drive Letcher out of the eastern part of the state
divide the state and declare Eastern Virginia free of the West and of the Black
Republican Union. News of the surrender of Fort Sumter was received here yesterday after a bombardment of nearly thirty
hours (not counting the time that both parties ceased firing during the night.)
We fired a salute of one hundred guns in honor of the victory on the square
under the very noses of the Traitors to the state who
hold their daily "pow wow" in the capitol. After which we hoisted the flag of
the Confederated States upon the capitol where it remained until removed in the
darkness of night by the order of Letcher. Bonfires [deleted: burnt]
blazed in main street until
12 Oclock at night and the city looked like an
[page 2]
immense hive.
Things are growing warm here and members do not scruple to say [deleted: th] in debate that they will divide from the west rather than remain in this disgraced position which the west has made Virginia assume.
I can not have the stock transferred to my name even with an order you will have to do it in person or send a power of attorney. I think it had better remain as it is until you come down.
Enclosed I send you a piece taken from the Examiner by the paper in which it appears.
I hope that you have recovered and that all are well. Give my respects to all and believe me your
affectionate son
John H. Cochran
P.S. Fort Pickins has been reinforced. I think that after
its reduction Davis will march on Washington.
J.H.C.
P.S. 12
O'clock the river has again commenced to rise
