Augusta County: Alexander H. H. Stuart to Frances
Peyton Stuart, January xx, 1861
Summary:
Alexander H. H. Stuart writes to his daughter, Frances Peyton Stuart, concerning
the secession convention and a recent visit by Fanny's aunt and the Misses
Peyton. He speculates as to who will be elected to represent Augusta County in
the secession convention.
Thursday
Richmond
My dear Fanny
I am much indebted to you for your letter -- It relieved my mind in regard to the children, who, I hope are by this time quite well.
I received no Staunton paper last night & therefore am quite in the dark as to what our people are doing in Augusta-
When I first arrived in Richmond I found the most alarming excitement prevailing, which threatened the most disastrous results -- All direct opposition was fruitless. We had for the time, to give way -- [unclear: Gradually] however we gained strength, & now I think the conservative party is in the majority & will be able to prevent any further mischief -- It will now be for the people to decide what shall be the character of the convention to be elected on 4th February. I sincerely hope the union party will succeed in electing a majority against secession-
The weather here has been dreadful -- yesterday morning it cleared off
beautifully, & it was a charming day -- Today is also mild, bright
& beautiful -- I hope you will induce your mother to ride on
[page 2]
the McAdamised road -- She is so negligent of her health, that it is necessary
for you & your sisters to stimulate her to "make an effort-
[unclear: Howe] Peyton is here, & I presume will return to Staunton -- The unsettled condition of the country is the reason he assigns for failing to go to Texas -- He is a decided secessionist -- He says he spent Christmas at Mr Towles's & that Mr Towles has been elected a secession delegate to the Louisiana Convention --
I still hope there will be an accommodation of existing difficulties on the lines of Mr Crittenden's propositions -- The joint committees, of which I am a member, agreed, last night, to report that in the opinion of Virginia Mr Crittenden's plan would be satisfactory --
The Misses Peyton & your aunt Susan came up to the Capitol this morning
-- The girls are looking very blooming & pretty -- I have not seen much
of them, as I have been very much engaged -- Mrs Thompson & party will
leave tomorrow for Halifax -- She seems in high spirits, & improves very
much on acquaintance
[page 3]
I hope you & your sisters will write to
me as often as you can -- It is a great satisfaction to receive even half a
dozen lines every day to assure me that all are well.
I hope we shall have a recess of the Legislature in a week or ten days, though I am not by any means certain of this fact -- It would be very gratifying to me to return home for a week or ten days --
I have heard nothing from home in regard to the Convention -- I do not know who will be candidates except your uncle John, & Harman, & Imboden -- As for myself I have no desire to be a member, & shall not seek the position -- If the people desire it, of course I cannot refuse -- I suppose I will get some letters this evening which will give some idea of the state of feeling at home.
Give my love to all the children & tell them all to write to me.
Your affectionate father
Alex H. H. Stuart
