Augusta County: James M. Schreckhise to G. T. Tifer,
April 20, 1861
Summary:
Schreckhise letter describes the jubilation over the attack on Fort Sumter, and
he confidently claims that all of Virginia is in faver of secession.
Prof. G. T. Tifer
April 20th 1861
Mt. Sidney, Augusta County Virginia
Dear Sir,
I hereby acknowledge the reception of your letter. I was glad to hear from you
& to get the news from South Carolina. There was
great excitement here when it was known Fort Sumter was attacked. You say you
have excitement in your town but I suppose it is not to be compared with what we
have here. There never has been such a time in Virginia. I thought that whilst
in Richmond I saw men excited but since then it has reached the acme. The
committee sent by the Convention to find out the policy of old Lincoln received
no satisfactory answer. Virginia has seceded & I understand it is not to
go back to the people & I am glad of it. I do not believe one thousand
votes could be obtained in this state to remain in the Union. The military have
been called out. My brother left yesterday with his company for Harpers Ferry.
For 10 volunteer companies have already left our county & a number are
expecting to go in a day or two. The Old Dominion has at length arisen from her
slumber to shake off the chains
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of the abominable abolition tyrant.
Old father Abraham has learned that Southern blood doesn't course through cowards' veins &
I hope he that the day is not far distant when he will sensibly feel "that somebody is hurt." There
seems to be but one determination here and that is to defend even unto death
Southern rights & principles. I found my mother still alive but have
been looking for her death almost every hour since. She cannot live long so far
as we can judge. When I will get back to Newberry I know not. I thought of
re-turning immediately but affairs here are in such a condition that I do not
like to leave. My brother has gone to the seat of war & my brothers in
law expect to leave in a day or two & my father desires me to remain a
few days longer if possible. Excuse this badly written letter as I am in a very
sad condition to write. I will be glad to hear from you at any time. I will try
to get back as soon as I can. Give my kindest regards to the Faculty. I will
send you a few newspapers in a day or two. I would like to get a copy of the
Columbia or Charleston papers.
Yours Truly
J.M. Schreckhise
