• Mary Pastor to John Cochran, Sr., July 6, 1859

  Pastor writes of a gathering of Virginia companies for the Fourth of July celebration and exchanges updates about family, friends, and acquaintances.

• John H. Cochran to His Mother, October 8, 1860

  Cochran outlines the political argument supporting southern secession.

• John H. Cochran to His Mother, December 11, 1860

  Talks about the growing anxiety and uncertainty surrounding South Carolina's threat of secession and evaluates the South's readiness for a war.

• John H. Cochran to His Mother, December 21, 1860

  Cochran reflects on the meaning of South Carolina's secession.

• A. G. Guskins to His Cousin, December 30, 1860

  Guskins writes from South Carolina and provides an update on political life in that state following its secession from the Union.

• John H. Cochran to His Mother, January 12, 1861

  Cochran shares his thoughts on Virginia's secession deliberations.

• John H. Cochran to His Mother, February 14, 1861

  Predicts that the war with the North will begin in less than sixty days.

• John H. Cochran to His Mother, March 3, 1861

  Cochran talks about fomenting a revolution in the state if Virginia opts for peace over secession.

• John H. Cochran to His Mother, March 19, 1861

  Predicts that the eastern part of Virginia will "revolt" against the western portion over the question of secession.

Return to the Eve of War Personal Papers

Franklin County Personal Papers: Eve of War | War Years | Aftermath
Augusta County Personal Papers: Eve of War | War Years | Aftermath