January 23, 1861, The Charleston Mercury
Our Richmond Correspondence.
RICHMOND, January 19, 1861.
The True State of Affairs in Virginia – What will Save the State for the South – Northern Efforts to Sow Discord in the Old Dominion, etc., etc.
As affairs are fast approaching a crisis, I give you the true state of things in Virginia. Parties are nearly equally divided in this State, the secessionists still being in a small majority; but owing to an imbecile Legislature, not elected with reference to present complications, and consequently misrepresenting our people through ignorance, and the Republicans at Washington and traitors in our midst working upon and holding out deceptive hopes of adjustment to this weak body of Virginia Representatives, sentiment is changing with us, and I apprehend the triumph of the submissionists. The only thing that can save us, and unite the whole South, is the capture of Fort Sumter before the end of this month. This will bring all Virginia to arms, and the Border States will follow her. You have no idea of the efforts of imposture made now on our people. Northern ingenuity is exhausting itself upon this State, knowing it is the citadel of Southern union. South Carolina, by acting at once, can cause a united South. Delay on her part will certainly divide us. Therefore, as much as I deplore bloodshed, I must advise prompt action. The question now is, resistance or submission. Richmond is all right, and will elect secession candidates to the convention. The election takes place on the 4th of February, so no time is to be lost by you.
January