March 26, 1861; Richmond Enquirer
Some three hundred or more persons assembled at Chester (10 miles from Richmond, in Chesterfield county) on Saturday last, to witness the raising of a Southern Confederacy Flag. The trains from Richmond and Petersburg arrived simultaneously, each bringing a goodly number to participate in the interesting proceedings which the programme had shadowed forth. Several ladies from the neighborhood and some residing in more distant parts of the county, were also present. Their presence tended much to enliven the scene and lend to it a charm which the presence of ladies can only give. The Armory Band from Richmond was present, and contributed much to the interest of the festivities, the inevitable Dixie being served up in every conceivable style, and occasionally rendered with attractive variations.
The speaking took place from the front piazza of the larger hotel, and was listened to with unflagging interest throughout. Among the orators was the Hon. Daniel C. Jarnette, of Caroline, who spoke with impressive animation and elicited very spirited applause.
Mr. L.S. Hall, a distinguished member of the State Convention from the county of Wetzel, responded to the urgent calls of the people, in terms fluent, forcible and eloquent. The speaker took occasion to declare that his county was for the South and her institutions most emphatically; that if there should be a conflict of arms between the North and South, the speaker knew two hundred men, and could then name them, who would rush with eagerness to the fray, and battle gallantly for the South. His remarks were heartily endorsed by the approving plaudits of the assemblage.
The beautiful flag, with seven stars, (an eighth half made up to represent Virginia,) and three stripes, was run up at 12 o’clock precisely, amid enthusiastic cheering and an air from the band, which made the inspiring strains of Dixie ring through the forests of Old Chesterfield. The ladies too joined in with a zest that wreathed their fair faces with sweet smiles, and waved their snowy handkerchiefs with exultant pride and approval.
The dinner was served up at one o’clock, upon two tables extending the entire length of the hotel dining room. These tables were literally covered with every substantial and every delicacy that the markets of the two cities, in close proximity, could furnish, and they were twice filled before all the visitors had dined. The variety, elegance and cuisine of the banquet all attested Mr. Lindsay’s eminent qualifications as a caterer, and received the unqualified approval of everyone present.
In the afternoon, a meeting of such of the citizens of Chesterfield as desired to participate, was organized, with Mr. Charles Friend as Chairman, and Mr. James Snead as Secretary. Resolutions were passed, with but one dissenting voice, declaring as the opinion of the meeting that the time had arrived when Virginia should resume all powers heretofore delegated to the Federal Government; that the Convention now in session at Richmond immediately pass an ordinance of secession from the Federal Union; that the State of Virginia ought at once to become a member of the Southern Confederacy; and approving the course of the Hon. D.C. DeJarnette in the Congress of the late United States; requesting Chesterfield Senator and Delegate in the General Assembly of Virginia to offer a proposition providing that the sense of the people be taken as to whether Virginia shall go North or South, at the approaching May election; that a copy of the resolutions be furnished to Chesterfield’s representative in Congress, the Senate, House of Delegates and State Convention, with the request that they present the same to their respective bodies; and that the thanks of the meeting be tendered to the speakers of Saturday for their able addresses.
The Hon. Mr. Pennybacker, of Rockingham county, Va., Col. Burfoot, of Chesterfield, T.H. Wynne, Esq., of the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad, Robert H. Ruffin, Esq., of Manchester, and Capt. Henry Clay Pate, occupied the speaker’s stand in the afternoon, and delivered sensible and well timed addresses, after which, the hour for the departure of the trains having arrived, all who had reached the scene of festivities by rail, embarked on the cars, and were soon en route for their respective homes. Those present speak in approving terms of the admirable manner in which the whole programme was carried out, and refer with satisfaction to the fact that not a single unpleasant incident occurred during the day. All seemed bent upon enjoyment, and all seemed to have realized their expectations to the fullest extent.–(Petersburg Express.)