|
[351]
|
History of United States, Bancroft, Vol. IV, p.
210.
|
|
[352]
|
Critical Period of American History, Fiske, p.
239.
|
|
[353]
|
History of United States, Bancroft, Vol. IV, p.
416.
|
|
[354]
|
Journal of Virginia Convention of 1861, p. 8.
|
XXXVI
Efforts to Promote Reconciliation and Union
As Virginia had borne a conspicuous part in founding the Union, so, when civil dissensions arose and its integrity was threatened, she was foremost in mediation. At no time were her efforts more earnest than in the troublous days of 1860-61. James Ford Rhodes says: "Virginia, whose share in forming the Union had been greater than that of any other one state, was loath to see that great work shattered, and now made a supreme effort to save it."[[355]]
Following the announcement of Mr. Lincoln's election, South Carolina seceded and in all the other Cotton States the manifestations of popular sentiment foreshadowed like action. The people of Virginia, though profoundly moved by the considerations which influenced their brethren of the far South, were yet opposed to secession, and proceeded to put forth every effort to avert war, and bring back the Cotton States to their former allegiance.