And among them were some who quoted old Sir George Somers of the Sea Venture, who drew around him his crew and exhorted them to "be true to duty and to return to Virginia."
General Bradley Johnson says these words of the old knight rang like a trumpet all over the country in the early days of the war wherever there was a Virginian. "Be true to duty and return to Virginia!" And few, very few, failed to obey the call.
It is well known that General Lee did not approve the hasty, ill-considered action of the early seceders from the Union. He foresaw the perils and doubtful results of such action. He knew that war—as my own husband had so earnestly said in Congress—"meant widows and orphans, the punishment of the innocent, the ruin of the fortunes of all." Still, the "Old Mother" had been forced to accept it at the hands of others. The simple question was: "With or against blood and kin? For or against the Old Mother?" And the question answered itself in the asking.
I am sure that no soldier enlisted under Virginia's banner could possibly be more determined than the young women of the state. They were uncompromising.
"You promised me my answer to-night," said a fine young fellow, who had not yet enlisted, to his sweetheart.
"Well, you can't have it, Ben, until you have fought the Yankees," said pretty Helen.
"What heart will I have for fighting if you give me no promise?"
"I'll not be engaged to any man until he has fought the Yankees," said Helen, firmly. "You distinguish yourself in the war, and then see what I'll have to say to you."
This was the stand they took in Richmond and Petersburg. Engagements were postponed until they could find of what mettle a lover was.
"But suppose I don't come back at all!" suggested Ben.