University of Virginia Library

CIX.

CIX. FRANCIS H. PIERPOINT.

CIX. Governor.

CIX. May 9, 1865, to April 16, 1868.

Francis H. Pierpoint, descended from early settlers of
New York and Central Pennsylvania, who had migrated to
Virginia, was born January 25th, 1814, in Monongalia
County, Virginia. His father was a farmer and also conducted
a tannery, in both of which occupations he was
assisted by his son, Francis. Young Pierpoint's educational
advantages were at this time very limited, but in June, 1835,
he entered Alleghany College, at Meadville, Pennsylvania,
from whence he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of
Arts, in September, 1839. He now taught school until 1841,
when he removed to Mississippi, still continuing a teacher.
In 1842 he returned to Virginia, and having studiously
applied himself, during his hours of leisure, to the acquisition
of the principles of law, he was now admitted a practitioner
in his chosen profession. From 1848, for a period of
eight years, he served as the local counsel of the Baltimore
and Ohio Railroad Company, for the Counties of Marion and
Taylor. In 1853 he engaged in mining and shipping coal
by rail, and a little later, in the manufacture of fire bricks.
He early took an active interest in politics, and became
prominent in his section as an uncompromising opponent of
slavery.

When the Ordinance of Secession was passed, April 17,
1861, by the State Convention at Richmond, it was ratified
by the people of Eastern Virginia, whilst the vote in Western
Virginia was largely against it. In this anomalous attitude
of affairs, Mr. Pierpoint conceived the idea of a "restored
government," and at his suggestion a Convention en masse

was held at Wheeling. This led, finally, to the separation
of West Virginia from the parent State, and the organization
of an independent State government, upon which was engrafted
the intention of the people to maintain the rights of
the Commonwealth in the Union. Francis H. Pierpoint
was chosen "Provisional Governor" of this "restored government,"
by Convention, and he immediately organized
twelve Regiments of Militia to serve in the United States
Army. Subsequently a State Constitution was framed,
which was ratified by the people of West Virginia, on May
3, 1862, and Governor Pierpoint was elected Governor, to
fill the remaining portion of the term of Governor Letcher,
as West Virginia had declared that the functions of all officers
in the State of Virginia who adhered to the Southern
Confederacy were suspended, and the offices vacated.

West Virginia was admitted as a State into the Union on
June 20, 1863, and Governor Pierpoint, who had been elected
in the month of May for the term of three years commencing
January 1, 1864, now removed the seat of government to
Alexandria, Virginia. At his request a Convention was
called to pass an Ordinance of general slave emancipation,
and this, on February 22, 1864 was consummated in an
Ordinance abolishing slavery in the State forever.

On the 25th of May, 1865, Governor Pierpoint removed
his seat of Government to Richmond, the capital of Virginia.
Here he addressed himself to the tremendous difficulties of
the situation, but he clearly had the good of the people at
heart, and, by every effort and influence, he struggled, and
not in vain, to mitigate the trials of those by whom he was
surrounded. He continued in office beyond the period of his
term, which expired January 1, 1868, and held until April
16, 1868, when he was succeeded by General H. H. Wells,
appointed Provisional Governor by General John M. Schofield,
commanding the Military Department of Virginia.
Governor Pierpoint now retired to private life.

As an interesting picture of political affairs in Virginia at
this time, the following Resolutions of the General Assembly
are here quoted:

JOINT RESOLUTIONS

Requesting the President of the United States to grant a general Amnesty
to the Citizens of Virginia. Adopted December 15, 1865.

Whereas, the people of Virginia are invited by the President of the
United States to unite, at this time, in giving thanks to Almighty God for
the return of peace and the restoration of the ancient relations between
the government of the United States and themselves—relations which it is
desirable should be universal, and without exception of individuals; and
whereas, observation and experience have impressed the members of this
General Assembly with the conviction that the more liberal exercise of
executive clemency is the surest and speediest means of overcoming
estrangements and reawakening those sentiments of attachment and devotion
in which a government, based on the consent of the governed, will
always find its best support and strongest defence: and whereas, in
the stricken and prostrate condition of this Commonwealth, it is of vital
importance that all of her citizens (who, from experience in public affairs
and from the influence they command, are capable of aiding in her resuscitation)
should be relieved from such disabilities as impair their capacity
for usefulness: Therefore,

Be it resolved by the General Assembly, That the President be earnestly
requested to grant a general pardon to all citizens of Virginia requiring
executive clemency under existing laws of the United States.

JOINT RESOLUTIONS

Approving the Policy of the President of the United States, in reference to
the Reconstruction of the Union. Adopted February 6, 1866.

1. Resolved by the General Assembly of Virginia, That the people of
this Commonwealth, and their representatives here assembled, cordially
approve the policy pursued by Andrew Johnson, President of the United
States, in the reorganization of the Union. We accept the result of the
late contest, and do not desire to renew what has been so conclusively determined;
nor do we mean to permit any one, subject to our control, to
attempt its renewal, or to violate any of our obligations to the United
States Government. We mean to co-operate in the wise, firm, and just
policy adopted by the President, with all the energy and power we can
devote to that object.

2. That the above declaration expresses the sentiments and purposes
of all our people; and we denounce the efforts of those who represent our
views and intentions to be different, as cruel and criminal assaults on our
character and our interests. It is one of the misfortunes of our present
political condition, that we have among us persons whose interests are
temporarily promoted by such false representations; but we rely on the
intelligence and integrity of those who wield the powers of the United
States Government, for our safeguard against such malign influences.

3. That involuntary servitude, except for crime, is abolished, and
ought not to be re-established; and that the negro race among us should
be treated with justice, humanity, and good faith; and every means that
the wisdom of the Legislature can devise, should be used to make them
useful and intelligent members of society.

4. That Virginia will not voluntarily consent to change the adjustment
of political power fixed by the Constitution of the United States;
and to constrain her to do so in her present prostrate and helpless condition,
with no voice in the councils of the nation, would be an unjustifiable
breach of faith; and that her earnest thanks are due to the President for
the firm stand he has taken against amendments of the Constitution,
forced through in the present condition of affairs.

5. That a committee of eight be appointed, five on the part of this
House and three on the part of the Senate, whose duty it shall be to proceed
to Washington City, and present the foregoing resolutions to the President
of the United States.

This experience in the history of the "Old Dominion,"
may properly be termed "the transition period," when the
ruin and chaos of unsuccessful War had not yet crystallized
into the nobler forms of Peace.