University of Virginia Library

The time has again come round for
me to write home. And it must be done
to night or you will not get one this week.
Because we have a little more spare time
Wednesday night than any other, and
precious little then, for in addition to our
regular studies we have a poor chance to
do for examinations; two of which
we will have next week, Greek, Mathematics.[1]

We are very well. The anniversary of the
Graham Society [2] came off on last night.
It was such a pleasant and beautiful moonlight
that there was a large crowd.
The anniversary address was delivered by Mr.
Paxton of Rockbridge.[3] It was a very good
address, well written and very well delivered.

The question, "If Turkey fails to protect her
Christians should nations interfere" was then
discussed by four other members of Society,
whose names it is not necessary to mention.

All the front of the college was illuminated
and made a very pretty appearance.

The people of this county held a meeting at
the Court house, Monday to nominate candidates
for the convention which resulted in the nomi-
nation of S McD Moore and James Dorman,
two strong Union men, so that if the
question of Virginia's secession depends upon
their votes, she wont go out soon. Who are candidates in Augusta?[4]

From all I can hear, I think that the
secessionists are rapidly gaining ground
in Virginia, and would not be surprised if
that convention should declare Virginia out
of the Union. From present appearances it
seems that we are almost sure to have civil war.
There are such extensive military preparations
going on in the north and from the threatening
and insulting way in which the Republican
papers and from the overbearing and
contemptuous actions
of Congress in refusing compromises giving
the South the barest justice, it must be

Lincoln's intention to compel the South
to remain in the Union, if he can.
And if he attempts that, the whole South
will and ought to unite and oppose it.
A week or two ago, a few of the boys secretly
made and hoisted upon top of College
a Disunion Flag, bearing a single red star and
the word Disunion. But Dr. Junkin very
soon had it taken down and there has
been nothing said about disunion since.[5]

Yesterday was warm and clear, but now it
is cold and snowing. I never saw weather
so changeable, or so much rain, or so many
cloudy and foggy days in my life as we
have had here. It is hardly ever clear three
days at one time.

We have been looking for a letter from
home for two or three days to tell us
about the wedding, but haven't got one
yet. You must think we don't want to
hear! Does Uncle Andy look like he
is married?[6]

Writing letters is the hardest work
that I have to do at College and since
there is nothing here that will interest
you, and believing that I have done
remarkably well in having written this
much, I quit.