Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 16.djvu/90

 84 Southern Historical Society Papers.

counties along the line of the railroad from Grafton to Parkersburg, and north of that road to Wheeling, were loyal to the government of the United States. They would believe that a large number of volunteers for the Southern cause could be raised in that section northwest Virginia a force perhaps sufficient for its defence at that time. At all events, it was not a part of their programme then to send troops from the eastern part of the State. This is proven by the following correspondence between Hon. G. W. Summers, mem- ber of the Virginia Convention, and Governor Letcher. {Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume I, page 457.)

[Extract.] KANAWHA CouRTHOusE,*May 3, 1861.

JOHN LETCHER, Governor of Virginia:

MY DEAR SIR



I doubt very much the expediency of sending any troops to the western border, at least for the present. The appearance of troops at Wheeling, Parkersburg, Point Pleasant, or other places on the Ohio river, would serve to irritate and invite aggression. You could not send enough to do much good, if they choose to invade from the other side. They can concentrate on Wheeling fifty thousand men from the other side in twenty four hours, by the various railroads leading to that point ; so at Parkersburg, but in less numbers. The Ohio river is fordable in the summer and fall at many points, and the whole river, from Sandy to the end of Hancock, is easily crossed.

ft, ift $ * * * X *

Your obedient servant,

GEO. W. SUMMERS.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, May 10, 1861.

My Dear Sir, Your favor cf the 3d has been received. * * * Arms have been sent to the volunteer companies, but no troops have been, or will be, sent from this part of the State. ****** I remain, respectfully yours,

JOHN LETCHER. To Hon. G. W. SUMMERS.