Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 27.djvu/76

 68 Xnuthern Historical Society Papers.

VIRGINIA'S LOVE FOR THE UNION.

But while Virginia was foremost among the States in her efforts to maintain their rights, she was none the less conspicuous in her efforts to preserve the Union. While jealous of the rights of local self-gov- ernment, as the surest guarantee of the liberties of the citizen, she none the less loved the Union. In every stage of the country's history, and at no time more earnestly than in the fateful days of i86o-'6i, the dominant element of the Virginia people stood as well for the Union of the States as for the rights of the States.

The part which Virginia played in the formation of the govern- ment, and in augmenting the glory and power of the Union, may be found on every page of our country's history. It was her great son, Patrick Henry, who, as far back as 1765, prepared the resolu- tions denouncing the Stamp Act, and supported them with his thrilling arraignment of British tyranny.

It was Virginia who proposed the Committee of Correspondence between the colonies, from which sprung the Continental Congress. She gave to that body its President in the person of Peyton Ran- dolph, and fired the representatives of the several colonies with the spirit of co-operation and nationalism in the words of her Henry, who declared:

" British oppression has effaced the boundaries of the several col- onies. The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers and New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian, but an American."

WASHINGTON'S WORDS.

And in the brave words of her Washington before the convention: "I will raise 1,000 men, subsist them at my own expense, and march myself at their head for the relief of Boston ' ' words of patri- otism, breathing a love for the whole country quickly to be followed by the march, of Virginians under Daniel Morgan, to the succor ol that besieged city.

It was her legislature that passed the resolution calling upon Con- gress to declare that the colonies were free and independent States. It was Richard Henry Lee who submitted this brave motion, and Thomas Jefferson who penned the Declaration. It was her great son who took command of the Continental armies, and under his matchless leadership brought victory to a cause which, but for him, would undoubtedly have suffered overwhelming defeat.