County Secession Attitudes (Rockbridge, Va., 1860-61)

Abstract

Rockbridge County's secession attitudes were those of the State as a whole, with probably a stronger Union sentiment up until the actual act of secession, when the views of the County and the eastern sections were expressed as virtually indentical. . . . A strong love of the Union was prevalent in Rockbridge County, and the leaders felt that no stone should be left unturned in making every effort to save the Union and at the same time preserve the honor and prosperity of the State. They believed that slavery was right, and that outside meddling and interference with that institution was wrong, dangerous, and should be resented and prevented . . . . Rockbridge men held first, that Virginia should act deliberately, without any outside pressure or influence, in keeping with her position and prestige -- that the honor of the State should be upheld at all costs. They held second, that because of her part in forming and maintaining the Federal Union, Virginia should do everything in her power to prevent the final dissolution of that Union. Thirdly, they believed that Virginia should not allow her rights to be trampled upon by North or South, and that she should secede if necessary to defend these rights. They also believed that both the Abolitionists of the North and the radicals of the South were trying to break up the Union, that it was the responsibility of the Border States, led by Virginia, to prevent this if possible. Rockbridge leaders held finally, that coercion of the seceded States by the Federal Government was morally and constitutionally wrong, and that if such coercion was attempted, Virginia should secede; and they declared that Rockbridbe County would be first in line to support such secession. [From Conclusion]