If you are a graduate of the University of Virginia or just love Virginia history, here is an amazing piece for you!  It is a letter

TO THE EDITORS OF THE EXCHANGE NEWSPAPER FROM

“THE SONS OF VIRGINIA AND OF MARYLAND”

The content of this letter is nothing short of amazing!  Examine the handwriting – which of the patriotic University of Virginia students and members of the Sons of Virginia wrote it?  We would welcome your insights!  We have copied page 31-32 from the book, Stonewall’s Man – Sandie Pendleton.  Information in our letter gives the exact date that the Confederate flag was planted on the Rotunda (March 15th, 1861).  We are also including page 1-3 of A Soldier’s Recollections by Randolph H. Mckim.  This time period at the University of Virginia is a fascinating story!  The letter is in fine condition and a true museum piece… possibly the University of Virginia Archives? 

#S59 - Price $1,595


                                  Transcription: 
                                                                                                                                                                       University of Virginia
                                                                                                                                                                               March 22nd, 1861

Messrs Editors:

               The spirit of Secession is rampant here.  Last Friday – one week ago – the
sun rose upon the flag of the Southern Confederacy floating from the dome of the
Rotunda of the University.  As soon as it was discovered the news spread like
wildfire over college and soon the morning air resounded with “Hurrah for the
Southern Confederacy.”  The students collected in large numbers upon the lawn
during the early part of the day.  Prof. Bledsoe came out and while expressing
himself as heartily endorsing the sentiments it manifested, requested that the flag
 ight be quietly taken down as the faculty could not allow it to remain over state
property.  Fifty students instantly ascended to the roof of the Rotunda and the flag
was brought down upon the lawn where it was received with outbursts of applause. 
Speeches were made & the flag finally brown off to “Carr’s Hill” to the tune of
“Dixie”. 

            The verdict of the public was that on the night previous – the night of the Ides
of March – access was obtained through a series of four doors – barred and bolted –
to the top of the Rotunda “by some person or persons unknown” and the banner of
Southern hopes – the three stripes & seven stars – flung to the breeze for the first
time in Albemarle County.  It is whispered by “those who know” that it was a band
of seven of the “Carr’s Hill boys” who conceived & executed the plan.  This happened
on Friday & before Monday 8 or 9 secession flags were flying in different parts of
College.  This afternoon there was a grand flag raising at one of the boarding houses. 
At half past four o’clock the Southern Guard – a company lately formed & composed
of students – marched down to the scene of festivity in full uniform, with music
playing, numbering about 70 muskets.  The flag after being drawn up was unfurled
by a little girl attired as the Goddess of Liberty.  As it gracefully unfolded to the
breeze, “the Guard” fired a salute of seven rounds by sections in quick succession,
the band playing “Dixie”.  After the usual speeches the Guard marched off to drill
upon the lawn & the crowd dispersed.

           

The Sons of Virginia & of Maryland are true to the South.

 

To The Editors of the Exchange