sters of
the South, who, for what they deem sufficient cause, have
wandered from their old orbits? May we not expect that our
old sister, Massachusetts, will retrace her steps? Will she
not follow the noble example of Rhode Island, the little
State with a heart large enough for a whole continent? Will
she not, when she remembers who it was who first drew his
sword from the scabbard on her own soil at Cambridge, and
never finally returned it, until her liberty and
independence were achieved, and whence he came, repeal her
obnoxious laws, which many of her wisest and best citizens
regard as a stain upon her legislative records?

"Gentlemen, this is no party convention. It is our duty on
an occasion like this to elevate ourselves into an
atmosphere, in which party passion and prejudice can not
exist--to conduct all our deliberations with calmness and
wisdom, and to maintain, with inflexible firmness, whatever
position we may find it necessary to assume."

The proceedings were dignified, solemn, and, at times, even sad.
During the entire session good feelings prevailed to a remarkable
degree. For these harmonious relations credit is principally due the
secessionists. Very often their actions were regarded with suspicion
by their opponents who, at such times, pursued a policy of obstruction
when nothing was to be gained thereby. But they were given every
privilege and shown every consideration.

On April 17, 1861, the convention, in secret session, passed the
ordinance of secession by a vote of 88 to 55 on condition that it
should be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection at
an election to be held the 23d of May for that purpose. Loudoun's
delegates voted solidly against the measure.

In the convention opinions varied as to whether peace or war would
follow secession. The great majority of the members, as of the people,
believed that peaceful relations would continue. All truly wished for
peace. A number expressed themselves as fearing war, but this was when
opposing secession. Yet in nearly all the speeches made in the
convention there seemed to be distinguishable a feeling of fear and
dread lest war should follow. However, had war been a certainty
secession would not have been delayed or defeated.

There was warm discussion on the question of submitting the ordinance
to the people for ratification or rejection. Many