Virginia Convention of 1861 - Civil War Collections

Thursday, April 18, 1861

Third Day of Secret Session

The creation of a Committee on Military Affairs is approved. The Convention votes to publish the ordinance of secession. An ordinance authorizing a defense loan is approved. Consultation with the Governor on military matters is accepted. An ordinance to appoint a commander-in-chief is referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. The Convention receives the resolutions of the "Convention of the People," applauding the ordinance of secession. Resolutions to prevent unauthorized military movements and to solicit an alliance with the Confederate States are approved. The questions of a provisional government and of Virginia's financial condition are explored. Resolutions on appointment of military aides, the state of Virginia's defenses, financing, and relations with the Confederacy and the border states are moved.

THIRD DAY Thursday, April 18

The Convention met at 10 o'clock, A. M.

The PRESIDENT—

I am very much indisposed this morning and will request Mr. SOUTHALL to act for me.

Mr. VALENTINE W. SOUTHALL, of Albemarle, accordingly took the chair.

Mr. WM. C. SCOTT, of Powhatan—

Mr. President, I beg leave to offer the following Ordinance which I am satisfied will meet the approval of the Convention:

Be it Ordained by this Convention, That all the commissions of all the military officers of this State be vacated, and that the Governor of the Commonwealth renew the said commissions, and that, hereafter, no officer of this Commonwealth, civil or military, shall be required to take an oath to support the Constitution of the United States.

Mr. Wms. C. WICKHAM, of Henrico—

I would suggest a slight amendment, providing that the several officers, when re-commissioned, shall rank as they now rank.

Mr. WM. B. PRESTON—

May I ask the gentleman to give way for a moment to enable me to make an important suggestion?

Mr. SCOTT—

I give way cheerfully.

Mr. PRESTON—

The Ordinance of Secession says it will take effect this day. There is no date in the Ordinance, and I propose to add "this 17th day of April."

The amendment was agreed to unanimously.

The consideration of Mr. SCOTT'S ordinance was then resumed.

Mr. GEORGE W. RICHARDSON, of Hanover—

I suggest to my friend from Powhatan [Mr. SCOTT], to include in that ordinance a provision for the recommission of all officers in the Commonwealth, civil as well as military.

Mr. SCOTT, of Powhatan—

I have no sort of objection to the gentleman moving any amendment he chooses. My whole purpose is to get rid of the obligation that is now resting upon the officers of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in respect to the form of oath which they have taken. There is not an officer in the Commonwealth in commission, who has not taken an oath to support the Constitution of the United States. I know it is not the place of this Convention to relieve an individual from an oath; but every oath of this character that is taken, is taken impliedly to rest so long as he holds the commission.

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