Name/Title
Letter concerning crops and politicsEntry/Object ID
ARC298Scope and Content
Letter dated June 6, 1861, from Logan Osburn (Avon Bend, Jefferson County, Virginia) to Robert Conrad concerning Osburn's inability to send his wheat and corn crops to the Richmond market via Front Royal because his team had been impressed into service at Harpers Ferry (see below), Conrad's recent defeat as a candidate for the house of delegates, Osburn's decision to vote for secession after originally opposing it, and his casting his lot with Virginia.
An envelope addressed to Robert Y. Conrad, Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia
Osburn and Conrad were delegates from Jefferson County and Frederick County, respectively, to the Virginia Convention of 1861, later also known as the Secession Convention.
Context: On April 17, 1861, a Virginia convention, called to consider secession from the United States, voted to secede, ordered a state referendum in mid-May for voters (white men) to decide the secession question, and further ordered that all federal property in the state be seized the next day, including the armory and arsenal at Harpers Ferry. By the date this letter was written, June 6, the arsenal was destroyed; the armory machinery was dismantled and sent south; Virginia voters had voted to secede; and Harpers Ferry was a garrison that served as an intake and training site for Virginia volunteers.Acquisition
Accession
52Source or Donor
Lacy, Mrs. SeddonAcquisition Method
GiftArchive Details
Date(s) of Creation
Jun 6, 1861Archive Size/Extent
One letter (and transcription by Doug Perks)
One envelopeArchive Notes
Date(s): 1861 June 6