70724018 http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6n60qbz revised SNAC: Social Networks and Archival Context revised 2015-09-17 machine CPF merge program Merge v2.0 revised 2016-08-18T17:12:34 machine SNAC EAC-CPF Parser Bulk ingest into SNAC Database revised 2016-08-18T17:12:34 human System Service (system@localhost) created 2026-05-27 machine SNAC EAC-CPF Serializer SNAC Identity Constellation serialized to EAC-CPF person Branch, Thomas, 1802-1888. presumed 1802 1888 Wilson, Benjamin, 1825-1901. Wilson, Benjamin, 1825-1901. Letters to "Dear Judge", 1861 April 10 and 14. Wilson, Benjamin, 1825-1901. Letters to "Dear Judge", 1861 April 10 and 14. Wilson reports on the Virginia Convention of 1861 several days before the adoption of the Ordinance of Secession on April 17. Topics in the letter of April 10 include a dispatch from Charleston announcing the eminent firing on Ft. Sumter; the city of Richmond as "wild with excitement"; the journey of the Peace Commissioners to Washington; the decision to recognize the independence of the seceded states; the debate over federal forts in seceded states, particularly at Tortugas and Key West; the dilemma of Union delegates; and the tact and power of Henry Wise of whom all the delegates are afraid but Timothy Rives. Other delegates mentioned include Thomas Branch, William G. Brown, John S. Carlile, Thomas S. Flournoy, William L. Goggin, James Marshall, William B. Preston, and George W. Summers. Topics in the letter of April 14, include the failed Peace Commission where "Lincoln treated them coldly;" Lincoln's call for troops; men of Richmond raising the Confederate flag, denouncing the governor and the convention and holding a torchlight parade; demands for war; threats to hang John S. Carlile, and personal thoughts that there will be no peace and "we must secede or divide the state." Other delegates mentioned include Thomas F. Goode, and Alexander H.H. Stuart. University of Virginia. Library