The condition of this once happy and beautiful Virginia town must excite the sympathy of every Southern heart.
It was the home of
Washington in childhood, the home of that mother whose elevated character and wise training prepared the
Father of his Country for the great part he played in human affairs.
It may be that the home in which she lived, and in which she trained her illustrious son for his lofty mission, that the very monument erected to her memory, have been demolished by the cannon of a people who owe to
Washington their freedom and independence!
The town itself, though without commercial importance, has always been remarkable for the intelligence, refinement, and moral elevation of its community — We have never known a town so free from the usual vices of towns, or more distinguished for its hospitality and household virtues.
Exile, desolation, and ruin are the fate with which such a town has been visited by this fiendish invasion, whilst the
Northern cities, reeking with moral corruption, are exuberant with pleasure and gaiety.
Washington, the central fountain of all the bloodshed, misery, and crime of this inhuman war, is said to be the scene of extraordinary festivities, whilst innocent Southern cities are clothed in mourning and tribulation.
But there is justice in Heaven, and although it may be long delayed, it will come at last, and virtue be triumphantly vindicated, and vice receive its deserved recompense.
