A Narrative of the Leading Incidents of the Organization of the First Popular Movement in Virginia in 1865 To Re-Establish Peaceful Relations Between the Northern and Southern States, and of the Subsequent Efforts of the Committee of Nine, in 1869, To

Excerpt from A Narrative of the Leading Incidents of the Organization of the First Popular Movement in Virginia in 1865: To Re-Establish Peaceful Relations Between the Northern and Southern States, and of the Subsequent Efforts of the "Committee of Nine," in 1869, to Secure the Restoration of Virginia to the Union

Notices were accordingly issued, inviting the people to assemble at the time and place above mentioned to give formal expression to their sentiments on the grave questions to be submitted for their consideration. These notices were widely circulated by means Of special messengers sent to all parts of the county during the week preceding the day appointed for the meeting; and on Sunday, the day before it was to be held, it naturally became the topic of con versation among the people at their homes, on the highways, and at their respective places of public worship. In this way the purpose to hold the meeting and its Objects became known to almost every man in the county, and to many in adjacent counties.

Among those who thus became acquainted with the purpose of the people of Augusta to hold the meeting on the 8th of May, and the subjects to be considered by it, was Governor William Smith. After he had been obliged to leave Richmond, before its formal evacuation, he had sought refuge in a secluded part of Rockbridge county. On learning the facts above stated, and doubtless in?uenced by a patriotic sense Of official duty, he rode to Staunton, a distance of twenty-five miles or more, where he arrived about noon on Sun day, 7th May. Soon after his arrival, he sent invitations to a number Of gentlemen who had been most active in getting up the mass meeting, requesting them to call on him at his hotel at 3 O'clock P. M. For conference.

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