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soon caused them to retreat.  Had I shot, it would have been death on the spot, for a large crowd had gathered around us, in which a man of my cloth could find little sympathy.  But I told the mob I did not fear them, and that I would not let any of them insult me.  I told them I had been a soldier and had fought them all.  I knew how and would do it again.  If they wanted to hang me, or anything of that kind, they could begin just then.  I went to my Office, and the Mayor of the town (an ex-rebel Col.) arrested one of the boys, and bound him over to keep the peace. That was all the striking of U.S. Officer amounted to, in their estimation.  But a report of the whole affair, has been forwarded by me to Col. O. Brown, at Richmond, and I am in hopes the matter will be taken in hand by the Authorities at that place, or at Washington.  There is not a man whom I ever saw previous to coming here, within sixty miles of this point.  I have no soldiers, and don't want any; if they take my life, I am willing to be sacrificed for the cause.

There is a more unanimous feeling against the Government to-day, than there was a year ago, or in 1861.  It is true they claim to be loyal and to uphold the

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-09-21 09:53:16