39 



2nd December^ 1890. 



J. H. Greenhill, Esq , Mus. Bac, in the Chair. 



R. W. Murray, Esq., J. P., read a Paper on 

 EIGHTEEN MONTHS IN THE CONFEDERATE ARMY. 



The Southern States of America at the time of the Civil War, 

 though determined to maintain slavery, were not fighting for 

 it, as it had not been attacked, but for what they regarded 

 as their rights under the Constitution. I presume most of 

 my audience are aware of the fact that I am a Virginian by 

 birth. Circumstances occurred in 1855 which changed my 

 residence from America to this country, and with the ex- 

 pectation of making it my permanent home I lived in Belfast 

 until i860. Cogent reasons then existed for my return to the 

 States, and, having decided on Norfolk, Virginia, as my future 

 home, I returned to America in i860, when not only the whole 

 country was intensely excited by the Presidential campaign, 

 then being hotly conducted, but anxiety was pictured in every 

 face, as it was felt the only possible result was the election 

 of Mr. Lincoln, the consequence of which was not difficult to 

 foresee. I remained quietly in Norfolk, a loyal citizen of the 

 United States, until the battle of Fort Sumpter, which followed 

 the secession of the seven cotton States from the Union, when 

 Mr. Lincoln issued his famous proclamation calling upon Vir- 

 ginia and all other States in the Union to furnish their contin- 

 gent of men to subdue the rebellion. Neutrality then became 

 a crime, and Virginia had to decide whether to take her place 

 by the side of her natural allies and fight for or against the 



