Virginia Secession Convention of 1861

Virginia was not among the first states to secede from the Union during the crisis of 1860-61. In fact, they deliberated over it and decided to stick with the Union…until, that is, Lincoln called for troops to suppress the rebellion in the wake of Fort Sumter. Still, they held conventions - and the University of Richmond has made the transcriptions available to the public - all searchable.

So have a look! See what the delegates have to say about things like slavery, tyranny, Union, the Constitution, the Lincoln government…this is very revealing stuff!