June 26, 1861
Page 1
EVENTS AT ROMNEY, VA.—We take the following from the Winchester Virginian:
The news of the occupation of Romney, in the adjoining county of Hampshire, spread like wildfire amongst our people and the people of Clarke, Warren, Shenandoah, and other contiguous counties—and yesterday thousands flocked to our town armed with all kinds of deadly weapons, to meet at the threshold the assassin and thieving invader. Ploughs were left standing in the fields, and all, old and young, rushed at the first moment’s warning, to check the progress of the invading trash sent to make war on our lives and property, at our own homes and firesides. We are proud of the spirit exhibited yesterday. We are, more than ever, convinced that this people cannot be conquered. We defy the miserable Kangaroo who sits monkey-like on the throne at Washington, and all his thieving canaille.
Several of Lincoln’s rabble, while on their march to Romney, were sent headlong to their final account, by the rifles of our unerring mountain sharpshooters. And on entering Romney, a shoemaker, whose name we have forgotten, took his gun and boldly shot one dead in the ranks. He was of course in turn killed. The villains will meet with many Jacksons, while on their errand of plunder and assassination.
It is also reported that the villains broke into and seriously injured the office of the Romney Intelligencer.
P. S.—We have learned that the Lincoln troops retreated from Romney, some time during the day, Wednesday. Whether they have come back to the Railroad, or have only retired a short distance to wait for reinforcements, is doubtful. It is believed that they are aiming to get possession of Winchester and Strasburg, and the railroads leading therefrom. Our faith is firm, that they will be disappointed.
[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]