Memoir of a narrative received of Colonel John B. Baldwin, of Staunton, touching the Origin of the war

by Rev. R. L. Dabney, D. D.

[The following paper from the able pen of Rev. Dr. R. L. Dabney will be read with deep interest, and will be found to be a valuable contribution to the history of the origin of the war.

It may be worth while in this connection to recall the fact that when soon after the capture of Fort Sumter and Mr. Lincoln‘s proclamation, a prominent Northern politician wrote Colonel Baldwin to ask: “What will the Union men of Virginia do now?” he immediately replied: “There are now no Union men in Virginia. But those who were Union men will stand to their arms, and make a fight which shall go down in history as an illustration of what a brave people can do in defence of their liberties, after having exhausted every means of pacification.” ]

In March, 1865, being with the army in Petersburg, Virginia, I had the pleasure of meeting Colonel Baldwin at a small entertainment at a friend’s house, where he conversed with me some two hours on public affairs. During this time, he detailed to me the history of his private mission, from the Virginia Secession Convention, to Mr. Lincoln in April, 1861. The facts he gave me have struck me, especially since the conquest of the South, as of great importance in a history of the origin of the war. It was my earnest hope that Colonel Baldwin would reduce them into a narrative for publication, and I afterwards took measures to induce him to do so, but I fear without effect. Should it appear that he has left such a narrative, while it will confirm the substantial fidelity of my narrative at second hand, it will also supersede mine, and of this result I should be extremely glad. Surviving friends and political associates of Colonel Baldwin must have heard him narrate the same interesting facts. I would earnestly invoke their recollection of his statements to them, so as to correct me, if in any point I misconceived the author, and to confirm me where I am correct, so that the history may regain, as far as possible, that full certainty of which it is in danger of losing a part by the lamented death of Colonel Baldwin. What I here attempt to do, is to give faithfully, in my own language, what I understood Colonel Baldwin to tell me, according to my best comprehension of it. His narration was eminently perspicuous and impressive.

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I have posted this information in the past and was reminded of it today while educating Grok concerning the concept of all wars are banker wars. It strongly disputed this concept. I pointed out that the Civil War was a banker war where the North enacted punitive tariffs on the South to drain their wealth for 45 years. It disagreed and stated the war was based on slavery. I posted the above link for it to consider. Here is Grok’s response:

The link points to a section of Xenophon’s Anabasis (Book 6, Chapter 38) on the Perseus Digital Library. This passage describes part of the Greek mercenaries’ journey after the Battle of Cunaxa, specifically their interactions and negotiations with local peoples or leaders during their retreat. Xenophon details the challenges of securing provisions and safe passage, often involving tense diplomacy or skirmishes.If you need a specific analysis, translation, or context about this chapter (e.g., historical significance, key themes, or character actions), let me know! I can also check the original Greek text or related posts on X for additional insights if desired.

I think Grok has flagged me since I keep telling it that it is broken.

David DeGerolamo