character; but those who knew him best say that his Jacksonianism is only the principle that predominates in the mule. It became necessary during the winter to use some of the churches for barracks. Two only, the Episcopal and Baptist, were not taken. The former had a pastor, and was all the town could boast, save the chaplain of a Virginia Cavalry Regiment, who to us seemed more like a Virginia Horse Jockey, than a teacher of the doctrines of the Bible. The 'Squire never liked the Episcopalians; they were a "stuck-up set," and too proud for him, and he would take the responsibility of having the church taken. One cold, blustering day in February, a company of Virginia Infantry marched into town, and without giving the Captain time to make. a requisition on us for quarters, the 'Squire ordered the men to take possession of the Episcopal church, and they obeyed. In the discharge of our duty, it became necessary to speak to him in a decided manner. His ire was roused; there was to be no more peace for us, but our shoulders were broad, and we survived.

The boniface of the town deserves a passing notice. His political ambition no defeat can daunt, nor misfortune check. The political Wilkins Macawber, of Western Virginia, he is always waiting for something to turn up, in a political way; is always a candidate, with a certainty of success, but is sure of defeat. Slovenly in attire,

uncouth in manner, he is hardly a fair specimen of a Western Virginian, claiming to belong to 66 one of the first families."

Another individual, upon every lineament of whose face is written petty larceny, can be described in a few words; for as one of the old Greek philosophers described a cotemporary as a philosopher among fools, though a fool among philosophers, so is he a boor among gentlemen, though a gentleman among boors.

One of the notables, has not, inappropriately, been called the dog of his party. He is on all sides of every question, neither pig nor puppy, and is only noted for his lying propensities and cowardice. He does not even possess the boldness of the father of his family, Cain. These men

are the representatives of their class. We would not convey the idea, that all resemble them, for beautiful flowers often grow among poisonous shrubs.

Mr. M, Clerk of the Court, is a polished gentleman, possesses fine literary attainments, a cultivated taste, a high order of intellect, and his manner is remarkably winning. One of the master spirits of the Union party, he was among the first to take a stand in upholding the Federal Government, and enforcing the laws. To the rebels, he was obnoxious, they alleging that at his instigation many of them were arrested on the arrival of the Federal troops. Should the

rebels ever obtain possession of Western Virginia, his fate would be inevitably sealed. Esculapius has a disciple, who is justly entitled to the appellation of a "Virginia gentleman." Affable, courteous, of polished manners, despising the tittle tattle and petty slang, for which Clarksburg is noted, he is certainly an exception to those with whom, from our official position, we were obliged to come in contact. He has, however, but little energy, a trait with which but few of the citizens are blessed; for 'tis the fact that when a contract is made, and one of the stipulations require its performance next week, it means a year hence.

The shepherd of this godly flock, is the Rev. Mr., formerly Rector of the Episcopal Church at BPenn., where he had a large congregation, which 'tis said he lost, in consequence of his Secession proclivities. He may have been wronged, for he took the oath on his arrival at Clarksburg, and does not omit the prayer for the President of the United States. He is a tall, cadaverous-looking man, with long, wavy black hair, considerably sprinkled with gray, has a full, sonorous voice, and his greatest recommendations are, that he preaches short sermons, pays short pastoral visits, and never interferes with the temporal affairs of his parishioners, a thing unprecedented in the religious history of the town.

Some idea can be formed as to the enterprise of the people, from the fact that a great deal of the

sidewalk was constructed from the proceeds of the suppers, given by the ladies for that purpose.

When the question as to the location of the Capitol of the proposed new State was discussed, Clarksburg entered the list, but no two men could agree as to where the public buildings should be erected. Fifty years ago, the people had more enterprise than have those of the present genera

tion.

5

CHAPTER V.

IMPRESSING TEAMS.

On the retirement of General Scott from the command of the army, General McClellan was ordered to Washington, and Brigadier-General William S. Rosecrans, an able and accomplished soldier, the real hero of the war in Western Virginia, succeeded him in the command of that Department.

Proceeding to Clarksburg, he established his Headquarters, and commenced making preparations for his Kanawha Valley Campaign. We gave him possession of part of our office, and he encamped on a beautiful piece of ground, just east of it.

Claimants came from far and wide by hundreds, with their accounts, and presented them to him; among them very many whom we had refused to pay. The Secessionists were not backward. Although traitors, and favoring the rebellion, they had the unblushing effrontery to ask remuneration, for what they said had been taken from them.

A citizen of Clarksburg, claiming to be loyal, introduced one Lurty to the General, as his friend,