Quite a commotion has been experienced in official circles
by the departure of Mr. W. H. B. Custis, late Union member of the Virginia
Convention, without obtaining a passport to leave the city. Some of his secession
constituents being in the city, reported that they knew it was his purpose to
return to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and avow his adherence to the United
States authorities, alleging that he had signed the ordinance of secession
under some species of duress, or instruction. Under these representations, it
seems Gen. Winder telegraphed to Norfolk, whither it was understood Custis had
gone, to have him arrested. This was done; and it is said he had passports from
Gen. Huger to cross the Chesapeake Bay. I must doubt this. What right has a military
commander to grant such passports?
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 98-9
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