A Defence of Virginia
 And Through Her, of the South, in Recent and Pending Contests Against the Sectional Party

by Robert Lewis Dabney

"A Defence of Virginia" by Robert Lewis Dabney is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book serves as a justification for the institution of slavery and the Southern cause during and after the American Civil War, arguing that the principles of slavery are both moral and historically valid. Dabney presents a defense of Virginia and through it, the Southern states, against what he perceives as a misrepresentation by abolitionists and their sympathizers. The opening of the text introduces the author's intent to defend Virginia, whom he views as slandered by the Northern anti-slavery sentiments that emerged during and after the Civil War. Dabney critiques the moral and social judgments placed upon Southern slavery, asserting that such judgments are rooted in a misunderstanding of history and human rights. He emphasizes that while other nations and regions continued the practice of slavery, the Southern states were unfairly targeted for disdain. Dabney sets the tone for a thorough examination of the ethical and scriptural justifications for slavery, asserting the need for a historical perspective that acknowledges Virginia's significance and the complexities surrounding the institution of slavery in America. This summary covers only the opening portion of the book.