Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-11-17

pect DANGEROUS intrigues with our slaves; nor can
we be insensibe to the great aid which our slaves
would derive from that source, in any actual at
tempts against US. Our peninsular situation, al
so. cuts US off from that prompt assistance from
other parts OF the State, OH which every county
exposed to the horrors of servile insurrectlon,
would naturally rely. While, therefore, we have
iull confidence in our power OF self-defence un-
der all circumstances, and while we entertain no
fear that any attempt Of that kind would be uit'-
mately successful. even against our own unassis'
ted efforts, we might justly aPprehend greater di'
fcuty inssuppressing it, and more disasters from
its progress, than would be looked Tor IN most
other places. Deeply impressed with these con-
siderations, we have met together in our respec-
tive neighborhoods. in order to consult on the
most expedeut mode of getting rid OF our tree
negroes, whom we regard asa most prolific source
of evil to our community. In these meetings "e
have adopted the following Resolutions:
/. Resolred, That it absolutely necessary
not only in the correct government OF our slaves
but also to the peace and security ct our society,"
that all free persons of color should be promptly
removed from this county.
9. That, as a measure of this sort will neces.
sary produce much private inconvenience ana
suffering, we will endeavor to effect our object
as to render the calamity as little oppressive as
possible.
@ That we will not willingly entail upon any
other white community an evil which we feei TO
he intolerabe to ourselves.
L. That the free negroes OF our county ought,
if practicable. to be sent to Liberia, IN Africa
5. That to effect their removal, John Eyre,
| Jno Addison, SC. be a committee to borrow
sum of money not exceeding 10 thousand dollars;
for the payment of which tax shall annually be
imposed upon each citizen Of this county equal
to his revenue tax uf the present year, until the
principal and interest shall be paid.
6. That the committee appointed by the 5th re-
solution be authorised to open correspondence
with the Agent Of the Colonization Society, to
ascertain what aid can be immediately, or in a
short time. afforded by that society for the reno
val of the free negroes from this county to Llbe-
ria, in Africa.
:. That SO soon as the sum authorised to be
borrowed by the 9Th Resolution, or such part
| thereof a. the Committee shall think necessary
! To borrow, shall be obtained, John Eyre, John
| Addison, John L. Wilson. &c.-shall be a Com
mittee to make known the same to the free negroes
and to make arrangements for the removal to
Liberia of such of them are willing to 90 there
| 8. That our representatives in the Legislature
be instructed to use their best exertions to pre-
cure the passage ola law giving effect to the pro-
ceedins resolutions: and if no such law can be
procured. that they devote themselves zeaously
to any and every other plan of Legislation which
may be calculated to rid us promptly. efectually,
and entirely Of our free coored population.
! Q. That our Representatives be instructed to
vote for every measure, whether of general or To-
cal character, which may have for its object, the
removal of the free people of color from the State
at large or any part thereof
IN That after the ore ments for their reno
val have been made, we pledge ourselves not to
employ or have any dealings whatever with any
free negro in the county.
II. That we pledge ourselves not to rent to
any free negro any house or land. and that we
will forthwith give notice to those with whom we
have contracted to quit on the first day of June
next.
l2. That we earnestly recommend to the own
ers Of vessels in this county, Immediately, or as
soon as practicable to discontinue the use and
employment, of slaves and free negroes on board
their vessels; as we do firmly believe the prac-
tce dangerous to the peace and safety OF our socIe
ty.
/ 49, That Petition to the General Assembly
in conformity with the preceding resolutions, and
more particularly the 5th, be forthwith prepar-
ed and presented to the citizens for their sigma
ture.
Ia. That The proceedings OF th's Weeuug Ue
communicated to the citizens Of Accomack Coun-
", in such manner as the Chairman of this meet
ING thinks best, with request of concurrence on
the part Of the citizens of that county, with the
views and objects Of the citizens of this County.
1t will be perceived from these resolutions that
we are willing to rely for the accomplishment of
our object. upon our own resources, without ask.
inc any assistance from the Treasury of the state
Should it. however fall in with the course OF pub
lie policy to extend such assistance to particular
communities crcumstanced as ours is, we shall
acknowledge it on our part with proper gratitude.
Yet we do not solicit any such support. The
evil of which we complain is found to be no long
err endurable, without the most serious danger to
the peace and security of our county, and we are
willing to rid ourselves Of it at every sacrifice
and every hazard. The corrupting influences Of
that part of our population. have long been felt
as a serious impeachment in the way Of our prospe-
rity; and the time has nov arrived, when we can
no longer doubt that they are equally hostile to
our personal safety We therefore earnestly
yet respectfully pray that such law may pass as