Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1831-12-15


our duties to the people whom represent.
You are aware that at the close OF the last
excitement prevailed in certain parts OF State in
sequence Of imputed spirit OF revolt In portion of
Slave population in the Districts conerminous 10 North
carolina, receiving its impulse from that quarter in
sequence Of the atrocities which had been perforated
southampton County, Virginia.
Before left the City of Charleston my Review la
INC INTERIOR took the proper precautions by authorizing
the Senior officer Of that Division major General Haync)
to act promptly and efficiently in my absences placed
under his order the public and munons tor instan-
neous distribution in any quarter OF the State where
,hcy mghtbe required without the delay OF comunica
ting with happy YOU that after care
iul investigation of all the circumstances attending this ex
element have arrived at the undoubtng conviction that
as lar a' the dispositions OF coloured population
were concerned, the excitement without just oda
tion s
The that can probably be predicted of any
auees authorising contrary conclusion, IL that in
or two OF the Districts where the belief was prevalent
That large bodies OF slaves were about invade the State
roa the States of North Carolina and Virginia. some
instances language held indicative of what part in
such am event. of the Slaves would take in these
movements In Laurens District three Slaves have
been tried and Convicted and in case one has been
convicted for efforts which he actually made to meet by
combination, with others in such contingency.
The excitement, however, which prevailed and 10 a
great extent Gas has been proved) without adequate
cause of character calculated nilict serious in
jury on security aud interests Whether some cor
receive may not be applied prevent by proper penalties
either The weak or wicked circulation OF such groundess
and injurious rumors, is question which submit to your
Legislative discretion.
After the termination of this excitement communica
ted with the Governors of Virginia and North Carolina
with view only of ascertaining the extent or tho
penlt which their respective States had been expo,cd
but also TO learn whether they could in order give great
or security to the interests of the Southern States
any measures that might jointly adopt for this purpose
Their replies, marked and b. herewith commmuni-
Gated IL will be perceived that the excitement i'm North
Carolina resulted great degree from the insurrectona-
ry movements la southampton County Virginia, and that
even in the latter State the spirit of revolt confined TO
that County.
The letter of the Governor of Virginia leaves no Doubt
i'm
by lnccndiary newspapers and other publications. put forth
IN the holding States and freely circulated with.
In the limits OF Virginia That such engines at work
IN our own State and throughout the Southern States il
not extensively at least progressively, admit of
qucsuen' In proof oil this, transmit you letter which
received amongst others written that period enclosing
an Address delivered in Philadelphia and New ork dur.
ing the last summer; also, suny copies of newspaper
termed the Liberaor, which me as Governor
of the State of South Carolina also transmit to Won
memorial from the American Convention for promoting
me abolition oil slavery and improving the condition of the
African race, issued by William Rawc, President
ing TO instruct your Senators request your Repre-
sentaves to use all their efforts for the gradual abolition of
slavery in the District of Columbia After this event shall
have been conummated, what the Interior views OF the
memoralists are, will sufficiently appear from the Docu-
nen Itself You are aware that in complaint made by
the pubic authorities in the city OF Savannah, respecting
the publication and distribution of the inccndary produce
tons TO which have in the first instance referred as in
consistent with just regard 10 the obligations of the Uni
on and calling for suitable punhments for their suppress
sion, IL answered by the constituted authorities of Bos
ton, from whence these publications emanated that they
re-
pchend the lschevous tendency of these publications
Without STOPPING TO enquire whether this decision was
correct or the reverse it presents the extraordinary fact
that in peaceful and united confederacy of States we
may have to submit to acts of hostility and annoyance from
the citizens OF one of its members without remedy,
which, il we separate and distinct States would u
hy suspension of pacific relations if complaint made
was unredressed according every principle of intcrna
tonal law.
the part of the Federal Governments to arrest by penal
acts and doinss In one or more States ncon
sstent with that spirit OF amy and justice due the
members Of the confedcracy which must form tie Bond
oil our Union, will not, sure seek this mode of
redress without an amendment TO the Constitution the
United states, clearly comforting this power. We have
suffered too much from the usurpaon of pow
er on Inc part OF Congress to purchase security such
price, even il il could be thus obtained. As believe
the evil to be growing and perncots one might be
eXpedient that should authorize communicate
with the Governor of the State of Massachusetts cain
the attention OF the Legislature of that State this wrong
oil which we have such just occasion complain; should
you consider unnecessary to pass decaraory Reso
uionS Tor The concurrence and cooperation of the other
States In the Union, regards internal security
pending on such measures, fully within our own
control have reflected the subject with much delibe-
rhon and am satisfied that, by small addition TO
nua expenditure in connection with present military
resources every sort of peril may be obviacd most
perfect security given to the domestic peace and good
der of State.
In an emergency similar to that which occurred in
South hampton County (Vrginia force of Cavalry will
undoubtedly be the most efficient military arm that can
possibly be employed At present this species of force
has been gradually filling into decay, nqucstionably
field, independently of those articles which are furnished
gratutousy by the State would strongly and earnestly
suggest to You the expedency of raising District Corps
oil Dragons for each District in the State TO consist of
thirty rank and file, to be armed equipped at the ex
penSc OF the State, and TO receive also from il Dragon
Caps and Holsters That these Corps although detached
orspeca SERVICE should be arranged TO the regiments
cavalry In which they terrtorally situated-hat they
should be received into the service of the State on muster
and inspection rolls, duly certified by the Division or Br-
gade Inspecors-that they should be inspected seman-
nuay by Brigade Division Inspector under the order
OF the Maj Cen of the division which they belong and
the returns transmitted TO the Aduan and Inspector
era to be reported annually the Legaturcthat these
Corps should also be armed with light usces to be sunq
from the back by cross belt and the usce of the
same calbrc the pistols with which these Corps are
armed so that the cartridges of ball buck shot
may be used for both enabling them if occasion should
require II, to dsmount and act infantry would like
wise recommend that these Corps should be required to
parade for drill and instruction, the first Monday i'm
every month"; at the Court House of the Districts TO which
they respectively belong, and that consequence of the
large draft upon the time of the composing these
Corps, they should be exempted by law road and u
ry duty.
The Governor recommends other points of mill
tary organization.
The Convention of the Free Trade and State
Rights Associations adjourned on the 7tb, after
adopting the following Resolutions:
"Resoiped, That the State Rights and Free Trade AS
ISOLATION OF Charleston, be instructed to procure the
ls OF every other month to be printed the Office of Mr.
van Brunt 10000 copies of such Tract az may be de-
sgnaed by their standing committee, be distributed as
may be directed by the Convention
"Res0ired That the State Rights and Free Trade As-
ISOLATION of Richand district be instructed TO procure up
the first day of every other month Ia bp nrinted Al Tho