Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1842-05-26
NUMBER 13.

/ TO the people of our country. They IN.
derstand our cause; they sympathize in
the injuries which have been inflicted upon
Us: they disapprove the course which the
national Executive has adopted toward
| this State and they assure us OF their dis
position and intention 10 interpose bar.
rier between the supporters Of the peoples
constitution and tho hired soldiery OF the
United States. The democracy Of the
country are slow 10 move in any matter
which involves an issue so momeutous as
that which is presented by the controver-
sy in Rhode Island But when they have
once put themselves in motion, they arc
not to be easily diverted from their pur-
poses. They believe thpt the people Of
Rhode Island are in The right that they
are contendng for equal justice in their
political system; that they have properly
4 adopted constitution Of government for
themselves, as they were entitled to do;
and they cannot, and viii not, remain in
| different TO any act, from whatever motive
il may proceed, which they deem to be
an invasion Of the sacred right OF self.
government, of which the people Of the
respective States cannot be Invested.
As your representative, have been
everywhere received with the utmost
kindness and cordially. To the people
Of the city OF New York, who have ex-
tended to US the hand of generous frater-
nIty, it is impossible to overrate our obi.
CATION at this most important crisis.
II has become my duty to say, that, so
soon as soldier Of the United States
shall be set in motion by whatever direc-
ton TO act against the people Of this State,
in aid Of the charter government, shall
call for that aid, to oppose all such force,
which, am fully authorized 20 say, will
be immediately and most cheerfuIly ten
dered to the service of the people Of r.
Island, from the city Of New York and
from other places. The contest will then
become national, and our State the battle
ground Of American freedom.
AS Rhode Island man, regret that
the constitutional question in this State,
cannot be adjusted among our own ct'-
that the sword Of the national Executive
may be thrown into the scale against the
people, it is imperative upon them to make
the same appeal TO their brethren Of the
States; on appeal which, they are well
assured, will not be made in vain. They
who have been the first to ask assistance
from abroad, can have no reason to CON-
plain Of consequences which may ensue.
No farther arrests under the laws OF
pains and penalties, which was repealed
by the General Assembly Of the people at
their May session, win be permitted. |
hereby direct the military under their re-
spcctive officers promptly to prevent the
same, and to relieve all who may be ar
rested under said law.
As requested by the General Assembly
eDjoin upon the militia forwth to elect
their company officers; and call upon
volunteers TO organize themselves with
out delay. The military are directed to
hold themselves in readiness for immedi--
ate service.
Given under my hand. and the seal Of
the State, at the city of Providence,
this 10th day of May, A. d. lS42.
THOMAS w. DORR.
Governor and Commander in Chief of the
State of Rhode Island and Proy-
uOhSS SHS WV
errors command.
Wa. II. SMITH, Secretary OF State.
The people forming the procession, not
having been opposed, dispersed peaceably
their leader repairing to the house Of
has sheriff, Mr.. Anthony. There was
some talk among them Of placing guard
around Mr.. Anthony's house and there
we're rumors on Monday evening, when
the cars lett, Of design to attack the ar
senal. But probably no such effort was
made. Ia dismissing his deluded follow
ers, Dorr declared his readiness sto die in
the cause" and ordered the military 10
hold themselves in readiness at an hours
notice, and directed the officers to meet
him at his "quarters." ~
The Providence Journal contains the
following portentous paragraph;
Citizens Of the State, who ale dispos-
ed to maintain the laws, and 10 act under
the direction Of the legal authorities, can
be supplied with muskets on application
at the Arsenal. and giving the proper re-
ceipt therefor"