The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1855-08-03
INCIDENT IN THE HISTORY OF
NORTH CAROLINA.


NORTH CAROLINA.
At the late commencement of the Univer-
sity of North Carolina an address before the
literary society was delivered by George Da-
Wis, of Wilmington. His theme was, "Tac
Early Times and Men of the Lower Cape
Fear" The speaker recited, during the
course of his Grafton, the following thrilling
and ever memorable incident in the history
of the old North State. In speaking of the
position Of North Carolina in the great
struggle for American freedom, he said:
In the first of the year l766. the sloop Of
war Diligence arrived in he.Cqpe Fear, bring
ing the stamps. Now look what shall hap
pen! She floats as gaily up the river rs
though she came on an errand of grace, with
sails all SGT, and the cross of St. George
nuunting apeak, her cannon frowing upon
the rebellious little town Of Brunswick, ms
she yawns to her anchor. People of Cape
Fear the issue is before you! The paw of
the lion is on your hcads--the terrible lion Of
England viii you crouch submissivcly, or
redeem. the honor that was pledged for you3
You have spoken brave words about the
rights of the peope-have ye acts as brave'
All! gentlemen, there were men in North Car.
olina in those days.
Scarcely had the stamp ship crossed the
bur, when Colonel Waddell was watching her
from the shore. He sent messenger to
Wilmington to his friend Colonel Ashc. AS
she rounded 10 her anchor, opposite the Gus.
tom House at Brunswick, they appeared mp
on the shore, with two companies Of friends
and gallant yeomcn at their backs. Beware,
John Ashe!-Ilugh Waddoll, take heed
Consider well, brave gentlemen, the pcrilous
issue you dare! Remember that armed re
sis,ance to the Kings authority is treasou!-
In his palace, at Wilmington, the "Wolf OF
Carolina" is already chatting against you; and
know you not that yonder, across the water,
England still! keeps the Tower, the Traitors
Gate, the scanold and the axe! Full well
they know; but
They have set their lives upon the cast,
And now must stand the hazard of the die.
BY threats of violence they ntimdate the
commander Of the soop, and he promises
not to land ilis stamps. They seize the yes
sells boat, and hosting mast and flag, mount
it upon cart and march in triumph to VIII
mington. Upon their arrival the town is il
Illuminated. Next day, with Colonel Ashe Al
their head, the people go in crowds TO til,
Governors house, and demand of him Jane.
Houston, the stamp master. Upon his reiu
sal to deliver him up forthwith, they Sc
about to burn his house above ishead. Ter
ried, the Governor ut length complies, ant
| Houston is conducted TO the market house
where, in the presence OF the assembled peo
pie, he is made to take the solemn oath ncve
to execute the duties of hi, office. Three
glad hurrahs ring through the old markc
house, and the stamp act falls stil-born il
North Carolina. [Cheers.] Aud this Wal
more than ten years before the Declaration
of Independence, nine before the Battle o
Lexington, and nearly eight before the Bos
ton Tea Party. The destruction of the te;
was done in the night by men in disguse,an'
history blazons it, and New England boast
of it, and the fame Of it is world wide. Blu
this oath act, more gallant and daring, don,
in open day by well known men, with arm
in their hands and under the Kings flag
who remembers or who tells of it? WheI
will history do justice to North Carolin +
Never, till some faithful and loving son of he
own shall grid his loins to the task will
unwearied industry and unilinching devotion
to the honor of his dear old mother.