The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1855-07-11
From the Wilmington Herald.
A BRIGHT PAGE IN OUR HISTORY.

/
We append below, a brief extract from the
address delivered by our townslnan, George
Davis, Esq, before the two Societies at Cha
pei Hill, at the late Commencement. II
speaks in brief but eloquent language Of an
incident in the early history of our State, to
which the due need of credit has never been
assigned. When all the circumstances are
considered-the position Of the parties-the
advance in patriotic spirit which this bold
deed denotes--its execution without disguise
III the open day--the importance and high
daring OF the act, stand ont in bright colors
History has not yet done it justice. The act
was committed in North Carolina!
"In the first of the year l766, the sloop of
war Diligence arrived in the Cape Fear,
bringing the stamps. Now, look what shall
happen! She floats as gaily up the river as
though she came on an errand Of grace, with
sails all set, and the cross Of st. George faunt-
| Ing apeak, her cannon irowning upon the re-
bellious little town of Brunswick as she yawns
to her anchor. People Of Cape Fear, the is
sue is before you the paw of the lion is on
/ lgiII .hssads-tbe terrible lion of ENGLAND !
spoken brave Words about tke fsts The
people--haye We acts as brayef All! gentle
men, there we're men in North Carolina in
those days.
"ScarceIy had the stamp ship crossed the
bar, when Col. Waddell was watching her
from the shore. lie sent messenger II
wilmington to his friend Col. Ashe. As she
rounded to her anchor, opposite the Custom
! House at Brunswick, they appeared upon the
shore. with two companies oi friends aud cal
liant ycomen at their backs. Beware, join
Ashe Hugh Waddell, take heed Ccns
der well, brave gentlemen, the perilous issu'
Won dare Remember that armed resstanc,
to the Kings authority is treason! In h
palace, at Wilmington, the Wolf OF Caro-
i, lin" is already chatting against You; and know
! YOU not that yondcr, across tie water, Eng
land still keeps the Tower, the Traitor
Gate, the scaflold and the axe : Full wei
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 intimidated th
! commander Of tile soop, and he promises NJ
: to land his stamps. They seize the vessel
! boat and hosting mast aud flag mount
: upon cart and march in triumph TO Wi
J mInstun. Upon their arrival the town Is i
J Eliminated. Next day, with Col. Ashe at the
!. head, the people 90 in crowds to the Cover
: nor's house and demand Of him James HOu,
ton, the stamp master. Upon his refusal
: deliver him up forthwith, they set about
burn his house above his head. Terrified
!. the Governor at length complies, and Hoa,
y ton is conducted TO the market house, wheri
Z in the presence Of the assembled people, ]
= Is made to take the solemn oath never to e.
y ecute the duties of his Office. Three GA
% hurrahs ring through the old market hons
$ and the stamp act falls still,born in Nor
y Carolina. And this was more than ten yea
= before the Declaration Of Independence, nil
q, before the battle Of Lexington, aud near
!, eight before the Boston Tea Party. The ,i
Is struction Of the tea was done in the night
y men in disguise, and history blazons 1t, al
le New England boasts Of il, and the lame
le il Is worldwide. But this other act, mo
~ gallant and daring, done in open DAY BY v,
known men. with arms in in their hands Al
" under the Kings fag--Who remembers
2. who tells Of III When will history do ju
q, ticc TO North Carolina; Never, till sof
faithful aud loving son ol her own shall 81
et his loins to the task, with unwearied indu
a try and unhiuching devotion, to the honor
bis dear old mother"