Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1856-11-29
WHOLE NO. 5S1.
From the New Haven Palladium Nov. 10
A FREMONT VOTER DRIVEN FROM
VIRGINIA.

f10N1N1as
MEssRs. ED1ToRs: As various and somewhat in
correct reports are in circulation respecting what
occurred at Norfolk, Virginia, in consequences of
my vote i'll that city at tho late Presidential elec-
ton, desire to make correct statement of the
facts.
| formerly resided at Fairhaven where nv fam.
ny are now, and never have been but having
myself been engaged for several years past in the
commission business in Norfolk, and having maid
taxes there, and to the best of my abilities dis
charged my duties n citizen of that place I
have considered my residence, and in the Spring
of 1855 offered to vote at their election wbep
upon full statement Of my to the proper au-
thoritJ, and with their knowledge that m family
were here, it decided that was entitled to
vote there, aud did so.
have never in any way meddled with the SUBJ
iect of blavery-havng no inclinstion, nor as
believed, any right to do so-conseouently
there has has been i'll feeling toward me on that
account.
Before the election, many political meetings
were held in Norfolk but did not attend any Of
them, nor did L converse with any one the SUBJ
lect, except on one occasion, in an inuui-
fy made hy friend and then for moment only.
But although neither abolitonist nor a politi-
clan, examined the subject as question of duty
for me as well as for every citizen of the United
States, and made up my mind that the election
of Fremont would be best for all sections of the
country, and determined to vote for him-not
dreaming that, under our Republican Government
and in the Democratic State of Virginia, any one
would question my right to do so.
On the day Of election | heard one gentleman
ask another at the Post Office who he should vote
for and he replied For John G. Fremont and the
other said be should do too. They may not
have been in earnest, but then supposed that
they were, and L had no reason to dou bt that 9TH
ers would vote the same way; in the afternoon
wrote vote for Fremont and DAYTON and
and went to the place of voting My right to vote
was again examined and on a statement of my case
it admitted and | then, as their rules re-
qulre wrote my name on the back of my vote,
and handed it to the Inspector, who, as is GUS
tomary, read aloud first my name, and then
the names of my candidates. AS soon as he de-
clared that | voted for Fremont, u large num-
Der Of voices from tho crowd shouted Hang
him." Hang him." and the Inspector handed
me my vote and said, There is no such ticket
voted here-we cannot receive this. l replied,
Very we'll " and took my vote again. Some
threats, which in she confusion that took place
did not distinctly understand, were made by
those standing near me, and the presiding officer
exclaimed, Don't touch this man." and then
said to two persons who were, presume po-
heemen. Take him away from the polls"
The officers seized hold of me and hurried me
through the crowd, and then left me, and pro-
ceeded through violent storm of wind and rain
to my boarding house, and thence to my store
afterward returned to the house, and when at
the supper-table | heard persons speak of the
vote which had been offered at the polls for Fre-
mont--those who spoke of it not knowing by
whom the vote was offered, and therefore sneak
ing freely Of it in my presence. From what
saw and heard at the polls, and what said OF
the table, | was apprehensive that had mis-
understood my rights as an American citizen,
and that | had, though unconsciousy, so Offend
ed public sentiment bV my vote as to be in
danger of popular violence, and therefore wen,
from the table to my room and locked the door.
Soon after heard some one inquire for me, and
the landlady sent servant to my door to say that
a gentleman wished to me. On learning that
he was alone invited him into my room, and he
said that he came by request of another person
(whom lie named to ask me if had offered to vote
for Fremont. l replied Yes He then inquir-
ed, What was your notve?" And told him
that conscientouSly believed it my duty to do
so. He then said, Il am requested to advise you
net to appear in the street tonight" and replied
that should not go out of the house. lie retired,
but soon after returned and sad Mr.. f. wishes
to see you at the door" l told him that should
not leave my room that night, but if Mr.. +. wished
to see me he might come to my room. He then
left me and another nerson came to the door, and
informed me that Mr. L was at the front door,
but that several nen whom he named wors there,
and knew those men to be some Of tho most des-
perate characters IN Norfolk.
This was in the evening, and by the city lamps
could see FROM my window collection of per-
sons in the street, whose numbers increased till
late in the night and heard their threats of VIC,
lence to my person and destruction to my proper
ty,
Toward morning fire occurred and an engine
passed near by which drew after il u portion of
those around the house, and attracted for time
the attention Of others, and took the opportunity
to leave the house unubserved and went to q place
of concealment. While in my hiding place, some
friends took pains to ascertain whether 1t was pru-
dent for me to appear again in public, and they
found such state of excitement and cxaspcration
existing in consequence of my vote that my life
would be in danger if | discovered. They
also found that the customary rnntes of travel to
the North were closely watched, although many
believed that had already left the city.
Early in the morning Of the second day after
my unfortunate vote | escaped from the city by
an unusual route, and in disguise. and made my
way to my family; and l hope now that when
the excitement has passed may safely re.
turn to Norfolk, at least to remain until | can
settle up my affairs in that place.
TIMOTHY STANNARD,