Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1857-01-09
For Tie EWqnirer.
YANKEE TIMBER eETTERs-FREE NEGROES, &c
REMEDIES AGAINST THEM

REMEDIES AGAINST IHEn
Messrs. Editors: As one Of the readers Of your
paper, permit me through your columns 10 ex.
press tho opinion tina; the community at large is
highly indebted TO your columns for the in,eresI
therein exhibited 10 prepare the State for the late
threatened emergency brought about by the conduct
Of our enemies and now that the excitement is pro
badly over, il becumee US 10 enquire, how shall We
prevent future recurrencse and also forfy the State
against OWLS prominent in manyspor:lons OF the
State
In the first place, would submit that the presence
of Yankee timber getters, with their hordes of ire.
spUnsible adventures in our mds, and all along our
rivers and coast s source OF legitimate suspi.
cion on the part OF Virgniaus. They are not only
stripping the country of the best timber, which We
should hope in the change of events may soon
have need OF, but they are depriving our own clt
zens, who may have energy enough 10 engage In this
valuable trade, of this branch Of profit, and after
wards laugh Ut the folly Of selling the timber 90 low
In lieu Of the present mode, those who have timber
to dispose of. might employ their slaves during pro
per seasons, and make their profits fourtold Of the
present realization by inviting vessels the proper
anclnge, instead Of subscting us to the nroads and
interference of these hostile traders in lumber. For
one, am glad to see general dstrust Of them
Our barns aud houses arc being burned, aud crimes
and felony are stalking abroad and 80 II become
Us to watch with jealous eye all those who merely
come for plunder, and afterwards hurry away with
their hordes regardless Of what they may have com
mted previous to departure that il 10 utterly fu
tile to charge crime upon them. If they were moi,
allowed TO come 10 midet, we might then institute
more rigid police and probably the capture
Of perpetrators, whereas otherwise We might be
merely fighting the air in the attempt to discover
them.
In the next place, your communication is much
pleased, in common, no doubt, With the great body
OF the community, 10 observe general desire to be
rid Of free negroes. The convenience which is made
of them for dishonest purposes, their general corrup
ton OF slaves, and the dissatisfaction produced by
thar nresanoe amonp than. calls for 6sDeedy reform
This question has been elaborsey argued, that il
would seem unnecessarily discuss 1t farther, but the
evil still exists with apparent apathy on the part OF
our legislators and others whom it more particularly
effects. There are many other reasons which might
be adduced. Permit me- to hope therefore, that its
agitation will until the free negroes shall
either ernbody themselves among the slaves, by
choosing masters, the State compel them to leave
her borders or else sell them to be applied to some
State fund.
With no purpose to extend this communication per.
nit me to hope that the heads and hearts OF honest
patriots may conceive the plan, and their energy and
decision put into practice this positive demand o the
present as we'll future generations and no longer
let US warm the add-rs that threatening our life
blood, but let US spurn these syrens that may finally
allure US into the destruction Of our State rights and
healthy State government.
As YOU have from tim. to time graphically, and it
is hoped eectua!y set FORTH these are but some OF the
evils that demand our most earnest attention in the
present vacillating state Of affairs in our General
Government if We wish TO recover our just station
even retain our present position in the progress OF
this great confederacy TO hold the respect and es
TEEN of our sister Southern snd Westsrn States who
look to US for counsel aud example. Let us encour-
age military organizations. Let ua, if need be, as
matter Of policy for their better protection and secu1
ty for special purposes encourage the use OF firearms
by the ladies'. Let u.s. like South Carolina introduces
rigid laws into our State police especially with re-.
GARD to aboltonists and free negroes, and then call
upon our citizens to be men, aud TO act like men
worthy of brave ancestors, to See them strictly
enforced. Let The young men Of the State adopt the
excellent advice given To strengthen their physical
powers instead of practising the fatal system of de-
geuerscy in mind and body which hes too long pre-.
vailed to the great Injury Of the State Perhaps ain
depressing too far, but, you have often neuic.
ted, the sickly policy which some would adopt, woad
soon render US unworthy Of great high character
as people, make prey to free hooters and foot
ball, to speak, for the vagabonda who now rdcue
our institutions.
/ have thus briefly ske'ched, in these few lines
some OF tho views of one who, however huu,h!s MS
pretentions yet loves the Old Dominion, and ieelswi!
ling to enlist for veal or under her glorious oal'
ner They are submitted with the hope that ino'.
general attention may be eilcted and kept awe upon
these, and kindred subjects. until Hirgi gihia oon"e
shall wave in triumph o"e. al! her enemies.