Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1859-09-02

I Communicated to the National LpteIIiqencer I
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
Raleigh, august %, 1859.
SIR | have this day received from Capt. 4. Law
renee a Chinese flag, taken by you in assault upon
the barrier forts in the Canton river in November, 1856
by the forces of the United States ships San Jacno
Portsmouth, and Levant, present in the name ct
the State of North Carolina
Having been appraised of your desire to make this dis
position of the flag, the last General Assembly, by
OlutiOns authorized to receive it from you in behalf
of the State and the time to express to you the
high appreciation Of that body OF your gaantry the
occasion referred to- and OF this evidence of your
alton for the State of your birth.
Believing that cannot discharge this pleasing duty
in more acceptable than by transmitting these
highly complimentary resolutions, l herewith enclose
copy of them Transcribed from the statutebook.
These resolutions am well assured, the less
expressive of the sentiments of the people of the State
than OF their representatives who enacted them for they
have ever manifested lively pleasure at the honorable
distinctions achieved by the OF North Carolina in
every department of the public service. Every dstin
gished action Of the citizen proves useful to the State
the example it affords to the youths OF the country
who are thus apprized OF the gratifying rewards that
ever await faithful discharge OF duty.
This flag, galanty taken by you in the mainten-
Of the rights and protection OF the persons OF Amer
lean citizens in distant land will be placed among the
valued treasures of the State and will be looked upon
by posterty mpressng all who may see it with the SEN
tmens of esteem which held the brave conduct OF
the faithful soldier in the service of his country and to
our Youths to whom from time to time the story OF It's
capture NAV be narrated will be told that 1t trophy
for which State indebted to of her courageous
sons who entered the service OF his country when
boy and whO without the aid OF fortune the influence
OF powerful friends, his way to honorable distinction
by his own upright department and gallant spirit
thus sir will valuable lesson be taught Them exciting
in their bosoms a audable ambition to emulate like hon
Orable actions.
Trusting that your career will prove one of continued
usefulness the country and distinction to yourself
have the honor to be- very respectfully yours Tc
Lieut. JOHN julius GUTHRIE, U. S. Navy.
Resolutions authorizing the Governor of the State tc
receive flag rendered to the State of North Caro-
lima by Lieut. GUTHRIE, of the =. S. Navy.
Whereas JOHN Julius Guthrie, lieutenant in the
United States Navy and native of the State Of
North Carolina on official duty at the National
Observatory Washington, ID. O., did, on the goth day
of November, 1856, capture and carry off as trophy
OF Chinese flag from the first OF four barrier forts
captured in a combined engagement by the San JacintO
Portsmouth, and Leyant, the part of the American
naval force, and other vessels under the command o
Rear Admiral Seymore the part Of the English, il
the Canton river:
And whereas the chastisement inflicted on that occa
sion was in defence Of American and English citizens
residing ia that locality and had the happy effect of Sc
curing to them immunity from violence and insult tt
their persons and property:
And whereas said Lieut.. Guthrie has been induced by
his friends III the city OF Raleigh and elsewhere to eN
press willingness to tender this flag to bis native State
with desire that she would accept it humble evi
dence Of fal sentiments and afectionate recollection
Therefore
Be reSoCed That the Governor of the State author
lied and requested the flag thus rendered by Lieut.
Guthrie at such time and place and in such way and
may appear suitable and proper.
ReSOUed pthe That he be requested, in behalf of thi
General Assembly to express to Lieut. Guthrie its high ap
probation of his gaany that occasion and this evidence
OF his generation for the State of his birth.
ReSOred Hry That the Governor be further requested
to make such disposition of the flag when received h
may think this trophy OF her deserves
Ratified February Is, 1859.
True copy from the original.
GRAHAM DAVIS, Private Secretary.