The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1859-12-10
THE DAY BOOK
Meeting In Mathews County.

of previous n,tc., az the Courtho lsa, on
Monday the 18th day OF November 1859, to
take int con sidec alton such mean, as the
exigsncias Of tae present occasion may re.
auire, on motion Of Jno. W. Garvi,. Esq ,
Attorney for the Common wealth Mr.. Chris
topher #. Browne wa dled to the Chair,
and the Rev. Thomas VI Henly Appointed
Secretary.
Geo. +. I'abb, E q , at the request OF Mr..
Garvis, then proceeded 10 explain the object
Of the meeting, aud in clear lucid and i'm
pressive manner, depicted the aggressions OF
the Northern abolitionists on S.athern
rights,a and the imperative dcty of the South
to adopt some course for the protection of
her Institutions, and con laded By Offering
the following preamble and resolutions,
which, as he intimated, were designedly 10
complete, in order that the course OF action
to be adopted by the meeting might be deter
mined after more mature delioeration and
consultation.
Whereas, The spirit of ianaticism increas-
ing with the relative power and numerical
strength OF the Northern States, and ez cour-
aged by the tone OF an sciupulus, hireling
press, ever ready to pander to the worst and
bassst passions of our nature, has at length
exhibited itself in shape SO tangible, so de-
monstrative of fixed purpose to bring On
sectional contest, to produce o serviie insur-
rec.ion at the South, that selfpr election and
set-respect alike require that the Southern
people should not only express their indigna-
tion at the atrocious conduct of the aboli-
tioni.ts at.Harper's Ferry ,but!shou.d prepare
to meet the approaching crisis (which thi eat.
ems fearful contest between the North and
the South, and may involve q dissolution of
cur Federal Union, therefore be it
Reselved, By the people of Matthews hsrs
convened
l.t. That until recently we have regarded
the Abolition party as composed OF the dis.
affected and low est elemsnts Of society, and
therefore Is being unworthy Of considsra-
ton; bat the late popular elections in the
Northern States, occurring Immediately at
ter the outbreak at Harpsr's Ferry, in which
the party sympathiziag with the miscre-
ants, who there outraged every law, both
human and Divine, have been almost uni
yersally successful, cenvinces US that the
alienation of feeling between the people Of
the two sections of our Union Is at length
complete.
I'd. That we have observed with surprise
and profound regret, that the pulpit and
preas at the North, instead OF denouncing
the inurderous and reasonable de.ds of ola
Brown and his associates at Harper's Ferry,
ism demanded should be expressive Of No
measured disgust and hatred, have. with few
exceptions, either been silent On the sub
ject, criminally moderate in their cessure,
or have openly and shametxlly approved Of
their atrocity.
Cd. That late developments show the com.
plcity Of men Of high position ana intel-
leetual attaiBmments at the North, 10 the
Harpel's Ferry invasion. and induce Us 10
behave that we have now Ii tie TO hope lor
from the intelligence, patriotism or eonser-
vativs ceilings bf she Northern people.
4th. That under the circumstances il
which we are now placed, the only security
for the South ia to be found in the deter
mined spirit of our people to resist aggres-
sion "at all hazards and to the last extremi-
ty;" and that while we respect, and wish to
observe the compromises of the Federal Con-
saitution; while we cherish q love for the
Union Of these States, So long as it remains
as its patriotic trainers intended it to be, a
source OF blessings and national greatness,
instead of an engine Of oppression; while we
would cultivate fraternal feeling towards
our Northern brethren, with whom we have
common Inheritance OF revolutionary
memories, and present enjoyment of ma
ticnal blessings, We cannot allow them to
infringe upon our rights and use the means
which Southern wealth has placed at their
command for our destruction; and that I'M
less their better feelings shall overcome their
fanaticism, we must acquiesce In the neces-
sity, which denOunces our separation, and |
shall hold them, as We hold the rest of man
kind enemies in war, in peace, friends.
9th. That we have no dread OF a ser vile |
insurrection, the relation of master and |
slave in the Southern States being produc-
tive of benefit to both parties, and that the |
condition in which slaves are found among
us, is not only the best suited to promote |
their happiness morally and physically, but
il undisturbed by the impertinent interfer
exec of Northern fanatics would be 50 re-
garded by themselves.
Said preamble and resolutions were Sc
conded by John B Donovan, Esq, and after
some remarks by him relative to thi present
condition of affairs 10 Virginia, oar exposed
situation on the eaboard, ana the best
mcans to be adopted for ayertiug the dan
gers which threaten us, they were mani
mously adopted.
On motion, it was further
ResoIyed, That the Justices Of the county |
be requested to appoint an efficient patrol |
in their respective magisterial districts
whose duty it shall be, not only to preserve
order, but to give information OF any sus-
picious persons who may come among US.
Resolved, That while we have full cont. |
dsnce in the present volunteer companies
in the c, unty,asa further means OF elective
we recommend 10 the people OF |
the county, the formation of volunteer
company Of cavalry, who shall be uniform
I'd and equipped for every emergency.
On motion OF Col. Walter 4. Lane, the
follow ing named persons were appointed
vigilance committee in their respective ma
gisterial districts, whose duty it shall be to
make inquiry concerning all suspicious per,
sons, and where they shall deem it prudent
ii necessary, to have them arrested for legal
investigation.
District No. l.-Wm Nj Brownley, Thos
G Weston, Robert . Billupp, John Foster
and Geo K Brooks.
District No. 2-Edmoqd w Bohannon,
Larkin Miller, John K Billups, Jas ii Gar
nett and Joshua Gayle.
District No. 3.-Robert L Hudgins, John
Spencer, JAS $ Shiplsy, Il Wesley Foster
and VIM II Hadgins.