The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1859-12-01

TIE AR PENS Ferry ExcITEMENT.-
The excitement growing out of the many
ramors Of contemplated attempts to rescue
old brown, have subsidized in this communi
ty. aud our city is again quiet. While peo-
pie ale quiet, however, the most vigilant
measures have been adopted by the military,
who, to man, reaready at five minutes
notice, to respond to, any call their city or
State may make. They have taken their
arms from their respective armories, to
their residences, have supplied themselves
with ball cartridges, and are, in every par
ticular, ready for action, and while we do not
think there is the slightest reason to fear an
invasion of this State either at this point or
any other, we think it is right and proper
that they should be ready for any emergen.
cy. was 1 -
Never, in the history of our country has
there been more genuine patriotism dis
played, than in this Harper's Ferry excite
nent. When the first agonizing cry of that
frightened community was spread over the
State by the electric current, thousands of
our citizen seldiery, responded to the call,
and not only offered their services to the
Governor, but actually begged and prayed
to be allowed to 60 to the scene of the con-
fiict, that they might help to vindicate the
honor of the Commonwealth. First and fore
most among them were the volunteers of
Norfolk and Portsmouth /; although cut off
from almost all intercourse from the balance
of Virginia, although isolated and for half
century neglected and forgotten by their
common mother-the Old Dominion-al-
though the Legislature has fer long series
OF years turned the cold shoulder to this Sec
ton, and allowed it to languish fer want of
proper and needful assistance, still, when
danger threatened the western border and
the. escutcheon of the State was likely to be
stained by fanatical invasion, we find our
ocean washed shores armed with patriotic
band of noble sons who are ready to fly with
alacrity to the assistance of that neglected.
smother while they are languishing for
want of that material aid which is their due
and which has been lavished by wasteful
mother upon other sections, they, unmindful
of all past neglect, and. filled with that filial
love which is characteristic of them, prompt
ly responded to the first cry of distress and
offer their time, their lives and their for
tunes to preserve the dignity and honor of
their beloved State.
First and foremost among virginia's sons,
in this move, were the Woods RiAemen and
the National Greys. They have been so
fortunate as to have been accepted, and are
a. this time upon the tented field; the first
named, like him whose name they bear, we
feel, are filled with the true spirit; he fell
sacrifice on the altar of his native city; fell
at his post when surrounded bygdangers
thousand fold more dreadful than the utmost
carnage Of the battle field; and in so doing,
set them an example of true courage which
we are sure they will never forget; but,
should they, in the course of events be called
into aetion-which Heaven ! forfend-will
rally around that standard, upon whose folds
his image is impressed, and like him, should
God so dispose, be found doing their duty to
their native State, when death stalks by
The National Greys represent the city of
Portsmouth in the ever to be remembered
camp of Charlestown. They too are gal
liant band, and will strike faithful blow for
their common mother should conflict ensue.
We noticed these noble boys when they
were en- route for the camp. We spent one
night and nearly two days with them, and
came back impressed with the conviction
that they were resolate, determined set of
men, who knew that the eye of their city
was upon them, and her honor in their keep
ing. Let Portsmouth be assured that it is
in safe hands. fG -
We know nothing of the intention of the
Executive, but suppose that he khows how
eager the other volunteers of Norfolk and
Portsmouth are to be called into service,
and will after the execution of Brown order
the companies now there back home, and
send some OF the other companies in their
place, thus giving all a chance to serve the
State. Therefore, we should not be sur
prised to hear next week that an order had
been sent for two or three more companies
from this section. We therefore advise the
volunteers to keep up their present vigi-
lence, and hold themselves in readiness, to
take up the march for the scene of the looked
for, we had almost said hoped for conflict,
tor we feel assured that there is that spirit
burning in the bosoms of the soldiers OF Vir-
ginia which causes them to hope for an out
break, that they may have an opportunity
OF avenging the blood Of their mastered
brothers, which cries out from the hills o.
Jefferson county for vengeance Vengeance
on the base, cowardly fanaticism which
prompted Old Brown to treason and to MUIR
der!
While indulging in this train of reflection
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