Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1860-06-29
Letter from Petersburg, Va.


sence from the thoroughfares where "men do
mostly congregate," | am prevented from
writing us often as would desire, or as of.
ten as | might were | differently situated.
Since my last, we have been favored with
an uninterrupted spell Of the most delight
full weather, it has ever been my privilege
to enjoy at this season; and doubt whether
the oldest inhabitant in this latitude, amid
his most pleasant "reminiscences, can furnish
an account of a more agreeable tempera-
ture than that which has marked the pro-
cress of the month of June, 1860.
On Saturday evening last | attended, tor
the first time since my residence here,
Democratic meeting. 1t was called by a
portion OF the party. to ratlty the nomlna-
ton of Stephen A. Douglas for the Presi-
dency; and though the assemblage was very
large, the sequel proved, that the opponents
of this move were largely in the ascendant.
The intelligence Of this nomination had
scarcely flashed over the wires, ere u wagon
filled with a band Of negro musicians, might
have been seen in front Of the Office OF the
Virginia Index, waiting for the flaming
posters, which were being prepared to he
raid the event, and to call the faithful to the
gathering: but the best laid schemes Of mice
and men "oit fail ;" and the leaders in this
move, were destined to encounter an opposi-
ton which, | presume, they had not tor @
moment anticipated. When | arrived, the
Cha rman and Secretary were in their places,
and the first named was busy in the appoint
ment of IL committee whose business would
be the preparation OF 4 series OF resolutions
expressive Of the concurrence of this meet
ing in the aforementioned nomination, and
pledging them to the support of the ticket
presented. During the absence Of the COM
mittee, loud calls were made for the War
Horse" Timothy Rives, esq, who soon
made his appearance amid the widest de-
monstrations Of applause, and in speech
of great severity, he denounced the Virginia
seceders as having forfeited all claims to
the respect and confidence of the Democra
cy, and as having abused the powers with
winch they were invested, to pander to
purely sectional pre- JUDGES; and as they had
failed to do their duty, it now remained for
the pe0pIe to take the matter into their own
hands, and he urged them by all tho recol-
lectl)ns Of the past, to stand by the usages
Of former DAYS which had made their Or
gnnizaion heretofore invincble IN the old
Dominion, and to put their seal ct condem-
nation upon actions which, If sustained,
would not only lead to the destruction OF
their party, but to Il dissolution Of the
Union. Mr.. Rives speaks very rapidly, and
at times very ndistinctly 50 that | lost many
portions Of his animated address, but
hoo nd r., M
able debater, if in opposition, would find in
him Il locnan worthy OF his steel. Upon
the conclusion OF Mr. Rs address, the
preamble and resolutions prepared by the
committee were presented, and then occur
red scene which battles all description,
and which :; representative from the mmor
tai Tammany, alone could appreciate. The
Trainer of the resolutions, portly we'll look
ing gcnteman-~rcad them i'll Il clear and
distinct manner, and was listened to with
marked attention, but motion to adopt
them sprung debate, which proved that
there are two sides to all questions, and that
the seceders had Il strong party OF sympa-
thi2ers who were resolved ut all hazards TO
oppose this tlasty action Of the Douglasites.
The first line in The preamble-We, the Ma
tional Democracy, &c.,-atforded text Tor
the anti-Do@glas men, and the manner IN
which they maintained their ground, and
were, in turn, sustained by the audience,
gave evidence that the little Giant would
find this part Of Jordan, 1T least, L hard
road to travel. Some amusing episodes oc-
Cured during this time, which as an Old
Line Wing, | especially enjoyed. Amongst
the iiSseniars, and one Of the foremost to OBJ
icct 10 the adoption of the report, was re-
cent convert from the old Wing faith, who
in turn was soundly berated by another for
his refractory course, especially IN view OF
his recent adoption into the Democratic
family, when lie retorted by informing his
monitor that they were in the same category
rs they had worked together many Il day
in Wing harness: and this turn in affairs
was received with shouts of laughter which
required some time TO subdue. The meet
ing continued in session until - o'clock,
ard then adjourned until Tuesday evening,
Goth inst, when doubtless they will have a
good time generally, as each wing of the
party in the interval, will have an opportu-
nifty to marshal its forces, aud provide tor
the coming struggle. The friends Of Bell
and Everett here although us yet they have
made no great public demonstration, are
firm in their adherence to the Constitution
and the Union, and have strong assurances
that many Of the conservative portions OF
this now distracted party will be induced to
vote for these national men, whose sound
ness is unquestioned and whose abilities
none will deny.
The city continues very healthy, and al
though business is dali, yet, | presume, the
general average will compare tavorably with
former years ut this season.
As am closing this, the Petersburg Light
Dragons under command Of Captain X. +.
Robinson are on parade in full uniform,
and BIZ their handsome appearance elicit
general commentator. This is one Of the
many companies formed in our State since
the John Brown raid, and doubt whether
they can be cxceled in numbers or etilcien-
cr, by any similar organization OF volun-
tcors in the country. They number - rank
and file, and present the finest array Of
horses nave ever seen congregated, many
OF them being truly beautiful specimens of
this noble animal III.
The Comet.
CAMBRIDGE OBSERVATORY, June 2D-.Nes-