The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1860-07-28
Ritlmun0 pispatrh.
SATURDAY MORNING. -. JULY %. 1860.
THE ABOLITION TROUBLES IN oCOQvAN.

THE ABOLITION TROUBLES IN 0COQUAN.
Later intelligence from ocoquan, Prince
William county, Va, confirms the statements
published yesterday, that much excitement
existed there, growing out Of threats, said to
have been made, that the Lincoln and Hamlin
nag pole. erected at that place, would not be
permitted to stand.
The eRepu blicans" of that vicinity, upon
hearing the rumors, which so far assumed
definite shape as TO designate to-day, noon, as
the time when the pole was to be raZed, made
some preparations for defence; and expressed
3 determination to defend the pole at all haz-
around 1t. They likewise, as men toned yes
,erday, sent the following dispatch TO Gov
LetcheT;
I'VE, native citizens of Prince William CO.,
at the town of Ocoquan, are threatened with
invasion by an armed mob of three hundred
men, from a distant part of the county, on
Friday next, at II O'Clock NJ, on account OF
our political opinions, and call upon you for
protect ton in this emergency otherwise, we
shall have to defend ourselves.
"WM. G. ATHEY,
"On behalf of the Citizens"
In response to this dispatch, Gov. Letcher
directed Gen. Hunton, if, in his judgment, the
ueaca of the county could not be preserved
by the civil authorities, then TO use mill
tary force. 1t is said that Gen. Hunton has
ordered out one company, IN obedience 10 the
direction of the Governor, to preserve the
peace There are many rumCrs afioat through
this section of the county, tending TO excite
the public mind which are en- tlreiy unworthy
OF credence.
The Georgetown correspondent OF the Wash
ngtCn Star publishes the following letter,
which was received in that city on Wednes-
day, from Ocoquan:
"Dear Sir Our village has been in Juror
of excitement for the last two days, owing 20
information having been received by the lead
ers OF the Republican party that there was an
armed force coming here on Friday next for
the purpose of destroying their pole. A meet
l., Z was held in Brentsville and Fauquer, on
Saturday last, when 1t was determined that
some 300 men should be sent here TO take the
pole down. Capt. Thornton, one of our ma
glstrates, and Il captain of militia, resigned for
The purpose of taking command OF the force.
They called on Gen. Hunton, our command
Ing officer and county attorney, to know
whether they could get arms. He replied that
he could not loan them tor such u purpose,
but would say nothing if they chose 10 take
them. This gave them encouragement, and
they notified the Republicans that they were
coming, and that The pole must come down.
The folks coming IN from the upper part of
the county kept adding 10 the news, and ap-
peared TO be very anxious 10 know whether
the Republicans would fight.
"On Monday night the Republicans held
meeting, and dispatched parties 10 Alexandria
and Washington, and ii was reported on Tues
HaS thol thtJ oud dD iol
and had determined to build a fort around the
pole and protect il at all hazards. This report
only added TO the excitement, as it was sup
posed they could mt ter but twenty men, and
1t would appear like wasting their lives to op
pose so many. They commenced fixing their
guns, &c, and sent dispatch TO Gov. Letch-
er that they were threatened by an armed
force, and that they looked to him for protec-
tion but ii he did not protect them, they
would take up arms and protect themselves.
The Governor answered them by saying that
he would Immediately order Gen. Hunton
here with his regiment TO protect them. When
The Republicans received the news last night
there was great rejoicing. They fired salute
III honor of the tidiugs, which were brought
by a messenger dispatched by them. We are
now waiting to hear from Gen. Hunton, and
suppose he will be here this morning to see
about the affair There has been sixty yolun-
teers from the Republicans, 10 die by the
pole" Some OF their friends advise them to
give up if Huuton does not come, but they
swear they will not.
There is Il later note, dated yesterday even
ing, stating that Gen. Hunton has resigned
his position in the militia