Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1860-12-27
aockbridge Union Meeting.


LEXINGTON, Wednesday, Dec. l9.-Pur-
suant to adjournment, a very large meeting
Of the farmers, mechanics, and working
men of the county OF Rockbridge, assembled
at the Court House, which was called to or
der by the former Chairman: whereupon
Joshua L. Beaver, Chairman Of the Com
mittea, reported the following preamble and
resolutions which were unanimously adop-
ted =
whereas, we regard the National Union as es-
seutial to the peace prosperity, ana Liberty Oh
the American People, that it is the palladium OF
our political safety, and that cherish cordial
habitual and immuvablc attachment to 1T, that We
discountenauce whatever may suggest Suspicion
that il can in any event be abandoned, ana tnat
we Indignantly lrown upon any attempt, to alien
ute any portion Of our country from the rest, or
onfeeble the sacred ties which now link together
the various parts, therefore, .-s. 4ast3 1sa'
lst. Resolved, That we have an abiding con
| fidsnce in the provisions Of the Constitution OF
the United States for the redress OF all the grey
ances of which we have now, or heretofore had
reason to complain, and that we regard 1t, as one
| of the peculiar blessings of the American people,
that they have such redress within their roach by
| constitutional means n..>
|. 2nd. Resolved, That whilst feel indignant
| oil the unjust and illegal enactments Of some OF
the States Of the Union, toward the South; we arc
still for using all onOrable means to induce them
| tn guarantee our rights in the Union, Before We
| resort to the last means Of rcdress-Reyolutlon.
! 3rd. Resolved, That we hereby express our un-
willingness to be dragged into secession and It's
| attendant consequences, until the people have had
ample time to weigh the matter for themselves,
and we will not be driven from affection for
The Union b. Northern Abolitionists or Southern
| Ere eating demagogucs. .-
4th. Resolved, That we do not consider nulllh-
cation Or secession, as u remedy for any grew
ance, but hold them revolutionary rights only
| to be exercised in the last resort. #
5th Resolved, That after all honorable and
constitutional means have been exhausted toward
settlement of our present ditIicuties-We here
| by express our firm resolve not to renounce Vir-
| ginia's fair and equitable proportion OF oil the
| common property Of the present Union, hereby
| pledging ourselves to maintain these demands ut
| all hazards.
! Eth. Resolved, That the establishment of
! Southern Confederacy, will lie no protection to
| the peculiar institution Of the South, but will
place it upon the same International footing with
| the Northern Confederacy a. it now stands with
the British colonies--that it will be efectually
circumscribed and confined to its present limits,
| than which more fatal restriction could not be
devised, for in that event we may in vain hope to
extend its area by the acquisition OF additional
! territory. not foot Of territory can ever be
|
! ern Confedrracy.
| 18th. Resolved, That we. working men, farmers,
and mechanics of the county of Rockbridge, as
sorting mistaken attachment, devotion and
fidelity to our native State and ul hor institutions,
| openly declare, immediate, and incorporating
hostility To any and all efforts to the Conted-
eracy, until we have failed to obtain from the
| North our rights under the Constitution within
the Union, and which we believe cannot be secur-
Cd by going ont Of il.
! Sth. Resolved, That we believe that in the pre-
svnt crisis, the preservation Of our glorious Union
| depends under God, more upon the wisdom and
conservatism, and the Geographical position Of
Virginia and the other border States, than on all
else besides, and that if we and they stand firm,
| we shall present an indispensable barrier against
| the wild i;ins:icsm Of the North, and the mad
ucss and prccipitate folly Of the South. and thus
| hold them in check until reason and justice re-
| turns to the one, and wisdom and moderation to
| the Other.
| 9Th, Resolved, That we consider The institution
| Of slavery it exists amongst u.s. az sanctioned
by Holy writ. as justified by humanity and promo
| i've Of the welfare Of the Slave rs we'll Il. the
| Master.
| 10th. Resolved That we are utterly opposed to
| the re -opcuing Of the African slave trade.
| 1lth. Resolved, That State Convention Is not
demanded by the present condition Of aflirs, and
is especially ineXpediemt in view Of the great in-
pVrtance that unity ofsentineut and feeling should
prevail throughout the whole State on the great
question that is now agituting the nation, and to
the exclusion Of local questions, that must arise
before such Convention.
18th. Resolved. That We recommend to the
working classes and all Union loving men, to hold
similar meetings throughout the whole country,
both North aud South-that the popular senti-
mcnt may be heard SO that politicians and dema-
gOgucs may know, the people will not be dragged
| tablishimy Constitutional Monarchy upon the
ruins OF once happy and prosperous Republic.
On motion, Resolved, That the town papers be
requested to publish the proceedings, and that
the Richmond Wing National Intelligcncer, AL
exandria Gazette, Baltimore Sun, and all other
pap srs friendly to the Union be requestedto copy
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
JACOB NJ. RUFF, Chairman.
john I. FIGGAT, Secretary.
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