Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1860-01-19

Important Letter from Gov. Ellis
We are indebted to the courtesy OF His Excelency,
Gov Ellis, for the following proceedings of meeting
of the citizens of Chatham County together with his
reply the subject of called session of the Legisla
ture. Whatever difference of opinion may exist among
citizens the subject, all will concede to the Gov
omit nothing which, in his judgment, may be necessary
to protect the vital interests of the State -
Public Meeting In Chatham County.
public meeting was held in the Court House in Pitts
boro Chatham county on Wednesday, 18th December,
1859 jackson, ESQ., arose and explained the object
quesed to convene the Legislature with view to such
legislative action necessary to put the State such
posture of military defence the crisis demands and in
explanation of his views read the letter of the Governor
Mr. Alternately of Lncolnton published in the last Stand
dri.
Mr. j. then moved the organization of the meeting
that Dr. John A. Hanks be called to the Chair and that Dr.
D. s. Wadde be appointed secretary which motions were
committee OF three persons, viz: Hugh waddeI J.
Resolutions expressive Of the sense Of the meeting who
retired and after short time offered through their chair
man, the following resolutions, to wit:
WHEREAS recent and startling events have taught the
Southern States the imperative necessity of being thorough
their affairs and Whereas by recent letter from his Ex
ceency, the Governor to Mr. Alternately, of Lnconton
best kind in of the State but that our militia
tern is SO defective that there not officers
be issued in Of emergency thus exposing the
Of our people, and Whereas by the said
tive provision not in the power the Executive to
make the necessary preparation for defence there
fore
Resolued That in view of the dangers threatening
the saveholding States is the part of wisdom less
than of place States the attitude of
full military defence in short time as possible.
ResOUd That reluctant believe her people would
be called to meet such emergency is upon
and awabding herself, North Carolina has confded the
loyalty of her sister States and made preparations
intestine for the reason that ancient Rome pro-
vided no punishment for the crime of Pdrricide
Resovtd That though unprepared with the munitions of
the spirit of her people in defence of her rights
not unworthy of their ancestors whose voice first heard
to call the embattled" armies of America to the field.
ResotUed That in placing beloved State posture
of military defence necessary that there should be i'm
mediate Legislative action and We therefore, respect
fully request that the Executive of the STATE will take the
necessary steps to convene the Legislature at early peri
cd as possible.
ResotUed, That the Chairman appoint Committee ofthree
persons, who shall transmit to His EXceency the Govern
Or the foregoing resolutions, accompanied by letter
specially urging the prOpriety and necessity of
date convOcaon of the General Assembly of this State
All which resolutions unanimously passed by the
meeting. The Chairman subsequently appointed Messrs.
H. Waddell j. J. jackson, and N. A Ramsey the Commit
under the 5h resolution. The meeting notion then
adjourned.
J. A. HANKS, Chairman.