The Nevada Democrat. [volume] (Nevada, Calif.) 1854-1863, 1860-05-16

interesting Ahcluchts OF the tteVOlHtlOn'
The following touching passages are contain
ed in the speech of Mr.. Boteler, of Virginia, de-
livered in the House of Representatives darling
the late contest for Speaker. The incidents
narrated are full of interest, aud the language
employed is the language ofpatriotism:
The district which represent, and the coun-
ty from which l eome-that county made fa-
nous by the raid of Brown--was the first, the
very FIRST in all the South, to send succor TO
Massachusetts,. In one Of the most beautiful
spots in that beautiful county, within ride shot
of my residence, at the base of the hill, where
glorious spring leaps out into sunlight from
beneath the gnarled roots of a thunder-riven
oak, there assembled en- the 10th of July, l775
the very first band of Southern men who march
ed to the aid of Massachusetts, They met
there. and their rallying cry was, beo-line for
Boston.
That beautiful and peaceful valley had never
been polluted by the footsteps Of foe, for
even the Indians themselves kept it free from
the lncurson OF the enemy. 1t was the hunt
ing range and neutral ground of the aborgi-
nees. This band assenbled there, aud bee
line for Boston was made from thence. Before
they marched they made pledge that all who
survived would assemble there fifty years after
that day. II vas my pride aud pleasure to be
H.NN~"N "HNh thN Any yNhlo iOllth AlOhhus
Three aged, feeble, tottering men--the survi-
vors Of that glorious band OF one hundred and
twenty--were all who were left to keep their
trust, aud be faithful to the pledge made fifty
years before to their companions, the homes OF
many Of whom were bleaching on the Northern
hills.
Sir, have often heard of the last survivor
of that baud of patriots the incidents of their
first meeting and their march how they made
sam ea hnn In, 4
miles u day-and how, as they neared their
point of destination, Washington, who happen
ed to be making reconnaissance in the negh-
borhood, saw them approaching, aud recognized
the llnsey-woolsey huating shirts of old Vir-
glnla, rode up to meet aud greet them to the
camp how, when he saw their captain-his
old companion in arms-Stephenson who stood
by his eide at the Great Meadows on Braddock' IS
fatal field, and in many an Indian campaign,
and who reported himself to bis commander rs
from the right bank Of the Poomac"-ho
sprang from his horse and clasped his old friend
and companion in arms with both hands. He
spoke no word of welcome, but the eloquence
OF silence told what his tongue could not artic.
ulate. lie moved along the ranks, shaking the
hands OF each, from man to man, and all the
while-as my informer told me-the big tears
were seen coursing down his manly cheek.
Ay, sir, Washington wept. Aud why did the
glorious soul OF Washington swell with emo.
ton? Why did he weep? Because he saw that
the cause OF Massachusetts was practically the
cause of Virginia because he saw that her cit
lzens recognized the great principles involved
In the contest, These Virginia volunteers had
come spontaneously. They had come in re-
sponse TO the words OF her Henry, that were
leaping like live thunder through The land. tell.
ing the people of Virginia that they must fight
and hght for Massachusetts,. They had come
to rally by Washngton's side, to defend your
fathers fresides, to protect their homes from
harm. Well, the visit has been returned John
Brown selected that very county as the spot for
his invasion and, as was mentioned in the Sem
ate, the rock where Seeman fell was the very
rock over which Morgan aud his men marched
a few hours after Hugh Stevenson's command
bad crossed the river some two miles further
up.
May this historical "reminiscences reklndle the
embers Of patriotism in our hearts Why
should In nation OF ours be rent in pieces by
the rrepressible conflict? Is il irrepresslble T?
The battle will not be fought out here When
the dark day comes, as come it may, when this
question that now divides aud agitates the
hearts Of the people can only be dec ded by the
bloody arbltram mt of the sword, ii will be the
saddest day for US and all mankind that the
sun OF Heaven has ever shown upon.
trust, Mr.. Clerk, that this discussion will
now cease. trust that all will make an effort
by ballotiog, and by succession of bsii0tings
TO organize the House. | trust that we will 20
ou in our efforts, day after day, until we do ef-
feet AL organization, aud proceed to perform
the duties which we were sent here TO discharge
that the great heart of our country will cease
to pulsate with the anxiety which now causes it
to throb; aud that we will each, iG our own ap
propriate sphere, do what we can to make our
selves worthy Of the inestimable blessings
which can only be enjoyed by free aud en-
lghtened people.