The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-08-06

at Occoquan, Prince William county, va
At first we really supposed, without thinking
much about it, that Occoquan was away IN the
Western part of Virginia. on the Pennsylvania or
Ohio line where there were few negroes, but the
man shows us that Prince William county lies on
the Potomac river, below Mt. Vernon, and that De-
coouan is situated at the junction of Occoquan river
with the Potomac.
In this Virginia county, within sight OF the
Potomac, and almost within hearing OF Mt. Yer
non we find an association of sixty Black Repubh-
cans, of different colors, white, black, and yellow,
organized, hosting Lincoln pole, and threatening
to defend it and the flag it bears aOft in spite OF
public opinion and in despite the danger 10 which
such course must subject the public peace
The pole was cut down-so far so good-but
really that amounts to little or nothing, inasmueh
as the emmissaries who raised it, and sustain on
Southern soil the principles of which 1t is the EN-
blen are still there and threaten 10 raise another
It is not the mere presence of the pole itself-lt
is the differences to be drawn from it that are alarm
ing. Taking this excitement in Virginia in con-
nection with recent events in Texas, we can but
feel that there is deeply laid plan, with many
ramifcations, the object of which is to carry out
something like the programme of the John Brown
instruction, which insurrectiOn failed of course,
as all such attempts must fail
Tie Erection attic I"le.
On the 4th of July last, the Black Republicans,
of whom some sixty reside in the vicinity of Deco
guam instituted ;G association and agreed to erect
a pole to bear aloit flag with the names of Lin
coin and fIamlin. The pole accordingly
erected, the polerais being armed with muskets
and made quite military demonstration. A meet
ing was held at which Black Republican speeches
were made By ". G.. Athey and j. Wright
Many persons in the neighborhood opposed the
erection of the pole, believing it to be standing
70 tho Of he hnt at first
there was indication Of attempt to disturb it.
The Republicans when spoken to on the subject
answered that ''there was In the county
who dared to touch the pole" "There were men
enough to defend it," &c. On occasion old
resident of the neghborhOOd was assaulted because
he had declared that the pole was nuisance, and
on another threats made to ride upon a rail
gentleman living near by, because he had spoken
Southern sentiments freely in Occoquan. Letters
were published in the Wheeling Intelligencer de-
claring that 1.-The people in the county wanted the
pole removed, but had not the heart to do it."
This raised much feeling in the neighborhood;
and at a meeting at Brentsvile some time about
last court it was agreed that the flag was an insult
to the people Of Virginia, and incendiary in the
object it raised to promote, and should be
torn down on Friday, the 9th day of July.
Intelligence of this determination soon reached
Occoquau, and Monday night a Republican
meeting held there to devise measures for the
defence of the flag pole. On the following morn
ing Mr. j c. Athey visited Washington, and sent
to Governor Lctcher the following dispatch:
I'VE, the citizens of Occoquan, arc threatened
with invasion by an armed mob of three hundred
men from il distant part of the county, on Friday
next at : O'Clock NJ and call upon you for pro-
lection IN his emergency, otherwise We shall have
IL defend ourselves.
W. G.. Abbey, on behalf of Citizens"
To which the Governor responded as follows:
Orders will be issued at once to General Hun
ton for the protection Of your citizens"
"JouN LETCHER."
The Governor accordingly sent orders to Cen
Hunton, who directed Col. Brawner to hold
troop of horse in readiness give such protection
necessary.
Whilst in Washington, Athey made arrange
ments with certain Republicans to furnish forty or
fifty firearms of approved make, with ammunition
therefor, which were to be sent to Occoquan on
Tuesday night by wagon. The dispatch from
Gov. Leteher, however, induced the abandonment
Of this plan. AT the meeting at Occoquan, and
amid great enthusiasm, 1t resolved that the
pole should be defended to the death, unless the
assailants numbered more than three to one of the
Republicans
On the night of Thursday, several of the wives
of the residents at Oceoquau, fearing bloodshed
Woulu occur the next DAY, attempted to demOllsh
the pole. In the attempt the wife of Mr. Duty
was seriously injured by blow from her own axe
The men gathered, however, and took them away
from around the object of their attack
On the morning of the 27th, the Republicans
hoisted the American flag and the party ensign,
bearing the names of Lincoln and Hamlin. Dur
ing the morning most of the women left the vii
iage, and the place seemed quite deserted but no
preparations were made for Defence and memo
rial to the Colonel asking protection was prepared
and numerousiy signed.
At 3! O'clock the Prince William Cavalry, Can't.
Thornton commanding entered the village and
ranged themselves in the neighborhood of the pole
They were followed by company of about 40 strong,
under command of Capt. NJ Fitzhugh and Mai
Carter, who paying no attention whatever to the
horsemen, quietly formed in hollow square round
the pole, facing inwarls.
hist this company surrounding the pole
Mr. Janney advanced to the Captain of the Troop
of Horse and claimed protection for his property.
upon which the pole stood
At the word Of command, Jas. W. jackson of
Fairfax, stalwart yeoman, sprang forward and
gave the first blow, others followed "redoubling
stroke on stroke During this time there was no
interruption, save the Republicans and others who
stood at corners near by, would cry out "Aint your
axe dull Hope you're having good time"
&C. In few minutes, however there was a cry of
"stand from under" and the pole came to the
ground. Instantly the crowd gave three cheers.
when the Republicans responded by three cheers
for Lincoln and Halnlin. All were quickly at
work on the fallen pole, which was chopped up
and the pieces carried off. The flag was sent to