The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1860-08-08
From The Alexandria (va.) Gazette Of July IS.
FRO-sLANERY NIOLENCE-A RBPCB-
LICAN POLE AND BANNER CUT DOWN.

On the 4th Of July the Black Republicans, of
whom some sixty reside in the vicinity OF Occo-
guam, instituted an association. and agreed TO
erect pole to bear aloft flag with the names
OF Lincoln and Hamlin. The pole was accor-
dinghy erected, the following persons assisting
in the pole raising: John Underwood, ". e.
Athy, Robert Curtis, Oliver Underwood, II. W.
Rives, J. ". Miller. William Davis (boy), S.
Hanmill, John Taylor. Andrew Underwood,
Marion Grigg. T. Q. Coulter, James Gould,
Thomas Rives, jr, II. F. Duty, ". Fl. Johnston,
7. L. Selecman, John Wright, William Wes-
tern, 4. a. Selecman, Edward Roberts (En-
glishnan). Tasco Harris free negro), Jim Sny-
der free negro, and Albert Harris (free negro).
Upon the raising Of the pole, the pole-raisers
were armed with muskets, and made quite q
military demonstration. 4 meeting was held.
at which Black Republicans speeches were
made by ". c. Athy and j. Wright. Many
persons in the neighborhood opposed the erec-
tion Of the pole. but at first there was no indi-
cation Of an attempt to disturb it The Repub-
lcans, when spoken 10 on the subject, answered,
" That there was no one in the country who
dared to touch the pole; there were men
enough TO defend it," DC. On one occasion, an
old resident Of the neighborhood was assaulted
because he declared that the pole was nuis-
ance, and on another, threats were made to
ride upon rail a gentleman living near by,
because be had spoken Southern sentiments
freely at Oecoquan. This raised much feeling
in the neighborhood, and az meeting at
Brentsyille, some time about last Court, it was
agreed that the flag was an insult to the peo-
pie Of Virginia, and incendiary in the object it
was raised to promote, and should be torn down
On Friday, the 9th day Of July.
1ntelli gence Of this determination soon reached
OccoeEan, and on Monday night Republican
meeting was held there to devise measures for
the defense Of the flag pole. On the following
morning Mr. j. c. Athey visited Washington,
and sent 10 Governor Letcher the dispatch
which We published yesterday. While in Wash
ington, Atty made arrangements 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 Governor
Letchee, however, induced the abandonment Of
this plan.
On the morning Of the 27th yesterday the
Z republicans hosted the American flag and the
ensign bearing the names of Lincoln and Ham,
lin. At l-2 o'clock the Prince William Cav
airy. Capt Thorton commanding entered the
village, and ranged themselves in the neigh
borhood Of the pole. They were followed by
company Of about forty strong, under command
Of Capt. Fitzhugh and Major Carter, wbo. pay
ing no attention whatever to the borsemen,
quietly formed in hollow square around the
pole, facing inward. While this company was
surrounding the pole. Mr.. Joseph 7. Janney ad-
vanced TO the captani Of the troop Of horse and
claimed protection for his property, upon which
the pole stood.
At the word Of command, James ". Jack.