The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-02-12
For the Western Democrat.
COUNTY CONVENTION.
CHARLOTTE, n. c., Feb. 9, 1861

!
! CHARLOTTE, N. c., Feb. 9, 1861.
According to previous arrangement, delegates from
the different Beats of the county of Mecklenburg
at the courthouse at II O'clock and motion of DR.
NJ Miller, Col Thomas l. Grer called to the Chair
DR. j. N. Miller and L. S. Williams were requested to
act Secretaries.
| By request of the President, Saml J. Lowrie ex-
planned the object of the conventon-which to
nominate Delegates to represent this county in the Con-
vention to assemble at Raleigh.
The meeting was opened with prayer by the Rev R Fl
Lafferty.
| The lists of delegates of the different Beats being
called for the following Beats responded Charlotte,
Lemlys, Paw Greek, Morning Star Sharon Providence
Berryhils, Steel Greek, Clear Creek Deweeses NAL
! lard Creek, Grab Orchard.
On motion of Gen. Neal, letters from the following
gentlemen read, advocating the m,nedi tie with
drawal of North Carolina from the Federal zion and
the formation of a Southern Confederacy Viz: j. NJ.
Hutchson, J. W. Osborne, J NJ Strong Young, VIM.
Johnston and also a letter from H Wilson was read
On notion it was resolved that the Charlotte Beat
have and the others have each votes and
that thirds of the whole be required to elect cand
| dates.
| recess of half an hour taken, that the Beat
delegations might confer for the purpose of making
their votes for candidates.
The time of recess having expired, the Convention
assembled and proceeded vote which resulted as
follows: J W Osborne, IL votes-Johnson, 7-Strong
6-Young l. votes being required to elect none but
Osborne elected The second ballot resulted in
for Johnston and for Strong. Osborne and Johnston
were then unanimously nominated by reclamation.
committee OF appointed
wait upon the nominees and request their presence
acceptance. During their absence, Lowrie enter
tanned the Convention in patriotic and sound South
Rights speech. In the meantime, Mr. Johnston
made his appearance and expressed his sentiments in
forcbe and eloquent speechtakng the position that
every of duty, honor and interest require that
North Carolina withdraw speedily from the North
Black Republican States, and connect herself with her
sister Southern States, who are identified with in
interest and feeling. His speech throughout elected
hearty applause.
offered, and passed without dissenting voice.
Whereas In the views of this Convention the fur
ther continuance of the State of North Carolina in the
Federal Union inconsistent with the interest of her
citizens and dishonorable to her free and ndepen
dent State,
Resolved by this Convention, That we pledge our
selves all honorable in power cause
the election of candidates for Delegates for the
State Convention; and that they expected when
elected make all honorable exerion procure the
passage by the Convention at early day prac-
ticable of Ordinance dssolvng the connection of
our State with the Federal Union.
Resolved, That in the defence of rights at this
tme Old Meckleuburg will remember the days of u.s.
and that will disgrace the of patriotic
fathers.
Resolved, That the people of Meckenburg be re-
quested to meet in Charlotte at ratification
and campaign meeting, the 22d inst, and the mill
companies, the cadets of the n. u. NJ L. and the
Big Spring Brass Band, requested to be present.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be
published in the town papers and the State Journal and
call for their sentiments by number of citizens; also
the letter of the citizens to them.
Resolved, That the Chairman appoint county
cutive commit tee of five superntend the arrange
ment for the Mass Meeting on the 22d inst
THOS. l. GRIER, Pres.
/: H 5. T W111Ihn,, Secs
The following the letters of Messrs Johnston and
Osborne answering heterogeneous propounded by GER
tain gentlemen previous to the meeting of the above
convention. The interrogatories stated in Mr.
Johnston's letter
COLUMBIA, Feb. 7th, 1861.
Messrs W Phifer and others, Gentlemen I am in
the receipt of your favor of the 4th ns propounding
the following interrogatories ..
care you in favor of withdrawing the State of North
Carolina from the present Confederation the assemb
ling of the State Convention?' care you in favor of
Southern Confederacy and that North Carolina take
Immediate steps to form one of its members?
Without hesitation reply in the affirmative to both
of the foregoing queries. 1t is my deliberate cOnvc-
ton the policy of North Carolina is sunder
connection with the Federal Government early
practicable. In this uncure Of affairs this course APP
pears be dictated by the highest considerations of
peace security and honor. Having taken this step,
believe that it will be her interest and duty unite
early as possible in Southern Conederacy. These,
gentlemen, briefly my views given in the midst of
other engagements. have reserve in my opinions
on the momentous issues convusing the country
For FIVE years have taken public part in politics.
and am frank in stating that desire 1t is ad
mted that there may be times in the affairs of State
when no should feel at liberty to withhold his
vices from the country. But when it is recoeced that
Mecklenburg is not without her ':ewels and that
Sparta hath many worthier son than he" who now
addresses will admit the proprety of
With Acknowledgements for the kind motives which
prompted your letter. and with every feeling to support
cordially the nominees of your convention, remain
Very truly your friend and fellow citizen,
WIN. JOHNSTON.
CHARLOTTE, Feb 6, 1861.
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