Delaware State journal and statesman., 1861-05-10
LOCAL AFFAIRS.
Reported for the journal and Statesman
ORGANIZATION OF THE WILMINGTON
CITY GUARD.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
Patriotic Speech of Captain
RIDDLE.
HEARTY RESPONSES.
COLLATION., Enthusiasm, &C., &c

The Wilmington City Guard" numbering
ninety men, completed their Organization on
Tuesday night last, by eleetine the following
officers :--Captain. Geo Read Riddle lst. Lieu.
tenant, William E. Highfeld; ID Lieutenant,
Henry Bleyer; 81 Lieutenant, Samuel D. New.
| lin; 4th Lieutenant, John Divine; Quarter.
master VIM, 7. Porter; Ensign, George O'Neill,
most, if not all of whom, have had experience in
other companies. Mr.. Riddle, having been in
formed of his election, entered the room, and
when called forward, spoke in substance as fol-
follows:
SoLDIHRsi-I am informed that you have
unanimously elected me Captain of the Guards.
Whilst would have been willing to serve you in
any capacity, gratefully accept the position as
signed me, and here, in your presence, and in
the presence of the citizens who surround us.
pledge myself to use every effort to promote
your efficiency. and make you formidable foe
to traitors, and safe reliance for the citizens of
Wilmington.
On surveying your ranks l see they reflect
many of tic solid men of Wilmington, men who
having interests here, dare protect them. and
men who will shrink from no proper RESPONSE,
biltB. Such men it will be my pride as well as
pleasure to command. But, soldiers, recollect,
our country is Passing a fiery ordeal. Civil
war with all its horrors and calamities is
partially upon us. Let us avert it if
possible The unfortunate gun fired upon
sumpter, has brought a nation to arms, aud
its patriots to tears. Let us, therefore, as
ctizen-soldiers prepare for war but pray for
pence Let US invoke the God of batlles-King
OF kings and Lord of lords-to preserve and main
tain this, the hest Government ever established.
the greatest fabric of human wisdom. This
Union once dissolved, the spirits of our fore
fathers may desert us forever for our sins; and
civil and religious liberty be buried in its grave.
Whilst we are merely Guard for city protec.
tion, let US promote the Union sentiment. The
Union destroyed, Delaware may be obliteratcd
The Union preserved Delaware would continue
star in the glorious constellation. Interest
therefore, as well as patriotism demand of us
the preservation Of the Union. Let the prescr-
walton of the Union be your first, your chief OBJ
ject. In a word, let Mason and Dixon's line.
and the circle of the told surveyors" with the
Delaware river and bay on the East, continue TO
bound State of the Union.
So far as the Guards are concerned, let US do
every thing that is honorable to increase their
numbers. Let us throw no obstacle in the way
of other companies Our mission is the protee
tion of the lives and property of the citizens of
Wilmington, and l think you competent to the
task. 1t is true our loyalty has been questioned
but questioned by men who, unless done through
Ignorance, are unworthy of your notice. Every
man in your ranks has pledged himself to be
subject, as a company, to the call of the Mayor.
'for the suppression of mobs the punishment of
marauders, and the security of life and property
in Wilmington" and have only to express the
hope, while l would regret the necessity, TINT
our loyalty may be tested, when we are properv
armed, by being the first company called into
service Is this your wish (Yes, was the
universal shout from the ranks Then, soldiers.
have but one more word to say. 1t is to thank
you for the honor you have conferred upon me.
When Mr.. Riddle concluded the company an.
peared wild with enthusiasm, and give three
cheers for the speech, three cheers for the Can |
tain, three cheers for each and all of the other |
officers, and nine cheers for the Union. After
which, to the number of about seventy five, thew
repaired to the adjoining room and partOok of a |
sumptuous collation., provided by the Captain.
where mirth, with the best order, prevailed until
nearly eleven o'clock,
The LOTTERY CAsE.-Tho Diamond State, pub
lished at New Castle, says the Court of Chancery
met on Tuesday last, and Geo p. Eddy. Of
Wood, Eddy Co.'s Lottery, having served out
the fourteen days to which he was sentenced for
contempt in not obeying the injunction granted
against the finn, was brought into Court and
upon motion of Mr.. Rodney was discharged.
after showing by Mr.. Eddys affidavit that he
had exerted himself to stop all business for the
present in the Delaware Lottery.
Benjamin Wood and Charles Murray the other
members of the firm, against whom attachments
had also been issued, living in New York and,
Of course, out Of the Jurisdiction Of our Court
did not appear, and MS the Chancellor had de- |
cided at the session of the Court fortnight ago.
that the argument for the dissolution of the in |
junction could not be proceeded with until the
parties had purged themselves of the contempt
the whole matter lies over until Messrs. Wood
ind Murray appear and shave the chains strick-
en- from them" The Court of Chancery sits
again on Thursday, the lGthnst.
Nor TRuE.-Mr, William L. Robinson, the
Postmaster ut Seaford, writes to us giving the
informauan that the report published in the
journal and other papers of this State, to the
effect that Van Amburgh's letters were opened
at Seatord, Is untrue. No letters he says have
been broken open at my timeat his office We
make this correction at the request Of Mr.. Rob-
inson. He is entitled to it us an net of Justice.
The report did not originate with us.