Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-06-22
REMARKS OF MR.. SMITH,
OF HALIFAX


On tie proposition Jetorc tile Convention to recon-
sider the Seren Regiment Ordinance June oath,
1861.
Mr. SMITH said He had not intended to say any
thing at this time upon the ordinance under consd-
Grafton, having discussed it at length on two previ-
Gus OCCASIONS but the discussion had taken a
wide range, he felt it his duty reply to some of
the objections that had been urged against it.
Much had been said about the motives of gentle
men he took it for granted that every gentleman
actuated by pure and patriotic motives. As for
himself he came here free from any party feeling
determined to do what he thought best for the hon.
and interest of the State, with disposition to
find fault with the Governor. He thought he had
discharged his duties to the best of his ability and
with pure intentions, but he could not say that all
his acts met with his appreciation. At an early pc
rod of the session he had directed his attention to
the defenceeSs condition of the seaboard and with
the view of affording it protection, without consul
tation with any one he had offered the ordinance
now under consideration. Let US examine its pro-
visions. 1t provides for raising Immediately one
regiment of cavalry and six regiments of infantry for
the defence of the Seaboard OF the State If this is
necessary it is the duty of this Convention to pass
this ordinance at once and quiet the apprehensions
of many persons in the Eastern section of the State
All the information that he had, brought him to the
conclusion, that our exemption from attack and in
vasion was not owing to our preparations to sue
cesSfully repel the enemy but to other causes. We
had an extent of seacoast over 500 miles in length,
with numerous inets some of which had been
partially defended by batteries. but gentlemen in
this Convention, living in those counties had assur
cd him that in calm weather there were many points
where all army of thousands might be landed in one
day without Neutrality-suspicious. solitary senti-
mel to give the alarm a soldier to oppose them
He appealed to gentlemen to know whether they
were willing to risk this any longer-whether they
were willing to leave the only vulnerable points in
State open to the enemy-pointS where he could
strike us with most effect and when once in their
possession, could not be wrested from them during
the war, let its continuance be ever so long.
As to the number Of troops called for, it would be
recollected that the chairman of the military
mittee had stated on a former OCCASION that it
about the number called for by Gen. Gwynn, the
general in command on the coast. He desired here
to call attention to the letter of Gov Ellis in refer
ence to the coast defences. He says THAT if our
batteries are properly served fact of which Qhe
Governor) could entertain 10 doubt, the power of
the United States Navy is not sufficient to effect an
entrance into any of the harbors of the State"
With due Difference to the opinion of the Governor,
he ventured to say that no military man of any re-
putation, nor any reliable gentleman would endorse
that opinion. The fact that the Governor had such
entire confidence in our deences gave him the more
uneasiness as we might not expect much effort to
be made when he considered every thing secure.
1t is charged by gentlemen that this ordinance
will interfere with the military defenceS of the State,
and confne to particular locality portion of the
troops. In reply to this he had to say that if gen.
tlemen would examine it carefully and give it that
fair construction which they gave to other bills ola
similar character, they would find no difficulty about
it. 1t proposed to raise the troops in the East be-
cause they were more acclimated and better &C.
quanted with the country, and it was right that
they should be assigned the duty Of defending their
homes and resides in preference to those from 9TH
erparts Of the State, however brave they might be.
He repealed the argument of some gentlemen who
called this peace establishment intended for in.
glorious ease and security. He knew that many Of
the brave men who would be stationed on the coast
would prefer to go forward and meet the advancing
enemy, but it must be remembered that it was just
as important to guard the rear the 'front.' and in
all military operations there must be many who can