Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1861-02-11
THE SOUTHERN CONGRESS.
orrsspondence of The Charleston Copiei


MONTGOMERY, Feb. 4, 1861.
To-day destined to be the most memorable in the an
nails of the Gulf States, formerly constituting integral
portions of the General Government lately known as the
United States of America but deceased, was usher
cd in under fair and brilliant omens The glorious sun,
whose appearance had been unmanies for weeks past,
now shines forth from syery parting clouds with undim-
med ustre and the combination OF sunshine and clear,
cold bracing air has rendered exceedingly cheerful the
otherwise unpleasant streets. From early morn could
be seen gathering together at the public squares ana
along the most frequented highways anxious knots OF
eagerly conversng upon the great Convention
which was TO decide the destiny OF the Southern States
As the hour Of noon approached the bill upon which
stands the Capitol tie cOTpeer OF Independence Hall,
might have been backened with the dense streams
of human life. Vehicle after vehicle, loaded with
animate cargoes deposited their burdens at the same To-
cation and lent their numberess inmates to the unnum-
bered thrOug. The aged patriot, whose syery hairs
dated back to the inception of the first Revolution, and
whose toeiing footsteps were guided by the hands OF
flial Affection the inspired mother, whose bosom nhs-
ing the breath of patriotism, ready TO sacrifice her
first born upon her countrys altar the fair girl whose
~ lie and encUui cement directed to spur on her
fond nced TO deeds OF yalor and honor and the rosy
checked child whose FIRST lesson had been learned under
the portrait of Washington these were all there and as
the rivers of life poured their contents into the lofty ed
fee one could marx upon their outlines The expression
or resolute determination and unsuled patriotism As
We enter the right wing let note the appearance oil
the Chamber and the distribution OF its contents.
Immediately opposite the ouly entrance rises, in m'es
tic grandeur the dgnifed rostrum of the Speaker and
over which hangs in simple elegance original painting
of the great prototype of American liberty. Around and
on each side OF the amos, circular apartment, are ar
ranged at given intervals he portraits OF jackson, an
GOV CLAY Calhoun Lewis and the historian Pinckney
and beyound these the legendary Inscriptions and rem
niscences OF the Palmetto Regiment Marions Dinner and
variety OF other prints, calculated to entce memory
l. 81, 1avs ~ and OF
Carolina Clustering around the disk are groups OF agile
rcoorters and on the main body of the floor going
about the exWa hingtonian lion oihceseekers, seeking
whom thew may devour Desk after desk being occupied
bv the deront members oe the delegations and many
cordial smile and fraterna grasp are interchanged
amongst those who have left the Babylon OF American
potcs 70 seek the aramed Canaan OF Southern desire.
il vet wants an hour OF the time Of meeting, and the ca
paoou gallery being densey filled with the lair ladies
of Asbama whose sparkling eyes and gracious smiles
are sufficient incentives 10 the great WORK oil revolution
zing deiuuct administration.
But as the minutes slowly drag their weary lengths
away a dispo toa is manifest to- commence the great
work. and soon after meridian appears ~ the r1trum
delegate of striking ard prepossessng appearance, who
suggests the name of Hon. r. W. Barpwel of South Ca
roina as temporary chairman. This individual Is the
celebrated Judge Chiffon, of Alabima This first bust
ness movement as premise to its successors was char
acterzld by unanmity, and as the venerable Bdrnwe
sppeared every heart leapt with new impulse HIS
first aciion TO open the meeting win prayer LUIS
was accomplished by the Rev. Basil NJ Manly, former
Father in Israel" OF yorr city. The scene was truly
solemn aud deeply impressive. The sged minister raised
his clear though feeble to the Almighty in iervent
appeal for the peace and prosperity of our LAND and in
vokng the blessings of God upon the aFduon abors OF
those Who under His Providence bad assembled together
to throw of the Calling yoke OF tyranny and to establish
once more the ground work of liberty and independence
As he proceeded his aged tongue seemed to strengthen,
and his heart 10 beat fuller and fuller with inspiration from
above and as his lips murmured the final Amen, 1t was
but the substance of the convuse echo OF every bosom
The examiGatio of credentials having been completed,
the Convention proceeded to the eec.ioa Of permanent
officers aud firstly the Chair announced the time for the
nomination of President.
At this iuncture the Hon. Mr. Rhet arose, and in few
chaste and fe lOg remarks rendered the name OF the
Hon Howell Cobb OF Georgia, President aud suggest
ed the propriey OF election by reclamation Upon the
mention of the name it greeted with great applause,
and Mr. Rhels suggestion having been acted upon, Mr.
Cobb assumed the dgnites his postan, the enthusi
asm prevalent amongst the assembled multitude was ir-
resstibe and one unanimous cIy of approval greeted
the noble Georgian who dared to set aside the Federal
Satan to lay his sacrfcal offering the generous bosom
of his mother Georgia. His address characteristic
of his political liie-6rm, decisive resoute He impress
ed the Convention with the necessity of approaching the
grave objects which their assembling together had in
view, and the mighty results it was pregnant with.