Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1861-01-24
ASTOUNDING DEVELOPMENTS
SECESSION, DOUBLE TREASON, DRAG'
OONS AND HEAVY INFANTRY


The following remarkable letter, purport-
ing to reveal a plot of some considerable mag
nitude, comes to us by due course of mail
from a distinguished citizen of neighboring
town. 1t is well calculated to startle and
"astonish the natives" in this latitude, in a
greater or less degree, and we submit it, with
all due anxiety, to the careful consideration
of all whom 1t may concern. TO borrow the
Language of a contemporary on a somewhat
similar occasion, nothing but assurances
coming from such an intelligent and reliable
source could induce US to accept the authen-
ITCHY of these startling statements p We
trust that some measure of Cancellation may
be brought forward-some compromise devils
ed-whereby the movement here indicated
may be peacefully averted. But if it is too
late for this-if the rebels are fully deter min
ed to discard all considerations of reason and
of patriotism, then we call upon all true friends
of Union, of mankind and OF Mendon,
who may be called to act in the disatfected
locality, to stand to their arms O and do
their duty-whatever that may be. A word
to the wise is sufficient, and without further
comment we hasten TO lay before our readers
the said remarkable letter, which is as fol-
lows:
MENDoN, Jan. 81, 1861.
Mr.. EDITOR
Dear Sir - think it my duty to in
form the public of the double treason which is
in formation in this Town. | am credibly in
formed there has been several secret meet
ings of the most prominent citizens OF this
place for the double purpose of seeding from
the Federal Government and from the State
of ermont. / understand the Chief Justice
of Mendon has given it as his opinion, that a
1o,cn not only has the legal right to secede
from the United States, but from the State in
which it is located therefore the inha bitants
of this distinguished locality are determined
to free themselves from all foreign authority
whatever. The Shingle Weavers' Society
have formed Themselves into a battalion of
dragons, mounting their wooden horses, and
armed with the shave, together with the Wood
Choppers Association, 'as heavy infantry, and
armed with their usual implements OF destruc-
ton, have rendered their services to the lead
ers Of this reasonable plot. b. q. A.
BRAxDo>-At the annual meeting of the
Stockholders of the Brandon Bank, held at
their Banking Rooms on the 18th inst, the
following officers were elected John A Co
nant, President; f. \. Briggs, Vice Presi-
dent l.. Bixby, Cashier Henry Field, Tel
Ter John \. Conanr, E. n. Briggs, John
Jackson, James X. Hyde, j. E. Higgins, Di-
rect0rs.
Through the generosity and munifcence
of our townsman, John Howe, Jr., Esq, of
weighing Scales notoriety, new institu-
tion-a Mechanics Library and Reading
Room-was inaugurated on Monday evening
Of last week, Spacious rooms have been
leased in the Bank Block for the purposes of
such library and reading room for the use OF
the persons in his employ. A library Of
nearly 800 volumes Is connected with the
room, c of which were contributed by G +
Dana, Esq. The principal Daily and Week
Iy papers are to be found upon the tables Ct
the Reading Room. Thus great want is sup
piled. On the occasion alluded to, the rooms
were filled to repletion with the employees of
the establishment. The meeting was opened
by Mr.. Howe. who, in a most appropriate
speech, delivered the keys of the rooms to
the employees. with but one provision, viz,
that he a one should bear the expenses. AT
ter which, remarks were made by Messrs. +.
NJ. Strong. Thos. Ross and Mr.. Mclaughlin.
i 1T IOilO"lN4 IESUIAllOLo AtIt tLlC4l pS5oGA
unanimously:
Re,oIeed, That we hereby tender to Mr.
Howe cur warmest thanks for his munifcence
and kindness in furnishing his men with this
Library and Reading Room.
Revoired, That our thanks are due TO c. f.
Dana, Esq, for his generous contribution OF
100 volumes to our Library, and that copy
OF this resolution be presented to Mr.. Dana
The following regulation was subsequently
adopted Each member shall be allowed to
introduce friend or mechanic not in the
employ Of Mr.. Howe, to receive the benefits
of tl.4 is.~ti.v+;e-.- The Iouno are 10 be
open from $50 p. NJ. until 2. NJ, or one
half hoIr after for those who wish to re-
main for conversation. The first hour is for
reading the daiIies and general conversation
\ trial of speed between Mr.. 4. Neariug's
bay gelding and Mr.. Jas. Hastings buckskin
mare took place on the ice at Lake Dunmore
18th inst, for $50 a side; best two in three
The horse took the stakes in two straight
heats. Time, 3 90 and POI. The mare
broke badly in consequence OF some water
lying in her track. After the race the same
amount was offered on the mare, with no TAX