Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-01-05
For the Standard.
PUBLIC MEETING IN PITT COUNTY,

PUBLIC MEETING IN PITT COUNTY
In pursuance of a notice which had been signed
by number of gentlemen very large meeting of
the citizens O. Pitt county, was held at the Court
House in Grecnville on Saturday the ed inst
when Jacob McCotter, Esq, called to preside
On taking the Chair, he made few appropriate
marks. The Rev. Mr.. Camp being present, then
offered an impressive prayer to the throne of Grace
invoking the blessing of Heaven upon the debera-
ton of the meeting; after which, James c. Allbrt-
ton, Esq, was requested to act as Secretary
F. B. Satterthwaite, Esq, then and stated
that he had some resolutions which he would present
for the consideration of the meeting and if it was
desired, they could be referred to a committee to
consider and report upon, the meeting could act
upon them at once il they preferred to do So
Mr.. Satterthwaite then read his resolutions and
proceeded to address the meeting at length in their
support, and the very earnest attention which was
paid to his address, showed the deep interest the
whole assembly felt in the subject
After Mr.. Satterthwaite had concluded Gen. G. F.
B. Singletary arose and addressed the meeting in
opposition to the resolutions, and offered sundry
amendments to them; one of which, Mr. Satterth-
waite accepted, which was that the present Legsla
ture ought TO provide for the efficient defence of the
State, (at this stage Of the proceedings it found
impossible to proceed any further in the Court
House, so great was the pressure, and the meeting
adjourned to the Public Square)
DIR. c. j. OIlagan moved to postpone the further
which motion voted down.
Col. L. '. Ecardscy made few remarks, stating
that he objected to some portions of the original
resolutions of Mr.. Sattcrthwaite but to most of
them he heartily aSsented The vote was then
taken, and the amendments offered by Mr.. Single
tary were voted down, and the preamble and reso-
lutIonS of Mr.. Sattcrthwaite, with the accepted
amendment were passed by an overwhelming ma ori-
ty. The preamble and resolutions were as follows
WHEREAS, We, large portion of the people Of
Pitt county, irrespective of party distinction have
this day met at the Court House in Greenville to
consult together and calmly express our opinions
upon the present condition of our country-and
whereas, the present momentous crisis imposes the
duty upon every good citizen to sacrifice his party
tealty Oh the altar of patriotism; to leave no effort
untred in order possible TO preserve that glorious
palladium Of our safety the " Union of the States"
the permanently Of which we have been taught by
the fathers to regard the true text of Republic
can Government, to abate sectional hOstiities; to
check the formation and growth of sectional par
ties, to retain feeling of nationality and good will
among the American people, and to adopt such
measures as be may dictated by wisdom, modeTa-
ton, and experience, to prevent the dSmemberment
OF the Republic, and avert the caamitieS which are
sure to follow its dissolution. Therefore,
ResoLced, That while we deeply depore the cleo
ton of sectional President of the United States,
entertaining the views, and representing the prnci
pies which Abraham Lincoln does-yet We do not
regard his election (Which has been effected accord
ing to the Constitution and laws Of our country)
as sufficient cause for the diSnemberment of the
Republic, and we do not believe that any State in
this Union can stand justified before God and the
civilized world, for now breaking up this Union, and
involving the millions of innocent people who in
habit it, in all the horrible consequences which
must inevitably follow its dissolution.
ReSoLced, That with a sincere desire to produce
unity in the State and in the South, and Of ex-
m anHh to adj he
present difficulties between the Northern and
Southern States and with a firm belief that pru-
dence, wisdom, and moderation on the part OF the
South, Will secure such guarantees from the North
as will be satisfactory to all conservative patriotic
citizens; We would most respectfully recommend
to the General Assembly of the State, now in Ses-
sion, that inasmuch as they not elected upon
any issues submitted to OF decided by the people
involving the withdrawal of the State of North
Carolina from the Federal Union that they should
take no step tending to commit the people in favor
OF 1t. But We believe that the State should be pre-
pared for defence, and that Convention of the peo-
pie should be called with ample time for delIbera-
ton and refect ny in order that they may decide for
themselves, what their future relations to the Federal
government shall be. And we believe that Con-
yention Of all the slaveholding States ought to be
held at some convenient time and place, IN order
| that they may confer together concerning their
common interests, and demand from our Northern
brethren such guarantees for our future peace and
security as they in their wisdom may think right
and proper, and upon failure to obtain the same
within reasonable time then for us all to separate
from the North and to demand and have at all
hazards our just share of the common property of
the government
Resolred, That copy of the preamble and reso-
luons of this meeting be sent to representatives
in the present Legislature, with arequest that the
same be laid before that body. r.
twas further resolved, that a copy of the
proceedings of this meeting be sent to the Editors
of the Standard Register, Times, and Dispatch,
with request that they give the same an insertion
in their papers, and that other papers in the State
be pleased to copy,
After the usual vote of thanks to the Chairman
and Secretary, the meeting adjourned.
JACOR NcCOTTER Chairman