Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-05-29

reSOlutOn adopted Dy the convention OH ycoteiuay.
Mr. Reid then arose and announced the death OF
Hon. John HILL delegate to the Convention from the
county Of Stokes, which occurred suddenly, on FRI
day evening about o'clock, at his boarding house
in this CITY; and introduced the following resolu-
tons:
Resolued, That this Convention has heard with
emotions of deep grief Of the sudden death of the
Honorable JOHN HILL. late member OF this Con-
vention from the county OF Stokes s.-.-.
Resolved That as q mark of respect TOR the mem
ory of the deceased we will wear the usual badge Of
mourning during the remainder Of the present SEES.
sion.
Resolued, That the President be requested to
transmit copy of these resolutions to the widow OF
our deceased brother, assuring her of our high ap-
probation of the excellent qualities OF herate hus
band, and sympathy with her on the occasion OF
his death.
Resolred, That as further testimony of respect
this Convention do now adjourn.
In moving the resolutions Hon. Mr.. REID said:
Mr. President: 1t becomes my painful duty to
announce to this Convention the death Of Hon JnO.
Hill the delegate from the county of Stokes.
have known the deceased for quarter of a
century, He had been frequently a member of the
General Assembly, as well as member Of the Con-
gress of the United States and had filled various
other important public stations, in all of which he
proved equal 10 the position to which he was called.
Noble, generous and Just, in his conduct towards
all who knew him. Never even during the tiercest
political contests, have known him to speak harsh
ly of his most bitter enemy.
That seat by my side, occupied yesterday, ise va
cant to-day! He was a devoted husband, an atfec-
tionate parent, good neighbor. and his loss will be
severely felt and deeply regretted For those who
knew him best loved him most
Devoted to the great principles of the Constitu.
ton of the United States, he adhered to the Federal
Union till the last hope was extinguished when
true the patriotic impulses which had character
lied his fe-regardess of old age and feeble health
he obeyed the call of his feowcitzens, and met us
in this Hall, to consummate final separation from
a government of usurpaton and tyranny. de ap.
precated the responsibility of his position, and
performed the act with steady hand and a reSolute
heart
This is but a feeble tribute to the memory of nv
departed friend. And can command no language
adequate to the expression Of my deep condol.nce
with the amiable companion Of his life, in this sad
and melancholy affection.
Mr. LEAKE, of Richmond, said:
Nix. President: rise for the purpose Of second
ing the motion introduced by my honorable friend
Gov. Reid, and while up, ask permission to say 4
few words in relation to the many virtues of our
deceased brother. Our acquaintance commenced
at College, some forty-six years since. We were
classmates and friends while there, and through life
the warneSt attachment subsisted between us.
years, and no sooner had We met at this place, q
walk was proposed into the suburbs Of this city.
He then complained Of being feeble, and consequent
ly the walk was but short. Our conversation as
natural went back to the College Campus. He
spoke of the uncertainty Of life and of the necessity
of preparing for the life to He spoke Of the
distracted condition Of our common country, and of
the duty devolving upon US of meeting the crisis.
Little, sir, did either suppose that the summons of
the departure of one Of us at hand.
Although trust that we were both Impressed with
the truth that his remarks inculcated, that "shad-
ows we are, and shadows we pursue" and that, "in
the midst Of life We are in DEATH"
Yes, gentlemen, this sentiment are again adj
monished, should always be uppermost-for small
indeed is the nstrumentality, if indeed any be re-
quired to deprive us of life. Pope Adrian lost his
life by gnat; = distinguished Roman Councillor
lost his by hair; Anacreon, the celebrated Greek
poet lost his life by the seeG Of grape, and mush
room deprived Charles II Of his life, and history
says, changed the destinies Of Europe.
Truly, sir, are hair hung and breeze-shaken-
truly, We hold this life by most brittle tenure.
For the last forty years the deceased had filled
several distinguished posts; he had represented his
county in both branches of the Legislature; had
long been Clerk Of his county; had for years been
principal Clerk of the Senate; had been a member
of Congress-and in every position reflected honor
upon the posts he held and through all the vicsi-
tuues vi party nc was iIeProacheu anu HTePToach-
able.
There is, sir, q kind of popularity which every
man should not only desire, but which he should
strive after-the good opinion Of his fellows
quent upon good and vriuous actions This popu-
larity our friend possessed in an eminent degree.
He was mild, courteous and bland in his department
firm and dignified in his manners and, under all
circumstances, respected the feelings of others
and, sir, he who does not, is unworthy to have his
own respected.
In conclusion second the motion Of the Honor
able gentleman from Rockingham.
The following gentlemen then ddressed the Con.
ventiOn in order follows:
ROBERT. P. Dick, ESQ.
Mr.. PRESIDENT: We are constantly reminded Of
the solemn truth, that 1--WE know not what day
or an hour may bring forth" Yesterday, we were
assembled in council, to discharge the high duties
which We owe to our country, in this, her hour of
trial and portland | sincerely hope it may prove
her hour Of glory. To-day, we expected to con;in-
ue our important labors, but an Omnipotent voice
has spoken stern irrevocable order has been Civ
en- and an esteemed associate and friend has gone,
in obedience to the hasty and fearful summons
Now the stirring strife of debate is unheard in
council chamber-all excitement and passion have
been hushed. political and social prejudices have
been banished, and with hearts full of brotherly
kindness and charity, we are paying sincere trib-
ute to the memory of our friend and performing
our last sad duty to the dead.
have but little personal knowledge of the life
and character Of the Hon. John Hill the late dele
gate from the county of Stokes. Many years ago,
he was member of Congress. He has often rep
resehted his county in both branches of our State
Legislature, and filled other important Offices of
public trust The simple record of his life furnish
es no brilliant achievements in arms, or in the fields
Of high intellectual effort but in the sphere of his
duty, he has done much, and there is many noble
deed that will live after him. He was q man of a
liberal education and enlightened views, and in
cry position of public and private trust, he was
honest and faithful In all his domestic and social
relations, he was just, kind and generous.
AS citizen, he has always endeavored to be true
to the best interests of his country. He stood by
the Union of our fathers until every arch bro
ken, and every column fallen-and the last act Of
his PUBLIC life was signing the new charter Of his