Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-05-26
UNION MEETING IN PORTSMOUTH, va

Correspondence Of The star
PORTSMOUTH, Va, May 23.-Edi.or Stdr A
in this city yesterday Thursday afternoon, at
Oxford Hall, when Capt. johannes Watson was
chosen chsirm,n, and r. 6. Staples secretary.
On motion, the following gentlemen were APP
70 be acted upon by the meeting. viz James n i.
Clements, George r. Boush, Philip Thomas,
Henry Burroughs, and Robert Petit.
During the absence Of the committee the band
Of the LIST Michigan regiment enlivened the meet
Ing with the national airs, "Hail Columbia" and
"Star SpanglsG Banner
The committee reported through its chairman
the following preamble and resolutions, the sdop-
ton Of which he advocated in pertinent speech:
Whereas q convention Of delegates elected by
the people Of Virginia assembled In Richmond
did In secret session, contrary to the expressed
desire Of their constituents pass certain resolves
their allegiance TO the Federal Government, and
connecting them with a so-called Southern con-
federacy; and whereas, this so-called confederasy
have waged reasonable war upon the Govern
ment Of the United States without cause or provo
cation, forcing our citizens, contrary to their
desire TO take up arms gainst their country, In
volving US In ruin and bringing destruction
on our families aud friends, causing widespread
desolation In our midst and mourning al our
dfesides therefore, be IL
Resoirsd, That we do unhesitatlngly condemn
the heresy OF accession as being destructive OF the
liberties Of the citizens, tending to demoralize
the community and the subversion Of civiliza-
ton and religion, and IL successfully carried out
would be a death blow to republican institutions
Resolced, That we look upon the Constitution
Of the United States as a sun Client guarantee of
liberty and protection to all the citizens through
out the country, and have seen no indications of
any attempt on the part Of the United States Gov.
eminent to subvert the Constitution or set aside
any OF Its provisions conseq uently feel IL our
duty TO yield the government hearty support in
It's efforts to suppress insurreetIon and put down
rebellion most efectually and In the shortest
time.
RESOLVED, That We believe a majority OF the
people OF Virginia are loyal TO the United States
but have been deceived by ambitious leaders at
home and driven into rebellion by an armed mob
from abroad; consequently we earnestly invite
them to join In the effort TO get rid Of the hor-
rible oppression from which we have suffered for
the last twelve months
Rssoiusd, That we earnestly appeal to our
brethren In our midst who have adopted the
heresy OF secession, TO return to their allegiance
feeling confident that our Government has no
desire to deprive them Of any Of their former
rights and privileges.
Resoired, That In the opinion OF this meeting
the true nterest Of the State Of Virginia demands
that her citizens In the East should without DELAY
enter Into rect gnition Of the government estab-
lished In the western section Of the State.
hssolred, That we appeal to the general gov
ernment to extend support and protection to us in
this period OF distress.
RssOlrsd, That committee of two be appoint
cd to carry out the provisions Of the sixth resolu.
don.
In accordance with the last resolution, nj essrs
Clements and CollinI were appointed a commit
zee 70 proceed to washington and present petit
ton, which was read by the secretary, and opened
for signatures.
On motion OF MIR Clements, II was Resolved,
That the military authorities be requested to ad.
minister the oath OF allegiance to city author
ities and In the event oftheir refusal TO subscrbe
70 the same, that legal steps be taken to remove
them.
The meeting then adjourned, and, headed by
1ryQ oharo ~ nts
procession, and marched through the principal
streets.