Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1863-06-24

oy this geHtleman for the Richmond Enquirer, in
November, 1852, soon after his return from the
North, where he had besn fsi Tie bsneft Of his
health. This Communication, With conversation
alleged to have taken psasebetxeen him and y fed
erai oficer in Virginia was madeline foundation for
ms arrest and Incarceration in Castle Thunder.
Alter his return from the North, Mr.. Graves ad-
dressed his congregation on one or two occasions,
giving impressions Of what be had sean and heard
North and urging them, as they desired success
IN the present struggle to redouble their exertions
and brace themselves for long war Atthe request
OF friend he wrote out these Impressions and they
were transmitted for publication in the Enquirer.
soon after, an officer was sent from Richmond by
zen. winder, to The Oaks in Orange County, and
MI Graves was arrested on the Sabbath day, near
the Church in which he had just delivered . dis
course to his congregation; and, without any civil
process or authority, he was hurried to Richmond
and cast like common felon into Castle Thunder.
5ut the Legislature Of the State, which soon sitter
assembled, took DIP the subject on the motion Of
Mr. Graham, the Senator from Grange, and resolu-
lions were passed demanding Mr.. Graves release
and return TO- this State The demand was complied
with, and an examination was had before Judge
Manly, of the Supreme Court. After full hearing,
the evidence offered against him being vague and
dlmsy, Mr.. Graves was required to give bond in the
sum Of 80 600 to appearand stand his trial Cor trea.
on before the Confederate Court in Richmond, Vir-
ginia, in which State it was alleged the crime was
committed Mr. Graves accordingly appeared in
Richmond on tho 10th of this month, when the
Grand Jury, after full and patient hearing of the
evidence, refused to find bill against him, and he
was discharged.
Such is brief outline of the facts in this case of
gross and wicked political persecution in which the
civil law was set at defiance, and an innocent man
deprived of his liberty and attempted to be consign
ed to felon's doom. We forbear to recur at any
he, an unarmed and unofending Minister of the
Gospel, was treated by Gen. Winder, commanding
the department Of Henrico when he was delivered
into his hands in Richmond We are content to let
all that pass now that Mr. Graves has been acquit-
ted. He has gone through the fire of persecution
and come out Of itpure gold. He is now above sus-
picion even for jury of his country has declared
AAS Soh INV o1Viu W IOVh VII his pcIocCutOISy
here and in Richmond and can pity the passionate
and misguided old man who deprived him of his lib
erty, and sought to blacken his name and deprive
aim of his life.
The communication below is truthful exposi-
ton of Northern sentiment and action, and the lapse
Of time has but revealed its correctness. 1t was
statement of facts at the time, with a calm, clear,
and dispassionate warning by Mr. Graves to his
countrymen to prepare for the worst. The worst
is not yet come; but if the war should continue
twelve months longer, unless Providence should in
terpose in marked manner in our BEHALF the worst
may be yet in reserve for u.s. We can only hope
now and trust in Providence. We all know that
His will will be accomplished, whatever man may
hope or devise.
To the Editors of the Richmond Enquirer:
GENTLEMEN At my request the Rev. R. j.
Graves, who very recently returned from the North,
drew hasty sketch Of his impressions, which, I
hope you will give to your readers His impress
sions, you will sec, very different from those ex-
pressed in your issue of the 18th inst, and, ap.
prehend, much more correct need not say it is
very mnortant that our neone have inst vieu7s If