The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1867-03-28
M ARCH 25, 1867.
GROVE HILL, Warren County, N. c.,

-~A1 oSeheyt
---.. March Goth, 1867.
TO the Loya. Union citizens of the State to assemble
in Raleigh on the 9th instant.
I regret very much that circumstances render
1t lnconvenient Tor me to meet you, the day
named, to consult in regard to the best mode of
reconstruction but having the utmost confidence
in any decision that you may make, therefore, I,
as member of your body, will cheerfully concur
with you in whatever it may be-
have ever been an avowed Union man, from
the commencement of the rebellion up to this
time, and expressed myself SO at all times. And
L cannot say that there was another open Union
man in this county-Warren. 1t was with diff
Guilty that one could escape with his life and ex-
press himself in favor of the Union, for Holden
and the Standard during the rebellion. But I
did both all the time, and was threatened with
mob law and violence in various ways in and out
OF the county-(hanging, &C., opposed seces-
slen IN every way could, but it cost me fifty
thousand dollars. So much for secession.
With the highest regards, &c.
VIM. MORGAN POWELL"
The following letter from Tod R. Caldwell,
Esq, was also read
"MoRGANToN, N. c., 22d March, 1867.
Col. C. L. HARMS
My Dear Sir: had hoped that it would be
possible for me to meet my friends in Raleigh on
the 9th instant, but the condition of my wounds,
of which apprised You some weeks since, pre-
vents my attendance. I beg, however, to assure
our friends through you that though absent in
person will be present with them in spirit
trust your conference will rebound to the lasting
advantage of our good old mother, and have the
effect of speedily restoring us to our lost estate
in the Union, and that such measures will be de-
viscd as will forever prevent those persons, who
sought to destroy the best government ever
vouchsafed by God to man. from again participat-
ing in the management Of our political affairs
SINS turned from the of their ways and given
unmistakable evidence of change of heart and
determination to demean themselves as loyal men
for the future. To bring about results desir-
able is worthy of the best efforts of best men,
and here pledge my feeble aid in the laudable
enterprise Hoping that your gathering may be
large, fraternal and harmonious, in all things, l
subscribe myself your hearty co,laborer in good
cause, TOD r. CALDWELL"
After these various communications were
read, Mr.. w. F. Henderson, of Davidson,
proceeded to address the Convention.
He said that it had assembled to take into
consideration the condition of the country.
Let it mature everything and proceed with
deliberation. If it complies with the act of
Congress in all respects, no difficulties could
intervene to hinder the return of the State.
There are but two parties in this country,
said he, the Republican party. and the anti
Republican. The former is the friend of the
government, the latter is against it. Let us
act with the Republican party-with the
friends of the Union, (applause)
Two years have elapsed since the surren-
ton than we now are. Why is this so Be-
cause the rebels were then humble, and only
wished to save their lives. But when
leniency was exercised, the secessionists
took the reins in their own hands and
controlled things their own way. We
wont eat any more dirt. said they. But now
they must eat it by the bushel. [Applause. ]
They must stand back-let loyal men rule,
and the old State will be so restored to the
Union of our fathers. I repeat, let US act
with Congress. have proclaimed it on the
stump in Western Carolina, proclaim it here
tonight that am for Congress and opposed
to Andrew johnson and secession Great
applause.l He attempted to resurrect the
Democratic party from the foul grave of Sc
cession, and 1 am opposed to him. What
we now need among Union men-Republi-
cans of the South, is long pull, and II strong
pull all together. leaving Andy johnson and
secession out of the question Laughter and
cheering. Not only must we leave Andrew
and secession out, but we must set aside
the latter-day-war-saints also! [Cheerlng.
Especially those obstinate men, who de-
nounced every friend of Congress as con-
temptable mean white man There are those
too who started well, were Union men up to
the close of the war, who are all wrong now.
We must not include them when we count
tween the porch and the altar. Let US carry
out the act of Congress in good faith, against
Andrew johnson and secession to the strict
letter of the law! [Great applause. Let
us have no chickering's in our camp, but act
cheerfuly and unitcdly.
Mr. J. H. Harris moved to lay the letter OF
Mr. Tourgee on the table. which was carried.
DR.. Jordan, of Person, arose to res pond
to the sentiment of the gentleman from Da-
wilson, who said we had come here for the
good of the people. That was his purpose.
Mr. Jordan continued. These are exciting
times When l remember my losses by the
war, Sir, including two sons. can scarcely
restrain the emotions of my heart. l can
scarcely control my Indignation against
those who brought this ruin on our coun-
try. do not desire, nor will l indulge in
elimination, but these two who brought
about this rebellion, thank God, one of them
is now in his prison, whom think the most
wicked of men. But we must be calm. Let
us proceed quietly and detersninedly, for
Sir say that those who were instrumental
in getting up this war, should never hold
office. always opposed the rebellion and
favored negotiation to put an end to it, and d
when it ended rejoiced to learn that jeff.
Davis was captured and on his way to For
tress Monroe. Sir, recollected his bastile
at Salisbury, where the innocent died with
out trial ever being accorded them; and
when any one expresses sympathy with him,
I can scarcely keep my temper. I never
committed treason. If sending my boys
some provisions and clotheing is treason, Ibid
that They volunteered because of the i'm
pending draft, for CONSUMPTION had not then
been imported from France by that man
who, next to Benjamin, had the lowest in
stincts in the world-one Wigfall, whom
nobody has ever heard of since he got over
the Mississippi [Cheers.] Let US be firm
and determined as have said and there is
nothing to fear. After some further remarks
Mr. Jordan offered the following resolutions
WHEREAS In the opinion of this meeting while
it is eminenty proper and right that the State of
North Carolina should be restored to her former
position in the Union that peace, prosperity and
social happiness may return to our people, and
whereas we profess to have and feel a deep in
terest in their future welfare and permanent pros
perity, and whereas we are painfully impressed
with the belief that fourffths of them are unable
to pay taxes and meet their individual indebted
ness, under our present collection laws, there
fore,
Resolved That in order to avert very great dis
tress amongst the people of the State and avert
the sacrifice of the property thereof as to allow
the citizens opportunity ofworking out of their
indebtedness, respectfully solicit Gen. Sickles,
fl,;s frio to-