The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1868-08-05
Judge F. J. Noses.

The election OF this INDIVIDUAL TO the
position of Chief Justice, by the Legisla-
ture last geek, renders the following
sketch from the Sumter Watchman peculi
arly appropriate at this time:
The fact stated by our Columbia CORES
pondent, on another column that Judge
Moses is now engaged, heart and soul, IN
the extraordinary work of seeking office
at the hands of the so-called Legislature
now sitting i'll that city, banishes any
doubt which may have existed i'll the pub
lie mind in regard to his position, and de-
wolves upon us, as public journalists,
grave and imperative, though it may be
unpleasant duty.
When, in 1860, Judge Moses declared,
in the presence of his fellow-citizens in the
Court House at this place, that if South
Carolins did not seeede Sumter District
must do so; and when, subsequently, as
Commissioner of the State, he so aroused
the dormant energies of North Carolina,
and assisted her to execute the work of
secession; and when, at still later period,
with the fires of Southern patriotism so
burning in his bosom, to avenge the
wrongs of his injured section and drive
back the invaders of his country, he buck
led on the trappings of war and Joined
Gov. Wise in the mountains of West Vir-
ginia and when, yet at later day, he SO
urged his fellow citizens on to the battle
field, and finally, in the excess OF bis ardor,
became the dashing commander OF COM
pany of home cavalry to assist in protract-
ing the rebellion, it was but little believed,
even with a knowledge of his antecedents,
that he could ever cast himself into the
position be now occupies. And this belief
could have been but strengthened when,
in consequence of his zeal in behalf of the
war on the part of his State and the South,
he was invested by late Legislature OF
his State, with the dignity of o position
among the honored Judiciary. But it has
been reserved for him, at this vital crisis,
to betray and forfeit every hope and claim
of confidence, and to perform his crowning
act of recreancy. As politician, since
'32, Judge Moses has ever trimmed his
sails to catch the popular breeze-now
upon one side and now upon another--now
halting to watch the tide, and now leaping
forward abreast it's foremost wave, when
it's direction was distinctly seen. This has
been borne with quiet submission by the
people of his District, since he has been
regarded abroad as the exponent OF their
sentiment, until, at length, they may no
longer remain silent and preserve their
self-respect-their character for intelll-
gence, honor and independent thought.
We speak for Sumter District-the mass
of her intelligent citizens, who, notwitli-
staining such examples and such influences
in their midst, are unmoyed from the path
of principle and truth, and will, ct all
hazards, maintain their honor and their
responsibility.
The above brief exhibit of this honora-
BILE gentleman's public anteeedents and
performances, and of his present position,
has been submitted solely with the view
of removing an impression which outside
the limits of our District may prevail,
that his Honor reflects the political con-
victions and integrity of our people The
day for such influence on his part haslong
since been verging to its ciose-it has now
set in the shadows of evening. The wand
is no more in magician's hand.