Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1870-09-16

witnessed the largo conconrse of peonIo
there assembled notwithstanding The
rain), to welcome the Judge and To
have heard the unanimous GREETINGS
with which he was met. AS the steamer
neared the wharf salute of three
heavy guns was given to signalize his ar
rival. A committee, composed of DIR. r.,
K. Speed, J. M. Whedbee, r. F. Overman.
w. III. Clark, Jno. s. Burgess, WA. Price.
Timothy Hunter, and Jno. J. Grandv
(some of the most intelligent and yenera-
BILE men of our place. who had been pre-
viously appointed, as soon as the boat was
made fast to the wharf proceeded to the
saloon of the steamer to meet the Judge
and acquaint him with the object of the
long in making its appearance on the
wharf, accompanied by the Judge. They
advanced through the pressing crowd
amid the loud huzzas and hearty pratula-
tons of the vast multitude, who sought TO
do him honor, to suitable point, when
DR.. Speed, after order was restored, in q
most eloquent and soul-stirring manner.
expressed the feelings of the people, and
babe him welcome. Like the old must
clan of Venice, the Doctor touched so del
icately and yet so feelingly the tender
chords that bind this great man to the
people Of North Carolina, though he did
not "play his auditors to distraction" vet
awakened emotions of the noblest kind,
that watered many ON eye, that quivered
many lip.
Judge Brooks though entering unappriz-
ed of any unusual demonstration, with
very becoming modesty, so characteristic
of the truly great-and under full sense
of the duties and responsibilities of the
exalted position which he so honorably
holds, in a few appropriate remarks, re-
turned his thanks for the demonstration of
appreciation upon the part of the people of
his own home, taking occasion to add that
he was prompted to the course he had pur-
sued by strict sense of duty. He said, if
in performing what he conceived to be his
duty under the law Of the land, he had
been so fortunate as to call forth the ap-
probation of the entire people of the State,
it vas a source of pleasant meditation, and
especially was it SO, to know that the
friends of his youth, as we'll as those of his
home gave him their hearty appreciation
The Judge stated briefly the condition of
: the prisoners when he reached Salisbury
{ how they were suffering, some of them de-
: MED all shelter, and exposed to the inclem-
: encies of the weather-miles away from
their helpless families, and almost in q
/ state of starvation. While the Judge mar
1 rated the trials and troubles of this class
a of our fellow-citizens, many eyes We're fill
. ed with tears. / never witnessed anything
to equal it in my life, and the immense
l throng of people there assembled were
: perfectly still, as if paralyzed with strong
: emotions. The Judge concluded his re
marks amid the loud cheers and shouts OF
! the multitude.
The Judge was conducted by the above
d named committee to a carriage that had
: been prepared for him. Three of the
1 committee rode in the carriage that haC
been prepared for them. The procession
. was then formed with the Elizabeth City
y Brass Band at the head, the carriage will
u Judge Brooks and three of the committee
! of reception following, the carriage witt
u remainder of the Committee following
- next, and then the large crowd of citizens
Il formed in double file behind the carriages
Y After it became known the line had beef
J formed, the band commenced playing I
II martial air, and the procession moved for
Q ward to Main street, thence down Main t.
Il Road street, and thence down Road to th
q residence of his Honor, Judge Brooks
y The long procession closed up and haltet
- there when after few words of thanks
,: the Judge retired from the crowd, ant
~ went in the house to meet his family, who
u were awaiting to see him. We omitted Il
- mention that all along from the steamer
% wharf, up to the Judges residence, the
~ ladies were waving their handkerchief an(
10 throwing him boquets as he passed. TIL
50 crowd then dispersed to get ready for TIT
l e rch-light procession at night. Punctu
OF ally at s o'clock the citizens gathered a
10 Smiths park, and formed in line A na
Ae tional salute of Sc guns was then free
" when the immense procession with trans
" parencies. torch lights, flags and banner
n1 On of all descriptions, started of for the rel
III idence of Judge Brooks. Many of OF
er citizens had their houses Illuminated, ar
~ u; we noticed in this procession old, gra
III haired men, carrying torches, and shou
ing and cheering with the rest-son
g. e. whom, to our knowledge, have not partic
ia pated in things of this nature for ten
ne fifteen years After they reached the res
l. dence of Judge Brooks they were address,
H. t. by Judge Brooks, DR.. Speed, J. M. Whe
Al bee. and Col. G. &. Luke, of Camdt
u county.
IL The crowd then quietly dispersed, al
J. went to their homes. Nothing to equal
nj ever occurred in the history of our plac
u and the event will long be remembered
'a- the people of Elizabeth City.
United States Senator