Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1875-03-05

maiely established the freedom of the erea,
confederate Republic. Il is unnecessary
sir, Ior me TO say that refer to the North
Saroiina Mecklenburg Declaration of In.
dependence, made and announced to the
world at the town Of Charlotte on the 2Oth
Gay OF May, l775, but a short time after
the battle OF Lexington, and over thirteen
months prior % tie Declaration of indie
pendenee by the United States of America.
Mr.. President, at this late day, when we
have grown into great and mighty nation.
the eompeer, if not the superior, of anv en-
pre- or kingdom on the globe in all the ele-
ments OF strength and power for offensive
and defensive war, we can scarcely conceive
aud realize the exalted heroism and m
surpassed devotion to liberty aud the rights
OF popular government that prompted not
the citizens Of a sparely populated colony.
but the heroes OF a single county, whose
rights had been invaded and abrogated. and
The blood Of whose felloW-countrymen had
been wantOnly shed at Lexington, to throw
down the gauntlet to the mightiest nation
OF Europe, drive his Majesty's Governor be-
yond the limits Of the colony, and risk
everything dear 10 freemen by absolyiDg
themselves from all allegiance TO, and de-
elaring themselves independent of, the
British crown.
The people Of Mecklenburg county.
North Carolina, were, without doubt. tie
hrst rebels TO King George Ills Govern
ment, in America. OF the bold measures
Of these our Revolutionary sires, Martin.
the Colonial Governor, thus speaks, in a
proclamation, under date Of Aug. g. I775:
81 have seen a most infamous publication
in the Cape Fear Merclg-u, purDOrting to
be resolves Of a set Of people styling them
selves a committee of he county, OF Neck
tenblTg, most trGitOrOuSlu DECLARING the
entire dissolution Of the taos, 0oUerHment
ana constitution Of this country, setting up
a system Of rule and regulation repugnant
TO the laws and subverSiYe Of His Majesty's |
Mr.. President, it is altogether proper
that the State Of Tennessee, which, at the |
time Of the. Mecklenburg Declaration of |
Independence, was a part Of North Caro- |
lima, should join in celebrating the centen-
NAL Of an event rejecting so much honor
and renOWn upon the early history Of i
North Carolina-especially, sir, since there
have been found those in a different lati-
tude who have sought to discredit the
claim Of North Carolina as having been
town Of Charlotte, Mecklenburg county,
on the 10th day Of May, 177j. To effect
this purpose, ingenious efforts have been
made to break the force Of and invalidste
re truth Of the irrefutable testimony Of
he old Revolutionary patriots in regard to
hat declaration, among which testimony
s TO be found that Of departed patriots
Who were hOnOred and respected citizens
# the State Of Tennessee. l repeat, sir, it
s very proper that Tennessee should take
he steps necessary to confer with the au-
horities Of North Carolina upon the adOp-
ion Of such measures as may be apprO-
'riate % celebrate an event so glorious to
he fame and memory Of our common an
,estTy.
l ask, sir, for the immediate adoption Of
he resolutions, that they may be trans
nitted to the House Of Representatives for
heir action; and that prompt action may
'e taken by the committee in cOmmuni-
ating with the Governor Of the State Of
'orth Carolina upon the subject matter
in the resolutions.
Mr.. Qusrles said Mr.. Speaker had
Intended saying something in regard to the
esOlutions Of the Senator from Hardeman,
Mr.. Polk but, after bis exhaustive and
lOquent speech, feel that he has said all |
nd said it so much better than | could,
hal there is nothing left for me but 10
ecOnd the resolutions and ask the Senate
, adopt them.
The resolutions were unanimously I
lOpted.