The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-05-06

OF William J. Bingham He entered the
State University in June, 1850, and grad
uated with honor four years thereafter.
His university career gave high promise
Of usefulness and distinction. Twenty
wears old he entered college, he was a
young man of fixed principles and becom-
ing self-respect He was a leader of his
class and in the Dialectic Society.
The writer, friend and classmate, well
remembers him as dignified, without re-
serve. and proud, in the proper sense OF
the word without vanity or conceit He
was affable to all, and especially consld-
crate toward those younger than himself.
Recognizing this, Governor Swain, the
President Of the university, valued him
very highly as one who was unconsciously
aiding him in the government of the in
stitution. In speaking of him and his
younger brother, since an influential
state Senator President Swain said they
were excellent specimens Of what plain,
Mons home raising on the farm would do
fer young men.
Leonidas Merritt made nigh marx
as sneaker and debater in his literary
society No member of his class coulo
fairly contest the palm in debate with
L
who also lost his life en- one of the Vir-
ginia battle fields, falling in the front OF
the fight. a gallant major of North Car
DINA regiment.
Young Merritt, became an able law
YER Upon the call of President Lincoln
for troops, the Legislature called con-
venticn to take into consideration the rel
ations of the State to the Federal Gov
eminent. Merritt became candldate as
delegate and was elected over able ana
distinguished competitors. With the oth-
or members he signed the ordinance OF
secession.
On his last appearance In the conVen-
ton he took his seat in Confederate uni
form with his arm in sling from
wound by Mimic ball. He was then very
near the end of his noble career. Wnen
the convention adjourned he immediately
rejoined his command The battles around
Richmond quickly followed and IN the
dreadful charge Of Magruder at Malvern
Hill he was pierced by a fatal bullet
Governor Vance said about what the
State did
by the general industry and thrift
of our people and by the use of num-
Der of blockade running steamers, carry
from Europe, | had collected and distrlb-
uted from time to time, as near as can be
gathered from the records of the Quarter
masters Department, the following stores:
Large quantities of machinery supplies,
60 600 pairs Of hand cards, 10000 grain
scythes. 200 barrels bluestone for the
wheat growers, shoes and leather for
$50 900 pairs, 1000 blankets. gray WOODEN
cloth for at least $50, 900 suits of uniforms
10000 overcoats (ready made). 1000 best
Enfield rifles with 100 rounds of fixed am
munition), 100 600 pounds of bacon, SOC
sacks of coffee for hospital use, $50,00C
worth of medicines at gold prices, large
quantities of lubricating oils, besides
minor supplies Of various kinds for the
charitable institutions Of the State. NO
only was the supply of shoes, blankets
and clothing more than sufficient for the
supply of the North Carolina troops. but
large quantities were turned over to the
Confederate Government for the troops OF
other States. In the winter succeeding
the battle of Chickamauga, | sent to Gen
eral Longstreet's corps $4,000 suits oil
clothing complete. At the surrender Of
General Johnston the State had on hand
ready made and in cloth, 200 suits o.
uniform, with great stores of blankets
leather, etc. To make good the warrants