Year: 1861

GENTLEMEN OF TIE GRAND jury:


We enter upon the discharge of our off
cia duties to-day under very solemn and
impressive circumstances. Since the last
term Of this Court, events have occurred
in the history Of our national government
Of the mostserious and startling character
need not refer to these events in detail
as Sthey form conspicuous part Of the his
tory of the rebellion against which this
nation is now struggling, with which ev.
ery intelligent citizen is presumed to be
familiar. We have fallen upon strange
timer, and are experiencing state OF na>
,onal trial which would seem not
10 have been apprehended by the fathers
and foundert Of this confederacy. In that
admirable constitution, by which the IL
MON and compact of these States were
formed and under which they have, un-
Ill recently, remained linked together by
strong and peaceful bond ofunion, there
are no provisions which contemplate Ell
ther an amcable separation or an attempt
on the part of any one or more of the
States to forciLly withdraw from the u,
mon, and consequently, those public func-
,iOnares whose duty it is to provide for
The public safety and protection have
been occasionally embarrassed by consti-
tutional restrictions, apparent or real, or
want Of constitutional authority 10 meet
fully ard promptly the exigencies Of the
iilues


When we consider the magnitude of
The rebellion the years which have been
occupied in diligent and systematic prep
aation for this attempt TO. overthrow the
goyernment-the number and character
Of the individuals concerned in 1.-THE
object and purposes which, as we have
reason to believe, have long been secretly
meditated and are now openly and def
antly ayowed-the acts which they have
already done in furtherance oftheir plans,
and the further outrages and atrocities
which they would seem TO have in imme>
date contemplation, we cannot but con-
sder it the most alarming event that has
ever occurred in our history. There is
enough in this to fill the stoutest heart
with dismay and terror


When our country is in the midst. of
such perils, every citizen has duties which
| flow from the allegiance that he owes to
he government and which as loyal free
man be is bound 20 perform. The sum
Of these duties is tha, he shall do all that
| in him lies to aid in protecting and deien-
ding the existence and the honor Of the
nation This IL demand to which pat
riot is always ready to yield a cheerful
obedience. Next TO his Maker he acc
knowledges that his country has the high
esI claims upon him.


We, as a constituent branch OF the State
gcyernment, have duties devolving on us,
which relate TO the present condition of
public affairs duies which we should
Perform, promptly, faithfully and with
out fear, favor or affection. but We should
at the same time give 20 them a temper


ale and impartial consideration. Of these
shall come presently TO speak.


am compelled, though with deep re-
grei, TO believe that there is not at the
ltssent tima amongst the inhabitants Of
tue loyal States ar entire, unanimous and
hearty cooperation with The national gov


eminent in the attempt now making to


unp'ess the rebellion nay, more, am


Credlbly informed that there ere amongst


snot only persons who secretly sympa>


lhi,e with the rebellion, but those also


who boldly and publicly avow sentiments


which are in opposition to the authority


olihe government. Such persons, whilst


they melit thecontempt of the people Of


this, and every other civilized nation on


ar'h, and are bringing disgrace upon





heysrtheless receive the punishment


which the law assigns TO them.


This leads us to consider and define the


oHences which may be committed direct


against the government. Although


Nme of those belong TO the exclusive ju-


ndiction of the federal courts, it may not
e out of place to notice them here in or"


Der that YOU and the people of the county


Who happen TO be present may be made


to understand something of the nature


md extent of the obligations which they


@eas citizens. The present generation
dAmericans know but little experiment


ally Of a state of war, and it therefore


should not surprise Us that their attention


has never been particularlydirected to the


duties which at such a time are incident


Ntte relation that exists between q gov


eminent aud its citizens or subjects. |


'n therefore lei to take a charitable


view Of the conduct Of those who may


la'e seemed to forget or depart from


nelr allegiance, ard to attribute most, il


nol all, such cases of delinquency, not so


much to a disposition openly to violate


zoe law or oppose the known authority OF


ee government, as to entire ignorance of


1elaws demands and OF the nature and


psgn of the rebellion. ] am lead to


loFe than suspect that artful and wicked


aen are making it their business to de-


ave the people by leading them into the


'Oneous belief that the war is waged for


@ supremacy of a party. irstead of being


struggle purely for the life ofthe nation.


rue that kind of loyalty, is not very


n'eyo.thy or reliable which is not the


P0n'aneous outgoing of patriotic heart,


y. ~ needs the unyielding lash of penal


hac'lon to keep it in shf pc. Still 1t is


's.er then open rebellion.


ihe offences which directly affect or are


Iu'!ous to the government ar Treason,


sp'lson vi Treason, and certain posi-


y msprisions or contempt OF its author