Year: 1860




To the Editor of the Richmond IPhig:


Thursday last the 9th of September, being King and
Queen court day. the people assembled in considerable
numbers at the Court-House. 1t understood early
in the day. that discussion would take place between
Beverly B. Douglas the Breckenridge eector and JOS
Christian the Bell elector for this district Now, Mr.
Editor King and Queen is a county where Democracy
has had every thing ITS own way for many years past
Thev have able speakers who constantly harangue the
people, aud have, far, succeeded in impressng them
with the idea that resistance TO their edcts is futile.
The Wings although they embrace large amount Of
the talent, and | cordially believe u majority OF the
shareholders of the county, have yielded them almost
uudspued sway. Indeed the peculiar teroeiy OF the
King and Queen Democracy appears to be somewhat
proverbal for the Hon. VIM. L. GOggin having announ-
ced an appointment there during his Gubernatora
yass asked in all seriousness, if he not afraid
to 90 TO King and Queen. He adopted the lrishmans
reply while on his death bed Being told by his friends
TO prepare to meet the KHg Of Terrors he remarked
Faith and that must be Hessf for haven't beeR liv-
ing with the QIss of them all me itey" Notwithsand-
ing the fact that for months past the deathkne of their
party has been toiea the Democracy gathered fresh
courage al the prospect Of another triumph Wing
gerry in the utter demolition OF the youthful Senator
from Middesex," who had dared TO beard their able
champion in his favore stronghold; but in this |
forciby reminded of the fate of the bachelor Samson
CarrascO when he conceived the audabe design Of re-
forming the habits Of the valiant Knight of La Mincha,
in cog in word they "came for wool and got Shedrtd"
The discussion opened by Mr. Douglas, each being
limited TO hour aud quarter in the first and half
hour 10 their reply speeches, About two'thirds OF Mr.
Douglass FIRST speech occupied in explaining the posi-


ton Of the Democracy present, and in dealing heavy
blows upon Judge Douglas and his Democratic brethren,
who supporting him; the remainder was devoted TO
the fruess task Of trying TO prove John Bel-not an
abolitionisbEt isOund on the slavery question. The
writer has known Mr. Douglas for many years-hss
more than once cast his for hm-aud could have
object in depreciating him Wings alike with Demo-
cras take pleasure in bearing witness to his noble and
chlyalrous bearing gentleman his disinteresed de-
yodOn as friend, and his honesty and magnanmity-
coupled with the largest ability poliiican but when


say that he utterly failed this occasion to make good
his charges against Mr. Bell but reerate the opinion of
every individual Wing Democrat, who has expressed
himself in my hearing Mr Christian, though wanting
in that experience which characterzes his opponent
marched boldly to the rescue and most noby and gal
antly did he sustain himself aud the which he ad
vocates. He disclamed any championship Of Judge
Douglas-le family quarrels with those who originated
them and thought the honor Of that gentleman safe In
the keeping of the friends who had espoused his cause
He advocated the election Of John Bell upon State equal
ty under the Constitution and the Union-he repelled
the charge Of unsoundness with tremendous effect and
proved by exposition OF the record and public
Mr. Bell that he among the souudest OF the sound
the question of Southern Rights, in all its phases
He charged John { Rreckinrdge with being deep IN
the slough Of squaer-soyereignty as is Judge Douglas





unionsts aud disorganizers headed by Wm L. Yancey,
who did not hesitate to their determination sub
vert the government and dissolve the Union. He de
monstrated the fact that the only hope Of defeating Lin
coin consisted in the general rally to Bell who alone
stood any chance of driving back the tide OF ianacism
which sweeping over the land, aud threatened TO
sink the star OF the Union in darkness and blood. At
the conclusion of the argumentative portion of his
speech-which conclusive and overwhelming-he
made an appeal to the friends Of tho Union which,
IN point Of eoquence and force, surpassed any
thing has been the fortune Of the writer TO hear
For several hours the court room had been crowded with
an excited audience of rival political parties but the
enthusiasm created by his eoquence beyond bounds
truce declared ii by common consent to catch
every word which fell from the lips Of the youthful and
gifted orator. Old men and young, Wings and Demo
Gratis bent eagerly forward catch the Inspiration while
tears flowed from some and at the close OF every
the building fairly shook with the shouts of the de-
lighted multitude.


Thus closed the first discussion in this county since the
Presidential campaign commenced-a discussion long to
be remembered by all who heard it. aud which resulted
in the most complete victory the Opposition which has
ever been achieved in this Democratic stronghold.


All honor to the gallant and glorious Christian, Of
Middlesex; long he live TO proclaim political truths,
aud shed inspiration and patriotism by his inmitabc
power of eloquence. Another election will roll around,
and his clarion voice will be heard in the federal
ellis of he undivided republic proclaming trumphanty
the Constitution the Union and the Enforcement Of the
Laws


The people here are aroused to Of their obga
tions You may expect better account Of old King and
Queen in November than she has given for many years


LOWER KING AND QUEEN.