Georgia Historic Newspapers

    CHRONICLE AND SENTINEL.
AUGUS T A.
MONDAY MORNING, JULY 13.
FOR PRESIDENT,
WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON,
Os Ohio ;
The invincible Hero of Tippecanoe —the incor
ruptible Statesman —the inflexible Republican—
the patriotic Fanner of Ohio.
FOR VICE-PRESIDENT,
JOHN TYLER,
Os Virginia;
A State Rights Republican of the school of ’9B—
—of Virginia’s noblest sons, and emphatically
one of America’s most sagacious, virtuous and
patriot statesmen.
®■
fOR ELECTORS OF PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT,
GEORGE R. GILMER, of Oglethorpe.
DUNCAN L. CLINCH, of Camden.
JOHN W. CAMPBELL, of Muscogee."
JOEL CRAWFORD, of Hancock. »
CHARLES DOUGHERTY, of Clark.
SEATON GRANTLAND, of Baldwin*'
ANDREW MILLER, of Cass.
WILLIAM EZZARD, of DeKalbJT
C. B. STRONG, of Bibb. ▼
JOHN WHITEHEAD, of Burke.*
E. WIMBERLY, of Twiggs.
TOR CONGRESS,
WILLIAM C. DAWSON, of Greene.
R. W. HABERSHAM, of Habersham.
# JULIUS C. ALFORD, of Troup.
EUGENIUS A. NISBET, of Bibb.
LOTT WARREN, of Sumter.
THOMAS BUTLER KING, of Glynn.
ROGER L. GAMBLE, of Jefferson.
JAMES A. MERIWETHER, of Putnam.
* TrfbMAS F. FOSTER, of Muscogee.
ft The Army Bill.
u In concluding our comments on this dangerous
measure of Mr. Van Buren and his Secretary, which
we have already treated at considerable length,
we present to our readers, in this day’s paper, the
able speech of the Hon. John Campbell, of Virginia;
which we give them rather than any remarks of
our own. We entreat our readers to peruse this
speech carefully, and to reflect that this attempted
'V—*
■outrage upon the constitution and our republican
institutions, is made by Martin Van Buren, who is
daily making his deceitful professions of republi
canism, and who, while he is thus endeavoring by
professions to lull the people into security, is de
siring to fasten upon the country the most danger
ous ar.d for the destruction of the
liberties of a free people ever attempted in Amer
s ica. People of Georgia, read the Army Fill, and
this speech, and put the seal of disapprobation up
on that man who dares to recommend its adoption >
•consign him and his minions to that infamy which
should await every man who thus attempts to de
stroy your liberties.
Louisiana Election.
The election for members of Congress look place
in this state on Monday last. We have received
the New papers of Tuesday morning,
which represent the contest as very animated, and
the Whigs as very confident of success. As the
* the polls a fe kept open three days, it will be some
time before we obtain the final result. The state
is at present represented by three Whigs, though
we anticipate the election of a Locofoco in one of
the districts, in which there has always been an
administration .Majority.
• The Bankrupt Bill.
The National Intelligencer of the Sth inst. says,
“This Bill, which passed the Senate after so much
laborious discussion of its principles and its details,
has received its quietus in the House of Repre
sentatives. It came up yesterday in the order of
business, received its first and second readings as
a matter of course, and then, on the motion of Mr.
Pickens, was ordered to lie on the table, until it be
dead ! dead ! dead ! We shall hear no more of it
at this Session.
It is superfluous to say that we regret the fate
of this measure. ® The only consoling reflection in
the case is, that much has been done by the agita
tion of the question now, towards awakening the
public mind to a sense of the justice and humanity
of the measure proposed, and that at a future
Session of Congress it may hope to meet a different
fate.
The vote upon it, our readers will perceive, was
not altogether a party vote, though a large major
ity of the Whigs voted in favor of considering the
bill, and strong majority of their oppo
nents agaiust it. Although nearlj fifty Members
were absent from the vote (most of whom are ab
sent from the city) it is not believed that the bill
would have gained any thing if all the Members
had been present.
** U. S. Bank. —We learn from the Philadel
phia papers that there is to be no dividend. At
a rilfeeting of the Board of Directors, on Monday,
it was decided that it was inexpedient to declare
a dividend at the present time.
Referring to this decision, the Enquirer says—
“T ,e effect, as might have been foreseen, was
of a depressive character as relates to the quota
tions at the Exchange— the stock having receded
to 74 —73A.”
Execution.
The Savannah Georgian says, “We understand
that five negroes of the late Mr. Alexander Atkia
son, of Camden County, were hung on Monday
last at the spot on the plantation of the deceased,
where the murder of their late master was com
mitted. They were buried under the gallows. A
number of persons witnessed the execution.”
The Legislature of Connecticut has passed an
act abolishing capital punishment, and substitu
ting confinement for life.
Harrison Meeting in Taliaferro.
At a meeting of the citizens of Raytown, and its
vicinity, held on Thuisday, the 9th of July, 1840,
for the purpose of making preparation for furnish
ing a Harrison free Barbecue, to be given at Ray
town, in Taliaferro county, on Saturday, the Ist
day of August next; Dr. John M. Anthony was
called to the Chair, and Pearce O’Leary was ap
pointed Secretary.
Resolved, That the Chairman appoint a commit
tee of nine to carry into effect the object of the
meeting.
Resolved, That the Chairman appoint a commit
tee of correspondence, to consist of five.
Resolved, That a general invitation be extended
to our fellow citizens of the adjoining counties,
without distinction of parties, and that our worthy
and distinguished Representatives in Congress, viz:
Dawson, Alford, King, Habersham, Nisbet, and
Warren ; and that our candidates for Electors, and
the balance of our Representative ticket for Con
gress be, and they aje through this medium, in
vited to participate.
Resolved, That Gen. Grier be requested to act as
Marshal of the day.
J. M, ANTHONY, Chairman.
PEARCE O’LEARY, Secretary.
Raytown, Taliaferro co., July 9, 1840.
Fire in Natchez. —The Free Trader of the 3d
gives an account of a fire that broke out in Natchez
on the previous morning, in the bakery of Mr.
Rogan, situated under the Bluff. The estimated
loss is as follows : S. Cotton’s warehouse SSOOO ;
goods in do. on storage, SB,IOO ; Mobley’s ware
house. $2,800; Dr. Hyde’s Drug Store, SIO,OOO ;
store and dwelling of Mr. Terras, S3OOO ; Rogan,s
bakery, 2,800 ; total, 31,700.
Proceedings of Council.
Council Chamber, July 10, 1840.7
Friday, 10 o’clock, a. m. 3
Council met —Present, Hon. D. Hook, Mayor —
Alderman Dunlap, Harper, Flemming, Miller,
Jackson, Richards, Bones, Parish, Warren, and
Robertson.
The minutes of the meetings of the loth and 29th
of June, were read and confirmed.
The appeal cases from the police docket were
called, and determined as follows:
City vs. D. S. Boutett, viol’n. Sec. 1. con
firmed, fine SSO 00
do B. Pace, do do 18 25 00
do J. J. Brookshire, do 18 25 00
do H. B. Liverman, do 18
fine doubled, 50 00
do N. O. Hinchman, do 18 10 00
do Elizabeth Wood, do 1 50 00
The petition of Isaac Taj lor, Josiah Sibley, and
others was read, and on motion it was ordered te
lie on the table.
Council adjourned to meet a half past 3 o’clock.
Council met pursuant to adjournment —Present
Hon. D. Hook, Mayor. Alderman Robertson,
Parish, Dunlap, Miller, Warren, Bones, and Har
per.
The minutes of the meeting of the morning
were read, and confirmed.
The following returns were received from the
officers of Council, with the Collector and Treasu
rers’ receipt for the amount annexed to their names:
Clerk of the Lower Market, fees '..5102 50
do Upper do do 447
Keeper of tire Magazine, Storage, . .67 50
Jailor, Incidental, 14 32
Clerk Court Common Pleas, fees, 670 12
Keener of the Ferry, toll, 765 00
City Marshal, Fines and Guard House,.. ~206 00
Auctioneers for duties on auction sales,. . . .705 1-1
The sexton reports the death of 3 white and 6
black persons during the last month. The keeper
of Hospital reports two persons remaining in that
institution at this date.
The Mayor reported the costs of work done on
he streets, and repairs of damages on account of
the freshet up to the 15th July, to be $5,143 72.
The am’t actually paid out has been.. —3,062 31
And the amount due up to July 15th 2,087 41
$5,149 72
On motion it was ordered that three thousand
dollars be added to the contingent fund, and placed
in the hands of the Mayor, to continue the im
provements and repairs on the streets.
On motion the Jail Committee was authorized to
advert’se for sealed proposals to supply the jail
with beef for the next twelve months, and that
the party taking the contract, be required to give
security for the performance of the same.
The following resolution was offered and agreed
to—
Resolved, That after the 25th inst,, executions
be issued against all persons who are in default in
the payment of the city tax for the present year.
The following bills were severally read and or
dered to be paid.
J. H. Mann, cash adv’donUp. Bridge &c. $709 41
F, Blodget, Guard House and contingent
expenses, 40 87
C. J. Cook, on account engines, 150 00
P. H, Mantz, pumps and wells, 9 00
Bridge Committee, work on road, 32 50
D. Leopard work on streets,. 9 00
J. H. Spencer, do &c 50 00
B. Picquct &W, Sindersine, Hospital,... 14 00
R. P. Spellman, Engine, - 75 00
O. Danforth, Incidental, , ... 8 50
P. Crumps, Brick Calverts, 60 00
W. C. Berry hill, Hospital, 10 50
W. Brady, Street, 32 50
Richmond Co. Academy, Rent of ferry,,. 100 00
do Annuity, ~ 300 00
Rich & Cavinder, City Ha 11,,, 10 00
A Cunningham, Streets, 110 25
S. S. Brown, Engines, * 75 00
Clarke, McTier & Co., Incidental,.,,.. , 144 00
J. Simpson, H05pita1,....,,...,, 3 50
J. G. Dunlap, Incidental,, 33 93
J. T. Taylor,Salary, ~, 43 34
McKee & Dow, for S. L. Basford, paving, S 2 53
J. R. Scott, Bridge, 36 00
G. F. Parish, pumps and wells,,, 105 00
Do incidentals, 20 00
The bill of J, B. Bowlcy was ordered to be paid,
agreeably to the number of Bricks known to be
delivered, which was estimated at 15M.
The following Resolution was offered by Mr.
Harper, and agreed to :
Resolved, That his honor the Major he request
ed to have a drain made along the centre of Walker
street, from Campbell street to Campbell’s Gully,
with the view of draining more speedily and ef
fectually the low grounds near the depository of
the Geo. R. Road and Banking Co.
On motion that his honor the Mayor appoint a
special committee to report an Ordinance respect
ing the storage of Lime within the city of Augusta,
his honor named the following gentlemen on that
Committee: Messrs Harper, Warren, Robertson,
and Crump.
Council adjourned. S. H. OLIVER, Clerk.
1 From Florida.
i St. Augustine, July 3.
gjßy the steamer Santee, which arrived on Wed
* nesday from Black Creek, we learn that a woman,
' supposed the mother of Wild Cat. and his child,
- have been taken, by the command of Col. Harney,
t near the Ahapopka and are now at the Creek. We
are also informed that a free neg.o, said to be of
5 Connecticut, who was cook on board the schooner
Comet, wrecked some time since oh the coast, was
also taken. The crew were all murdered near
New Smyrna, as the letters indicated which were
* found near their remains. The fellow was spared,
; and has been with them over 20 months. A good
many tales are afloat, at relations made by him,
but wc forbear giving them currency for the
■ present.
Lt. Newton, 2d Dragoons, Aid-de-camp to the
j Commanding General, arrived in town last evenir-',
from Fort King. He is accompanied by the negro
y Sam, lately taken at Wild Cat's camping giound.
- It is now decided that the Depot at Garey’s Fer
ry is to be removed to Pilatka. Contracts for la
borers, wc understand, are offered at S2O per month
' to assist in the transportation and builuings.
1
A Family Consumed. —The Perth (U. C.)
■ Courier gives the particulars of the burning of a
shanty in South Sherbrooke, belonging to a man
named Patrick Foley ; by which six children,
the eldest a girl of 15 years of age, lost their
lives. The parents having business at Perth,
left the shanty and children in charge of their el
dest daughter, and on their return found nothing
but a heap of ashes, in which were found same
of the bones of the children. It was supposed
that the shanty had taken fire while they were
asleep, as the bones were found near where the
beds stood.
President Van Buren’s Standing Army,
of Two Hundred Thousand Men !
Addhess of John Campuell, late Treasurer
of the United States, to the people of his
native county in Virginia.
Fellow Citizens—ln the remarks I had the
honor ot submitting to you on your last court
day, at the request of many old friends and ac
quaintances, I had not then had an opportunity of
seeing the Bill which is at this time before Con
gress, in relation to the reorganization of the Mi
litia of the United States. My remarks were
founded upon the Report of the Secretary of War,
made to the President of the United States, at
the commencement of the present session of Con
gress, and in order that I might not misrepresent
the Secretary, or do injustice to the President, in
: commenting upon the plan of an army he strongly
I recommended, I quoted the Report itself, and read
it precisely as it ivas made to Congress, and
called upon every man present to read it—to
take it home with him—to study it, and to form
his own opinions upon it, as it appeared publish
ed before the world. I had road it over repeat
edly, and had reflected on it maturely, and could
make nothing of it but the recommendation of a
great Standing Army, in a period of profound
peace—to be organized out of the militia, and of
course to he raised by forcing the young men of
our country into the ranks, as regular soldiers !
Here is the plan of the Army, word for ivord, as
it was recommended to Congress, by the Presi
dent—the plan which the President says he
cannot too highly recommend :
“ It is proposed to divide the United States into
eight Militaiy Districts, and to organize the Mili
tia in each District, so as to have a body of 12,500
men in each District, IN ACTIVE SERVICE,
and another of equal number as a reserve.
“This would give an armed militia force of
200.000 men, so drilled and stationed, as to he
ready to take their places in the ranks in defence
of their country, whenever called upon to op
pose the enemy or repel the invader. The age of
the recruit tc be from 20 to 37; the whole term
of service to be 8 years —4 years in the first
class, and 4 in the reserve. One fourth part,
25.000 men, to leave service evety year, passing
at the conclusion of the first term into the re
serve, and exempted from ordinary militia duty
altogether, at the end of the second. In this
manner 25,000 men will be discharged from ordi
nary militia duty every year, end 25,000 fresh
recruits be received into the service.”
According to this plan, 12,500 men were to
he kept in “ active service” in each District, and
yet we are told it was not to be a Standing Ar
my !!!
What is a Standing Army, hut one that is
kept in active service 1 But how was this army
to be raised 7 Not by a voluntary enlistment.
The militia were to he so organized as to have a
body of 100,000 in active service; of course
they were to he drafted and forced into the ranks.
But we have the law now before us as pro
posed by the President in Congress. It is here
in the form of a Bill, and is now before me in
the official organ of the Government, published
at Washington. Here it is, fellow citizens, read
it for yourselves, and form your own opinions a
bout it. lam vastly deceived, if you do not see
in it a Standing Army, and one too, that threat
ens to fasten upon you forever a military despot
ism. It is proposed,first —
“ That every man on the militia roll above the
age of 21 and under 45, shall provide himself,
at his own expense , with a good musket, bore of
capacity to receive a lead ball of 18 in the pound,
a sufficient bayonet and belt; two spare flints ;
knapsack, cartridge box, to contain at least 24
cartridges suited to the bore of his musket, and
each cartridge to contain a hail and three buck
shot, and a sufficient quantity of powder ; or
with a good rifle, knapsack, shot-pouch and pow
der-horn or flask, with sufficient powder and ball
for 24 charges, and two spare flints; and that he
shall appear so armed, accoutred and provided,
when called out for exercise or into service. And
1 every citizen so enrolled and providing himself
1 with the arms, ammunitions and accoutrements
1 required as aforesaid, shall hold the same exemp
i ted from all debts, distresses, or executions, or
sales for debt, or for payment for taxes.”
One million and a half of men in the U. States,
are then in the first place, required by this law
1 to provide for themselves arms, ammunition and
' accoutrements, at their own expense / The hon
-1 est young farmers and mechanics of our country,
i many of whom, we all know, are struggling, by
) their laudable and honest exertions, to maintain
their little families, are required to do all this at
1 their own expense, to raise up an imperial army
1 for the President, whilst the militia man, who is
1 worth thousands and tens of thousands, is re
» quired to do no more. The poor and the rich
I are taxed equally in providing their arms, and
I ammunition and accoutrements ! 1 his is a mea
. sure that comes recommended to us by our Dem
ocratic President! Will you believe your own
eyes, fellow citizens 7 Here is the bill before me
* in the Government organ published at Washing
) ton, and the editor hihhly extols the hill, show
) ing that the Administration are determined to
> have it passed into a law, if they are sustained
by the people at the approaching elections.
, The editor says : “After this developement we
hope to hear no more of this unwarranted out
cry against a plan so eminently calculated to
' render efficient the permanent defences of the
country.”
This feature in the bill, requiring all the mili
r tia in the United States to contribute equal por
tions in providing arms, ammunition and accou
’ trements, I consider most outrageously unjust;
hut this you will find the least objectionable part
of it, when you come to examine its other pro
visions.
i From the mass of the militia thus armed, are
. to be drafted 100,000 men, to be called the active
corps , and are to be marched twice a year to
’ some point of rendezvous within a military dis
' trict, and are there to he put under the absolute
’ and entire control and government of the Presi
dent of the United States, for as many days as
Congress may choose to prescribe !—This power
is conferred upon the President in a state of pro
found peace, when there is neither invasion, in
surrection, or resistance to the laws of the Un
ion ! Our military district is to be composed ot
the States of Delaware, Maryland, the District of
Columbia and Virginia; and under this law, the
active corps of militia can be marched to any
point within their district, twice a year, and there
be subjected to any rules of discipline our Gov
erment the President may think proper to estab
lish. They can be marched to Richmond, Nor
folk, Washington, Baltimore or Delaware, twice
a year, are to be regarded as in the service of the
United Stales, from the time they are ordered
from their homes until they return ! And at a
lime too, be it remembered, when there is no war,
no invasion, insurrection, or resistance to the
laws! I will here quote the section verbatim,
as it has been recommended to Congress by the
President, in order that you may form your own
opinions about it. It is in the following words :
“ 17. That the President of the United States
be authorized to call forth and assemble such
numbers of the active force of militia at such
places in their respective Districts, and at such
times, not exceeding twice, nor days in the
year, as he may deem necessary ; and during such
period, including the time when going to and re
turning from the place of rendezvous they shall bo
deemed in the service of the United States, and
be subject to such regulations as the President
may think proper to adopt for their instruction,
discipline and improvement , in military know
ledge” // /
This law then provides, as wc see, that the
whole body of the militia in the United States, a
mounting now to more tnan a million and a hall
of men, shall in the first place be required to arm,
accoutre and provide themselves with ammuni
tion at their own expense —and that they are to
be divided into Military Districts—that 12,500
are to be drafted in each district, in other words
forced into the ranks —that they are to be march
ed twice a year to some point within this district
that they are to be kept in service such time as
Congress may direct, and that they are to be re
garded as in the service of the United States from
the time they are maiched from their homes until
they return to them. They are not to be
governed by the laws and regulations now in
force for the government of the Army of the U.
States, but they are to be “governedby such reg
ulations as the President may choose to pre
scribe /” —He can under the authority of this
law, inflict any punishments upon them he may
choose, for any violations of the rules of disci
pline 7 Yes, he can order your sons and neph
ews and young brothers to be stripped if he choo
ses, and scourged at the common whipping post,
for any act which he may designate as a military
offence —for any act lie may choose to call a vio
lation of his rules of discipline. He proposes
himself that this power shall be conferred upon
himself! ! Have I misinterpreted this proposed
law 7 Read it and judge for yourselves. The
17th section does expressly provide that when
the militia are at the place of rendezvous, “they
shall be regarded as in the service of the United
States, and be subject to such regulations as ihe \
President may think proper to adopt.” j
Suppose one ol his regulars should be that very ,
militiaman who appeared upon parade, with his
arms, accoutrements, or ammunition, out of order
should be strung up at the whipping-post, and
get 39 lashes on his bare back. Has he not the
power under this law to adopt such a regulation 7
Am I to be told there is no danger in granting
such a power as this 7 —That it will never be ex
ercised I—lndeed ! Is this the language of free
men 7 Is it the language of Republicans 7 That
1 they are willing to grant absolute, despotic power,
in a time of peace, to a partizan President, undei
the consoling hope it will never be exercised.
! Where has been the mortal man, from the begin
; niug of time to the present moment, to whom has
I been granted absolute despotic power, who has
1 not occasionally made use of it! Where is the
I mortal, fallible, frail man, who feels power, that
does not forget right ? Where is the human
being who, possessing despotic and irresponsible
power, is not occasionally cruel and unjust?
But will I dare to insult my countrymen, you
brave Mountaineers, by telling you, that such a
j power ought to be granted to any President, be
cause it may not be exercised 7 Our forefathers
reasoned very differently.—They “ augured mis
government at a distance, and snuffed the ap
proach ot tyrants in every tainted breese.” They
braved and bearded the British Lion, for an ab
stract principle, which they thought might lead
to their subjugation 7
But where does Congress get the power to
call forth the militia, in time of peace—to put
them in the service of the United States—to
subject them to the absolute military regulations
and government of the President, by this bill, is
i a most palpable and audacious violation of the
Federal Constitution. The Blh section of the
Constitution, and the 13lh, 14th, and Isth arti
cles, are in these words; Congress (not the
President) shall have power:
“13. To make rules for the government of
the Land and Naval forces.
“ 14. To provide for calling forth the militia
to execute the laws of the Union , to suppress
insurrections and repel it.vasions.
“15. To provide for arming and disciplining
the militia, and for governing such part of them
as may be employed in the service of the United
States, reserving to the States respectively, the
appointment of the officers, and the authority of
training the militia according to the discipline
prescribed by Congress.
We see that the Constitution authorises the
militia to be called out, only when there is war—
when there is invasion, insurrection ox resistance
to the laws. And when they are trained, it must
be by the States, according to the discipline pre
scribed by Congress and not by the President.
But here is a law recommended by the Presi
dent, which proposes to authorize him to call
out the militia twice a year —to march them off
some 3 or 400 miles to a place of rendezvous—
to place them in the service of the United States,
and to give him (the President) the absolute gov
ernment of them—and authorizing him to make
any regulations for their discipline that “ he may
think proper,” when the country is in a state of
profound peace ! Could there be a more outrage
ous infraction of the plain provision of the Con
stitution 7 Was there ever a irore open, daring
and audacious stride towards *despoctic power 7
But we are told that all this marching and coun
ter marching—all this service under the General
Government —all this power in the President to
make any military regulations he pleases for the
government of his continental troops —all the
power to inflict stripes, if he chooses, for the vio
lation of his regulations—all these muskets, bay
onets, powder and bullets, to be furnished by the
militia, at their own expense ; and this imperial
parade of war , in a state of profound peace,
means only organizing and classifying the mili
tia, —and therefore, we pour, ignorant, silly
fellows are the greatest green-horns in the world
for making any objection to it! Well now, fel
low-citizens, does it make any difference by what
name we call such a system ? Does it change
its nature 7 Does it change its nature 7 Does
it change the thing itself!—Suppose we call it
the very qiiiniescsnce of Democracy ? Will
that beautiful phrase, so often used, make our
marches to Richmond, Washington, or Baltimore,
or to any other point of rendezvous in the Mili
tary District, any easier to be performed 7 Will
it make the President’s military discipline, what
ever it may be, any more agreeable to us l Will
it make it easier for us to purchase arms and am
munition at our own expense! Will it pre
vent us from catching camp fevers, when encamp
ed at the point of rendezvous, and coming home
with broken constitutions 7— How this marching
and counter-marching; how this service under
tho absolute government of the President; how
this purchasing, at our own expense, the mus
kets, bayonets and bullets, means organizing
and classing the militia , I am wholly incompe
tent to decide. I acknowledge my total ignor
ance of the meaning of the terms organizing
and classing the militia, if they mean (putting
them in the service of the United States, in the
time of peace, and authorizing the President to
describe any punishment he pleases tor the vio
lation of his rules of military discipline ! lam
wholly ignorant of the terms, if they mean
marching twice a year to a place of rendezvous
within a Military District and there kept in actu
al service, under the regulations of the President
as long as Congress shall prescribe! But, if
those terms have any such meaning, then I am
wholly opposed to organizing and classing in
any such style. I care not what names you give
the system. It is outrageously unjust —will he
intolerably oppressive, and will inevitably over
throw the liberties of this country, if ever it is
attempted to be carried into effect.
What is the object of such an active force in
time of peace, or if the name is more agreeable,
of such an “ organization and classification” of
the militia? Is there any man so blinded with
party spirit, as not to see the object of it ? The
militia are to be assembled twice a year, in im
mense masses, at some point within the Military
District. Our District, as I have stated, will be
composed of Delaware, Maryland, District of
Columbia and Virginia. Ten thousand five hun
dred men are to be marched twice a year to any
point within the District, the President may se
lect, and there kept encamped, and in service, as
long as Congress may direct. The centre of this
military district would probably be Richmond or
Winchester. A forcible writer in one of the
public journals, gives the following exposition of
the views of the President, in proposing to Con
gress the establishment of this immense continen
tal army.
“ Under the 17th section, the soldiers compo
sing the active force of each District, are to
march twice a year, at the bidding of the Presi
dent, to a place of general rendezvous somewhere
within the military district, to remain there, and
to undergo the exercises of discipline, for so
long a time as Congress, (that is, the President.)
may desire. The time in reality, will depend
on the progress the soldiers may make, in giving
indication of their being penetrated by the influ
ences, which during the rendezvous, will be
brought to be bear upon them, to incline them to
the support and service of the President. He
himself, if he chooses, and no doubt will, appear
among them, and with gracious condescension,
win the favorable regard of his soldiers, who will
ever after be his leige men — will sustain him
and his men at the polls, and do his bidding to
repeal any enemy, or subject any State. Whilst
marching to, and parading at, and returning from
the place of rendezvous, the President’s soldiers
are to be considered, as the project declares, in the
service of the United States, and be subject to such
regulations as to discipline and training, as the
President may think proper to adopt, and are also
to receive the same pay as the regular army of
the United States. Be it remembered, that un-
I der this scheme, the citizens of Virginia may be
j coercively marched twice a year, in a time of the
most profound peace, out of the Slate of Vir
ginia, even into Delaware, and there encamped
and disciplined with the other soldiers of the Mil
itary District.”
Yes, here is the w hole object of the scheme
laid open with the hand of a master. The militia,
thus embodied, and armed, and accoutred at their
own expense, are to he marched off’twice a year,
at a great distance from their houses— to be as
sembled in musses, that the President may have
an opportunity of receiving them with his Se
cretary of War, and Cabinet Officers, and splen
did retinue of imperial staff, with plumes waving
colors, flying, cannons roaring, and bands of mu
sic resound with the glorious National Air of
“ Hail to the Chief who in triumph advances.”
Here is to he displayed to the astonishing and
delighted visions of the ardent young men of
our country, all “the pride pomp, and circum
stance of glorious war !” What an admirable
scheme! for a President of the United States,
armed with the patronage and power which he
has usurped, to make converts—to decide elec
tions in doubtful States—to crush all the State
Institutions —and finally, if he chooses, to pro
claim himself Emperor of this great Republic !
Is there any man so wedded to party ; so blinded
and bigotted by party resentment ; so unmindful
of the welfare of his country ; so utterly deaf
to the warnings of history, in all past time, as
not to see in ibis scheme, the seeds of Despo
tism 1
Fellow-citizens, need I ask any one of you if
you are in favor of this scheme, call it what you
will?
Will you say that you are opposed to
the Scheme, but in favor ofthe man who is
determined, if re-elected, to fasten it up
on the country ? Has parly spirit got to
that point in this country, that we have
determined to obey its dictates if it leads
to our own destruction
Is the man, who proposes such a scheme as
this to the American people, fit to be their Ptesi
dent? Has he not served us long enough ? I
appeal to you as patriots, as men who love your
country, is not four years long enough for any
man to be intrusted with the immense power
which the President possesses ? With the im
mense patronage, and immense salary he enjoys
of $25,000 a year would it not be better for the
country, that he should know that he was to serve
but on term? Then we should hearnoe more of
these gigantic schemes of continental armies in
time of peace, intended for no other earthly pur
pose, but to insure his re-election !!
But, as an argument in favor of this vast scheme
to arm the President with this military power, we
are told, that General Harrison recommend'd the
same thing, some 18 or 19 years ago. It has
been a most remarkable characteristic in the
fame of Gen. Harrison, in this cruel and ungrate
ful w 7 ar which has been waged upon his well
earned reputation, that upon those very points of
it, upon which he lias been most violently assail
ed, are the very ones upon which he seems to have
surrounded himself with a rampart of defence that
is altogether impregnable. The more he is rub
bed, the brighter he shines ! His enemies con
tribute more to make hi.n Piesident than his
friends! They assail him upon his strongest
points, and have constantly been beaten off with
bloody noses, bruised faces, and broken limbs.
They had better turn in and praise the old Gen
eral, or they will make his majority too large.
Gen. Harrison never recommended any such
scheme as this army of conscripts, or any thing
like it. On the contrary, his recommendations
on the subject of disciplining the militia 18 years
ago, were precisely the reverse of this scheme.
Fortunately, for his fame, we have his reports
upon this subject, here in Abingdon, in a volume
of State papers, published at Washington, by the
authority of Congress. Every citizen of our
county can have them read to him, if he chooses.
In the Report of the 9th of January, 1838, Gen.
Harrison says: ‘-That the Constitution having
made it the duly of Congress to provide for ar
ming the militia, this power is not duly exercised
by enacting that the militia shall arm themselves.
A law to that effect, unsanctioned by penalties,
would be disregarded, and if thus sanctioned, will
be unjust, for it will operate as a capitation tax,
which the rich and the poor will pay equally, and
which will not be borne by the States in the pro
portion fixed by the Constitution. The Commit
tee do not approve the plan of putting arms in
the hands ofthe militia, when not necessary. That
mode would expose the arms to be lost and de
stroyed.—They conceive that Congress should
provide Arsenals, from which the militia from ev
ery part of the United States should dr -
when necessary, which would be a sudj?' .qr
ercise of the power to provide for arming? ever
itia. Congress having power to provider tortii
erning the mili’ia only when they are in ih own
vice of the United States, and the auU./f
training them belonging te the
the Committee have not deemed u p ro " r‘s‘ has i
Congress should prescribe the time to l, e d ’. i3t a chi
to training , or the manner in which that p** were
can be best effected. It is the duly of t!; e °^ 3 strat
Legislatures to enact the necessary lavr«f o ■ cash
purpose.” took
Here, fellow-citizens, is a true, genuine t^ie '
stitulional, Republican doctrine, and so f state
it doing any discredit to Gen. Harrison V 0 ®
remain among the archives of his country *' “I
monument of his wisdom, of his philanth’ such
and of his knowledge of the Constitution an f' “1
stitutions of his country. ‘ rise <
In his report of January 22d, 1819, heir. conti
the following remarks about disciplining until
lia : °‘ ' overl
“ The great difficulty to be encountered j
application of a system of discipline or m il P ursl
instruction, to a great population, scattered Zi use 1
an immense territory.—The accomplishing P roc
this object is evidently not within the p llVf . whic
the Government. To instruct the militia 0 f .■! distil
country to any useful extent, would requ , *
larger portion of their time, than they could. high
sibly spare from the duty of providing f ur t | *
families, unless they are liberally paid, and * hel
pay them would absorb all the resources of ■
nation.' ’ g rca
Now, here, fellow-citizens, arc the sentimr plan
of a patriot, and of a good man, that do Gene eneF
Harrison everlasting honor. They docredit
his heart, as well as Ks head.—They show V Wen
questionably, that he nas those kind and bene," d ? nt
lent feelings for his f How man; for the silua > ,lk ®
of the militia of his country as well as those hi
endowments of the mind, which fit him tobei W&S
Chief Magistrate of our country. We find hn
here, not dragging off’the militia, twice a v e ,' V*
to places of rendezvous, some 300 or 400 mfe th ® '
from their homes, to he disciplined under the or.
ders of the President, in a slate of profound peace \\
Gen. Harrison says that, the General Govern. * u
ment has no right to discipline the militia, is ,
such away, and that “it would require a l ar jrt-oW)
portion of their time, than they could spare fre JIE
the duty of providing for their families.”®
’The friends of Gen. Harrison ought (oh
thankful to his enemies for bringing this char<»-
against him. It has only enabled them to hut s-so
up evidence and documents, which accumub
every day, of his patriotism, his benevolence, ads r
his wisdom, as a Statesman.
But, all sorts of charges h: vc been brought* Qqx
gainst this war worn soldier, who has served t
country so long, and so faithfully—who has toil"ML
ed so long, and so often, in perilous campaigns
who has exposed his life so often in bloody field*
of battle, for the safety and welfare of our Wes. tteg
tern frontier; who has passed through a public ET,
life of such spotless purity, after having millions n, er
of public money passing through his Lands, as if t, jq
some public good could be effected by destroyii;
the fame of a patriot, who will unquestionably
live upon the page of impartial history, as onecf p or
the fathers of his country. All this was to t* j nte
expected, when his countrymen nominaledhia |j e | 0
for the Presidency; but the old General has slot.; p
fire so often, and his camp is so well fortified,tk ag
the whole artillery of a partizan press let off up- t jj e
on him, can’t even make him move a muscle,® n
injure a hair of his head ! gerv
Who are his accusers ? Are they soldiers an: pg r p
officers who fought under him—who are cove
ed with honorable scars and wounds they recti- \
ved in fighting the battles oftheircountry ? M gwe
they the men who were with him—who foughi a v i
by his side, and we r e eye witnesses of his skill, Mac
or defects, as an officer ? Who are the men wbo gur j
have left memorials| in his favor, and who had pp- b eer
povtunities of judging of his conduct in battle,
and of his talents and bravery, as a great Coo- ac t e
mander? Why, the very names of the men who Tha
have left these memorials to the fame of Genera. con ,
Harrison, ought to thrill the heart of every ga.-
lant mountaineer; ought to warm his blood ari ma ,
and brighten his eyes with patriotic fervor. Ht the
commenced his career with General Anthony r
Wayne, (“old mad Anthony” as he was called tale
in battle) the bravest—the Marshall Ney of tin \
American revolution ! The flames of savage vn: livii
were raging in the West—“the war-whoop W Jan
wakened even the sleep of the cradle,” wha test
Harrison, then a nohleheaned youth at school,ii pur
Virginia, flew to the assistance of our Western | C c
settlers. He took with him a commission froi gcei
General Washington, who was then Presidenla mat
the United States, and who had been the intimate
bosom friend and companion of his father, vibe Sta
had signed with Jefferson, the Declaration ofh r .
dependence. con
He was by the side of Wayne amMiore his or- gre
der, as his Aid-de-Camp, like a gallant yonr; me
Virginian, throughout the whole of that men) last
table battle fought with the Indians at the Rap!® stat
of the Maumee, in 1794. A battle that restore! a i o
peace to our whole Western frontier, from Pitt pl a
burg to the Tennessee line; which gave safety U am
the infant and tranquility to the mother, as sbf of
pressed it to lies bosom in her nightly slumte ===
What did Gen. Anthony Wayne say about bit *
Aid-de-Camp in his official coinmumcatioiijaboc i
the battle to Gen. Washington ? Ifere are Mi
own wmrds ; “ My faithful and gallantLieut.Hat-
rison, rendered the most essential services by coif ,
municating my orders in every direction, and ? !
his conduct and bravery in exciting the Troop
to press for victory.” His conduct in this ball* Jm
alone, under all the circumstances, will ens® l Wa
him immortality and entitle him to the event
ting gratitude of his country—lt conies to - g
from a veteran ofthe American Revolution—ln® mi
“ thedays of auld lang syne,” from Gen. Anti of
ny Wayne, who was 7 nailed throughout the I*
States after the victory of the Maumee at c ve ’. r 1
village, hamlet and cross road, from one end l g
Continent to the other, as the Saviour of his cour,
try. I remember well when a hoy myself, ba
never rode through this country any where,Hl
any direction, that I did not see painted up®*
every signboard at eve.y hotel I passed, the p 1 ;
ture of Gen. W'ayne upon horseback, she*!:.
the universal gratitude and admiration entef ta q,
cd for his services and character, by® every
in the country.
Harrison, fellcw citizens, was one of hi* coß he
| rades in that glorious conflict that restored pf a - c ' Jr
our whole Western country, and fj
General Wayne says, the most essential
“by his conduct and bravery in C(
his orders in every direction, and by exciting
troops to press for victory.” F
But is Gen. Wayne the only witness ol
lutionary fame who can be called upon to i <
in favor of Gen. Harrison? M hat e °
Shelby say, who led the Militia of Kentucky' n C(
battle of the Thames—the battle in whir i j.,
captured an entire British and savage An ll ?’ s;
conquered all Upper Canada? What does
Shelby say, who led the militia ot an ' ♦
State in the battle of King’s Mountain, an w
lautly performed his part in achieving a ' IC f,
which Mr. Jefferson said was the ''■fir d 1 q
the tide of success, which terminated the I
lutionary War with the seal our oj F j ii
dcnce . jjt *
What does the veteran of the Revolu io
about Gen. Harison, who mounted his war ,|| 1
in his old appearance and his voice, and t u j
ling recollections of his deeds of jjjp- q
Why fellow citizens, he voluntarily pl ace >n jl q
self under the command of Gen. ilarrisoru .
was an eyewitness of every movement, a u, I
ry act, and of every part of his cont uC y oU piHi
battle throughout the whole Campaign- M
admit that Gov. Shelby knew
war, and about the talents and skill ot K'BA
It was impossible that he could be