General Stssemolp.
verlheless feelingly alive to die cause which has
given rise to it.
'Abstract of such of the proceedings of the Legisla
ture as we consider interesting to our readers.
SENATE.
Thursday, Nov. 22.
Mr. Martin presented the following
preamble und resolutions, which were
laid upon the table and ordered to be
printed:
Whereas questions of deep and vital impor
tance to the future welfare of our common coun
try, are under consideration in some of the Sou
thern State; it is therefore believed to be the du
ty of this General Assembly, as the representa
tives of the free people of North Carolina, re
spectfully to make known our sentiments, and, as
we believe, the sentiments of our constituents, on
the present interesting crisis of our internal affairs.
1. Therefore Resolved, That this General As
sembly continues to cherish a sacred attachment
to the Constitution of the United States, and con
sider the advantages of the Federal Union, in sus
taining our civil institutions, and perpetuating
our liberties, to be incalculable: That we depre
cate the doctrine of Nullification, as founded on
principles subversive of the Constitulion, and as
having a direct tendency, if practically enforced,
1o sever the bonds which now unite us together,
as one great and powerful Republic.
2. Resolved further, That we still rely on the
wisdom and integrity of the constituted authori
ties of the General Government, and confidently
look to their patriotism for ultimate redress of all
our real grievances; and as the States are prohib
ited by the Constitution from entering into alli
ances, compacts, or agreements among them
selves, and being aware of the excitement and
sectional feeling which already pervades the
country to a fearful extent, this General Assem
bly, under existing circumstances, deprecate the
policy of a Southern Convention.
3. Resolved, That the Governor be, and he is
hereby requested to forward a copy of these Re
solutions to the President of the United States,
and to the Executives of each of the Stales of
this Confederacy..
On motion of Mr. Montgomery, of
Hertford, the committee on education and
the literary fund, were instructed to in
quire into the expediency of establishing
by law a Central School in the State of
Norfh Carolina, for the purpose of edu
cating and preparing instructors of ele
mentary schools for their profession
and that they report by bill orotherwi.se.
On motion of Mr. Wilson, a message
was sent to the House of Commons, pro
posing to ballot immediately for a Solici
tor in the first Judicial Circuit, and sta
ting that John L. Bailey is in nomination
for the appointment.
Mr. Montgomery, of Orange, present
ed sundry resolutions, referring the sub
jects contained in the Governor's Mes
sage to separate committees; which were
read and adopted.
Friday, 23rf.
Mr. Montgomery, of Orange, present
ed the petition of Peggy Johnson, pray
ing the passage of an act to secure to her
Buch property as she may hereafter ac
quireAlso, the petition of John John
eon, praying to be divorced from his wife
Peggy Johnson. The said petitions were
referred to the committee on proposi
tions and grievances.
Received from the House of Commons
a message, stating that they have passed
the engrossed resolution, expressing the
regret which the Legislature feel on re
ceiving intelligence of the death of
Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, in
which thev ask the
J . . . . w . . V I lilU
Senate. The resolution was amended
by adding the following: "Resolved, that
a copy of the above resolution be trans
mitted by his Excellency the Governor of
North Carolina to the representatives of
the deceased, for his family." The reso
lution was then passed and sent to the
House of Commons for their concur
rence in the amendment.
Saturday, 24th.
Mr. Leake presented the following
preamble and resolutions:
Whereas questions of deep and increasing
importance now agitate some of our sister States,
growing out of the exercise of powers, which
are supposed to belong to the General Govern
ment on the one hand, and of the rights which
are said to appertain to the States on the other.
And whereas an expression of opinion on the
part of the Legislature seems to be called for,
that silence may not be construed into a virtual
acquiescence of the powers claimed for the Gen
eral Government; nor yet as being indifferent to
consequences which necessarily flow from the
enforcement of Nullification:
Re it therefore Resolved, as the opinion of
this Legislature, that while we disapprove the
doctrine of Nullification as unconstitutional, vio
lent and of a revolutionary tendency, we are ne-
Rp.tnlvPfl fiirhpr. That the novvers which
j ... . , - 4
have been ceded by the States to the General
Government, were delegated in trust for the ac
complishment of certain limited and defined ob
jects; and that any exercise of those powers to
foster manufactures directly, is viewed by this
Legislature as a violation of the spirit of the Fe
deral compact.
Resolved further. That while we deprecate
the doctrine of Nullification, as being wild and
visionary in theory, dangerous and violent in
practice, we at the same time cannot but consid
er a Tariff of duties looking to protection (as
does the present) as an unwarrantable assumption
of power.
Resolved further, That we still rely on the
wisdom and integrity of the constituted authori
ties of the General Government, and conlidently
look to their patriotism and love of Union for
ultimate redress of all our grievances.
Resolved further, That we recognize in the
Tariff of the 7ih June, JS32, a modification of
duties, both in the "gross and in the detail," and
we behold it as an entering wedge which shall
ultimately fritter down the duties to a revenue
point.
Resolved, That the Governor be, and he is
hereby requested to forward a copy of these Re
solutions to i he President of the United States,
and to the Executive of each of the States of this
confederacy.
Which nfter having been read, were on
motion of Mr. Skinner luid upon the ta
ble and printed, one copy for each mem
ber of the Legislature.
Mr. Carson presented a bill to provide
for the registration of grants for land in
this State, when the original has been
ost or is beyond the reach of the party in
terested in the lands for which the errant
is issued. Referred.
The Senate proceeded to ballot for
Secretary of State, which resulted in the
election of William Hill, the prcseut in
cumbent, without opposition.
Mr. Wilson presented a resolution.
providing ibut the present session of the
General Assembly be closed, by the ad
journment of the two Houses, by their
respective Speakers, on the 20th dav of
uecemoer, ixsoz. Juma upon the table.
Monday, 20th.
Mr. Dobson presented a bill vesting
the riuht of electing Clerks nf tlm Sin,,,.
rior and County Courts in the several
counties in this State, in the
, . . w ii uii
men thereof. Ordered to be nrintprl.
Mr. Wilson submitted a resolution au
thorising the committee of finance to burn
all the Treasury notes on hand at the
Department. Mr. Wellborn moved to
amend it, by restrieiiuu the burning to
13 to
those which are unfit for circulation, but
was negatived, and the original resolu
tion was adopted and sent to the House.
A message was sent lo the House of
Commons, proposing to ballot on Thurs
day next for Governor, and stating that
John branch and 1 nomas G. Polk are
in nomination for the oflice.
Tuesday, 21th.
Mr. Allen presented a bill to erect a
new county out of a portion of the conn-
ties of Burke and Buncombe, by the
name ol lancey. Kead the first time.
Wednesday. 28th.
Mr. Martin presented a bill to establish
the Bank of North Carolina.
Mr. Buddie, a bill to amend the seve
ral laws of the Stale relative to the duties
of Clerks and Sheriffs.
Mr. Seawell, a bill to incorporate the
Experimental Rail Road Company of
Raleigh.
Mr. Allen, a bill concerning the Su
preme Court. (Provides for the appoint
ment of u fourth Judge.)
These bills passed their first reading.
HOUSE OF COMMONS.
Thursday, Nov. 22.
Mr. Pearson submitted the following
resolution, which was read the first, scc
ond and third limes, passed, and ordered
to be engrossed and sent to the Senate
for concurrence:
Resolved unanimously, bv ths Snn n,i
House of Commons of the General Assembly of
hiu owic ui orin uaroima, that it is with feel
ings of profound regret they have received intel
Iigeece of the death of Charles Carroll, of
Carrollton, the last of that band of patriots and
sages who proclaimed the Independence of the
United States of America, and pledged for its
support their lives, their fortunes and their sa
cred honor. And that this General Assembly,
wilh the people whom they represent, cherish a
deep veneration for the virtues, the services and
the character of the deceased, and sympathise
with his family, his friends and the country, in
the bereavement which all have sustained. "
Air. V. A. lawyer presented the peti
tion of Aotier H. G randy, contesting the
scat of Bcnj. D. Harrison, one of the sit
ting members from the county of Cam
den. Referred.
John L. Bailey was duly elected Soli
citor of the first Judicial Circuit, without
opposition.
Friday, 23d.
The Speaker appointed the following
committee on the subject of re-organising
the Congressional districts, viz: Messrs.
Sumner, Pearson, Bragg, Eccles and
Potts.
On motion of Mr. Peeples, the com
mittee on the judiciary were instructed to
inquire into the propriety ol so amend
ing the act of 1823, entitled an act to
amend the law relative to ihc collection
of debts from the estate of deceased per
sons, as to provide that the real estate
shall be charged with the costs incurred
in nil suits against executors, when the
plea of "fully administered" is found in
favor of the defendants.
Saturday, 24th.
Mr. O'Brien, from the committee of
privileges and elections, reported unfa
vorably on the petition ol Abner II.
G randy, contesting the right of Benjamin
Harrison, ot Camden county, to a seat in
this House, and recommended a rejection
of the petition. Concurred in.
Mr. F. A. Sawyer presented a bill to
amend an act, passed in the year 1821,
lo incorporate a company entitled the Ro
anoke Inlet Company, and for other pur
poses, and an act amendatory ot the same,
passed in the year 1828. Referred.
Mr. Bonner presented a bill fixing a
uniform mode of assessment of real es
tate with the lmnrovementa tlnmnn.
Referred and ordered to be printed.
Monday, 20th.
ngiceuuiu to nonce, 1110 Mouse pro
ceeded to ballot for Public Printer. On
i he third ballot, Charles R. Ramsay (ed
itor of the Constitutionalist) was elected.
The balloiings resulted us follows:
1st 2d 3d
Charles R. Ramsay, 8G 92 98
Lawrence & Lemay, 79 83 80
Scattering, - 1G 15 10
Mr. B onner introduced a resolution in
structing the judiciary committee to in
quire into ihe expediency of abolishing
the punishment of branding. Rejected.
Mr. O'Brien presented a bill to vest
the right of electing the Clerks of ihc
County and Superior Courts in this State,
in the free white men thereof and Mr.
Saintclaira bill to exempt from execution
a portion of the land of the citizens of
North Carolina. Read and ordered to
be printed.
Mr. Pearson presented a resolution
providing that a message be sent to the
Senate, proposing to raise a joint select
committee on the subject of a Conven
tion. Passed its first reading.
On motion of Mr. S. T. Sawyer, it was
resolved, that the Governor be requested
to communicate for the information of
this II ouse, the number of Indians resi
dent in this State, together wilh the ex
tent of territory they occupy, the charac
ter of their laws and form of government,
their habits and pursuits, the nature and
design of the aggressions committed nn.
on that region of country, by some of the
citizens of Georgia and other States; and
whether by the laws of the State any au
thority is vested in the Executive to repel
such aggressions and to protect said In
dians and territory.
Mr. Clayton presented a bill to erect
out of a portion of the counties of Burke
and Buncombe a separate and distinct
county by the name of Yancey. Referred.
xMr. Long introduced a bill, making an
appropriation and appointing commis
sioners for the re-building the Capital in
the city of Raleigh. Read and ordered
to be printed.
x . Tuesday, 21th.
On motion of Mr. McNeill, it was re
solved, that the committee on military af
fairs be instructed to inquire into the ex
pediency of so amending the militia laws
as to exempt persons who have held com
missions forfive years and discharged the
duties assigned them faithfully, from the
performance of military duty afterwards,
except mcasesofinvasionor insurrection.
uiouon ot Mr. Borden, a message
,'as SPnt tn tli 0. ; r . .&
body tfiat the name of Richard D.SnaioW
is uuueu 10 me nomination ior vjovernor
Mr. S. T. Sawyer presented a bill de
fining and limiting the power of Couru
in inflicting punishments for contempt
Read and referred.
Wednesday, 28ft.
Mr. Wiseman presented a bill to
mend ai act passed in 1822, for the re
lief of debtors for debts which may be
contracted after the first of May next.
Mr. Lancaster submitted a resolution
instructing the judiciary committee to in.
quire into the expediency of compelling
executors and administrators of Inot
vent estates to make pro rata payment
of all claims against the estates of their
testator or intestate.
4
was sent to the Senate informing that
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, I83g.
THE PATRIOTIC DISCOURSE.
(QWe have suffered to pass unnoticed, ihe
misstatements and misrepresentations which
have occasionally appeared respecting a publi
cation issued from this office, under the impres
sion that "truth is mighty and will prevail," and
with a fixed determination to avoid religious
controversiesbut we feel it a duty we owe to
the cause of truth, to the citizens of this place,
and to the respected author of ihe publication re
ferred to, lo correct some of the many inaccura
cies abounding in a letter in the Christian Index
of Sept. 29, last, addressed to the Editor by tha
Rev. Obadiaii Echols, of Jasper county, Geor
gia. It seems that Mr. Echols has been infor
med and believe?, that the Rev. Joshua Law
rence, author of the Patriotic Discourse deliv
ered in this place on the 4th July, 1S30, com
bines much of the Solomon and of the Sampson,
and that on the delivery of this Discourse ha
had armed men around him, who would have
shot any man who molested him that Mr.
Lawrence lost preferment in the Missionary line,
and here lies the whole secret of his hate
that after denouncing five or six societies, he tri
ed lo establish one. of formidable size and shape,
and presented himself as the chieftain of that so
ciety. Doubtless our citizens, as well as Mr.
Lawrence, will be more amused than enraged at
this gross caricature but, that the truth may be
known to Mr. Echols and all others, we will
state that Mr. Lawrence was requested to deliv
er a Patriotic Discourse on the day above men
tioned, by the committee of arrangements ap
pointed by the citizens of this place that an un
usually large and attentive congregation was pre
sent, and so far as our observation extended, not
a single deadly weapon was to be seen, nor any
intimation given of hostility towards Mr. Law
rence or his doctrines that a copy of the Dis
course was solicited for publication, but being too
lengthy for insertion in this paper, at the urgent
solicitations of numerous rcsneclable individual
it was issued in pamphlet form from this office,
at the Editor's expense and risk; the first edition
was rapidly disposed of, and a second piinted
also for the benefit of ihe Editor. As regards
Mr. Lawrence, we will merely observe, that he
has been a preacher of the gospel upwards of
thirty years has never expressed a desire nor
evinced any anxiety, so far as we have heard,
for political preferment is extensively known
and universally esteemed, and stands second to
no man in the performance of moral and reliziou
duties, nor in the social relations of life as a hus
band, father and neighbor and although "a
Sampson" in stature, exercises nought but his
mental powers in contests with his opponents.
And further, we speak advisedly when we state"
that Mr. Lawrence is not opposed to masonry, to
temperance, education, or to the spread of the
gospel or its doctrines, through the proper distri
bution of the bible, by religious publications, or
by the personal exertions of the gospel missiona
rybut he condemns in toto, the minSJin of
professors and non-professors of religion in soci
eties; and the making a craft" of religious mat
ters, by professors, in every shape and form
whatsoever.
The Editor of the Christian Index is respect
fully solicited to give the above a place in his
paper, that it may be as extensively circulated
and take the same direction, as the letter of Mr.
Echols.
Pickpockets On Monday euening of last
week, the pocket book of Mr. Jo. P Pitt, of this
county, was stolen from his pocket at Mr. Bell's
tavern in this place ihe pocket book contained
about 5120 m money and sundry, papers. Sus--picion
fell upon a man named Davis, said to be
irom Beaufort county, who decamped early the
next morning: Pursuit was made and he was
arrested at his own house, about 13 or 20. mile