Staunton Vindicator

"Christ...saw fit to take from me a sword of steel after I had carried it for a time; but he has put another in my hand ('the sword of the Spirit')."

Since our last issue, two primary meetings of Citizens have been held at the Courthouse; on Saturday night, of the Citizens of the town exclusively; and on Monday, in which a large number of the people of the country took part. By referring to another column, our readers will perceive a synopsis of the action of both.

There are two facts which appear on the face of these proceedings as published, and stood out prominently in the manner and tone of the meetings, to which we wish to draw particular attention, because these facts are clothed with peculiar significance when the politics, and well known conservatism, of Augusta county are remembered. We refer to the endorsation of the action of Gov. Wise, from the beginning of the troubles at Harper's Ferry, to the present time, and the expressed willingness of the people of Augusta, to support and uphold the Executive of Virginia in any policy which he may think necessary for the protection of Virginia's soil and Virginia's honor. We say when the politics and conservatism of Augusta are remembered, the action of these meetings is doubly significant; for it shows that the people of Virginia are divided by no party lines in reference to the late outrage against its sovereignty; and that the conservatives and patriots of all parties unite in denouncing it, and recommending preparation for the prevention or resenting of like outrages.

We were peculiarly struck and interested by the speech of this gallant Whig veteran on last Monday. The conservative and Union sentiments of Capt. Kenton Harper are well known, and those sentiments he did not fail to express on Monday; but he acknowledged that the occurrences of the last month or two had for the first time shaken his confidence in the Union of these States, and for the first time made him entertain the thought that a possible contingency might arise when a dissolution might be expedient.

When such men and patriots as Kenton Harper express such views, the emergency must indeed be imminent, and the outrage which has brought on that emergency must indeed be gross.

The following are the officers, elected and appointed, of the Staunton Artillery:
Imboden, Jno. D., Captain;
Harman, Thomas L., 1st Lieut.;
Michie, John C., 2nd Lieut.;
Peyton, Wm. H., 1st. brevet Lieut.;
Garber, A.W., 2nd brevet Lieut.;
Berkeley, T.A. Dr., Surgeon;
Balthis, Wm. L., Qr. Master and Com;
Imboden, Geo. W., Ord. Sergeant;
Armentrout, Geo. A., 2nd Sergeant;
Garber, M.C., 3rd Sergeant;
Stoddard, H.M., 4th Sergeant;
Turk, R., Ensign;
Waddell, L.Jr., 1st Corporal;
Kayser, A.S., 2nd Corporal;
Harrison, Powell, 3rd Corporal;
Wood, Henry, 4th Corporal;
Burnett, Wm. A., Sec'y and Treasurer

At a meeting of the citizens of Staunton, on Saturday evening, the 26th inst., N.K. Trout, Esq., Mayor of the town, was called to the Chair, and the editors of the two papers of the town, appointed Secretaries. The object of the meeting having been explained, on motion of Gen. Harman, a Committee of five was appointed to prepare resolutions for the consideration of the meeting. The Committee consisted of Gen. W.H. Harman, R.G. Bickle, C.R. Mason, Jno. D. Imboden, and L. Waddell, Jr., who, through their Chairman, reported the following resolutions which were adopted:

Whereas, the people of Staunton being solemnly impressed with the alarming condition of public affairs, feel called upon, as good citizens and ardent lovers of their State, its Constitution and laws, to assemble and give expression to their feelings and firm resolve in the present crisis. This crisis, which has been brought about by a mockish and sacrilegious sentiment, fostered and encouraged among a large number of the citizens of the non-slaveholding States of this Confederacy, under the false name of philanthropy, it becomes our duty, as loyal citizens of Virginia, to meet without shrinking and with manly courage.

The foray upon our border at Harper's Ferry, we recognize as the legitimate result of the fanatical teachings of Wm. H. Seward and his party, and whilst we claim to be "order loving and law abiding citizens," we are yet prepared to say to the non-slaveholding States, with the determination of freemen, thus far you have gone, but you shall go no farther!"

1st. Resolved, That we applaud the Governor of this time-honored Commonwealth, for the patriotic zeal and vigilance with which he has taken "care that the laws be faithfully executed."

2d. Resolved, That in his preparations to maintain the majesty of the laws, in the execution of the condemned felons at Charlestown, he has given proof of this patriotic fidelity to that Commonwealth whose dignity and honor were outraged by the thieves and assassins who invaded her borders at Harper's Ferry.

3d. Resolved, that now, or hereafter, whenever our chief magistrate calls upon us to assist him in the defense of Virginia institutions, Virginia homes and Virginia laws, we will respond with the offer of our lives and fortunes, and the pledge of our sacred honor to sustain him.

4th. Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting the cultivation of a military spirit among our young men, and the organization of volunteer military companies for the protection of our own firesides, the defense of the honor of our State and the resistance of invasion, come from what quarter it may, is demanded by the threatening aspect of affairs at the present time; and that it is not only the duty, but should be esteemed the high privilege, of the old and substantial men of the town and county, to lend 'material aid' in the way of pecuniary contributions to those who may be willing to risk their lives in defense of the lives and property of others.

5th. Resolved, That the Chairman appoint a Committee of ----- to solicit contributions for the full equipment of our military companies, such as will insure their preparation and readiness for every emergency. On motion of M.G. Harman,

6th. Resolved, That there be raised $500 forthwith, to carry out in part the purpose of the above resolutions.

7th. Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the newspapers of the town.

During the progress of the meeting animated addresses were delivered by Jno. D. Imboden, Esq., Maj. Watts, Powell Harrison, B.A. Stuart, and others, and in response to the solicitations of the Committee, nearly $400 were raised on the spot for the purposes indicated in the 4th resolution. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.

A meeting was held at the Court-house on Monday last for the purpose of considering the propriety of a movement in behalf of the construction of a Railroad from Salem to Harrisonburg. Kenton Harper, Esq., was called to the Chair, and L. Waddle, Jr., and H.B. Michie, Jr., appointed Secretaries. Jno. B.I. Logan, Esq. of Salem, presented the cause in an appropriate manner, and read the proceedings of a meeting in Botetourt. On motion of H.M. Bell, Esq., a Committee of five was appointed to correspond with other parties on the line of the proposed road, and take such other steps as may best promote the object. The Chairman appointed H.M. Bell, Wm. M. Tate, John B. Baldwin, R.L. Doyle, and J.D. Imboden, as the Committee, whereupon, on motion, the meeting adjourned.