0H State Library JOURNAL .11:1

OF THE

WTERjr.iL IMFROVEMEMr C OJVVEJSTTIOJW

WHICH MET AT RALEIGH,

On tlie 4jth ol July, 18^5.

TOGETrtER WITH THE ADDRE88

OF THE COMMITTEE OF THAT BODY

TO THE CITIZENS OF NORTH-CAROLINA,

RALEIGH:

PRINTED BY JOSEPH GAL£S & Sfilfi^

1833. 71 053 Q

TO THE PUBLIC.

JEtis understood that the Commissioners appointed by the Legislature to super- nitend the re-buildinsj of the Capitol, have determined to lay the Corner Stone of the edifice on the 4th of J uly next. This occasion, it is expected from the ar- rangements that have been made, will call together a large numbfer of the most intelligent and respectable citizens of the State. It is believed that this meeting will afford a favorable opportunity to ascertaia public sentiment with respect to the various projects of Internal Improvements, which have been proposed in different sections of the country, and perhaps^ pro- duce unity of action in support of such system of operations as may be best calcu- lated to advance the general good. To this end, the undersigned beg leave respectfully to invite public attention to the subject, and propose that a Convention be held in this City, at the period above mentioned, to be composed of such Delegates as may be appointed for this pur- pose by the several counties and towns in this State. David L. Swain William Boylan Henry Seawell Romulus M. Saunders W. S Mhoon James Iredell Duncan Cameron L. Henderson Wm. Hill Thomas Ruffin J. Grant J. J. Daniel Geo. W. Haywood P. Browne Weston R. Gales Alfred Jones * WS Whitaker D. W. Stone Parker Hand C. Dewey Wm. H. Haywood, Jr, Wm. Gaston Bev. Daniel Geo. E. Badger Wm McPheeters Daniel L. Barringer Thos. G. Scott E. P. (iuion Thos. J. Lemay Jno. Beckwith Alex. J. Lawrence T P. Devereux Theophilus Hunte^ Charles L. Hinton Natti'l G. Rand Thos. Cobbs Jeknsea Basbee. iialeig^ht J"iie 12, 1833. STATE OF NORTH-CAROLINA. At a meeting of Delegates from several of the counties in tMg State, convened in the Government House in the city of Raleigh, on the 4th day of July, 1833, for the purpose of taking into con- sideration the subject of Internal Improvement throughout the State; the Convention was called to order by Gen. Iredell, one of the Delegates from the county of Wake, and, on motion of Gov. Owen, his Excellency David L. Svvain was unanimously appointed President. Whereupon, the President was conducted to the Chair, from whence he stated the objects of the meeting in an appropriate address. On motion of Gen. Iredell, Samuel F. Patterson of Wilkes, and Charles Manly, of Wake, were appointed Secretaries to the Con- vention. The names of the several counties in the State were then called; when the following Delegates appeared, produced their credentials, land took their seats, to- wit: From Beaufort County— Z. W. Barrow. Brunswick—7. J. Hill, Francis N. Waddell, J. Waddell, H. Y. Waddell. Bladen—John Owen. Craven—William < Gaston, John H. Bryan, John F. Burgwin, Wright C Stanly, Chatham—Jona. Haralson, Abraham G. Kean, C. J Williams, William H. Har» den, P. Le Messurier, Charles Lutterloh, H. S. Clark, Thomas Prince. Cumberland—Robert Strange, John Huske, L. D. Henry, John H. Hall, E. J. Hale, E Arnold, E. W. Wilkings, James Seawell, W. Waddill, jun. Thomas L. Hybart, E. L. Wluslow. JJuplin—William Wright. Franklin—James Farrier, Wood T. Johnson, Nathaniel R. Tunstall. Granville-—William M. Sneed, Spencer O'Brien, Thomas W. Norman, Thomas B* Littlejohn, Memucan Hunt. Halifax—Joseph J. Daniel, Edmund B. Freeman. Johnston—J. H. Smith, Bythan Bryon, Josiah O. Watson, T>aniel Boon, Chrlsto^ pher Christophers, Reuben T. Sanders, John C. Smith, James T. Leach, Jame?

Frilick. - Lenoir—Isaac Croom, Hardy B Croom, Nathan B. Whitfield and Geo. Whitfield. Neiv-Hanover—William B. Meares, John D. Jones, Joseph A. Hill, Alexander MacRae, Wm. J. Love, Thomas Hill, Patrick Usher, George H. McMillan. Nash—Henry Blount, Stephens. Sorsby, Geo. Boddie, jun. Orange—Hugh Waddell, Wm. J. Bingham, Professor Philips, Walter A. Noi*; vood, Alex'r Henderson, James H. Norwood, Frederick Nash, Wm. A. Graham, John Scott, SamuelChilds,Cadwallader Jones, Wm. F. Strudwick, James Mebane, Sampson—Thomas J. Faison, H. C. Holmes, Wm. Kirby, Ollen Mobley, WiUiam Faison. Wilkfs—Samuel F. Patterson. Wah—David L. Swain, Geo. E. Badger, Jas. Iredell, Wm. McPheeters, Wm, H. Haywood, jr. Wm Boylan, Henry Seawell, Geo. W. Hay -ood, Charles Manly, A. J. Lawrence, J. C. Stedman, Thomas Cobbs, Weston R. Gales, James Grant- C^rus Whitaker, Johnston Busbee, Alfred Jones, Henry A. Donaldson, Henry IVarren, Turner Pullen, John Y. Young. Wrrer.-^5o n C Green, , Geo. Little, Josejoh S. Jones, George M. Allen, Simmons Southerland, James Somervell. Wayni^—Arnold Borden, James B. Whitfield, John W. Sasser, H. M. Jeter'5 John Wright. On motion of Mr. Grant, Resolved, That a Committee, consisting of one member from each delegation, be appi>\ntt-d by the President, to whom shall be referred, before tliey are debated in Convention, all propositions on Internal Improvement made in tliisConventinn'; that the said committee be directed to report, and recommend the proper rourse to be taken by this Convention upon shell propositions, or on any others tliat may be suggested to them, and on the subject of Internal Improvement generally. The following persons were thereupon appointed to form th6 Committee in pursuance of the said resolution, to-wit: Z. W. Barrow, F. J. Hill, John Owen, John H. Bryan. Chas. J.Wil- liams, Robert Strange, William Wright, J. Farriei", Spencer O'Brien, E. B. Freeman, Josiah O.Watson, Isaac Croom, Wm, B. Meares, George Boddie, James Mehane, H, C. Holmes, S. F. Patterson, W. H. Haywood^ j*'* J* Somervell and John W. Sasser. On motion of Mr. Grant,

Resolved, That the General Committee of this Conventioii be instructed to in- quire into the best mode of securing the co-oper:

Friday, July 5, 1833.

The President laid before tlie Convention sundry papers con- taining the survey, field notes and estimates of the Cape Fear and Yadkin Rail-road, which, on motion of Mr. Burgwin, were or- dered to be referred to the general standing committee. Mr. Farrier presented the following preamble and resolution^ j;o-wit:

Whereas, it appears that the counties represented in this Convention are very hnequally represented, and in order that each counl^y tepresented may have the same quality in voting as when in legislating. Resolved, That, when any vote is t ikf n on any question of Internal Improve- ment, ih>.- vote siiall be by counties, eac'a county entitled to one vote and no more. Which being read, on motion of Mr. Strange, it was ordered ^hat the said resolution be laid upon the table.

On motion of Mr. J. H. Bryan, Resolved, That the Grand Committee on Internal Improvement be instructed toinqmre mio the expediency of constriictini; a Rail Road from Raleigh to som'e point on Neuse River at or near Waynssborough". —

On motion of Mr. Farrier, Jiesolved, that the CommiUet; of Internal Tmprovement inquire into the cxpe diency and utility of building a Raii-Ko-

Jieeolved, that the present condition of North-Carolina is, in the op.nlon nf this

Convention, higlily discouraging .'Uil mortifying to her citizens ; that her trade is languishing, her agriculture falling into neglect, her population fors-.king her,

her political stren;;ih withering, and her public and piivate wealth df clir.inf:; ; in- somuch, that if these e\\h are not arrested in their course, she must speedily sink

into ruin and contempt ; that they owe their existence, nwiidy. to a want of Stute pride, concert of opinion and jction among her citizens, the difficuliiesof In'emal transportation, and the want of the existence or supj.ort of piimar)' markets wiMiiii

her own bosom ; that for the remedy of these mischiefs, *'\e active and zealous co-operative exertions of all her citizens are imperiously demanded; they are urged to put tliem forth by every consideration of public s[)ii'it and private inter-

est ; that the improvemejit of our means of internal transportation, and the pro- vision of primary marts within the State, siiould constitute the^js^ grsnd object-; of these exertions ;»tnat in this accomplishment, they may, with great prnpriety,

invoke the aid of the State Treasury ; and this Convention furthe'- believe, thit

v;ithout free End liberal aid from that source, for the furtherance of these ' bjc-cts, the ^tate will soon cease to have a Treasury worthy of care nr preservation. They are, however of opinion that whatever benefit might accrue to some of thf: citizens of the State, the State as a whole cannot with pvoprietN be asked to com- mit an act so suicidal as to lend h<-r resources to ihe accomplisiitr.ent cf any work,

the direct tendency of which would be to carry any portion ot iier jircduc , ior u primary market, without, befqie she h;is done wiiat it is in her power to tft'ec; to' wards improvement within her own limits, and before proper eser;ions have beert made to bring every section to her own markets: Therefore Eesolved,

As the opinion of this Conventioni, that, for llie foundation of a new system < f Internal Improvements in this State, the means of the State, oided by private sub- f cr'ption, should be concentrated in the construction of a rail way fiom some Norlh- Carolina seaport town to the interior of the State. Resolved, As the opinion of this Conveniiooj that the Legislature of this Stite ought to provide by law for raising such a sum ny loan (on tlie faith of the S'a'.e if necessary) as will give substantial assistance in the prosecution of Ictern.il Im- provements in this State. Resolved, As the opinion of this Convention, th.it the most pr^ictlcable and equitatile mode of meeting the loan of the State will be l)y an afinual tax on Lairds equal to the interest on the loan and one-twentieth of the sum borrowed, so as to pay it off in 20 years.

Resolved, As the opinion of this Convention, that it will be right and expedient that the State should extend this first improvement as well by a contuuiaiice of said Rail way as by the construction of others, and by other modes of improve-

ment ; and the profitable result of the first work will increase the spirit of enti r- prize and the means of tlie State. Resolved, As the funher opmion of tliis Convention, that in design;aing t!ie route of said road, the first consideration is, that it should be ceHainly practicable^ .

because an tinsiiccessftil attempt will pmve disa'^trous ; but npxt It shall also, poB» se<5S Miecharr terof preneral usefulness tothe Slate, so as to unite as many init-resta as possible iii iJs erection. Besolved further. As the opinion of this Convention, that it vvoulc\ be advisable for the Le.ei'>]ature to pass a law, providin.sr, with proper restrictions, tliat the Counties of this St'te, as such, and the ( on\a!issoi»f fso* the incorpo'ated tovnsof this State, may subscribe for stock in any incorporated Compury for Internal Im^ provements to sucli an am Mint :

perty of the counties and towns respectively subscribing it ; ;ind to meet the debt contracted bs th-- State, on the sTip bv her issued, tlxn Lands of the county or town subscribing, shall be taxed, annuullj, a sum equal to ilie interest and one- twentiet'- of the subscription aforesaid, and tlu- costs of collecting it ; which tax slut!! becoJiectpd and paid as other taxes are into the Teasury of the State, and the county paying it, cie'lite.d accoidingly against the debt aforesaid. On motion of Mr. James Seawell, Sesolved, That ih- g- nerul Committee be instructed to direct its enquiries to the rjdoptiou of a -yste^ri of I ilerna' I nprovement, by Hail-ways, which sliall com-

bine luilily with ihe :;re3test degree of general convenience ; the system (o con* template two : arallel l?ai!-roa<]s, the one to c-mmence ;it a point on the Romoke, running wn-5>twardly, so as lo em'race the tier <>t counties ly'ng on the Northern boundary of the S'ate ; the other to begin on the Cape-Fear and to penetrate the

Ccinuies on the Southern bonltr of the Mate ; the two parallel wajs to he con- ntcted with the Seat of Government by Literal Kai|.roa Wilmington.

Mr Patterson submitted the follow'ng Preamble and Resolutions : Whkheas, owing to the (-eculiir lo; ai situation (^t em St:ite, there is a portion of its trcide that most Matur,.l!y finds a maiket wiUae th'. Ismits ot'oi;e of the adjoin--

Tng States, and which ii is bt licved caniio be div rted to any market within our Own State by any plan oi Int rnal I,, piovenienttliai Cuti beeflVcted: And whereas, the interest and commercial import -iice of the state requires that, ie ord r to m^ke up for 'he loss w::ich she thus sustains, and to tiffoid the facilities of getting to market to the cit'zens of sut h porti'>ns of our sistet- States as are within her reach and mfluetice, a.d who are at present almost destitute of such means: Resolved, 'i'hat, in the opinion ot this t.'onvention, the construction of a Rai!- Foad ;rom the Town of Fayette ville !o some p.sint in ihe \Vi stern section of the

Stat , is best calculated t<» accomplish those desirable object*. Resolved further, That the ToAfn of Wifkesboiough, in th- county of Wilkes, ^froin lb. local ^lioation) affords more adva t.ges t(.r the termination point o such a mad, than any other place in the west, as it is believed that marly the whole of the uade of the counties of Tennessee east of K uwilie, and of all the counties to the south-western part of , would be attracted to that pla«e. Mr. E. Winslovv presented the followin;; Resolution : Resolved, That tl^ f^i-neni! Coinmi'.tHe be instru.-tcd to ii, quire into the expe-, ilieiicv ot cynstiucting a Jtailway from the City of UaleigL lo the Towu of Fay^ etteville. Tliese resolutions were all I'cud and referred as a matter of course, under the icsoiutton of yesterday, to tlie general committee. The President of the Convention laid hefore the met^ting a let- ter addressed to him by sundry citizens of Iredell county, upon the subject of Liternai Improvement—which was read, and, oa motion of Judge Seaweil, referred to the same committee,

Mr J. A. Ii;ll submitted iKe foWowing Resuliitinn : Uesolved Tlist ihis Converilioti deem il Mi.-xnedient at this lime torecoajnuend any !^pec.ific work ot iinpro'. einciU iii prefcteiict- to aaotlier. Tiiis resolution was read, and, on Mr. Gaston*s motion, laid on the table. TliC Convention then adjourned until this afternoon at 6 o'clock..

Friday Evening 6 o^docli. The Convention met pursu- nt to adjournment. Mr. Haywood, from the general committee appointed to con* sider tiic vai'ious propositions on Internal Impravement whicfe

have been referred to it, made tiie foliowing Report, to-wit:

The General Committee, to .vliom is referred the subject of Internal Inttprove" xnent, for the State of North-Carolina, beg" leave to REPORT: That tliey have taken into consideration the various Resolutions subraitted to" them, and deem it inexpedient for the Convention to recommend to the Legisla* ture, or the People of the State, ut this time, any specific v/ork of Interual Im-

provement ; but feeling' the deep importance of tlie subject, and the necessity of awakening' th.e Public to their true interest, they respectfully recoramend the fol- lowing Kcsolutions:

1. lie-soivrt, That the present condition of North-Carolina, is, in the opiiuon of

this Convention, highly discoiu-ag-ing' and mortifying to her citizens ; that her trade is languishing", her ag'riculture is fitliing" inio neg^Iect, her popuJatiou is forsaking' her, iier pohtical strength is wJthenng, and her public and private wealth is de--

ciining ; insomucii, that if these evils are not arrested in tlieir course, she must

speedily sink nto ruin and coutempt ; that they owe tl-.eir existence mainly to a' want of State pride, and concert of opinion and action, and to the difficulties of

internal transportation, and the waiit of /yn'^iw;-// markets within her own bosom j. that for the remedy of these misciiiefs, the active and zealous co-operative exer- tions of all her c tizens, are ira jieri usly deiiianded, and they are urged to put them

forth, by every consideration of public spu-it and private interest ; that the improve-

,- meat of our means of internal transportation, and the provision of firmary marts, within the State, should constitute xhitfirai grand obje- ts of these exertians? tiiat in their accomplishment, they may with gi-eat propriety, invoke tie aid of the State Treasury, and this Convention dotli further believe, that without free and liberal aid-from that source, for the furtherance of these objects, the State of North-^

Carolin .. will soon cease to have a Treasury worthy of care or preservation. The Coiweation ar' however, of opiiuon, that whatever benefit might accrue to some af the citizens, the State, as a iohnb-^ cannot with propriety, be asked to commit an act so suicidal as to lend her resources to the accomplishment of any work, the^ tendency of which, weald be t* c-aw-y any ji.rtiQn ef her produce for a ^nmuri?- s market, btyond her own limits, before she has done all that she can to create su(?h a m;ii-ket -ivilMn them, and before proper exertions have been made to bring' every section wiihin reach of such markets. 2. Retiolvci!, Tiiat it is the opinion of this Convention, that the General Assembly of this State ought to provide for raising such a sum by loan (on the faith of the State if necessary) as will afford substantial assistance, in the prosecution of works of Internul improvement within this State.

3 . Jitsolved, That it is the opinion of this Con-vention, that the most equitable and the only practicable mode of redeeming such loan to the State, is by an annua! tax on lands, equal to the interest on the loan, and one twentieth of the sum bor- rowed, so as to pay it off in twenty years. 4. Mewlved, That it is t*-e opinion of this Convention, that it would be advisable for (he Legislature to pass a law providing, (with proper restrictions) that the counties, and the incorporated towns of this State, as such, may subscribe for stock in any incorporated Company of this State, for Internal Improvement, to such an amount as a majority of the justices of the County, or the municipal authority of the Town, as the case may be, shall order. And to pay for the same, the State sliall issue a scrip or scrips to the amount subscribed, redeemable in twenty years, and bearing an interest of five per cent. The stock subscribed for by the counties and towns, shall be the property of such counties and towns respectively, and to meet the debt contracted by the State on the scrips by her so issued, the lands of the county or town subscribing, shall be annually taxed a sum equal to the interest, and one-twentieth of their subscription, together with the costs of collection ; which taveti shall be collected and paid as all other taxes, into the Public Treasury of the State, to the credit of the county or tov/n paying the same. 5. /iesolved, That this Convention doth respectfully recommend to the General Assembly of North-Carolina, that whenever any number of individuals shall be int corporated by this State for the improvement oi any portion of our internal trans- portation (the tendency of whicli shall not be to carry any poi-tion of the produce of the State, beyond her limits for a priman/ market,) and the subscribers shall pay, or secure to be paid, three-fifths of the amount necessary for its accomplishment, the ri-maining two-fifths shall be subscribed by the State. 6. Resohed, That the more effectually to secvu-e a general improvement of the, means of ti-ansportation within the State, it is further recommended, that whenever Any company shall have received assistance from the State, according to the fore- going recommendation, any other Company formed for a similar purpose, with the apiM'obation of the Legislature' siiall be authorized in the prosecution of their work, to cross o intersect with any work, which may have been previously done. 7. Efmived, That the President of this Convention appoint a committee of twenty, whose duty it shall be to publish an Address to the People of this State on. the subject of Internal Improvement 8. R :iOived, That the said Committee be directed to lay the pi-oceedings of this Cou\ ention before the next General Assembly, and offer a suitable memorial to that bod}-, on behalf of this Convention. 9. Resolved, That the President appoint a Committee of seven in each county for the purpose of corresponding together, distributing the address and otherwise promoting the objects of this Convention. 10. Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to the citizens of the several counties in this State, to elect seven delegates from each county to hold a Conven- tion in the City of Raleigh, on the fourth Monday of November next, to deliberate- further upon the subject of Internal Improvement within this State.

On behalf of the Committee, the foregoing is respectfully submitted by WM. H. HAYWOOD, Jr. Chairmas". The Report \?as read, and, on motion of Mr. Iredell, oi-dered to be laid upon the table and be printed, two copies for each member. 9

The resolution stibniitteil by Mr. Fariier, in regard to the mode of voting, was taken u}) and amended, on motion of Judge Strange, and, on motion of Mr. Nash, was rejected. On motion of Mr. Badger, the Convention then adjourned until

to-morrow morn in 2: 9 o'clock.

Saturday Jutfi 6, 1 833. The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. Mr. Mebane moved that tlie Convention do now proceed to take lip and consider the Report of the general committee, which was agreed to. Whereupon the Hepoit and Resolutions were I'ead. Mr. J. A. Hill moved to amend the resolutions, by striking out the lirst, second and fifth resolutions, and inserting the following as a substitute, ta-wit: Vv HKHEAS, while iTiOst of the other States o' t'le Union are rapidly adv;jnci!ig ifi the carctr of ;!o^:.'triiy awil distjiiCtid., Ntinh-Cirolina remains iiitrt, or a bcst, st.tionary— her •Viuitr ia^iguishiiig', her ;i_L;riculture vvithi;ut improvemt-nt, muiiy of her m:>st va!u:tbie citizens abiindoiinig- hc-r holders, and her relative wealth and strnigtii frtbt (it cii.'iii.tj: 'I'lieret'ore, liecolved, 'i'isat, in tiie opuiion of this invention, the condition of the St.;te of

N(jrit:-CBrolina requires th .. a liberal system of Interna! Iniprovement should be

imaicdiattly ..i-x-i. ;ztd and viguiously prosecuted. Resolved, That in tiie vniniuri of tliis Cqiiiention, the Genera! A.smbiy ought

to provide iiy loan or M-.her.visi . Fu. d liiat \vi)l enabk tlie State to contribute subsV;tntiiil as-^^s'iince in ih. |,ro cntiDU of woks of Internal Improvemt-nt Mr. Iredell moved a division of the question, which was agreed

to ; v/hereupon, tlie question was taken on striking out, which. was agreed to. The question vv'as then taken on inserting tliQ substitute proposed by Mr. Hill, which was also agreed to. Mr. J. A. Hill moved further to amend the resolutions by in- serting the following, to come in after the second resolution, te-wit: Resolved, Tl.a'., in th. opinion of thi- t^oiivention, tiue jM f;cy i-equirr-s that the niiids ui liie Stite oU;;lU, in the liisi instiuice, to be employed exchisively ia pri'viding the means or IiUerna! tr n-portaiion, and in cre-^ting and im; roving markets within hei'own hnn's. Mr. Iredell moved that the fui'ther consideration of the said

amersdment be indefinitely postponed ; which was not agreed to. The question tijen recurring on the adoption of the resolution, it was decided in the affirnnitive. Mr. Hybart moved further to amend the resolutions by striking out the third resolution in the series repoi'ted by the Committee. Mr. Winslbw also moved further to amend by striking, out the fourth resolution. The questions on these motions were both de- cided in the aSlrmative. Mr. J. A, Hill moved further to amend the said resolutions, by striking out the 5th resolution, and inserting the followieg as a substitute, to-wit:

.Resolved, Tnut in the opinion of this Convention, it is th duty oi the State to

aid and encourage tie enterprize of her citizens ; aD,d this 6onT^nti9Q dotk there 2 10 fore respectfully recommend that provision be made by law for the Slate's sub- scribinjr two fittlis ot the Stock in any comiiany lereafit rincoiporated for the [pur- pose of Internal Improvemrnt, wlsenever the other thrte-fifths shall be paid or secured fo b - p >id by uidividu ds. Which motion was agreed to. Mr. Badger moved further to amend the resolutions by striking out the word ' txveiiU].^ in the 7th resolution, and insert the word * three,' which was not agreed to. The question then recurring on, the adoption of the resolution, it was decided in the affirmative. Mr. Hjbart moved further to amend the resolutions, by striking out the word • seven,' in the 9th resolution, and insert the word ' twenty,' which was agreed to. Mr. J. A. Hill moved further to amend the said resolutions, by striking out the word ^ seven,' in the 10th resolution, and insert- ing the word ' three ;' which was also agreed to. The question then recurring upon the adoption of the 9th and lotii resolutions, it was decided in the affirmative. On motion of Mr. Nash, ordered that a Committee of three per- sons be appointed, to make a collection of funds from the saembers of tiie Convention, to defray the expenses of printing the pro- ceedings, &c. Whereupon, Messrs. W. H. Haywood, Stedman and Cobbs were appointed the said Committee. Oil motion of Vir. Heurv,

liesulved, ! h t ilie tliaiiiis of the Coiiventioit are hereby presented to the citi- ze.'s of Raleigii, for th- kind and hospviiot manner in winch tiiey have enter- tain, d is nieinher.s during the siliing oi this (Convention. M'. Burgwiii presented the kiUowing resolution, tu-wit:

Resolved, i'hit the tiia .iis of 'his Convenuon are dut-, and are \. rehy, tencUred to ins ii\c< Hen. y I) .vd I, Swain, fir tut abie, impartia and dii^ifified mirnntr in whicu lit- i',:.s d s^. argcd the duties of Pri sident of 'tiis (,'onvention.

The question thereupon being put by the Secretary, it was tinanimousiy decided in the affirmative. Whereupon the Presi- dent made his acknowledgements to the Convention in a suitajjle address. Oi! ui.tion of Mr. Ga>ion,

lieniilved further, \ hai X.uk th.inks of t!u:^ Convention be presented to Gen ral S .iiM;e. V. Fa:i- r-..n and Ciiaries Mui y, Esq. ior the able and faithful manrier in

11. vvliicn tiitv h- ve perfornie i liit- duties ot S cretsries of this Cciiventi

Mr. J. H. Bryan moved that t!ie President of the Convention be respectfully requested to furnish a copy of the address just

The Preamble and 'Resolutions reported by the Committee, were adopted finally, in the following shape, viz:

Wherka<, while most of the other States of the Union are rapidly advancing in the career of prosperity and distinction, Nort -Carolina remains inert «r at best stationary—her trade languishing^—her agriculture without improvement—many of her most valuable citizens abandoning her borders, and her relative wealth and

strength fast declining- : Tiierefoi-e,

/itso/vd, That in t le opinion of this Convention, the condition of the State of North Carolina requires that a liberal system of Internal Improvement should be immediately organized and vigorously prosecuted. 2. Resolved, That, n the opinicm of th Convention, the General Assembly ought to provide by loan or otherwise, a fund that will enable the State to contri- bute substantial assistance in the prosecution of works of Internal Improvement. 3. Besoivtd That, in the opinion of this Convention, true policy reqiiires that the funds of th«- State ought, in the first instanke, to be employed exdudvely in providing the means of Internal transportation, and in creatmg and improving markets within her own limits. 4. Reisolved That, in the opinion of this Convention, it is the duty of the State to aid and encourage the enterprize of her citizens, and this Convention doth there- fore, respectfully recommend that provision be made by law for the State's sub- scribing hvoJi/t/'S of the Stock, in any Company hereafter incorporated for the pur- pose of Internal Improvement, whenever the other thret-Jifths shall be paid, or se- cured to be paid by individuals. 5. Resolved, That, the more efTeclually to secure a general improvement of the means of transportation within the State, it is further recommended, that whenever any Compan> shall have received assistance from the State, according to the fore- going recommendation, any otlier Company formed for a similar purpose, with the approbation of the Legislature shall be authcn-ized in the prosecution of their work, to cross or intersect with any work, which may have been previously d(me. 6. Rfsolved, That the President of this Convention appoint a Committee of twenty, whose duty it shall be to publish an address to the People of this ytate on the subject of Internal Improvement. 7. Resolved, That, the said Committee be directed to lay the proceedings of this

- Convention before the next Ge "eral Assembly, and ofier a suitable memorial to that body, on behalf of this Convention. 8. Resolved, That, the President appoint a Committee of twenty in each county for the purpose of corresponding together, distributing the addr ss and otherwise promoting the objects of this Convention. 9. Resolved, That, it be earnestly recommended to the citizens of the several counties in this State, to elect three delegates from each county to hold a Conven- tion in the City of Raleigh, on the fo. rth Monday of November next, to deliberate farther upon the subject of Internal Improvement within this State.

The following gentlemen have been appointed by the President to discharge the duty imposed by the sixth Resolution, viz: Wm, Gaston, Chairman, George E. Badger, Willi.an Boy Ian, John H. Bryan, Isaac Croom, Joseph J. Daniel. Joseph A. Hill, Wm, H. Haywood, jr. John Huske, Louis D. Henry. James Iredell, Cad- wallader Jones, John D. Jones, William 15. Meares, Frederick "Nash, John Owen, Samuel F. Patterson, Henry Sea^\ell, Jame^ Somervell and Robert Strange. 12

'The eighth Resolution atlopted by the Convention, provides for the appointment oi' a CoiDr.iittee of Correspoiidence in each county, for the purpose nf circulating lie ALcldress, and otherwise pronsotiiig tlie objects of the Conveistion. The President of the Convention iias ap- pointed the following gentlemen on >^aid Committees : —

Ansov. — William A. Morris, Moses Cutliberlson, Alexander Little, Jos. Whltej John Smith, Joseph Medley, Jonathan Smith, William Allen, Nelson P. Lyle, James TM. Rushing-, Thomas U. Park, Patrick H. Winston, Clement Marshall, Wil- liam Johnston, William Dismukes, Martin Pickett, Joh" Beard, James Legi-and, Alexander W Brandon, John C. McKenzle. Ashe —John Ray, James Horton, Peyton Colvard, David Earnest, John Hardin,

Reuben Hartley, Georg-e Bovver, Richard Gentry, Thomas Callovra} , .Jordan Coun- cil, Taliaferro Witcher, Morgan Bryan, Zachariah Baker, Elijah Calloway, Alex'r.

B. M'Millan, John Gambill, Jonathan Faw, James P . Waugh, Andrew M'Millan, Jonavh-n H irton. Buncombe. —James Allen, Benjamin King, Samuel W. D vidson, Jacob Summy, James Lowrj^ Charles Baring, Joseph Hemy, Charles Moore, William J. Lewis, James M Alexander, Samuel Chunn, Philip Britain, George C. Alexander, James W. Smith, James W. Patton, William Murray, Joshua Roberts, Samuel Edney, John Clayt n, James Gudger. Bertie. —George O. Askew, David Outlavr, Cuilen Capehart, Joslah Holly, J. J, Ryan, Francis R. Pug-li, Jame L. Bryan, Robert C. Wa'son, Wm. Britton, George B. Outlaw, Lewis Thompson, Stnrk Armistead,. Alexander W. Mcbane, William W Cherry, John G. Roulhac, Williamson Hendrickson, James G. i>;hoon,

Joseph B. G. Roulhac, Thomas J. i u.i;h, Lewis Bond. Beaufort. —Richard H. Bonner, William A.Blount, Thomas H. Blount, Matthew Shaw, David C. Freeman, James O'K. Williams, William Kenne^ty, Samuel Small- wood, George Houston, Thomas Ellison, John Singletary, Thomas J. Latham, James Ellison, Benjamin Lavender, Allen Grist, Eli Koyt, Major J. Clark, John S. Hawks, Joshua Tayloe, Joseph Bonner. Bladen.—John Owen, Robert Lyon, Isaac Wright, J-hn T. Gilmore, William J. Cowan, John B. Brown, Willian, H. Beatty, Keiinith M'Leod, John D. Beatty, John M'Kethan, James J. McKay, Robert Melvin, J. .i. M'Millan, Samuel Cain, Salter Lloyd, William Jones, Joshua Singletary, John A. Robeson, Jos. Gillespie, James D. McKay. Brwi^wich —Wm. R. Hall, John Y/addell, Marsden Campbell, John J. Gauze, Edward Fitzgerald, Dr. Everett, J. R. Langdon, Capt. Elaney, Frederick J. Hill, George W. Gauze, S. A. Laspeyre, J P. Gauze, Daniel B. Baker, Asa Russ, Haynes Waddell, John Swann Samuel Potter, Daniel B. Evans, Z^laurice Moore. Burki. —HutchinsG Burton, Samue' P. Carson, David Newland, Peter Bailew, John Burgin, Thomas W. Wilson, Isaac T. Avery, Charles M'Dowell, David Tate, ^lun. Robert ,!. Miller, Francis P Glass, Mark Brittain, J- hn Rutherford, jr. Sam'l Hiiiman, Thomas Walton, William Dickson, Samuel C. Tate, James M'Dowell, James Erwin. Cabainis.—Archibald Houston, Daniel M. Barringer, Paul Barringer, Christo- pher Melciior, John C. Barnhard, William H. Archibald, James v.. Spears, John Robinson, George Klutts, Samuel Morrison, George Ury, John H. Phifer, Wm. M'Lean, Robert W. Smith, Daniel Coleman, Kiah P.Harris, Frederic Folger, Abraham Ary, Henry Alexander, Robert M'Kenzie. Chat/mm. —N. A Stedman, John S. Guthrie, Hugh M'Queen, Charles J. Willi- ams, Thomas M. Prince, Abraham G Kean, PeterLe Messurier, Wm. H. Harden, Jonathan Haralson, Henry S. Clark, Chai-les Lutterloh, William Albright, John W^ Bynum, John Williams, John H. Hawkins, WiUiam Lindlay, Thomas Parish, John J. Alston, Thomas Thompson, Isaiah Burnett. Cmnh riaiu!. —John D. Toomer, John D. Eccles, David M'Neill, Louis D. Henry, Hbbert Strange, John H. Kail, John Huske, Thomas N. Cameron, Thomas L. Hy- 13 bart, Alexander Elliott, Jonathan Evans, John Smith, Edward L. Winslou-, James Scawell, E. .1. M;.le David M'Neill, Archibald M'Neill, Archibald M'Dearmid, Edward W. Wilkings., Alexander M'Allister.

Camik' . —Haywood S. Bell, Benjamin D. Hariison, Thomas Tillet, Jos. Dozier, Geor^^e Ferebee, Willie M'Pherson, Alfred M. Gatlin, William G. Sawyer, AVm.

B. Sheppard, Malachi Boushall, Luke G. Lamb, Abner H, Gi-andA , James N. M' Phers

MacRa , Solomon King, Absalom Powell, William Kemp, William Mills, Josiah V\c, James Lawson. Carteret —Thomas Marshall, Otway Burns, David W. Borden, Bridges Aren- dall, Asa Kennedy, Gilbert Rumlej'^, Henry M. Cooke, Ambrose Jones, Elijah Pickett, Elias Chase, Absalom Fulford, Wm R Bell John H. Hill, J. F. Jones, Jechonias Pigott Wallace D. Styron, Ftfrren Peltier, Peter Peltier Levi Oglesby. Curnhick. —Jonathan Lindsay J. B. Jones, Benjamin S. Si-mTions Willoughb}- D.Barnard, Gideon C. Marchant, Dr Davi^, James W.Bell, Daniel Lindsay, Spence Hall Hollo ay Williams Isaac Baxter, Samuel Ferebee .lere'hLand, Thom.'ts C. Ferebee Thomas Poyner Thomas Williams, James G. Hall Enoch Bail Dennis S mmons. John Humphries. Chnxvai-. —William Bullock J. H. Skinner, Baker F. Welch, Joseph B. Skin- ner Charles E. Johnston, Richard T. Brownrigg Jonathan H. Haughton, Charles Hoskins. ' illiam Byrum, William Sparkman William D. Rascoe, James C. John- ston Josiah Collins, Samuel T. Sawyer Thomas Hoskins Malachi Haughton. Miles VH elch, Thomas Benbury, James Norcom Matthias E. Sawyer. Cro7f/?.— Richard D. Spaight, Abner Hartley, V iley M- Nelson. John R. Don- nell John M. Bryan. Jolin T- Lane, Frederick P. Latham, Thomas J. Pasteurj T omas " atson, Lucas Benners, John P. Daves Moses Jarvis, Edward Graham^ Samuel Simpson, JohnB. Dawson. John Washington, W. S. Blackledge, Alex'r, F. Gaston Charles B. Sheppard, John Burgwyn. Duplin. —John E. Hussey Joseph Gillespie, A. O. Grady, William Wright, Je- remiah Pearsall, Thomas O. Larkin, John Miller, Jason Smith, Wm. H. Hurst, Allen Morris James K. Hill Thomas P. Hall, Henry Whltmore, Dr. Crosby, Andrew Hurst, Stephen Miller Benjamiii Best, John Farrier, X'im. K. Frederick, S. Graham Davidson. —John A. Hogan, ^^ illiam Wiseman, Henry Ledford, Wm.-R. Holt, James iseman, David Mock, Jacob Brummell, V. illiam Clemmons John Clem- mons, William Adderton. '-' illiam Kennedy John P Mabry, Spencer Clark. John M.Smith, M illiam Bodenhammer Thomas Hampton, L. Sr.ider, Andrew Hunt,

Absalom ' • illiams, Ransom Harris.

'-^ *^ EdgffCii^iihe.—Louis D. ilson. John . Potts, Gray Little, James W. Clark, Benjamin Boy kin, Joseph R. Loyd, Richard Kines, James J. Phillips, Spencer D. Gotten John Parker, Theophilus Parker. Michael Hearn, Spencer L. Heart. Henry T. Clark Joab P. Pitt Josiah Home, Peter Evans, Redding PitmaCj John F. Hughes, Benjamin Sharpe. Franklin. *m P. illiams Alfred l^ancaster, N. R. Tunstall, J. D.Hawkins*

Henry J. G. uffin " illie Perry, Samu 1 Johnston, Wood T. Johnstoii, James Hoiize, Gideon Glenn Henry G. vjHiams, James Farrier, William H. Battle, Jos-

H. Maclin, Thomas G. St ne . oel King, v* illiam Burlingham, Tolliver Terrell,

Archibald Davis, Pi't r Foster. ,

:. »• Gr-invii —T!u;mas . Norman Spencer O'Brien, John C. Ridley, "William H.. Ortlliam, Maurice Smith, .John G. Taylorj James Wyche> George S. M'lntosh, W, 14

M. Sneed, Joseph R. Bryau, Robert B. Gilliam, Thomas B. Littlejohn, James Hargrave, ThSmas Turner, Leonard Henderson, W illiam Robards, Kussel Kings- bury R N. Herndon, Abraham Venable Memucan Hunt 6af.es. — \Vm. W Cowi.tr, W. Staliinsc-, J .lin WiUon, Jethro Sumner, Henry Gilliam, Reddick Gatlin, John B. Bak^r, John D. Pspkin, Dempstj G. odman, John W. Carr, James R. Ue'ld'.ck, W lliani W. Stedinan, Edward R. Hunter, Isaac Hunter, Joseph Gordon, John Gordon, LemutI Riddick, Kedar Ballard, Thomas Ptigb, Isaac Pipkin. Greene — Wyatt Moye, James "^arper, John Bumond, Charles Edward-^, Wm. v. Spt-ight, Henry Hest, jr. Wdliam M. Albritt'in, John Patrick, James Willi- ams, B'niamin S. E lw

Council Wooten, Geo. Whitfield, Lenoir.— W . T). Moseley, Allen W. Wooten, John C. Washing). m. HhiuiU Cdk'iunn, Rich;ird V,yuov(\, Joliti W. S, West, John R. m, Naihin B. Whit- p. Ounn, (Charles VVe-jtbruok, I-a.ic CfODU , Hardy do field. J«hn Gutl.i-.. N.tiuin Biount, Alex: ndev Mosaic}, Reuben Ki.ox, Watson Wiicox, Dallum Cisvvell, vv h1> r D iVrnport. J\1acon. — ^< njimiii S. Hrittaii., .lames Wiiitak t, A'aph Enlue, Ja.s. W. G^vynn, John Tatliem, Niinrod S J.cliibald Moni-oe, <;ornelius Dowil, jr. Elias Kennedy, Nicholas N^ll, Alexan- der M'Ne il, Wiin.ni Hancock, \ta!c(im Siiuw. Montgomery.—James M. Lily, Fr ncis- Locke, Pleasant M. Mask, Reubea Kendall, .ii/lui Cnimn, Goii^'e VV. MiCiin, Hardy Morgan, G. oige F. Smith, James M Gnnes, WiiliaiT. Hain.s, Jolin Ni Allen, Edmund Ueberry, James M.

But!er, Keuben k. Hiim, l);ivi'J Kendal , Howei il;.nis, Thomas Allen, James Air n, F.nnch Jordan, Jo'iii E. Cliambers. Mtckl&nhurg. — f--enry Mussey, John Ha!t, J ,mes liongherty, Jno.McKnitt, Evan Alexiider. Jo^^-ph McGunnatmy, M fticl^ei^ry, J. B ckwood, Uobert D. Alex-

andtr, Hugh Huiris, ' illiam J Alexander, \.^ aslii.gton Morrison, John Irwm, Thomas 15. Sman, James ,M. Huu;her.' n, William Davidson, Eli Springs, Samuel McCombs, Willam J. Wilt.on, Thomas J. Holton. Martin. — Davi.i L thani. Jam.- L. G Bker, John Cloman, Simmons J. Baker^

J; soua Uobeso!', V. liliani Smithsvick, J . D Bigi,rs, Henry Sl'de, James Shaw, D' et, Lancasie?', Jesse Cooper, Vs iili..i(> Watis, Janses B. Slade, Joseph J WiU lianis, Samu-l b. Shepherd, Vv ilii.m W*. Bcone'u, Tiiomas W. Walts, Jos. Robert- son'. Wil:i:.m M- Ci.rk, D W. B.^ly. New-Uanover.—5ii^eY>\\ H. Lamb, Thomas Hdl, L- H. Marsteller, M. W. Camp- bell, Ahx J L-)ve, Patrick Ustier, Wan, el Siieivvood, Owen Holmes, Thomas B. v\ right, ^'^^Hiam S. Laik:ns, Patrick Murjihey, Robert H. Cowan, VVilliam W.-

Jon:-.s, Alex..niitr MicUai , i'iiomas l.oring, Georgr U. McMillan, Gabriel Holmes,

Edwo'd B. Hiulle^, J me F. Mcii , Joi.n Kerr. JSash. — Willis W. Bod.die, Joseph Arrington, George Boddie, jr. Henry Blount^ Samuel W. W. Vick, James N. Main, Joshua • atson, Martin R. Garrett. ^\ illiam Bryan, Joseph X. Drake, Barthoior.iew F. Moore, Ifobert C. G. Hdhard, John H. Drake, Stephen S. Sorsb)', Iledmoa Bunn, William Burt, Austin Plummer, Sam- iiel Brown, Turner estray, B rd B. runnell. Nnrtiviiuptnn. —Herod Faison, Roderick B. Garey, Allen Pierce, William B^

Loc^hart, John D. Amis, Colin • . Barnes, Natiianiel -V illiams, Samuel B. Spru- ill, Edmund B. ilkins, John Gilmes, James H. \\ ood, S muel Colbert, James T. Haley, illiam D. Amis, Jolin Whi.e, B. Randolph, Thomas Branch, Isaac Hall, John S. Patterson, Milhani Kyles. 0,'isteit'. — Lewis Dishong, G. A. Thompson, Joseph D Ward, John A. Averltt, William P. Ferrand, Edward - ard, D. W. Sanders, Ed. S. Jones, Wm. S. Hill, James Thompson, m. Humphreys, Daniel Ambrose, Brice Fonville, Frederick Foy, vs illiam H. Thompson, James Chadwick, Edward VV ard, Luke Huggins, John B. T'liompson, illiam Mumf'ord.

Oange. — William Montgomery, J.Allison, Priestly H. Mangum, Ja ^ es S. Smith, James Mebane, Du can (Cameron, vVilliam McCauley, William A. Giaham, Sa uuel Holt, wllieP. nnis .^eartt, Mangum, D .."ohn Boon, William Bar-* 2, T.iomas Riiffin, Hugh • addcil, Herbert Sims, oseph Caldwell, D. D. MiciiaeL Hoit, m. Norwood, Josiah Turner. PtTHon.— Robert Vaniiook, Benjamin A.Sumner, Robert Jones, George W. Jeffi-eys, -lohn Barnett, C. C .;ordan, Porteus Moore, William McMurray, .esse Dickens, Duncan Rose, .homas'«ebb, Thomas McGehee, ohn G. A. ilham-' son, i\iomas Lavvson, ElijiJi Hester, Alexander Cunnmgham, Alexander Gordon,

Philip Moore, James k'v illiamson, Augustm Vaiihook. 16

P-asfjuolank. —John L. Bailey, William T. Relf, F. A. Sawyer, William Martin, John B. Muse, Ambrose Knox, Benj. Albertson '•Villiam H. Davis, -(oshua Skin- ner, John M Skainer, osliiia A. Pool. '^V iUlam Gregory, ixum Newby, , Tliomas Bell Charles Grier, Thomas Hai-vey, W. S. Hinton, Thomas L. Shannonhouse, Horatio N. S\ illiams. I'ilL—Alfred Moye, .iames Blowe, Thomas Ionian, V\ ilUam Clemmons John C Gorham, Dr. Robt. VV'illiam.->, Sen. John L. Foreman. Ashl y Atkinson, Gould Hoyt, Reddrng Blount, ames Perkins Gen. " illlam Clarke John Joiner Mar- shall Dickerson, Henry >'. Toole Howell Albritton Arch'd. Parker, Geo. Eason, James Clark, Churchill Perkins. Perquimons. Henry Skinnery, Benj. Mullen J. V^ Townsend, Jonathan H.

Jacocks, ,!esse Wilson, Josiah Granberr . illiam Jones, Doct. J. C Skinner, Cliarles ^V. Skinner, Thoma ilsun, .fames Long, Miles Elliott jr. 'ohn Gatlin^ Francis Nixon James Lea, James P. Whidbee, John Cale, Elisha Burke, Robert Perry, Benjamin Skinner, John Nixon. Rrnuun. —A. G. Carter, Thoma- G. Polk, R. M. Pearson, Lemuel Bingham,

burton Craig Hamilton C. .1 ones, C. Harbin, Alexander Long, .! ohn Gil s, Gen.

WiUiamKerr, F'ielding Slater, Charles Fisher. .) ohn Beard, j.. David F. Caldwell, John Clement, Rufus H. Kilpatrick, Doct- Kerr, Richard H. Alexander, Matthew Locke, Garland Chaffin. Pandolph.—Kxi^h Moffitt, Alex. Cunningham, A. Brower, Benjamin Elliott, Joshua Craven, Tidance Lane, Abram Brower, Jesse Bray, Henry B. Elliott,

Hugh McCain, George Hoover, onatiian Worth, Alexander Gray, ,i esse Harper, William Hogan, John Long, Phin as Nixon, Thomas Marby, ohn B. Troy, James Hodgins. Rockingham. —R.;bert Martin, Benj. Settle, E. T. Brodnax, Thomas Sedroy,

- James Curry, .Joshua G. W right, '» illiam Bethel, illiam Barnett, Martin Roberts, Wilson J. ilill, Alexander ii nderson, Robert Galloway, Randall D. Scales, Mark Hardin, \\ illiam Fewell, Abraham Philips, Thomas Blackwell, Nicholas Dalton, Thomas Settle, Philip Irion. Mobeson. —Shadrack Howell, Alex'r. Watson, Benj. Lee, Malcolm Purcell, .ino. Gilchrist, Charl s Moore, Arcli'd McRae, Warren Alford, Daniel McPiiail, Arch.

.Brown, Duncan McAlpin, Randall Carrie, Joseph C. • ee, Neill McNeill, (esse Pittman, Bright V\ illiams, Giles M.Lean, MalcomLamon,..i.W: Powell, A. Vi atson. liichmond. — Ualit-r K. Leak, i-.uc Ucxki.ry, Dune ui McL m-.n, R b-rt Puv.'- •sJ!, James Graham, John W. CiiV!iii,'-ion, Francis T- Leak, J. McA>ister, Iryon >'IcFarland, Robert J Rait'ord, Wi!lu«m Ci'awt'ord, Daniel SicKinuoM, John L. .Farly, John R. Buie, (iharhs Paitersoit, Erasams Love, Dudley Mi.^k, Neal Nicliokon, lames Wil'iam^;, Charles M. Robeson. PMtherford.—Joseph Mel). Catt-on, O. B. Irvine, J hn McI tyre, James Gra- ham, John Moore, Arch'd. Durham, Geor.Lre VV ,1 tn, J«;shua i-'orm-.tn, iherdore

F. Uurchett, William Carbon, J.ihn McDowell, Joh CcU'son, Jolin Loga , James M. Webb, Alanson Moore, Drury Dobbins, John Mnls, Martin Shui'ord, Robert ' Ehrsfr, jr. Thomas Dews. Sampson.—^lLi\\v\.\vd C Gu-hi, Arch'd. G Monk, Dickson Sloan, Wdiiam Kii- by, William McKay, Thomas J. Faison, William F^i-OM, Ollen U--.b\ey> W'lhaFS ..Robeson, David Underwod, i'ho. K. Morissey, Henry Ho m<: s. Dr. t.d Caraway, Whitney Ryais, Robt McKay, Wm. Biackman, Arch'd. Monk, John Vail, Everet Bus?, Dr. >5trong. Sitrrij —William P. Dobson, Thos. .1. Word, D. W.Coprts, M;ttthew M. Hughes, Mesi) >ck Franklin, Pc^iei- Ciingman, Lewis Williams, Hcnr) P. P:'ind< x'.er, Har- i-ison M. Waugh, Di-. J. Park.es, Winston Summers, Thom.iS B Wright, Josiah CowJes, John Wrigiit, Samuel Spear, Elijah Thompson, Pleasant B. Roberts, Richard Gwyn, Thomas D. K^^ily, Giilihu Aloore. >S/o/i;es.— Gabri. 1 T. Moore-, J,,h.) F. Pomdexter, L. Zigl.r, John tiiil, Emanuel Shnber, John Blackburn, Joseph W mston, William Carter, Hampton IJyaum, James Frost, Salathiel Stone, Angustin H. .sheppard. Chirk ^ P B^gge, Jeremiah Goicson, .\ndrew B'.wma", Jamt-s Matthews, John Butr.er, John Bitting, Thomas T. Armstrong's Matthew \\, Moore. .

1*7

!%»W/.—Daniel N. Bateman, Charles McCleese, H. G. Spruill, Ebenezer Pe];' tigpew, K()hraim Mann, .ios. H. !lolsey,Br;rijamin Sikes, Jnlm Haiight'o, Jeiemiah Pfielps, Hemy Alexander, Robert U'vnn. Silas Davenpor;, Frederic D .venport, Heii'v K. Lewis, Dempsey Liverman, Zebulon Tarlkinion, James A. Spruill, Abram Swain, jr. J.isepii Oaens, Davii, C Jioon. f'Fcishvigtoii.—Josiah Collins, Samuel Harclison, James S. Norman, Dr. Francis Ward .(osi. pU 0. Norcum, John S. Bryan, Peter O. Pico;, John Goelet, James A. Chtfsson, Uviali W. Sw^nner, Willia.n M <^'hesson, Absalom Davenport, Alfred Winchel], Dr. Levi Fai,'^:^, W. R. Noicum, Hamilton W. Davenport, Tiiumas Tu, n. r, John F. Neall, Watius Bt ckwith, Charles Blount .Wilkes. —J.imes Wellborn, W. 0. Emmeit, John Saintclair, John Martin, John Ma'Uii, ([).) Jimes Hum, Richard Allen, Litle Hickerson, James M rtin, J ihn Biyan, Eli Pe ty,VVm. P. VVaugh, John Fmley, Hamilton Bn wn, Wil lam H' r.on. Dr. Larkin G. Jones, Thcmas Lenuir, Edmund Jones, VViiiiam Daveni^iPt, Nel- son A Strange. Warren. —John H. Hawkins, Thomas J. Judkins, John Bragg, Daniel Turner, Micajali T. Hawkins, Hon. Nathaniel Micn, Heniy Willi «ms, John Brodit, Wil- liam G. Jones, Weidon N. Edwards, Maj. William i^ iliiams, Alhed Alston, James Somervfll, William Person, Hcnrv Fins, Gorge Baskerville, Philip C PopCj, Zachaviah Ht rndon, Thomas White, Peter \l. IJavis. Way7ie-—James Rhodes, John B. Hur-i, Patrick Cromwell, Ezekiel Slocumb, Proaeri C lUier, Phili.. Hooks, Thomas Kennedv, John Wright, Richard Wash- ington, N.cholson Washington, Gabriel Shi.rryrd, Arnold Bord-n, Levvis C gdell,

Bani ! Koint-gay, Henry M Je e'. William Thompson, W.'liam Hoi d, John W. Sasse-, H. W. Husted, Sampson Lant Wak&. —Charles L. HirJ.on, Weslt-y J'ues, Nathaniel G. Rand, ParktrRandi William White, of Raleigh, Johnson Bu bee, Willis Whilaki-r, Jesse Powell, Wdliam Kol-s, Turner PuUen, Weston K. G.'les, J.oo. C. Sledman, A. J. L wieice, Charles K. Ilams.y, Wooirson Clements, Geo. W. Haywood, Alfred Jones, Allen

Rogers, R. Isl. Sauuders, Charie;< Manly.

AN ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLK OF NOKTH-CAROLINA.

A nutiierous and respectable portion of your Fellow citizens, who assembled at this place tin the late Aniiiversar}' ot American Independ- ence, to consult on the means (»f improving the ctinditlon of the Sfatej have ilitocted us to lay before you the result of their deliberarions. Without pretensions to authority or the wish to obtain it, without partj or sectional views of any sort, and with no influence save that of rea- son, we claim your aU^ntion simply because of our communion of interest with you on a subject of deep and abiding importance, and because of a sincere and hearty zeal to advance the prosperity of out common country- Nor do we deem it too much to hope that, evea at this moment, amid the din of political strife and the struggles oli contending candidates for yt»ur favor, these claims will not be dis** regarded by an intelligent and well-meaniug commnnitj. —

IB

North-Carolina is endeared to us by every tie of nature and every obiiga ion of duty. Her advancement in vvhafever is great and gitxcl is inseparably interwoven witli our hupes and vvishes, our pairiotism and our p: ule. Keen therefore is the mortification, to be obligrd (o co-if'ss that she is falling behind several of ihe States of this glcnious confederacy, in that career i>f distinction to which all were invited by thebour. if'S of Providence, the freedom of the American Institu- tions, aod ihe capacity of the American People. F..rty- four years have passfd away since, under the auspices of the F- ne to Uiree, and to thai of New Y>rk as one \o four, while in veslh -he bear- to each of tiiem buv the rat.o of one to six. I ; N w- Y nk and^ Pennsylvania, Colleges, Acadetnies, Scientific and Literary I 'tirutions arje spread throughout tiie land, pre^ienting the epporru- ni'ies of acquiring a finished education to those who have the m ans

to procure tins invalu.ble blessing J white ample provision has been made by law tor communicating necessary instruction to every child in ;he coinmuni'y however poor anil destitute. In our State, nutwitli- S*anding ih« injuncMo:; in '>ur Consutution, and except in the erec- tion of the Univeisivy, a .d in the incurporation oT a few Academies either without funds o; with funds not derived from legislative grant, so public School* have been esfablisiied •' lor the cheap and coiive- menr instruction ofyonth." lu Pennsylvania, more tuan seven hun- dred miles-r— Hi New Y'lk, sis ^lundred M.ilfs, of Caial Nav g.iMon have been, ere. tied, wiiiie Rail way- are every where in the pmtess ol construction, stiinuldting and ouiploymg labor, making and diffus- ing w.altii throug'iout dieir widespread benders. Their sea-ports are crowded with vessel-.; their meciianies find constant euiphtyment

ad high wagis ; iheir manufacui es are posetuted with sail increa-

suig skill ; and their agriculture is beautifying and eniiching the soil at the foi'mesit when it gatiters the rewards of industry. There, Hospiralsfor ih^ sick and li.e i;;sane— Asylums for orphans Instituti- ons for the cure and instruction of the blind — Sc!)ools for the deaf and dumb —and other beneficent establishments for the removal and mitigation of human woe,-— deliglit the eye and elevate the heart of the beholder— fit uffennss oi gratitude from a prosperous communitj tv t e Father oi she liumm lacefor His blessings on tiien exertions, ai d mute but expressive soliv itors for a continuance of His bounty to tho«e who deligiit in doing good to tue children of men. How are all th; •^e things in N^>i tli-Cantlina ? Feliow-cUizens, we do not require

y;>ur answe , not d.> y^u need inforuiati m Wn'.n us. Fou know >o\V ^Hi.y aro—auu Wi hiQuAv m apeuk. It h auiBciefiily itiui tii|iu^ to -

19

discover, it were too painful io dwell on the humiliating contrast.-** Indeed, did we not hope that this rejjroach wou'd ere lon

hide it from the world, and if possible forget it ourselves- Hut vve trust that a blessed change is in store for us. Wf know thnt thera are difEcultif*, and serious difficulties to be encountere*! —but we are sure that there are none v/!;ich tuay not be subdued bv wise coun-

sels and unted exertions ; and vve are convinced rha' on You Peofjle of North Carolina, it depends, whether the State shall or shall not becoiiie ail whicii her wartoest friends ought to desire for her. '• Be fruitful and multiply and replenisli the earth and subdue it." announces to man the fiist din-ct command of his Creao^, a da ieommand rich with pro nised blessings. To -^ubdae the e^r*h. im-

plies effort : effort would have been uruncessury, had not d^fficu'ties

been purpo'-elv left for man to overcome j and He who is all -wise and ali-good, never would have imposed an obligation impossible to be fulfilled, nor have enjoined an act which was not pleasing in His sight. The subjugation of the earth can be eifectel bu' b\ l.ib .r— and the steady, judiciou-- and economicdl apj.licalion .f labor to tiiis purpose lies at the root of human prosperity. The estraorilin;iry fer- tiliry of the Genne-see Country, lik<' tiiat of the valley of ihe Missis-

sippi, no doubt attracted to it many citizfns iro'.ii the adjoining S ates, ami many emigrants from foreign countries, and theieby hastened its

settlement and growth. But taken in the whole, it may wel' lie doubteil whether New-York or Penn>-y!vania pres!^' ted a berter nafu- ral soil for the labors of the husbandman tiian was generally to be

found in North -Carolina : while in the mildness ot our winters, the higner value of tfie products of a Southern climatf, and the greater ease with which our earth >s tilled, we had on or,r part decideiJ ad- vantages. But these were compensatei!. and more *han ci'mpe' sated, by two physical blessings bi^stowed on them 'n an euiinent deg^e. Ech of tliese had a port of sate and ready access from (he oc an, and. bold rivers penetrating far into the interior— possessing thus 'he means of cheap transpai tation to a home oiurket, and of e;\sy exportahon to foreign ones. Marts were to be found within each state for all tiiat the industry of its citizens could produce, find thr prod'icts of iabor wpre not consumed by the expenses of reaching the place of s;;le. While adequate motives vvere thus furnished to excite ngricultural inUastry, its success gave activity to mercaniile atlv 'nture and em- ployment to the mechanical arts. The profit of these built up capi- tal, and ca[>ital led to enterprise, to the discovery of new sources of wealth, to the exten-ion of facilities in business, to manufactures, to every species of improvement, and to general prosperity. The great wants of our State then are emiihadcaliy, good marts of traffic and the means of cheap transportation- Until these can be supplied, our fores'.s teem to little purpose with the luxuriant and valuable j>roduc- ti(>iis of nature, our alluvia' lands present too feeble attraction*, to their general subjugation^ and many oJ the mineral treasures with 29

M(hicl» our earth abounds must lie undisturbed and even unexplored. Men c;iTi riot be well induced to labor for more than they Ciin con- Sui;e, unii'ss the surplus may be conveniently excianged for the commodities which refi'-emer.t has made valuible, or can be stored, up in accumulations for the winterof age or the wants of posterity.- While production is tiius kept b^ck, there is iteither supply nor de- mand for commercial capital. The products actually made, because of tile costs of transportation, are of little value, and there is there- fore no increase of agricultural capital. Slovenly farming, slender traffic and a languid circulation, general want of enterprise, inactivity and listl<"ssiiess become habitual, and generation succeeds generation with scarcely a perceptible improvement in weaMh, manners, >cieiice or the arts. If by a sudden dispensation of Providence, the shoalfs which endanger and impede our maritime navigation were removed, an

wherever a fi Id is presented, conten'Jing gallantly in every depart- ment of manly excellence for the Ma'm of victory. We have been called an unpretending State, and long may it be before a wretched self-conceit shall cause thai epithet to be exchanged for one less equi- vocal and far mure to be abhorred. But it uere not a want of pre- tension —it would be self-degradation, ingratitude to God and trea- eh ry to ourselves—to admit any inferiority for good or great purpo- ses to the proudest aiviong the members of this Union. Do we want the pecuniary ability ? If we were called on to raise at once a large sum of money to be sunk in the octan or transinitted to a disfant land, it may be conceded that we could with difficulty comply witk the requisition, afid should severely feel the loss. But it is among the striking effects oi this system to which we invite your atterttionj that it disburses within the communiiv what the community furnishes, and returns speedily and in abundance all which it exacts. From the moment of its commencement, it creates neighborhood mark-ts for labor, materials and provisions, and throws out money into brisk circulation. As it proceeds, it not only contributes by its profits to pay the interest on advances, but it extends more and more the sphere of activity ; so that, independently of the immense benefits which it promises in the end, it pays in its progress by the excitement which, it communicates to industry, and the impulse which it imparts to bu- siness of every description. Money thus employed is not sunk, nor lost ; but is money put out atcomoound interest. Such a course of expenditure and restitution is like that of the blood in a young and vigorous body. It gushes forth from the great reservoir, the heart, and is propelled through the arteries to the very extremities, enrich- ing and strengthening the entire system in its course, but is returned by the veins to be again and again sent forth in a round of life-giving circulation. Our very poverty then, the result as has been seen of unrewarded labor, languid trade and limiled production, is the strong- est reason which can be urged for eisgaging zealously in the system. The one vanishes as the other comes forward. True we must have/ 22

or procure, wjierpwith to begin the experiment. H'lt liere tlipre is no reo/ difficulty. If each

vvliat li(> haifoT can spare ivitiioul inconvenience to liis family ; if iie who has not money will be r(-ady to mak? hisiidvance in timber, food,

or work ; we shall a^ once have a capital more than sufficient for the unilertaking of every useful enterprise. But tlip S'ate Trt^asury ought to aid, and ifyou say so, will aid, in tl^eir accoiiiplis'unenr. Why has a public revenue been coilecfed if it is not to be used, and where is the advantage of public credit if it is not to be eoiployed for the

public g^sod ; und where is the service in which either can be more b^neficiallJ engaged ? Is the ch^r-cter u? the State part of the pro- perty of every one o( its citizens ? Doe> his heart 'hrob with h<»iiest joy when he hears it uientiuH'^d with respect, or do his veins tingle with vexati(ui when it is spoken of in the to:ie o\ iauut and dirision P Then tell your Legislature, who have ti>is lioly treasure in their !..eep- ing, that in these days, when the spirit of improvement is abroa«i, md the strife for preeminence in the arts of life is carried on with chival- rous emulation, no State ha- character that advance'* not in this ca- reer. Are the employment of \he. poor, the encourag raefit or tlie in- dustrious, and the comforts of all classes of t'le couiinunity objects wor'hy of th^' care of a p;iterna! Government? Wsmid ymi furnish the means to instruct the ignorant, iind iay deep the foundatio-is of re- publican Government in tht- eilucation of every Hve child wit'dn your borders, however humble his origi-i or destitute his conditio;! ? Would jou stay tiie flood of endgrntion which is sweeping from you by Vutw- s<5i'ds the most adventurous of your youth, aid remove the necessity which bids hem "ab iiuiou the home of their childhond and the graves of their fat!it*rs for some divtant land where scope is to b'^ found for ex Mtion and reward is '>ffered to entv-rprise ? Would you bring- the grasief and the miner of the Wes^t. and the plaiUei- a rd farmer ot the Interior, into communio-i wihli the merchant and m ch.ioic of the Seaboard, ar,d unite th*- ir;tegral but d^ssever^d parts of North-Caro- lina into one brotherhood of iittere-^t, feeling and patriotism ? Would you coiuma< d for her t^iat respected station anH>ng ti^^se Staes of rhis Union she ought to occupy, ani! assure to her a fair -hare in all its ho'iors and of .'.ll its benefits .? These— ail these great, atul good, aod glorious purposes y.m inay accomphsh, bi.st you cai! accompiish them in one way only. L'tertial Lnprovemetit lias effecfed them elsewhere -—and can effect them here. But it is f sr you

23

'* I'r may be asked, wliy has not the Convention ventured to recom- mpiitl same spfciftc pian of laiprovemeiit ? Brought toget!u>i sud- denly fi'mn various Sf.ctions of-tli!^ S.ate, ami reniiiining in session but three dav>^» l^Ji'' '''^ luembers deemed ihenselves competent to make, the recomine dation, it is veiy obviuus that tliey wanted the l£i;«ure for iiiaturinf;; a plan fit to be iai;! D>}'ore you. But in fact the gn-at pui po»e of the Convention has been to awulceii you to a sense of iha

vast loiporlanc • and urgency ot the subj-ct, and ii" possible draw to

it your earnest arui united a'tentu»n. 11 we succC'd in rousing yoa to think si^riousiy ;ind to coairnune iree!y on the topics suggested, to strive to iibtain and inierch.aiige .iccurate laloraiation, i!nd to resolve- after deliberate advi-eutent in favor of internal linprovenicnts, speci- fic pians may be iiereafter uiuch nanre udva-itageously devised a id arranged. Our propositions therifoie, (for ui truh they are but propositions) are laid belore you in the form of simjde resolutions. With your sanction they may become the principles of State-actior* j without it they are wiio'.iy itioperative. Examine then, we entreat ynu, with the candour due to the motives that iiave prompted liiem, an*anctmn to them. And wlien your Dc egat'-s shall assem- ble as we have pioposed in November next, let them come togetlier deeply imbueii with your ^plrit, tliofougliiy apprised of your views, zealous and riatly to wmk logeiher ia ll.is great concern of the State. Fellow Citizens —We owe to vou as well a^ ourselves an espiana- tiotu There was a dilFerence of opiiiLO!i in the Convention o<) one of the propusiiio;is novv oefore you —on the Resolution vvnich declares tl'.at •• true policy r-quire- that thi^ fjn.is of the State* oughi \n (he first instanc" to be employ 'd ext lusiveiy in [)rovjding tiie mea is of

Internal tran-l.j yau wuix tnc argunir'ats winch.

werr respectively urged by tiiose wuu ^upp irted, an I 'oy tho^e

on t lis prnpo-iiiion,.but each kno.vs t lat it was in iionest difference of opinion among men, ad zealous f^r the same end, and no one d';ubts or qui'srions the patriotisat ol t le rest. A naj oriry approv.- ed of the Itesolutiou. and therefore it u submitted to ^ou — ind How-

ever you may decid , we are all and ea^h of us ready lo su;ip )rt youi* deci-ioa. VVe go e\'ery man of us goes for N rrh-s'aro ina and le vvhgle of Nurtii-Oaraliua. Improvemeut i« be effetuual mAHi be^ia 24

^iHewhere—but we hope it will reach everywhere. What o-ets Hot the benefit of it to-day, will we trust receive it to-morrow, and v.rv •successlul expenuient facilitates the next It is our ardent hope ^nd earnest prayer that, whatever spot this beneficent spirit shall se- ect as the first scene of .ts opc^ration, it will not desist from its kindly action until its iM.mediate as-well as its general blessings ^hall have pervaded every parr of the State. Too long has North- Carolma been rent asunder by sectional jealousies and paltry local teiids. If she IS ever to prosper, it must be by vigorous, persevering; and uni ed action-by '>a stronj^ puli, a long pull, and a pull alto- gether. For ourselves, we pretend to no exeaiption from the in- nrm.ties of nature, and are conscious ti»at we respectively feel those partia.ities which bind men to their imnit^diate vicinities. But we infinitely prefer the advancement of the State, m a State, to the prosperity of any portion of i' ,• and it is because we do so. and know ttiat we do so, that we hope for your approbation and ask for your tfOneurrenc^. ^ WILLIAM GASTON, Chairman. G. E BADGER, JOHN D. JONES, JOHN H. BRYAN, CAD' (I. JONES, Wm. BOYLAN, Wm. B MEARES, ISAAC CWiOM, FRED'K.. NASH, JOS- J. DANIEL, JOHN OWEN. LOUIS D HENRY, S. F. PATTERSON, JOHN HUSKE, HENRY SEAWELL^ W. H. HAYiVOOD, Jii. J. :SOvJERVBLL. JOS. A. HILL, ROBERT STRANGE: JAMES IREDELL, taleigh, July £0, 18