| From the Richmond Dispatch |
| |
| December 6, 1861 |
| |
| Railroad meeting |
| In connection with the above subject, we
append the following proceedings of a meeting of the citizens of
Rockingham county, N. C.: |
| At a large and enthusiastic meeting of
citizens of the county of Rockingham, North Carolina, convened at
Reidsville, on the 28th of November, 1861, on motion, Alfred Reed, Esq,
was called to the chair, and James Irvin and Joseph Holderby were
requested to act as secretaries; when, by request, Colonel J. H.
Dillard explained the object of the meeting; and, before taking his
seat, showed in his usual felicitous style the importance and great
necessity of a connexion between the Richmond & Danville and the
North Carolina Central {the North Carolina RR} Roads both in a commercial and military point
of view. |
| When he concluded, Dr. S. W. Keen was
called for, who responded in a few pertinent and well- timed remarks,
saying that he had nothing to add to what had been so eloquently
attired by Colonel Dillard, except to endorse, as he did most
heartily, all that had been said by him; and that he took that
occasion to tender his own and the thanks of this community to
President Davis for his notice of this section of the old North State. |
| On motion, the Chairman appointed a
committee of ten persons to draft resolutions for the consideration of
the meeting, as follows: Colonel J. H Dillard, Dr. T. W. Keen, Dr. W.
J. Courts, Dr. E. M. Powell, Robert P. Richardson. Esq., Captain J A.
Bennett, Dr. H. L. Patrick, John G Rainey, Esq., Colonel S. H. Boyd,
and J. Holderby, who, through Colonel Dillard, reported as follows: |
| Whereas, we have believed, for many years,
that a connection between the Richmond & Danville Railroad,
and the North Carolina Central Railroad,
was a matter of vital importance to this section of our State, and
that the interest of both of the aforesaid roads would be much
enhanced by such connection; and, as we are now engaged in war, we
believe the necessity for the immediate connection of these roads must
be apparent to every friend of the South: Therefore, |
| Resolved, That we have read with pleasure
the Message of President Davis, in which he clearly recommends the
connection of the Richmond & Danville with the North Carolina
Central Railroad--said connection to be
made at Danville and Greensboro' |
| Resolved, That while we have our
individual preference as to the location of said road, yet we pledge
ourselves, whenever a charter shall be granted by the States of
Virginia and North Carolina, or by the Confederate Congress of
America, to give all the influence we possess, and all the material
aid we can command, to the early construction of said road, wherever
it may be located by a competent engineer selected for that purpose. |
| Resolved, That our Representatives in
Congress, and our Delegates to the State Convention, be, and they are
hereby requested, to use their influence to have this road constructed
at the earliest period possible. |
| All of which were adopted by acclamation. |
| On motion of Col. Dillard, the Secretaries
were requested to furnish a copy of the foregoing resolutions to Col.
R. C. Puryear, and to our Delegates in the State Convention. |
| On motion of S. A. Ratcliff, Esq., the
Secretaries were requested to forward copies of these proceedings to
the editors of the Richmond, Danville and Greensboro' papers, with the
request that they publish the same, and that all other papers
favorable to the enterprise be requested to copy them. |
| A. Reed, Chairman |
| J. Irvin, Secretary |
| J. Holderry, Secretary |
|