Alexandria Gazette

NORTHERN NECK DISTRICT.

Proceedings of the Van Buren Convention at King George Court House, January 22d, 1841.

The Democratic Convention having assembled at the appointed place, the meeting was called to order by Mr. John Hooe, of King George—Whereupon, he nominated Bazil Brawner, Esq., of Prince William, as Chairman; who was unanimously elected. Mr. Thomas K. Price was then appointed Secretary. Mr. Brawner took the Chair, and thanked the Convention for the honor they had conferred upon him.

On motion, the Delegates appointed by the people were called; and, the following being in attendance, answered to their names:

King George.—Colonel John Hooe. Thomas K. Price, Daniel Coakley, Thornton Price, James M. Smith, John McDaniel, James Bruce.

Westmoreland—G. A. Davis, Esq.

Prince William—Bazil Brawner, Esq.

Richmond County appointed delegates also, but in consequence of the very inclement weather which preceded the meeting of the Convention the distant delegates, with but the above two exceptions, did not attend. The attendance of others was prevented by the action of their counties, in having previously indicated their preference: but for which, the Convention would have adjourned over to February Court.

Mr. Smith arose, and said,

Mr. Chairman: We have assembled here to-day, Sir, for the purpose of nominating an individual on behalf of the Republican party, as a candidate for a seat in the next Congress of the United States.

The late election of President has clearly demonstrated what before was admitted by all discerning and candid men, that a majority of the good people of this District are Democratic Republicans—attached to the faith of the early founders of our Republic—to a strict and limited construction of our Constitution as expounded and understood by Mr. Madison in '99 and 1800, and interpreted at the present day by the Democratic party. Yet, Mr. Chairman, by a combination of untoward circumstances, in the face of this well known fact, we have had our District represented by one who, ever since the election of General Jackson, with a single exception, I believe in heart and deed has uniformly been opposed to the progress and establishment of the Democratic principle, as taught and illustrated by that distinguished and illustrious statesman.—Why and wherefore, sir, it is not my present purpose to say. It is apparent, sir, from the result in the late Presidential election, that something has been at work to defeat our will. Let us, therefore, be united and zealous in the next contest, and we must succeed—Let us rally every man to the polls next April, and the district will be safe. In this spirit Mr. Chairman, I beg leave to present to this Convention the name of Doctor Robt. O. Grayson, my countryman, as a gentleman well qualified to take the place of the present incumbent, and worthy to receive the suffrages of the Democratic Republicans of the Northern Neck in the approaching Congressional election. Were he a Stranger, Mr. Chairman, to the members of this Convention, I would trespass a few moments upon its time in attempting to show who he was and how much he deserved at the hands of the Democracy in this District. But he is no stranger, sir, and such a task therefore, would be supererogation. He was the candidate at the last election in opposition to Mr. Taliaferro: and though a stranger then, was only beaten in the District about fifty nine votes. Such is the estimate put upon his services and efficiency, he has already been nominated by public meetings in Prince William, Stafford, King George, and Northumberland, being four out of the seven counties comprising the district. I am sure, therefore, in presenting his name before this Convention, I hazard no opposition whatever.

I beg leave, sir, to submit the following resolutions as expressive of the conclusions and sentiments of this Convention:

1. Resolved, That this Convention do recommend unanimously to the voters of this District Dr. Robert O. Grayson as a gentleman in every sense worthy to represent them in the Congress of the United States, and that he hereby be invited to take the field instantly, as the candidate of the Democracy of the Northern Neck District.

2. Resolved, That, zeal, energy and unanimity are alone requisite to ensure, in the coming contest, success to the cause of Democracy; and that our friends be urged to dismiss minor differences and to rally en masse upon the nominee of this Convention—pledging, as we hereby do, our utmost exertions to secure the object in view.

3. Resolved, That we are opposed, in every shape, to a National Bank, or State Bank fiscal agency to the Federal Government; to an increase of the Tariff; to Internal Improvements; to an assumption of the State Debts; and to any scheme for giving away the Public Lands so as to create a pretext for raising the Tariff of duties on foreign importations.

On motion, the following resolution was offered, and unanimously adopted:

4. Resolved. That the vote of our present Representative against refunding to the heirs of Matthew Lyon, the amount of a fine imposed upon him under the Sedition Law of John Adams, deserves the unqualified censure of the Republicans of this District, and shows him to be in favor of the principles of that abominable outrage upon the Constitution of our country, and the right of every citizen to speak freely his opinions about the men and measures of Government.

On motion, by a member of the Convention, agreed unanimously to reconsider the above resolution, with the view of so modifying it, as to make it read, instead of "shows him to be in favor of," "might be regarded as a refusal to condemn," &c., when it was again unanimously adopted.

Mr. Davis, from Westmoreland, offered a resolution that it was inexpedient to make any nomination for the Senate, which was withdrawn upon the suggestion by a friend, that Prince William did not belong to the Senatorial District, and that a nomination might hereafter be made.

5. Resolved, that the Convention have heard with profound regret, the untimely decease of the amiable, accomplished, and talented J. W. Chinn, of Northumberland, in whom this District and the country at large have sustained a great loss.

6. On motion, it was Resolved, That the Secretary make out four copies of the proceedings of this Convention, and forward one to Dr. R. O. Grayson, informing him of his nomination by this meeting, in order to ascertain whether he accepts the same, and one other, each to the Richmond Enquirer, to the Alexandria Gazette, and to the Fredericksburg Arena, with a request that they publish the same in their respective political journals.

7. On motion, Resolved. That the thanks of this Convention are due to the Chairman and Secretary.

On motion of Mr. John Hooe, this Convention adjourned sine die.

BAZIL BRAWNER, Chm'n.

THOS. K. PRICE, Sec'y.