The New Hampshire Gazette

Old Rockingham.

There are many reminiscences connected with the history of this old Republican county, which are peculiarly interesting to every lover of true democratic principles. Old Rockingham has always been distinguished for intelligence, and for her sound faith in the democratic cause. She unquestionably stands pre-eminent over any other county in the State in this particular. We do not wish to withhold from the deserved praise due to the other counties. Most of them are noted for their love of the genuine spirit of republican Liberty—they can boast of as honest, intelligent, and virtuous a population as can be found in any portion of the United States. But Old Rockingham has ever stood in the front ranks; has ever been the champion of republican Liberty and contended manfully for the equal rights of man. Liberty finds a safe home in the hearts of her hard-working yeomanry. Her pure streams, her granite hills, and her blue skies, are congenial to the spirit of freedom. It was upon the banks of the Piscataqua our fathers first erected the standard of our Republic—here in Old Rockingham they laid the foundation upon which the republican institutions of one of the proudest States in the Union have been built. These men were patriots, lovers of liberty—they scorned to bend the knee to British oppression—they were the first to throw off the yoke of the tyrants—they proclaimed themselves freemen, and the blood of these bold hearted men yet flows in the veins of their descendants. In December, 1773, the patriotic fathers of Old Rockingham published to the world "that every virtuous and public spirited freeman ought speedily to oppose to the utmost of his ability, every artful attack of the ministry to enslave the Americans." They said, "that a union of all the colonies appear to be the most likely method, under God, of obtaining a repeal of all those acts, which are so subversive of freedom of the British colonies, and destructive to the whole nation." These men were contending for PRINCIPLE—for JUSTICE—for the RIGHTS OF FREEMEN. They believed that resistance to tyrants was obedience to God. The patriotic fires that were then kindled upon the banks of the beautiful Piscataqua have not yet ceased to burn. The same love of liberty that then inflamed the bosom of your Langdon, & your Sullivan, now burns in the breast of the Republicans of Old Rockingham. They love to recount the deeds of their sires—to rehearse the stories of the Revolution,—they feel like fighting the battle of their country's liberty o'er again. The bones of the Republican fathers of Old Rockingham rest upon the banks of the Piscataqua, and no barbarous hand shall ever disturb their ashes. Their sons WILL guard and defend them. Their memories SHALL be protected—black and blistering be the lips that shall breathe forth a slander against them. The Democracy of Old Rockingham were never stronger than at the present moment—their ranks are increasing daily; many that voted the whig ticket last fall have become sick and disgusted with federalism—they now see that the promises of the Whig leaders were hollow hearted. The Democrats of Old Rockingham on the second Tuesday of March next, will march to the polls in solid columns. We do not pretend to be a prophet, but unless we very much mistake the signs of the times, this Old Republican county will then sustain her ancient reputation. Old Strawberrybank, firm in the cause of her ancient faith, will give 500 majority for the Democratic Ticket—mark that, 500 MAJORITY !! Every Democrat in Old Rockingham need be of good cheer. Our cause is a righteous one—truth will prevail. Let us maintain our proud position, and we shall soon see the Democratic flag again float in triumph upon Capital Hill.