" >^^'V ^S^^^- '^^'V • ,^. .^^ ' / .V*' .V^?*^^'. • «^ .0^ ^V "*-_, ^'*'-^v^ %'^--'/ \''oTo^'^^ "V *'--v .. V''- ■ /'-V ■ '^^^'^ ■••»#' /% I' **'\ ■ / ' '*:^^% <''^^^v .y^^. --^^^.^ '^\/^^^.^ , r ■^o .^'^ ."■\ c^" ' .<^ • » .0^ .^^ "^. '?; % 0° <. ' J' %^ ' • o- O ^o ^°-^<^. • v?'- ,-.-^" It ■J" ^ A -X. <> o'^ .^■^'' .c^ tP-^^ •t. .& ^. " <■ „ o ' ^ El "502 RICHARD DOBBS SPAIGHT."^ TnK rocciit cciitcMinial period of onr nation was marked by a spirit of historic inquiry. Congress, by a resolution of 13th of March, 1876, rccomniend(Hl to tlie people of the several States to assenibh' in their several counties or toAvns, at the api)r<)aching anniversary of onr National Independence, and that th(>v cause to have delivered on such day an historical sketch of said coianty or town, so that a com- pU'te record might thus be obtained of the progress of our Institutions during the first centennial of their '5 existence. This resolve Avas promulgated by the President, on 21st May, 1870, with the hope that the object of such resolution miglit meet the approbation of the people, and that proper steps might be taken to carry the same into etfect. The committee for the restoration of Independence Hall, in Philadelpliia, invited the presence of the American Historians, liiographers and Literati at that place on the 2nd July, 187(5, (the centennial anniversary of the Kesolutions of Independence,) desiring that a biographical sketch of every individual, whose memory is associated with the building, during the early days of the Republic, be prepared and deposited on that day •From advanced sheets of Col. Jolni H. Wheeler's forthcoming volume, "Leading- Men of North Carolina." 1 2 Richard Dohhs 8j)fiif/7it. anioiiff the arcliiA-es of the National Museum, with the request that "these sketches shoukl uot exceed two pa^es of foolscap." When T accepted the invitation which I had tlic honor to receive in March, 187G, to prepare a Memorial of the Life and Character of Richard Dobbs Spaight, of my native State, I felt that his long and illustrious services, ample records of which I had in my possession, could not be detailed in the "two pages of foolscap." Hence the memoir presented on the occasion was "cribbed, cabined and confined;" and although kindly received, was not satisfactory, even to myself. This is the motive of giving a more extended, and, I trust, satisfactory record of one who had "done the State some service," over whom the dust of time Avas sloAvly gathering. Richard Dobbs S])aight was born, lived and died in Newbern, Xorth Carolina. There are few States of "the old thirteen," that de- clared Independence in 1770, Avhose early history is more marked by interesting incident, or by acts of patriotic re- solve and daring, than Xorth Carolina. Xone is so little known to our Nation at large.* It vpas on her shores *rroni 3r(l volume of "Voyages and Discoveries of the Enj;lish Nation, by Ricliaid Ilakliiyt," printed at London, KiOO, ])af;e 301: "Tlie- first voyages made to the coast of America, with two barks, wherein were Cai)tains Pliilip Ainadiis and Artlmr Barlow, who dis- covered the country now called Virjiinia, anno 1.584, written by one of said ('ai)taius, and sent to Mir Walter Kaleis'h, Knight, at whose charge and direction the said voyage was set forth: " 'On the second of July, we found shole water, when we smelt so sweet and stirring a smeele as if we had becMi in the midst of some delicate garden abounding in all kind of odoriferous IJowcrs, and on the fourth we arrived on the coast. After thanks given to God for our safe arrival thither, we manned our boats, and went to take pos- session of the same, in the right of the Queencs most excellent Ma- jestic, as rightful Queeue and Priucesse thereof.' . Richard Bobbs Spaight. 3 that the Enjili^hnian flr.st hxnded on the Western Con- tinent, on Koiinoke Island, in 15S4. The lirst deehiration of inde])endcnce ol" the English ci'own was made in Xorth Carolina. The fearless men of Mecklenherg, more than a year in ndvanee of the National Congn'ss, assenihled in IMay, 177."), and de- clared independence. The docnnients in the loot note are from the records of the English government, and are heyond any cavil.* '•'We 1(11111(1 tlic pt'oplc most gentile, loviny and Caitlifiil, voide of all guile and tieasoit, and siicli as live after the inanTier of tli(> jiolden age. They call the Island, Kaonoak, distant from the harbour we entered seven leagnes.'" Page .j()4. This was the lirst landing of the ICnglish on onr continent, and is located in the i)resent county of Dare, in the extreme eastern ])ait of North Carolina. The first conflict in arms between the regular forces of England and the Colonists occurred at Alamance, in North Carolina, on Kith May, 1771. The conduct of the Olliiters of the ('rown towards the jieople was marked by oppression and fraud. The people petitioned in vain to the Governor (Tryon) for redress. Rut failing to obtain this, made open resistance, (iovernor Tiyon, with a force of more than 1100 men, met the Itegulators, as they were termed, led by Herman Hus- bands and others, tive miles west of Great Alamance river, on the road leading from llilisboro to Salisbury, and a contiict ensued in which sixty men o\ the royal forces were killed. The Kegidators, after a contiict of two hours, were routed, leaving many dead and many wounded. Thus, and here, was the first blood spilled in these I'nited States in resistance to the exactions of English rulers and the oiipressions of the English (iovernnient. The great i)rinciples contended for by the Kegulators — the rights of the many against the exactions of the few — the right of the people to resist all taxes not imposed by their rei>resentatives — the right to know for what they paid taxes, and how said taxes were ai)propriated — were the l)riuciples for which, in 177ti, independence was declared. The offi- cial account of the Koyal Governor, Tryon, of this battle, is given in Wheeler's History of X. ('., Vol. 2, ]). Hi. •From State Paper Office, London, Vol. 1, p. 204. Extract from a Dispatch from Governor Mai-fin to Secretary of State, dated (Continued.) 4 Bichard Dohhs Spaighi. Among such a race of people, aud animated by such principles, the subject of this sketch was born, lived and died. A faithful record of his services will com- mand the deepest interest in the History of the State in which he was a prominent actor. Bioffi-aphy has one advantage over History. Both are recorded narratives. While History details facts relative to Xatious. Biography gives ns the minute acts "FoET JoH>"STO>-. XoETH Caeolesa, 30tb June, 1775. " The 3Iinntes of the Council belrt at this place the other day will make the impotence of the Government here as apparent to your Lordship as anything 1 can set before you. '• The situation in which I find myself is indeed, my Lord, most des])ieal>Ie and mortityinjr. I live, alas, inglorious, only to dei)lore it. The resolves of the Committee of Mecklenberjr, which yonr Lordship will find in the enclosed new.spajier. suq)ass all the horrid and trea- sonable i)ublications that the inflammatory spirits of the Continent ba%e yet prodnced. aud your Lordship may depend it.s autboi-s and abettors will not escape when my hands are sufficiently strengthened to attempt the recovery of the lost authority of the Government. A copy of these resolves was sent off, as I am informed, by exjuess, to the Congress at Philadeli)hia. as soon as they passed in the Com- mittee." This authentic record from the archives of the EngUsh Government places this fact beyond all cavil, doubt or question. Extract fiom the Proclamation of Josiah Martin, Governor, &c,, of His Majesty's Province of ^oitli Carolina: "Ox BoAED OF His Majesty's Sloop, the Ceuisee, » Is Cape Feae Kiveb, Aug. 6th, 1775. ) " Whereas, I have seen a most infamous publication in the Cape Fear Mercury, importing to be the resolves of a set of people styling themselves a Committee for the county of Mecklenburg, most traito- rouxly declaring the entire (lixmhition of the Laws. Government and the Constitution of this country, and setting up a system of rule re- pugnant to the Laws, and subrersive of His Majesty's Government : " I do hereby forewarn the people against such act, and conjure them to persist and pursue in their duty and allegiance." 2»0TE. — These records were coi)ied by me from the records in the State Palmer Office, Chancery Lane, Loudon, 1SC4. J. H. "VY. Richard Dobbs Spaight. 5 of individuals. The one, like the splendid cartoons that decorate the walls of our National Capitol, presents to the dazzled eyes of the spectator numerous forms and faces, each distinct and ditferent; the other, like the matchless marble of Houdon. or Greenouffh. unveils a single figure, in all its perfect proportions. "A combination, and a form indeed, Where every God did seem to set bis seal. To give tlie world assurauce of a ?IA>"." Indeed, a faithful hioiiTaphy of any distinguished in- dividual is often the most satisfactory account of the scenes and occurrences in which he was a conspicuous actor. The life of Washington l)y Marshall is the V)est record of the Revoluticmary War. The town of Newbern.* where Grovernor Spaight was born, is situated in the eastern part of North Carolina, at the confluence of the Xeuse and Trent rivers. Around this ancient and classic toAvn are clustered many memories of rare interest. It received its name from the emigrants from Switzerland, in memorial of the vine-clad city of their fatherland. Here landed the Palatines from the Rhine, led by the adventurous De Graafenreidt (ITOfl,) whose valor resisted the inroads of the savages, and whose industry made the "wilderness blossom as the rose." Here was the seat of Royal Government, long directed liy the rule of Governor Dobbs ; and here his successtn-. Tryon. held his court, and raised a palatial mansion, more ornate and princely than any at the time in America. From that day to the present, Xewbern has been known and disting-uished for intelligence, patriotism and hospitality. Avhicli have won for it the name of •• the Athens " of Xorth Candina. In this town. (»n the 25th March. 175S, Avas Richard Dobbs Spaight born. * More frequently uow written Xew-Berne. 6 fiirJtffnJ Dohh.s Sjxiif/ftf. His father, Richard Spaight, was a nati^-e of Ireland, of an ancient and honorable family Avliich still preserves its rank.* He was appointed bv order of the King and Council, dated 4th Eebruaiy, 1757, one of the Conncil of Governor Dobbs ; and on the death of Henry McOul- lock, he was made the Secretary of the Crown in the Province of Xorth Cai'olina — a position, in importance, next to that of the Governor. A list of the civil officers <»f North Carolina at this time is given, which may interest the antiquarian and ses, in pursuance of an Act of Assend)ly ])assed 17(!(), to erect five Sii|)eri()r Courts. John Staricey, TnoJtAS JjArjcer, Treasurers of the Northern and Southern Districts. Mr. Palmer, Surveyor (ieneral, ajjpointeil by warrant from the Crown in 175.3 ; also the Collector of the Port of Bath. Mr. Dry, Collector of Port of Brunswick. Mr. Rieussett, Collector of Poit of Koanoak. Richard Dobhs Spaight. 7 ^fv. Spaii^lit sorvod as Pay ^Master to tlie troops raised i»y Xortli Carolina to aid (Iciieral Braddocli ; in Avhicli cainpaiini Washington took his first k^ssons in war. He married Marjiarct Dobbs. the sister of (lovernor Dobbs,* Mr. WnrxEHALL, Collcdoi- of I'ort ot'Cuiiitiick. Mr. McCullock, Collector of i'ort of Beaufort. These arc nil n]>i)oiiite(l by tlie Lords of tlie Tieasuiy in Eni;laii(l, and salaries jiaid from tlieiice. The other otlicers are paid out of his .Majesty's (jiiit rents. Tlie Auditor £1(10 per aiiiiuin, Chief Justice .£70, Barou £tO, Siu\eyor General £40, Secretary a.s Clerk of the Crown £25, Attoruey General £80." From Records of Board of Trade, xV. C. •\^'e give the genealogy of the Dobbs family from which Gov. Spaight descended, by his mother's side, from authentic sources. In our country, especially in the South, we are behind the age as to genealogy. In England, tlie subject is one of elaborate research. In New England genealogical societies abound, sustained by a Quarterly I'eiiodical. Every family in this section is pioud of its genealogical-tree. Annual meetings oc-eur under their ancestral roof- tree, wliere traditions, hallowed liy time, are preserved, the lines of consanguinity traced, and the ties of affection strengthened. Some may, with |)ragmatic indifference, deride such efforts, but surely no one can be insensible to the satisfying feeling of ha\ing descended from an honest and virtuous ancestry, and of being connected with persons of unsullied re[)utation, of genius and intellect. It instils a hatred of iimctivity and vice, and stimulates to usefulness and virtue. From DiclioHari/of American Biof/ropliy. By Francis Drake. Boston: Osgood & Co., 1872. Dobbs, Arthur, Gov., of N. C, born in Ireland, 2nd April, 1G89, and died at Town (vreek, N. C, on 2(Jth March, 170.5. He was a man of letters, of liberal view.s, had been a member of the Irish Parlia- ment, and distinguished for his efforts to discover the North West l)assage. As Governor of N. C, he adopted conciliatory measures toward the Indian tribes, but his administration was a continued struggle with the Legislature on unimjiortant matters, dis))laying on his part an ardent zeal for royal prerogatives, and an iiulomitable resistance on the part of the colonists. He was the author of "An Account of the Countries Adjoining the Hudson Bay," (4to., London, 1718.) "Trade and Improvement of Ireland," (8vo., Dublin, 1729,) and "Captain Middletou's Defence," (8vo., 1744.) (CoNXiNirED.) 8 Richard Dohhs Spaight. whose administration, as ruler of North Carolina, was in tumultuous times. The high estimate that Governor Dol)l)s i)la('ed on his prerooatives as the representative of royalty, was sternly op])osed by the people and their representatives, and produced angry and violent colli- DOBBS OF CASTLE DOBBS. From Gencalofiiml aufi Heraldic Dicfionari/ of the Landed Geniry of Great Brilain and Ireland, dv. By J. Ijcriiaid Kiirke. London : Col burn & Co., 185;}. "Tliis family was established in Ireland l)y John ])obbs, who accomjianied Sir Henry Dockwod to that conntry in 1590, and was subse(iiiently his De])nty as Treasurer for Ulster. This John Dobbs, who is stated to have been j;'raiidson of Sir IJichard Dobbs, Lord Mayor of London in 15.51, married Margaret, only child of John Dak- way of Rallyhill, and had by her two sons, Foulk and Hercules. "Foulk was lost with his father, retnrning' from Enj;land ; and Hercules, who su(M'eede(l to his father's |)roi)erty, married Magdalen West, of Ballydongan co.. Downs, and left an only son. "Richard Dobbs, who died in 1701, leaving his estate to his yonnger son, (his eldest turning (|)uaker, was disinherited,) Richard Dobbs, of C'astletown, born l(i(i(). He married (second time) Mar- garet Clingston, of Belfast, by whom he had three daughters. Among them Margaret, who married KiCHARD SPAIGIIT. He was High yiieriif of Antrim in l(i!t4, and died in 1711. His eldest son was Arthur Dobbs, born on I'nd Ajuil, KiS!); he was High SherilTof Antrim in 1720; for many years Member of Parliament for Carriek- fergus; married Anne, daughter of Capt. Osbuin of Drogheda, and relict of Capt. Xorbury, by whom he ac^cjuired an estate at Timakoe, and had Conway Richard (his heir,) ICdward Brice, Frances, and ]\Iai-y who married Dean Ryder. 3Ir. Dobbs was appointed Engi- neer and Surv(>y()r (leneral of Iicland, and in 1753 was sent out as Governor of North Carolina, where he actjuired great possessions, and died there. His sou Conway died at Belfast in 1811, and was succeeded by his eldest son, Rii'hard Dobbs, who married Nicolini, daughter of Michael Olnns, of I'orlowu, and had issue, Conway Ricliard, the present rei)- resentative of the family, who resides at Castle Dobbs, Antrim, Ire- land. Crest: Unicorn's head. Motto: "Amor Dei et proximi snuima beatitudo." Bichard Dohbs Spaif/Iit. 9 sions liet\v(»on the Exooutive and Legislative Depart- ments of the Government. So frecjnent and tierce Avere these contests between the governor and the Legishitnre, that the aged hands of (Jov. Dohbs (now in liis 7()t]i year) were strengthened by the Governnu^nt at h(mie by the apjiointment of William Tryon as Lientenant Governor, and wlio, npon the death of Gov. D. in 1705, became Governor of the (Colony of Xortli C^trolina. A county was formed in 1754, called Dobbs county; but iu 1791 the name was abolished and the territory divided into Lenoir and Glasgow counties. In 1799 the latter was changed to Greene. A fort was erected in Western North Carolina called Fort Dol)bs ; and the Governor owned large landed possessions on Rocky River. Such Avere the ancestors of Richard Dobbs Spaight, who at the time of the deatli of his uncle, was seven years old. His parents died soon after. At tlic age of nine lie was sent abroad to receive an education, which was tinished at the Univei'sity of Glasgow, in Scotland. On hearing tliat his native land was involved in war, he returned in 1778 to America; and although not trained to arms by educaticm or tastes, he promptly ten- dered his services, then only twenty years old, to Gen. Richard Caswell, who commanded a >«orth Carolina brigade in the Southern Army under General Gates, and served as ((id-de-camp to General Caswell at the ill- fated battle of Camden, (Kith Aug., 1780,) where the Rritish. und(>r Lord Cornwallis. defeated the Americans under (lates. Baron l)c Kalb, ^lajoi' Porterlield, and many others fell in l)attle, and Gen. Rutherford and others were taken prisoners. The victory of British arms was coniplete, and the hopes of the ])atriots for a time were crushed. (lates retreated to Hillsboro, where the Leiiislature was in .session, with Governor 10 Richard Dohhs Sjmight. N^ash presiding. A Court of Enquiry censured Gen. Gates, and Gen. Greene was appointed Commander of the Southern Army. This unliappy experience in war did not improve the taste of Mr. Spaiglit for tlie profession of arms. But he was destined to tigure in scenes in the great drama of life, the duties of which demanded equal courage and sacrifices, and in which battles and blood were the iu- evital)lc conse(|ucnces. lie returned home, and on attaining liis majority, the next year, Avas elected a mem- ber of the (ieneral Assembly from the boio' of New- bern, and re-elected in 1782 and 1783. By tlie latter Assembly, he was elected a member of the Congn^ss (confederation) which assembled at An- napolis on i\\G 23rd December, 1783, with Hugh Wil- liamson, (the Historian of North Carolina) who, like jMr. Spaiglit, had been in the army, and like him was in the battle of Camden, and Benjamin Hawkins (after- wards a Senator in Congress, 1789,) as colleagues. On that day, Mr. Spaight witnessed the resignation of George Washington to Congress of his commissi(m as Commander-in-Chief of the Armies of America, an epoch ever memorable in the annals of our nation. In this illustrious body Mr. Spaight, although one of the youngest, (being only 25 years old,) was also one of the most useful and active menibei's. His portrait in this body of Patres Coiiftcripfi, by Truml)ull, is pre- served, and now graces the rotunda of the Capitol. By this body his talents were duly a|»j»rcciated, since he was placed on many ol' the most important committees, to which subjecls of the gravest cliaracter were referred. He was on a committee headed by 'riionias .Jetferson, to devise a j)lan for the temporary government of the western territorv. Richard Dobbs Sjxiiffbt. 11 On the 2Dth of flic .same month lie was elected, by ballot of the Congress, one of the ('onnHitt(>e of States, which body possessed and wielded all the jiowers of ffovenmient. This body had the powei" to appoint all civil and military otllcers, and to repeal any act of Con- gress. The Committee of States met on the 21st November, 1788, ratified that Instru- ment, and North Carcdina Ixicame a member of the Union. General AYashington made an extensive tour in North Carolina ; he Avas in Salem and Salisbury, and did mn(;h to render the new Constitutionf popu- lar. In this he Avas aided by Governor Spaight, and other patriots of the day. *If' 'I'ldv coidd liavc liccii dcft'iidi'd Tliis v\'^\\\ liaiid liad done it. tWlion alluding to Constitutions, it: may be wt'll to roinaik tliat hj many it is siii)|)osed that oiir Oonstiliitioii, as a State, foruicd as early as the IStli December, ITTti, at Halifax', was one of the tirst State Constitutions formed, if not tlie tii-st, and so ably formed tliat it stood for nearly sixty years without amendment. This is error. When the Revolutionary War had commenced, and the existence of Bichard Dobbts Spaiffht. 13 After this long and laborious service in Constitutional Conventions (Federal and State,) tlie liealtli of Mr. Spaiglit gave way, and lie retired, for this cause, from any public duty. Tlie West Indies, and other mild climates, were resorted to for alleviation and relief, but he never again enjoyed perfect health. But his age (then only 3(>,) his firmness, ])atienc(^ and regular habits so far triumphed, that after an absem-e of four years from public soi-viee, he was enabled to return home, determined to s])end the remainder of his lite in repose and retirement. But such was the ap])reciatiou of his services by his lellow citizens, and tlu^ir admiratibruary 5th, 1777. New York Ai)nl — , . Jamieson on Constitutional Conventions. 14 Richard Dobb.s- /Spoif/Jif. policy commanded the support and admiration of his conntrvmon, and party spirit was subdued and silent. .Vnd, too, from the limited executive powers prescribed by tlie State Constitution, the duties of (lovernor did not recjuire any ureat intellectual exertion. The franiers of the Constitution in 1770 had witnessed and had become so disgusted with "• lii<>h fantastic tricks " of the Royal Governors, that they vibrated to the other ex- treme, and gave to the Executive but little power and less patronage. This Avas exi)ressed by a member of the body Avhich formed tliat instiument, when on his return home he was asked what powei's Avere vested in the Gov- ernor by the Constitution, replied: "Power, sir! Only the power to sign a receipt foi- his salary, and nothing more." In 1793, while Governor, he was elected and served as Elector for I'l-esident and Vice-President, and again in 1707. It was during his administration that the Legislature met, for the lirst time, in the city of llaleigh, on oOth December, ]7i)l. Tlie place for the meeting of the Legislature liad hitherto been uiuletermined : First, at Little Piver, in 1715, in I*er<|uimans county ; then at diti'erent ]>laces, depeiuliug on the will of the Gov- ernor, or the caprice of the Legislature — Edent(m, Fay- etteville, Hillsboro, Kingston, Xewbern, Smithtield, Salem, Tar])oro, Wake Court House, and perhaps other ])oints, have enjoyed this honor.* This necessarily produced great confusion in the early records of the State, and many were misplaced and lost. Tiie Convention tliat met to consider the Federal Constitution in 17SS, appointed ten cmnmissioners, who met in 1792, and selected the place where it now is. •Address of Uoii. Keiiii) P. llattlc, on " Ruly Days of Kaleigh." 1870. Richard Dohhs 8pmurg, I'a., who Avas of the liighest social position, and of one of the oldest and most influential families. Hut circumstances seemed to defy his expectations of rcitirenient. Nathan Jiryan, a member of the House of Representatives from the NcAvbern District died, and a successor had to be elected. The i)ublic voice demanded again the services of Governor Spaight. He AAas elected, ami took his seat in Congress on the 10th of December, 1798, (3rd Session, 5tli Congress,) Jonathan Dayton, of NcAv Jersey, being the speaker. He Avas re-elected a member of the (ith Congress, from 1799 to the 1th of March, ISOI. Theodore Sedgewick, of ^lassachusetts, •Hon. li. I'\ Moore oil Knivcisitx of Nortli Ciiioliiia, 1S77. Richard Dohh.ress. ISOl.) This, as has been stated, was a critical period in the history of our (Tovernnient. The very foundations of the Onistitution seemed to be broken up, and the deluge of anarchy and confusion to oAcrspread the land. Then "Shrieked tlie timid and stood still the brave." But the ark finally outrode the storm, and rested on the Ararat of safety. The crisis was rightfully set- tled, for it was patent to all, then, as is to all now, that Mr. Jeff"ers(m and Mr. Adams only were the contending- candidates for President, and that Mr. .Ieffcrs(»n received a majority over jMr. Adams in the poi)ular as well as the electoral vote. Hence the advocacy of the claims of Mr. Burr was instioat(>d on the part of his friends by party passion and deliberate fraud, and on his part 1)V unhallowed ambition. " The sin whereby tlu; Angels fell." This difficulty for the future was remedied by an amendment (Article XI J) to the Constitution. Other amendments in tiiis respect are demanded by recent ex- perience, and which doubtless will receive the consider- ation of Coniircss.* When in Enijland in 1864, conversing with a member of Parliament, who was well informed and curious as to •Mr. .letlcisoM, in a icllcr dated ll'tii .lid.\, KSKi, lo 8aiuuel Ivereh- eval, insists that no Const itnt ion onj;ht lo no loiiijer tlian twenty years withoiU an opportunity being given to tlie jieople to alter or amend it. (See Jefiersou's Works, vii: 9.) Richanl I)ohb.s Spaijiht. 1!» the Avorkings of our govcvnniciit, I was asked if we had any trihuiial whidi had the power to exaiiiiiie and settle a contested eh-etion for President, in eases of alleged frand, error or corruption. When informed there was none, he pronounced "our government a rt>pe of sand, which the first storm of popular phrenzy niiglit shatter to ])ieces.'" In the Appendix is presented the views of Lord Macaulay on our Government.* In the private memoirs of Washington, by Curtis, General Hamilton, as to our Constitution, said to General Washington: "Now, mark my words, so long as we are a young and virtuous people, the Constitution will bind us together in mutual interests, in mutual welfare, and in mutual happiness; but when Ave become old and corrupt, it will l)ind us no longer." Thus far (»ur Kepublic has stood the shocks of foreign war and intestine convulsions for a century, and is the acknowledged peer of the most pro.sperous nation on earth. May Ave not ho])e that it Avill be periietnal? "Thou, too, sail on, O sliij) of State Sail on, (3 Union, .strong and great Humanity, witli all its fears, Is iianging hrcatiiless on tliy fate. We know what masters laid th.y keel, What workmen wrought thy ribs of steel, Who made each mast and sail and rope. What anvils rang, wliat hammers beat, In what forge, in what a heat. Were shaped the anchors of thy hope." After the excitement and labors oi' this extraordinary session of Congress, Governctr Si)aight returned home exhausted, with the fixed purpose of retiring from public life. He declined a re-election to Congress, and sought repose. But the accession of the Republican party to poAver and ])atronage, added fresh fuel to the desperate fortunes of the federal ibrces. and party spirit, •See Appendix. 20 Richard Dohh.s Spaifjht. in clcHioniac iury, raged Avitli a ferocity unparalleled in the history of our country, before or since. Governor Spaight Avas the accepted and acknowledged leader of the Rcpul)]ican party, Avhile Mr. Stanly Avas the astute and able advocate of the Federalists. The people deuumded then the continued serA'ices of Governor Spaight. and elected liiiu to the State Senate. Mr. Stanly Avas elected in that year (1801) the member of Congress from the NcAvbern District. Frequent dis- cussions between these champions of the two parties occurred.* It is recorded that the conduct of Governor Spaight in these discussions Avas marked by the strictest decorum; while he respected the feelings and rights of others, his manhood repelled any attempt to impugn his sincerity or honor. The coi-respondence shoAvs that the course of Mr. Stanly Avas personal and caustic. He charged that Governor Spaight (hnh/cd., under the pre- tence of sickness, Avhen any important vote, on any objectionable measure, Avas taken in Congress. This aspersion was repelled by Governor Spaiglit in a hand- bill, AA'hich Mr. Stanly denounced "as ccmtaining humili- ating tilth," and for Avliich he sent a challenge to GoAer- nor Spaight to mortal coml)at; and although, like Ham- ilton, no advocate of violence or of duelling. Governor Spaight, like Hamilton, accepted promptly the call, and also, like Hannlton, he fell. From his enfeebled condi- tion — for he could scarcely hold steadily a pistol — he might have declined the invitation. This tragic event caused a deep sensation throughout the Avhole country, and is still remembered with mournful interest. In the " Eecollections of New bern Fifty Years Ago," by Stephen F. Miller,t it is recorded that " this duel •Address at Newbcrn of Rev. J. T. Irving, on the death of Gov- oruor Spaight. tSee Our Living and Our Dead, liuleigh, January, 1875. liichard Dohhx ISpaiglU. 21 was f()U£>lit on 5th Soptembcv, 1802, behiiul the old Masonic Hall, in the outskirts of Xewbern. An eye witness (Thomas Brown, sinee Postmaster at Trenton,) informed me that on the second lire the bullet pierced the coat collar of IMr. Stanly ; on the fourth tire General S])aiiiht was mortally wounded, and died the next day. Criminal proceedings were instituted aiiainst Stanly." The petition of Mr. Stanly for pardon from the Gov- ernor (Williams) may be found in the History of Xorth Candina,* and also a copy of the challenge and accept- ance. A funeral oration was delivered over his remains by his Kect(n- and life-hmti friend, Kev. J. T. Irving. Two life size portraits of him are preserved in the Inde- pendence Hall, in Philadelphia. \\'hen aware that the wound was mortal. Governor Si)aight met his fate with that patience under suttering that had so long been his lot, and with that magna- nimity which marked his character. As a statesman, he was pure and patriotic; as a parent, sincere and aftec- tionate ; his memory and his services are held in respect and veneration. " Me was not born to slianu'. Upon his brow shame was ashamed to sit, For it was a throne wliere Honor niijiht be crowned Sole monarch of tlu> nniversal eartli." Wi' iuive traced tlu' genealdgy of his i'aniily, (on his nioth(>r's side,) from l.")!)(i, and his own ( arcer IVom his cradle to his grave. Our sketch would be incom- plete without some notice ol' his descendants, to whom lie lelt a large estate. Of his marriage with 3Iiss Leach, two sons and one daughter survived him. J. RiciiAKU DoBBS Spaight, .Ii;., born in 179(), in Newbern; educated at the TTniversity : where he gradu- •See Wheeler's History of North Carolina, 11, 11-. 22 Richard Dohhs Spnif/ht. atecl in 1S15, in the same class with John H. Bvyan, Rev. Francis L. Hawks, AVilic P. ]\Iangnni and others. He studied hnv ; elected to the Legislature in 1819, 1820, 1821 and 1822 ; elected member of Congress 1823 to 1825: again eh'cted in 1825 to the Senate of the State Legislature, and in 1831 elected by the Jjcgislature, Gov- (n-nor of the State, He was the last Governor elected by the Legislature, for tlie Constitution, amended in 1835, transferred the election of (iovernor from the Legislature to tlie ])oi)ular vote. He died unmarried in 1850. II. Ch.akles B. Spaigiit, born about 1800. in NeAV- bei'n ; educated at the University, at which he graduated in 1820, in the same class witli B. F. Moore, Wm. H. Battle and others. Studied law ; in the Legislature in 1829-1830. Died in 1831, unmarried. III. Makcjaket Spaight, who married Hon. .Iohn Kor.EitT DoxxKLL. .fudge Donuell was a native of Iri'land, born near Jjondonderry in 1791 ; came to Noitli Car(dina when eight years of age, under the auspices of a wealthy uncle, Robert Donnell, who resided at Kings- ton, Lenoir county. He Avas educated at the T^niv<'rsity at which hv graduated with the Jirst lionors in 1807, in the same class Avith (iavin Hogg and others, then only 16 years old. He studied law, and Avas a successful and |)oj)nlar advocate. In 1815 he was elected the Solicitor of the Xewbern District, and in 1819 he was elected .Judge of the Superior Courts of LaAV and Etiuity, which high position he resigned in 1830. It is a beautiful illustration of the workings of our re])ublican system of government, and Avhich has brought many men of energy, learning and talents to our shores from abroad, that foreign birth is no impediment to success, and that without any friends, save such as vir- tue and talent may secure, and no fortune but princi- liichdnl Dohhs Sjxiiffht. 23 pies of honor and Justice, forcii'iiers may, and often do, attain t«» the highest jtositions of trust, honor aiul ]»rotit in our Republic. Tliis woiuhr-workinii' principh- luis no paralk'l in the history of wny nation, ancient or nH)dern, and is justly a source of naticuuil pride. Hoav loui"' Avouhl (lalhitiu have had to live in Euiihind to have heconie a nuniher of the House of Lords? or how h)ng wouhl Haniilt(»n liad to live in France to become a Chief Minister of the Treasury 'i Tn his official duties, Jiuliic Donnell was learned, patient, polite and incorrujjtible ; a man of strict in- tegrity and spotless rei)utatiou, as well as a kind, con- siderate and indulueut parent, and an oblininii' and jjenerous ueiiilibor. He wisely eschewed the allure- ments of politics, aud devoted himself to his profession, to his family ami his ]troperty. By skilful manaiicment of the large property which he iiad obtained by liis own industry and inheritance from his uncle, and l)y marriage and its connection, he was possessed of a liberal aud ample fortune. This was. however, much inipaii'cd by the vicissitudes of war. At the time of his death at Raleigh, on the 15th of October, 18(54, he was a refugee from his princely luuiie and estates after the Federal oecupauey ol" Xewberu. His descendants are: — 1. Richard Spaight Donnkll,* who Avas born about 1819; educated at the University, at which he graduated in 183i), in the sanu' class with Clarke M. Avery, Dennis I). Ferebee, Thomas D. IMeares, ami others. He was distinguished as a lawyer. His tirst public service was as a member of Congress in 1817-184!). He was elected to the Legislature from Beaufort county, in 1801, 1862, 18Go and 18()4. He Avas twice elected Speaker of the House. He died unnuirried iu 1807. •See Appendix. 24 Richard I)ohh.s Spaif/Jif. 2. Mai;v. aa;is the second wife of the Hon. Charles B. Sliepai'd. "Sir. Shejjard was a native of Newbern; l)orn r)tli December, 1807; cdncated at the Univei'sitj' at wh it'll he graduated in 1S27, in the same class with A. O. 1*. Xicholson, of Tennessee, Warren AYiuslow and others. He was the son of William Shepard, Avho Avas also the father of William B., James B. and Fi-ed- erick B.* Their mother was a Blount of the old and distiniiuislied family of that name in X<»rth Carolina and in Kngland. Their Aunt ( Hannah kShepard) nuirried Mr. Biddle of l^hiladelphia. Slu' wa.s the motiier of Commodinn^ Biddle and Nicholas Biddle, the celebrated financier. He nas elected a meml)er of the House of Representatives in Congress fro in 1837 to 1841, and died 2(Jth October, 184."J, leaving a son by a former marriage, and two daughters. One of whom, (.Mary,) married James A. Bryan, of Xewbern, whose mother was a Miss Washington, and has one child, Cliarles S., now in the lltli year of his age, and Margaret, who married Samuel S. XeLson, of Xe\v Orleans, and is now a widow. 3. Fannie Donnkli,, married James B. Shepard. Mr. Shepard was a native of Newbern; born 14th Xo- veniber, 1815. Educated at tlu^ University of Xoi'th Carolina, at which he graduated in 1834. Studied law. In 183i), appointed by the President, United States Dis- trict Attorney for North Carolina. In 1842 and 1844 he was a member of the Legislature iVoni Wake county. In 184(i a candidate for (iov(^rnor, opposing (ioveruor (irahani, and in 1818 a candidate for Congress, oppo- sing General Lawrence O'B. Branch. He died in Raleigh, (»n 17th June, 1871, soon after his return trom *MiIk'i"s KL'collcctioiis of Newlieni, Novciiiber (lf>7t) imiiiber of Our lAcimj and Our Dead, page 252 — "'Old Graves iu Beaufort," xvi: S'.H). BichnnJ DohLs Spnifjhf. 25 an extended sojourn in Europe, leaving one son, John R. D. Slu'itard, who i-raduated at tlie University in 18G5, and at present lives in Paris. 4. Annie is unmarried : She is tlie owner of the family mansion, in XeAvbern. and has a Summer resi- deiu;e in Asheville, Xorth Carolina. 5. C. Si'AKJHT DoNNELl., married Tliomas IMundell Keerl, a member of the Bar, now residing in Balti- incu'e. I\[r. Keerl Avas born in Baltimore; educated at Princeton, where he graduated Avith high honors. His paternal grandfather was of one of the oldest fiimilies of Bavaria, whence lu- came to America and settled as a physician in Baltimore. His father was a merchant of that j)lace. His mother was a native of Prince (leorge's county, ^Maryland. Her father, Tliomas Mun- dell, was a native of Ayreshire, Scotland, (Burns' birth- place,) and was a pupil of Dugald Stewart, and descended from the celebrated General Leslie, Cromwell's rival. Her mother's mother Avas a Miss Bowie. Her mother was a ^liss Eversticld, descended from Rev. Jolm Evei's- field, of the ancient family of Eversheld, of Sussex, England, whence he came to jMaryland. He was a clergyman of ability and piety, was possessed of a large estate, and Avas the uncle of Bisho]) Claguett, the tirst Bishoj) of the l*rt>testant Episcopal Church of Mary- land.* Mr. and Mrs. Kecrl have one son living, Eversfield Eraser, now in the sixteenth year of his age; hav- ing lost their oldest child, John R(djert Honnell, a noble and gifted boy in the fifteenth year of his age, by a stage accident in the mountains of New Hamp- shire. Their second child, Richard Dobbs Spaight, died at the age of fourteen months, in Xorth Carolina. John H. Wheeler. •See Spra^ue's Lives of the Episcopal Clergy. 4 The Views ok Loeu Macaulay a.s to the fiitnie of America, as expressed in a letter to .luclfje H. S. Randall, of Virginia, anther of the Life of Jefferson, dated " Holly Lodge, Kensington, London, May 23rd, 1857": •• 1 have been convineed tliat iiistitntions pnrely democratic must sooner or later destroy liberty or ci\ilizatiou, or both. In Europe, where the po])ulation is dense, the effect would be instantaneous. Either the i)0(jr would plunder the rich, and civilization would i)erisli ; or order and i)ro.sperity would be preserved by a strong military gov ernineiit, and liberty ])erish. You may think your country enjoys an exem])tion from these evils. I frankly own to you that I am of a different opinion. Your fate is certain, though it is delayed by a physical cause, tio long as you have a boundless extent of fertile and unoccupied laud, your laboring population will be far more at ease than the same class in the old world, and, while that is the case, the Jett'erson politics may exist without causing any fatal calamity. But the time will come when New England will be as thickly peopled as Old England. Wages will be as low, and fluctuate as much with you as with us. Yon will have your Manchesters and BirmiMgliams, and in the.se liundicds of thousands will assuredly be out of work. Then your institutions will be fairly brought to the test. Di.stress makes the laborer mutinous and discontented, and ht^ listens with eagerness to agitators who tell him that it is a monstrous iniiiuity that one nian should have a million, while another cannot get a full meal. In had years, it is true Me have a plenty of grumbling here in l']ngland, and often some rioting. But this matters but little, for here the sulfercrs are not the rulers. The supreme power is in the hands of a select, of an educat(Ml class — of a class which knows itself to be deei)ly interested in the security of i)roi»erty and the maintenence of order. A(;(!Or(lingly, the malcontents are firmly but gently restrained. Tlie bad times an^ got over, without robbing the ri(;h to relieve the indigent. The springs of national prosperity .soon begin to flow again ; work is plentifid ; wages rise; and all is tran- (piility and clieei fulness. 1 have seen England pass through thiee oi' four limes sucii ciitical seasons as 1 liaxc described. Through such seasons, the United States must |iass in the course of the next cen- tury, if not in thi.s. And how will you get through^ I heartily wi.sh you a safe deliverance. But my reason and my wishes are at Appendix. 27 war, and I cannot help foreboding the worst. It is (jiiite phiin that yonr government will never be able to restrain a distressed and dis- contented majority — for the majority is the government, and has the rich, who always are in a minority, at their mercy. The day will come when in the State of ^'ew York, a mnltitnde of jjeople, none of whom has had more than half a breakfast, or ex])e('ts to imve any dinner, will choose the Legislature. Is it possible to doubt what kind of members will he chosen ? On one side is a statesman i)iea(;li- ing patieiu'c ; respect for vested rights; strict observance of public faith. On the other is a demogoguc lanting about the tyranny of caiiitalists and usurers, and asking wliy anyone should 1k' permitted to drink cliam|iagne and riile in caiiiages, while, thousands of honest folics are in actual want of necessaries, ^^'hich of the two candidates is likely to be preferred when he hears his children crying for bread? 1 seriously fear that you will in some such season of adversity do things which will prevent prosperity from returning — that you will act like people who in a year of scarcity d(!\oiu'all the seed corn, and thus make the next year not one of scarcity bat of absolute famine. Then conu' spoliations — this will only increase the distress; there is nothing to stoii you. Your ('oustitution is all sail and no anchor. When society has entered on the downward progress, either civiliza- tion or liberty nuist i)erish, or both. Either some Ca'sar or Napoleon will seize the reins of government with a strong hand, or your repub- lic will be as fully i)lundered and laid waste by barbarians in the 20th century, as the llouian emi)ire was in the tifth century, with this dif- ference, that tlu^ Huns and Vandals who ravaged the Roman emi)ire came from without, wliik; your Huns and Vandals will have been engendered within your own country by your own institutions.'" J. H. ^V. FROM BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF YALE COLLEGE. CLASS OF 1&3S. Ricliard Spaiglit Uoiiiioll. Born at New Bciiic, N. (J., Sept. L*(l, ISi'O. His father, Hon. John K. Donnell, descended from an influential family in the North of Ii'ehuid; inherited wealth from a relative in this country; came to North Carolina when a youth; was educated in the University ot that State and became a distinguished lawyer and judge. The mother of Kichard, Margaret Elizabeth Spaight, was the only daugh- ter of Gov. Richard Dobbs Si)aight, the Revolutionary patriot, and sister of the younger Gov. Spaiglit, distinguished in Congress, etc. Our classuiate was an onlj' son and lost his mother in his early youth, but retained permanently the impress of her accomplishments aiul virtues. He was taught in New lierne Academy; entered the class in its Sophomore year, its youngest member; left during the first term of Senior year. He left with us a distinct recollection of his generous impulses and noble spirit. He went to the University of North Carolina, where he was graduated in 1830, receiving the same year the honorary degiee from Yale College. He studied law with his father, was admitted to the bar, took an active part in politics on the side of the Whigs, his father being a Democrat. Having made his home in ^Vashington, N. C, in 1848, Mr. Donnell was elected to Congress and took his seat in that body, ifs youngest member, and just beyond the age required by the Constitution. He was described by a newspaper correspondent as "being fair as a girl, with tine, light, curly hair that any young lady might envy." He was attenti\e to the duties of his office, and took an active and influ- ential part in the discussions. On the 2'Jtli of July, 1848, he de- liveied a si)eech of great power and elociuence in the House of liepresentatives, on the (/Ompromise bill. His inliuence was always thrown in favor of Union and of a peaceful settlement of the sectional and other questions at issue. Ueb. IS), 1849, he made a siteech with characteristic ability and earnestness on the bills to establish Terri- torial governments in California and New Mexico, deprecating the thought of disunion and anticipating the horrors it would involve. He declined a reelection to Congress, and left that body with a strong impression u])on his associates of his honesty aud carnestne.ss of i)urpose, and of his sound sense. After leaving Congress, Mr. Donnell represented Beaufort County in the Legislature of North ('arolina, and was elected Si)eaker of that body. At the crisis of the civil war, under date of July IG, Appendix. 29 1863, lie printed in the Raleigli Staiidnrrt of July 31, a long letter on the '•History of Secession." In language at once earnest and teniperate, be most eloqnently urged the claims of peace, and mani- fested the continned love for the Union which all his life he had cherished. This pajjcr attracted much attention througliont the country and took rank as one of the most iin])ortant publications elicited l>y the war. Ilis next public service was to assist iu the revision of the Constitution of the State. Soon after this, his health rapidl.N tailed. He was long a sntt'erer from gout, which he inherited from his mothers family, lie died at New Berne, June o, 18(J7. "Mr. Doiinell was one of the most eminent lawyers of North Carolina. Tlironghont his extensive practice no instance of ungenei'- ons conduct can be remembered, and no case of dishonorable influ- ence ojierating njjon him can be exhibited. Not a syllable question- ing his honesty and integrity was ever nttereil. Becoming once nnexpectedly involved for a friend, he surrendered every dollar of bis large estate, and did it with snch cheerfulness and alacrity that even his most intimate friends looked on amazed, lu the circle of ilis friends can now be rejieated with truth, what was once said of his lamented mother, lie was the signal object of resjieetful homage and esteem, and where he lived its pride and ornament.'' Mr. Donnell was never married. 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