FORSYTH COUNTY PLEAS & QUARTER SESSIONS
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Forsyth County -1855
Sept. 21, 1855: The Court of Pleas and Quarter Session for Forsyth county, being in session this week, a majority of the Magistrates were called together for the purpose of
electing a Register. Dr. Brittian, belonging to one of the first families in Virginia,, and who has only been a resident of this State a few months, was elected by the Democracy
over Mr. Thomas, an old citizen, and in every respect qualified for the office. The vote, for the first four ballotings, stood --Brittian 24--Thomas 24. On the fifth, the vote stood
Brittian 25--Thomas 24. This seemed to strike some with surprise, as they could not understand how Brittian could gain without Thomas loosing. The Hon. A. U. Shepperd, who
was present, suggested that the roll should be called and that the Magistrates should deposit their ballots as called. This was done, when the vote again stood, Brittian, 24 --
Thomas 24--. Now, the question is, what Democratic Magistrate voted a double ticket? Cannot the citizens of Forsyth discover him, and for his corruption deprive him of his
office . [Printed in the Lexington and Yadkin Flag, 1855]
We publish a communication from a gentleman, who is, as he says, a farmer, and that, too, a very intelligent and substantial farmer, making some enquiries concerning Major
Mastin and Col. A. J. Stafford, and desiring to know if they are the same gentlemen who hoisted a red petticoat at Clemmonsville, by way of ridiculing Gen. Harrison, and who,
for that offense, narrowly escaped the pleasure of having a ride on a fence rail. We regret, that we cannot enlighten our correspondent on this point, for the circumstance to
which he alludes, occurred before we became a citizen of this county. But it is hardly presumable that it were they, as they seem to have such a great horror for any impropriety
of conduct--though such a very serious fright as the one of which our correspondent of identity of those gentlemen, with the individuals to which he alludes, if not, we suggest to
our correspondent to try them with a fence rail, and if they take to their heels, he may rest assured that they are the same birds. [Printed in the Lexington and Yadkin Flag, 1855]
Sept. 28, 1855--Last Week being the week of Forsythe Court, we went up on Tuesday the 18th. On the evening of that day, quite a large number assembled in the Court
House--it having been advertised that the Americans would hold a meeting at that time and place. The meeting was organized by appointing C.L. Banner, Esq. Chairman, when
Col. Jesse A. Waugh announced the fact that the Democrats would hold a meeting on the next evening. It was, however, suggested, that both meetings be merged into one--
that the Americans and Democrats, then and there, in and upon each other, make mutual assaults and a have a free fight. This proposal, amid considerable excitement, was
acceded to, and it was arranged that the several speakers should each occupy one hour. It devolved upon ourself to lead off, and we occupied our hour by dealing in facts
collected from census reports of 1850, showing the great power and strength of the Roman Catholic Church in this country and the rapidity with which they were filling up our
North-western Territories, and also showing that the South had already lost 49 members of Congress, from the immigration of foreigners. We then alluded to the convention of
the Softs, showing that the Democratic party could no longer be considered a national party. We having concluded, Col. Waugh again arose and remarked that some one had
said, that the Democrats desired to break up the meeting of the Americans, and, that he, therefore, with his friends, should retire. Sam’s boys told him, that he was entirely
mistaken--that they wee anxious to hear him, that he had expressed himself willing for a fight, and that he must not back out. But the gallant Colonel seemed to have lost all
stomach for the fight, and though he was taunted, he could not be induced to speak. After the Colonel and his friends had so clearly backed, John A. Gilmer, Esq. was called
upon. He came forward and in obedience to the call, and after he had whittled Col. Waugh down to the little end of nothing, he enchained the audience for over an hour, by one
of the finest and most convincing speeches it was ever our good fortune to hear from the lips of Mr. Gilmer. Clearly demonstrating, that if the American party was not a national
party, that there was no national party in the country, and clearly showing the great necessity of the American party to save the Union in the present crisis. After Mr. Gilmer had
concluded, the meeting adjourned--the Americans in high hopes and fine spirits. [Printed in the Lexington and Yadkin Flag, 1855]