pression of an irresponsible and sectional majority, the worst
form of oppression with which an angry Providence has ever afflicted
humanity.

Whilst therefore we regret that any State should, in a matter of
common grievance, have determined to act for herself without
consulting with her sister States equally aggrieved, we are
nevertheless constrained to say that the occasion justifies and
loudly calls for action of some kind....

In view therefore of the present condition of our country, and the
causes of it, we declare almost in the words of our fathers,
contained in an address of the freeholders of Botetourt, in
February, 1775, to the delegates from Virginia to the Continental
Congress, "That we desire no change in our government whilst left to
the free enjoyment of our equal privileges secured by the
CONSTITUTION; but that should a tyrannical SECTIONAL MAJORITY, under
the sanction of the forms of the CONSTITUTION, persist in acts of
injustice and violence toward us, they only must be answerable for
the consequences."

That liberty is so strongly impressed upon our hearts that we cannot
think of parting with it but with our lives; that our duty to God,
our country, ourselves and our posterity forbid it; we stand,
therefore, prepared for every contingency._

RESOLVED THEREFORE, _That in view of the facts set out in the
foregoing preamble, it is the opinion of this meeting that a
convention of the people should be called forthwith; that the State
in its sovereign character should consult with the other Southern
States, and agree upon such guarantees as in their opinion will
secure their equality, tranquillity and rights_ WITHIN THE UNION.

The applause shook the air. "Yes, yes! within the Union! They're not
quite mad--not even the black Republicans! We'll save the Union!--We
made it, and we'll save it!--Unless the North takes leave of its
senses.--Go on!"

_And in the event of a failure to obtain such guarantees, to adopt
in concert with the other Southern States_, OR ALONE, _such measures
as may seem most expedient to protect the rights and ensure the
safety of the people of Virginia_.

The reader made an end, and stood with dignity. Silence, then a
beginning of sound, like the beginning of wind in the forest. It grew,
it became deep and surrounding as the atmosphere, it increased into th