Union County and
the Mexican War
Printed in the Charlotte Journal, (Mecklenburg County, NC) July 17, 1846
Abstracted
by Julie Hampton Ganis
For the Journal,
MONROE, Union County, N.C., June 20.
In obedience to notice given to the Officers and Privates of the 69th Regiment N.C. Militia, the citizens of Union county met in the Court House in Monroe, on the 20th of June.
When on motion, Hugh Stewart, Esq., was called to the Chair, and Col. James M. Stuart was appointed Secretary.
On motion, the Chair explained the object of the meeting, and Col. J. M. Stuart called on Samuel H. Walkup, Esq., for a speech, who addressed the meeting very ably. On motion the Chair appointed a Committee of five to adopt Resolutions for this meeting. The Chair appointed Col. J. M. Stuart, Col. Wm. W. Walkup, Robert Lemmonds, James G. Blair, and Andrew Secrest, Esq. The Committee retired for a short time, and T. M. McCauley, Esq., made a short address to the meeting, when the Committee offered the following Preamble and Resolutions:
Whereas the Congress of the U. States have declared that war exists between this Government and the Republic of Mexico, and whereas hostilities were commenced by the Mexican army, upon and claimed by us, against the American forces; and whereas, a requisition has been made upon North Carolina for volunteers to aid in defending the interest and honor of our country; Therefore,
Resolved, That whilst we deplore war as one of the greatest evils, and one that should be the very last resort in the civilized age, yet when the honor of the country is at stake, her rights trampled upon, or her soil invaded, it is the duty of every patriot to stand forth ready to aid and defend her at all hazards.
Resolved, That we believe the Rio Del Norto is the true and legitimate boundary between this Government and Mexico, as claimed by Texas and acknowledged by Mexico, as a good national boundary, and even supposing the title to the country between the Nouces (sic) and Del Norto to be doubtful, the violation of the agreement by Mexico to receive Mr. Slidell to negotiate concerning the boundary and her threats to invade Texas if annexed to the United States, fully justified the President in occupying that country and concentrating our forces there; and since they have commenced hostilities against the U. States by invading her soil and shedding the blood of her citizens, our Government would be justified in declaring war and in turn invading Mexico until ample reparation is made.
Resolved, That the conduct of President Polk and Congress in this crisis, in declaring war, voting men and money, and calling for volunteers, was patriotic and energetic and meets our approbation.
Resolved, That we will heartily respond to the Proclamation issued by Gov. Graham for volunteers, that Union county shall not be behind her sister Counties in showing her patriotism, but that she will act as becomes the County giving birth to Gen. Jackson, and part of a County giving birth to President Polk, and the first declaration of Independence.
Resolved, That we have the fullest confidence in Gen. Taylor to conduct the campaign, that the glorious victories and brilliant achievements of him and his army merit the applause of
the nation and reflects great honor upon the American arms. We highly approve of the honors conferred upon them by Congress, and would delight to follow such a leader, who commands his men to do nothing where he is not willing to lead.
The above Resolutions were read and unanimously adopted.
On motion, the Waxhaw Band played a few Airs and beat up for volunteers, when 91 of the Officers and Privates of the 69th Regiment enrolled in defense of our country.
On motion, the meeting adjourned a short time, and the Colonels and Major proceeded to organize a company, and elected the following officers. Col. Wm. W. Walkup, Captain; Capt. Thomas D. Massey, 1st Lieutenant; Samuel H. Walkup, Esq., 2d Lieutenant. The Captain then appointed Sergeants and Corporals, and will report to the Adjutant General by the first mail.
Moved, that the Band play “Yankee Doodle” and sing the ‘Old North State’ and ‘Star Spangled Banner.’
Moved, that the thanks of this meeting be given to the Chairman and Secretary, and also to the Band for the able manner in which they discharged their duty.
Ordered that the proceedings of this meeting be published in the Journal and Jeffersonian.
The meeting then adjourned and Capt. Walkup paraded the volunteers.
HUGH STEWART, Ch’m.
JAMES M. STUART, Sec’ry.
This page created September 28, 2000
By Julie Hampton Ganis
Last modified Monday, 17-May-2004 21:42:24 MDT