Greensborough Patriot

November 20, 1862

Page 2

 

Proceedings of a Meeting

            Of  the Rockingham Bar, in Relation to the Death of Capt. C. L. Glenn, and James P. Holderby, Esq.

            On motion of Thomas Settle, the Hon. James T. Morehead was called to the chair.  On taking the chair he explained the object of the meeting, and paid a feeling and just tribute to the memory of both Capt. Glenn and Mr. Holderby.

            On motion of Col. R. B. Watt, Thomas Settle was appointed Secretary.  The chairman then appointed Col. Watt, Col. W. L. Scott and A. H. Joyce, Esq., a committee to prepare resolutions for the consideration of the meeting, who after a short absence reported through Col. Watt, the following resolutions:

            WHEREAS, death hath entered the circle of our brotherhood since the last Term of this Court, and hath called hence to their final account, in the prime of manhood two of our gallant and much esteemed brothers, Chalmers L. Glenn and James Peyton Holderby, both of whom early and promptly volunteered in defence [sic] of their homes and liberties, and notably offered up their lives as a sacrifice upon the altar of our common country: Therefore,

            Resolved, That our hearts are deeply pained and saddened, that they can never again mingle with us in the quiet walks of professional life, that we can never more enjoy the benefits and pleasures of their society; and that the cause of constitutional freedom hath lost two such noble and chivalrous defenders.

            Resolved, That their gracefulness and dignity of character as gentlemen, their courtesy and high bearing as counselors, and their disinterested patriotism and courage as soldiers will ever be held in grateful remembrance.

            Resolved, That we tender our heartfelt sympathy to the parents of brother Holderby and to the wife and children of Capt. Glenn in the very sad grief with which their hearts have been stricken.

            Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be presented by the Solicitor to the Hon. James W. Osborne in open court, and that he be requested to order them to be spread upon the records of the Court.

            Mr. Settle, said, although your Secretary Mr. Chairman, I feel that I have a right to speak here.  Perhaps I was more intimate with our deceased brothers, than any member of the bar now present.  Mr. Holderby’s short professional career was spent in this place, and came under my immediate observation.  Nature had done much for him.  He was liberal and generous to a fault.  There was nothing selfish about him.  He was amongst the first to enter the army, in defence of his country, and from disease contracted in camp, now lies in the cold and silent grave.  We have lost him in the prime of life and the fullness of promise.

            Capt. Glenn was my schoolmate; in early boy hood we grew up together, and were always intimate friends.  He is now gone, but it affords me a sad pleasure to come forward today and bear testimony to his ____ to his legal learning, which was extensive, he had by industry and perseverance acquired a fund of general knowledge which I have not met with any man of his age.  I need not speak of him in this presence; he is too well known to require any eulogy from me.  We remember him as a high-toned, accomplished gentleman, a sound lawyer, a ripe scholar and the life of our social circles; but I beg leave to bear testimony to his chivalrous character in another respect.  For twelve months we were associated as officers.  That energy of character which would have secured to him, had he been spared, our highest honors, always placed him at the post of duty.  He was distinguished in the army for his promptness and efficiency as an officer, and at the same time, his kindness towards his subordinates.  Allow me to say that this is a case of peculiar hardship.  Capt. Glenn was surrounded by all that heart could desire.  In the prime of manhood, the future opening brightly before him, surrounded with wealth, kind friends, and yet more than all, a lovely and accomplished wife, and three bright and promising little boys, every thing it seems bound him to earth; and yet he had given up his life in defence of his country.  He fell as he had lived, at the post of duty, and now sleeps far from all that is near and dear to him, within the lines of the enemy, in the State of Maryland. He fell in the midst of battle, and was buried by his comrades, on the field of action, in a grave dug with their bayonets.

            Mr. Gilmer spoke eloquently and with much feeling of the deceased.  He had known Mr. Holderby partially, with Capt. Glenn he was much better acquainted.  They both promised much to their friends and their country.  The bar had suffered much by this dispensation of providence.

            Col. Watt said that both of our friends were martyrs, Mr. Holderby, none the less so, because he had fallen a victim to disease contracted in camp.  They were both martyrs for opinion’s sake, for religion, and country.  He had recently visited camp and it afforded him pleasure to say that he heard but one opinion as to Capt. Glenn’s gallantry.  He died nobly and was buried in a grave that was dug with the bayonets of his comrades.

            Mr. Caldwell said that he had no personal acquaintance with Mr. Holderby, but had always heard him spoken of in the highest terms.  With Capt. Glenn he was well acquainted.  Capt. Glenn was always determined to do his duty and let consequences take care of themselves.  When he met four to one in Maryland he still did his duty, and fell at the post of duty, a true, a brave and an honest man.

            Col. Scott was partially acquainted with Mr. Holderby, but always heard him spoken of in the highest terms.  He had fallen a victim to disease contracted in camp in the prime of his manhood.  With Capt. Glenn he was much better acquainted; he was a ripe scholar, a good lawyer and accomplished gentleman.  Col. Scott paid a glowing tribute to Capt. Glenn’s many virtues, and touched all present by his ____ allusions to the wife and children of Capt. Glenn.

            Mr. Gilmore moved that the proceedings of this meeting be published in the Greensborough Patriot and the Raleigh Standard.  Adopted.

            Col. Watt moved that the Secretary of this meeting furnish copies of the proceeding to the widow of Capt. Glenn and to the parents of Mr. Holderby.  Adopted.

            On motion of Mr. Gilmer the meeting then adjourned.

JAS. T. MOREHEAD, Chm’n

THOMAS SETTLE, Secretary

 

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]