on record as the first American State to exercise the power of impeaching a Governor?" Troops had been raised by this Governor, ostensibly to ferret out the perpetrators of two mysterious murders, but without a resort first to the posse comitatus--worst of all, this was done on the eve of a general election. The best citizens of the State, in two counties, had been arrested without the pretense of indictment, or information, and incarcerated as common felons to await trial by a contemptible militia court-martial and this, too, in a time of profound peace. Should such conduct, at the suggestion of probable Federal interference be overlooked, or should an example be made for posterity? Criminals who had robbed the state of millions had escaped, whereas the intended defendant was never suspected of sharing in their spoils. Mr. Waring's position was not doubtful. Liberty is more valuable than money, and eternal vigilance is its price. His influence was acknowledged in appointing him on the committee which prepared the articles of impeachment, and which selected Messrs. Graham, Bragg, and Merrimon, prosecutors. Messrs. Smith, Boyden, Conigland and McCorkle appeared for the defendant. (See sketch of W. W. Holden, in Wade county section.) He has since been returned by increased majorities, generally, to the State Senate, serving in that body on the Judiciary Committee, and chairman of that on Internal Improvements.
He has borne himself worthy of his antecedents, and is ever alive to anything that touches the dignity of the State. He is a strict constructionist of the Constitution as also of the obligations of a gentleman. He has been twice married--first to a daughter of Hon. Louis D. Henry, and second, to the daughter Rev. N. Aldrich, of whose charming society he has recently been bereft. Since the organization of the present Inferior Court of Mecklenburg county, he has been unanimously chosen as chairman at every election,--a terror to evil doers and a praise to those who do well.
CHAPTER XLI.
MOORE AND NEW HANOVER COUNTIES.
Hon. Archibald McNeil resided in Moore county. The records show that he represented this county in the House in 1808-09, and in the State Senate in 1811-15-20-21-22, and was elected a member of Congress (27th)--1821-23, and re-elected (29th)--1825-27.
Hon. Archibald McBryde, also a resident of this county, was a member of Congress (XIth), 1809-11, and a member of the State Senate in 1813-14.
Governor Benj. Williams Moore of county was elected a member of Congress (3rd)--1793-95, and Governor of the State, 1799; and re-elected in 1809. In 1807-09 elected a member of the State Senate. As General Davie had accepted the Mission to France, Benjamin Williams was chosen his successor as Governor. The new Governor was a plain man of small pretensions. He was simple, modest, and of irreproachable character. He died in Moore county at his residence, recently occupied by Dr. Charles Chalmers.
He married Mary Eaton Jones, daughter of Robin Jones of Halifax, by whom he had two sons, Allen and Willie; both of whom were educated in Eton College, England.
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