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 AUTOBIOGRAFHY OP ASA BIGGS 
 
THE LIBRARY OF THE 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF 
 
 NORTH CAROLINA 
 
 AT CHAPEL HILL 
 
 THE COLLECTION OF 
 NORTH CAROLINIANA 
 

 PUBLICATIONS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 NORTH CAROLINA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 
 
 BULLETIN No. 19 
 
 AUTOBIOGRAPHY 
 
 OF 
 
 ASA BIGGS 
 
 INCLUDING 
 
 A Journal of a Trip from North Carolina 
 to New York in 1832 
 
AUTOBIOGRAPHY 
 
 OF 
 
 ASA BIGGS 
 
 Including a Journal of a Trip from North Carolina 
 to New York in 1832 
 
 Edited by 
 R. D. W. CONNOR 
 
 RALEIGH 
 
 Edwards & Brotjghton Printing Co. 
 
 State Printers and Binders 
 
 1915 
 
The North Carolina Historical Commission 
 
 J. Bryan Grimes, Chairman, Raleigh. 
 W. J. Peele, Raleigh. M. C. S. Noble, Chapel Hill. 
 
 Thomas M. Pittman, Henderson. D. H. Hill, Raleigh. 
 
 R. D. W. Connor, Secretary, Raleigh. 
 
AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF ASA BIGGS 
 
 Dalkeith, "Warren County, North Carolina, 1 March 1865. 
 
 For my children. 
 
 I, Asa Biggs, was born on 4th day of February 1811, so that now I 
 am in the fifty fifth year of my age; and although I have passed 
 through many vicissitudes yet upon a general review of my history I 
 have abundant cause of gratitude and thankfulness to Almighty Grod 
 for His supporting and directing care and for the eminent success with 
 which I have been able to surmount difficulties and to attain among my 
 fellow men my present distinguished position. I have concluded, my 
 dear children, if time and opportunity are afforded me, to note for your 
 instruction and information some of the incidents of my life, with the 
 hope that this legacy of affection may prove useful and entertaining to 
 you, in the journey of life on which you have entered, and may stimu- 
 late you to a course of conduct in which, on the termination of your 
 journey you may have as much cause to felicitate yourselves as your 
 affectionate father. I shall not write with a view of critical composi- 
 tion, but to detail facts, with such lessons of experience as may suggest 
 themselves as I pass along. In February 1862 we were driven from 
 our dear home at Williamston, (where you were all born) by the ap- 
 proach of the Yankee invaders up Albemarle Sound, after the fall of 
 Roanoke Island. 2 About six weeks we lived at a small Cottage about 2 
 miles south of Tarboro' and from thence we removed to a dwelling, 3 
 miles west of Rocky Mount, where we continued to reside until I pur- 
 chased this place in September 1863, and here we were all located in 
 December 1863. Since the organization of the Government of the Con- 
 federate States of America I have been Judge of the Confederate States 
 for the District of North Carolina. I selected this place as secure from 
 Yankee raids and invasion, and although we have been excluded from 
 society and the social intercourse to which we had been accustomed, 
 and find it difficult with my limited means to obtain sufficient "food and 
 raiment," yet so far we have not suffered, and the Lord providing for 
 our wants we continue to this day, and I have confidence that He will 
 still provide. 
 
 In the handwriting of Asa Biggs. The original is in the possession of Judge Biggs' 
 daughter, Mrs. Anna Van Cleve, of Princeton, N. J. 
 
 2 Roanoke Island was captured by an expedition under Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, Feb- 
 ruary 7, 1862. 
 
 0^ 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 YOUTH AND EDUCATION 
 
 And now to recur to early scenes and to the dawn of life. My father, 
 Joseph Biggs, was a small merchant in Williarnston when I came into 
 this world, and was a Baptist Minister. My mother Chloe Biggs was 
 his third wife. She was the daughter of William Daniel who resided 
 on Smithwicks Creek. My father, by his two first wives, had several 
 children, nearly all of whom had left him at my earliest recollection, 
 and the children by my mother, who reached maturity, were 1 Joseph 
 D., 2. Asa, 3 William, 4 Kader, 5 Louisa F. So far as at present ad- 
 vised all are now living. Our brother William, last heard from in 
 1862 had been driven from his home about 6 miles from Yicksburg by 
 the Yankee invaders there : The others are all now residing at Hil- 
 liardston, being also refugees from their former homes and hearth 
 stones, by the cruelty of the public enemy. My father died in the year 
 1844 then in his 78th year. My mother survived him until the year 
 1845, when she too fell asleep in her 70th year, in prospect of a better 
 world. And here let me bear testimony to these dear departed ones. 
 Through much difficulty did they rear their family; being poor and 
 illiterate they had to rely upon their own indomitable energy and their 
 moral and religious characters for support. They gave to us all the 
 elements of education to the utmost of their ability and moral precepts 
 and examples which have survived them ; and can enable me to say with 
 truth, no better parents ever lived than your grand father and grand 
 mother Biggs. By the exertions of my father and others an Academy 
 was established in Williamston about 1820 and in that Academy I 
 received all the educational advantages I ever enjoyed. I grew very rap- 
 id [ly] and at the age of 15 was of manly stature weighing 180 and about 
 that age left school and substantially the home circle, to complete my 
 education as a merchants clerk. In 1825 I resided a short time with a 
 Mr. Martin, a merchant in Washington. In 1826 I resided at Hamilton 
 and was Clerk for a Mr. Edwards, a merchant at that place. In June 
 1827 I engaged with Mr. Henry Williams of Williamston, to superin- 
 tend his mercantile business at that place for one third of the nett 
 profits and so continued for two years. My income by this arrange- 
 ment I think was about $500 per year. About this time I concluded to 
 read law and for the next two years until June 1831 I acted as Clerk 
 for Mr. Williams at an annual salary of $350, he furnishing me board. 
 I note this to show my beginning, and it certainly was small ! and yet, 
 it, no doubt, was exceedingly useful to learn me economy, diligence and 
 perseverence. I had no legal instruction, and consequently labored 
 under many disadvantages in pursuing my studies, but I applied myself 
 diligently in reading, whenever I could, consistently with my duties as 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 5 
 
 Clerk. I determined to apply for license and in July 1831 visited 
 Raleigh for that purpose. In addition to doubts as to my legal qualifica- 
 tions I needed six months age to make me 21, and altogether my anxiety 
 as to success was great. The Judges however (Henderson and Hall 3 
 who examined me) greatly to my relief treated me very kindly : omitted 
 to ask me any question as to my age and gave me license to practice law 
 in the County Courts 4 and I returned home with a light and joyous 
 heart. The County Court of Martin County was held in a few days 
 after I reached home and during that week I realized in fees about 
 fifty dollars which was a good beginning and gave me much encourage- 
 ment. 
 
 AT THE BAR 
 
 The first Monday in August I attended the County Court of Pitt 
 where I made my maiden speech in an address to the Grand Jury, 
 among strangers. I then took the Counties of Martin, Pitt, Bertie, 
 Edgecomb [e] and occasionally Washington and Green as a circuit but 
 the three first I could only attend regularly in the County and Superior 
 Courts during my professional course, which continued for about 25 
 years. "When I came to the Bar, the Courts I attended had several old 
 and able lawyers practising, and the prospect of my success appeared 
 very problematical; but I commenced with a determination to succeed 
 if possible, attended the courts regularly, applied myself unremittingly 
 to my studies, and gave diligent attention to any business confided to 
 my care. Occasionally and year after year the older members of the 
 Bar retired, my practice increased, and altho' at no time did my annual 
 receipts amount to more than $4000 generally for the last ten years to 
 not more than $2000, (my circuit being very contracted) yet I consider 
 myself remarkably successful, by economy and prudence, to have accu- 
 mulated a comfortable living, by my profession, particularly when my 
 expenses began to increase rapidly upon the increase of my family and 
 I have succeeded in providing for the wants and education of a large 
 family of children. 
 
 MARRIAGE AND FAMILY 
 
 On 26th June, 1832, I was married in Bertie County to your mother 
 Martha Elizabeth Andrews, who is the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth 
 Andrews, but who died when she was an infant and your mother was 
 raised by her aunt Mary Higgs, the sister of your grandmother An- 
 drews ; and they were the daughters of your great grand mother Cotton 
 
 3 Leonard Henderson, Chief Justice, and John Hall, Associate Justice of the Supreme 
 Court. 
 
 4 Prior to 1868 two licenses were required in North Carolina, one admitting to practice in 
 the county courts, the other admitting to practice in the Superior and Supreme Courts, but 
 the latter could not be obtained until the applicant had practiced at least one year under a 
 county court license. 
 
6 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 of Bertie County. We have now lived together for upwards of 32 years. 
 She has had 10 children of whom 8 are now living: the other 2 died in 
 infancy. Nothing remarkable occurred in my history from 1832 to 
 1840. My wife brought to me a small estate consisting of several slaves 
 and some other property which materially assisted my small accumula- 
 tions. It was constant, unremitted labor and an effort to provide for a 
 growing family. In 1830 I purchased a lot in Williamston on which 
 I built an office and enclosed it with a good substantial fence. After 
 my marriage until January 1833 we boarded with Mr. Williams and the 
 years 1833 and 1834 we resided at a rented house in town and during 
 that time I built a dwelling and outhouses on my lot — to which I have 
 since greatly added as my family increased; and there we continued to 
 reside until we were driven from home in 1862. 
 
 IN THE LEGISLATURE 
 
 In 1832 I attended a District Convention as a delegate from Martin 
 County to nominate an elector on the Jackson-Van Buren ticket. Party 
 Spirit ran quite high at this period and the Democratic Republican 
 party in this State were divided — a portion preferring Barbour to Van 
 Buren for Vice President. I had made up my mind to attach myself 
 to the Democratic party believing that the principles of the party 
 promised more good to the country: although in this I differed from 
 my father and the rest of the family who were in the opposition. Soon 
 after my entrance into active life and until 1840 I was repeatedly urged 
 to engage in politics, but persistently declined, knowing that I could 
 not with justice to my family and future prospects enter into political 
 controversy, without neglecting my private affairs which required my 
 undivided attention. In 1840, however, an election was pending of the 
 most excited character — the contest between Harrison and Van Buren 
 for the Presidency: and both parties were greatly excited, and the 
 result considered of the highest importance. Por the first time in the 
 history of the County of Martin, a convention of the people was called 
 to nominate candidates for the General Assembly. At this meeting, 
 Avhich was large and general, Capt. Jesse Cooper, 5 who had represented 
 that county for 20 years presided and by it he was nominated as a 
 Candidate for the Senate and me [sic] as a Candidate for the House 
 of Commons, and I was informed that my nomination was unanimous. 
 I did not participate in the proceedings of the meeting, being advised 
 that my name would be urged. Prom such a nomination I concluded 
 there was no escape, and accepted. I canvassed the county thoroughly 
 and although an opposition ticket was run, I was elected by an over- 
 
 B He was a member of the House of Commons in 1822, and 1825-'30, inclusive; and of the 
 Senate in 1831, 1834-'42, inclusive. 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 7 
 
 whelming majority. The discharge of the duties of this responsible 
 position gave me great anxiety — the Legislature was decidedly Whig and 
 the State had voted for Harrison by a large majority. 6 I endeavoured, 
 however, faithfully to maintain my principles, though in a small minor- 
 ity. In 1842 I was again nominated and elected to the same position, 
 though I had Democratic opposition. It had been the invariable custom, 
 up to this time, for candidates to "treat" with spirituous liquors while 
 canvassing and at the election. I adopted the custom in 1840 to a 
 moderate extent, but my observation satisfied me this practice was highly 
 pernicious, and ought to be abandoned and therefore I refused to "treat" 
 in 1842. This originated numerous false reports, as to my purposes — 
 such as a desire to compel by law all the fruit trees to be destroyed and 
 to prohibit the introduction of foreign liquors. This gave me an op- 
 portunity to discuss the question fully, and I boldly defended my posi- 
 tion and denounced the custom, as injurious to the public morals and 
 interest. Since then I have never treated, as was the former practice, 
 allthough I have been a candidate for popular suffrage repeatedly and 
 after the lapse of years I still commend my course on that occasion as 
 proper and entitled to imitation by others. In 1844 I was nominated 
 for the Senate, and was opposed by the old Senator Cooper, who then 
 denounced nominating conventions, and a prominent Whig was also a 
 candidate. This placed me in a very embarrassing situation and there 
 was a reasonable prospect by the division of the Democrat party the 
 Whig would be elected. I conducted the canvass without appealing to 
 passion, firmly but temperately arguing principles and I was triumph- 
 antly sustained by the people — obtaining a handsome majority oyer 
 both of my opponents. Cooper receiving but 25 votes. By this I was 
 transferred to a new theatre and the Session of the General Assembly 
 was stormy and excited, the parties being equally divided in the Senate, 
 and the responsibility of taking a prominent position in the debates and 
 proceedings being thrown upon me ! but here as elsewhere I endeavoured 
 to discharge my duty with fidelity to the party I espoused, and the great 
 principles of administration in which I believed the good of the country 
 was involved. This public service gave me considerable prominence in 
 the State and the approbation of my fellow citizens was sufficient to 
 gratify any reasonable ambition and although it interfered to some 
 extent with my domestic affairs and somewhat with my professional 
 duties I very cheerfully made the sacrifice, as a duty I owed to my 
 family and my country. There followed however a period to "try" 
 me thoroughly. 
 
 e 13,141. 
 
8 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 REPRESENTATIVE Iff CONGRESS 
 
 The County of Martin had been attached to the ninth Congressional 
 District in 1842, having little or no intercourse with the other Counties 
 in the District except Bertie. The District was decidedly Whig and 
 gave in 1844 in the Presidential election between Clay and Polk, nearly 
 a majority of 1000 for the Whig ticket. Late in the Spring of 1845, the 
 Democratic party held a District Convention in the lower part of the 
 District, in which the county of Martin was not represented and much to 
 my surprise and embarrassment nominated me as a Candidate for Con- 
 gress. The almost certain prospect was defeat ; the Whig candidate Col. 
 David Outlaw 7 was a gentleman of talent and worth. In a large number 
 of the Counties I was personally unacquainted, while he was well known 
 — for many years had been the solicitor for that judicial District. If I 
 did not accept I ran the risk of incurring the censure of friends whose 
 good opinion I highly valued and if the improbable result should be 
 success, it would effectually throw me out of the practice of the law and 
 deprive me of the personal supervision of my growing family. I took 
 time for one week, to deliberate, at the end of which I accepted the 
 nomination and entered actively into the canvass. I concluded it was 
 my duty. The principles of the two parties were debated with ardor 
 but with proper temper and personal respect. And here I will note my 
 entire disapprobation of the vicious practice of public men becoming 
 personal enemies and indulging in personal reproaches while discussing 
 political principles. It prostitutes the public morals, unnecessarily en- 
 genders strife, exerts a baneful influence and develops the worst passions 
 of the human heart. It gives me pleasure to say that Col. Outlaw and 
 myself canvassed the District on two occasions at a very excitable period 
 in 1847 during the progress of the Mexican War, without an unkind 
 personal remark; and although we did not spare each other's political 
 positions or arguments yet we maintained our social intercourse unim- 
 paired and my personal respect for him increased rather than dimin- 
 ished. And I had as well mention now that in 1848 I canvassed an 
 electoral District in the Presidential election of that year with Edward 
 Stanly, 8 estimated one of the most violent partisans in the State, and 
 who I regret to say has since become a degenerate son. 9 He was 
 
 7 David Outlaw was a native of Bertie County. He was graduated from the University of 
 North Carolina in 1824, studied law, and practiced at Windsor. In 1831 he was elected a 
 member of the House of Commons and served through 1834. He was elected as a Whig to 
 the Thirtieth, Thirty-first, and Thirty-second Congresses, serving from March 4, 1847, to 
 March 3, 1853. He again served in the House of Commons 1854, 1856, and 1858; and in 
 the State Senate in 1860 and 1866. 
 
 Represented Beaufort County in the House of Commons in 1844, 1846, and 1848; Speaker 
 in 1844 and 1846; member of Congress, 1837-'43, 1849-'53. 
 
 9 In 1853 Stanly removed to California, where he became prominent in politics. In 1862 
 President Lincoln, in an effort to organize a "loyal" state government in North Carolina, 
 appointed Stanly "governor." Stanly followed the Union army to New Bern, where he 
 issued his proclamation and set up his government. Soon perceiving the hopelessness of his 
 task he resigned and returned to California. His conduct was bitterly denounced by his 
 former friends and acquaintances in North Carolina. 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 9 
 
 elector on the Taylor and I on the Cass ticket; and but one unpleasant 
 passage occurred between us which was at the conclusion of the Canvass ; 
 and his unkind personal remark was retracted as soon as the heat of the 
 moment passed and we closed the discussion personal friends. My con- 
 clusion, therefore, is, that if a public man, while firmly sustaining his 
 personal dignity, does not unnecessarily provoke personal criminations, 
 the vicious example of public men debasing themselves and the public 
 mind by personal feuds will be avoided. The great issues at that day 
 were a modification of the Tariff of 1842 ; a United States Bank instead 
 of the Independent Treasury, and a distribution of the proceeds of the 
 public lands. The question was also debated as to the propriety of 
 terminating the joint occupation of Oregon by Great Britain and the 
 United States. I was in favor of a modification of the Tariff so as to 
 make the burdens of taxation more equal, being opposed to the protection 
 afforded to northern manufactures; I was opposed to a United States 
 Bank and in favor of the sub-treasury. I also opposed a distribution 
 of the proceeds of the public lands, and was in favor of giving notice 
 to Great Britain to terminate the joint occupation of Oregon. Col. 
 Outlaw took opposite positions to those I assumed. The result was, I 
 was sustained by a majority of 146 votes, showing a very close race, out 
 of 10,000 votes. I attributed my success mainly to the position I took 
 on the Tariff question. During the canvass some of my friends, know- 
 ing the former party majority against me and governed by their ideas 
 of policy, advised that in certain counties I should not argue against 
 or for certain measures, in which I disagreed with a majority of the 
 people. But my judgment and principles taught me differently and 
 therefore on all occasions and in every county I boldly advocated the 
 cause I represented and I therefore went to Congress a representative 
 man, no voter being able to reproach me with concealing my opinions or 
 deceiving him as to my position. 
 
 Upon taking my seat in the House of Representatives at Wash- 
 ington in December 1845, I felt oppressed with the weight of my 
 responsibility, and being so deficient in education, and a general 
 course of reading and political information I greatly feared I should 
 disappoint the expectations of my friends and should fail to do credit 
 to myself and the State. Every thing was new and I must learn 
 everyday. I had the disposition of application and therefore was 
 assiduous in the acquisition of knowledge to fit me for the duties of the 
 Station. For one month I gave myself but little sleep and no exercise 
 and this with the change of habits and diet came near prostrating me. 
 After feeling the effects upon my constitution, which before I thought 
 could stand any amount of such labor, I was compelled to change my 
 
10 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 course, but the effect of this unremitted application I did not recover 
 from for two years. We had a very protracted session and one incident 
 gave me great pain and severed a friendship in a very unpleasant man- 
 ner. Mr. W. H. Haywood was one of the Senators from the State, 
 elected partly by my vote when I was a member of the Legislature. 
 The tariff question was one in which my constituents felt a deep interest. 
 The House of Representatives had passed a bill to modify the Tariff 
 for which I had voted. Parties so stood in the Senate that the vote 
 wa3 doubtful, and as the time for voting approached it was reported that 
 Mr. Haywood would vote against the bill. I proposed to the Democratic 
 members of the House to call upon him and remonstrate. They de- 
 clined, none of them having assisted in his election but myself. I 
 sought an interview in which we had a very animated and excited con- 
 versation at the door of the Senate Chamber; the last we ever had. 
 Shortly afterwards on the same day he resigned as Senator which placed 
 the fate of the bill more doubtful. 10 Fully impressed with a sense of my 
 public duty and feeling sensibly the unpleasantness of my situation I, 
 on the next day, in the House, publicly denounced his conduct. It is 
 proper to state that Mr. .Haywood was universally condemned by his 
 party in this State for his course, and never recovered any political 
 standing thereafter. During this Session the War with Mexico was 
 recognized and efficient measures adopted for its prosecution. For all 
 these measures I voted. I had become greatly chagrined at the cor- 
 rupted course of public affairs and my JNTorth Carolina ideas of frugality 
 and economy in public expenditures were greatly shocked. Long absence 
 from home had deranged all my private arrangements and my family 
 were suffering for my personal superintendence. At the commencement 
 of the short Session in December 1846 I wrote to the leading men in the 
 District declining to run again as a Candidate and requesting that steps 
 might be taken to run some other person at the next election. In re- 
 sponse to these letters there was universal dissent, and I fully ascer- 
 tained that the public dissatisfaction and censure would be general and 
 I should incur the disapprobation of many of my warmest and most 
 valued personal and political friends. I concluded therefore to sacrifice 
 my personal wishes and desires to a sense of duty. In 1847 Col. Outlaw 
 was again my competitor and all the old political issues were evaded or 
 abandoned and nothing was discussed in this canvass but the Mexican 
 War and its incidents. In connexion with this some of my votes were 
 misrepresented by my political opponents in some of the Counties, by 
 which I was made to appear as opposed to an increase of the soldiers 
 pay and the result was that the former party vote was nearly rallied 
 
 10 For an account of this incident, together with Haywood's defense of his course, see 
 Connor, R. D. W., North Carolina Review, July 2, 1911. 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 11 
 
 in opposition to me and my opponent was elected by upwards of 700 
 majority. I can truthfully say that except for the mortification and 
 disappointment to my friends, after the excitement of the moment 
 passed, the defeat was neither unexpected nor viewed with regret. 
 
 I could now honorably retire from public life, and could devote myself 
 to the prosecution of my profession and attention to my family. I 
 found, however, as all will who have tried it, that it required time to 
 recover practice lost by irregular attendance on the Courts. But I set 
 to work with diligence in reading to refresh my mind for the practice and 
 regularly attended the Courts, by which I partially, if not fully, suc- 
 ceeded in regaining my business. 
 
 DELEGATE TO CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF 1835 
 
 I will now before I proceed further supply an omission at the proper 
 place. I have stated that I persistently declined engaging in politics 
 until 1840. But in 1835 I was elected and served as a member from 
 the County of Martin in the State Convention called to amend the 
 Constitution of the State. I was then only 24 years old and I consid- 
 ered myself highly honored by this position of distinction. This body 
 was composed of the most experienced and talented men in the State, 
 ''grave and reverend seignors" ; and my association with such a dignified 
 and able convention was an admirable and useful school for me, being 
 nearly the youngest member of the body. I did not participate in the 
 Debates, but was an attentive and careful learner, and always feel grati- 
 fied that my native county thought me worthy to represent them in such 
 an important assembly. 11 
 
 RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCES 
 
 And now I approach a period in my history of a deeply interesting 
 character. Surrounded as I had ever been by religious influences and 
 associations my mind had often been drawn to a consideration of my 
 latter end, but no decided impression had ever been made. I had gen- 
 erally been guided by moral principles, and had never indulged to excess, 
 or to any great extent, in the vices and wickedness, common to many of 
 my acquaintances and associates. Endeavoring to guide myself by the 
 strictest rules of honor, and sobriety, absorbed in the pursuit of wealth 
 and fame, and the gratification of what I esteemed a laudable ambition ; 
 I concluded that it was time enough, in my declining years, to turn my 
 attention to religious matters — very suitable for those in advanced life, 
 but for me, they would seriously interfere with my success at present. 
 Above all, I entertained a decided opinion that no person could pursue 
 the profession of Law, and be a Christian; and to abandon my profes- 
 
 "His associate from Martin was Jesse Cooper. 
 
12 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 sion, would disappoint all my hopes of wealth and fame. I quieted my 
 uneasiness of conscience which occasionally disturbed me, by the con- 
 sideration that I stood much better than many others, and I had a 
 better opinion of myself than many who professed religion. I always 
 paid due respect to religious characters, and religious ordinances and 
 worship ; frequently attended preaching of all denominations — more 
 generally upon Methodist service as their Meeting House was on ad- 
 joining lot — and often the Ministers and members of that society visited 
 my house, partook of my hospitality, and with some of them, I was on 
 terms of intimacy and friendship. I often passed through periods of 
 religious excitement, and while occasionally serious impressions would 
 force themselves upon me, I condemned the noise and tumult of such 
 scenes. When I was engaged in religious conversation, it was in refer- 
 ence to the differences in doctrine and practice between the Baptists 
 and Methodists, and, if I was with a Methodist, I argued for the Bap- 
 tists and, if with a Baptist, I argued for the Methodists. But my most 
 mature reflection, could not explain satisfactorily how God could be 
 just, and save a portion of the human family, and condemn the residue. 
 Thus I speculated and acted, and thus I should have speculated and thus 
 I should have acted, until this day — aye, even to the last day of my 
 earthly existence; if, God in his mercy, had not opened my eyes, and 
 changed the whole current of my thoughts and speculations. 
 
 "In the early part of April 1851, there was a religious excitement in 
 the Methodist Church in this town. 12 For some time before this, I 
 had discovered that my wife was deeply concerned on the subject of 
 religion and during this excitement, she attended the meetings, and 
 appeared to be more powerfully operated on. I was laboring under a 
 violent cold and hoarseness, but I went with her on Thursday night, 
 and after the sermon, when an invitation was given to go up to the 
 altar, I came to the conclusion that she was prevented from going, by a 
 fear that it would not be agreeable to me; and, to relieve her, I went 
 across the house, and told her if she felt an inclination to go, to do so; 
 and, at my solicitation, she went up, and I went with her. After the 
 services, we came home, and I did not feel any particular impression on 
 my mind — it appeared to be entirely sympathetic for her and we went to 
 bed, and I took some paregoric for my cold. This was 10th April 1851. 
 About 2 o'clock of that night, I awoke in great agony of mind — at first 
 thought I was laboring under fever, but soon became satisfied that my 
 mind was powerfully awakened as to my awful condition as a sinner, 
 so that in a few minutes, the visitation was so great, as to compel me to 
 cry aloud for mercy and arouse the whole house. I thought my mental 
 
 "Williamston. 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 13 
 
 powers were giving away. This continued for two hours. Some Metho- 
 dist friends, who were staying with us, sent off after Mr. Carson and Mr. 
 Martin the preachers — they came and prayed — but no relief could I 
 find. After about two hours I became more composed, but the melan- 
 choly and depression of spirits continued, more or less, and all the time 
 very great, until the next Tuesday evening 15th. On Friday and Sat- 
 urday mornings, I went to the prayer meetings. On Saturday, I went 
 to Skewarkey, and heard Bro. Hassell 13 preach from 33 Psalm 18 and 
 19th verses. Monday was Court day. I went to the Court House and staid 
 a short time. On Tuesday I did not go. On Tuesday evening, while 
 meditating, the 8th verse of 3d Chapter of John came to my mind with 
 such power I repeated it aloud : and I became thereafter more composed, 
 and for several days my soul was drawn out to praise the Lord for his 
 goodness and love; and frequently I was in a flood of tears praising and 
 blessing the Lord. On the Saturday before the 5th Sunday in June, 
 being Union meeting at Skewarkey — the 28th, I was received a Member 
 of Skewarkey Church; and on the 29th baptized in Roanoke River at 
 Williamston by Elder C. B. Hassell in the presence of a large crowd of 
 spectators. At some other time I propose to write my exercises more 
 at length." 
 
 Commencing with, and including the quotation points above, is the 
 Copy of a memorandum I made in January 1853, which I now tran- 
 scribe as fully disclosing my feelings at that time; but it signally fails 
 to give an adequate description of my conviction, and as I humbly trust, 
 my conversion by the Holy Ghost, from darkness to light, and from the 
 power of sin and Satan to the service of the true and living God. If 
 I make the attempt to "write my exercises more at length," I shall fall 
 infinitely short to give you a faint representation of my conflicts, trials, 
 hopes and rejoicing; but, I venture to say, that the awful gloom, that 
 hung over me at the time I awoke out of sleep, may be compared to an 
 impenetrable overhanging cloud, ready to burst upon me in all its fury, 
 and to sink me to everlasting despair and ruin; while I was anxiously 
 looking for some ray of light, through the gloom, by which I might hope 
 to escape the impending danger ; but no glimmer could I discover. I 
 felt indeed, that I was a poor, miserable and lost sinner; condemned to 
 punishment for my iniquities ; and my cry was, Lord ! save or I perish ! 
 All my moral rectitude did not avail me. I could see nothing to extri- 
 cate me from this awful dilemma. My intense suffering, forced me to 
 cry out in despair, and I readily concluded that I was going deranged, 
 and frequently enquired, Am I losing my mind? During this deep 
 
 13 Cushing Biggs Hassell, a noted Primitive Baptist Elder. For an interesting biographical 
 sketch by Francis D. Winston, see Ashe, S. A. (ed.) : Biographical History of North Caro- 
 lina, V. 124. 
 
14 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 distress, all my sins and improprieties seemed to be brought before me, 
 and I am reminded that I felt sincerely desirous, to make friends with 
 all those with whom I was not then on friendly terms, and felt willing 
 to accommodate every difficulty I had ever had with my fellow men. I 
 was willing to obtain relief in any way, and from any body, and readily 
 attended the meetings with the hope of being relieved : yet my inclination 
 was to seclude myself from observation and read, and pray, and meditate 
 in secret ; and thus I was engaged the most of the time for several days. 
 Nothing that was said or done appeared to soothe or console, I was 
 unalterably miserable, and could find no solace or hope. And here, I 
 had as well transcribe in full, the text of Bro. Hassell to which allusion 
 has been made, 33d Psalm 18 and 19 verses. "Behold, the eye of the Lord 
 is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; to 
 deliver their soul from death and to keep them alive in famine." It is 
 a blessed promise to a sin-sick soul, but from it, or his sermon could I 
 derive no consolation. I had no sudden deliverance from this deep dis- 
 tress. The first composure and serenity of mind I enjoyed, and that 
 slight, was on Tuesday evening when, as I have heretofore said, the 8th 
 verse of 3d Chapter of St. John was forcibly brought to my mind. It 
 reads thus, "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound 
 thereof; but cans't not tell whence it cometh or whither it goeth; so is 
 every one that is born of the Spirit." Commencing here, my mind 
 grew more calm and composed, and my soul, for several days, was 
 melted in thanksgiving and praise to God for his loving Kindness and 
 for being delivered from the deep gloom through which I had passed. 
 My wife and myself, had often conversed about family prayers. It 
 seemed impressed upon me for years as proper, but I never could de- 
 termine to discharge this duty; but during the week, one night, I called 
 the family together and in a trembling manner, bowed at the family 
 altar, and, I hope, most sincerely implored mercy and supplicated bless- 
 ings, from our Heavenly Father. In the discharge of this duty, I 
 experienced more, sudden, sensible, consolation, than I have ever en- 
 joyed; and therefore I continue the same to this day, believing it a 
 duty acceptable to God. My mind was soon drawn to the consideration 
 of Christian association ; and a desire was excited to partake of the 
 Lord's Supper. I had conversation on experience with some Baptists 
 and Methodists; among the latter were some friends I highly esteemed, 
 and whose exercises, induced me to believe they were truly converted by 
 the Spirit of God. But when I compared their professed faith with 
 the Bible, I concluded they must be in error. And yet I reasoned — 
 how is it that Christians so essentially differ as to doctrine and ordi- 
 nances ? Does God permit his children to see so different [ly] when they 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 15 
 
 are led by the same Spirit ? This gave me much trouble ; but it finally 
 occurred to me that it may be permitted for some wise and good purpose ; 
 as inscrutable to finite creatures as the dispensation of His providence 
 in temporal matters, where we see the righteous and pious bowed down 
 by poverty and disaster, when the wicked and vicious are permitted to 
 prosper. The important question for my decision and action, is, what 
 path the lights afforded me teach me to walk; and, I soon came to the 
 conclusion, that it was my duty to attach myself to the Primitive Bap- 
 tist Church at Skewarkey; altho' by so doing I should incur the con- 
 tumely and disapprobation of all the world besides. From April to 
 the last of June when I was baptized, I passed through many scenes, I 
 attended the Supreme Court and argued my cases there; I visited 
 Chapel Hill at the commencement exercises of the University of North 
 Carolina; and was thrown into a variety of company and associations; 
 and in reviewing my course and feelings, it was made evident to my 
 mind, that the finger of a merciful God had directed my pathway down 
 into the liquid grave in which I was .buried in the Roanoke River ; and, 
 on that day, if I could have had my choice, I would preferred to have 
 had the whole world present to witness my profession. And yet, on 
 that day, never did I feel a more humbling sense of my weakness and 
 ignorance about divine and heavenly things. For many months, did I 
 enjoy refreshing seasons in attending the churches and upon the admin- 
 istration of the word and ordinances; but for many years back I have 
 failed to receive those sensible, and feeling, tokens of love I then enjoyed ; 
 yet, I thank God, I continue to this day, more confirmed in my faith, 
 and no cause to regret that I am one of that despised hardshell sect 
 every where spoken against. The foundations of God standeth sure; 
 and I believe we have built upon the foundation of the prophets and 
 apostles, Jesus Christ being the Chief corner stone; and the gates of 
 hell shall never be able to prevail against it. If in this I am not 
 deceived, why should I be afraid or ashamed of man whose breath is in 
 his nostrils ? or why should I shudder or attempt to avoid, the reproaches 
 of a gainsaying world. Perhaps I have written enough of my religious 
 exercises; possibly too much to interest you; as you cannot in a great 
 degree appreciate it now ; yet I hope, and pray, that in years to come, 
 you may be abl [e] to add yours to my testimony, and rejoice in the 
 same truth: And, while I would not desire in the slightest degree to 
 fetter your consciences in regard to religious faith, nor would I wish to 
 influence you except for good, I would however, firmly, but affectionately 
 impress upon your youthful minds, never to permit yourselves to join 
 the cry of contumely and scorn against the old Baptists, much too 
 frequent in this sin-disordered and false professing world. 
 
16 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 I could greatly enlarge in noting my spiritual conflicts and warfare, 
 and give you some lessons from my experience in relation to spiritual 
 wickedness in high places, hut it would occupy too much time and space, 
 to hut little profit I fear, and therefore I pass on to the relation of 
 other incidents of my history: remarking here that your mother was 
 also received a member of the Skewarkey Church and baptized on the 
 2d Sunday in Nov. 1851. 
 
 CODE COMMISSIONER 
 
 In 1851 I was associated with Judge Saunders and B. F. Moore Esqr. 
 in a commission appointed by Gov. Reid to revise the Statutes of 
 JSTorth Carolina. This Commission was suited to my taste and inclina- 
 tion and I entered upon the duties with alacrity and diligence. Judge 
 Saunders soon resigned, and the whole responsibility rested upon Mr. 
 Moore and myself. We found it impracticable to report to the Session 
 of 1852 and the General Assembly of that year by a law continued Mr. 
 Moore and myself as Commissioners and authorised us to proceed with- 
 out an associate. It was an arduous labor, and I was absent from home 
 at Raleigh very frequently; engaged often night and day for months. 
 It was to me an interesting and useful pursuit adding greatly to my 
 professional knowledge. During this employment I was again solicited 
 to engage in political life. I was nominated in 1852 as a candidate for 
 the State Senate from Martin County but I declined the nomination so 
 flattering [ly] tendered; assigning among other reasons the responsible 
 duty in which I was then engaged, from which I would be diverted, by 
 being a representative in the Legislature. 
 
 The General Assembly of 1852 rearranged the Senatorial Districts, 
 and as the County of Martin theretofore entitled to a Senator, did not 
 then pay into the public treasury sufficient taxes, my County was at- 
 tached to the County of Washington to form a Senatorial District. 14 
 As parties were pretty equally divided in the State, and the Counties 
 differed in politics, great interest was manifested to secure the repre- 
 sentation of that Senatorial District; and in the Spring of 1854, I was 
 nominated as the Democratic candidate for the District and strongly 
 urged to accept. I was not unmindful of the unimpaired partiality of 
 my fellow countrymen and the gratitude I owed them for my support 
 and elevation in the past; and the duties of the Commission being 
 nearly performed, I consented to accept the nomination ; and entered 
 actively into the canvass. I was strongly opposed, and the result was 
 doubtful. I felt much anxiety about it, because I was then desirous 
 
 14 Under the Constitution of 1776 each county had one senator; but the Convention of 1835 
 amended the Constitution, and the amendment was ratified by the people so as to limit the 
 Senate to 50 members chosen from districts to be laid off by the General Assembly, on a 
 basis of the taxes paid into the State Treasury. 
 
AtTTOBIOGBAPHY OF ASA BlGGS 17 
 
 to be on the floor of the House to superintend the passage of the Revised 
 code through the Legislature. The professional reputation of my col- 
 league and myself was involved, in obtaining the consent of the Legisla- 
 ture to pass the revisal as we had prepared it, knowing how liable it was 
 to be marred and disjointed by amendments, I was sustained by a ma- 
 jority of 21 votes only in the District, so equally balanced were the 
 parties of that day. 
 
 UNITED STATES SENATOR 
 
 The session of 1852 was the regular period for the election of one 
 Senator of the United States and the Session of 1854 of the other. In 
 consequence of the nearly equal division of parties in 1852 a contest 
 arose between Mr. Dobbin, who was the regularly nominated candidate 
 of the Democratic party, and Judge Saunders, who opposed him; and 
 the session terminated without an election. The election of two Sena- 
 tors was therefore thrown upon the Legislature of 1854, and of course 
 excited much feeling and interest. Many names of high prominence were 
 canvassed in the newspapers, and among a large number my name was 
 mentioned ; but I can with sincerity say to you that while it was gratify- 
 ing to my ambition, I certainly felt no confidence or expectation that I 
 would stand prominent [ly] for the position. I did not reach Raleigh 
 until the night before the session was to open; and then I ascertained, 
 that an active canvassing had been going on for a week, by aspirants for 
 these distinguished positions, and that my name was generally discussed. 
 It was soon evidently the desire of the members to decide these elections 
 as early as practicable, and to that end a caucus of the Democratic party 
 was held on Tuesday night. I did not attend, although urged by some 
 of my friends to do so; nor would I visit the members, as customary 
 with others, concluding that it was a position not to be attained by 
 personal solicitation. The session of the caucus was protracted but the 
 result was that I was nominated for the six years term and Gov. Reid 
 (then Governor) was nominated for the short term of four years. On 
 Thursday the election was held by the General Assembly and Gov. Reid 
 and myself were elected according to the nominations, which placed me 
 as the successor of Mr. Badger. 15 Thus, unsolicited on my part, was 
 I elevated to one of the most distinguished places in the gift of the 
 State: and certainly enough to gratify the highest, laudable ambition. 
 I received this distinction with great diffidence and a feeling sense of 
 my deficiencies, but as a great honor to my County and family. With 
 a firm resolution I determined to devote myself unremittingly to the 
 best interests of my native State and if possible reflect credit upon my 
 constituents and myself. Upon a review of all my surroundings I 
 
 "George Edmund Badger, Whig, had been Senator since 1846. 
 2 
 
18 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 strongly impressed upon my young friends, that the great element of 
 my success was a firm but temperate maintenance of principles, pursued 
 Avith energy and a settled conviction of their truth. It was a remarkable 
 success of one, unaided by family or fortune, with all the disadvantages 
 of early life and a limited education, emphatically "the architect of his 
 own fortune" — rising to a most exalted position suddenly and unexpect- 
 edly. I can sincerely assure you that no fawning sycophancy or cor- 
 rupting influence was practiced by me. I became the untrammeled and 
 honored representative of a proud sovereign State: and one, not of the 
 least of my gratifications, was the credit I had thus been able to give 
 my dear children, with the hope that neither of them would ever bring 
 reproach upon or tarnish the fair name I had thus attained. And now 
 in humble adoration to that kind Providence who has so signally exalted 
 me above ray fellows, I would implore Him to watch over, guide and 
 direct my offspring to the same honorable, if not exalted end. As my 
 Senatorial term did not commence practically until December 1855, 
 though the nominal beginning was 4th March 1855, I continued a mem- 
 ber of the Senate until the Legislature adjourned : and being at the head 
 of the large joint committee of both Houses, on the Revised Code, com- 
 posed of the ablest members, 16 I was laboriously engaged on that subject, 
 but I did not neglect a faithful discharge of my other legislative duties. 
 And here I am reminded of a temptation to which I was subjected dur- 
 ing the session of a most trying and unpleasant character. There were 
 many schemes of internal improvements. Some of the most extrava- 
 gant and visionary kind ; and altogether of the most alarming magnitude ; 
 but they were urged with earnestness by members from the different 
 localities, many of whom had cordially voted for me and who sought 
 my aid and assistance for their favorite schemes. A strong appeal was 
 made to me: that as I was about retiring from the Legislature, I could 
 run no risk of my constituents by supporting these measures, and 
 thereby I could sustain my friends. Governed however by a high sense 
 of public duty, and my integrity of character, as the representative of 
 the wishes of my district I firmly opposed many of these darling projects 
 of my friends, and thereby for several weeks I became odious to many, 
 who in the early part of the Session, seemed greatly attached to me. 
 I was gratified however before the Session terminated, as many of these 
 projects failed for want of a "faithful" cooperation among those engaged 
 in the "log rolling," and to which was attributed their defeat, above 
 all when the enormous liabilities proposed, was calmly considered, jus- 
 
 16 The other members of the Committee on the part of the Senate were William A. Graham 
 of Orange, William Eaton, Jr., of Warren, Thomas S. Ashe of Anson, Charles F. Fisher of 
 Rowan and John H. Haughton of Chatham; on the part of the House. Jesse G. Shepherd of 
 Cumberland, A. J. Dargan of Anson, Patrick H. Winston, Jr., of Bertie, J. S. Amis of 
 Granville, and W. T. Dortch of Wayne. 
 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 19 
 
 tice was done to my course; and I regained the good will of all, I think, 
 before we separated. This is another instance, to which I direct your 
 minds, where substantial good was accomplished, by resisting a specious, 
 and trying temptation to error. 
 
 And, now I was necessarily compelled to change all my arrangments 
 for the future. It was a thorough disruption of all my professional, 
 domestic, business and family affairs, to enter upon the sea of political 
 life ; in which I will say that, although it was gratifying to my ambition, 
 yet the turmoil and strife necessarily incident, did not suit my inclina- 
 tion. Add to this, I was to be separated from my christian friends and 
 associations ; and I felt greatly oppressed with my responsibility and the 
 trials to which I must be subjected. And after I have had long ex- 
 perience of these responsibilities and trials, I will truly advise you that 
 the station of a faithful public servant is not a "bed of roses," but it 
 is certainly true that the highest stations are strewed with thorns and 
 difficulties. 
 
 Gov. Beid resigned his office of Governor and went to the Senate in 
 1854. I took my seat there in December 1855 — a stranger to the mem- 
 bers — with a desire to be useful as I could not hope to be brilliant. I 
 soon discovered that the same influences operated there as in other 
 places. It was evident to my mind a lamentable decay of virtue 
 was progressing in our public councils: that there was no amendment 
 for the better since 1845 — on the contrary things were growing worse. 
 
 With a nominal Democratic party majority of upward of 15 out of a 
 Senate of 60 members, I found myself frequently voting in a minority 
 of from 10 to 12 members — rarely could we reach the highest figure — 
 particularly on important questions of public expenditure. The pre- 
 vailing desire seemed to be, to procure large appropriations for any and 
 every object : and there were constantly presented new propositions for 
 lavish expenditures : on which sufficient votes were generally obtained 
 from the Democratic party, with the opposition, to constitute a decided 
 majority. It may not be interesting, to diversify this narrative, with 
 one or two illustrations of the corrupting influence brought to bear upon 
 Congress. I will select one of the smallest of these abuses. 
 
 For some time previous to 1845 there was considerable discussion in 
 relation to Books furnished to the Members of Congress. It was repre- 
 sented as a growing abuse and I felt desirous to correct it. The custom 
 was for some old member at the commencement of Congress to move a 
 resolution directing the Clerk to purchase for and furnish to the new 
 members the books formerly furnished to the old members and subse- 
 quently the appropriation was made in the general appropriation bill. 
 At that time the value to each member was nearly one thousand dollars — 
 
20 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 the cost to the government and the appropriation was generally about 
 $75,000. Soon after I took my seat as a member of the House, the 
 usual motion was made by Mr. [Robert C] Winthrop of Massachusetts. 
 Upon its introduction, a member from Maine, (a new member) vio- 
 lently opposed it in an hour's speech, in which he charged corruption 
 and alleged that members were in the habit of selling their books for 
 three or four hundred Dollars, and pocketing the money, instead of 
 distributing the books for general information — the ostensible object 
 of the appropriation. Thereupon Mr. Winthrop asked that his resolu- 
 tion might be laid upon the table, until an investigation could be had, 
 and called upon the member from Maine to move a Committee to relieve 
 the house from these serious charges and expose the guilty. I was much 
 pleased with this movement, with a fond hope that this great outrage 
 would be corrected. A committee was raised, of which the member 
 from Maine, of course, was chairman. I sought his acquaintance and 
 encouraged him to make a full exposure. I frequently called upon him 
 to inquire how he was progressing with the investigation, and at first 
 he stated, he had not convened the Committee, as he was collecting in- 
 formation to be laid before them when they assembled. Shortly, it was 
 said, that nearly all the Books, necessary to supply the members, be- 
 longed to the Government, and were then lying in a room in the Capitol 
 injuring, and but a small amount would be necessary to complete the 
 set. The result was, the Committee never were convened and after 
 some months delay the resolution of Mr. W[inthrop] was passed, and 
 the appropriation was subsequently made. It was evident to me, that 
 the member from Maine soon surrendered to the corrupting influence 
 brought to bear upon him, or was made the dupe of those interested in 
 that question. I afterwards learned, it was true, there was a large 
 number of the Books required, lying in a room in the Capitol, but they 
 were not owned by the Government, but belonged to the booksellers who 
 had purchased them from old members. 
 
 This abuse continued and increased, until public sentiment, compelled 
 .Congress to pass a law, prohibiting any appropriation, upon a resolution 
 in regard to Books as had been before customary, and such was the law 
 Avhen I went into the Senate. Notwithstanding this law, the practice 
 continued until the value of the Books to each member, was about 
 $1500, and the appropriation about $150,000. The House of Repre- 
 sentatives passed the usual resolution and appropriation. The Senate, 
 inconsistent with their usual course, rejected that item in the appropria- 
 tion bill and that with other matters became a subject of conference 
 between the two Houses. I was placed upon the Committee of Con- 
 ference. A compromise was made with the consent of a majority of the 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 21 
 
 Senate Committee by which a part of the Books was appropriated for. 
 I opposed the report of the Committee in the Senate and was gratified 
 to find that my position was sustained by a majority and the report 
 not concurred in — something very unusual upon reports of Committees 
 of Conference. The bill was sent to another Committee, and they 
 could not agree, and on the very last day of the Session another Com- 
 mittee was raised upon which I was again placed. The Conference 
 was not harmonious. I would not yield a principle, in defiance of a 
 solemn act of Congress : but the bill was an important one, involving 
 millions for necessary objects and a majority of the Committee again 
 made a compromise striking down the appropriation and providing for 
 a distribution of the Books in the Congressional Districts. I still op- 
 posed it, but it was passed in the expiring hour of the Session. ISTow 
 from this you can form some faint conception — faint though it will be — 
 of the extravagance, waste and corruption, that controlled our public 
 council, yearly and daily destroying the vitals of healthy, honest legis- 
 lation. 
 
 I give you another incident. According to the long habit of the 
 Senate, the Senate Committees at the commencement of each Session, 
 were arranged in caucus by the majority party, taking a majority on 
 each Committee and leaving to the opposition to fill up the minority in 
 their caucus : and as new members of the majority came in, they were 
 placed at the foot of the Committees and gradually went up by seniority 
 until they reached the head. The consequence was that Gov. Beid and 
 myself, being new members, were placed in apparently, no prominent 
 positions. I protested in caucus against this injustice [to] Gov, Beid, but 
 I was assured by old members, it was the only rule that could be adopted 
 to avoid difficulty, after long years of experience and I of course yielded. 
 I was placed on two or three committees, but the only one of impor- 
 tance was the Committee on Territories (of which Judge [Stephen A.] 
 Douglas was chairman), then not very important but subsequently ob- 
 tained great importance, in consequence of the exciting questions that 
 arose as to the establishment of territorial governments, and which 
 shook the Union from its base. 
 
 During the first session my position was clearly defined by my votes, 
 invariably against wasteful extravagance — generally voting as I said 
 in a minority of 10 or 12. When the Committees were being arranged 
 for the next session, a member of the Committee of Finance, (one of 
 the most important and distinguished of the Senate and of which Mr. 
 [B. M. T.] Hunter of Ya. was chairman) insisted that he should be 
 taken from that Committee and that I should fill his place: assigning 
 as a reason that as the Committee was then constituted, a majority 
 
22 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 were for large appropriations — that lie was compelled frequently to go 
 for these appropriations against his better judgment, that it was neces- 
 sary that Mr. Hunter should be sustained in his economical efforts, and 
 that I was the member to place on that Committee. The change was 
 made. I felt it a high compliment: but you will from this gather, 
 how much prostituted were members of Congress, extending to the 
 august body of the Senate, who, themselves had not the manly virtue 
 and independence to resist error, but who required a check from their 
 fellow members to avoid the inevitable ruin to which we were driving. 
 
 The tendency of everything in the government, according to my 
 opinion, was toward ruin. The picture presented to my mind every 
 day was sad. The whole soul of a large number, was absorbed in 
 schemes and arrangements to secure themselves in power: and one 
 election was just over when plans for another, to secure success, were 
 projected. My party were in a majority, and of course responsible, 
 as a party, to the people for a proper administration of public affairs : 
 and there I found myself bearing the responsibility without the slightest 
 means to correct mal-administration ; and no prospect for the better, 
 in the future : because this state of things was increasing and becoming 
 firmly fixed so far as I could see or hope. I would not have you believe 
 there were no exceptions, among our public men, to this general deterior- 
 ation. It gratifies me to say, I found many, but they were, like me, 
 powerless for good. I would not be guilty of the affectation and vanity 
 of stating to you that I was not often misled by these evil influences, 
 and therefore did not indulge in error: but my general course, I am 
 sure, was dictated by an elevated desire to act for the good of the 
 Country and to resist every corrupting influence. The experience of 
 my Senatorial course, ending in 1858, forced the conviction upon my 
 mind that the government of the United States was becoming thoroughly 
 corrupt, and that in a few years it would fall to pieces by its own cor- 
 ruption and I so expressed myself to my friends. 
 
 When I went to the Senate Mr. Pierce was President. His general 
 measures of administration met my cordial support. During my term 
 he retired and I witnessed the inauguration of Mr. Buchanan; and his 
 administration generally met my approbation while I remained in the 
 Senate; but his subsequent course in relation to secession I emphati- 
 cally condemn. 
 
 It is as well to note here that I visited home at Christmas 1855 and 
 carried with me on my return to Washington City all the family — 
 where we resided until the adjournment of Congress in the Summer of 
 1856. During the next Session, being the short Session, the family, 
 with the exception of Lucy, remained at home. She accompanied me 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 23 
 
 to Washington. In January 1858, the family again removed to Wash- 
 ington and remained until the Spring of that year. Part of the time 
 we resided at the Capital we hoarded, hut a portion of the time kept 
 house in furnished lodgings which I rented by the month. 
 
 The gayety, extravagance and society of the Metropolis, was unsuited 
 to me ; and soon after first reaching there I sought Christian association 
 and conversation, more congenial to my feelings, when relieved from 
 the cares and perplexities of my public station. I attended divine 
 worship of different societies ; but at length I met with a few Old School 
 Baptists and attended the preaching of the word by Elder Wm. J. 
 Purington, in a delapidated house in an obscure part of the City; and 
 here I enjoyed more real pleasure than in the magnificent temples which 
 decorated the city. 
 
 UMTED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE 
 
 In the winter of 1857-58 Judge Potter, the District Judge of the 
 United States for Worth Carolina, died : having held the office for 
 upward of 50 years. It was a station desirable to me, as honorable; 
 and consistent with my former habits of life, I preferred being relieved 
 from the irksome position I occupied, though, it certainly was one of 
 the most distinguished in the Country. I expressed these feelings to 
 some of my friends, and after the disposal of some important business 
 then pending in the Senate, in May 1858, I was nominated, by President 
 Buchanan, as Judge, and confirmed unanimously by the Senate; and 
 thereupon I resigned my seat as a Senator from North Carolina when 
 about half of the term for which I was elected was unexpired. In this 
 case, as heretofore, I made no personal solicitation for the office, and 
 took no steps to secure it ; but it being offered, with profound gratitude 
 to my State for my elevation to the Senate and for the constancy and 
 fidelity with which I was encouraged by a large number of admiring 
 Constituents, yet with a decided conviction that I could be more useful 
 in this sphere, or at least could pass down the current of life more 
 gently, giving place to some more talented and faithful statesman in the 
 distinguished arena of the Senate, I left public life with pleasure ; and, 
 although I parted reluctantly with many valued friends, I retired to 
 the judicial bench, without regret. 
 
 In consequence of my mental anxiety and the turmoil and irregularity 
 of the life I was compelled to live, it seriously impaired my physical 
 powers. I reduced very much in flesh, and on my return, my friends at 
 home looked at me with astonishment; but resuming the comparative 
 quiet of my former life, and again adopting my regular habits I soon 
 recuperated and was prepared for labor. 
 
24 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 The duties of ray office required a course of reading essentially differ- 
 ing from any former course, and I sat to work diligently to qualify 
 myself for the responsible duties of United States Judge. The District 
 Courts were held twice a year at Edenton, Newbern and Wilmington 
 and the Circuit Court once a year at Raleigh. At the latter Court 
 the Presiding Judge was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court 
 of the United States when attending and Judge Wayne was assigned to 
 my circuit. For many years in consequence of the age and imbecility 
 of Judge Potter, the Courts had become formal farces. I reorganized 
 them, adopted necessary rules to render them efficient, and prepared to 
 make the District Courts useful. I held also the Circuit Court unaided 
 until ISTov. 1860 when for the first and last time Judge Wayne presided. 
 
 Having had some correspondence with him I ascertained before we 
 met, that he positively denied the right of a State to secede from the 
 Union and as Lincoln had been elected President, and the excitement 
 in the South was great it was not improbable that this might become 
 a practical question and require the decision of the Judiciary. I sup- 
 posed if it were to arise at that term it could only be made in his ad- 
 dress and charge to the Grand Jury; and as I entertained a decidedly 
 different opinion on the subject, I prepared in writing the conclusion 
 of my judgment, to be used if occasion called for it. He however, 
 charged the jury without alluding to the subject, but I will here tran- 
 scribe what I intended to say, for preservation, and to show my position 
 at that time. 
 
 The following was prepared to be delivered in case Judge Wayne was 
 not present or in case, if he were present I should charge the jury : 
 
 "Treason against the United States, consists in levying war against them, 
 on in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. The Consti- 
 tution provides, that no person shall be convicted of treason unless on the 
 testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open 
 Court. An act of Congress passed in 1790 provides, that if any person owing 
 allegiance to the United States of America, shall levy war against them, or 
 shall adhere to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort, within the United 
 States or elsewhere and shall be convicted on confession in open Court, or 
 on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act of treason, whereof 
 he shall stand indicted, he shall suffer death. And it is a high misdemeanor 
 by the same act, for any person having knowledge of treason, to concede the 
 matter, or not to disclose it to the public authorities. These are offenses 
 against the United States and cognizable in the Courts of the United States 
 only. But it is also true that Treason may be committed against the State 
 government, forming a State offense cognizable in a State Court and punish- 
 able by State authority. A period may arrive in the history of our Country, 
 when it may be proper and necessary to consider and decide the appalling 
 question, whether a citizen owing allegiance to the United States, by render- 
 ing obedience to the commands of the Sovereign authority in his own State, 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 25 
 
 after the State has solemnly decided to separate herself from the Union. 
 [Sentence not completed.] It would however be premature in the Judiciary 
 to prejudge that important question, yet undecided by the Courts; and it being 
 yet a political question (about which however I entertain a decided impres- 
 sion) I deem it improper now judicially to express or intimate what my opin- 
 ion is. 
 
 "It is fervently hoped by me that the alarming circumstances now sur- 
 rounding us may be so overruled as to render unnecessary the decision of 
 this question. But if unfortunately a decision shall be forced from the Courts, 
 I trust they will exhibit the same firmness and wisdom that have marked the 
 course of the judiciary in many trying periods of our history." 
 
 The following was prepared to deliver in case Judge Wayne should 
 express an opinion differing from mine: 
 
 "With deep regret I am compelled to differ with my associate, the Presiding 
 Judge of this Court. On ordinary questions I should feel disposed to defer to 
 the greater experience and wisdom of my associate as it is very desirable 
 when practicable that there should be a concurrence of opinion among Judges, 
 so as to give the decisions of the Courts greater weight. But now I am 
 forced to express an opinion, upon a question of the gravest character without 
 argument and without the judgment of a Superior tribunal; although I am 
 free to say, it is a question that has occupied much of my consideration, and 
 particularly within the last few months. It is an extraordinary occasion, 
 and I feel the full force of my responsibility. I have heretofore said, in my 
 opinion, it is premature in the Judiciary, considering the gravity of the 
 question, to prejudge it, by expressing an opinion in advance of a judicial 
 case arising in which the light of argument may greatly assist in forming a 
 correct opinion. And I the more regret this conflict of opinion, because it 
 occurs when my associate and myself meet for the first time to cooperate in 
 the discharge of our official duties, and at a time of great political excitement 
 in the Country upon the very question now brought up. 
 
 "I am well aware that the right of State Secession from this Union, has 
 been for a long time a controverted question, upon which Statesmen and the 
 brightest intellects of the Country have entertained opposite opinions; and 
 therefore I might well hesitate as a judicial officer, in volunteering an opinion, 
 until a case is made which rendered it necessary to pronounce my judgment. 
 But no alternative is now left me and I will not shrink from the expression 
 of my opinion, forced upon me as it is: because by remaining silent now I 
 should tacitly adopt the opinion of my associate. Perhaps also I am in error 
 in concluding it is improper to withhold the opinion of the Court from the 
 Grand Jury charged with an enquiry into all violations of the criminal laws 
 of the United States as the question involves a violation of criminal law. 
 
 "I hold therefore that the States, in forming the Federal government acted 
 separately as equals and sovereigns, with no common Superior, and that the 
 first duty and obligation of the citizen was due to his State; and upon the 
 adoption of the Constitution of the United States by his State, this duty and 
 obligation is no less due to the United States, but because it is at the com- 
 mand and clothed with the sovereign authority of his State. That the citizen 
 while his State remains a member of the Federal Union must conform to the 
 Constitution of the United States and the Constitutional laws of the Federal 
 
26 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 government, although they conflict with the Constitution and laws of his 
 State; and where there is a conflict of opinion as to what laws are constitu- 
 tional, the proper tribunal to decide that question is the Supreme Judiciary 
 of the United States. The question being thus decided, it is the duty of the 
 citizen to acquiesce in, and maintain that decision. 
 
 "But whenever any State in her Sovereign capacity (and I mean by that, 
 the people of a State duly and legally assembled in a convention by the 
 proper authority, with the same formalities and regularity as conventions 
 were held to ratify and adopt the Constitution of the United States origi- 
 nally) shall solemnly so decide she has the right for sufficient cause (of 
 which she must be the judge, as upon her alone rests the heavy responsibility 
 for such a fearful act) to voluntarily and peaceably secede from the Union, 
 which she voluntarily entered: and thereupon, a citizen of such State is 
 absolved from his allegiance to the United States, and will not be guilty of 
 treason to the United States for obeying the commands and maintaining the 
 laws of his own State. 
 
 "This is my decided judgment now, formed after much reflection upon the 
 theory of our government, and the history of the day in which the Federal 
 Government, was created; and in my humble judgment, in the language of one 
 of North Carolina's most cherished sons, (the late Mr. [Nathaniel] Macon) 
 'this right is the best guard to public liberty and to public justice that could 
 be desired'; and if, generally or universally admitted, is the best Security for 
 the permanency and perpetuity of the Union. 
 
 "I cannot now, and therefore do not propose to allude to the arguments for 
 and against this right; and it is with entire deference, I declare my opinion 
 on this grave subject; but I repeat no alternative is now left me, and I there- 
 fore respectfully but firmly announce this conclusion as the firm conviction 
 of my best judgment." 
 
 SECESSION 
 
 I will retrospect a little. The Democratic party in 1860 were divided 
 greatly in their preferences of men for the Presidency, and there was a 
 conflict of opinion as to the course to he adopted in creating territorial 
 government; some in favor, and others opposed to what was called 
 "Squatter Sovereignity." The opposition, then organized in a party, 
 called themselves "Republicans" (a desecration of that old party name) 
 claimed the right of Congress, to prohibit slavery in the Territories, and 
 to legislate for them; and avowed their determination to do so if they 
 obtained the power. 
 
 The Democratic Convention assembled at Charleston in the spring of 
 1860, to nominate a candidate. There was a failure to nominate. The 
 Convention adjourned to meet in Baltimore early in the Summer. There 
 was great excitement through the Country. Although removed from 
 political life, I felt a deep interest in the alarming state of public affairs. 
 All the old political organizations had dissolved, except the Democratic 
 party, and I was convinced that upon the disruption of that party, as 
 the country was then situated, there was a virtual dissolution of the 
 Union. I felt an earnest desire to save the Union, if the rights of the 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 27 
 
 South and the States, could be preserved. I cannot better illustrate my 
 position, than giving the substance of a conversation I had, when I 
 was a Senator, with Mr. [Lawrence M.] Keitt of S. C. a member of 
 the House. He expressed a confident opinion, that we could live no 
 longer in harmony with the Yankees; and he was then in favor of a 
 dissolution of the Union, and insisted upon a course of action on some 
 pending question to which I dissented. I remarked, that I felt as 
 determined to maintain our rights as he could possibly be; but the 
 difference between me and him was we were governed by different mo- 
 tives of action — he thought dissolution desirable — I did not think so — he 
 would shape his course to attain that result — and I would do all I 
 could, consistent with our rights and honor, to avoid what I should 
 consider a sad calamity. 
 
 After the adjournment at Charleston, and before the meeting in Balti- 
 more, I visited Washington to inform myself personally of the prospect 
 for the future; and while there, I had full and free conference with 
 many distinguished public men. The aspect of affairs then has been 
 verified too truly by subsequent events. I called upon Gen. Cass, then 
 Secretary of State, and our conversation made a deep impression upon 
 my mind. He remarked that things "were sadly out of joint. It seemed 
 that the people were demented. My section," said he, "appeared to have 
 run wild. Altho' I have been identified with my State for forty years, 
 I do not suppose, upon my return home, I could be elected a constable : 
 and recently a gentleman from your section expressed to me a hope that 
 the union might be dissolved. My conclusion is, if this calamity is not 
 avoided, these States in a short time, will be cut up into three or four 
 independent republics, warring against each other. I am now number- 
 ing my days, and cannot hope to remain here much longer, if I shall be 
 able to get through with the duties of my present office, and I trust I 
 shall -pass away before this said event happens." Neither of us could 
 realize that the catastrophe was so near at hand; although the fore- 
 bodings were then significant, Mr. Cass then agreeing with me that a 
 disruption of the Democratic party seriously threatened such a result. 
 A dissolution of the Union was the inevitable effect of a false religion, a 
 fanatic philanthropy, a disregard of plighted political faith, and the 
 non-observance of rights secured by the Constitution by which every 
 State was guaranteed equality, notwithstanding their domestic institu- 
 tions, and the consequent estrangement from the Union, of the affections 
 of a section of the country, it being manifest that this Union had 
 become their oppressor instead of their defender. The election of Mr. 
 Lincoln as a sectional candidate, with his avowed principles of abolition 
 and the supremacy of Congressional legislation, totally subversive of the 
 
28 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 rights of the States, was the climax of endurance; and a separation 
 followed, first of the Gulf States and upon the issuing of his infamous 
 proclamation of April 1861, intended to coerce the States into submis- 
 sion, Virginia, North Carolina and other States ranged themselves with 
 their Southern Sisters in resistance. 
 
 The Legislature of ISTorth Carolina, in February 1861, submitted the 
 question of a State Convention to the votes of the people, providing that 
 in case a majority should so decide, it was to assemble immediately, and 
 delegates were elected at the same time a vote was taken on the conven- 
 tion question. At this election Martin County voted for a Convention 
 and Elder C. B. Hassell was elected the delegate from that County. A 
 majority in the State however (though small) voted against a Conven- 
 tion, and North Carolina therefore for the present decided to remain 
 in the Union. 17 I was decided [ly] in favor of a Convention to deliberate 
 as to the course the State ought to take. I retained my office, because 
 I deemed it imprudent to resign it until the State seceded, or such con- 
 trolling circumstances occurred as to induce me to conclude that it could 
 be no longer held with honor and consistent with the duty I owed to my 
 State. To show you however my feelings and opinions before the 
 proclamation was issued, I transcribe here some propositions I reduced 
 to writing at that period. 
 
 1. I unequivocally admit the right of a State to secede from the 
 Union, and thereafter, I deny that the United States government has 
 any power or authority within the jurisdictional limits of such State. 
 
 2. If the United States government attempts to coerce a seceding 
 State, I think this a sufficient cause for North Carolina to immediately 
 secede from the Union and unite her destiny and resources with the 
 seceding States. 
 
 3. As the Union is now dissolved by the withdrawal of several states, 
 I consider it important that the whole of the Southern States should 
 act unitedly and harmoniously, as the only means to avert civil war. 
 
 4. At present I cannot see a probability of living in harmony, with 
 any of the non slaveholding States ; but if a Union can be reconstructed 
 by which the guarantees contemplated by Mr. Crittenden's resolutions, 
 can be obtained, then I am for a reconstruction upon those resolutions 
 as a basis. 
 
 5. If that is found impracticable, then I am for secession of ISTorth 
 Carolina and cooperation with such of the Southern States as may 
 agree to form a Southern Confederacy, and I am utterly opposed to a 
 Union of a Central Confederacy of the border slaveholding and non 
 slaveholding States, and thereby cutting loose from the Gulf States. 
 
 "The vote of Martin County was: For Convention, 662; against Convention, 22. The 
 vote of the State was: For Convention, 46,672; against Convention, 47,333. 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 29 
 
 6. I will not be pledeged to any particular course of action, except 
 as indicated in the above propositions and conclusions, intending bow- 
 ever to exercise my best judgment to maintain the institution of domestic 
 slavery, and desiring to that end the cooperation of all the Southern 
 States. 
 
 Stirring events succeeded each other rapidly. A failure by the Peace 
 Congress to settle difficulties was followed by the Proclamation of April 
 1861 ; and thereupon I determined no longer to hold office in the govern- 
 ment of the United States, and prepared, and immediately transmitted 
 my resignation ; a copy of which I here transcribe. 
 
 Williamston, N. C., April 23, 1861. 
 To Abraham Lincoln, 
 
 President of the United States. 
 Sib: — I hereby resign my office of District Judge of the United States for 
 the District of North Carolina, being unwilling longer to hold a commission 
 in a Government which has degenerated into a military despotism. I sub- 
 scribe myself yet a friend of constitutional liberty. Asa Biggs. 
 
 I thereby cut myself loose from all official connexion with the Govern- 
 ment, and took my stand as a private citizen of the State, and advised 
 and acted as the convictions of my judgment dictated. Another 
 Convention was called, to convent on 20th May 1861, and an election 
 of delegates was ordered on 13th. My name was placed before the 
 people of Martin as a delegate, and I was elected with but little show 
 of opposition. And now, my hoped for quiet is disturbed. I am again 
 forced into the Stormy arena, at an awful crisis of my country's history. 
 I did not hesitate. I encouraged the formation of military companies — 
 assisted in, and promoted their equipment and supplies, and urged upon 
 all, to defend the legacy of our ancestors — the right of self government — 
 to the last extremity. The County of Martin furnished immediately 
 two volunteer companies, commanded by Capts. Lamb and Clements, 
 and subscribed several thousand dollars to furnish equipment and sup- 
 plies; and the company commanded by Capt. Lamb left the wharf at 
 Williamston for the defense of the coast of North Carolina on 20th May 
 1861 — the day that the State formally seceded from the Union. 
 
 I took my seat as a member of the State Convention at Raleigh on 
 20 May 1861, and so united and harmonious was public sentiment then, 
 that before the close of that day, an ordinance of secession unanimously 
 passed, separating the State from the Union and declaring our determi- 
 nation to assert the right of self government — a right inestimable to 
 freemen and formidable to tyrants only. When I recur to the scenes of 
 that day, my heart exults with pride at the proud position my native 
 State then assumed: and I can but regret that any thing has since oc- 
 
30 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 curred, to cast a reflection upon the patriotism of any portion of my 
 fellow citizens : but candor and truthfulness require one to say that many, 
 then voting for secession, have since greatly embarrassed our efforts to 
 sustain the position then taken. In a few days, the State became a 
 member of the Provisional Government of the Confederate States of 
 America and elected delegates to represent the State in Congress; 
 and for weal or woe, identified herself with the Southern Confederacy, 
 by subsequently adopting the Constitution of the Confederate States. 
 
 I was laboriously engaged in the Convention as long as I remained 
 a member, being placed on the most important Committees,- by the ap- 
 pointment of Mr. Weldon 1ST. Edward, the venerable President. What- 
 ever may be the criticism on my course in that body, I will say that I 
 never proposed or urged any measure, that I did not hope and believe 
 would promote harmony in the maintenance of our cause — being deeply 
 impressed with the conviction that our success depended upon our unity. 
 
 CONFEDERATE STATES DISTRICT JUDGE 
 
 On 17th June 1861, I was appointed by Jefferson Davis, President 
 of the Confederate States of America, during the Provisional Govern- 
 ment of the Confederate States, Judge of the District Court for the 
 District of North Carolina ; and this appointment was confirmed by the 
 advise and consent of the Congress, and a commission was sent to me 
 dated 13th August 1861. Upon the formation of the Permanent Gov- 
 ernment of the Confederate States under the permanent Constitution, 
 I was appointed by President Davis, by and with the advice and con- 
 sent of the Senate, Judge of the Court aforesaid; and my commission 
 furnished me is dated on 15th April 1862, and I took the oath of office 
 before Judge [P. P.] Heath of the Superior Court Bench of ISTorth 
 Carolina on 27th May 1862. 
 
 The Convention had several recesses, one or two while I was a mem- 
 ber. I continued a delegate until I thought it was time the Court was 
 organized, and that my attention was required to the prize cases which 
 were accumulating at ISTewbern. I resigned my seat in the winter of 
 1861-62 and Mr. D. W. Bagley was elected my successor. Again did I 
 retire from public life, and since then I have been discharging the 
 duties of Judge. As remarked in the outset, I was driven with my 
 family from home, by the enemy in Pebruary 1862, and have been 
 residing at this place since Dec. 1863 ; looking on with the deepest 
 anxiety at the struggle which has been progressing for four years; 
 with an abiding belief in our ultimate success, because I do firmly be- 
 lieve our cause is just. Frequently, however, I have been greatly de- 
 pressed in spirits, with pain and grief realizing what I did not expect 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 31 
 
 to see prevail so extensively in the South — a spirit of covetousness, 
 selfishness, extortion and avarice that induces me to suppose this cruel 
 war is still to be prolonged, until a just and merciful God, shall humble 
 our people more, and extirpate the distracting and fell spirit that so 
 generally prevails. . How any patriot, philanthropist, or Christian can 
 permit himself to be absorbed in making a fortune out of the miseries 
 of this war, is past my comprehension ! How men of standing and 
 wealth, can remain at home, accumulating their thousands and millions, 
 at the expense, misery, and discomfort of the families of those brave 
 and gallant soldiers, who are protecting our rights at such great sacri- 
 fices, is but another evidence of the ingratitude and depravity of poor, 
 fallen, human nature! How any Southerner, not deprived of his man- 
 hood, and spirit of freedom, can be willing to submit to the insolent foe 
 who demands our subjugation at his feet, with his heel in our faces, the 
 confiscation of all our property, with the ignominious and debased con- 
 dition of becoming the slaves of slaves — is to me distressingly painful 
 and amazing! 
 
 SONS IN CONFEDERATE ARMY 
 
 In April 1861 my son William, then about 18 years old, and in his 
 Junior year, was at school at the University of North Carolina at 
 Chapel Hill. Before the secession of the State, he applied to me for 
 permission to join a company who proposed to tender its services to 
 Prest. Davis. I declined to give my consent, advising him to apply 
 himself diligently to his studies, as he might soon be deprived of any 
 further educational advantages, a matter of vast importance to him. 
 The students however became so much excited, that college exercises 
 were partially suspended, and he ventured to visit home. He reached 
 there in the morning of the day, when we were, engaged in forming the 
 volunteer companies in the County. He remained in the house but a 
 few minutes, and asked my permission to attach himself to one of the 
 companies, which I promptly granted. 
 
 He was elected 3d Lieut, of Capt. Lamb's company of 12 months 
 Volunteers, called the Roanoke Guards, and started with that company 
 to Cape Hatteras on 20th May. It is remarkable, they carried no guns, 
 no intrenching tools, and for weeks were stationed on the bald sea beach 
 without any means of defence. In August 1861, the garrison at Fort 
 Hatteras were captured by the enemy, carried as prisoners to New York, 
 and from thence to Fort Warren in Boston harbor, and were kept for 8 
 months before they were exchanged. Upon a reorganization of the 
 company, William was elected 1st Lieut. Subsequently promoted to the 
 Captaincy of Company A, of 17th Regiment of North Carolina Troops, 
 and attached to Martin's Brigade; in which capacity he has been serv- 
 
32 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 ing ever since. The Brigade is now commanded by Genl. Kirkland 
 attached to Genl. Hoke's Division. He has been through a great deal of 
 hard service, in North Carolina and Virginia, and engaged in several 
 battles; but through the mercy of God he has escaped with one slight 
 wound; and has had but one serious spell of sickness, thus far. Cer- 
 tainly, we have cause to adore the superintending and preserving Provi- 
 dence of our kind and Heavenly Father! 18 
 
 In July lS'M, my son Henry having reached the age of 17 years, by 
 my consent, attached himself to Capt. Manly's Battery of Artillery of 
 Cabell's Battalion, stationed between Petersburg and Bichmond, where 
 he has been serving ever since; and so far has enjoyed good health. He 
 has not yet been engaged in a battle. 
 
 I cheerfully give up my boys to the service of my Country, though the 
 sacrifice is great. I would consider myself and my family disgraced, if 
 we desired to, and could relieve ourselves from a participation in this 
 great conflict for our liberty. I fervently pray, that they may be spared ; 
 but I endeavor to make myself resigned to any event : with faith, that 
 God will order all things for the best, and that out of this bloody 
 carnage, some great good is to be accomplished. 
 
 This war for Independence has now been in progress for more than 
 four years, with varying success. And such a gigantic war we do not 
 read of in modern history ! The sacrifice of human life, and some of 
 the most worthy of the Country, is great and painful: and the end of 
 this carnage is only known to Almighty God. It is a contest on our 
 part for the right of self government — a right inestimable to us, and 
 which we cannot surrender without dishonor. Our country is invaded 
 by those who demand our subjugation and submission to their rule, the 
 utter annihilation of our personal rights and our rights of property, the 
 consequences of which would be our degradation and ruin. 
 
 I know that I am rapidly passing from the stage of action. In a 
 few short years the place that now knows me will know me no more 
 forever: but I feel great solicitude that you, my dear children, may be 
 permitted to enjoy the blessing of freedom that I have so long possessed. 
 If we are unsuccessful I shall die with a conviction, that you and my 
 countrymen will become the most degraded people upon the face of the 
 earth. If we are successful and our people, as I hope they will, learn, 
 from our sad experience, the errors of the past, reform their vices and 
 confess their sins and transgressions, God in his mercy may make us a" 
 prosperous and happy people. 
 
 It is amazing how successful we have been in resisting the enemy, 
 with our limited resources, compared with our foes. It is evident to me 
 
 18 A history of this regiment by Second Lieutenant Wilson Q. Lamb, Co. F, is in Clark, 
 Walter (ed.) : North Carolina Regiments, 1861-'65, II, 2-13. 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 33 
 
 that the Almighty arm has been interposed in our behalf ; and this gives 
 me confidence that He will yet deliver us. But we are a sinful nation 
 I am compelled to confess ; and this war has developed a spirit of covet- 
 ousness, extortion and a greed for gain in the Southern Country which 
 I did not expect to see. It is poor, fallen, unregenerate human nature ! 
 
 In my opinion the proximate cause, of this war is a false religion, 
 an anti-christian spirit which I think will be punished severely by a 
 just and holy God. We have suffered immensely and the clouds now 
 look lowering and the prospect is exceedingly gloomy, but God knows 
 all things and what is best, and I endeavor to be calm and resigned to 
 His holy will. 
 
 This much I now say in regard to the pending war. Much more I 
 could write on this all absorbing subject, but you have had experience 
 of the evils of the times as well as myself ; and some of you can appre- 
 ciate the horrors, anxieties and difficulties of the past four years, and I 
 pray Heaven that you may never have such painful and melancholy 
 experience for another four years of your lives. I have been driven 
 from my own home twice by fear of being captured by the enemy, and 
 am now under apprehensions that I shall be compelled to leave my 
 family again. If I should not I may hereafter continue these memoirs ; 
 but if I do, it is probable, this will be the last I shall ever write in this 
 form to you, and I therefore commend and commit you to God, praying 
 him to preserve and guide you, with the admonition to live soberly, 
 righteously and godly in this present evil world. 
 
 July 1, 1865. 
 It is with a sad and heavy heart I resume these memoirs. Most im- 
 portant events have occurred, the consequences of which I cannot foresee 
 and a blow has fallen upon our family circle, heart-rending and irre- 
 parable. Our country is subjugated and our dear boy Henry is no more 
 — another sacrifice of blood, another mournful calamity of this cruel war. 
 Genl. Lee evacuated Petersburg and Richmond about 1st April and on 
 9th surrendered his army to Genl. Grant at Appomattox C. H. Va. On 
 8th (Saturday) late in the afternoon Manly's Battery was attacked 
 by the enemy near the Court House and Henry was wounded in the 
 neck. It paralized him, rendered him speechless and lock jaw ensued. 
 He was carried to a poor man's house by the name of Tyree on Sunday 
 and there he lingered until 12th, (Wednesday) when he expired about 
 9 o'clock P. M. and was buried in the private burial ground of a Mr. 
 Overton about % mile from Mr. Tyree. We have assurances he was 
 well cared for and decently interred. He was the only member of the 
 
34 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 battery that we could hear was injured, and why was it that he was 
 permitted to fall ? Oh God thou knowest ! What a bitter pang ! We 
 looked anxiously for him among the returning soldiers ; we hoped 
 to see him hourly make his appearance. We sought diligently to 
 ascertain his situation, until we were informed he was wounded. A 
 glimmer of hope still sustained us until a visit of William to the place 
 (about 10 miles from Appomattox Court House) to enquire after him, 
 brought us the certain and melancholy truth that he was dead. That 
 awful truth sunk our hearts, threw a gloom over the household, plunged 
 us into the deepest grief, and night and day has his dear mother mourned, 
 the loss of her absent boy with broken lamentations ! Henry was a 
 sprightly, a very intelligent youth, energetic, patriotic and hopeful, a 
 dutiful and promising child: and we had hoped for him a long life of 
 usefulness to the family and to the country. God thought best to re- 
 move him from this scene of strife and turmoil, that he might not wit- 
 ness the subjugation of his country: and I humbly trust has taken him 
 to a world of rest and peace. We bow ! O God ! to thy righteous will 
 and pray that this great affliction may be sanctified to our good. Let the 
 thought console you, my dear children, that he died in the defence of 
 his country in the path-way of duty. May you all discharge your duties 
 with the same fidelity and die in the same honorable way. Let us hum- 
 bly submit to the dispensation of a righteous Providence, who for some 
 wise purpose inscrutable to us, has removed from our family the. loved 
 one, who so frequently enlivened our home circle and promised so much 
 for the future. It teaches us among other lessons that the young also 
 die and the importance of being prepared for that change whether old 
 or young. It has left an aching void, that nothing but the consolations 
 of God's Spirit can supply and to Him I commend you for light and 
 comfort, and pray that He may sustain and support us in this our day 
 of trial and grief. 
 
 DOWNFALL OF THE CONFEDERACY 
 
 On the day that Henry was wounded I was in Ealeigh to visit Wil- 
 liam who was sick in the hospital. He obtained leave of absence for a 
 week to come home and recruit, but before the week expired Genl. 
 Johnston retreated, Raleigh was occupied by the enemy, he was pre- 
 vented from joining his command until Genl. Johnston surrendered his 
 army to Genl. Sherman about 20th April. Subsequently, as we hear, 
 the other military forces of the Confederacy surrendered, and thus the 
 Confederate military organization was disband [ed] and the enemy 
 victorious. The President of the Confederate States, Jefferson Davis, 
 and many other prominent Southern officials have been arrested and are 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 35 
 
 now in prison. In one short month our government terminated, and 
 we are placed at the mercy of the United States military authorities. 
 The President, Mr. Lincoln, was assassinated at a theatre in Washington 
 City, on or about 14th April, and the Vice President, Andrew Johnson, 
 is now the President. Mr. Johnson has appointed Mr. Holden provi- 
 sional Governor of North Carolina, who has declared all the civil offices 
 of the State vacant and proposes to call a convention to reconstruct the 
 State government. The military have declared the slaves free, and still 
 occupy the Capitol and important positions in different sections of the 
 State : so that all is chaos and nothing definite for the future. This 
 much may be said with certainty that now, to all intents and purposes, 
 we are a conquered province, held and governed by the strong arm of 
 military power. Mr. P. P. Dick has been appointed United States 
 District Judge in my place. I expect to be arrested and tried for treason 
 and all my property confiscated if what appears to be the intention of 
 the reigning authority is enforced. It is useless for me to extend this 
 gloomy picture. It darkens as it expands, and, as it is viewed more 
 closely. And yet, the Lord reigneth ! and I believe nothing will trans- 
 pire but what He permits, and therefore with confidence I leave my all 
 to Him- and conclude this hasty resume of passing events, with some 
 probability, that I may not soon, if ever, continue in this form, any 
 note of future events. 
 
 May God bless, guide, and protect you ! ! 
 
36 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 LEE'S FAREWELL ADDRESS 
 
 Head Qrs. Army No. Va., April 10th, 1865. 
 General Order No. 9. 
 
 After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage 
 and fortitude, the army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to 
 yield to overwhelming numbers and resources. I need not tell the brave 
 survivors of so many hard fought battles, who have remained steadfast 
 to the last, that I consented to this result, not from any distrust of them, 
 but feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that would 
 compensate for the loss that must have attended the continuation of the 
 contest, I determined to avoid the sacrifice of those whose past services 
 have endeared them to their countrymen. By the terms of agreement 
 officers and men can return to their homes and remain until exchanged. 
 
 You will take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from the con- 
 sciousness of duty faithfully performed, and I earnestly pray that a 
 merciful God will extend to you his blessing and protection. 
 
 With an increasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to 
 your country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous 
 consideration for myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell. 
 
 (Signed) R. E. Lee, 
 
 At Appomatox C. H., Va. General. 
 
 19 Copied in the Scrap-Book in Judge Biggs' handwriting. 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 37 
 
 THE KANSAS QUESTION 
 
 From the Tarboro Southerner of April 17, 1858. 
 Letter from Hon. Asa Biggs — We copy below from the Baltimore 
 Republican the letter of the Hon. Asa Biggs of this State, addressed to 
 the Lecompton meeting recently held in that city. This letter will com- 
 mend itself to the reader by its sound practical sense and by the clear 
 and correct view which it presents of the present condition of the Kansas 
 question. The Richmond Enquirer has paid Col. Biggs the high com- 
 pliment of copying the letter [as] embodying in the clearest and best 
 manner its own views on this absorbing question. 
 
 Senate Chamber, Washington, March 3, 1858. 
 
 Gentlemen: — I cannot conveniently attend the mass meeting in Baltimore 
 to which I am kindly invited by yours of 20th ultimo. 
 
 The object of the meeting I cordially approve. President Buchanan, in 
 my opinion, should not only be publicly approved, but he deserves the affec- 
 tion of the people, for his bold and patriotic position, in the face of an unprin- 
 cipled opposition and the defection of some Democrats from whom he had 
 reason to expect better things. I candidly confess that the state of affairs 
 in Kansas for the last three years, has not given me a very exalted opinion 
 of the character of that people for an enlightened self-government: but they 
 partake of the characteristics generally of our border population, who drawn 
 together by a speculating mania and a desire and expectation to make them- 
 selves speedily rich, are not very scrupulous about the forms of law. 
 
 But what have we in the Lecompton constitution under which it is proposed 
 by the President to admit Kansas? It is a constitution emanating from 
 legal authority and in its adoption all the necessary forms of law, to ascer- 
 tain the people's will, have been observed. It is no doubt true that there 
 have been fraud and violence and great irregularities in the action of all 
 parties in Kansas: and suppose, as is charged, there was fraud, at the Dela- 
 ware crossing or other precincts yet it cannot be denied that, deducting this 
 and all other fraudulent votes (as they ought to be with the emphatic con- 
 demnation and denunciation of all honest men) still there is an overwhelming 
 legal majority of the people of Kansas, voting for delegates and approving 
 the Constitution. If however it be admitted that a majority of people in 
 the Territory refused to vote, then to make that an excuse for refusing ad- 
 mission is to encourage faction and rebellion against lawful authority. 
 
 It may be seriously questioned whether we do not make a dangerous pre- 
 cedent in admitting a state with such a small population: but upon the 
 whole it is evident to my mind, that the contest is one between law and order 
 and faction and rebellion: between peace and agitation: between the sup- 
 porters of the Constitution and constitutional rights of all the States and 
 those disposed to stir up civil strife and to test the strength of the Union 
 
 2 "Copied in the Scrap-Book in Judge Biggs' handwriting. 
 
38 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 for political aims and ends. And, in the language of the President, I believe 
 that "the speedy admission of Kansas into the Union would restore peace and 
 quiet to the whole Country. Already the affairs of this Territory have en- 
 grossed an undue proportion of public attention. They have sadly affected 
 the friendly relations of the people of the States with each other, and alarmed 
 the fears of the patriots for the safety of the Union. Kansas once admitted 
 into the Union, the excit[e]ment becomes localized and will soon die away 
 for want of outside aliment." 
 
 It is palpable that in the admission of Kansas the South only obtains the 
 recognition of a principle what can never be surrendered without dishonor. 
 It cannot be admitted that if the leading doctrine of the opposition, "No 
 more slaveholding States shall ever be admitted into the Union," be practically 
 enforced, it will necessarily work a dissolution of the Union, that Union 
 which is the fondest hope of the patriot here, of the friend of free institutions 
 everywhere. That the South will ever consent in the practical administration 
 of this government to admit her inequality because of the institution of 
 slavery in the States, is to suppose her greatly degenerated in moral instincts 
 and courage and totally unworthy of political [?] association. How can any 
 honorable man calculate that she would tamely submit to such a position of 
 inferiority, which would humiliate her in her own estimation and disgrace 
 her in the eyes of the civilized world? Let all be assured that the most 
 conciliatory at the South and those who deprecate a dissolution as one of the 
 greatest calamities that could befall us (of whom I profess to be one) will 
 never yield to this disgraceful alternative. I do not thus write in a spirit 
 of idle alarm. The breach between the extremes is wide. An estrangement 
 of feeling begins to develop itself among the most prudent and moderate, 
 North and South, and it becomes important for them now to understand each 
 other distinctly; calmly to survey the tendency of things, that they may act 
 together promptly and efficiently to avert the catastrophe which threatens 
 us, and which it is idle and criminal to treat with derision. Could we in- 
 terrogate the leaders of the opposition and obtain a candid answer would they 
 not promptly respond: "If the constitution of the United States were now 
 for the first time to be formed, I would never consent to insert certain pro- 
 visions therein contained, touching the question of slavery, and I would 
 insist upon other provisions, which would secure the entire extinction of 
 slavery in the State." If they would not make such an avowal, then their 
 present professions are hypocritical and insincere; and if avowed does it 
 not incontestably establish, that their opposition is not merely to the tolera- 
 tion of slavery in the territories but that they are radically opposed to the 
 Constitution itself. And will Northern men professing to be Democrats give 
 sanction to such sentiments, and encouragement to such a party? And yet 
 with pain do I witness daily this tendency in a few — one at least heretofore 
 looked to and relied upon as a rampart (as we had hoped) prepared and 
 designed to protect the sacred chart of our liberties, and stay the wild tide of 
 fanaticism which threatened the stability of the Union. 21 But if personal 
 disappointment and chagrin or experiments for political promotion seduce 
 many, we may congratulate ourselves that in the President we have one, who 
 with Roman firmness, will not permit the State and Constitution to suffer 
 detriment under his administration. 
 
 "Probably a reference to Stephen A. Douglaa. 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 39 
 
 You do well therefore, gentlemen, as you propose, publicly to hold up the 
 hand of the President: to approve and defend his course, the just and grateful 
 reward of a faithful public servant. 
 
 I have the honor to be very respectfully 
 Your obedient servant 
 
 Asa Biggs 
 Mess. B. H. Richardson, B. C. Presstman, and 
 J. J. Graves, Committee of Invitation. 
 Baltimore 
 
40 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 RESIGNATION FROM THE SENATE 22 
 
 From the Tarboro Southerner of 15 May, 1858. 
 
 Hon. Asa Biggs. We publish below a letter from Mr. Biggs, addressed 
 to the people of North Carolina in which he informs them of his resig- 
 nation of the office of Senator and returns his thanks for honors hereto- 
 fore conferred upon him. The people of the State have never had a 
 more faithful or conscientious public servant than Asa Biggs. He goes 
 now from political service to a more quiet position but one in which his 
 usefulness will still be widely felt and appreciated. The following is 
 his letter. — Standard. 
 
 To the People of 'North Carolina. 
 
 In resigning, as I have, the elevated position of Senator of the United 
 States I cannot sever the relation of representative and Constituent, without 
 expressing my feelings of gratitude for the high confidence reposed in me by 
 you: and whatever position I may hereafter occupy, I shall always remember 
 and acknowledge with great sensibility the kind partiality of those generous 
 friends, who placed me in one of the highest, most dignified and responsible 
 offices in the world. My resignation became a duty to my family, those and 
 those only who have a higher claim upon me than the claim of my countrymen 
 to serve in public office. I feel the less regret, because from the Senate I go 
 with the public service in a different capacity more congenial to my feelings 
 and habits, and one in which I trust I may be able to serve my Country not 
 less useful [ly], though in a more retired and quiet sphere. [It] is also with 
 less reluctance because I am confident that in the Executive of our State, we 
 have the assurance of an appointment of such a successor to me as will faith- 
 fully reflect your wishes and maintain the high character of North Carolina 
 in the Councils of the Confederacy — a character although not pressed upon 
 public attention with arrogance is sustained with inflexible fidelity: and as I 
 have reason to know is properly and highly appreciated by the wise, con- 
 siderate and patriotic. Whatever errors I may have committed as your 
 Representative, I entertain an abiding conviction that no tarnish has attached 
 to the fair fame of our venerated commonwealth: and in this I have a 
 becoming pride. 
 
 Suffer me in conclusion to repeat my profound acknowledgements and 
 gratitude for the distinguished honor you have conferred upon me; and upon 
 my retirement to impress upon all my country men the importance of sus- 
 taining in all our public measures and public men and in all our intercourse 
 as Citizens of this great Union of States, the well earned and cherished repu- 
 tation of North Carolina as the "honest old North State," although we may 
 occasionally, in this degenerate day, for such an ambition, incur the sneers 
 of witlings and spendthrifts. Asa Biggs. 
 
 Washington, May 4, 1858. 
 
 22 Copied in the Scrap-Book in Judge Biggs' handwriting. 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 4.1 
 
 JOURNAL OF A TRIP 
 
 FROM WILLIAMSTON TO NEW YORK AND 
 
 BACK IN 1832 
 
 Williamston, April 18, 1832. 
 
 Left Williamston about 9 o'clock went to Powells to dinner where 
 there was cackling and crowing in the extreme and among the crowd 
 some young men who revel in dissipation and whose heedlessness is a 
 good lesson to those who indulge in vice. Arrived at Nickoles where we 
 staid all night. Here I met with Mr. Simmons Sheriff of Halifax whom 
 I found to be a very pleasant and agreeable man. 
 
 [April 19th]. Left Scotland Neck 19th — four passenger — arrived at 
 Winton about dark — to this place had a fine coach and good horses. 
 
 [April 20th]. Left Winton 20th about four o'clock with eight pas- 
 sengers and after jolting and considerable fatigue got to Norfolk % after 
 three — crossed the river in a steam boat which plies continually. Ports- 
 mouth, we passed so soon that I cannot tell much about it. Norfolk has 
 the appearance of considerable business — many of the streets are very 
 dirty. Should'ent suppose the corporation are very vigilant. We trav- 
 elled in the stage with Genl. Blount of Nashville, N. C. whom I found to 
 be a very pleasant man. We had also two Methodist preachers. They had 
 not much peace and although they assumed a very grave appearance 
 and occasionally groaned yet that had but little effect in checking the 
 glee. We took in on the road a Mr. Craig, from Tallahasse, who is now 
 with me at the Steam Boat Hotel and I think a fine young man. Mr. 
 Shaw, Genl. Blount and the preachers left this evening for Baltimore 
 in the Columbus. She is an elegant Boat. 
 
 [April] 21st. After enjoying a good nights rest, with the exception of 
 being once interrupted by the arrival of the Steam Boat, Mr. Craig and 
 myself went over to Portsmouth and from there to the Navy Yard. Here 
 we spent our time very interesting [ly]. We first visited the ship now 
 building called New York, she is a 74 : all enclosed in an excellent house 
 — great many mechanics industriously engaged in building her — we went 
 to the top deck — she has three decks — she is constructed of live oak tim- 
 ber almost entirely — she is a huge machine, we next visited the Delaware 
 now lying at the wharf repairing — on board her I met with Dr. Baker, 
 who accompanied us during the balance of our visit — here I could dis- 
 cover more about the management and apparatus of a ship. We next 
 directed our steps to the Dry Dock and in going there we passed a great 
 
42 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 many shops and the commanding officer Comr. Warrington residence — 
 which is tastefully arranged. The ship North Carolina is lying out in 
 the stream all covered. The old ships Guirrere [sic] and Macedonia are 
 also lying out in the stream. We arrived at the Dry Dock after passing 
 several stoers [sic] houses and stones yards. Here I cannot attempt 
 a discription of the importance and magnificence of this work. Suffice 
 it to say it is constructed of solid stone in a cavity near, hy throwing 
 out the dirt for at least 25 feet helow the surface of the water, and 
 sufficiently long for a 74 gun ship to lie in. It is made in the form of 
 a ship. The bottom is well secured by spiling and then solid rock for 
 about six feet deep. It is to be construed [constructed] with gates so 
 as to send a ship in by hoisting. There are now a great many hands 
 engaged in building it, and it will take them twelve months longer to 
 complete it. It is a grand work and bleeds Uncle Sam's pocket to excess 
 I should suppose. Adjacent to it they are building a house and well 
 which is to be used by steam engine to draw off the water from the dock, 
 and when necessary to flood it again so as to float the ship. We re- 
 turned and examined the arms. Shot and Balls in abundance may be 
 found there and cannons numerous. Passing to and fro the Sentry 
 may be seen, and occasionally a midshipman or L[i]eutenant as stiff as a 
 poker and as proud as my Aung Peg. Upon the whole my visit there 
 was very interesting and I derived some idea how the money was ex- 
 pended in the Navy Department. We crossed the river in a small 
 Steam-Boat for which you have to pay 6% cts and it is very accommo- 
 dating to the public as well as profitable to the owners. The Capt told 
 me that he generally crossed 100 times in the day, and not less on an 
 average, I suppose, cross than 6 or 8 persons. She crosses in four or 
 five minutes. Portsmouth is a very pretty little place, but the corpora- 
 tion are kindred spirits with those of Norfolk. 
 
 They neglect their streets and you find them dirty and disagreeable. 
 It is not to be wondered at if malignant fevers are common and fatal in 
 Portsmouth, and more especially in Norfolk. 
 
 The Marine Hospital, which you see at a distance from Norfolk is a 
 commanding Spectacle. It appe[a]rs to be a splendid establishment. 
 This morning I went on board the Potomac and Pocahontas. The Poca- 
 hontas is a most splendid Boat. 
 
 [April] 22st [nd]. Left Norfolk this morning 9 oclock in the Fred- 
 ericksburg, run 18 miles in an hour and half; passing got a view of the 
 Rip-Raps and Old Point Comfort. The Pip-Raps is an important work 
 — with the aid of a Spye-glass I could ascertain how it was built. It is 
 a solid bed of stone in 18 ft water, about 5 acres. There are 3 or 4 houses 
 on it, and a wharf projects from it. It is truly a great work, and as is 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 43 
 
 the necessary consequence must have cost an immense quantity of money. 
 But they appeared inconsiderable, when compared with the battery 
 and apparatus on Old Point. Here you see port-holes in every direc- 
 tion, and flags flying. I was informed that 100 guns could be made to 
 bear on the size of a Hhd-head. It is a magnificent spectacle. Any 
 attempt to pass up the river by an enemy would meet with warm work, 
 too warm for comfort. I think it would be utterly impossible for an 
 enemy to pass up between the Battery and the Rip-Raps. 
 
 [April] 23th [nd]. This morning about 7 oclock we passed Mt. Ver- 
 non. Instinctively I became melancholy and the reflection that there lies 
 the great and good man, our Country's Benefactor, struck me with awe. 
 The Situation of my country in '76, the abject slavery to which we were 
 reduced, the fearless and intrepid Spirits that dared" to stand up and de- 
 fend our rights, the melancholy spectacle which we presented during the 
 great struggle for liberty, the grand instrument with all his virtues shin- 
 ing that effected so much ; who by his address could check those disposed 
 to murmur — establish the wavering, and inspire the whole with that love 
 of liberty and equal rights that can effect almost impossibilities, the 
 important advantage we derived from his firmness and wisdom in estab- 
 lishing our republic, all passed in review before my imagination, and 
 could not fail to produce sensations uncommon. A profound reverence 
 for the tomb of Washington, and an earnest desire that the same princi- 
 ples which he taught may continue to be inculcated and which are alone 
 calculated to perpetuate this fair fabric. Mount Vernon is a beautiful 
 situation. It possesses a commanding view of the Potomac. On the 
 opposite point of land, Fort Washington is erected. It would be very 
 difficult for an enemy to pass this place. Arrived at Washington 9 
 oclock took lodgings at Gadsbys. Here I met with Mr. T. Jones and 
 Mr. Parker from Tarboro, visited the Capitol [as] soon [as] I arrived 
 with Jones. The Capitol is so magnificent that I cannot attempt a 
 description and therefore decline it. Suffice it to say, that the Rotunda 
 is ornamented with four paintings by Trumbull, most superb and to 
 the life. About 11 oclock the two Houses met went H. R. first, where 
 I heard but little, petitions first presented, and then they took up the 
 trial of Houston. 23 This was so insiped that we left and went to the 
 Senate. Here we heard a very interesting debate, on the appropriation 
 for Minister to France. Several members were designated to me. The 
 appropriation was lost by a majority of two. Returned to the Repre- 
 
 _ 28 The trial of Sam Houston. Houston had visited Washington in the interest of the Cherokee In- 
 dians. While he was there William Stanberry, a member of Congress from Ohio, charged him with 
 attempting to obtain a fradulent contract for furnishing supplies to the Indians. Houston, in retali- 
 ation, attacked Stanberry and beat him severely. He was tried and reprimanded at the bar of the 
 House, and fined $500, but President Jackson remitted the fine. 
 
44 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 sentative Hall, which adjourned in a few minutes, after having been 
 engaged in the hearing of Houston's case. At night went to the Theatre, 
 where I was considerably diverted. The celebrated Clara Fisher ap- 
 peared. She is a beautiful girl, and performs admirably. 
 
 [April] 24th. Walked up and examined the Presidents Palace and 
 Secretaries offices. These are elegant. They are situated about 1% mile 
 from the Capitol at the other end of Penn' Avenue. Returned to the 
 Capitol and in a short time both houses met. Went to the Senate Cham- 
 ber, where I had Judge Mangum 24 called out, and after delivering my 
 letter he appeared very glad to see me, invited us in the Chamber, where 
 we remained for some time, during which time we heard a discussion on 
 a question for reconsideration of the appropriation vote. Went to the 
 H. Pi. and delivered my letter to Mr. Carson. 25 He is a very clever 
 man and although according to the rules of the House we could not go 
 into the Hall, he prof erred to do anything for us to render us agreeable. 
 The H. P. has been engaged all day in examining testimony on Houston's 
 case. This I consider a complete farce. A useless expenditure of time 
 and money, perhaps will cost the U. S. $100,000, and take up 3 or 4 
 weeks, and all for a petty assault and battery. It seems to me that our 
 representatives are prostituting the powers vested in them. Mr. 
 Branch 26 and Mr. Brown 27 are absent. After the adjournment of the 
 Houses, went up to the top of the Rotunda although not without being 
 much fatigued. Here we had a view of all the City and the surrounding 
 country. It is 180 feet above the foundation of the building and 215 
 feet above the level of Penn Avenue. 
 
 Washington is a pretty place and kept very clean, go what direction 
 you choose, and you have elegant walks. 
 
 [April] 25th. Visited Judge Mangum, who being engaged could not 
 accompany us to the Presidents. Heard him converse about the impor- 
 tant question of the decision [sic] of the Supreme Court. Visited the 
 Senate, where I heard a discussion on the apportionment both by Mr. 
 Webster, Dallas, Clayton, Moore and H[a]yne. 28 Clayton is a very 
 good speaker, pleasant in his manner. The H. R. were engaged in the 
 examination of Houston's case. This frets me, whenever I go into the 
 Hall and therefore stay but a very short time. 
 
 [April] 26th. Mr. Mangum called on us and accompanied us to the 
 President's. We were soon shown into his room and after introduction 
 
 "Willie P. Magnum. 
 
 26 Samuel P. Carson, of Pleasant Garden, N. C, member of Congress, 1825-1833. 
 26 John Branch, formerly Secretary of the Navy; then a member of the House of Representatives. 
 2 'Bedford Brown, senior Senator from North Carolina. 
 
 28 George M. Dallas, of Pennsylvania; John M. Clayton, of Delaware; Gabriel Moore, of Alabama; 
 Robert Y. Hayne, of South Carolina. 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 45 
 
 [he] appeared very familiar, open and frank, conversed without reserve, 
 his countenance displays good-feeling, he is now very busily engaged. We 
 only remained with him a few minutes. Went to the Capitol visited the 
 Library which is a very pleasant apartment, here I was introduced to 
 Mr. Sheppard of W. C. 29 I was also introduced to Maj. Donaldson. 30 
 Visited the H. R. there heard the defence of Houston's Counsel, Mr. 
 Key, 31 until the adjournment of the House. The Senate sat today with 
 closed doors. There were a great many persons in the Representative 
 Hall, and gallery. Mr. Key made a very able argument. 
 
 [April] 27th. Visited the H. R. with an expectation of hearing Mr. 
 Key close his argument, but soon after I went in they voted to take the 
 yeas and nays on a question of small importance and hearing that Mr. 
 Key was prevented from closing his argument by indisposition, I left the 
 Hall and went to the Senate Chamber. When I went in Mr. [Isaac] Hill 
 from N". H. was reading a speech which was dry and insipid. This is the 
 second time he has spoken, or read if you please, and there is no interest 
 about him, he was succeeded by several Senators and last by Mr. Hayne 
 who spoke about an hour and half, and the House adjourned before he 
 concluded his speech. It was on the General Pension Bill. He was 
 opposed to it. Among other of his arguments he said that every proj- 
 ect was afloat now to draw money from the Treasury. He quoted 
 several cases proposed by Senators which he considered entirely foreign 
 from the object of their Legislation and dealt quite harshly with those 
 whose only object it seemed to be, to draw money from the Treasury and 
 devise projects to expend money so as to seem to have an excuse for 
 levying taxes. General Hayne is a handsome speaker and becomes 
 more and more interesting as he proceeds. 
 
 The Senate adjourned until Monday next. I believe I shall remain 
 here until Tuesday to hear him conclude his speech. I had some con- 
 versation to day with Judge Mangum relative to the Vice Presidency. 
 He says, he is entirely uncommitted on the question. That he shall 
 be governed by the course pursued by the friends of Mr. V. B. 32 in 
 Congress in assisting to adjust the Tariff. If that is adjusted satisfac- 
 torily this session, he is willing to go with his friends if the Choice of 
 V. B. be it, but that if it is not settled, and Mr. V. B.'s friends here co- 
 operate with Clay in preventing a settlement, that he shall proclaim to 
 his friends and to the State that he will not support Van Buren, and 
 that it is inconsistent with their interest to do so ; and depend upon public 
 sentiment for support; that he cannot consent to vote for a man, no 
 
 2 'William B. Sheppard, of Elizabeth City, member of Congress. 
 s "Probably Andrew J. Donelson, the President's Private Secretary. 
 3 'Francis Scott Key, author of "The Star Spangled Banner." 
 82 Martin Van Buren. 
 
46 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 matter who lie may be, who, with his friends, will not assist in moderat- 
 ing this onerous system, but who will join sides with our oppressors. I 
 coincide decidedly with Mr. Mangum, as I have always expressed myself 
 on this subject; not that I would prefer V. B. to any man, but that I 
 conceived him the only man on whom the party would concentrate 
 generally, but that I will not — I can not vote for him, if he and his 
 friends adhere to the policy of the American System and coincide with 
 those who are attempting to fix upon us a system that will ultimately 
 ruin us. 
 
 [April] 28th. I visited the parade ground— here were assembled four 
 uniform companies, three of which joined and formed a batallion — the 
 display was quite interesting and the music animating. I marched with 
 them about a mile when they were drawn up before a house and one of the 
 companies was presented with an elegant stand of colors by a young lady. 
 She made some remarks in presenting, which were answered, but as the 
 crowd was so thick I could not hear them. I then visited the House 
 of Representatives. When I went in Mr. Adams 33 was speaking on the 
 appropriation for a minister to France. He was against the conclusion 
 of the Senate and for the appropriation. His remarks were very 
 interesting. On the vote being taken they disagreed with the Senate 
 by a majority of 30 — -shortly after the house adjourned. 
 
 [April] 29th. Sunday. This day I passed heavily — did not even go 
 to church — I walked considerable but upon the whole I spent this day as 
 dull as a Sunday in Williamston which bye the bye is not very lively. 
 
 [April] 30th. Took a general walk through the Capitol into all the 
 apartments — concluded my walk at the Senate Chamber, here I met with 
 Judge Mangum who was wo fully chagrined with the Tariff report from 
 the Treasury Department — he conceives it will be detrimental to the 
 Southern interest — he thinks the prospect for an equitable adjustment 
 more gloomy now than at any time during this session. We are subject to 
 Colonial vassalage, says he, more intolerable than the causes that led 
 to our Revolution and that the South must be unanimous and manifest 
 a determined resistance by protesting most solemnly against the system 
 before we shall be able to rectify the abuses. Judge Mangum is a 
 genuine Southerner — possessed of warm feelings for their interest, and 
 repudiates the principles of our oppressors; he does not hesitate to call 
 things by their right names and dauntlessly contemns those who sacri- 
 fices principles for men or office on the hope of office. I remained in 
 the Senate Chamber for an hour or more when the House went into 
 Executive Session with closed doors and so remained until adjourn- 
 
 3 'John Quincy Adams. 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 47 
 
 ment. I consequently was disappointed in not hearing Mr. Hayne 
 conclude his speech on the Pension Bill. I however spent my time 
 agreeably, for soon after I went to the Hall H. K. Mr. Clayton sub- 
 mitted the long looked for report on the Bank question — before how- 
 ever the report was read Mr. McDuffie 34 rose and in a speech stated his 
 objections to the prominent features of the report which was dictated by 
 the Majority — he was followed by Mr. Clayton, Mr. Conbreling [sic] 35 
 and Mr. Adams and some others and the report was not read before the 
 House adjourned. I presume, though the substance of it was, after an 
 examination of the evidence advising the House not to recharter the 
 Bank. Mr. Clayton is a bold, animated and intrepid speaker. I am 
 disappointed somewhat in Mr. McDuffie — when he rises he appears 
 considerable embarrassed and by no means is an agreeable speaker, I 
 suppose his talent is more in writing than speaking. Great respect 
 though is paid to him especially on this question, silence prevailed, as 
 the discussion has been anxiously looked for for some days past Mr. 
 Conbreling [sic] is quite a pleasant speaker. He s[p]eaks without 
 embarrassment. Mr. Adams is quite a conspicuous member, and speaks 
 on all important questions. His delivery is not very good, his voice 
 weak. On Saturday he split off from the Opposition party and a[r]gued 
 most strenuously for the Appropriation for an out fit of a minister to 
 France. He succeeded in the measure. 
 
 May 1st. This morning left Washington and dined at Baltimore. I 
 was considerably disappointed in the country between Washington and 
 Baltimore — for many miles the country is much broken, land poor and 
 miserable buildings — small huts with thatched roofs — you have taverns 
 in abundance — some look more like a pigstys than the mansion of a 
 human being. I passed the battle ground which has nothing to dis- 
 tinguish it and which I should not have known but for information I 
 derived from one of the passengers. I was though interested by a herd 
 of deer 40 in number among which there were many young ones which 
 I saw grazing in a pasture adjacent to the Road. The country is 
 covered with oak and as you approach Baltimore some pleasant hills 
 may be seen shaded by them. We crossed the Rail Road twice — once 
 about 40 feet above it. I stopped at the Indian Queen Hotel and the 
 street adjacent presents a very bustling aspect. I have travelled over 
 Baltimore somewhat this evening. There is considerable business doing 
 ap[p]arently and in some parts the streets are quite pleasant but the re- 
 verse is the case in other[s], particularly those when there is much busi- 
 ness — they are kept dirty. I have seen some elegant draft horses here 
 and some handsome harness horses. 
 
 ,4 George McDuffie, of South Carolina. 
 
 "Churchill C. Cambreleng, of New York. He was a native of North Carolina. 
 
48 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 May 2nd. Went on board the steam boat Carroll at 6 oclock A. M. ]STo 
 person on board that I know. The scenery on the river not very interest- 
 ing. Baltimore harbor is much smaller than I expected. The scenery on 
 Elk river is quite interesting. I forgot to make some remarks about the 
 girls in Washington and Baltimore. At Washington the streets were 
 crowded with the exquisitely fashionable — they occupied conspicuous 
 places in both Halls. I did not see but few that were pretty — those who 
 attempted to be conspicuous for fashion were generally ugly. They are 
 remarkable anxious to marry I understand and tax their ingenuity to 
 entrap some of the big folks — this disposition I think was manifested 
 by one towards me thinking I expect from my appearance I was a mem- 
 ber of Congress, Governor of a state or Attorney General. She ogled 
 me to excess and to prevent her having the advantage of me I ogled 
 her back again ; she was quite a pretty girl ! but enough of the ladies of 
 Washington. The street on which I stopped in Baltimore was consider- 
 ably thronged through the evening with ladies prominading, [sic] some 
 few might be called pretty, some dressed excessively fine and some of 
 
 them were extravantly ugly. Traveled from to ISTew Castle 
 
 on the Rail Road, 16 miles in an hour and 40 minutes, took the steam 
 boat Robt Morris for Philadelphia. The country is level on the Rail 
 Road generally — quite poor for a few miles [from] town but improve 
 as you approach ISTew Castle. Riding on the Rail Road is very pleasant, 
 there was 17 persons in my car, we met several cars loaded with mer- 
 chandise and it appears that a whole store was packed on them — they 
 
 carry vast loads, the Horse that drawed [sic] our car after 
 
 did not labour apparently in the least with the load. On board the 
 Boat we had first rate eating and it was so much better than other 
 places that I cannot omit noting it. I got the worth of my 50c here 
 if I ever got it in eating a dinner. The banks of the Deleware [sic] pre- 
 sents a delightful scenery interspersed with houses and green valleys and 
 occasionally a little village. I was much more pleased with the aspect 
 of this country than any I had passed. I arrived at Philadelphia about 
 4 oclock. I have walked over the city considerable. It is handsomely 
 arranged and some beautiful streets particularly Chestnut. That street 
 presents quite a gay appearance — fashion may be seen sporting along 
 through it and with it some very pretty girls. I am much pleased with 
 this place. I have stop Hushills and 
 
 May 3rd. Left Philadelphia in the Trenton at 6 oclock, stopped a few 
 minutes [at] Burlington and Bristol. The scenery on the river still 
 continuous beautiful with pleasant situations. Burlington has some very 
 pretty dwellings on the river. Bristol is a considerable place much 
 larger than I expected to see, we arrived at Trenton where we took the 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 49 
 
 stage. The road for many miles was good but as we approached the 
 rocks became worse and for the last part of the 25 miles was quite 
 rough. On the south I passed large quantities of stone many places 
 almost complet[e]ly covered some large some small and all the family of 
 stones. We arrived at New Brunswick % after 1 and took the Boat 
 Swan. JSTew Brunswick is a much larger place than I expected to see. 
 The country between Trenton and New Brunswick is very pretty. 
 Princeton through which I passed is a delightful place. The Baritan 
 is narrow and crooked for several miles from !N\ Brunswick but widens 
 as you proceed — some pretty sites on it. I arrived at !STew York about 
 6 oclock, put up at IT. S. Hotel where I found Mr. Bagley and Wm. 
 Biggs. 
 
 May 4th. I have travelled about considerable thro' the city — went with 
 J. B. Townsend to the City Hotel, Exchange, II. S. Bank, Custom House 
 and to complete the variety, visited Gr. Thorburn seed store, here I was 
 much pleased — attached to the establishment is a fish pond and aviary, 
 the flowers in many directions in full bloom and all presenting an inter- 
 esting and cheering aspect. I have also visited several merchants to 
 whom I have been introduced but the most appalling part of my ex- 
 cursions to day is yet to be told — while walking up Pearl Street my at- 
 tention was directed to a crowd running up to Cliff and thinking there 
 was a fire in that direction I also hastened there but when I arrived it 
 turned out to be a splendid ware house 6 stories high just tumbled to 
 the ground burying in its ruins many persons — number unknown sup- 
 posed to be 10 or 15. It was an awful sight — in a short time the bells 
 commenced ringing and the people collecting and in a few minutes a 
 vast concourse of persons were crowding towards the place. The citi- 
 zens fell to work immediately in pulling down the beams and Cotton 
 Bales to extricate those underneath them — while I remained there two 
 negroes were taken out — one not much, the other very much injured. 
 I understand there are three clerks missing one of whom the firm 
 (Phelps and Peck) had great confidence in and to whom they were very 
 much attached. He was to be married in a few day to Mr. Phelps 
 daughter. how inconstant and uncertain are all things here — by 
 a sudden convulsion the fondest hopes may be blasted and our future 
 lives rendered miserable and irksome. A survey of the vast ruins — the 
 reflection on the situation and feelings of the unfortunate sufferers and 
 above all the premature death of the young man who was to be married, 
 the agonizing feelings of his intended bride could not fail to render me 
 u[n] happy — my feeling and my sympathy are very much aroused, and 
 I go to bed under a strong excitement leaving an immense quantity of 
 
50 Autobiography of Asa Biggs 
 
 people surrounding the place and the firemen busily engaged in remov- 
 ing the rubbish. 
 
 May 5th. This morning I hear that five persons have been taken out, 4 
 alive some severely injured and one dead, three or four are now in sight 
 but cant be got out. I went to see the ruins this morning but vast crowds 
 of people still are in the adjoining streets, they are yet ingaged in 
 removing the rubbish, immense quantities of produce were stored which 
 is scattered in every direction consequently there will be a great loss of 
 property. This day I have travelled about a great deal, visited the ruins 
 once or twice more, it is now enclosed and police guarding it — by a 
 notice in an office I understand there have been 14 persons taken out, 
 10 of whom were dead. While I was standing surveying this scene the 
 alarm of fire was [sounded] which I followed up Broadway but it ended 
 in smoke as I met an engine returning. By the bye, it must be very 
 perplexing and outrageous unpleasant for the firemen to be called a 
 mile or two from home, fatigue themselves almost to death on a false 
 alarm. 
 
 May 6th. This morning with Mr. Bagley, Mr. Shaw and William vis- 
 ited Hoboken which is a very pleasant place, we enjoyed ourselves very 
 well in drinking mead and eating cake and riding on the railroad which 
 is propelled by your own hands. After dinner went to church where I 
 spent my time very agreeable. At night took a long stroll up Broadway 
 returned and went to bed. 
 
 May 7th. Visited the City Hall and got admission in to the Governor's 
 Room which was very interesting in examining the paintings that adorn 
 the room ; visited the Common Council in which I saw the banner that 
 was displayed in the inauguration of Genl Washington and also the large 
 chair in which he sat when it was performed. 
 
 There are several relics of antiquity and in surveying this old arm 
 chair I involuntarily seated myself therein — Why? Because the re- 
 flection was pleasant, that I had been seated in the same chair which 
 our venerable benefactor had graced — upon the whole my visit here 
 was quite interesting. I spent the balance of the day in walking the 
 streets of the city and at night went to the Park Theatre, here I was 
 considera[b]ly amused by the opera of Cinderella. They displayed 
 some splendid scenery and the last a view of Mount Vesuvius was grand. 
 There was a crowded house being the benefit of Miss Hughes a popular 
 actress. 
 
 [May] 8th. This day I have spent in walking about town and riding. 
 I went up to Greenwich — here are some pretty dwellings and not so much 
 crowded but it was with difficulty I could keep my eyes, for it was quite 
 
Autobiography of Asa Biggs 51 
 
 windy and clouds of dust flying in every direction. I staid there but a 
 short time and hurried home with my eyes filled with dirt — had a very 
 agreeable evening with J. and W. [ ?] Townsend. 
 
 [May] 9th. Left New York with Mr. Bagley and William in the steam 
 boat Swan, arrived at Philadelphia % after 6. I was very much pleased 
 with the scenery this day, especially the land carriage from New Bruns- 
 wick to Trenton; part of the time I rode on the outside with the driver, 
 which gave me a good opportunity of surveying the country. Prince- 
 ton, and the adjacent country, is a lovely place, vegetation has put forth 
 considerable since I passed here last Thursday. 
 
 [May] 10th. Left Philadelphia this morning and arrived at Baltimore 
 about 4 oclock in the evening. Mr. Shaw was here passed a very pleasant 
 evening in promenading the streets, here I met again with Mr. Craig — 
 tonight we all visited the theatre and heard the humurous play of Col. 
 Nimrod Wildfire by Hacket. I was very much amused at the many 
 quaint expressions used. 
 
 [May] 11. Left this morning 9 oclock in the steam boat Columbus 
 and arrived at Norfolk about 5 oclock next morning; part of the night 
 the sea was quite heavy, and the boat cracked enough to scare rats. 
 
 [May] 12. At Norfolk we took the stage and arrived at Edenton about 
 9 oclock P. M. On this route we had a lively party — spent the time quite 
 agreeable. We had a dusty road and on one stage a deficiency of horses 
 that retarded us at least an hour. After taking supper at Hoskin's we 
 went on board the steam boat and the night was pleasant — the moon 
 shone very bright. We arrived at Jamestown about 4 oclock in the 
 morning — here Mr. Bagley and William left in a double gig for Wil- 
 liamston, leaving me to bring up the baggage and take passage in a 
 canoe; and here to cap the climax of communications and vehicles I 
 was wofully chagrined, for I found a strong stream to contend with, 
 and it was with difficulty we could stem the torrent ; after several hours 
 of hard struggling we landed at Williamston very much gratified to be 
 able to put my foot on land and stretch my legs; found all my friends 
 well ; and thus ends the narration of my small travel. 
 
 Asa Biggs. 
 
 Finis. 
 
UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT CHAPEL HILL 
 
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