"Secret Circular," July 13, 1864

Secret Circular

          A friend has just handed us a “N. C. Standard –Extra” dated Sunday, July 10^th. The circular commences “Fellow citizens,” and the whole sum and substance is, that Holden’s friends should vote with a folded ticket – that is, a ticket “rolled up,” so that no one can see whom they are voting for. – As this advice will no doubt be taken by those who intend voting for the secession candidate, the friends of Gov. Vance can know how to spot a Holdenite when he goes to the polls, as he will approach the ballot box with a “rolled up” ticket. No man is worthy of the name of a freeman, who is afraid for his neighbors and the public to know how he votes. – The true, manly, independent way to vote is with an open, erect countenance, and with an open ticket, so that any one, who may wish to know how you vate, may see and judge for himself. As poor an opinion as we have of any one who would vote for Holden, we can but respect him if he goes to the polls like a free man, and votes an open ticket.

          This secret circular of Holden is no doubt intended for the army, whither emissaries have no doubt been sent to give it circulation. Let the friends of Gov. Vance be on the lookout.