Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-11-08
SrAUNroN, October 26, lS4S.
]. Hdrdesty, Esq,
.. -PyesI Il. g. R. c. ROCKINGHAM Co.:

=. .,PscsI II. g. r. c. Rockingham Co.:
Dear Sir II received by the Stage, to day, the
beautiful Silver Pitcher, which the Wings of Rock
ingham, have been kind enough, through you, to
bestow upon me, as testimonial of their approba-
ton of my humble services in the great political
contest, which is now about 10 close, believe,
auspciously for the best interests of the country
l accept this offering of my political brethren of
the County of Rockingham, with sentiments of
gratitude which have no language adequately to
express. am conscious that efforts of mine
have merited such distinguished wledgment;
and this fact, whilst it enhances my obligation to
them, adds to the qualification which | experience
IN receiving their present, showing it Does that
1t was prompted by those feelings of personal kind
ness which address themselves directly to the heart
Gratifying as it would have been to receive such
token of regard from any respectable body of the
Wings of Virginia, l must be permitted to say,
that it is source of peculiar pride and pleasure TO
me, to receive it from the Wigs Of Rockingham.
For many long years they have been doing battle
nobly, in what they believe to be the cause of the
Constitution and the country. Destined to defeat
after defeat they have never for moment faltered
in the discharge of their duty. Tempted by every
consideration of ambition and interest to abandon
their standard, they have chosen to rally the more
firmly and closely around it. II must be conceded
by all that the Wings of Rockingham are emphat-
lcally Wings from principle. Their party ave no
rewards to bestow on the venal or the time serving
They had nothing to expect from a strict adherence
10 their faith, except the satisfaction which
must always derive from the consciousness Of hav-
ing done their duty. They have gone into every
battle undismayed by disparity of numbers, and
they have come forth from every trial like gold
thice refined
These considerations have often caused my heart
to thrill with pleasure, when stood up before the
assembled people of Rockingham, as the exponent
Of the doctrines of the Wing party. knew that
although SIX out Of seven OF my audience were OPP
posed to me, ] was surrounded by handful of
choice spirits, who like the early Christians, were
ready to endure martydom in the cause of the true
faith. Often have found my dropping spirits re-
vlved by this thought, and my feeble arm nerved
10 strike another blow at the false Gods around
whose shrines our opponents were bowling in hum
Die alteration
And here allow me to express the kind and re-
spectful sentiments which l sincerely entertain for
my fellow citizens of Rockingham, of the opposite
party. We have differed in political opinion, bu.
have never, for a moment, doubted their patriotism
And it is with pleasure that avail myself Of this
opportunity to say, that in the many political dis
cuss!ons have had in their presence, and amidst
all the phrenzy of excitement which has occasion
ally prevailed, they have always treated me with
degree of kindness and courtesy. and forbearance
which have left deep and abiding impression on
my heart.
In conclusion, beg you to tender my most CRATE
ful Acknowledgements to the Wings Of Rockingham
and to say TO them that their. ''tribute" will be
cherished by me among my most valuable earthly
treasures and will be transmitted to my children.
a. an Incentive to honorable exertion on their part
and to the faithful discharge of their duty to their
country, under all circumstances, however adverse
You will please accept for yourself, my dear sir,
my thanks for the kind expressions contained in
your letter, and the assurance of my high respect
and esteem Your friend and ob't. serv't,
ALEX. III. III. STUART.