Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-10-16
KANAwHA C. H., Oct. Sd, 1851.


GENTLEMEN: received Yesterday your
letter Of the Goth ult., informing me that
the Convention held last week at Char
louisville, by its unanimous vote, had nomi-
mated me as a candidate for the office of
Governor of Virginia, under the new Con
stituiion of the State
1t is perfectly well known, that l have
neither sought for, nor desired this nomi-
nation; on the contrary, nothing would
have been more gratifying to me, had it
been the pleasure of the Convention to
present some other citizen for this high
station. My name has been fixed upon, in
opposition bo.h to my cntrcaties and my
protestations; and did feel myself at lio-
crty to follow my own inclinations, and
my decided views of personal interest,
and domestic comfort. should, without
hesitation. decline the position, which the
Convention has, under circumstances so
Aattering, been pleased to assign me.
Recognizing, however, as one of the can
ons of rcpublicanism, the doctrine that in
dividual interest and personal preference,
should give way to the general wish, and
that the sovereign has right to command
the citizen, yield obedience to the call
which has been made upon me. Should
it be the will of the pcople-the only SOW
ereigns who bear rule in our happy coun-
try-to confer upon me the Office referred
to, will endcavor TO discharge It's filnc-
tons and its duties, 10 the best of what.
ever abilities | may possess, and in such
manner as shall in my judgment most tend
to promote the interest and prosperity of
the whole State. and the welfare and hap
piness of all her citizens.
In expressing the dissemination Of my
own mind, to become a candidate for this
office, ! beg you to be assured that am
not insensble TO its importance, or unmind-
full of the distinguished honor implied, in
being thought qualified to occupy it To
be elected the Chief Magistrate Of Vir-
GINA, by the free choice of her people, is
distinction worthy the aspirations of the
most gifted and exalted citizen within her
borders, and far beyond any claim or de-
serving of mine.
Ny anxious desire that our beloved and
vcnerated Commonwealth, in her ilustra-
tons Of popular supremacy, underline new
Constitution, shall call into her service, and
employ every departmcntofthc State gov
eminent, the very best material which she
possesses; the consciousness of my own
want of qualification for, and adaptation
to this most elevated and responsible sta
ton; the great difficulty and inconvenience
of SO sudden termination of professional
engagements as would be brought about
in the event Of my election; and the una
voidable charge and arrangement of my
private and domestic affairs, all conspire to
induce the reluctance, which have init
mated.
In yielding my own wishes 10 the desire
of others, it must, however, be distinctly
understood, that ] cannot consent 10 be-
come candidate formere party purposes,
if there he any such TO be accomplished bv
my election; and that, if elected Governor
of the State, | will not accept, or exercise
the office as political partizan.
In reference to general politics, | have
decided opinions not now TO be made MP
for the first time, and to suit.the occasion.
But 1t strikes me, that the Chief Magis-
trate Of Virginia, now to be elected, will
find other work 10 do, more important and
profitable TO the State, than inditing es-
says on Tariffs and Currency. or aiding
III the contests Of parties for federal Offices.
We have great commonwealth of our
own, worthy Of our best affection and our
highest skill. We have now arrived at a
new and interesting epoch in her history.
A degree Of popular energy, hitherto I'M
known in her councils. is about TO be i'm
parted to the State government. Let the
occasion be seized 10 lay deep and broad
the foundation Of her own power and pros
perity, by wisesystem of State legislation,
having for its Object the retention of our
people at home; tie gradual and economi-
cal development Of our internal re-
sources; the improvement; Of the popular
mind; and the establishment of the public
credit. These, inmy estimation, cons,i
tute the surcst basis, upon which TO secure
the happiness and welfare Of the State; and
to the attainment ofsuch ends, all our ef
forts should be directed.
In relation to the great questions which
now occupy, to some extent, the public
mind, and which are calculated to affect
the tranquility and integrity Of our federal
union, ] need only, say, that my own SEN