Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-02-28
MR.. Seldom

The Enquirer publishes a correspondence be-
tween twenty seven regulars ofthe Spartan Band
and Mr.. "Ro. B. Shelton, Whg," on one side, and
the Hon. Jas, A Seldom, on the other The letter
to Mr., Seldom is short and we copy the whole of
it:
RICHMOND, FEB. 9TH, 1851.
SIR: We desire you represent this District again
IN the Congress of the United States and wish you to
announce Yourself as candidate because in time
IKE this, 1t ls becoming in every patriot and Southern
man 10 susta you your course 1t is useless for ms
10 say that we entertain doubt OF aituness to
our interests and our honor. We wish, beyond this
10 teach Northern majority that rights are sacred
anu az an instrument 10 accomplish that purpose, we
choose man oil nnarnished private reputation and OF
spotless public character. We ale, most respectfully
and sincerely, your obedient servants
Mr.. Seddon's answer is too long for our space
In purport 1t is rather obscure. He tells his in
qulrers, indeed, in plain words, II cannot accede
to your wishes" but the whole letter leaves the
Impression that he means merely to decline an
nouncing hmsefa candidate, and refers the ques-
ton, who shall be the Democratic champion, to the
Democratic Convention which has been proposed,
Whether he would accept nomination bv that
body is left in doubt. Mr.. s. states that the per-
sonal motives which induced his first card declin-
ing to be candidate, exist in all their original
force.
But 10 mere personal motives The adds have by the
publication OF thai card been supeadded considerations
oil more public nature, which st EN- 10 preclude INV
announcement OF myself as again candidate There
are IN our district not few gentlemen OF character
shlhy and hdelny TO the great interests Of our State
who would grace and dignity seat in Congress I'M
der the supposion OF my voluntary withdrawal homo
faole aspirations may have been excited in the minds
oil such and the paraliies and preferences other re-
spectVe fnends may have become warmly enlisted in
securing their elevation. Under such circumstances il
would be as lndellcate and improper it would be
generous and presumpiuous my part, either On nv
own responsibility or at the instance of lew friends
however lnfluentiaD 10 assume the privilege OF posi-
ton mad renonneed, and 10 Tepress wishes my own
acuon hao encouraged. From such assumption not n
ny am debared by usl consideration for the feelings
oil lnose who have been thought of as candidates and
o. tleT respective friends bot more clearly by
ure iegau and becoming Difference Tor the great mass
oil me parry 10 which belong in the district Since the
puplcalloh oil my ead, measures have been taken by
paw ana are no" IN progress, conformity with
tleh established usage, 10 call District Convention
MI Sedd MS allnsion to ssnot few gentle
men IN our district, in whose bosoms his card
has kindled certain" honorable aspirations is in
very happy keeping with remark of Mr. VIM
w. CrumP's, IN late positive announcement thai
he would not be candidate
Il is encouraging tsaid Mr. 10 those who preer
private station" 10 know that there are always patr,
OILS enough ready 10 sacrhce themselves Tor .he coun
try; and would Infinitely rather remain one OF the
people than 10 figure among the martyrs who I'LL po-
llicsl Offices"
Mr. Sedton recognises the paramount obligation
on the people Of The South 10 support their re-
personalities in Congress "who have amid all dis
couragemen' and perls. unfinchingly stood up
Tor The tights AID honor of their constituents and
>'a'ei oa' IN this he explains that he does NOT
mean 10 declare indispensable that the Identical
no'iouas should again be placed in candidacy"
He saws, finally
rcr ore am eniileiy content 10 ,,n., r. the cham
pi0n WHO may Be selected Oy the approaching coaYen