Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-05-30
CRAwroRDvlLLE, Ga, 9th May, 1856.

CRAwroRDvlLLE, Ga, 9th May, 1856.
Dear Sir Your letter Of the 9th inst, was
received some days ago, aud should have been
answered earlier, but for may absence from
home. The rumor you mention, in relation to
my candidacy for reelection to Congress, is
true. have stated, and repeated on various
occasions, that was not, and did not expect to
he, a candidate-the same now say to you.
The reason of this declaration on my part was
the fact, that large numbers of our old political
friends seemed TO be entering into new combl-
nations with ncv objects, purposes and principles
of which was not informed, and never could
be, according to the rules of their action aud
the opinions | entertain Hence my conclusion
that they had no further use for me as their
Representative for | presumed they knew
enough of me to be assured if they had any
secret aims or objects TO accomplish that they
never could get my consent, even If they desr-
ed it. TO become dumb instrument to execute
such purpose. | certainly never did, and
never shall, 60 before the people as II candidate
for their suffrages with my principles in my
pocket. It has been the pride OF my life, here
tofore, not only to make known fully and freely
my sentiments upon all questions OF public
policy, but in vindicaton of those sentiments
thus avowed, 10 meet any antagonists arrayed
against them in open and manly strife" face
to face and foe to foe" From this rule of
action, by which have up TO this time been
governed, shall never depart. But you ask
me what are my opinions and views of this new
party called Know Nothngs, with request that
you be permitted to publish them. My opinions
and views thus solicited, shall be given most
cheerfuly and us fully and clearly as my time,
under the pressure of business, will allow
You can do with them as you please-publish
them or not rs yoa like. They are the views
of a private citizen. ! am at present, TO all IN
tents and purposes whatsoever, literally one o.
The people. lhold no office nor seek any, and
as one of the people shall speak to you and
them on this, and on all occasions, with that
frankness and independence which it becomes
freeman to bear towards his fellows And in
giving my views of know Nothngsm,"
ought, perhaps, to premise by saying, and say
ing most truly, that really "know nothing"
about the principles, aims or objects of the par
l.ty am about to speak of-they are all kept
secret-they are held in the dark-being com.
municated and made known only TO the initiated
and not to these until after having been duly
pledged and sworn. This, to me, is very
great objection to the whole organization All
political principles, which are sought TO be car
ried out in Legislation by any body or set of
men in republic, in my opinion, ought to be
openly avowed and publicly proclaimed. Truth
never shuns the light or shrnks from invesliga-
tion-or at least it ought nercr TO do IT, Hiding
places, or secret coverts, are natural resorts Tor
error. 1t is, therefore, circumstance quite
sufficient to excite suspicion against the truth TO
see it pursuing such i course. And in republics
where free discussion and full Investigation by
virtuous and intelligent people is followed,
there never can be any just grounds to fear any
danger even from the greatest errors either in
religion or politics. All questions therefore,
relating TO the government of free people,