Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1855-02-07
Very truly your obd't servant
CHAS. JAS. FAULKNER.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,, I
WASHINGTON, January Both, 1855. J

BARTON CAMPBELL, ESD
Nh Dear Sir Your favor of the 9th inst.
has just been received. In it you say THAT
report is in circulation in Martinsburg, to the
effect that failed altogether to attend the Con-
vention of the Sth of January" although re-
quested by the old soldiers to do so, and that
another report is also current, to the effect 'that
took very active part in its proceedings,
You kindly inform me of these conflicting ru-
mors, that may notice them if | think them,
worthy of my attention. 1t is not often that |
notice reports of the character you refer to- but
as you were the officer charged with the duty Of
communicating to me the wish of the soldiers
of Berkeley, that | should represent them. in
that Convention, should regard myself as CEN
sIrabe, if I did not promptly respond to your
letter. Both Of the rumors TO which you refer,
are incorrect; attended the Convention, and
marched in its procession, but did not take an
active part in the discussions of the body.
was selected by the officers and soldiers of
the War of 1872, still surviving and residing in
the Counties of Berkeley, Morgan, Page and
part of Loudoun, to represent them in the Con-
Berkeley Circuit Court as you are aware was
fixed for the 9th Of January, and it was thus a
matter Of some importance to me to leave this
city on the Sth, such was my respect for the
request of those who had chosen me as their del
egate, and so highly did prize the honor Of
being the representative Of such a constituency,
upon such an occasion, that determined to re-
main in the city during the the session, and ac-
cordingly did not leave until the afternoon of
the 9th. My name win appear amongstits pro-
ceedings, as the representative Of the several
Counties to which referred, and if at any time
absent, it was only while was rendering some
attention to the old soldiers from my District
did not take an active part inits discussions,
and for a reason which am sure will be satisfac-
tory. The object Of the Convention was to
stimulate Congress to the performance of an act
of national justice and gratitude. was myself
member of one Of the bodies, upon which the
the Convention was to operate. Several men,
bers Of the House, to my certain knowledge.
who were appointed delegates, declined toattend
The Convention, looking upon their positions as
members Of the National Legislature, rs some
what involving the propriety of their taking
seats as delegates TO the Convention. If this
view had any force at ALL it applied with equal
and somewhat peculiar emphasis to me.
l was not only Member of the House, but
Chairman Of the Committee on Military Affairs
70 vAch Che whole subject hal been confded
by the House. fol its doliberation and action
To certain extent, | took a view Of my rela-
tons to the subject, different from my brother
members.
felt fully jus;iixd in entering my name upon
the roll Of the Convention, as the representative
of the several constituencies who required me to
appear there on their behalf.
mingled freely with them, that might learn
their views, hear their arguments, and profit by
their suggestions, and thus be better prepared
to discharge tl@ important trust which had
been dcvolyed upon me as the Chairman Of the
Committee to which the House had conhded tn,
subject, Yet Notwithstanding all this, did moi
feel at liberty to take an active part in the Con.
yentlon' and make any public declaration in that
body IN advance Of the action of the Committe,
ON the subject.
had hoped, that a bill meeting somewhat
the views of the Old Soldiers, would have becr
before this reported to the House but cireun.
cumstances Of an unavoidable character hav,
prevented until now liberalization of that homo
have now the qualification of informing W.,
} That authorized 20 report to the House from
the Military Committee such a bill; which
Il will report as soon as can get the leave Of I'm
House, and which, am in hopes will be accor
ded to me at an carly day.
Having satisfied you as to the rumors 10 whicl
e you called my attention, as well as informe
You OF the Important action of the AIiHtar,
: Committee--an action which have no doui,
4 will be pleasing to the Old soldiers, endorsn
as 1t does, their claim 10 high position in M
gratitude of Congress, must close this some
d what hasty communication, by subscribin
myself
Very truly yours,
I4JAS Jas PAITT KNrl,p