The daily union., 1856-01-26


distinguished democrat and eminent statesman "#
The following letter. addressed by Col Davis to friend
in Mississippi previous to the election will be read with
interest 1t is characterized by that straightforward fear
less and outspoken candor which known be striking
features in his character OF the great ability of Colonel
Davis administration of the War Department there is but
sentiment whether in the army Of it. The let
ter alluded to is as follows: .N
WAsnSeToN, Dec. 10, 1855
Ny DEAR SIR: When received your very kind and in
erestng letter of the 18th of November had hoped il
might be possible for to have returned home in this
MONTH but in the uncertainty of the case delayed
ing your letter until the present time The circumstances
which surround me sufficiently establish the fact that
cannot do so without disregarding obligations among
which ia prominent my duty to those to whom am
nearly bound both by feeling and interest To the
my humble abilities have strven to serve whole
try and fI have forgotten anything it has not been my
allegiance TO Mississippi and my duty to the South Where
my personal Interest in conflict with either
trust shall always be ready sacrifice it. thank you
for your plain advice for such friendship you have al
evnced for did not permit expect that you
would speak to me IN studied phrase The disadvantage
Of being absent when the legislature shall proceed con-
slider rival aspran for the United States Senate is clearly
perceived by me- and the injury be inflicted by my de-
feat for that Office is fully appreciated shall be happy
however If the injury Is confined to myself but
hLt the representatives of IDEAS it has doubt occurred
that the effect Of such defeat will have relations far wider
than its bearing upon myself or those senators whosn
steady adherence 10 southern rights all have been endors
ed by the people they represented two-Turney in
whose State the wings have been since in the ascend
ency and myself Yulee shut out for time: bnt
Florida has lately done Justice to him. and ho is again in
the Senate.
Others with better fortune have remained continually
in place and been reelected have had the satisfaction
to believe that the people of Mississippi have been msrep
resented In so far Al it has been stated that they had
pudiated my course; and for their sake more than my
own, hope die thus believing. have seen something
OF the manGuvrng to which you refer in the attempts TO
my friends with the shadow of naming In con-
nexon with the presidential ticket and in the decara
that the democratic party north is entitled 10 the next
senator. Il am too mindful Of my obligations TO my
friends in the northern part Of the State permit my
10 be obstacle to the accomplishment of any wish
they may have in this matter but there is broad dis
tnction between few anxious candidates and the mighty
people among whsm they live and would certainly
feel that had labored TO but little purpose II had
now TO declare that my love for Mississippi was not
graduated by the proximity of Its parts TO my own
dwelling place | have means Of knowing what
will be the probable result aud | could not attempt
to affect 1t by personal solicitation. Ny position is
easily stated, and Is that which have heretofore held
If the Legislature should elect me to the Senate will
accept the honor with pride and zeaousy endeavor TO
discharge the duties Of the Office If they should prefer
another for their SENATOR shall retire private life Ia
that position labor for the honor and interest Of our
State Now, heretofore prefer the office Of senator to
any other and recent experience has confirmed in tue
feeling expressed TO you years ago II total Snwngnes
10 accept any office which Mississippi did not confer II
would certainly be desirable 70 that should not be
baoted for II there any rule founded upon place Of resi-
dence any other paramount consideration TO prevent
my election; but that Is matter which leave 10 nv
friends, not only because sm without the information
which would enable decide the question but also
because cannot ask any member for his vote or re-
fuse 70 elected so cannot ask any to consider
me out Of the list OF candidates.
You have lately canvassed the State and have had op
portunes 10 know the state Of public feeling on this sob
ct ou will be present at the session Of the Legislature
and yonr general acquaintance with the members will en-
able you TO tell them whatever they desire know Of m,
feelings and opinions you have long been possessed OF
BOTH IL Ia part OF mans weakness and vanity to suppose
that others preserve remembrance OF what belongs TO
himself; and thus itappeared to surprising that mem
bes Of The legislature should have believed u 54 that
would not accept the Office Of senator II elected little
more knowledge Of the world might have taught how
in the busy wh Of fpolitics might less than year
forget the last occasion which had surrendered my
personal wishes interest and ambition 10 serve in
post where my political friends OF the South insisted they
bad special need for and how OF period little more
remote, had resigned the Office which Of all others pre-
erred to be candidate for Office wholly undesirable
TO me- that might thus my pary--may | not say
my State when the clouds and darkness OF disastrous
defeat hung over IT,
But IL these and other things which might have assured
them as TO what course mine might be- forgotten
am sure they bad not eatned that the election Of another
would be heralded as my defeat aud offered further
confirmation Of hssssrpis condemnation Of the political
course pursued by me when her representative
Very respectfully, your obedient servant
JEFF. DAVIS
Col G. $, TABrIEY.