Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1857-04-25
TO THE PEOPLE OF THE EIGHTH CONGRESS
SIGNAL DISTRICT

SIGNAL DlSIhlCI.
FrIIow-CrrrzESs: I am again before you as a
candidate for Congress. Having but atew days ago
withdrawn from that position, in the hope Of con-
tlibuting to the harmonious nomination Of a can
didate by the American party, beg to offer word
in explanation Of my present position. Learning,
on my return from Washington, that the names of
two ofmvmost esteemedand talented political friends
would be presented, with mine, before the nomina-
ting Convention, which had already been called at
GAINESVILLE, resolved cheerfully to abide the de-
cison Of that body, and warmly to support its
nominee whoever he might be. When the delegates
assembled on the 18th inst, unfortunately 1t was
discovered that an honest but radical difference Of
opinion existed to the proper basis ofrepre sena
ton in the Convention Apprehenslye that an
attempt 10 press decision Of the questions which
had arisen might seriously leopard the harmony and
unity Of the American party we, whose names had
been Canvassed, mutually agreed to avert the posi-
bility of such a result by at Withdrawing our
names from before the nominating Convention.
We trusted that some other name, commanding the
hearty anC united support Of all our political friends
would by general concurrence, be presented to the
hubble under such favorable circumstances to
ensure undoubted success, Accordingly, after our
names had been formally withdrawn, we had the
pleasure to witness the bestOwal of the nomination,
as with one voice. and accompanied with the most
heart-strring enthusiasm, upon that distinguished
citizen of Montgomery county, Maj Gustavus A.
Henry Of whose honor a man, brilliancy as an
orator and patriotism and sagaeity as a statesman,
Tennessee has had so much reason to be justly
proud l am sure that this nomination would have
commanded the united and enthusiastic support Of
our political friends and Of heartily than
myself and the worthy and talented gentlemen with
whom had stood in honorable rivalry before the
Convention.
But. unfortunately, Maj. Henry, for satisfactory
reasons which he has assigned to the public, has
declined the nomination; and the American party
has again been left without a candidate for Con-
gress.
In asking for reelection Ihave not been unmind-
full of the honor which has been done me Of repre-
! senting a district embracing many gentlemen who
possess as much claim, to say the least, do to
the SURFACES Of the people. Proper respect or the
lust sentiment of rotation in Office has caused me to
! hesitate to place my name again before my friends
But have often been reminded Of that other Just
sentiment, that Offices created for the public
good and not for individual advantage, and l have
felt earnestly that there measures Of legislation
both OF general character, and Of great local inter
est TO this district which the experience already
qured will enable LIE, more readily than new mem
ber to secure the passage Of at the next Congress
have at all times in respect TO nominations for Of
fee deferred implicitly to the Will Of majority Of
my political friends In this instance a second ap-
peal to a Convention would inevitably be attended
with the same difficulties, in undermining the proper
basis Of representation, that prevented on the 18th
inst selection between the then rival candidates
/ IL Il
! throughout the country, when a representative in
! Congress has not forfeited the confidence or good
| opinion af his constituents, for his party TO give
him. if he desires it, the field for at least one re-
! election without contest with his own political
friends before a nominating Convention. That com
pliment never having been accorded to me, do not
! complaint have no right to cOmplain-bUt l con-
TESS it would be gratifying to realize that district
! and party which have served with so much fdel-
itv had determined not to withhold compliment so
! generally accorded elsewhere. 1t is not for to
! dwell upon memories of long and ardent services
with and for those who now compose the great body
of the American party in this district upon the
part took two years ago in unfurling the American
standard in the South and since, in defending it at
the National Capitol. know that but a small share
Of credit is due to my efforts, in carrying this dis
trict at the last election by the largest American
jory given by any district in the State, when, at
the time the districts laid off, it had smaller
Wing majority than any Wing district in the State.
Each of many powerful men contributed largely to
give me the honor of that majority; to whom / rem
der heart felt acknowledgements, and hope to make
| more substantial return / now take position as
candidate for Congress, and under the difficulties
! which beset a Convention nomination. l do not see
that can pursue any more proper course than frank
" to announce it, trusting that my political friends
! will, for this term yield me the track the sole
! American candidate.
Very Respectfully,
+. h ZOLLICOFFER.