Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-03-18
no the voters of Augusta.

FELLOW CITIZENS To answer an inquiry that
is now daily addressed to me, deem it proper
to announce publicly, that am not a candidate
for re election to the House of Delegates. My
reasons for thus declining little Importance
to the public, yet in taking this formal leave OF
a constituency who, from my earliest struggles,
have never failed to give me cordial and gen.
erous support when ever asked it, l>may be
pardoned for briefly stating them.
In the first place,l cannot well afford q longer
service in position that necessarily withdraws
me several months from my practice | began
life very poor man, or rather boy, with the
comfort derived from the homely adage, "r00t
MIA or de-" | have thus far fulfilled the injunc-
ton. and escaped the alternative. L have also
been obedient to another Injunction of higher
authority, and am no longer alone, but find my
self surrounded with numerous responsibilities
whose claims upon me, are paramount to any
that my country will be likely to assert this
Spring. Four years ago,l declined a candidacy,
after service of three long and arduous ses-
sons, embracing the period Of the re-organiza.
ton of the government under the New Consti
tuition. 1t was then my expectation to Withdraw
permanently from the respectable but unremun-
alive business of politician, and work solely for
that appreciative and appreciated class OF my
fellow citizens, whom delight to speak of as
"Cients," irrespective Of their party predilec-
TONS But in 1866, that sturdy young Ameri-
can "Sdm," honored me with nomination con-
trary to my wishes on the ground, as he told
me, that it was thought could, together with
my colleagues on the ticket, aid somewhat in
the election Of Mr. Flournoy. Approaching the
honor and most earnestly desiring to be near
Mr.. Flournoy during the first few months after
his Inauguration as Governor, and standing an
equal chance with 1872 others of being made
Speaker of the House, [ accepted the nomination
and went into that memorable contest with all
the zeal and energy | could command. We
worked like beavers here in old Augusta, and
covered ourselves all over with glory,and smoth
cred our worthy friends, Skinner, Crawford and
Koiner under majority of eleven hundred, SO
nearly to death, that they will perhaps not be
heard of again, politically. till John Letcher dies
or is elected to better Office. But the poet has
told us that,
"The best laid schemes o mice and men,
Gang aft agley
and so it was with Sam" in the State. He was
incontnently licked and your representatives
had to 90 to Richmond and spend three months
in the shadow of the ''orator of Onancock." /
didn't find that atmosphere politically salubrious
home, till it is changed or otherwise improved.
In the second place, | have reasons to believe
that in the discharge of my representative du-
ties, have had the good fortune to satisfy all
nv constituents have tried to serve them
faithfully and honestly; and if | have committed
any blunders, they have been magnanmously
overlooked. | therefore consider this good
time to withdraw, so that if | should ever want
to 90 back again, when times get better,o when
YOU might think could advance your interests,
I will have no ugly record to clean up.
There is but one issue this Spring, and that's,
how shall we lessen our taxes, and finish our
railroads There is q policy by which both |
ends may be accomplished. And that is for
Virginia to demand her share Of the Public
Lands from the general Government before they
are all sqandered in grants to the new States.
You can select as your representatives much
ADLER men than am, to assist in ENGRAVING this
policy on the State. If the Legislature of Vir-
ginia will assert our rights, Congress will not
deny them. fit does, you, the 7Ocopte,wil have
to Jerk the shirt collars of q few honorable gen.
tlemen who can pocket So 900 year for them
selves, but turn pale at the thought of your get
ting dime, and that, too, of money that's just
ly your own
Although have just announced my purpose
to quit politics and stick to the law, yet feel
such an interest in this land question, that if |
could be satisfied that majority Of the people
of Rockingham and Shenandoah viewed the SUBJ
Jet in its proper light, and would vote for me
rs the exponent OF their views, could be indu-
,ed, for $4,000 year and mileage and the pro-
;pectve benefits to accrue to my State to come
put of the shades of retirement" and beat John
Letcher. But as have not heard from that
portion of the State since the 4th OF Nov, |
think it likely they would prefer Mr.. Letcher,
and do not wish to be regarded as an intruder.
am, therefore, positively not a candidate for
The House of Delegates, and probably not for
Congress.
To those friends who so flatteringy presented
ny name for reelection, through the columns of
lie Spectator two weeks ago,over the signature
Of Augusta" l return my sincere thanks for
he compliment; and to you, my fellow-citizens
If the county, can only once more give an as
of the lasting gratitude your generous
confidence has implanted in my heart, and again
acknowledge myself your debtor to an extent
hat fear I shall never be able to discharge.
Respectfully,