Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-06-30
BY Yesterday Evening" Mails.


LEXINGTON, Va, June %, 1858 To the
Editor Of the Soath.--rhe Redmond Wing
OF the 2lst inst, contains au article on the
Gubernatorial election, in which reference is
made to DR.. Rufner's Address on the subject
of Slavery, and the connection of myself, and
others, with its publication. | have no com
plant to make of the editor for his reference,
as my acts and opinions are proper subjects
OF criticism, nor do seek to evade any just
responsibility for either.
At the time of the publication of that Ad-
dress, state frankly, that did regard sls-
very as social aud political evil. did not
regard it then, or since, as moral evil, for
was at that time, have been ever since, and
am now, the owner Of slave property, by pur-
chase, and not by inheritance. | think |
hazard nothing in saying that, at that day,
such an opinion was held by large number
of the citizens Of Virginia, on both sides Of
the Blue Ridge. Since that time much more
attention has been given to the question; it
has been much more thoroughly examined 10
all its bearings, and is much better under.
stood, not only in Virginia, but throughout
the entire South. All must admit, that with
in the past ten years, the question has been
discussed with az ability never before ex.
pended upon it, and 40 impression thus made
upon the public mind that has resulted in an
almost entire revolution Of public sentiment.
Previous to lS41, | had given very little con-
sideration to it; subsequently,, however, did
examine it, and became entirely satisfied, not
only that my opinion, as to the social and
-. n,,o e
roDeous, but | acknowledged my error.
When | became candidate for 4 seat in
the Reform Convention, the subject having
been alluded to 10 the progress Of the can
vass, i avowed in my speech, to the people
of Augusta, that had changed my opinion,
aud stated that if my fidelity to the institu-
ton was distrusted by any man, it was his
duty to oppose my election to the position l
sought at the hands of the people. was
elected, and my course in the Convention,
and for the past seven sessions in Congress,
on all matters connected with slavery, will
attest the sincerity Of my convictions. The
Journals of both bodies are accessible, and
to them l refer for my votes.
The Wing, Of ed inst, contains much
longer article on the same subject, which EN-.
bodies the letter addressed to DR.. Rutfner,
and sundry extracts from the address. The
speech delivered in the franklin Society was
a calm argument on the social and political
influence of slavery upon agricultural and
mechanical development of Western Nir-
ginis The published address contained
many things so exceptionaOie that those
with one exception, | believe who called
upon him to publish the speech, refused to
contribute to the publication Of the pamphlet.
These facts are we'll known here.
In conclusion, l have only to add, that
those who distrust my fidelity to my native
State and her institutions, are bound by eve
~ consideration of duty to themselves end
the community in which We live, to oppose
my elevation to any politica position may
aspire to. j. LElCliEh.
THE WEATnER-rhe Richmond Wing
says This is too hot theme to discourse
upon. 10 the classic language of Thermom,
trious, we can only exclaim: "IIetaG scor.
chcra hotti$sintuS perSpnaaclo, mettemuS, .tierG
burnus, etc."
The Albemarle Insurance Company has
declared dividend Of six per cent. on the
profits Of the past six months, and also car
red six and half per cent. to its sinking
fund.
Myriads Of grasshoppers have made their
appearance in the wheat and grass fields i
or miles west of Abingdon, Va, AID arc
doing much injury.
The hog cholera, with fatal effect, has bro
ken out in Gates and Camden counties. y G.
COM ERCIAL.