Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-09-08
m. cLRMENs' LETTER.
WnEERLING. va, Aug. ID, IL

Gentlemen-I am authorised, by Judge Brock
enbrough to say, that while he cannot under
rate the apparent kindness which has been
manifested towards him, in the presentation of
his name as candidate for Governor, yet hold
ing, as he does, judicial position, entirely con-
genial to his tastes and inclinations, he begs,
respectfully, to decline, in any way, the use OF
his name in the coming canvass.
AS one of his friends, familiar with his Popu-
larity, have had the curiosity to ascertain what
his position would be; and will thank you to
publish this note, in crtCnsO, in the columns of
your paper.
am alone privy to, and responsible for, the
terms of this note.
have the honor to be, very respectfully,
Yours, SmgRRARD CMEMENs.
We had presentiment of a scrape as soon
as we read that. We could not see what pro-
priety there vas in Mr.. Clemens coming before
the public as either the friend or the foe of
Judge Brockenbrough. If the Judge had any,
thing to say, Why could he not say it himself
was the query in our mind. There was moth
ing in the matter that he might not with
perfect propriety, have written. We confess
that the thing wore "hasty- plate-of-soup"
complexion to US, that was suggestive of some
thing more than was visible before the scenes.
We thought, however, that we would wait and see,
before commenting upon the matter. Well, we
waited, and sure enough on opening out the
Richmond Enquirer, by yesterdays mails, the
first thing we set eyes on was letter from the
Judge, rcpudiating Mr.. Clemens translation of
what passed between them in a conversation up
on the question of the Judges perchanco
nomination for Governor. This letter of Judge
Brockenbrough's is us follows:
CLAKKsBuRe, Sept. 2, 1858.
To the Editors Of the Enquirer:
Conference.-The card Of the Hon. Sherrard
Clemens, in your issue of Tuesday last, requires
a prompt notice at my hands. Mr.. Clemens
does not say in his card, that he was authorized
by me to affirm. that would not accept the
nomination for the Office of Governor of Virgin
ia, if rendered to me by the Democratic Con-
vcntion. You deduce that inference, in the
brief editorial article Preixed to his card, from
the language employed by Mr.. Clemens, and, in
my opinion, the inference is a just and natural
one. You will allow to say, AIessrs. Editors
that my friend, Mr.. Clemens labors under a
grave misconception of my views, if he suppo-
SEES that he was authorized by me to make any
statement warranting the inference drawn by
you. ] did say to Mr. Clemens that did not
seek, or desire the Office of Governor of the
State, being quito content to remain in my pre-
sent less conspicuous Office, which was moro
congcnial with my tastes, and the duties of
which accord better with my habits of thought,
and course of study, than any executive office
whatever. This position, beg leave, respect
fully and with perfect sincerity, to re-affirm.
But have never said toll him or others, that
ssdeclined, in any way, the use of my name in
the coming canvass, or that would de-
cline the tender of the nomination, if made by
tho convention representing the Democratic par.
ty OF the State. On the contrary, have UNI
formly declared to all who have done me the
honor to solicit IN expression of my views, that
the high office in question, was one neither
to be sought or declined, and that if the nomi-
nation for it was rendered to inc by the Conven-
ton, it would be wholly inconsistent with the
views entertain of my obligation as citizen,
to shrink from the service of the State: that in
such an event, l would promptly accept the
proifered honor, and do all that in me lay, to adj
vance her true interests and preserve unsullicd
her proud escutchcon.
My interview with Mr.. Clemens was casual
and brief, and had no conception that he at
| tnched sufficient importance to it to makeit the
subject of communication to the press. Yet
it was not confidential, and do not complain
of the publicity he has seen fit to give to it
The sole object of this card is to correct a mis-
conception into which he has fallen, and to de-
fine with more precision than he has my true
relation to the Gubernatorial canvass in Virginia
In my view, the position assigned in the
card of Mr. Clemens, of Declining in any way,
the use of my name in the coming canvass"
would be arrogant and offensive and at what
ever sacrifice Of personal comfort or pecuniary
advantage, I would deem it daty, little less
than sacred, to obey the call of the Couvention,
to serve Virginia as her chief Magistrate.
JonN w. BRocEESp touGH.
Now this letter puts Mr. Clemens, to say the
least, in tix-as bad one as any man would
care about occupying-and must, If not ex-
planned, surround Mr. Clemens with very bad
odor wherever he may travel, either in this dis.
trict or elsewhere. The Enquirer waxes warm
as it prefaces the Judges letter, and unmis-
takeably hints its suspicion that Mr. Clemens
has been employing its columns for most ne
furious purpose We su6join what the EnQui-
Ter says:
AS for Mr.. Clemens, he has laid himself liable
to a grave suspicion, which it will be very diff
cult even for innocence itself entirely to remove
| How is it that he could possibly construe Judge
Brockenbrough's language, employed in hasty
and casual interview, INTO an express author
ization to himself to come forward MS the
Judges mouthpiece on matter Of such very
great Importance? How could he mistake the
purport Of the Judges language Mt all? In the
interest of what other candidate for the nomin-
alton is Mr.. Clemens acting, that he thus comes
forward with apparent eagerness to displace
IJudge BrockenbrOueh's name from the LIST or