Staunton vindicator and general advertiser. (Staunton, Augusta County, Va.) 1858-1860, 1858-12-25

asked, who shall succeed Mr.. Letcher in
the Congressional district? Many worthy
gentlemen have been brought to the atten-
ton Of the public, and I have not word
to say in disparagement of their merits
but in my humble opinion, there is one in
our midst whose claims appeal with pecu-
liar force to the intelligence and or altitude
Of his countrymen. I allude to Col. VIM.
n Hartman.
Some nine or ten years ago, when the
harsh note Of war broke with astounding
force upon our ears, and it was feared that
our gallant little army in the South would
be overwhelmed and destroyed by the vast
! " superior numbers Of their Mexican emf
mics, Col. Hartman, though at that time
but q stripping, was among the first men in
the Valley Of Virginia to raise the battle
cry and invoke his neighbors and comrades
to rush to the rescue of his countrymen
and his country's flag. He applied himself
with untiring zeal to the raising Of a vol
unteer company, and soon, with the aid of
few kindred spirits, their purpose was ac-
complished, and in mid-winter their little
flag was unfurled to the piercing winds, and
they we're soon upon the distant hills.
marching with steady step on their way to
encounter all the perils of war, and the
still more fearful dangers Of an inhospitable
climate Unfortunately, in their long So
journ in that distant land, many persisted,
but the subject of this communication, tho
worn and exhausted with fatigue, returned
to his native county, to enter upon civil
pursuits with the same zeal and ability that
distinguished him as military man: He
commenced the practice Of law, and his ef-
forts have been crowned with uncommon
success. Born and raised democrat. "a
faith from which be has never departed for
moment, his services were eagerly sought
for by his party in numerous and exciting
political campaigns, and never withheld.
He bearded the lioKs in their dens-he met
the strong men of whiggery and know
nothingism in the open plains and from
their covert places, and their stoutest cham
pions could never boast THAT in the battles
fought, there were not blows to take as
well as blows to give. Indeed, Col. Har-
man had qualities which would insure him
success in almost anything he would under
take. He has talent, zeal, industry, and
courage in an eminent degree. These are
important requisites for southern repre-
sentative Fin Congress, especially at this
time. There is constant and heavy pres
sure from the North upon our peculiar in
stitutions, and it can only be met and re-
PEELED by that watchfulness Of industry, the
unwavering steadiness of true courage, and
those gifts Of nature, zeal and talent.
which enable some men by the power Of
speech, to control and regulate the destiny
Of nations COL Harman possesses some
Of the finest qualities Of the orator. With
voice of the most extended compass, and
accurate intonations, it can be distinctly
heard throughout the largest assemblies,
whether in repose, or in the tumult of the
widest disorder. His personal appearance
is prepossessing and commanding, and his
style of reasoning, whilst vigorous, does
not submit to all the rigours Of logical pre-
cision. It is such style as is best adapt
ed to parliamentary debates, and I hazard
the opinion, if he is elected to Congress, it
will not be many years before he wins for
himself national reputation, and for his
district an enviable notoriety.
AucrsTA