Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-07-06
Letter From Hon. John Le,cher.
LEXINGTON Va, June 5,ls5e.

LEAINGION v a., uuue ~, 1900
70 the Editor of the South:
Tie Richmond Wig, OF the 81 inst, contain
an article on the Gubernatorial election, in hlci
reference is made to DR.. Ruffner's address on tn.
subject of slavery, and the connection OF myself
and Others, with its publication. have no CON
plant to make of the editor for his reference, u
my acts and opinions are proper subjects OF CRIT
cism, nor do seek to eyade any just respoDsl
bity for either.
At the time Of the publication of that address.
state frankly, that did regard slavery as q
social and political evil. | did not regard l.
then, or since as moral evil, for was at tina
time, have been ever since, and am now tin,
owner OF slave property, by purchase, and no
by inheritance. | think ! hazard nothing il.
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:: 1t has been much more thoroughly
examined in sll its bearings, and is much better
understood, not only in Virginia, but thoughou'
the entire South. All must admit, that within
the past ten years, question has been discussed
with an ability never before expended upon il,
and an impression thus made upon the public
mind that has resulted in an almost entire revo.
luton OF public sentiment. Previous to 1S47, |
had given very little consideration to it; subse
queutly, however, did examine it, and became
entirely satisfied, not only that my opinion, a.
TO the social and political influence of the insti
tuition, was erroneous, but acknowledged my
error.
When became candidate for seat in the
Reform Convention, the subject having been
oil Hn m, in hl ~ /
vowed, in my speech TO the people of Augusta,
that had changed my opinion, and stated thai,
If my fidelity to the Institution was distrusted
by any man, it was his duty to oppose my elee
ton to the position sought at the hands of the
people. l was elected, and my course in the
Convention, and for the past seven sessions III
Congress, on all matters connected with slavery,
will attest the sincerity of my convictions
The Journals of both bodies are accessible, and
to them refer for my votes.
The Wig of the 3rd inst, contains much
longer article on the same subject, which eni-
bodies the letter addressed to DR.. Ruffner, and
sundry extracts from the address. The speech
delivered in the Franklin Society was calm
argument on the social and political influence OF
slavery upon agricultural and mechanical devel-
opment of Western Virginia. The published
address contained many things so exceptonable
that those with one exception, l beleve0 wb
called upoL him to publish the speech, refused
to contribute to the cost Of the publication OF
the pamphlet. These facts are well known here.
In conclusion, have only to add, that those
who distrust my fidelity to my native State and
her institutions, are bound by every coDsidera-
ton OF duty to themselves, and the community
in which we live to oppose my elevation to any
political position may aspire to-
FLETCHER.