Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-29
A Card from Mr.. Bolts to his Political Friends

miSuhutTstdnuiuS pTo"lHS UP D''" 4" W
"Whig" and Morning News" the only two
Opposition papers we have in the city, and
especially on n subject with which my name
is prominently connected; and 50 Tar as l
can control it, | am determined not to suffer
any political interests Of my own TO be the
cause of any wrangling in our happily UNI
ted ranks. Our councils have already been
sufficiently disturbed by personal teuds.
which at one time 50 reduced the strength OF
our party, as to make it rather an object OF
ridicule and contempt, than OF respect or
dread, with our adversaries. These difficult
ties have all been harmonized, and we have
just gone through an excited and vigorous
contest, without a jarring or conflicting ele-
ment in our ranks, to interrupt that molly
spirit Of devoted patriotism which seemed to
animate the efforts and the zeal OF all-and
we came out of it, with resuits-lt not all
at which we aimed-at least under clrcum-
stances calculated to cheer Us with the hope
of victory in another and more important
struggle-and do trust that nothing will
occur to impair the prospect before Us, or 10
increase the confidence of our opponents.
Let Us take counsel together, and profit by
the experience of the past. If there are any
preiudices to he consulted, however unrea-
sonable they may appear, let those who can
afford it, without sacrifice OF principle,
ycH, rather than quarrel or dispute upon
minor issues. Let US all remember, that in
unity there is victory, and in diSunion defeat.
So far as am concerned, am prepared to
encounter any reasonable sacrifice, rather
than that the calm and placid waters in
which our bark is now alloat. shall lie asta-
ted and ruified by any exhibition Of discord
or ill-temper among ourselves.
have an abiding confidence, that with
harmony and unity of purpose, (under cir
cumstances that will in all probability arise, J
the Opposition party will be able to carry
this State in triumph in 1850; while without
harmony in our deliberations, and concert of
action. no condition of things can occur, but
must lead to our defeat. With me, success
to our cause, as the only means of redeem
ing the country from the hands Of the Spoil
ers, is my first wsh-my constant prayer
my chief aim, and it shall control my every
step. With wise, virtuouS, and II good
man III the lead. am ready to follow aS the
humblest in the ranks. | hope therefore,
shall stand excused and justified in making
this appeal to my numerous and valued
friends throughout the State.
The only matter that has as vet arisen to
occasion controversy. is in relation To the
propriety, on the part of the people, in their
primary meetings, OF expressing prefer
cnce among the many distinguished names
that have been presented to their cnnsidcra-
tion in connection with the next Presiden-
tal election.
In this city, in Norfolk, Portsmouth, and
perhaps other points, large and enthusiastic
meetings of the Opposition have been held,
in which my name has been unanimously
recommended as one upon which the nom-
nation might be suitably and advantageou :
conferred. As vet, we have heard OF no such
recommendation in this State in behalf OF
any other gentleman, and, therefore, 1t Is
that take upon myself to write this card :;
but when such other recommendations are
made, as no doubt they will be, shall be
the last of all human beings to feel aggrlcv-
ed, or utter Il complaint. But, all men can
not be expected TO think alike; and with
some, earnest, and | have no doubt, honest
apprehension is entertained, that this express
sion Of preference on the part of those who
at last, will have to make the selection ot
the candidates. may result in disappointment
to others, and thus produce dscord, division,
and ili-ieeling in our ranks. Now, all tins
NAV be so, and it is very desirable to avoid
it, if it should be SO. Yet, whilst | have
not been able TO appreciate the objection, or
TO perceive exactly in what respect 1t Is cal
culated to do wrong or injustice to any other
or to understand why it should DE permitted
to disturb our tranquil and harmonious ac-
ton hereafter, any more than u d!d in the
Gubernatorial canvass of last Spring; ana
whilst the practice has uniformly prevailed.
not only in this State, hut everywhere, ami
the propriety of such proceedings was never
before questioned to my knowledge; still
am disposed to respect the opinions OF those
who see the matter i'll another light, and u
consult what they dozen, the best course Tor
the ultimate strength Of tho party. And,
although | may be excused for saying. !
have felt gratifed and 1attered by the eV!.
dcnce that has thus far been furnished, OF
tie estimation in which am held 10y my
fellow citizens, yet, rather thun SEQ u spirit
of jealousy and rivalry, hatred, malice Ill,
feeling, and discord spring up III our political
and patriotic brotherhood, | would greatly
prefer to foreso any political advantage, or
personal qualification, that such iiattcr'nTS
testimonials might confer; and, therefore,
cheerfully unite my voice To those already
raised in this behalf. and respectfully re-
quest such Of my friends, ~ have already
notified m0 of their purpose, ana sqch others
as NAV have had il in contemplation, to lur-
bear the exercise Of their unqurstl"nahie
privilege and right, "a far as NY name Is
concerned, and content themselves with the
selection of such delegates as will faithfully
carry out their views in the convention here
after to be held.
\. the same time that do this, beg to
assure all those who may entertain prcier-
cnce for any other gentleman, (and | know
there arc May wha have hosts OF friends
that they may proceed 70 express such prefer
ence in the s,ron gest terms, without the >iGh'-
est arurchcn,;Du thai il viii occasion II mo
mcnt's hesitation un my part or On the part
Of nv trends here. lwitn whose sentiments
| am familiar, and Tor whom can undertake
10 speak. to cooperate with them, heartily,
vigorously, and patrioticaIiy, 1T the iIna!
struggle for the redemption OF our country
no matter gho or S;andard-bcarer may
he. provided he is in honest nan ana IA gen
tleman, in whose love OF country W. caiI
confide, and whose principle We can c'nsis-
tently support; and we have no fear that
any other can be selected by the party among
which We are proud to number ourselves
One word as 70 my own position now and