Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1859-03-29
RIcnMoSp, Va, March 2lst 1850.
To BENJAMIN WILSON ESQ,

RIcIMoSp, Va, March 2lst. 1852.
To BENJAMIN WILSON, ESQ.,.
Democratic Elector, Sc.
Dear Sir Without hesitation, ! reply a,
once to yours of the 18th inst. received yestcr.
day, by declaring that do ''intend to support
Mr.. Lctchcr for the Office Of Governor" and,
upon the hypothesis that he would adhere to
the State and National platform Of Democratic
principles. have never intended otherwise.
For reasons improper for discussion by me
now, was opposed to his nomination. But,
as we'll before rs after the nomination, and al
ways, wns resolved to support it, if made;
and recommended that course to all my friends,
in the event Mr.. Lctcher should he fairly com.
mitted to the Democratic principles ever cher
shcd by Virginia, and to her true internal poll.
! cy. Understanding that he is thus fully com
mitted, and that he is now manfully contend
/ ing for the faith as it was handed down to us
| by Jefferson and Madison, without the corrup-
tion of modern Interpolation; and that he is for
pushing on the public works Of the Common
wealth, to develop her resources and her pow
er shall give him all the support of my vote
and influence.
! do this for the sake Of the Democratic par
ty. 1t has nominated Mr.. Letchcr and no
SlHUl CuuSC-IlO pClSpllil Nb1iNihSihN'oi'
nothing, indeed, short Of vital issue OF
policy or Of morals. should cause any one, or
shall cause me to withhold support from the
Democratic nominee, in the present state OF
parties and Of opinions in the country. De-
mocracy is the only hope of sound conserva-
tiSm left, and its hopes are gone if its prestige
he destroyed in Virginia, the very Gibraltar Of
the true Republican faith.
know that my enemies have actively circu.
lated the rumor that / am opposed to Mr..
Lctchcr's election. Their calculation is very
obvous-that if he is elected. his election may
seem to demonstrate the weakness Of my oppo
sition; and that. il he is defeated, the blame OF
his defeat may be thrown upon Inc and my
/ friends. But, in spite Of this intrigue and false
clamor, elected or defeated, repeat, will, in
good faith, earnestly and actively support him.
because see nothing but evil to come ont o
opposition to the Democratic party, in these
times of fearful forchodings. But absolve
this expression from all personal reflection upon
the candidate Of the Opposition in Virginia to
Mr.. Letchcr | have u high personal regard
and respect for Mr. Goggin. have known
him from youth upwards. and cordially voucl
that he is worthy Of the confidence of thos,
who agree with him in politics. But lie is al
honest and earnest opponent Of the Democracy
! and am its ardent advocatc--now more thar
ever; for it has lately been deeply wrongcd, and
is, believe, again in serious peril-at a time
when it is the only hope Of saving the Consti
tuition and the Union; and in Virginia, too, its
stronghold, whose proud destiny it has cvel
been to savO the Republican creed of State
rights, Of strict constitutional construction, o
sound economy, and Of civil and religious free
dom at home, and Of peace and justice with al
foreign nations.
Grateful for the kind interest you have mani
tested in me,
! am, very truly. yours.
HENRY 4. WISE.