Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-12-14
letter from, Cen xzarn,,,


letter Erona Cen. Hartman.
Among number Of letters published in
the Richmond Enquirer recently frons
prominent politicians of the State, we End
the following from Gen. w. II. Harmsn Of
this place.
SrAUNToN, December 5, 1860.
NAT. TYLER, ESQ
NV Dear Sir-Your favor of the 18th
ultimo was received just one week since; and
have been prevented, by unavoidable cir
cumstances, from answering 1T sooner.
The matters suggested in your letter, and
in reference to which you ask my views, are
Of very grave Importance, and venture an
opinion upon them with unfeigned diff
dence.
In the present gloomy aspect ofpublc sf-
fairs, | regard it as very unfortunate thss
primary meetings have been called to give
expression TO public opinion. We are not
sufficiently informed as to the determination
of the more Southern States in the present
contingency, or the proposed action of the
Black Republican party, to enable Us to axe
definite action in primary assemblages of the
people.
The conservatism of Virginia must be
conceded by all sections Her devotion to
the Union aud Constitution, as framed by
the Fathers of the Republic" are equally
we'll known The tone aud temper Of prl-
mary meetings will be, and probably have
been, misconstruod in both section; aud until
after the meeting Of TIE Legislature, sim
cerely trust no more will be held.
. 1t is unquestionably true. that when the
position OF Virginia is once taken. her pso-
pie will be unit. ''In wesl or III wos."
every good citizen of our ancient Common
wealth must and will yield his private SEN
timents, and stand by the action Of the Siase
after it has been determined upon.
am firmly impressed with the belief tbas.
great as our grievances are, (snd 10 man
regards them as greater than 90. } we h&rs
better remedy for them in the Ugion lbaa
out Of it, Many gentlemen. to whcn | haya
| been accustomed to look with great respsea,
entertain opinions from which &us con-
strained to differ But in times 80 extgs-
ordinary aud alarming as these upon Vhica
we have fallen do not thiDk any citizen
would be excusab!e, even III allowing him
sell 10 be governed by the opinions ol 0ihafs.
until action has been taken by the rspset<U.
tatiyes Of the whole people.
| Then, without reference to the views Of
others, OR presuning in ANY wise to speak
for any party or person other than myself
would recommend:
lst That the public mind should not. fcr
the present, be further agltated BY the bold
ing OF county meetings.
ID. That we should endeavor to induce
our people TRANQUILITY to await the action of
the Legislature, shortly 20 assemble; and, in
the mean time, to abstain from the exprss-
sion of extreme opinions, for or against the
Union. which would be caleusted to impair
the influence of Virginia in this crisis. If
not, by showinga division uongst her peo-
pie. entirely to destroy it
81 That the Legislature. by sud with
the aid OF the Executive, should promptly
in the Union. and, ty friendly COUNSEL end
meditation with our aggrleved sister States
OF the South, to Induce them TO unite with
US in smother effort to preserve this Govern
ment, which has been we'll characterised IS
1.-The best hope of the Old, as well as tie
New World "
Ash. Should tie Legislature be unable 10
devise a mode by which VIC can preserve our
State sovereignty and individual rights in
the Union, then in my opinion, it should sp-
peal 10 the original fountain of all power"
the people, BY whose representatives. III con-
veution Assem- led, this momeutous question
shall be definitely settled
For the present. | think, the people
should abstain from tie agitation Of the ques-
ton Of the proprety Of holding National
Convention Of all the states, or Couven-
ton Of the Southern States.
[ have not undertaken to elaborate any
view. for the obvious reason, it you'd be
trespassing too much upon your patience.
In the sincere hope and belief that the
people Of Virginia, without distinction Of
party or eraed, may be lone and ipdivisi~
biz" i'll tina great crisis, am.
/ Hastily. but truly, &C.,
WIN. H. HARTMAN.