Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1860-04-10
MARrINsHrnG. March 20, 1860.

GcnllCtllCl-t lllNC ICSCINSu Noht hith'
cation of the 18th inst, officially notifying mi
that | have been chosen one Of the delegates
from the 10th Electoral District Of Virginia tc
the National Democratic Convention.
would possess less sensibility than most
men did | fail to appreciate the full measure oil
the distinction conferred upon inc by those you
represent; but much as | am honored, you will
pardon me for saying that ] feel most deeply
the responsibility Of the duties ] undertake. to
discharge by my acceptance Of this distinguish.
cd position. TO represent the opinions and
wishes Of the Democracy Of Virginia, in the
great council Of the party, would, 1t any time,
be a grave and serious Office; but at the present
critical period of our history, | am impressed
with a deep and almost painful sense OF thcim
portance of such 4 trust.
In venturing to undertake its execution, !
can but hope for myself, but promise to you,
that I will be influenced by no motive less wor.
thy than an earnest anxiety TO act with refer
cncc only to the real interests of the country
and the perpctuation Of those great principles
Of free government, whose truth, so fully vim.
dicatcd in the past, is destined, | trust, to be
still more proudly and happily illustrated in
our future history.
Upon the Charleston Convention will be de-
volvcd the discharge Of duties so grave and
molncntous that it, with propriety, may be
considered the most important political conven'
ton ever assembled in the country. ConSer-
vative men of all sections and parties anxiously
await the result Of its deliberations, hoping
and believing that its action will afford q soIu-
ton of the complicated difficulties OF the pre-
sent, and that its nominee will be Il lit leader OF
that host whose hearts are still responsive to
the promptings of patriotism and true 10 Tie
great idea OF Constitutional Government.
With this appreciation Of its high response.
b%ilitiss, ! will bear my humble part in the de-
liberations Of that body. ] will go to it, not as
Il mere parlizan-not rs M autonaton register
Of a lorcgonc conclusion-not rs the follower
Of anY cllicftain's standard, nor rs the repre-
sentative of any personal ambition or indiridli-
al aim; but, untrammcled by instructions, un-
embarrassed by pledges, in the full spirit OF
that freedom and responsibility with which !
have been clothed, and with m earnest, con-
scientious purpose to represent truly the con-
stituency which sends me, in its loyalty TO Flr-
GINA and its devotion to the Union, as 1t once
was, and, by the blessing Of God, may be
again.
The marked influence Of Virginia in the
council Of the National Democracy has always
been 4 source of pride to US. 1t has never
been limited by the measure OF her electoral
vote, and 1t is to be attributed, simply, 10 the
recognition by the Democracy Of the Union OF
that disinterestedncss Of purpose which has
never permitted q mere regard Tor men even
for the most loyal and distinguished OF her
sons-to affect, 10 any degree, her devotion to
those great principles Of government, which,
first promulgated by her, have so largely con-
trolled the destinies Of the country. In the
past she has ever willingly surrendered oil else
to their maintenance, and it surely is not for
her now, when every sacrifice may be required
Of patriotism, to change 4 course hallowed by
wears, and demand honors for herself, when
She should only seek to render service.
This devotion to principle, rather than regard
for men, characterized the action Of the recent
Convention at Winchester. And although
know what wealth Of loyalty, Of statesman
ship and true patriotism Virginia may freely
and proudly tender to the service Of the ma
ton, and while | would rejoice if the highest
national honor should be once more conferred
upon some distinguished son Of hers, still but
reflect her own generous spirit when | declare
that will be no cold follower of the ancient
banner of her faith, although it be entrusted
to other hands, if thereby VIC NAV best secure
tie triumph IF the right.
Pardon me, gentlemen, for having thus hur-
riedly stated my estimate OF the duties and
responsibilities Of the position to which those
You represent have called me and, with n re-
ncwed expression Of my appreciation OF the
honor they have conferred upon me,
am, most truly, &C.,
JOHN BLAIR HOGE.
Mcssrs. SINGLETON, IlIETT, BAKER, LOCKE,
GREEN, PESDLEToS, McPIERsoS and DORSEY,
Committee.