Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1861-06-12
To the voters OF Kann,yhn, and that
Part OF Ronno County which Was
formed out OF Knnawha.

+
You will see by communication adj
dressed by me to the Governor of Virginia,
n copy of which is subjoined, that l have
yielded up the trust which by your free
land almost united suffrage, you conferred
on me, upon the 4ih of February last.
avail myself of the first issue of the county
newspaper TO give publicity TO my resignn-
ton, in order that the proper steps may be
taken to fill the vacancy.
Nothing hut an imperative sense of per-
sonal duty could induce me to withdraw
from the position, to which your Partially
aud confidence assigned me. But the
condition of my family coupled With the
1slow means of Communication and transit
between this valley and Richmond, pre-
cludes my absence at such distance,
Il regret now, that ! did not resign in
time to have enabled you to select sue
cessOr at the election on the 4tli Thursday
of May. But still entertained hope,
that might be able,t0 return to the nd.
ljOurned session of the Convention, which
commences on the 18th day of June next.
For although the greater question has
been decided, and the subsequent labors
of the Convention will be of less moment
and importance, comparatively, yet was
anxious to have discharged tn the end, and
to the extent of my power, the whole duty
which your generous confidence had i'm
posed ON me. was especially DESTROYS to
have participated in the amendments aud
mndti 'utiOnS of the State Constitution,
which it will become necessary for the
Convention to prepare and submit to the
people; several of which, in addition to
those that will be applicable to Inherent
defects in the Constitution itself, have be-
come essential, in consequence of the
change which has occurred in our political
relations.
have had 70 agency in bringing about
that change. In obedience to the fixed
convictions Of my own judgment, as also
what well knew to he the opinions AMI
wishes of au overwhelming maturity of tue
people represented, opposed and voted
against the Ordinance of Secession, aud
repeated that vote nt the polls. That meas
ure WAS. however, adopted by the COnven-
ti0u. nd have no doubt has been ratified
10y ma. nr!ty of the people of Virginin.
Thts Is not the time to discuss the expe-
diemvy Or iuexpedienCy of what has been
| done. The Ship of State is in the whirl-
pool an | ON the breakers. We can nOt!stop
now to enquire how she got there, but all
hands must first assist in getting her off.
In tue midst of the general troubles,
which the present crisis brings with it, our
own peculiar and local interests press
strongly upon Our considerations. am
frequently asked, whether in my Opiuion
Western Virginia is likely to become the
theatre of military operations.
see no reason why it should he. and
think that With ordinary prudence and dis
erection it will not be. The Virginia nu-
thorlties are committed against tue policy
of invading the territory of ncighbOring
States. She will act only on the defensive.
Ga the other hand, the FRderHl Govern
ment processes its purpose to be, to hold
tue property which il claims to belong to
it, to execute its revenue laws. and to snp-
press combinations against the execution
OF those laws, which are too powerful for
the civilAuthOrity. 1t denies any intention
TO wage general war for the suliugation
of Sntes. If there be any truth iG these
professions, there can he no temptation,
or excuse for the invasion of our western
borders by the troops of the United
States. There are no forts, arsenals, navy
yards, or other public property on the line
at the Ohio, within OUR limits, TO become
the subjects of controversy, or to afford
apology t" either si,le for attack or Occu-
Phucy. We have no custom house, in all
West Virginia, except at Wheeling and
there is no likelihood of any diff :ulty about
that. Under any circumstances, there
can be no obstruction to the revenue
laws, while all impOriaiiOns are cur of. bv
.
which the goods must pass to the inland
custom house.
The troops collected in our valley, have
not been sent from distance, but consist
of volunteer companies, raised in the
neighbOrhOOd. They have not been col.
lecled for purposes OfHggression, hut sole
" with view to protection. and for the
purpose of repeling laRless raids and in
cursions should any be attempted. and for
the further purpose of preventing any
such attempts of our own people upon our
neighbors across the river, of whirl, how
ever, there is not the slightest reason to
suspect any design.
We have every reason to suppose that
the troops which may lie stationed in Ohio,
within striking distance of the river, are
to he used only for like purpose, aud in
similar contingencies.
The idea suggested hy some excitable
persons, that any portion Of the people of
this region of Virginia, desire Federal
troops tU be sent to our soil, for their own
protection. apart from the impntntion
which 1t conveys, is simply ridiculuus.-
OHr people have recorded their opinions at
the polls, rs freemen. When called upon
to act, they will act MS bevomes them.
They neither ask or need such protection,
aud amy attempt to afford it, would be re-
R"rdeh IN the light Ot an invasion, and
would most likely unite all classes in its
r"puision. All We ask is TO no let alone.
Let the military forces, on eithefrside OF
the Ohio so far as there are any, remain
on their own soil, aud let their mission he,
to preserve the peace and quiet of the
border, not to irritate or invite to vio-
la Withdrawing from yonr service.as one
oi your representatives ia the Convention,
l shall not cease to cherish thu r,o., ,,,,t.
fnl remembrance of your Kindness aud
confidence, so often manifested towards me
on past occasions. have never been so.
tcltous OF office, as you will bear me Wit
ness. Whenever You have called me to
offices Of public trust have endeavored