The Van Buren press., 1861-10-02
TO the People Of the 1st Congress
ional District.

10 6Q9 x00R40 " sAs0 A~s
ional District.
Composed of the Conntiss Of Washirgto,',
Benton, Madison. Carroll. Nesctos, Ma
RON, Searcy. Van Barren, Conway. Pope.
.yoAnson, Franklin and Crawford
FxLLow CITIZENS In May last. was
honored by the Convention of Arkansas.
with a seat in the Provisional Congress of
the Confederate States of America. lnI
this position. as in every other in which 1t
has been my fortune to be placed by the
generous support of friends. it has been my
constant aim to discharge, with fidelity,
every trust reposed in me. keeping steadily
in view the interest. not only of my imme-
diate constituents, but also those of the
country at large. =.
On the sixth day of November next. it
will be your privilege to elect your Repre-
sentative to the first permanent Congress OF
the Confederate States, to serve for the term
of two years from the 18th day Of the fol.
lowing February.
Having, since my return home from Rich
mond, few days ago. received assurances
that it is the desire Of many friends
throughout the District. that should rep
resent you in said Congress. take this
method of announcing myself candidate
for that honorable and responsible position.
Raised liz Arkansas, and knowing no
other home, my interests are fully indenti-
fed with those of her people; and am
sufficiently known to enable you to Judge
of my honesty. and capacity to serve you.
Though the people. in times past. and
even but recently, have been divided in
opinion upon great leading measures OF
policy affecting the public interests, now
that our lives, liberty and property are
jeopardized by the most ruthless and unre-
lenting civil war known in tho annals of
history. we are happily united. as one man,
for our common defence, with the fixed and
| uualterable determination to triumph or
perish together. Let this spirit continue to
animate and bind us, if possible, still more
closely to each other. Let discord and
dissensions be found only in the ranks of the
enemy and soon we shall be able to con-
quer our foes, achieve our independence, Sc
cure our rights. and put all end to this unnat-
ural and unholy war. waged against us with
a virulance hitherto unknown in modern
times, and take proud stand among the
nations of the earth.
| 1t is mine, as presume it is your desire,
that the war should be brought to speedy
and successful termination, and not be pro-
tracted one hour beyond the time that trea-
ty of peace can be obtained which will Sc
cuEs to us our Liberties as people, and in
dependence rs q nation, together with a
Just and equitable division OF the Terrific
rice and other public property heretofore
owned and enjoyed in common by the peo-
pie Of the Confederate and United States.
These are our rights, and these we must
have CIR submit to dishonor.
The paramount object of legislation, a,
the present time, being 20 provide ways
and means for the support of our army and
the defence of the country. by vigorous
prosecution of the war on our part, L may
be permitted to say, that the measures al
ready taken by Congress. for this purpose
have my hearty concurrence.
AT the Presidential election, which will
take place on the 9th of November, there
will be no contest. Davis and Stephens
will, as they should, be chosen as our first
President and Vice President by general ac.
camation.
There are some other topics of mino,
4 importance which are purposely omitted.
as could not refer to'them in such man
ner as / would desire, without extending
this circular address, which is designed ia
be brief, beyond reasonable limits 1t
might perhaps be expected that should
say something of my course as a member
of the Provisional Congress but l have
not felt myself at liberty to allude to it ex-
cept in general terms, the Congress, in it.
wisdom, having determined that nothing
should be made pubic for the present, ex.
cept the laws which have been the result o
its deliberations.
In conclusion, will say. that if elected
l shall spare no pains and forego no labo
necessary to be performed for the advance
ment Of your interests and welfare ant
that should another be preferred, will
cheerfully bow to your decree, feeling trul,
grateful for past favors, and unite with 20,
in sustaining the man of your choice.
l have the honor to be very respectfully
your fellow-citizen and obedicnt servant,
II. f. THOMSON.
i VAN BUREN, Sept 25. 1861.