Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-10-10

of to-day is the exile ofto.morrow. But ahouoh this philosophy may do, in ordinary times, when Iberty, religion, and all the arts of peace and civilization prevail, yet ill stirring times of war, like the present the first duty every man owes is to his country---and the post,of honor is al ways where duty calls him---whetaer in the tent. ed field or in the halls of legislation.
 So. might say, that, although I could not, nnder existing circumstances, make 1t cony ytni. ant to canvass the district and eectioneer for any office in the gift Of the people, yet, if elected without the solicitation on my part, l would not decline to serve them in any honorable position to which their judgment and partaity might promote me.
 Inasmuch as my personal acquaintance with the people of this district is very llmlted-permit me to state that am native oi the "Otd Do' minion' am forty years old; have resided in this State over twenty years--and have served two sessions in the legislature of this otate.- Politicallv-I have always been Q conservative Union man, and clung to the stars and stripes, until all compromises failed and federal inso. lence and usurpation became intoierable. l then for ever, severed my connection with all men and parties who were no rictly souh Tn in sentiment and principle. Since, then, was among the first to inaugurate the policy and ex- pediency of southern independence, and to pro. vide at once against nor ihern duplicty and coer. cion. As volunteer in the ranks, l assisted in the capture of the arsenal, at Little Rock-by which the State acquired about 10000 staed of arms. besides 30 or 40 pieces ot cannon, nd 1 other munitions of war--valued at S50O, ,0O0.- l As brigadier here, I seized and contiscated a vast amount of United States supplies and stores, 1 and at Napoleon, several hundred rifles, sabres, | etc.. all destined to equip our western federal | forts for the present war; The Arago, a maguiG. l cent steamer owned mostly in Pennsylvania, was 1 seized by my order, sent to Llttle Rock, and by | our State convention, then in session, turned ] loose. In doing these things, only did my duty, aud identified myself, for veal or woe, with the southern cause.
 Indeed so far as federal law was applicable 1 to my case. virtually had halter around my ! neck as rebel and traitor, long before many, who are now clamorous for office in this Stale ever dared to desert the old federal hulk l But let by-gones be bured-l presume and trust that all are now of one mind, and advo- cate vigorous prosecution oi our defensive war, until liberty shall perch on our banner, and the Southern Confectionery shall take proud stand among the nations of the earth.
 Considering the number of distinguished cat didates in the field, it seems that there Is no want of patriotism in this district to fill any va. cancy in Congress-I know them all personally, and believe that the people will have no difficulty in making good selection.
 In conclusion, it is due to my friends to re. turn my grateful acknowledgment for this ex. pression of their confd nee and esteem and to say, that although I never will enter the polit. ical arena and scramble for ofice-yet if elect. ed by them, will accept the position and cheer fully serve my country, faithfully, to the best of my humble abilities.
 Respectfully, THOS. s. JAMES.
 Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Oct. lst, 1861.