The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-15
TO THE VOTERS OF
Russell and parts Of Wise and Buch-
anan counties.


Without any Solicitation from .snumerous
Friends" I announce myself a candidate to r.
present you in the next Legislature Of Virginia.
have no time nor inclination to canvass the
district and visit every voter at his home. In.
deed this is no time to electioneer, and the man
who visits the once happy homes now made de-
ISOLATE by the tide of revolution sweeping over
the country, merely to enhance his own fortunes
Tor to crafty his own ambition, when the inter
tests and hopes of millions are staked upon the
tissue OF the mighty contest, deserves not the
support of intelligent men.
Ii is due, however, to you that I should, as a
candidate soliciting your SURFACES at the coming
election, proclaim my sentiments upon such
matters Of State policy as will be likely to occu
|py the time OF your next Legislature But, drift
ing as we are upon sea Of revolution, whose
|red pillows have tossed the people of former!
ages and of other countries to different destinies
some to the genial climes Of liberty and prosper
ity, and others to the quick sands of slavery and
oppression, can see no particular course to
pursue, only to endeavor, by energy and cou-
rage, and a firm reliance on the protection of
Him who rules the tehpests, to ride the storm
successfully, and to cast anchor as speedily as|
possible in the harbor of peace and independence.
II, however, State legislation can avail any !
thing to arrest the work of carnage now goingl
on, and to restore peace to convuised, bleeding
and ruined country, think it the duty Of your
representatives, whoever they may be, to give i'll
their support And l believes such legislation
calmly, judiciously and dispassionately employ
ed, might accomplish in few months what vastI
armies and immense sacrifices of life and trea-l
sure have failed to accomplish in two years.
{ Every available means, then, consistent with
info g. = u, 3
wealth, and with its obligations and relations toI
Inc Confederate States, should be employed to|
restore peace to the country, because neither oil
the belligerents can reasonably hope to Gain an
its demands upon the other BY prolonginr the
war and the slaughter to an indefinite ner;od|
and extent.
Some impetus should be given by legislation
to the education Of your children, because thew
are to be the future guardians Of those princi-
pies for which you are now contending in the
field. Home manufactures should be sustained
and encouraged as the chief source. of national
wealth and independence. No effort should he
spared to make comfortable the soldier in the
field, and stringent laws should be enacted to
protect the citizen in his person and property at
home.
Such, gentlemen, are my sentiments upon the
vital points enumerated On all others / could
,nly promise to be governed BY the exigencies
If the times, and to act as might think would
best promote the interests Of Virginia. In the
ield, have served you faithfully; and, altho'
opposed to the policy pursued by an unprece-
tented majority of the people Of the State two
years ago, have, at Mcdowell, at Winchester, o
Port. Republic, Gains Mills, Malvern Hill, Ce-
lar Run, and the last memorable battle Of Ma
lassas, dared to defend with my life those prin-
,iples which you asserted at the polls.
If it should be your pleasure to elect me one
# your representatives, / will faithfully endea-
,or to do my duty, and if your choice should
all upon another, / will, las all defeated candi-
lates dc, cheerfully acquiesce in your decision.
8 IS Respectfully, &c.,
e 3. saia sos 7. j. SMITH,
Russell co., Va, May 10th 1861