Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1863-01-19
IrprANAroLls. Janunrr 7th. Is63


GExrLEMEN:-Your favor of this date is re-
ceiyel. | am not a candidate for re election 10
the United States Senate
Ift is the pleasure of nv Fl iends to offer me the
une xuired term from which / WAS expelled. j will
accept it if rendered by vote that approaches
unanimify Not Otherwise NV return to that
body would, in my judgment, be regarded by all
Just men as a signal rebuke of the foul cOnspra-
tors who aided and abetted this assault upon the
freedom Of speech and of action.
There can be. there is, but one opinion among
impartial and intelligent men of all parties every
where, as to the real motive of those who par
ticipated in this outrage. aud that Is, that j was
expelled because | entertained and expressed
opinions in reference to the conduct of the war
then and now being waged against eleven States,
antagonistical to those of majority of the body
of which was member
II is unnecessary to amplify on this point. Ii is
enough to say that l then denied. as do now,
the right of the Federal Government to attempt,
by force of arms. the subiugation of a sovereign
State. / repeat how, Nhat have SPOKEN on
former occasion, Il opposed to tho emtire CO.
ercive policy of this weak and wicke Admins
tration.
] have never believed that any rem
edy for existing differences between the two sec
tons. AS your agent in the councils of the
country ] was opposed 10 all legislative acts in
seat in the Senate again. if ! should accept
it, l would not during my stay there, contribute
in any form to the support or encouragement of
the nhuman crusade that those in power are
waging. under the late proclamation OF the Presi-
dent of the United States, against those who
'bone Of my bone and flesh of my flesh" On
the contrary, | am for uesce, peace, peace. / am
now, as have been from the hour this inhuman,
unnatural and anti Christian war was inauguraIed.
4 IF he
that compromise might again. Gas it has in times
past,) perform its peaceful Offices.
Personally am Indifferent as to whether am
chosen or not
The Senate of the United States has no at
fractions Cor me now, save the attachment feel
for few noble spirits that yet remain monu-
mental of what the Senate once was.
Not one of those found on my entrance there
seventeen years ago remains-but few are living.
Those who survive of my political faith from the
North have been swept from this once exalted
body by the sirocco breath Of that falaticsm
which culminaie IN the ACKNOWLEDGMENT of this
once glorious Union. To INV humble self has
been reserved the signal and disting uished honor
of beheadment at the hands of the political assas-
sins of this fell sphit.
lett the Senate with but few regrets, and 1
hope no friend of mine will borrow any trouble
if should not be reinstated- IL is for the re
spectiye bodies to which you belong to say
whether great principle has been violated in my
person, and if so, TO apply such a remedy as the
honor of a sovereign State appears to demand,
and bow with difference to your judgment.
II you iiad that the absolute withdrawal of my
name will produce harmony, concord and fra
ternal feeling Ia The ranks of the Democratic
pttt, OF IIan winch has often honored me
with their confluence. and has tor the last twenty
eight years confined me in Office without the
interegnum of an hour, authorize you to with
draw il ON the SPIT hope 10 prove, in a crisis
like this. that ] value nv country and party far
above Office for. if this Union Is restored to
its once glorious proportions, il will be the work
of the Democracy.
With no unknd feeling toward any gentleman
who may have manifested opposition to my re-
election. and particularly thanking each OF YOU
for the sincere friendship and interest you have
manifested in my behalf, am your friend,
j. ID. BRIeHT.