Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1863-04-28
TO THE VOTERS OF VIRGINIA.


Feb. 9, 1868. VIM. SMITH.
TO THE VOTERS OF VIRGINIA.
IN CAMP NEAR FREDERICKSBURG, /
APRIL 18th, 1868.
When on the 9th day of February last,. an
nounced myself scandidate for the office of Gov
ernor of our State in brief card, to be found a
the head Of this article, 1 certainly did not ex
pect to be an object of misrepresentation ant
SANDER. In this, however, l have been disap
pointed and it becomes me to notice one OF two
of the objections which are made to me.
l. 1t Is said that have already two Offices and
should not have another. Now, those who make
this objection, know full we'll that, if elected
Governor, / cannot assume the functions of the
Office, without reIinquishing any other l may
possess.
think it proper to add few words of expla-
nation. 1t is known that was member of the
old Federal Congress. 1t was my fortune while
such to have frequent and exciting debates with
members from the nOn-slave holding States up
on the questions which divided us and led to the
existing war. After the rupture took place,
carefully considered my line of duty and finally
concluded that it would be more manly and more
in harmony with the decided part had taken in
the Congress and before the people, to enter the
army. I thought too that my example might be
of some advantage to US In the great struggle
which had just begun. [ accordingly applied to
Gov. Letcher for Colonel's commission, which
he gave me; and upon which proceeded to or
ganize the 49th Regiment Va Volunteers. At
this time was not a member of Congress; but
on the 4th Nov. 1861, l was elected while in
camp and commanding my regiment, by the vo-
ters of the 9th Congressional district of Virginia.
to the first Congress under the permanent Con-
stitution of the Confederate States. Thus elec-
ted, felt at perfect liberty to hold to both po-
sitions, at any rate, that no one had a right to
complain but my noble constituents and they
were silent. / held to both that l might never
be idle and that might always be in the public
service either in Congress or in the field, Ac
cordingly, after my election to Congress, as a.
bove stated, remained in command of nv reg
iment, until the 14th of February, 1862 When
[ turned it over to Lieut.. Col. Edward Murray
graduate of West Point and most excellent
and indeed superior officer, and proceeded. by
home, to Richmond to take my seat in Congress,
which was to assemble in that City on the 18th OF
the same month.
l served through that session of Congress.
which terminated on the 18th of April and re-
joined my regiment at Yorktown on the follow
ing day, and from that day until the 18th of
September last, remained in command of it, ex-
cept for few days, when was absent on sick
leave. twill be observed that l was in the
field, in command of my gallant regiment during
the 1st Congressional recess and also in the field
or on bed Of suffering and pain during the en-
suing session of Congress and the recess which
Although far from being restored to
my usual health, had SO far recovered as to
attend the present Congress and assist in it's or
ganization. Now the services, &C., referred to
in this brief and candid statement, entitled me,
humbly submit, to expect the charity, if not
the favor Of my fellow-citizens. I had appro-
priated Congressional recesses, not to my busi-
ness or my pleasures, but to my country and in
so doing, had exposed myself to hardships and
dangers, which were not required of me, either
by law or public opinion. Yet out of the facts
referred to, another and graver charge has been
manufactured.
2ndly. That 1 held both offices for the sake of
the salaries attached tC them, that had received
both and thus had made good thing of it.
The ascription of base and unworthy motives
to the conduct of men, where noble and patriot
ic ones are as equally and as obviously at hand
is full and conclusive proof of little and ma
ligDant soul. The fact could have easily been
ascertained by simple enquiry of either Of two
officers always accessible to the public. But
truth did not answer the Iurposes of detraction
and falsehood was accepted in preference. A
bundant precedents would have sustained me-
had received both the salaries in questions
but had condemned such precedents, as un-
worthy of the patriot, statesman, and, of course.
L could noG claim their protection. In cOnclu-
sion, then, upon this point, not only did not
receive more than one of the salaries in question,
but freely gave my services during the Congress
sional recess, not receiving dollar therefor, but
literally during such period ssworkng for moth
ing and finding myself.''
Other objections are made to me, but as they
do not effect my conduct, shall cheerfully leave
them to your intelligence and your justice.
Fellow-Citizens, was early and powerfully
impressed with the great struggle which could
but see rapidly approaching and with the grand
principle of public liberty which it embodied.
was amazed at the giant proportions which the
contest was assuming and at the imminency OF
the perils which environed us, and felt it to be
my duty to contribute all in my power to ouI
common defence. Against the gentlemen who
in common with myself seek your sufrages,
have not word to say. Indeed, ! would pre-.
fer to magnify their worth, for if either of then
should be preferred by you, would like for my
own sake, if for no other reason, to be able tt
say in the language of Zanga,
"Great let me call him. for he conquered me-"
Let me hope, therefore, that their friends will
not endeavor to lower me in your good opinion
OF which acknowledge am covetous, and which
have through long life labored to deserve.
But should your preference be expressed TO
me, shall esteem it the crowning glory of m,
life, and will cheerfully, vigorously and faithful
ly devote the evening of my days to the glor,
and prosperity of our dear old State, whom W
all love so truly and so well.
WILLIAM SMITH.