The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-29
To the People of yirainia

10 ~
Exempt as was from military duty-havinp
no position in the Army, and never having
sought one, from the belief that had no capa-
city to command men in the field, many of YOU,
without regard to old party lines, had invited
me to become q candidate for high civil Sta
ton.
g To this same office had been nominated four
years ago by the unanimous vote of one of the
fullest Conventions ever assembled in the State.
In response to that nomination, / endeavored
faithfully to discharge my duty in long, labori-
GUS and active canvass of several months. I was
defeated, as was said, by the vote of particu-
lar section of the State, now adhering to our enc
mics. And one year thereafter, with the fullest
opportunities for reflection and observation, 1t
was again publicly declared in another Conven-
ton, composed of the same parties, that / had
been selected, and elected triumphantly too, in
the hearts and judgments of the people of Vu-
gixid, though not formally proclaimed Governor
Of the Commonwealth -
asked no other reward than the happiness
derived from. conviction that had done my
duty. But was told by hundreds, indeed l
might say thousands, after the result of that
election was known-and by some of those, too,
who had voted against me-that they desired to
cast their votes for me at the next election. I'm
i accepted call made upon me, to become a
candidate this Spring, This did without sup
posing for . moment that was to encounter the
exposition of these who had made no objection
to me that l was aware of-having ever been an
oldline Whig-
1 now fmd, hewever, that there are some
Americans and Others" who, perhaps, have
not wen studied the improved maps of the State,
taking the ground that l am not on the right
side Of q particular eiuer. And there are some
Democrats, who have better studied party tao
tics, maintaining that kapc "not had s'erpcri-
encs" to qualify me for such position as that OF
Governor Of the Commonwealth. These objec-
lions, however late, may be well taken. am
satisfied at least Of one fact and that is that old
parties arc not to be forgotten at the polls.
/ will not be Instrumental, however, in promot-
ing such division at such a time--though
continue to receive the most cheering accounts
OF my probable success. therefore take upon
myself to withdraw my name as a candidate, and
/ most earnestly desire my friends Throughout,
the State to cast their votes for others and with
ont regard to me. Information obtained today
has induced me to take this course. I regret
that had it not before, so rs to enable me to do
soearlier. Duty to my country gratitude to old,
tried and trusty friends rememberances of the
past and bright hope Of happiness to all in the
futurc-of reunion in every part of the State,
and peace to the whole Iand-require this course
on my part; for anything like division amongst
ourselves, but strengthens the cause of our enc.
mics. i am for my country; and only ask, as
an humble individual, to know in what manner
can best discharge my duty in defending it.
IshEF I am, very respectfully,
Your obd't servant,
May %, 1868. WM. L. GOGGIN.