Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1863-10-09
For the Stands I'd.
Seventh Congressional District.
Lenoir, Sept. 10, 1863.

Mr. HOLDEN THE congressional election in this
the 18th District is waxing warm. The candidates,
Messrs. Christian and Ashe, arc actively engaged
in stumping the different counties. Their discus
sions are interesting and conducted with considera-
bic ability and with much good feeling. The peo-
pie seem anXiously disposed to catch every word
with view to impartial ard proper action on the
day of election. They are fully aroused to the mo.
mentous issues at stake. At Troy they assembled
few days ago and listened for three long hours to
protracted discussion of quite an interesting ma
ture. Neither of the speakers seem possessed OF
much oratorical power dealing as they do, in stub
born facts and figures Each seems to be earnest
candid and sincere, though without the animation
usual to such important discussions. They differ
widely on the question at issue, Mr.. Ashe contend
ing that the agitation of peace at this time will be
attended with deeterious consequences to our cause
encouraging desertion among our soldiers, but main
" in the stimulus it gives the Lincoln government
to strike stronger and more frequent blows for our
Subjugation, and that in itself the agitation is i'm
practicable an6 impotent of good, and its agitators
directly, though perhaps Inadvertently, striking for
reconstruction, &c. Col. Christian in reply, pre-
sents impartial history CT events, setting forth
our late reverses attended as they are with so great
loss of territory, which he fears We will never be
able to retake from the enemy, and STILL inch by
inch, losing ground, and that in view of these
disastrous results with the dark and gloomy future
ohSou vi IL ID Jul Oub1 " uOSN buS NNeoSSS Va
common sense, and rightful regard for the inter-
ests of ourselves and posterity to look around and
see whittier we are tending and try to devise some
means, compatible, and always so, with honor and
safety for selfeXtrcation That the people were
deceived by the wild and visionary opinions and CIV
ingS forth of selfish secession politicians. They told
US secession would be peaceable, eulOgised King
Cotton talked Justify both saint and sinner Of Yam
kee cowardice and foreign interference, and become
furious when their dictaS on blockade raising were
questioned. All these fond and darling predictions
had been falSiied, and now what cool, brazen i'm
pudence for them again to prornu gate their op!n-
ions, and in accordance tn crewith every southern
man should square his sails or be denounced a
traitor TO his country that instead of peaceable Sc
cesslon they now claim " the last man and last dol
lar" instead of whipping the Yankees before break
fast, they now speak of 30 years war, &c That
Blood cannot settle this family strife; that plan had
been sufficiently tested; that he (Christan) was for
trying another plan while prosecuting, with vigor
the old Let negotiate and fight if possible, adj.
just the difficulty, stop the effuSion Of blood fit
failed Of success, it would not make the matter any
wOrse-we could then but fight on indefinitely, and
together fill a common grave. That the Yankees
know our condition as well as VIC do, it would not
embolden them, they are putting forth every nerve
any how, and will not relax. lie denied that
it caused desertion. Look at the many de1or.
tiers from other States; look at Greenville South
Carolina, where they banded together, and have
cannon and Qualifications No, it was not the talk
of peace but the contrary, the idea that they are
but machines in the hands of Davis to fight until he
is satisfied that they are in for life, and the last man
must fall This idea encourages deserton anddrives
the soldier from his post who otherwise would rally
around, and if needs be- fall under his flag An
honest effort for peace would never discourage the
soldier He was opposed to reconstruction, but
preferred it on terms of equality, and with proper
guarantees to subjugation &c. The ColonelS speech
had a fine effect in Montgomery. The bone and
sinew Of the land are for him with unprecedented
unaEimity. Unless some great reaction occurs, he
will be elected by sweeping majority. Roll on the
ball, Mr.. Editor, for the people are with you.
Yours, truly, TROY.