Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-02-20
CAPTAIN WIN. II. PRETLOW.
, th. Editor of "a. Whin

To the Editor Of tie Wig:
have seen with much pleasure the name Of this dis
tinguished young brought forward as fit one to
represent the noble constituency composing the Second
District In the next Confederat Congress-
and as an humble voter of the District feel proud in
advocating his claims.
It not my purpose this brief notice. to pronounce
glowing panegyric though that would entte the re-
cpent to the highest seat in the council Of the naon
but to speak of his merits and urge his claims upon the
voters of the District. f'
IL would be superhuous to speak Of the family Of
which Capt Pretlow is such bright ornament, no
family sending forth such brilliant lights can ever sink in
obsurity, hence l will speak particularly Of its
brightest genius who destined to perpetuate the
name and make it as familiar as household words.
Four wears ago. Captain Pretlow was admitted TO the
bar in his native county, Southampton, but unlike most
Young lawyers who have to submit to the bitter sarcasm
and succumb to the superior forensic powers of old pac
tioneers he at once took stand that commanded the
and admiration Of all with whom he came in con-
tact either at the bar, or 10 the social circle.
When our national troubles commenced he was en-
loving quite an extensive and lucrative practice and
was daily winning aurels in his profession. During
the canvass for members of the Virginia Convention,
and indeed TO the day that convention passed the Ord
nance of Secession he chung 10 the Union with deep
tepacity and afection-hoping that some compromise
might be madethat the fearful storm that has desc
lated our beautiful country, might be averted b when
the tocsin of was sounded by that august body,
calling her sons arms and the news went forth that
Virginia in her majesty had resolved to resist the usur
patons of the yrant and despot who would desecrat
our homes and wreste from those liberties so dear
TO our hearts Capt p closed his Office and consecraed
his life TO her common cause.
Possessing unbounded popularity, he not long in
organizing fine company which was ordered TO report
TO MaurGen. Huger and subsequently assigned to duty
at Sewers Point where it remained up to the evacua-
ton of Norfolk and if mistake not it is now in the
vicinity of Richmond ready to meet the nefarous in
yader whenever he shall approach
For the past four FIVE months Capt. P. has been
acting Major of The 18th Virginia Battalion in discharge
of which duties he has evnced great proves and skill
as commander and won the confidence and esteem of
all with whom he has been associated.
The suggestion of "Norfolk Soldier" in the Wing of
January goth, decidedly good one, and should
meet with the hearty appreciation OF both soldier and
civilian If we soldiers) not allowed the right Of
free suffrage in the approaching election, we should at
least have the privilege of selecting candidate unless
we are unworthy participate since we have preferred
The battlefield 10 the guietnde and tranquility Of home
,chils this great struggle IS pending.
We should vote for no man, Messrs. Editors, who
would evade the service of his country in this her dark
est hour while the fatal shaft OF destruction is quverng
at her very heart should elevate 10 this respon
sibe poston one who has abandoned her cause
nshed hil cling to perform the duties he should have
proudlS incurred himself Such represent
the soldiers that are fighting the battles of the
south theu let us profit by the timely suggestion Of
,iN-teIk Soldier" and select from the field
and soeF whose ma name nee 6 Ss hs article one
a. brzye and sacrificing he is loyal as vigilant
and Jealous Of yrgnia interest as he is intrepid one Of
whomsnone can speak but in terms Of praise.
1t Il not my purpose to detract from the welesrned
aure that may deck the brow of any asprant for this
Office Fortunately We have many gifted sons that
would be an ornament to that body, but none more
worthy and deserving than Capt VIM II. Pretlow.
Private.
Camp near Fredericksburg, Feb. IL, 1868.