Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1864-05-23
Defamation of Hon. j. A. to
be n Candidate for Recollection TO
Congress-SOund sentiments


Hon. JAMES A. C~RAvESS. Congressman from
the Second District. in response to a letter from
Hon. HAMILTON SMITH, inquiring whether he
would be n candidate for reelection in the APP
preaching canvass. expresses his determi-
nation to retire from public life. 1t is %unfortu-
nate for the country that men of the tried integ-
rity and patriotism of Mr.. CRAvENs should with
draw from the public service at a crisis like the
present, but in his case considerations of a private
nature appear to be paramount. Mr.. CRAvKSs,
in expressing bis acknowledgements for the un
qualified appreciation of his official conduct by
bis constituents, gives utterance to his confirmed
convictions as 10 the necessity Of the triumph Of
Democratic principles in the coming canvass TO
restore unity and peace 10 the country, in senti-
ments alike forcible. just and eloquent. He
says
The faithful public servant wants no higher
boon than to know that his constituents approve
Of his Official course.
1t is not my desire or purpose to be a candidate
for reelection to Congress. and you are at liber.
ty to say 10 my political friends that | shall not
be a candidate. but that | will be with them, in
their efforts TO secure the triumph OF Democratic
principles. in the approaching canvass. / think
| can best attest nv gratitude for the generous
support my constituents have given me heretofore
BY faithfully laboring To place in power men who
will see that the Government is administered on
the principles Of the fathers Of the republic, and
who will live and act up to all the obligations OF
the Constitution.
Nv determination TO retire to private life, at
the expiration of my present official term, has
not been hastily or inconsiderately formed. The
delicate health Of my wife, my duty to her and
TO my children, the long neglect of my private
affairs, and other considerations, have long since
determined my mind not to seek a return to Con-
gress. | feel that | hazard no interest Of nv
district or country BY this step. because there are
many competent and worthy gentlemen in the
district from whom the people can select an ex-
cellent representative, whose views will no doubt
he in harmony with those Of all truly conserva-
tin and patriotic citizens.
1 think it is not improper that l should say.
that during the period | have held a seat in Con-
gress as your representative. i have been con-
stantly animated by an ardent and sincere desire
to promote the best interests of the country. i
have made no factious opposition to the legiti-
mate measures of the Administration While /
have steadily opposed all Federal usurpations Of
power, | have endeavored to uphold the arms of
those whose special and solemn duty il is to up
hold the Constitution and the laws. ! am not
vain enough for a moment to think that / have
made no mistakes or committed no ~blunders, io-
deed.
/ should be more than human to have passed
through the storm Of three years of civil war in
the counsels of The nation, where so many lev
issues are tried. and so many new questions are
presented. not to have Jailed in some things.
The kind forbearaDce of my constituents toward
me during these trying times has caused me to
feel doubly grateful 70 them, and the fact that
/ - -. Is.f~erf he nAuofa al auofa9.AI
me, and has uttered no word Of disapprobation
against my course as your representative, places
me under the highest obligations 70 be faithful 70
the trust committed TO my care.
Having given nv opinions at some length in
the House Of Representatives a few days ago, II
Is not necessary that I should allude to the con-
diuon Of the country in this letter to you, fur