Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1864-02-06
THE RESIGNATION OF SENA-
TOR WHITE.
HIS LETTER FROM THE LIBBY
PRISON.
Organization orthe Senate Certain

Harry White, delivered this day, by judge
White, his father, to Senator Turrell depu-
ted 10y Speaker Penney to act for him in his
absence. This letter has never been in the
hands of Governor Curtin, Judge White. in
tatherly zeal for the release of the gallant
Major, having retained the letter, as author.
lied by his son, until his own views of duty
to the writer and the country compelled
him to hand the letter over.
Speaker Penney has been informed by
telegraph, and the writ for new election is
doubtless ere this in the hands of the re.
spectiye sheritfs of Indiana and Armstrong
counties.
LIBBY Prison, RICHMOND, VA,
Nov, 1863.
Hon. ). p. Penney, Speaker Of the Senate Of
Pennsylvania.
DEAR SIR: Considerations l shall briefly
state make it prudent and proper for me to
tender my resignation as q member of the
Senate OF Pennsylvania. After the adjourn
ment OF our Legislature last spring, rcioin-
ed my regiment and resumed my military
duties III the field. Upon the advance of
General Lees army, in June last, into the
shenandoah Valley, on his PENNSYLVANIA
campaign, the forces with wbich | was con-
the battle ut that place ! fell into the hands
OF the enemy as prisoner of war. With
other Federal officers | was immediately
sent to Richmond, and since the cad of Jrne
have remained as prisoner in the Libby"
No general exchange of officers has taken
place IN the meantime, nor does any appear
to me in early prospect. Shut off for long
months from friends and the outer world. !
have yet not been entirely ignorant of pass.
ing events. The recent election in our State
has, learn, altered somewhat from the last
session the political complexion of our
Senate. My absence, it seems, gives to each
political party represented there eaual nu.
mericai strength. This will, in all probabil-
ity, embarrass organization and delay ne
cessary legislation. ] regret this situation,
and am unwilling my present personal mis-.
fortune should In any way affect public
interests, or interrupt for a moment that
cordial cooperation between our State and
National Governments so necessary in this
crisis. 1t is true, some time must vet
eiapse before my presence in Harrisburg is
actually required, yet as see no hope of
release by general exchange, as the Rich
mond authorities will, | am convinced.
retain me as long as possible because am q
Senator, and my vote important
Under the circumstances, il behooves me
10 do what can to relieve the difficulty
likely to result from my continued imprison.
ment. am sure you will not doubt me
when confess it would be much more ac
ceptablc to my tastes ard feelings TO spend
the months Of the coming winter in active
legislation in our Senate chamber, than to
ianguish within the gloomy walls of a
Southern prison.
My present situation places the less agree
able alternative in prospect, and see but
one solution to the difficulty; other and
greater interests are involved in this matter
than my personal comfort and private incu.
nations. My health, my life, are nothing to
the success OF those great principles was
elected to represent.
The good people OF my district are chiefly
interested in this matter. and my duty to
them IN the premises has given me many an
hour OF anxious solicitude in this weary
prison life. / cannot now in any way con.
suit with them they should not, however
at TINS time, go unrepresentcd. Their gene.
rous confidence was but recently given me,
and they will, | trust, give The approval of
their voice TO the step lnow take, and select
as my successor one who will be as faithful
to their interests and the great cause of our
country as l, at least, desired 10 be. Be
pIeased,'theretore, 10 accept my resignation
as a Senator from the Twenty,frst Senate
rial district. Be kind enough to convey TO
my brother Senators assurances of respect
and esteem. Tell them, 'though cast down
am not dismayed," though in bonds, am
full of hope. Tel! them my prayer and
trust is no word or deed may go out of the
counsels of your Senate 'to weaken the arm
or make faint the heart" Of those brave SOL
diers of the Union who are bearing in the
deld to sure and triumphant success the
greatest struggle of history.
Accept, my dear sir, my kindest wishes
for your good health and future prosperity.
am yours, truly, HARRY WHITE.