The Norfolk post. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1865-1866, 1865-11-22

Expecting to leave the state in few
days for an uncertain period, l cannot
do so without expressing to my fellow
citizens my profound sense of the honor
paid to me by the vote given to me In
the recent election for Governor. In
returning my thanks to them for the
late spontaneous and extraordinary
manifestation of their kindness, it is
due to them that l should state the rea-
sons which induced me to decline to be
a candidate. In the first place, the con-
yention which gave the election of Gov
ernor to the people, had with singular
unanimity-though not in their public
capacity-requested the distinguished
gentleman who has been elected to
become a candidate for the office. This
he consented to do, though, doubtless,
at great personal Inconvenience and u
heavy sacrifice of his private interests.
Under these circumstances ] was unwil-
ling to do anything that might cause a
political contest i'm the state. thought
that no good could arise at home from
such contest, whilst it might do us
infinite mischiefabroad. The President
of the United States had exhibited not
only strong disposition to protect the
South from the radicalism of the North,
but to reinstate us i'm our civil and politi-
cal rights. / feared that my election-by
embarrassing him in his labors and
policy-might incidentally do harm to
the state. Superadded to these cOnsid-
erations of public character, deterring
me from appearing as candidate, there
were others of a private nature no less
strong. My affairs, neglected for five
years, imperatively demand my per-
sonal attention. Had L believed that
my election as governor could really
benefit the state, or subserve any OF hef
true interests, no sacrifice OF private
nature, however great, would have
deferred me from accepting that or any
other position to which she might have
called me- but regarding my nomina-
ton only as compliment from some OF
NV former comrades, / felt at liberty to
decline, though deeply sensible of the
honor 1,aid to me by the nomination,
and the manner in which it was re-
ceived throughout the state. These
reasons, which I hope you will under
stand and appreciate, impelled me to
| withdraw my name. Having given the
reasons for the course pursued, and
expressed my thanks for your generous
confidence in me, should perhaps here
close. But the evidence you have given
of your kindness to, and confidence IN,
me-evidence as unexpected as IL Is
neutrality-suspicious. me, trust, with
out presumption, to add few words OF
counsel.
For years past it has been the boast OF
our state that there was but one party
within her limits. -Commendable ano
vital as that state of affairs was during
the war, it is scarcely, if at all, less Sc
now, Every association of the past
every duty of the present, every hope o
the future, bid us still to stand "shoulde
to shoulder" The work before us de
mands all the patriotism, all the courage
all the endurance of our whole people
Let no party strife, no minor issues, M
, petty politics, divert us from the grea
, and pressing work of the hour. That o
. terminating, as far as possible, our pros
, trate and bleeding state, and rehabita
ting her as speedily as may be with tn
, forms, the rights and the sanctity o
! government and of law.
The bark which was launched a few
+ wears ago, amid such joyous acclama
e lions, which was freighted with sucl
: precious hopes, and which was waite
f on by such earnest prayers, has suffere
d shipwreck. 1t behoOves us, as wis
G men, to build of its broken timbers, 6
s best we may, raft, whenever We ma
l. hone to reach haven of rest and safet,
d 1t may be that when the forms
e government are restored and freedom
n speech allowed us, your late conventie
It will be subject to harsh criticisms ar
If its action impugned. Should sue
is unhapplly, be the case, remember til
l. YOU, the people of South Carolina, q
Is cepted this convention as a part al
lie parcel of the terms of your surrend,
s. The President had no shadow
n authority, / admit-under the co
N stitution of the United States-to
I'd der convention in this or a
It. other State; but, as a conquer
It. he had the right to offer, if not to d
al tate, terms. The terms offered by h
I'D you have accepted, and you are bou
d. by every dictate of honor and manlin
es- to abide by them honestly, and to k.
Ter in good faith the pledge you have Civ
ect / do not myself concur fully in all
yal meas,,res adoDted bv the couyepti(