The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-11-19
SOUTH CAROLINA.
Wade Hampton 10 the People OF South
Carolina.

HE RECOGNIZES THE ABOLITION OF sLAvERY-rHE
DUTY OF THE PEOPLE TO SUPPORT PRESIDENT
JOHNSON IN HIS PRESENT POLICY
Expecting to leave the State in few days Tor an IN
certain PERIOD cannot do without expressing To- my
fellow citizens my profound sense Of the honor paid 10
mo by the vote gwen 10 in tho election for
Governor In returning my thanks 10 them for tho
late spontaneous and extraordinary manifestation OF
their Kindness il to them that should state the
reasons which induced me 20 decline to be candidate.
In the first place, the convention which gave the cleo
ton Of Governor to the people, had with singular una
mhity-though mol IN their public capacity-requested
the distinguished gentleman who has been elected TO
become a candidate for the office This he
scented TO do, though, doubtless, great personal
inconvenience aud heavy sacrifice of his private inter-
ests. Under these circumstances was unwilling TO do
ANYTHING that might cause political contest In the
State thought that good could arise at home from
such contest, whilst it might do infinite mischief
abroad The President Of the United States had exhibit
Cd not only strong disposition TO protect the South
from the rdicasm of the North but TO rensate in
our civil and political rights l feared that my election
by embarrassing him in his labors and polcy-might
incidentally do harm to the State Superadded TO
these considerations of public character lettering
n me from appearing as candidate there were
My affairs neglected for Ave years, impeta
iveF demand my reconstruction Had believed
that my election as Governor could really benefit the
STATE or suoseve any OF her true Interests no sacrifice
OF private nature however great would have deferred
me io accepting that or any other position to which
she might have called me- but regarding my nomination
only as a compliment from some OF my former
rades f"lt at liberty to decline, though deeply
slbe Of the honor paid TO me by the nomination, and
inc manner IN which II was received throughout
the state. These reasons which hope you will
understand and appreciate, inpellcd me 10 withdraw
my name. Having given the reasons for the course
pursued, and expressed my thanks for your gene
rous confidence In me- should perhaps here close.
Bu the evidence you have given of your Kindness TO and
confidence in mc-evIdence unexpected as 1T Is graft.
lyng-authorizes me, trust without presumption, to
add Few words OF counsel
For years past has been the boast Of State that
thsre was put one party within her limits. Commend
y ~ scarcely, If at ALL less now Every association OF
he past every duty Of the present every hope Of the
future, bid us still 70 stand shoulder to shoal
patriotism, all the courage, all the endurance Of
our whole people. Let no party strife, minor issues
no petty politics divert us from the great and pressing
work Of the hour That Of terminating, far pos
sibe our postate and bleeding State and rehabitatng
her as speedily as may be with the forms, the rights
and the sanctity of government aud of law.
The bark which was launched few years ago, amid
such Joyous acclamaons, which freghtcd with such
precious hopes and which waited on by such
nest prayers has suffered shpwreck. 1t behooves
wise men, 10 build OF its broken tmbers best may
rh' whenever we may hope TO reach haven OF rest
and safety.
1t may be that when the forms Of government arc
restored and freedom OF speech allowed to us, your late
convention VIII be subjected to harsh criticism an its
action mpugned Should such, unhappily, be the case
remember that you, the people of South Carolina &C
cepted this convention part and parcel OF the terms
OF yonr surrender. Tho President had shadow Of
authority, Iadmunder the constitution OF the United
staes-to order convention In this or any other State
but ms conqueror he had the right TO Offer If not to
dictate, terms. The terms offered by him you have
accepted and you are bound by every dictate Of honor
in good faith the pledges you have given. ] do not
myself concur fully in all the measures adopted
by the conventions but shall cheerfuly acquase
IN the action IL took 10 carry out faithfully
the terms agreed on, and willingly accord TO II high
praise for the Ia which IL discharged its aruous
and unwclcomc labors No similar body repre-
seated more largely than IL did the dignity the learning
the virtue and the patriotism of the State, and
that II was acuated by pure and high motives Enter
tanning these views think that IL is duty 10 sustain
the action OF the convention In recognizing the abolition
of slavery 10 support tile President or tho United states
so long he manfests disposition 10 restore all our
rights sov0reign state, and to give TO newly
elected Governor cordial cooperation in his
grave and responsible duties Above ALL let
ns stand by our State--her record Is honorable her
csclcheon untarnshed Here Is our country-the land
OF our nativity, the home Of affection Here all oGr
hopes should centre; hero have worshippcd the God
Of lathers here amid charred and ruins
the spots fondly called homes and here
ties bind us TO State and they intensified by her
suffering and her desolaton.
And, as child when soaring sounds moest
Clings close and closer IN the mothers breast;
20 the loud orrgnt and the whrlwnd's roar
but bind ua 10 oar native land the more.
trust that you will pardon for this vcuturing
counsel you Believe me, that II In Is presumptuous
feeling that do but solely in honest sincere and
humble hope of contributing my mite To the welfare and
honor OF our State What have sad has been evoked
by your recent manifestations Of kindness 10 me. This
my life, for assures OF yonr belief that have tried
TO do my duty. II only remains for me- In bidding you
farewell TO say that whenever the State needs my
vices she has only 70 command aud shall obev. am,
very respectfully and gratefully, your fellow citizen,
WADE HAMPTON