Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1865-11-24
Prom tho Coltsn,6ia l'arnis.l
General Hampton's Address.

'1'' W. "n a"oS'sHH P0i'ou, cannOt 10
so without expressing 10 ,ny fellow-ci,izens
my profound sense Of the lrnor paid to me
by the vote given TO me"in tile recent elec-
ton for Governor. In returning my thanks
to them for the late spontaneous aud ex-
traordinary manifestation of their kind
ness, it is due to them that should state
the reasons which induced me to decline to
be candidate. In tho first place, the
Convention, which gave the election OF
Governor to tie people, had, with singular
unanimity-thougll- NOT in tlreir public ca.
pacity-rsquested the distinguished gen.
tleman who has been elected to become a
candidate for the office. This he consented
to do, though, doubtless, at great personal
iaephvenieuce, and n heaSy yssacriGce of his
private interests. Under. these circum-
stances, I was unwilling to do. anything
that might cause political contest in the
State. / thought that no good could arise
at home from such contest, willis: it
might do us infinite mischief abroad. The
President Of the United States had exhibit.
cd not only strong disposition to protect
lie. South from radicalism. of the North,
but to re instate us in our civil and politi
cal rights. feared that my elertion-by
embarrassing him in his labors and policy
might incidentally do harm to the State.
Superadded to these considerations of a
public character, deterring me from appear.
ing as candidate, there were others of
private nature no less strong. My affairs,
neglected for five years, impera,ively de-
manf my personal attention. Had l be-
lievsd- that my election as Governor could
really benefit the State, orsubserve any of
her true Interests, no sacrifice of private
nature, however great, would have deferred
me from accepting that or any other posi-
ton to which size might have called me
but regarding my nomination only as a
compliment from some of my former com
rades, felt at liberty to decline, though
deeply sensible OF the honor paid to me by
the nomination, and the manner in which
il was received throughout tile State: These
reasons, which hope you will understand
and appreciate. impelled rue 10 withdraw
NY name.'. Having given the reasons for
he course I pursued, and expressed my .
hanks for your generous confidence in tne,
should, perhaps, here. close. But the
evidence you have given of your kindness
o, and confidence i1p me-evidence as un.
as it is gratifying-ap'horizes me-
trust without presumption, to odd few
words Of counsel. -
For years past, it has been tue boast Of
Dur State that there was but one party
within her limits. Commendable and vital
IS that state of'affairs WAS during the wal,
is scarcely, if at. all less SC. now. Every
Of the past, every duty Of the
present, every boro Of the future, bid us
',ill to stand shoulder to shoulder" The
work before us demands all the patriotism
al the courage. all the endurance of our
wliole- people. Let no party, strife, no
minor issues, no petty politics, divert us
from the great and pressing work of the
hour. That of terminating, as far as
possible, our, ,pfostrate cad Bleeding State,
and rellabitatjpg her, as speedily a. may
be, with the forms, the rights and the sane
lity Of government and of law.
That barque, which was launched a few
years ago, amid such joyous acclamations,
which was freighted with such precious
1opes and which was waited on Ly such
earnest prayers, has suffered slipwreck.-
Il be',ooves us, as wise ,nen, to build of It's
broken ti,nbers, as best we may, a raft,
whichever VIC may hope TO reach a. haven Of
rest and safety.
II may be, That when the fornls Of gov,-
ernment are restored, ,nnd freedom Of speech
allowed to US, your late Convention will be
subjected 70 harsh criticism and its action
impngned: Should such, nnLappily, be-
the cuse, remember that you, the people of
S9utlt Carolina, accepted this Convention
as part add parcel Of the terms Of, your sur
render. The President had 10 shadow Of
authority, adrni.-eundss the Constitution
OF the Unitel S.ates-to order a Codven-
ton in this OF: any other, State bn., as a
conqueror, he had the IigL. 10 offer, II not
to dictate terms. The terms offered by him
you haze accepted, and you are bound, BY
every dictate Of hoHor and Of manliness,
to abide by them honestly. aud to keep, in
good faith, the pledges you have given. i;
do not snyse!f concur fully In all the meas.
ures adopted by tic Convention, but I shalI
cl.eerfalIy acqpiesce in the action Il took
to carry out faithfully Tie terms agreed on,
q. l ..