Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1865-03-31

THE LYNCHBURG CONGRESSIONAL DIS
Il TRICT.-In reply to letter addressed to
Mr.. BuTToN, of the Lynchburg VirginiSn, by. a
number OF leading citizens, inviting him to declare
himself a candidate for the House Of Representa-
tives, that gentleman responds
LYNcHBURG, March 2sth. 1865.
Gentlemen Your very hatterng letter, inviting
me to consent to the use Of my humble name as
candidate for the vacancy in this Congressional
District OccaSioRed by the resignation Of the Hon.
W. G. Hives, hSS just been received; and as I'M
stand that prompt reply is desired, in view Of the
early day fixed for the election, lose no time in
complying with yonr request.
Having never been an aspirant for political hon
orS, IL has been principle with me through life
never TO solicit the sufirages OF the people; and
what little diSicton of this kind has been confer
red upon me was entirely unsolicited. In the pres
ent instance there reasons in addition TO these
that have influenced my conduct heretofore, that
would deter mo from, obtrgding myself as a cand.
date to fill the place just vacated by the most dis
tinguisbed statesman. in Virginia, If not in thia
whole COnfederacy. No man can regret more than
do the necessity that cOmpels this eminent citi-
zen to withdraw from public life; and no one could
feel more sensibly than should feel, the embar-
raSsment that awaits his successor. / could not
offer to fill the great void, but IL were placed in
"a by fhA act at thnse who have right ~s@sn any
O their number TO the post OF duty-especially in
Seasons Oh luDllp ppIll-l NOulu 20 WHAT cOulu 10
promote the welfare of my constituents, and to ad-
vance the intorets and maintain the honor of my
native State and country,
II, therefore, the people of this District
choose TO confer upon me this unmerited honor,
shall not shrink from the high duty imposed
But, if some other citizen should be preferred,
will cheerfully acquiesce in the verdict that will
continue me, without interruption, in the more
congenial labOTs, that, l trust, are not without
some good results to the cause that we all have at
heart.
have neither time nor inclination to enter into
canvass; nor do think, gentlemen, that the state
Of the country is such as to warrant an unseemly
scramble for Office. Such course is not wanting,
either, TO put the people of the District in posses
sion OF my views. They are better known than
those of many persons whose opinions would be
justly entitled to greater weight. have had coca
sion, frequently, 10 give my views upon every
question that has engaged the public attention, and
the opportunity will still be afforded me to make
Known the opinions may entertain on any other
questions that may arise.
Ardently devoted TO the cause of Southern indie
pendeuce, would withhold nothing that could pos
IDLY contribute TO the deliverance of our untry
from the thraldom with which are TIN ca ened.
Earnestly invoking the blessing of Heaven upon our
cause, and praying that the period may not be re-
mote when this carnival ofblOod shall he ended,
am, gentlemen,
Very respectfully,
Your iellow-citZen,
. CHARLES W. BUTToN.
To Messrs. Geo. d. Davis, JDO. Robin Mcdaniel, J.
l.. Brown and Others.
We observe that Captain John d. Alexander, of
Campbell, and Col. r. 7. W. Duke, of Albermarle,
are announced, in the Lynchburg Republican,, (by
authority,) as candidates for the district.
The 10th OF April is the day fixed for the cleo
ton. D..
p. S.-Siuce the foregoing was put ini print,
We have been requested to announce John NJ.
Speed, CT Lynchburg, as also a candidate.