The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1866-08-01
From the Weldon State.
NORTHAMPTON Co.. N. c.
july 7th, 1866.

u p INOhIdAMfTON OO. IN. ".
July 7th, 1866.
Mr.. EDITOR: have observed that my
name has been presented in the newspapers
and in some public meetings. in connection
with thegubernatorial election, in this State
and, that my silence may not be misunder-
stood, have thought it proper to declare
that cannot be candidate for that olSce.
have come to this conclusion, from delib-
crate conviction, that the agitation of polit-
ical contest at this time, would do our State
no good. Its tendency would be to revive
and embitter party passion, to inf1ame and
divide the people and to weaken the inf1u-
ence of the State. The people of North
Carolina and, may say, of all the Southern
States, ought now to be unit. There should
be no division, no distraction or alienation
in our purposes or action. It will require all
our strength, our whole united energy, to as
sist the patriotic men of the country in main
tanning the principles of constitutional lib
erty and preserving to us the right of self
government. Certainly, this is no time to
think of personal advancement or party ag
grandizement. The office of Governor of
North Carolina is a position of the highest
honor, and the ambition of any man might
we'll be gratifed to attain it, but cannot
seek it through the discord of the people and
at the sacrifice of public harmony.
The recollections of the past our common
trials and suferings, the sight of our desola-
ted country, every virtuous consideration
that can appeal to honorable men, ought to
reconcile all thoughts of division among our
selves and bind us all together as brothers of
the same blood. Icannot consent that my
shall hofO fho 10 fhic olop-
ton. If my poor services were required by
my State, if I could harmonic the popular
sentiment of North Carolina, do anything to
promote her interest or honor, to add to the
happiness or pride of her noble people; if I
could contribute to do justice to the mem
ory of her gallant dead, to bind up the
wounds and SORROWS of her living patriots,
to vindicate her fair fame before the world, 1
trust that no personal considerations could
induce me to decline the effort But such is
not now the case A political Struggle, with
its agitation and strife, elimination and
acrimony, the triumph of one party, the de-
feat of another, the narrowing up of our do
mestic troubles and Affections, with all the
evils of divided, Disconnected, alienated
public mind, would not accomplish these OBJ
jects, but might prove curse to the State,
from which she would not recover for years.
Let not the shame of dissension, rest upon
the name of North Carolina. Let US sacri-
flee our differences in a common devotion to
the good of the State and once more be uni
ted, fraternal North Carolinians, graphing
together and determined to discharge the
whole duty of North Carolina to the country,
to support and defend" her rights as a
State, and above all personal, party and
political considerations, through defeat, dis
aster and general calamity, to presrve her
honor without reproach.
To the generous friends who have honored
me with this expression of their confidence,
beg to return my sincere and grateful ac-
acknowledgements. Whatever may happen, /
shall always cherish this testimony Of their
regard among the valued recollections Of my
life. Very Respectfully, -. I.
M. W. RANSOM. =
Have the courage to wear your old clothes