The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1866-07-28
From the Weldon State.
NORTHAMPTON Co.. N. G.
july 18th, 1866.

July 1tn, 1870.
Mr.. EDITOR: have observed that my
name has been presented In the newspapers
and in some public meetings, in connection
with the gubernatorial election, in this State
and, that my silence may not be misunder-
stood, have thought it proper to declare
that 1 cannot be candidate for that ONCE.
/ have come to this conclusion, from delib-
crate conviction. that the agitation of polit-
ical contest at this time, would do our State
good. Its tendency would be to revive
and embitter party passion, to infame and
divide the people and to weaken the infiu-
ence of the State. The people of North
Carolina and, l may say, of all the Southern
States, ought now to be a unit. There should
be no division, no distraction or alienation
in our purposes or action. 1t 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
well be gratifed to attain it. but 1 cannot
seek it through the discord of the people and
at the sacrifice ofpublic harmony.
The recollections of the past, our common
trials and sufferings, 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 all together as brothers of
the same blood. cannot consent that my
name shall 60 before the people in this cleo
ton. If my poor services were required by
my State, if 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 1
= IL
DRY of her gallant dead, to bind up the
wounds and sorrows of her living patriots,
to vindicate her fair fame before the world l
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 wears
Let not the shame of dissension rest upon
the name of North Carolina. Let us sacri-
flee our differences in 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,
M W. RANSOM