Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-01-04
wAsHNsroS Cfrr, D. c.,
nacan,har 00th 1Se,
To he Editors of the Free Press,
1lo~T-sfa.r, T.1~~son Conufu Ya

Charlestown, Jefferson County, Va.
Dr.n SrRs Some kind, though unknown friend,
n few DAYS since, favored me with "a copy of the
s.virginja Free Press" for which Idesire in tbis
way. to express my thanks. How many diversified
"reminiscences crowded upon my mind as gazed
over its multifarious contents Memory unbidden,
unlocked its gates, and thousand imprisoned in
cidents Of the past stood in array before me- Scores
of pleasant memories sprang back again to life, and
challenged anew, my grateful recognition. Among
these the valuable and effective friendship of its an
cient and gifted Editor John s. Gafaher, has expe-
rienced no damage by the ravages of more than a
quarter Of a century, and was foremost among my
most acceptable recollections. Many other names
among the cherished living and the lamented dead,
associated with acts Of generous Kindness passed
review before my mortal vision.
The nine or ten years ofmy residence in Jefferson
County, Virginia, was the hacyon period of minis
try and the happest portion of my life, now rapid
ly fastening to close. In my transfer from the
pulpit of the Presbyterian church in Charestown,
to the Chaplaincy Of the University of Virginia,
and thence to the same Office in the House OF Rep
resentatives, in Washington, and subsequently to
the same place in the Senate of the United States
and still more recently to other appointments of
honor and usefulness in the church, and residence
amidst the exctements and attractions the metrop
oils of the nation, | have never lost sight of the
kindness experienced, and the happiness / enjoy
ed, while occupying the less conspicuous, but not
less honorable position of a'village Pastor.
In the terrible struggle through which the nation
has successfully passed dWs Dec. felt it my duty
to stand by the Federal Union, founded by Wash
ington, Jefferson, Adams and their compatriots, of
precious and glorious memory, and to use all my
influence alike in nv public and private capacity to
preserve itfrom dsintegration and consequent ruin
But my Incorporating adherence to the Old
Government, gentle and so generous in its ordi-
nary operations, as to make its subjects insensble
of its existence, except by the blessings conferred
did not prevent me from using all proper and law
full means to mitigate the horrors of war, or to les
sen the sorrows Of the destitute and bereayed
when found among those who were so unfortunate,
the result has shown, as to occupy different at
ttude from that which, in the sight and fear OF God
had felt it to be my solemn duty TO assume. There
those in your midst, and also in other portions
of Virginia whose sympathies were antagonistic to
nv own who will am sure testify how cheerfully
gave them, when called upon, what facilities
could to obtain access to those in power, that their
plea in behalf of their unfortunate kindred and
friends whom the fortunes of war had placed in pO
stions Of discomfort and peril might be heard and
il right and proper, executive clemency secured
And enjoy the qualification Of knoring that in
some instances my humble agency was crowned
with success. Without indulging in any superflu-
professions Of continued friendship and affection
towards my old parshioners, and friends IN Jeffer
son, and the circumjacent counties, who still re-
main connected with the church militant, TO say
nothing of those who have been translated to the
church triumphant, / am willing that my past &C
tons in all the vicissitudes through which we have
passed, should be regarded as true and faithfuln
dex to my present feelings and disposition, and also
Ofmy readiness to promote their temporal and spir
itual comfort, whenever the opportunity may occur
/ wish them to understand "hat Il ioas not because
1 lored Cesar less, bat Iored Rome more" that |
was induced to separate from them during the dark
and stormy night of our nations tribulation and to
endure cheerfully, whatever Of repoof might, in
their Judgment, attach to me on that account.
But Angry War has extinguished his torch and
furled his banner, and Peace, with all her balmy
influences has returned tn bless and to heal az
fiicted and weary country. Let US all gratefully
and joyfully embrace her lovely form, and receive
her gracious and heavenly benediction, and thus
secure for ourselves and for our children happy
and glorious future. Whilst with emotion too deep
for utterance we lament the loss of late Chief
Magistrate, let rejoice that his mantle has fallen
upon whose acknowledged ability and unman-
ageable integrity, afford the best possible security
that in his hands and under his guidance, derinely
aided as zee LeIere he ieU be, the Republic will re
ceive no detriment.
With sincere wishes for the success of the Free
Press and that its Editors and patrons may live to
see and enjoy the recurrence Of "many Happy
Ne9- Year"
remain, at olim, the friend of ALL :,
SEPTIMUS TUSTIN. (
P. ST. wouldbe much gratifed if the neighbour
ing Editors would give the foregoing place in
their columns. :. /.