The national Republican. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1866-1870, 1869-09-22
Tn, Comm.rc,s, Convention.

Tho Louisville Courier-,Journdl says the
prospects ore most 1attering for large at
tendance at the commercial convention on
October 12. Ex-President Willard Fillmore
has accepted the Invitation Of the committee
of arrangements TO be present, organize the
convention and preside over Its sessions.
Delegates will greatly facilitate the work OF
the committee Of arrangements by writing
to the chairman at once, stating their intcn-
tion to be present, and giving their address
and the interests which they will represent.
Suitable arrangements will thus be made for
the number coming, many hundreds OF
whom will be accommodated at the private
residences Of citizens.
Generals Lee and Sherman have sent let
tors excusing themselves from being present
on account OF press Of business. Inc fol-
lowing are copies;
LETTER PROM GENERAL LEE.
LEXINGTON, VA, Sept. IL, 1909.
DEAR SIR. have had the honor TO rc-
ccivc your invitation TO attend as an hon
orary member of the Commercial Conycn.
ton, to assemble at Louisville on the l2th oil
October next. The important measures pro-
posed to be considered by tho convention
will attract tho earnest attention OF the
whole country, and I feel assured will re-
ceiyo the calm elaboration which so mo
mentous subject as the advancement OF
the interests OF all the States and the dcvol-
opmcnt of the wealth and resources Of each
require from American citizens. II we turn
to the past history Of the country and com.
pare our material condition with that OF our
forcfathers, when they undertook, In the face
of tho difficulties which surrounded them,
It's organization and establishment, II would
seem to be an easy task for us 10 revive what
may be depressed, and to encourage what
may be languishing In all the walks OF HE.
We shall nnd IL easy II we will cherish the
same principles and practice the same yir'
tues which governed them.
Every man, however, must do his part III
this great work. lie must carry into the
administration of his affairs industry, hdel'
| ity, and economy, and apply the knowledge
| taught by science to the promotion OF agri.
culture, manufactures, and all industrial
pursuits. As individuals prosper communi
ties will become rich, and the avenues and
dcpots required by trade and commerce will
| be readily constructed. In my particular
sphere have 10 attend to my proper bust
ness, which occupies SO much Of my atten
ton that have but little time to devote e
other things. I am unable, therefore, Il
accept your kind invitation, but am happy
| In the belief that the enlightened delegates
| that will be present at the convention Will
do all that eau be done for the good OF the
country.
Thanking you for tho kind manner Ii
which your invitation has been extended,
lam, with great respect, your o6edlen
servant, X. Il. LEE
Col BLiSros DrScAS. Chairman Committee o
| Arrangements.
LETTER PROM GEN. SHERMAN.
HE.DsrAaIss. kRsr gsIysps5,ssTnE''
| BHiHtDa Duncan. ts3 Chairman SouthsTI
| CpHmGrcfd' COnnsntiOH: .
SIR: General Sherman directs me to &C
knowledge the receipt Of your invitation +
be present at the meeting OF the Southern
Commercial Convention, TO be held at Louis
vile, KY, October IL, 1909, and to thanl
you for the same. The duties arising iron
the offices now held by him-that Of secre
tary of War and General OF the Army-ar'
of such nature as to prevent him from
making any appointment for the future, and
while he wishes you much success In you
undertaking, he bcgs to convey his regret
that he cannot be present.
Lam, sir, very respectfully, your obedicn
servant, JOS. q. AsDENRiHD,
Colonel and A. d. q.