The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1869-06-10
-A117lO at21 ce21ae2atS.
FOR CONGRESS.
YTlO the Voters Of the 9th Congress
siOnal District of VAL hav,

rio the Voters of the 9th Congress.
i siOnal District of VAL have
hitherto declined to yield to the solicitations Of
many friends to become candidate to represent
this District in the 41st Congress Of the United
States, for the reason that it was apprehended
my candidacy for Congress might occasion some
embarrassment to the ticket upon which my name
has been placed for the Office of Lieutenant. Gov
ernor of Virginia.
should still unhesitatingly decline but mature
reflection has satisfied me that there is no founda-
ton for this fear, in the event of the election
of the "Walker ticket" which most earnestly
desire, my duties as Lieutenant Governor will be
merely nominal and after the organization of the
Senate, and the election of President, pro tenn,
which will have been done several months prior
to the meeting of Congress, can resign the Of
fee of Lieuteuant-G Governor without detriment TO
the interest of Virginia This opinion is concur
red in by the most intelligent men with whom
have conversed on the subject.
In the first place. am q candidate because
desire to represent you in the Congress of the
United States. Secondly, because believe can
be of more service to you in that capacity than
by acting as acknowledgements. Thirdly, be-
cause believe l Gun have more influence with the
dominant party in Congress than any man who
can be elected and admitted to his seat. Fourth
ly, because, If elected, can take my seat without
awaiting the removal of disabilities, as I have
none to remove. And, lastly, because believe a
majority of the voters Of the District desire it.
If elected, will, to the utmost Of my ability,
advocate and work for the restoration of the cit
liens of Virginia, of every class to all the rights
and privileges to which they are justly entitled
as citizens of the United States, and which are
enjoyed by the citizens of any other State, will
earnestly endeavor to have the iron-clad oath re-
pealed, SO that you can elect men of your own
choice to represent you in the national councils,
believing that if this course is adopted by Con-
gress, i! will have the most happy effect, and will
do more to restore fraternal relations between
the different sections of our common country than
any other course. | am in favor of general am
assty, because believe the people of Virginia, as
Represented in the late convention in Richmond,
have given the strongest evidence Of their willing
ness to reconstruct the State upon the Congress
sional plan. from patriotic desire for peace.
am Grant Republican, believing it his earn
est desire to see our bleeding country raised
from the dust and set Free I am convinced
that the Republican party can most surely and
speedily accomplish this.
We must desire the development of the great
resources Of old Virginia. Them US sacrifice
our prejudises, passions, AID personal wishes
upon the altar of our country, and brighter day
will soon dawn upon US.
i eau upon you to remember that the Govern
ment of the United States is our Government.-
Then let US endeavor to have it SO administered
as to make it loved and honored at home, and re-
spected and feared abroad.
juae 4, 1863. JOHN F. LEWIS.
P.S. The time is too short to canvass the Dis
trict, but will try to meet as many of the voters
as can between this and the day Of election.
june 10-tde J. F. L.