Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1870-10-18
For the Spectator.
WEsTpHALIA, Oct. 10th, 1870.

aCol. L. d. Starke: ''' = -o'''
! DEAR SIR-Your letter of the 3rd inst
aiToih oulolk, announcing that the Conservative
sOoheressichai Convention for this District had
aunanlmously recommended me as cand;iate
sfcr Congress from the State at large d;d No,
sreach me until the evening of the Sfh / have
s;;not language, Mr.. President to express to YOU
saeo through you to the Convention my gratif-
Eca'ion at this mark of confidence SO generously
SoestoWed by all of the honorable and talented
representatives OF the enlightened cities of Pc
sttersburg, Norfolk and Portsmouth, and a num-
soer OF counties, for assure you sir, that ap-
appreciate the good opinion of those among whom
IL have always lived, far more highly than do
sany political place. had before the action of
9your Convention been invited by distinguished
scltIzens IN different parts of the State to be-
scome candidate for the position indicated and
aln announcing myself as such am but discharg-
5lng the duty Of good citizen. The endorse
4tlon OF this Convention is all sufficient and all
sl could desire, bat as my fellow-citizens who
ahave conferred with me on the subject do not
Sexpect me to attempt canvass of the State it
I may be proper that should answer you more
Sat length than Is usual on such occasions. NV
aancestors were here before Virginia was State
aand all OF their numerous descendants to a
Esman have been distranchised by the National
government to which they gave their aid In
laying the foundation stones. All that | love
sand l possess is in Virginia my earthly for
Stunes and those of my children must share her
afate through good OF evil report
The strong objection to me year ago, was
zthat could not take the iron-clad oath, buf
Esthat which was source of weakness then, APP
spears now to be an element OF strength, Con
lgress having In the few past months relieved
ia number of Virginians from their political dis
liabilities, those who enjoyed that high privilege
Care permitted to rest from their labors 1t
Aelected and admitted to a seat In Congress
sshall have as little to do with Federal polite,
Gas my duties will permit, but apply myself dill
slgently to the material interest of Virginia in
sprocullng all the aid from the General Govern
ament for our Internal improvements and for
educational purposes that can be gotten and te
ause my best efforts in procuring a repeal or
Every great modification of the system of inter
Enal taxation, which is so oppressive to large
spOrtlons of our State that under it our people
amust daily grow poorer and capital and labor
gradually seek localities that are more inviting
o the capitalist and the laboring man. No
Estate can send member at large to Congress
swlthout legal provision to enable her to do so,
abut In the case of Virginia the reconstruction
Facts and the State Constitution not only admit
sof, but compel her to send one such member or
81 go unrepresented to that extent until March
sl873
The appalling calamities that have hefallen
Vlrg1nla In these latter years are enough to op-
Hpress the brain and rend the human heart, but
set it be borne in mind that an All wise Provi-
adence which tempers the wind to the shorn
lamb can replace all our losses thousand told,
land there is something beautiful in human life
sf we will but live it well. My faith is unbroken,
II believe there is great good in store for Us
sand that a bright day will yet dawn on good
aold Virginia.
Most respectfully, yours &c
T. j. PARTLOW.