Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-10-18
COMMUNICATED.
nr. PrefIOH,S Letter,

We publish below the letter OF pr. ffetio"
accepting the nomination for Congressman at
large, for which be was recommended by the
convention of the second district:
WEsTpHAL1A, Oct. 10Th. 1870.
Col. L. D. STARKE: Dear Sir-Your let
ter OF the Sd instant, from Suffolk. announcing
that the Congressional Conservative Convex
ton tor this district had unanimously rcc2m-
mended me as candidate for Congress from
the State of large, did not reach me until Sat
urday evening, the Sth. have not language
Mr.. President, to express to you, and throug
you to the convention, my qualification at this
mark of confidence so generously bestowed by
all of the honorable and talented representa-
tives Of three enlightened cities and plumber
OF counties, for assure you, sir that appre'
ciate far moro highly the good opinion OF those
among whom have always lived, than | do
any political place. I had, before the action OF
your convention, been invited by distinguished
citizens in different parts of the State 10 be
come candidate for the position indicated,
and, in announcing myself a, such, am but dis
charging the duty Of good citizen. The en-.
do.sation Of this convention Is all suthclent and
! all could desire, but rs my fellow citizens who
| have conferred with me on the subject do not
expect me to attempt canvass OF the State, II
may be proper that should answer you more
at length than is usual on such occasions.
My ancestors were here before Virginia was
State, and all of their numerous dccend ants
to man have been DISTINGUISHED by the Ma
tional Government 10 which they gave their
aid in laying the foundation stones All that
| loved and all that possess is 10 Virginia
nv earthly fortunes and those of my children
must share her fate through good or evil re-
| Obi n
land then good one) was that could not
take the iron-ciad oath. but that which was a
source OF weakness then, appears now to be an
element Of strength. Congress having removed
in the past few mooths the political disabilities
of number of Firginians, those who enjoyed
that high privilege are now permitted to rest
from their Isbors.
If elected AID admitted to seat 10
Congress, shall have as little to do with Fed
e-al politics as my duties will permit, but ap
ply myself diligently to the material interest OF
Virginia in procuring all the aid from The gen
era government for our internal improvements
and for educational purposes that II Is possible
| TO get and to use my best efforts in procur
ing repeal CT very great modification Of the
system Of internal taxation, which is SO oppres-
sive 10 large portions OF our State, that under
it our people must daily grow poorer, and CAPT
tai and labor gradually seek localities that are
more inviting to the capitalist and aboring
man.
No State can scrd a member. large to Con
gress without legal provision to enable bel
to do so; but in the case OF Virginia, the Re
construction acts and the State CoDsii
tuition not only admit o., but compel her tc
send one such member, or to 60 unreprc
scented to that extent until March, 1873.
The appalling calamities that have betaller
| Virginia in these latter years are enough to
Cypress the brain and rend the human heart
but let it be borne in mind that an All wise
Providence, which tempers the wind to the
shorn lamb, can replace all our losses thous
and fold, and that there is something beautiful
in human life if We will but live it we'll My faith
is unbroken. I believe there is great good in
store for US, and that a bright day will yet
dawn on good old Virginia.
Most respectfully yours, &C.,
| T. J. PRETLOW