Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1871-02-08
COMMUNICATED
Ectter 10 Mr.. Lewis Mckenzic.

The following letter was written last june.
As Mr.. Mckenzic's speech has recently been
made. addressed to the people of Virginia. ask
ing them in effect TO join the Radical party. l
deem it not an inappropriate time to request
the publication of the subjoined y.
FAIRFAX Co., Va: June l.. $50.
IL tic Hon. Lc,cis Mckenzie
Dear Sir:-As it seems to be the order Of the
dav to ask the removal Of political disabilities
take the liberty to ask you to present my name,
if not too late for the present bill. as an appll-
cant for this dispensation of Congressional grace
In this connection allow me to say: that IKE
Yourself | was trained and lived IN the faith
As taught by the immortal Clay. and was OF
course as much opposed to secesslonlsm as
cure for the ills and evils of the body polite as
to the still greater hereslcs OF the abolition
freesoi alias republican party. with its doc
trines of the paramount authority of Congress,
its right of intervention in fixing the status OF
new Statcs-the irrepressible conflict, &c.. all
which dangerous and unconstitutional doctrines
were from the beginning the leading and dis
tinctive tenets of this so-callcd republican
party. Or course all who adhered to the old
fashioned republicanism of the great founders
and leaders of the true republican party OF this
country, the JetfersonS, Madisons, Clays, &c..
repudiated these as spurious and false. warning
against and subverting the great fundamental
principles upon which our institutions were eS-
tablished and as destructive of the rights OF
the States and the liberty of the people. and rs
tending towards what we now see, acentral and
centraIizing. overshadowing something partly
republican and largely despotic. Whether the
full time for such action had come or not: the
Southern States in maintenance OF their an
cient rights and yindication Of their honor. saw
proper to withdraw These acts in the lights Of
prudence and wise policy never gained my as
sent, but being forced: so far as Virginia was
concerned into that, or tame and dishOnor-
able submission to terms and conditions, much
more hateful and unlawful by the Federal pow
ers. we preferred the former: the sum OF my
offending was in voting for the ratification Of
the Virginia ordinance OF secession. Still cling
ing to the hope Of reimbursement upon 4 basis
alike honorable and acceptable to all concerned
| hoped to see Virginia and all the other border
States. like the cotton States. stand unit in
support Of these acts Of separation. thinking
thereby war would be averted, and the union
ultimately re-cstabshed upon lirmer basis
| than ever before. Little did dream that the
party then in the control Of the Federal powers.
was so maddened by ianaticSm: rs under such
circumstances to attempt 4 war Of coercion,
which under almost any circumstances: | IT.
gard as morally wrong. unnatural and wicked.
Increr saw the day that | would not altogether
prefer the union under Il vital and hOnOrcu
constitution To separate Conederacy: and
firmly believe that it was the devotion that the
majority Of the people Of the South bore to
these ancient and just princip lies OF government.
which together with their honor. they thought
were invaded. induced them to Seccdr. or
course do not include the very small party
known as ScccSsionlsts per 81. VII! You allow
me before closing TO express ny sincere regret
at the course you have tconscirntioll>y no
doubt felt it your duty Ia pursue. Your cen
cral course as representative has been accept
able. being active and efficient. and H. reward
for the same. | had hoped Ia see you again
nominated by the party that elected you. But
having seen fit to act on party is>lc> with the
radical party. and wholly to affiliate with ilyou
of course have placed yourself beyond or
gress was such that you could with equal coli
sistcncy have affiliated with either party. E[ay-
ing chosen the radicals you must of course take
your chances for success or disappointment
with them. 1t is useless for Congress or any
other body, or person to attempt TO lngGllialc
the radical party into the favor or support III
the people of Virginia. and the other Southern
States Their instincts. moral sense and sound
Judgment, all forbid it. The animlls displayed
by it. its unwise and unconstitutional acts Of
legislation forever rcntcrit unpalatablc to those
at whose hurt and degradation they have been
aimed They however fully recognize the
situation and deem it the part Of wisdom to
accept the same and discharge as good citizens
the duties and obligations imposed. Please cx-
cuse the liberty / have taken in writing 50
plainly and at such length, and believe me very
truly. Your obi servant, y.
y GALLANT CONFEDERATE We publish