Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-07-06
Hon. A. R. Boteler for Congress.

MEssRs. GALLAHER- Dear Sirs: can bat
express my qualification at the prospect of
having so able, eloquent and faithful repre-
sentative of conservative principles in the next
Congress as Col Alex. Il. Botcler, Col. Bote-
Ter has national reputation as one of the most
brilliant orators in the country. As 4 member
of the last Congress before the war, he became
conspicuous because of his earnest efforts 10
avert the evils that, with prophetic vision, he
foresav would result from secession. But elo-
quently as he plead that bis people might be
spared the disastrous contingencies of long
and bloody war, yet, no sooner was the arm
of the powerful North up-liited to compel sub
mission to their mandates, than his clarion
voice was heard calling to the rescue every arm
that could WELD sword, TO drive back the IN
vaders of our soil. Nor was he content with
appeals to others-his own sword was amongst
the first to leap from its scabbard, when APP
peals 10 reason were UNDECIDED, and by its
bloody arbitrament the contest was to be deci-
ded nor was it sheathed from the first en-
trance of our troops into Ilarpers Ferry until
the immortal and peerless Lee surrendered his
little band of heroes to countless numbers at
Appomatox.
The high appreciation Of bis worth and SER
vices by Lee and jackson, are well known
Never, during that long and wearisome con-
test, did one word of dependency fall from his
lips" hope on, hope ever, until the last ray
was extinguished by the last great calamity,
was ever his motto. His beautiful and cher
ished home with its valued contents, burnt by
the vandal Hunter, and his family left home
less. will best attest in what esteem no was
held by our mcrciless invaders. A word Of
supplication from the heroic wife and spartan
daughter might. perhaps, have saved their
homes but no houseless and homeless they
preferred to be, to ash or accept fayors at the
hands of the cowardly miscreants who, at
safe distance from southern troops, thus
wrought vengeance upon the deienccless. Nor
since the contest has ended, has Alic Boieler
ever sought to propitate the influence of those
in power by any apology or excuse for the ac-
tive part he took in the war. lie was on
Jackson's staff and was his devoted friend so
far from an apology for it, he sories in it.
True to the Unon whilst there was a chance
to preserve it in its integrity-he deserted it
only when its powerful arm was about to fall
with a crushing blow upon his own beloved
Virginia. True TO his State and section whilst
hope left ray the patriot could cherish. Tine
in his opposition to radicq'iSm as well when
the conservatives Of West Virginia were in a
hopeless minority, as now, since they have
burst their letters and are masters OF the stu
alton. That the convention. will hesitate in
thus securing the services of so true, gifted,
able, and experienced representative, we can
not for moment believe His very presence
in Congress will give dignity to the new State
and she will be able to boast representative
whose moral worth, devotion to principle, high
toned honor, consistency, energy, ability, and
sculstirring clOquence secured the respect,
confidence and admiration Of a Ice and Jack
son. HAMPSHIRE.