The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1874-09-11
THE EEZS.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER II, 1874.
A Model Letter.

We are indebted to n friend for Il copy Of
the Lexington (Va.) Gazette of the 18th inst,
in which we find the following truly eloquent
and patriotic letter from the Hon. John Ran.
dolph Tucker, accepting the Democratic
nomination for Congress by the Lynchburg
district. The convention which nominated
this distinguished gentleman did itself high
honor, by so emlnently fit a selection. 1t is
through and by such hen as Mr.. Tucker that
our national councils are to be redeemed from
the foul cJrruptions by which they are now
so terribly polluted:
LEXINGTON, Sept. 3D., 1874.
MesSrs II. 4. CoghiN, b. G. BurIs, W. M
Perkins, Edmond Pendieton, j. A. Ea,{y and
Wan. A. anderson, Commtitee.
GENTLEMEN: have received your letter
of the 9th ult. informing me of my nomina-
ton for Congress by the Conservative Con-
venton of the 9th Congressional District
1t is well known that neither desired nor
anticipated this result. had sincerely hoped
to give my support to some one of those, to
whom popular opinion had been directed for
some time past. My own engagements in
Washington and Lee University were ar
ranged for the approaching session, and eX-
cluded all thoughts of undertaking any other
public functions
My embarrassment from this last considera-
ton has been relieved by the suggestions of
the friends of the University that the nomi-
nation would not materially interfere with
my duties to the Law School; as, should |
be elected TO Congress, the service required
OF me would not commence until December,
1879, and my relations to the school might
therefore continue unimpaired during the en-
suing collegiate year.
1t is due to candor to say, that to quit the
quiet and congenial studies of my profession,
to which have been devoted all my life the
eight years of service as Attorney General of
the State being the only intermiSsion, and
that in the line of professional labor } and
to enter for the first time upon the discharge
oflegslative duties at period so momentous
IN our history, involves new departure in
my humble career, from which, with my
sense OF its solemn responsibilities shrink
with feelings of unaffected distrust
But when l remember, that when Virginia
could confer Office the honors of which were
larger than its burdens, she gave one of her
highest offices TO me, and cheered me in the
discharge of its duties by her generous COM
meDdation; | cannot refuse to accept post
OF duty now, to which her people call me, be-
cause the official path is up the "hill of diff
Suityt uhu 10 DtScI W III IcSDOUSlDlIl-
ties, which may well Cypress the stoutest
heart If l cannot do all you desire or I
could hope, may, trusting in Divine gui-
dance, at least, try to achieve in co-opera-
ton with patriots throughout the land, some
real good, some alienation of the depression
of the public heart under the evils of misgov-
crnment and to bring the actions of the Gov
eminent within the strict limitations Of the
Constitution.
With these views | accept your nomina.
ton, and with grateful sense of your gcner-
GUS confidence. In doing so, / pledge 10 you
the eXertion of all my powers to represent
you efficiently and with honor; in the earn
est hope that | may be enabled to do some
thing to revive the PROSTATE fortunes of the
South; to promote the welfare of the whole
country; to uphold and maintain the imper-
iled liberties of the people and to secure
honest and economy in Il constitutional adj
ministration of the Federal Government
In order that may know the people of the
district, comprehend their interests, and learn
their views, | shall take proper and convent
ent occasion for meeting and addressing them
between this time and the day of election.
With profound acknowledgment for the
honor conferred upon me, and with the high.
est esteem for you personally,
| am, gentlemen,
Your friend,
j. II. TUCKER.