The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1874-10-14

ABBEv1LLE G. H., Oct. 8, 1874.
Gents Your letter of this date, in
forming me that l had been '.unani-
mously chosen Ivy the Convention Or
ganized ut Newberry G. H., rs the cam
date for Congress for the. Third Con-
gressional District" was delivered to me
this day land / answer ut once. -
The first emotion, is thatof gratitude
for the confidence implied IN the nomi-
nation, but along with that feeling
comes deep sense of the responsibility
imposed, and of my inability to fulfill
the just expectations of the gentlemen
of the convention. feel that after all
my efforts, may fail in being the true
exponent and representative of the large
and honorable portion of the body polite
which put me forward. a seat in Con-
gress is always an important office; but
at this time in the peculiar condition of
the State, it Is immensely important to
all honest conservative citizens, who
are struggling for a voice in public af-
fairs, with q view to reform the admin
istration Of government. I did not seek
the nomination, having been 80 long
unconnected with public affairs, ] had
lost all taste. for politics, and thought
that I was not fitted to make political
campaign, as conductedin in these times,
nor to discharge satisfactorily the deli
cate duties of the high office. The con-
vention thought otherwise, and, with
out solicitation, has put me in nonlina-
ton. I accept the call rs command,
and will endeavor to do my duty. 1t
can hardly be necessary for me to make
a personal canvass of the whole Con-
gressional District. T have lived hero
all my life, and 1 suppose every voter,
either from personal knowledge or in
formation, knows who am, and what
are my antecedents. They know that
am moderate conservative citizen, and
ever since the war in favor of peace and
fraternity between the sections and jus.
tice and kindliness between the races.
f Permit me, at the outset, to, make one
suggestion. In tho constituency = to
which appeal is made there are intiam.
mable elements, composed, as 1t Is, oi
two races nearly equal in number. These
classes have common interest in the
result, and have equal rights at tue
polls. If elected, I feel that shall be
the representative of both. From natu'
raj temperament, as well as from sense
. of duty, am opposed to the least VIC
: lence or injustice, and I accept lhe nom
, ination and undcrtaketo make the can.
/ vass with the earnest hope that we arc
to have fair election, and that every
man shall be allowed to cast his vote fol
the candidate Of his choice without 'fea
. or favor, and with perfect impunity.
injustice is done, let it not be on ou
part. We. think we have merit upor
2 which to rest, and upon these alone VIZ
rely. This is our. determination, and w
3 pledge ourselves lit. We hope 'ou
opponents will be animated by the same
, spirit and join US in securing fair elec
ton, and an honest couut.
> Trusting that the right will prevail
with firm resolve, and not withou
9 hope, thanking you for the kind term
e in which you have been pleased to con
vey the wishes of the convention,
am, gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
s.. MCGOWAN.
To Messrs. F. A. CoNNoR,) 2
+ w. G. Brown, Committee
r. e. WATTS.