The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-07-08


JOHN l.. GEUBBs.
JULY 3, 1878.
Nessrs. j. Booth Broom. A. N. BracEett,
William Hugh Campbell, and John L..
Gratbbs:
Gentlemen,-Your letter OF goth ultimo.
which is as welcome as it is KIND, was not
RECEIVED until to-day. I give it the prompt
response which is due to letter SO truly
gratifying.
It finds me in much the plight OF the raD-
bit in the nursery story. 1t seems that L
have smacked a political "tar-baDy," TO
which I have stuck, am sticking, ana VIII
stick beyond the power of the resurrection
ist Poor Ieyerecs blow was in anger;
mine was the stroke OF affection; but there
is no difference in the lmperturbable sto-
lidity with which both were received. Par
don nv POPULARITY, for when man, in the
effort to do a generous act, is snubbed by
fine object Of his regard and laughed at by
those from whom he expected at least de-
cent recognition, he has only the alternative
of being mad or merry, and l prefer the
latter. II l had ever set my heart upon go
ing to Congress; il [ had no other con-
ISOLATION than thanks OF individuals for the
course l have pursued, | confess that
would now contemplate pretty fair OPP
portunity thrown away without cause and
without thanks with somewhat OF green
and yellow melancholy" II decided my
future course in this behalf upon what l
owe of courtesy or consideration, | confess
7 would not pause an instant; for so far L
have seen recognized but one principle in
this canvass embodied in that line OF Ter
ence, .
E" Ueus, proIin,uS, sum eg0met mih1."
But gentlemen, my friends, whose friend
shin prize too highly to make great pro-
fesslons OF esteem for it, know that your
support has its foundation in your firm be-
lief that am above the tricks OF petty poll
ticians. Regard for the support OF men
like YOU, desire to perpetuatc and
strengthen, and in time to call upon IT., TO
say nothing OF higher views, demand That
I do nothing from pinuc OF sophlstrV TO
forfeit your esteem. [ lave SAID that L
would not oppose General Joseph +. john
ston. Sweet or bitter, wise OF foolish, APP
Dreciated OF ignored, that pledge shall stand,
and the strain upon it shall prove lis
strength. Since l wrote the letter to that
effect have not been candidate or done
ANYTHING looking theretowardS, nor can |
now conceive OF circumstances under winch
can consent 10 De.
You ask why I have not supported Cen
eral Johnston actively after saying would.
am glad you inquired. You have the right
to know. AS to the few who imputc sinls-
ter motives have no doubt there are such,
but never notice these sneak-tnieVes OF INC
reputation of others.
When I offered 10 support General Jonn-
ston was his personal admirer. Ills SIM
gular failure to recognize my existence
Since nv letter appeared has, [ confess,
utterly chilled any interest felt in his sue
cess, and l have not cared to risk another
snubbine by renewing my tender Of sup
port. Several friends have urged me to
SUPPORT him actively from motives
of policy looking to the future. Per-
nit me to say, III response TO such
suggestions, that doing so would be sheer
hypocrisy on my part, transparent TO MN
and to you, and degrading to me. ! have
no idea OF succeeding at such price. AS
to concilating his friends by such course,
without disparaging their numbers or their
influence I can say that few OF the most
prominent | could not conciliate II l would
and would not il I could, the others 1 must
hone TO win at some future day and in some
other way than by assimilation.
Your letter gave me real pleasure. Under
other circumstances l would run for Con-
cress with 10y and pride, and if successful
I would try to remain there to work for
YOUR interests and my own advancement;
but feel that this is not the time for me to
do so. 1t may be that my folly has thrown
I'D the obstacles to my doing so. Ii so, be
it so. Two wrongs cannot make right.
l know you would not urge me to Il
doubtful course. and | am willing to wait.
Ten thousand seats in Congress cannot
atone for course which would shake pub
lie confidence in ones integrity. Integrity
is Il large word-a very noble woodland a
very rare quality is integrity in these days.
| honestly confess that I would gladly go to
Congress; that in view OF subsequent
events I regret doing aught to Interfere
with my doing so il had chance. But |
would rather remain a private citizen all
nv life than gain, or even seem to have
gained, the highest office in the land by in
direction.
Therefore to every friend have desire
it known that neither openly nor coVcrtly,
directly nor indirectly, contineently, expect
anlIy, proximately, OF remotely, am Ii can
didate for Congress.
With feelings and with thanks which my
words do not convey, and warning you to
save that friendship which know you feel,
and not to let it cool before we can use it,
am YOURS truly, JOHN S. WISE.
BLACKsBURG, VA, July 4, 1873.
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