Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1880-08-20
The Defamation Of Hon. John T. Harris.

On Thursday last, the members OF the
Democratic Congressional Convention that
assembled here, were disappointed by the
positive declination of Hon. J. L. Har-
ris to become a candidate for reelection.
1t had been stated by that gentleman as
far back as two years ago that he would not
be candidate and still later the rumors
to that effect became more frequent, and
in the last month. while delegates to the
convention were being chosen, direct ap-
plication was made to him to ascertain his
views. They met with the same response
that he would net accept if nominated.
Still the impression prevailed that he was
not fixed in his determination, until a
meeting of the delegates was held for con-
ference on Thursday afternoon. At that
meeting the follow ing letter was read:
HARRISONBURG, VA,
August 18th, 1880.
CAPT. B. q. PATTERsON:-
My Dear SIr:-Cwing to the close per-
sonal and political relations which have
existed between you and myself from the
time you studied law under me and prac-
ticed with me as partner, 1 feel that you
are fitting medium through which / can
express my purposes as to the use OF my
name by. the Congressional Convention
which meets in Staunton on tomorrow,
the 18th inst. You know, my dear sir,
that it was my design not to be a candi-
date at the two preceding elections and
what circumstances operated to change
my decision. At the latter period l ex-
pressed to you that no circumstances in
the future should drive me again into
candidacy for Congress. The reasons
which have impelIed me to this course are
numerous and not necessary to be men
toned in detail, but prominent among
them is, that since l entered Congress in
1859 [ have been almost continuously in
the discharge of public trusts which have
taken NE from my home, business. and
family, more than three fourthS Of the
time. My life has been one of continued
excitement, and the restraints and great
labor required in the faithful performance
of public duty have borne heavily upon
me. [ know could be unanimously NOM
mated. and trust will not be held vain
in SO expressing myself to you and the con-
yention. Nor would / do this were it not
necessary to give fierce and emphasis TO
what desire to say, and that is, under no
circumstances Can again be candidate
for the nomination or consent to accept it
if unanimously rendered me. When [
contemplate the urgent appeals of friends
and delegates from all parts of the district
and the obligations thereby imposed, my
declinatlOn becomes to me the most I'M
pleasant duty of my life; notwithstanding
my decision is reached, because think
even higher duty demands it, and in that
l am memorable. l am sure, however,
that this convention which has 1T in it's
power to name the next Congressman from
this district, will make wise and judi
cious selection, and to him l now pledge
my hearty and active support; nor shall
abate in the slightest my Jealous and ear
nest efforts in behalf of the regular fan
cock ELECTORAL ticket.
[ cannot close this letter without ex-
pressing the deep sense of my gratitude to
the people of this district for the great
trust they bave so long, SO faithfully, and
so generously confded in me- 1t is the
dearest and tenderest recollection of my
life. 1 would that l could press them all
to my heart.