The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-05-20
VOORHEES, AFTER THE BATTLE.
He Writes Letter to Friend-He ID
Not Afraid to Go to the People.
UNITED STATES SENATE
WAsuINurOS, ID, G., May Z, 1855

UNITED STATES SENATE, I
WASHINGTON, ID, G., May Z 1855
Hon, Maurice Thompson, Charlottesville, Ind.
My Dear Friend-Your esteemed favor
Of the ID inst. has just been opened and
carefully read. l have been quite i'll and
confined TO my room for the last three or
four days, and have not kept up with my
mail as closely as | would have done UNI
der other circumstances This will ac-
count for the fact that my answer has not
been more prompt and immediate.
In the first place, please accept the
thanks OF u grateful heart for your kind
and partial appreciation OF my contest in
the Senate, II seems that q new phase OF
partisan bitterness and ialschood has been
assumed toward the Democratic party, and
that, however eminent may have been the
services OF a soldier or civilian in behalf
OF the Union, he is 10 be dcnounccda rs dis
loyal II no voted the Democratic ticket.
am sure none OF my friends in Indiana
will expect me 10 sit silently by while
such accusations are made. My speech OF
April % was not only an absolutely truth
full expression Of my feelings, but il was
one OF tho most natural In what | said
in regard to Mcclellan and in yindicaton
OF Hancock was simply defending and
vindicating the honor and patriotism of
the Democratic party, which east its votes
for these two distinguished Union generals
in 1864 and 1880. felt that | was per-
forming not only patriotic but a
pious duty toward men whom ! knew TO
be inspired by the loiticst devotion TO
their country. To be nrmigncd and as.
sailed for my defense Of the Democratic
party, and of its candidates for the prcsi-
dcncy esteem an honor, especially when
IL comes from the scurrilous, oowurdly
Home Guard from Kansas.
am thoroughly ut peace with myself
on this subject. ! am willing 10 live or
die on the report OF tho Senate proceed
ings contained in the Congressional Record
Of May .. | made no revision; did not
oven see the reporters notes after | had
spoken, and let my words 20 10 the world
just as they fell from my lips. They APP
penrcd the next morning after the debate.
Tho two hours speech made by the Kan
sas ruilian has not yet appeared in tho
Congressional Record, Why II is withhold
| do not know, but might conjecture.
Enough Of this, however until | meet
YOU and the brave and generous Dcmoc-
rucy Of the State, who know me aud know
whether | have been true or false TO my
party, to the soldiers, to the people gencr'
ally.
Passing from my concerns here, ! hay,
noted with great care that part Of your let
ter which relates 10 harmony aud success
personally and politically, in Indiana.
thank YOU for the tone of true and faithful
friendship which pcryadcs what you say
| respond TO Il In the same spirit shal
| 20 TO the national convention at 81. Louii
10 carry out tho expressed wishes Of the
| Democracy Of Indiana, not only without
mental evasion or cquiyocation, but Will
good will, good faith, and an earnest dcsir,
| for success.
The Democratic party has made mo all
am, and has right 90 command. No
only that, she has my ready, cheerful an,
unqucstiOncd allegiance ~ long IN live
and, still further, Gov. Gray IL worthy q
| tho high honor which his party has be
| slowed upon him nj home, and which hi
friends seek for him in n national sons
| Personally, nothing has ever occurred
disturb our friendly relations, and lac W
receive my cordial and earnest support.
While, OF course, am no. writing IA
letter for publication, yet will DO glad
you will make known the fact, and In you
own way, that expect 10 be nj the N
Louis convention II life and health ar
spared, there 10 faithfully represent m,
party, IT, harmony aud it, succcsa, In Ind
ana as well rs elsewhere. Indeed, | hay
taken II for granted that nobody would ~
sumo that my action would be done other
wise.
but for the condition Of my health
would bc in Indianapolis ut this time. !
was my purpose 10 have reached there las
Wednesday, but my health for some week
past has been poor, and for the last week
have been confined 10 my room, aud an
now debating mthcr than writing yol
with my own hand, which would hav
gladly done. Believe me, with kindcst ~
CARDS, always faithfully your friend,
u. w. NooRnEEs.
1