Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-07-03
DECLINED TO BE GOVERNOR.
General Lees Reasons for Not be-
coming a. Candidate.

The following letter from General Lee
TO Judge Robert Ould declining to be a
candidate for Governor OF Virginia, was
published by Dr. j. william Jones in his
Personal "reminiscences Anecdotes, and
Letters Of r. l.. Lee" and its sentiments
are so lofty that it deserves a wide circu-
lation and Will be read with peculiar in
terest at this time.
Judge Ould had written him that there
was a general desire that he should be
the next Governor Virginia. His reply
was as follows:
Lexington, Va, February 4, 1861
Hon. Robert Ould, Virginia Senate, Rich
mond, Va:
My Dear Sir,-I received to-day your let
ter Of the 3lst ultimo, and the subject to
which it relates is so important that,
though confined TO my room by indisposi-
ton, I reply at once. I feel greatly
honored at what you say is the prevailing
wish of leading men in the State that
/ should accept the nomination for the
Office OF Governor of Virginia. and / duly
appreciate the spirit that has led them
to name me for that high position
candidly confess, however that my feel
ings induce me 10 prefer private life.
which l think more suitable TO my con-
dition and age. and where believe can
better subserve the interests OF my State
than In that you propose.
You will agree with me, / am sure in
the opinion that this is no time for the
indulgence Of personal or political consd-
erations in selecting a person TO I'll that
office; nor should It be regarded
as a means OF rewardlng individuals for
supposed former services. The welfare
OF the State and the interests OF her citl-
zens should be the only principle OF Sc
| lection.
Believing that there are many men in
| the State more capable than | am Of
| filling the position and who could do more
| TO promote the interests Of the people I
! most respectfully decline TO be considered
a candidate for the Office.
I think II IS important I'm selecting
| Chief Magistrate OF the Commonwealth
| for the citizens 10 choose one capable OF
| fulfilling its high trust, and az the same
| time not liable 20 the mlsconstruction
| which their choice Of one Objectionable
| 70 the General Government would be sure
10 create. and thereby increase the evils
under which the State at present labors.
/ have no means OF knowing, other
| than are apparent 70 you. whether my
! election as Governor OF Virginia would be
| personally injurious 70 me or not and
| therefore the consideration OF that cues.
! ton In your letter has not been embraced
In my reply. But l believe II would be
used by the dominant party 20 excite
| hostility towards the State. and 20 infure
| the people I'm the eyes OF the country:
and /, therefore. cannot consent 10 be-
come the instrument OF bringing distress
upon those whose prosperity and happi-
ness are so dear 10 me-
L. my disfranchlsement and privation OF
civil rights would secure to the citizens OF
the State the enjoyment OF civil liberty
and equal rights under the Constitution.
I would willingly accept them in their
! stead.
What I have written Is intended only
for your own Information. With grateful
thanks for your friendly sentiments. am
very truly yours. r. Il. LEE.