Year: 1861

To THE VOTERS OF THE SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT or ARKANsAs.-l have been press ed by my old friends, and by many heretofore opposed to me, to consent that my name be pre- sented to you for seat in the Confederate Con- gress. These indications, and your having cho- sen me 10 represent you in the last Federal Con gress by so decided and complimentary,a vote your indorsement of my views in the late pres idential contest, and your decided and over whelmng indorsement on the 18th of Febuary last, of my views and opinions on the question of secession, leave me no room to doubt that your confidence in me is still unshaken. With due deference, however, to the wishes of my friends, and with grateful acknowledgements for their uniform kindness and steadfastness toward me at all times, l must respectfully decline to permit my name to be used in the canvass.

 have around me thousand manly and brave hearted Arkansians. They have chosen me to command them. They are united aud determined--true to each other-true to me and true to their country. 1 remember with lively emotions how, when about leaving our homes for the battlefield, the grey haired sire who had stood by me from boyhood, and the gentle sister, the doating wife and the true friends around whose hresides had so often been welcomed, committed to my charge with blessings on my head, his brave and manly boy-her idozed brother -her noble husband --t their faithful friend promised to be with them and share their tolls and dangers. never betrayed friend or falsiGed promise! I will stand by.sthese brave men to the last. would not give up the command of my regiment for any position in the gift of the American peoplel

 Aside from these reasons, l am young, vlgo- rous and blessed with good health. l could not consent to hold position of comparative ease ,1o ho,. -afa ar. dures the hardships and dangers of the camp and battle-fe I an, so constituted that in spite of me should feel sen SC of shame and humiliation. And let me say, once for all, that have drawn my sword in defense ofthe oppress ed and injured South, and for the cause of con stitutio liberty, and wh lo the foot of foeman presses the soil of my native land or hostile | flag floats over our sea. or insults our national honor, will cling to that sword and lift 1t up defantly against her oppressors. The offer of no position could tempt me to alter my determi nation.

 l I owe much to the people of Arkansas. Have ! been often before them and have never known defeat at their hands. They will bear me wit | ness that never skulked an issne, or withheld | frank avowal of opinion on any matter ofpub- 1 lie interest That have never waited for pub | lie sentiment, v struck oat boldly for myself. 1 Fellow citizens, l have endeayored to serve you faithfully, and hope it may not be considered I indelcate in me, that should construe your unabated confidence in me, as evidence of the 1 fact of that fidelity.

 l With undiminished confidence in the ultimate success of our cause, and with hearty God | speed to Arkansians wherever they may be in this great struggle,

 am your friend and ob't servant,

 E. W. CAN'T. IN CANT, NEAR MEMPHIS, Sep. 26, 1881.