Augusta County: Henry A. Wise to Alexander H. H.
Stuart, February 3, 1869
Summary:
Henry A. Wise, former Governor of Virginia (1856-1860) and Confederate brigadier
general, writes to Alexander H. H. Stuart, requesting that Stuart confirm the
report of a speech recently given by Stuart in Staunton (see the Valley
Virginian, January 28, 1869). Stuart supported the "New Movement" seeking to
accept black suffrage in order to restore peace in Virginia. His comments
appeared to be critical of Governor Wise. For more information, see Stuart's
response (February 5, 1869) and Wise's reply (February 8, 1869).
Feby 3rd 1869
Richmond Va
Dear Sir
The Richmond Enquirer of yesterday called my attention to a report, in the Valley Virginian, of the 28th ult., of your address, on Monday the 25th ult., to the Citizens of Augusta County, at Staunton, "on the New Movement."
The Editor expressly states he had obtained no notes from you, "to aid him in making a fair report of the substance of your speech, and that he had ascertained that you had spoken entirely "extemporaneously." He, therefore, was "compelled to rely on memory and very imperfect memoranda, in reproducing the substance of your remarks."
Thus, not pretending to give your words or phrases, he publishes as a part of the substance of your remarks, on the occasion named, the following passage: -
"Mr Stuart referred to the opposition which had been made to the mission and
action of the "Nine," and to the unjust reflections which had been made on their
proceedings. He adverted to the opposite sources from which criticism came.
Governors
[page 2]
Wells and Wise were pulling together in the same team,
and the Richmond Enquirer and the Radical Journal were in full accord in
opposing the "Movement," and George Pye, Yankee Allen and Dr. Bayne found coadjutors in Augusta! It was an
alliance of the Carpet-baggers and the fire-eaters from which no good could
come! Gov. Wise had written five letters he
understood in opposition, but he thought the history of the last eight
years proved that Gov. Wise was not a safe counselor."
The allusions, personal to me, contained in this report, published in a paper friendly to you in the town of your residence, authorize me to ask you whether it is in substance correct? or, whether it is approved and sanctioned by you?
I have the honor to be - Yours respectfully
Henry A. Wise
Hon. Alexr. H. H. Stuart Staunton Va.
