Augusta: William Martin to Alexander H. H. Stuart,
February 10, 1867
Summary:
William Martin urges Alexander H. H. Stuart to run for governor of Virginia.
Martin also discusses plans for settling debts between Virginia and West
Virginia.
Honl
A. H. H. Stuart
Staunton
Va
Feb 10 th - 1867
Ballard House
Dear Sir -
On my return from Franklin County on Wednesday last I found a letter from you
appraising me that you & Mr. Lowning, were in Richmond. I left home the
next morning & reached the city on the same evening & was
surprised and disapointed to learn that you had returned home. Being home for
several days & not engaged in settling accounts between the two states, I have turned my
attention to the general
race for Govr that is likely to take place in the spring. Many of our
friends in the Legislature prefer you
[page 2]
for Govr & with our Conservative
friends on the South Side of James River you are decidedly their choice. Fayette
McMullin is in the field & says he will be at your next court in
Augusta. Genl. Thompson or
Genl. Mahone will be the
regular [unclear:
Secesion
] Candidate. Our friends here are inclined to put you, myself &
Nelson in the field & if your Townsman & kinsman [deleted: was]
[added: were] out of the way, there would be no
difficulty about the success of the ticket. Nelson is willing & anxious
to go on the ticket for Attorney Genl. I learn that Govr. Boreman has appointed companions to meet us. Would it not be
well for us to meet here on Wednesday the 13th of March.
& if we agree upon any satisfactory basis of settlement
[page 3]
Govr Pierpoint can convene the
Legislature & fix the question of the payment of the States interest on
the public debt, which I learn will be adjourned till we make our report. I had a long interview last evening with Alexander
Mosby, who has taken charge of the [unclear: Ticking] & who
prefers you for Govr
& is very desirous that you should become a candidate for the office.
Nelson & I will pursue any course you may adopt. I shall remain here
till Wednesday at 2 oclock. Write me fully either here or at Home -- Posts Slow.
In haste yours Truly
Wm Martin
NB -- If we dont meet in March I would prefer July or August as I shall be in court during the spring months & the month of June. W.M.
