Augusta: Nicholas K. Trout to Alexander H. H.
Stuart, January 20, 1867
Summary:
State Senator Nicholas Trout describes recent attempts of Virginia's Governor and
Legislature to settle debts between Virginia and West Virginia.
Jan 1867
Senate of Virginia,Richmond
My dear Sir
I received your letter, and immediately obtained an authenticated copy of resolutions and ordinances of appointment of Commissioners on West Virginia matters which I sent you by Capt Peck.
We think it of the first importance that early action should be had in regard to
the adjustment of the public debt as the question of levying taxes the interest
depends, in a great measure, upon it, and the present Legislature ought to take
some steps toward that subject before the termination of session. I saw the
governor last evening and he enters into your views in good earnest, and will
tomorrow send the necessary papers to communicate with Gov. Boreman. He is
surprised to learn
[page 2]
through the message of the latter that he has had
no official information of the proceedings of our Legislature, and avers that he
sent him proper notice. The Gov leaves in the morning for New York, but he has
authorized his aid de camp & myself to have the
papers prepared and despatched here. He agrees
that Richmond is the proper place to hold your negotiations hence so recommend.
We are getting on slowly with legislation. I am pretty much all the while engaged
-- having been allotted more work to do than any other Senator and am besides
half the time presiding officer. The interest bill was mostly killed in the
House yesterday, but understand will have new life put into it in another form
-- and the stray law so impaired
[page 3]
by the decision of Judge Meredith is
undergoing repairs before the House Judiciary Committee. But we may tinker as we
please to gratify the people -- economy and labor -- can only bring property
& money to us.
The office of Governor is being looked to by a good many aspirants. I was at an
entertainment at Genl.
Mahones quarters last night and met no less than six
anxious public servants --Bolling, Goode, Keen, Gibbons, Sutherlin &
Owen -- I am inclined to think the South Side will insist on a candidate
& that choice will fall on the first named gentlemen. Baldwin is
regarded as a certain candidate. [unclear: Lymham] honorably mentioned
in same connection. By the way, a complementary call was written to you (by old
Mr. [unclear: McRuther] I am told)
[page 4]
but the Whig having shut
down on any name calls, it did not get into print. (The other papers publish all
such memorandum -- why does not the Whig do like wise?)
The news from Washington inclines us to the conclusion, at least hope that we may not be territorialized. The vote on the proposed amendment has here a good effect. Fessenden seems to be the ruling spirit now, and is esteemed to lean to conservatism.
We had a terrible snow storm today just as church let out. I saw your daughter & spoke to her at the [unclear: monument] &c.
You have, I think, better put up at the Exchange when you come.
Yours very truly
N K Trout
