HeinOnline is a subscription-based resource containing thousands of academic and legal journals from inception; complete coverage of government documents such as U.S. Statutes at Large, U.S. Code, Federal Register, Code of Federal Regulations, U.S. Reports, and much more. Documents are image-based, fully searchable PDFs with the authority of print combined with the accessibility of a user-friendly and powerful database. For more information, request a quote or trial for your organization below.
![handle is hein.religion/undisun0001 and id is 1 raw text is:
UNION OR DISUNION.
SPEEGR OF THE HON JOHN M. BOTTS
AT HOLCOMBE HALL,
IN LYNCHBURG, VIRLGINIA, ON T'lURSDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 18.
ON Thursday evening Holcombe Hall was crowded to hear the address of Mr. Botts.
His appearance on the platform wis the signal for the wildest enthusiasm, which con-
tinued for several minutes. When quiet was restored, John H. Speed, Esq., introduced
the distinguished gentleman to his audience in A brief speech, at the conclusion of which
Mr. Botts came forward and addressed them as follows:
FELLOW-CITIZNlS:-This being the first time I have had an opportunity of present-
ing myself to the people of Lynebhurg, it becomes me to return moy acknowledgments
for the greeting I have received; although I muist confess I know not the party to which I
am indebted for this flattering reception, for I stand here in rather a new charactr-that
of a representative of the Democratic party. [Laughter.] If I do not play my part
well, it is not for the-want of good will towards that party, for, as you woil know, the
kindest and most aniable relations have always subsisted between us. [Renewed laugh-
ter.j Yet Ifdo not khow whether I shall comee up to the expectations of some of my
Democratic friends, 'fur i paper has been put into my hands by which I ascertain, with
some surprise, that it is expected I will make at least one thousand votes for the Demo-
cratic party by my speech to-night. [Laughter.] But I trust they will be content, when
I have done, and in a spirit of charity to coinpromise for half that number. [Greit
Laughter.] But, in all seriousness, for I hav* little time for preliminary remarks I
trust I shall be able to gain your attention, ai( that you will be patient while I deliver
to you my views on all the issues involved in the present Prsidential campaign.
ellow-itizens, I am not hete in the character that I have often occupied in my
younger days; I am not here as a partisan. I have passed the period of life when it be-
comes me, in my judgment, to play that part,'and no small share of experience in pglitical
life teaches me that I have a country to serve and to save, if I can, which rises very fir
above all party considerations; and I hesitate not to say that if this were a mere party
contest, for the defeat of this party or for the triumph of that, I should leave it to younger
and more active mn-. But when I saw disunion and treason, with, a brazen front. nd
iwith a bold and definnt tonge, stalking through this glorious old Commonwealth of
Vssgsnia, I felt I had no right to devote myself to retirement-that my country wasen--
titied to what influence I might be able to exert; and, casting all other considerations
, I took the field with a determination to di*tharge my share of duty. [Applause.]
In the remarks I propose to admit, I beg leave to say that I do not address miyself to the
yomnig, the thoughtless, the inconsiderate and the unreflecting. I propose to address
miyself to the calm reflections of intelligent rien-men who are capable of appreciating
the argument wlth'h I shall offer, and who value the institutions of the country. I know
very well, gentlemen that what I shall tay will not be approved by all. I know I shall
(1)](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.religion/undisun0001&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)