The Daily Dispatch: February 6, 1862., [Electronic resource]

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To the voters of the Congressional District composed of the counties of Henrico. Hanover, Charles City, New Kent, James City, York, Warwick, Elizabeth City, and of the City of Richmond and town of Williamsburg

--Not wholly uninvited, I venture with unfeigned diffidence to add my name to the number of those presented for your suffrages at the approaching election of a member of the Confederate Congress.

It may be thought more becoming in me to seek repose from the labors of a long life, than to desire their continuance. But who among us can enjoy or find repose, while the country of his birth and of his affections is struggling for the liberties purchased by the blood of our fathers? I feel that so long as this struggle and my own life endure there can be no such repose for me. While I am prepared to acquiesce cheerfully in the preference you may give (should that be your decision) to either of the worthy and talented gentlemen who have offered you their services, I will not affect a cold indifference to the result. Far from it. I frankly acknowledge that there is no honor I would prise more than that of representing you in the first regular Congress of our Confederacy, and that I should regard it as adding to the many obligations under which I am placed for the uniform patronage and confidence bestowed on me by my State, and by the city and district in which I reside. John Robertson.

Richmond, 5th Feb, 1862. ja 6--5t