Virginia Free Press

For the Virginia Free Press.

Messrs. Editors:--Having noticed in your paper of the 9th instant, the defence of Mr. John F. Smith, and his reasons for remaining on the turf, as a candidate for the Legislature of Virginia, together with a copy of the correspondence between him and myself, I am induced to forward you this communication, in order to correct some misstatements made by him, as well as to place his position before the voters, and especially the Whig voters of this county, in a true light.

In the first place, I briefly state the promises and pledges of Mr. Smith to me at Keyes's sale. I met with him there, and stated to him that the Whigs of Harpers-Ferry, Bolivar, &c. had held a meeting, and adopted sundry resolutions, in reference to the second Whig meeting called in Charlestown; that the course pursued by the first nominees, (Messrs. Worthington & Baker,) in withdrawing, and subjecting themselves to the decision of another meeting, was a popular one, and I recommended him to do the same, and announce such as his intention to the meeting in Charlestown on Monday. With this suggestion he promised to comply, adding, that he thought that then Dr. G. B. Stephenson and himself would be the nominees of the second meeting; and especially requested me to state to all his friends at Harpers-Ferry, that he would be the last man in the county that would split or cause any division in the Whig party. Relying on this understanding with Mr. Smith, I was satisfied, and satisfied others concerning the course that he had instructed me to say that he would pursue.

At the meeting at Harpers-Ferry, of which I had spoken to Mr. Smith, in company with several others I was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of those present. The following, among others, were reported by us, and unanimously adopted by the meeting:

"Resolved, That Messrs. Worthington & Baker deserve our thanks for the manly and independent course they have pursued, in subjecting themselves to the decision of another meeting.

Resolved, That we pledge ourselves to abide by the decision of that meeting, and use all honorable means to secure the election of those nominated.

Resolved, That it is not considered expedient for this meeting to nominate or express a preference for candidates."

Well, Sirs, I met Mr. Smith on Monday in Charlestown, and asked him if he intended to fulfil his promises to me, in reference to withdrawing. His reply was, that he had not yet seen his friends. I saw him again, and his reply in substance was the same. After this I saw Mr. Brown, (the Chairman of the meeting held at Harpers-Ferry the Friday evening previous,) and to whom I stated my last conversation with Mr. S., when Mr. B. observed that he had understood that Mr. S. did not intend to withdraw. I said to Mr. B. in reply, that I would wait until 12 o'clock, and if Smith did not come out against that time, and declare his course and redeem his word to me, that I would vote for some other man. I accordingly waited until after dinner, when I found clearly that Smith was riding the double horse—and I went to the meeting and voted for Messrs. Strider & Kennedy.

I am charged in Smith's publication of having shown his letter to Van Buren men. This charge I flatly deny, and put him to the proof.

The public have now heard both sides of the question. Their decision I do not fear—and when decided I shall not complain.

BENJAMIN WILTSHIRE.

Harpers-Ferry, May 14, 1839.