Support for Gleaves’ water works amendment; consideration of candidacy

Postmark: Wythe C. H. Va

            Feb 4

18 ¾

William Sloan

            Maj. Jas. T. Gleaves

            House of Delegates

            Richmond

            Va.

                                                            Wythe C. H. Va. Feby 2^nd 1838

Dear Sir

    I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of yours of the 25^th ult. which came to hand last night and in accordance with your request hasten to answer it.  Upon the subject of the complaints issued against you in regard to the resolution offered by you to amend the second section of the law relating to the water works at this place I have no doubt it would fully meet the approbation of a large majority of your constituents.  The amendment as proposed by you stated in your letter I myself fully concur in If the legislation now had a right to change the law.  The only difficulty that seems to present itself is that I think the legislature have not the constitutional right.  If they have I should go heart and hand with you in making the change proposed in your amendment.

   The reasons set forth by you requiring the magistrates to be summoned for that purpose and a consensus of two thirds is to my mind perfectly satisfactory and founded upon the purest and most Democratic principles.  If it is thought the legislature have this right to change the law do all you can for it.  The next subject introduced in your letter is the sub treasury scheme.

  So far as I have heard the subject agitated and discussed I believe a large portion of the people of this county are against it as it now stands reported by the late committee in the Senate of the United States.  I think they will at present go for the special deposit system – there are but few sub treasury men here.  However I am inclined to think the subject is not well understood being one of a very intricate and abstract character.  I have paid some attention to the matter myself and have read several of the speeches on that subject and concur in opinion with you believing it to be the system best adapted to suit the present

embarrassed condition of the currency and finances of the country.  Upon the subject of the report of the committee on internal improvements, I have heard but little yet but so far as I have heard the matter spoken of it seems to be highly approved. – I think the scheme a grand and splendid one that would be calculated if carried into operation to greatly advance the interests of the country generally.

   I wrote to you a few days ago, before I rec’d your letter and stated in the close of it that I understood Charles L. Crockett was a candidate.  No person has yet announced themselves [ ] our [ ]  It is much desired to be kn[own[ whether [you] will be a candidate or not.  If you are not [the] people would wish to fix on some person to represent the interests of the Democratic party.  If you are a candidate I shall support you under existing circumstances.  Upon the subject of my being a candidate I think it presumption in me to offer although I have been solicited by a number to come out if you are not a candidate.  You are the best acquainted with your own situation to know whether it will suit you.  Could I believe it were the wish of the people for me to offer and they considered me capable I would be willing to comply with their wishes rather than the

party should not have a chance.  I think the will of the people should be done and I am willing to submit to them and sacrifice my own private interests to promote public weal.  It is desired that you may determine on this subject and let us know so that we can select some other.  Please write immediately and let me know.  My health is tolerable at this time and the people generally well.  The latter part of my letter on the subject of elections is confidential.  With sentiments of high regard your friend and obedient servant

                                                James L. Yost