Gentlemen - I have read and deliberately considered the resolutions and action of the meeting of the citizens of Albemarle on the first instant, in which you bore so conspicuous a part. This morning (the day has sacred associations - in the past - but sad and gloomy suggestions at this time) I again read them. Knowing you personally as well as I do - feeling a deep and abiding solicitude in everything which emanates from my native county, and not unmindful of the great importance justly attached to the public acts and private convictions of the distinguished gentlemen whose countenance and presence add great weight to all that was done, or was proposed to be done, I cannot resist the conviction that it may do some good generally, over the State at least, if I, this day, calmly review your action, and respectfully invoke your own review of that action. Each of you know me well, and has known me from our early youth. In times gone by - better days and happier associations - we were accustomed, on the rostrum, in the forum and around the festive board, to interchange views on great questions of public policy, as well as grave issues of constitutional limitations on executive and legislative powers. Twenty years absence from "Old Albemarle" has, in nothing, abated my ardent attachment to her people, nor weakened my devotion to her best interests. In her sacred soil repose the dust of my revered ancestry.<br><br>I am sure each of you will, on a moment's reflection, attribute what I now propose to address you, and through you. the people of Virginia, to none other than patriotic and honorable motives. Strife and contention are not my purpose. Reason and judgment are my guides; peace, harmony, justice, a permanent and rational restoration of the Union my object. I yield to no man, in an abiding, sincere desire to witness a thorough restoration of the Union, and a speedy realization of all the blessings of a Catholic reunion of the hearts and common interests of the American States and people. But can such a result be accomplished but by a reunion on principle and or principle? Think of this.