Finally, occupying the relation I now do, fellow citizens, towards you, by no procurement of my own, but having been pressed into it by the solicitation of friends, I have thought it right thus briefly, but at the same time explicitly, to state my political views. I have felt this duty the more imperative--because having been once a supporter of General Jackson's administration, and no public occasion having since occurred, except at the polls, to make my subsequent opinions known were I silent some might cast their votes in this election under a misapprehension of my sentiments. Whilst, then, I would regard an election to the Senate of Virginia as a flattering proof of your confidence--I could not but regard that confidence misplaced and valueless, were it bestowed by the people without knowing where and how I stand. JOHN H. PEYTON. [_Spectator, May 9, 1859._] He was duly elected and took his seat at the next session of the Senate. MORE OLD LETTERS. For want of a better place, the following bundle of old letters, running in date from October, 1823, to April, 1839, are here given. They possess a peculiar interest to the children of Mr. Peyton, unimportant as they are, since they exhibit, the domestic side of his character: are pages in the history of the family and it has been well said that, "Every family is a history in itself and even a poem to those who know how to search its pages." JOHN H. PEYTON TO HIS WIFE. Charlottesville, Oct., 9th, 1823. _My Dear Wife_: It is now Thursday morning, and we are not yet through with the trial of the first criminal, and there are three others waiting trial. When we will finish with them I cannot undertake to say. I have employed as overseer for my farm near Staunton, a relative of my present overseer, who bears the same name. As you seem so partial to your countyman, old O'Sullivan, I will send him to my farm on Jackson river. Don't expect me till you see me, for it is impossible to say when I can return--the Judge thinks of holding a court next week. If so I will write you. Keep everyone busy preparing winter clothing for the negroes--send for the overseer and tell him that it is my particular wish that he should, as soon as the seeding is finished, plough the large field around Sinaugh's house. Tell him to have the wheat threshed out. Adieu. Kiss little Susan for me, and believe me, Your affectionate husband, JOHN H. PEYTON. P. S.--Miss Nicholson is here and well. SAME TO SAME. Harrisonburg, Feb. 18, 1824. _My Dear Ann_: