Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1805-12-14

weai::,, as Governor or Chief Masis-
/, ffatcs for thcstcrm of one year from
the 18th day Of this month.
In making to YOU this communica-
tioR, ws. feel pleasure, resulting from
a confideeees that you will So admi-
Mister tie government OF this great
state, as to secure, by Justice, & deci-
sion, that republican ascendencywhich
has so happily been obtained, and
whichriniustice, or {ndecision, might
endanger; that you viii, rs far as in
your pawer lies, promote the wishes
OF the majority of the people of Viz.
Eipia, and make their happiness your
object that your talents, frmness.
and virtue, will ante, as far as that is
possible, the opinions of all in favor
oftlfe measures of the government,
and preserve harmony and concord
among the citizens and that altho'
YOU win raise against guilt the sword
Of jAstice, yet that mercy, when de-
served shall not be asked III vain. !,
Un1er these impressions, we con.
graduate you on your exaltation, the
reward Of merit, aud patriotism and
tender yop our best wishes for your
success and happiness.
10 which he was pleased to
make the following Reply 80
GENTLEMEN,
HA WING never aspired to any Of
nee higher than that of representa-
tiye of the people in the Legislature
'of our country, receive the conmu-
nication- you now do me the honor to
make, with sensations which il would
be ditncult to describe. pray YOU
to assure the, two Houses OF the &C.
nard Assembly, to which you respec-
tiyeiy belong, that | feel a real and
uatsIghed difilIence Of my own alili-
ties to discharge the important duties
attached to the chief tnagistracy of
the Copmonweaitii OF Virginia. But
called to this important Office by The
yoice ofthose TO whose wisdom the
Consutati9n has, entrusted its .dispo-
sal, feel nyssH bound to obey. /
accept II with much diaidehce, bus
with che strongest resolution TO mr.
: sue, With 4 arn and uneieviat;ng Step,
that couf.e which my iuagnient shall
prescribe IS leading 20 the happiness
and welfare OF our country. I rejoice
IN that republican asceudency which
: h2s been SO happily obtained, both IN
the government OF our own.sta1e and
an s.4at OF tae y. States and there is
. pelfi;ng wIica affords pleasure more
3 eEa,sieite to NY heart, than the recot-
lection that. haye contributed, in
aoneineasofe, although fceislv, tow
ards les establishment. have always
INiilered ithat ascendepcy 20 be ESSEN
'titti tc The happiness, to the liberties
o. Cur country, and l take this oppor-
tunty, through you, to assure the Ge-
neral ASSEMBLY, that my opinions. arc
still the same, and have received adj
ditional strength and confirmation by
experiences. IN the administration of
the gcvsrnTaent iswill be my constant
'endeavof to secure this republican as
tendency, bv firrn and inAexibie adj
hererce TO those principles on which
il IS founded. Il is. certainly my du7
", and i shall also be ny pleasure, 70
endeavor TO promote tic wishes of a
majority of the people Of Virginia, 3;
to preserve harmony and concord a.
mong ny fellow-citizens. Il diifcr-
-cnce oicPinioh upon mere subordinate
poiHts, among those whose great prin-
ciples and objects have been hereto
fore, and arc still the same, and who
have heretofore agreed, aod still a
gree as to the great means. necessary
for the accomplishment Of those OBJ
jects ought nos, humbly conceive, 10
Prodnce' discord or division. In the
.exeonticn Of The laws, although it IS
necessary TO raise against guilt, the
sword Of justice, yet mercy when de-
'scrved should not be asked IN vain.
IL all things, the happiness OF the peo-
PIE Of Virginia, shall be my only OBJ
jsrt their appreciation, my highest
soi most pleasing reward. But when
~ tie course Of my official conduct,
errors shall occur, for it is incident TO
MN to err, hope my fellow-citizens
win believe. the declaration which !