Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-03-30
VIRGINIA ARGUS.
Mr.. PLEAsANrs,
RICHMOND:
MONDAY, MARCH 80, 1919.

MR.. FLEAsANTs,
;. Believing that free and u-
oicious exercise OF our elective franchise, is not
ohy our best security against the encroach-
uhehts Oh power, but IN every respect best cal
culattd to insure the great ends of its most in
valuable institution 1 am induced to offer TO
pubic notice through the medium of the Ar-
gus lew hasty remarks III favour of a Candi-
date for our ensuing Elections and to this I
am more particularly induced, by having ius,
seen IN your Paper, the name of Alexander Nc
nae, Esq. announced as Candidate for our
county.
Inc merits OF that Gendeman's pretensions,
for TINS important trust, are too well known to
inc public at large, and particularly to the Free
holders OF llenrico, to require any eulogiums
from me-But as 1T is a subject in which our
best interests are concerned; it is not only n
right but sacred duty which we all owe to
ourselves, and to the community, To canvass
with freedom, the claims of those who are thus
presented to our consideration.
Mr. hlcltae's patriotism is too well attested
TO be doubted by any one acquainted with the
true history of his public life, for which he is
peculiarly qualified, by superior grade of tai
entS--by long experience in public affairs
ms knowledge of mankind, and an ardent zeal
Tor civil and religious liberty.
have been well acquainted with him, from
the commencement of his public career; and
can with truth say, tkat it is my firm belief.
that both III his public acts, and in private con-
Hersatlon, he is cxcelled by none in point of
Poiit cal consistency, and independence of SEN
''ment and opinions, in relation to public men,
and public measures; thereby affording the
best test OF sound principles, and moral and
political integrity.
IL IN his faithful devotion to our Republican
institutions, and the common rights of the peo-
pie the polar star cfGH his public actions-He
has sometimes Gas often happens with the best
OF patrlots) differed in opinion, upon some mea-
sures OF expediency, with his own political sect
yet has no one adhered with more ingenious
zeal to the spirit and the letter of our excellent
s,o,.sti,utions--tbe union Ct ehe states, and the
Prtuate, and promote, the great end of those
wise and salutary institutions.
n friend OF the people, he never fails to adj
vocate their rights III all questions in which
they are concerned.
have known him, Mr.. Peasants, in ali the
trying and difficult crisis through which we
have passed for many years, infexible in his
princip.cs.-He has always firmly adhered to
the fundamental rights of the people, secured
TO them by their federal and state charters and
will venture to say, thathe will be among the
last TO abandon those rights
From personal knowledge and conviction
OF these facts, and of his zeal and talents, so
often and so usefully displayed in the public
councils of the country, feel it a sacred du-
ty which lowe to him, and to my fellow-citizens
at large, to offer this testimony of man so
worthy of the public confidence.
In doing this, it is not my purpose to detract
from the merits of any ofhis competitors; nor
to offer any inyidious comparisons between
them. In advocating the freedom of Elect.
ons, it is at all times sufficient to pourtray with
truth and candor, the real professions of IA
vorite candidate: Nor ought we, in the exer-
else of our inestimable right of sovereignty, to
be influenced in our choice of representatives
by any other motive than tie public good
Under this impression, I have presumed so
far upon your indulgence, and that of my fell
low-citizens of Henrico: And if 1 should be
able to pass the polls on the day of Election,
shall, fJr these reasons, most cordially vote for
Alexander McRae.
A FREEHOI DER