The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1822-10-02

Towards the late general Mason, at, the
hustings, is is presumed.
CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION.
To the Yofers Of Loudonn, Fair6ar and
Prince EEiiiiians.
FsAow eitizens-The period is no, dis.
tant, when you will have to exercise tho
all important right of choosing a mem
Der to represent you in the national as
sembly; RICH, dear to freemen, and pur.
chased with the best blood Of this truly
happy & enlightened country; and, hence.
in the exercise of this privilege, the
most sacred regard ought to be paid to
truth and justice, the only sure basis of
all political institutions and of a perma-
nent and well regulated government
Adopting, therefore, the immutable prin-
ciple of "truth and justice" for my guide,
shall endeavor, honestly, at least to-
bring before you those gentlemen, who
appear most conspicuous, at present, in
the district as qualified to fill the station
to which these remarks apply, to wit:
Joseph Lewis, jr. G. F. Mercer, Sidnor
Bailey, and VIM. IL. Fitzhugh, esqs.
with such comments upon their respec-
| tive claims and merits as sincerely be-
iieve, consistent with "truth and Justice"
Mr. Lcgpis combines with a very i'm
posing and popular manner, a degree Of
practical knowledge Of men and things
generally as to make him an useful mem
Der in any public and popular assembly
His devotion to the interest of the dis
trict which he represented while in con-
grcss, justly entitled him to the conf
dence and best feelings of its citizens.
But having participated largely in the
honors which it was in their power to
bestow, the principles of republicanism
and the very genius of our government,
as well as the feelings Of the people, re-
quire and command him to be satisfied
with "otiun cum dignitafe"---hence
we leave him with our best wishes,
where the best men Of the nation have
voluntarily placed themselves, believing,
that his good sense will triumph over
any momentary feelings OF renewed am
! bition.
Mr.. Mercer, as gentleman ofsalents,
OF education, OF most engaging manners,
and amiable heart ranks inferior to
few of his contemporaries. He dis.
unguished himself in theYirginia assem-
bly, Tor zeal, industry and much talent
and obtained deservedly the best thanks
OF his constituents. In private life he
gives evidence of many virtues and as
neighbor, friend and citizen occupies a
| nigh and enviable station. But, like his
predecessor, Mr.. Lewis, II is time that
ne should give place TO others whose
claims are equally strong, and more es-
pecially whenit was the general opinion
| and expectation ofthe ireeholders in the
| two lower Counties that he would not
again offer after the last election. We,
| Therefore, have every reason 10 believe,
| that he will meetahe reasonable wlshe,
| and expectations of the people by with,
drawing from the contest, holding him.
self ready to resume some other public
function Whenever called upon by his
country.
Mr.. Baify. An integrity more SPOT
less-a manner more unassumiDg, affable
| and bland, and mind more energetic
and discerning, can rarely be found. He
it is, who may be called truly practical
and good man. He is strong in virtue
honest as Cato--just as Aristides, and
mild as Addison--with an independent
! fortune, and an unblemished fame, he
may justly be classed among the most
estimable men in the district; Blu, hold
it fundamental principle, in politics as
in mechanics, that every good citizen
ought to commence his political career
in subordinate department, trusting to
his merits and fair pretensions for prefers