The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1822-10-11
10 tie Editor Of The .4leransr:o 49,


OF the counties of Prince William, Lou !
doup and Fairfax, has caused no little oei.
tasion upon the mind Of the community
but we msy think, prophe,ically, as to
the issue before the consumma,ion of the
elections
vi the annunciatien of major Josehh !
Lewis, the voters of the dis,ric, are al.
ready aware, as it has been promulgated
IN several papers, and several times him.
self and his friends have determined 10
announce his determination in a due and
seosonable time.
Col. Charles r. Mercer, and Svdnor
Bayiey, Esquire, are also candidates, and
Fairfax Farmer" "a writer in the
He:ald) evinces an anxious solicitude TO
bring Wiiiam II, Fftzhugh, ESQ. into
notice. shall not attempt to say, that
one of the amiable and estimable cbarac-
ters would not make suitable represen.
ave and discharge the important trust, re-
posed in, and confded to, them in the
national council with honour and fidelity,
but 1t is principle inherent in our ma.
lure 10 have choice on any particular
occasion, and shall not be ceremonious
IN the selection of my choice upon this oc-
casiop.
Mr.. Lewis has been a member of con-
Sress and he may have discharged his
duty with the best of his skill and judg-
Hnent, and, probably, satisfied his consti,
tuents. He dissented TO a reelection in
due time, in order, suppose, to the ex-
altation Of an other one of his fellow citi-
zeDs TO the same station he lhen had re-
Gently left. What a spark of kindness
and "urbanity" glowed IN his benevolent
bosom. This latent spark bursted with
q terrible irruption. What were his mo
tiVes or what was the incentive that in
duced him not TO offer again at the ter
animation OF his political career in the last
congress Of which he was a member
Was it because his constituents did not
call him forth as candidate again Or
was II because he sacrificed the chance
OF reelection for private and individual
purposes? Yes: he SAYS, "the objects
which induced me TO retire from publick
lie having been accomplished, it is my
wish to resume my former station in the
national legislature" l have no doubt,
myself, but what the major has hearty
prediction toresume his former station in
The national legislature; but has he a right
to expect it, when he uses such aspiring
language. The words just quoted eIici-
ted some emphatical remarks from
''Candilus" a writer in the Herald) and
the just and manly analysis of the mayors
words by Canidus reflects brilliant Ius>
Ire upon his fame.
Mr.. Mercer, the next in order, whose
political character and standing, is appa-
rent to almost every body, and it is made
manifest by his actions through the hon.
durable career Of his public and well
spent life. He served a very lsng and
faithful period in the Virginia legislature;
was one bits active and most vieilant
members, and now a is member Of con,
gress. The "FairGax Farmer" appears
70 insinuate, that Mr.. Mercer ssshould
give place to others whose claims arc
equally strong" Ifit il the wish Of Mr..
MERGERS friends that he should again be
a candidate, ii is his boundeD duty to do
soj and because he has spent the morning
6f his days, (lhe best part of his Gfs) in
the halls ofiegisation and in the cause of
his country, it IS no reason he should be
left out now. Ills reputation is establish.
cd his capabilily is indisputable. His
knowledge Of national affairs acceIerates
and aggrandizes by practical experience;
consequently, it is my humble opinion,
that he is the man that will exactly suit us.
MIR. Bailey, a gentleman ofhigb stand
ing in the county in which he resides, be-
loved by bis neighbours, esteemed by