Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-12-16

my, am. q passemser. on board the ship OF STATE;
but much deliberation on the subject, has resulted
IN the opinion, that owe il to the relstion in
which formerly stood towards the District, to
che Kindness with which l am supported, whilst
standing in that relation, and, indeed, to sense OF
public duty, 10 obey the call Of the people: and
have accordingly decided, that it the people of the
District shall think proper TO elect me, VIII again
embark in their service, even at the price OF ex-
changing the tranquility of retirement, for the tur-
,noil Of politics. Having thus decided. will add,
that il would be convenient, in the event oil the
vacation of my present Office, that the Legislature
should fill il during its present session, will resign
il before the close of the session, if shall have
as decisive indications Of the wishes OF the remain
der of the District, as have OF those of the citi-
zens of Louisa.
In coming to this decision, owe it to candor to
say, that am not vain enough for moment to
suppose, that 1, or any other individual oil lar
greater pretensions, can stem that tide OF public
opinion, which seems to have set in with an ire
sisble current, in favor of certain principles, to
which as you know, have always been opposed.
On the contrary, the most encouraging idea which
nv mind entertains, is that which is common to
all men conscious Of correct intentions. That il il
be not in the power OF man to command success, he
can al least endeavor to deserve And that yield
ing Obedience the will of the people, every citizen
performs an act of duty. But that which with me,
has outweighed every other consideration, is the
character Of the call which has been made upon
me. To receive the appreciation of country
men at any time and under any circums' ances, is
calculated to afford qualification to an ingenious
mind. To receive it from those towards whom
one has for eleven years stood in the responsible
relation of Representative, adds TO the graifca-
zion. But when in addition to all this, there is a
Simultaneous expression OF appreciation OF the past
and confidence for the future -Whea this express
- n rs
6ce, which is earnestly sought alter by gentlemen
of the first standing throughout the Union Under
these circumstances, speak in the sincerity OF my
heart, when say, that feel myself honored be
yond any merit which can pretend to-That
feel almost overpowered by weight of obligation,
Of which can scarcely hope to acquit myself
All that can venture to promise is-an anxious
desire and earnest endeavor, to promote the grea,
interests of our common county as l understand
them "A steady adherence to the principles which
have heretofore been the chart of my public course
which have grown with my growth and strength
ened with my strength-And an inhexible resou
ton, as far as can, by reason and argument, t.
maintain the constitution inviolate, according Il
those principles of construction, which / have al
ways applied TO that sacred bond OF our Fedora
Union. If such il here delineated by
general outline, should meet the wishes of the
District, then may Indulge the hope OF making
sort of iequi,al for that good opinion, which
whilst am sensible it appreciates my services be
yond their desert, possesses in my estimation,
value above all price. In conclusion, should it b,
my fortune again TO become the representative O
the District, as am now happy in the enjoymen
OF that confidence which they have been pleased
express, growing out of my former course, so
shall be happier still, if in my future progress,
shall succeed in my earnest endeavor to contnu,
90 deserve it, For the friendly manner in which
you have made this communication, l beg you I,
accept my thanks.
With sentiments Of personal esteem, 1 remain
your fellow-ciizen,
P. P. BARBOUR.
Horotio G. Illusion, Charles Y. KIM
5rough, Pleasant Hdckeh, Carrot
nj. Qudrles, Esq'rs.