Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-08-18
Fairfax county, Angus, sth, 1926.
Communicated for the Enquirer.

To the Freeholders of Essen COUNTY.
FELLOW CITIZENS: The object of this com
munication is 10 arrest in its PROCESS a report.
which appears deeply TO concern some of the good
people OF the county; namely, that am a candi-
date for your surnges represent YOU in the next
general Congress. Although the exercise OF this
right ID extended every Freebooter, not only to
the opulent, but 10 the INDECENT, not only TO the
wise, but to the ignorant, To the just and 10 the
wicked, yet have never avsiled myself of this
salutary privilege. | have gone so far as TO saw,
! that in the event MI. Garrett declined re eler-
ton, and certain gentlemen, who had been severslIy
named as successor, should present themselves as
candidates, that should take poll with them; and
did not consider il either presumption or vanity
IN me TO make such declaration, inasmuch, as
| l deemed my qualifications, whether moral or poi-
cal, not inferior to theirs. think, however, on
such occasions, that sense of patriotism a sense
of practice and of pride should induce ms TO make
the best selection that The District can Afford IL is
much 10 be amened that this District furnishes so
very few qualified for this important station, but
much more is il TO be deplored that the people i'm
mediately take sides Tor or against those who pre-
sent themselves as Candidates. without appearing
10 recollect for moment that an Infinitely better
choice might be made; hence the ignorance and
corruption so frequently, and sometimes fatally
unaffected in our Legislative bodies. Not that /
would, IN the present case, attribute either igno-
rance or corruption to any Of those reported 10 be
candidates: on the contrary very readily admit
their elevation above mediocrity, and the reputation
they support ssgentlemen. l only contend that
much better choice can be made. I have not heard
of the resignation Of MIR. Gsrnclt but if his debi-
ltated state OF health should compel him to a1opt
this alternative, l would then remind the peoplc OF
the county, for will not presume TO advise them
that the merit of Randolph, although long neg
ected, has not been totally overlooked; that Giles
has recently been taken from his retirement; and
that we too If not behind others in patriotism,
could furnish one OF the same fraternity, who emit
neatly combines all the qualifications requisite for
so important a station. Having made tIIis sugses-
ton, will eanjdly aver that, not considering my
self OF sufficient bottom for five mile circuit, I
have, for the present, relnquisheJ all idea Of be-
coming candidate for Congress, no matter who are
candidates, and shall content myself by running, in
the spring, over one fifth Of the ground with the
saddle horses Of Essex. And in taking this step,
| shall not indulge in that strain Of apologies go
frequently resored TO on such occasions I shall
not introduce myself upon the political theatre by
expressing an humble sense of my own want of Ia
Tents, by acknowledging my extreme unyvosthiness
to be highly honored, nor by making public con
fes'on Of my incapscity to discharge the imporan,
duties Of Legislator. These are enquiries which
shall submit TO the impartial consideration Of the
enlightened Freehoders of Essex; for were in an
appeal TO your judgments osndidy, or even tacitly
10 admit my unhtness in these respects should
save you the trouble Of canvsssing my pre,ensions
and furnish you at once with the most conclusive
evidences why you sbou,i unhssi,aiipgly record