Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-12-22
Orange, Dec. 9th, 1926.


serve this Congressional district in the next
CONGRESS-, which you as the Committee OF that
county transmitted to me. In the whole course
o. my life, marked as 1t has been by some va
rlety Of incident, nothing has occurred, which
has affected me with so much unteigned sensl-
bilily, as this manifestation OF the good opinion
of my fellow-citizens ofLouisia, sanctioned as it
has been, by the concurrence Of a portion OF
those of Spo,sylvania; and also, by that oil a
portion of those Of Madison, which though not
given to the public, as in the case of the other
counties, is understood to have been expressed
a, meeting held by them.
When at the close of the last session Of the
18th Congress, retired from the service of the
District | thought that the curtain had fallen
upon the last scene in which should be called
upon 10 act a part upon the political theatre
| expected, theneeforth, TO hold I" the noiseless
tenor of my way" in discharging the duties OF
the Judicial office, to which had been appoint
ed by the authorities of my native State. With
the course which | had thus marked out Tor
myself, have continued to be altogether salts
fled; for though was aware that occupied a
position which was not conspicuous, yet was
content with the humber aspiration Of endea-
voring to be useful 1t had not entered into my
mind to conceive, that SO much honor was in
reserve for me, as is indicated by these decla-
rations on the part OF my former constituents.
Highly, however, as appreciate even this
honor, if were to take counsel from regard
to my personal comfort, from the calculating
suggestions of prudence, or indeed, from any
other consideration which concerns me indivi-
dualy, should decline the acceptance of an in
vitation again to become of the cre,D, instead
of remaining as | now am, passenger, on board
the ship Of State: but much deliberation on the
subject, has resulted in the opinion, that owe
it to the relation in which | formerly stood to-
ward the District, to the kindness with which
am supported, whilst standing in that rela-
ton, and, indeed, 10 sense OF public duty, to
obey the call of the people, and have accord
ngly decided, that if the people of the District
shall think proper to elect me, will again en-
bark in their service, even at the price OF ex-
changing The tranquility of retirement for the
turmoil Of politics. Having thus decided,
will add, that as it would be convenient, in the
event Of the vacation of my present Office, that
the Legislature should fill 1t during its present
session, will resign il before the close Of the
present session, i'll shall have as decisive indi-
cations Of the wishes of the remainder of the
District as have of those Of the citizens Of
Louisa.
In coming to this decision, owe it to can
dor to say, that / am not vain enough for a mo-
ment to suppose, that |, or any other indlvldu-
al Of far greater pretensons, can stem that tide
Of public opinion, which seems 10 have SET in
with an irresistible current, in favor of certain
principles, to which as you know, have al
ways beeu opposed. On the contrary, the
most encouraging idea which my mind enter
tains, is that which is common to all men con-
scious Of correct intentions. Thar if ii be not
in the power Of man to command success, he
can al least endeavour 10 deserve It. And that,
in yielding obedience TO the will Of the people,
every citizen performs an act Of duty But
that which with me, has outweighed every o.
Their consideration, is the character OF the call
which has been made upon me. 10 receive
the appreciation OF our countrymen at any time
and under any circumstances, is calculated TO
afford qualification 10 an ingenious mind To
receive IL from those towards whom one has
for eleven years stood in the responsible rela-
ton of Representative, adds to the gratihca-
ton. But when in addition TO all this there is
a Simultaneous expression of appreciation Of
the past, and confidence for the future-When
this expression is accompanied by request to
accept an office, which is earnestly sought after
by gentlemen of The first standing throughout
the Unon-Under these circumstances, speak
in the sincerity Of my heart, when say. that /
feel myself ,honored beyond any merit which
can pretend to-That feel almost overpowered
by weight of obligation, of which can
scarcely hope to acqult myself.-All that | can
venture to promise is-an anxious desire and
earnest endeavour, 10 promote the great inter-
ests Of our coolmon country as | 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 strengthened with my stren9 tn
And an inhexible resolution, as far as can, by
reason and argument, to maintain the constitu-
ton inviolate, according to those principles of
construction, which | have always applied 10
that sacred bond Of our Federal Union. If
such course as is here delineated by general
outline, should meet the wishes Of the District,
then may | Indulge the hope of making some
sort of requital for that good opinion, which
whilst am sensible it appreciates my services
beyond their desert, possesses in my estimation,
value above all price. In conclusion, should
it be my fortune again to become the represent
ative of the District, as | am now happy in the
enjoyment of that confidence which they have
been pleased 10 express, as growing out of my
former course, so, l shall be happier still, if in
my future progress, shall succeed in my earn