Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-02-15
on,a resoectfully enquir. Of Messrs.

10 subiecls2 Ought the pronaofhty OF civil war
nd dissolution of the Union, lightly to be IN
reduced into discussion, ans for the paltry pur-
go nf influencing the result Of an annual and
really uuimportant election! Ought resort
On The bayonet against our fellow citizens, be
mentioned as the probable event OF no distant
day? Was il prudent in them, or had they the
right, 10 pledge Virginia to Georgia, before the
people have spoken Or moved, and when mat
controversy can only be amicably settled oy the
utmost GOODNESS and mutual forbearance! we
know the honour and patriotism oil both gentle
nen-far be u from us TO assaii them-out we
humbly think, that The patriotism that thus
talks, deserves the apprehension ana nor the
gratitude Of the public This language may
accelerate disunion, but by no possibility avert
lit NAV add to the unfortunate causes Of ex-
citement, but by no means contribute to dimin-
ish them. Disunion and civil war, are things
so horrible, that their possibility, until they can
no longer be Stunned with honour, ought not
10 be admitted but in whispers. Those minds
tha, can employ them for the purpose OF effect
ing some object Of present fancy or policy, seem
to US at least, 10 have lost the power OF estima.
ting the relative consequence and dignity oil
things.
Since the above was in type, Gen Smyth has
changed his mind, and sent US ertraefs, from
Gen Floyd's letters, and others. Some 2assa-
res read to the House, are here omitted-for
example-,haI the upper part OF Virginia, was
the :heane Of intrigue. The egregious van
inv of these letters, is really ludicrous. 81 am
(says the General) decidedly Of opinion, that Tor
all our interests, and that Of our party and prin
ciples, and for Virginia, that at this moment,
ough, not to be elected Governor" We are
really, decidedly, Of the same opinion with Doc
Tor Floyd-,he Government is certainly, in a
bier hands than his. Yet we are little afraid
the Doctor will be shocked when he hears the
result. Blu, we beg him TO take consolation
from the reflection, shat the interests OF Vir-
GINA, have been better subserved (by himl there.
than here Verify the excessive patriotism OF
Gen. Floyd, deserved the very reward which the
Legislature has bestowed 1t must he crafty
ing TO him and his Congressional friends, to
discover how literally the General Assembly
has obeyed his and their wishes. Here ale his
extracts:
Extracts from the letters of Gen. Floyd wh,ch lei
tiers were read TO the House.
From letter TO Mr. s. dated 18th January.
"My course here, has al a very early period
been identified with this party, and from con-
sulting our friends, their impression is, as a0eH
as mn o,vn, that can be Of more benefit TO the
cause Of the States, for we look upon il in that
light, by remaining in the House OF Representa-
tives, in Congress, than in any other position
in which could be placed: wherefore am
candidate for reelection TO Congress.
81 am not insensible TO the honor OF so disun-
euished an office, or even Of being named a
mong those who are thought worthy OF The sta
tion But as have already, on another occa-
sion observed to you, this is the time for every
man who loves his country, to make sacrifices
and firmly remain at the post where he can do
the most good. These, and these alone, are the
reasons why Ihavs declined the offer Of my friends,
who have been anxious for my elevation to that
Office. Ifthe station is never again in my pow
er, still / have the consolation oil believing that
the interests Of Virginia have been better sub
served here, than by any labor or effort OF mine
there"
From letter to the same, dated Feb s.
81 am decidedly ofopinion, that for all our IN
terests, and that Of our party and principles,
and for Virginia, that, at this moment, ought
not to be elected Governor"
Extracts of letters, ,chch ertracts ,cere read TO the
House of Delegates By Mr. s, on the motion 10
postpone the election Of Governor.
From a Senator in Congress, dated Feb I'd.
I'VE arc rtUucTCu uneasy uSiS ~ wv P'S"
poets of losing Gen. Floyd
The Government of Virginia is certainly an ho-
norable preiermen,; but he is greatly wanted
for two years longer in the Fl. r." House OF
Representatives, ave know
that he has left it to you and others TO decide
on his place; but we would wish you to know
our opinions at this place before you decide.
With him it is sense Of duty to take either
post, and this in the III. h. presents to his own
the tseatre Of greatest utility
From the same, dated Feb. 9th.
GAIL Floy1's friends here are in arms against
his leaving us. l believe many Of them have
written to their friends in Richmond TO prevent
it; but it is not for US this place to attempt to o.
verrule the Better judgment OF his friends there.
From amember of the House of Representatives dated
4th Feb.
at has been suggested here, that II is the In
tenticn Of the Legislature Of Virginia to elect
Gen John Floyd, Governor, and thereby with
draw him from Congress. The fewer changes
in Congress at this time, Of true, able and firm
men, the better il will be for our cause"
- seen. Floyd has been here