Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1829-11-09
SATURDAY, Nov. Z.

The Convention, after prayer was called to order
at | o'clock
'Ph- PRESIDENT then communicated TO the Con
ycniion the following letter of resignation, that he
had received from General Taylor.
SIR; Many of my constituents have instructed me
10 support the proposed plan of appooning represen
tatlon with regard To white pc ulation and taxation
combinei and | have reason TO believe that n LARGE
majority of the people of my district concur in the de-
sire expressed in those instructions.
1t is due to myself to prevent all misconcepton of
my official conduct. | was elected to this body with
the full knowledge of my constituents that favored
reforms in the existing Constitution. | came here
untTammeled. by Instructions and restrained by no
pledges. am unfortunate, indeed, in this. that my
opinions do not harmonic with those of my const,u-
ens; but have disappointed no expectation, violated
10 engagement, violated no trust.
Having always believed mud maintained that tho
nature of representative government mainly depends
on the principle that representation is only mean
whereby the deliberate will fthc constituent body Is
10 be expressed and etiectuacdno act of nine shal
ever impair the principle Had my constituents in
structed me some matter u mere cXpedency, or
required me TO perform any thing which possible,
il would have afforded mo pleasure to testify with
how cheerful n submission would give effect to their
opinions rather than my own Bu they ask what is
impossible. They require me to violate my conscience,
and the sentiments of filial devotion which owe to
country.
Believing, as consccntiousy do that the measure
am instructed to support is hostile to free insttu-
tons, destructive Of equality Of right among cit
zcns and introducvc of n principle that minority
on account of superior wealth shall rule the majority
of the qualified voters of the State, should be gull
ty of moral treason against the liberty of my native
land if allowed myself to be the instrument by which
thIs measure effected. In this state of mind, by
executing the wishes of my constituents, | should
Justly subject myself TO their reproaches for my base
ness; aud to the uusuterable rcproaches of my
own conscience.
One mode only rcmans TO reconcile my duty to my
constituents To the higher and more sacred duties
to myself and my country. 1t il to resign the
Office which they conferred OH me, and thereby to
enable my colleague to select successor, who, moro
fortunate than am, may give effect TO their wishes
without violating any sentiment OF private or public
duty.
Allow me to usk that this letter may have place
on your journal Forgive the feeling which prompts
this request If any eye shall hereafter read my hum
bic name, wish the same page winch records my
retirement fro your service may also record the
tive mistaken. perhaps but not unworthy) which oc
leave the Convention. sir with sentiments of pro-
found respect and vcnrrnton for the wei ght Of talent
which cnnobc md advance IT,
Ny heart will %ill attend Your councils; ond shall
not cease TO supplcatc the Almighty that he may so
guido md conduct them That Virginia may be re-
generated, united, free and happy.
have the honor TO he your obGd'Cnt sSryt
ROBERT Il. TAYLOR
JAS. MONROE, Esq President
On motion of Mr.. Mercer tho letter was laid the
table.
Dir. Tuzcwcll then rose and stated, that. at
the request Of his remaining colleagues, he had to
perform wv puty OF informing tic NoubOUlcc 'haL
they had agreed on successor to General Taylor,
who would be notified of his election aud that thc
gentleman is Hugh Blair Grigsby, of Norfolk,
The Convention then resolved itself into Commit
tee Of the Whole, Mr.. Powell i'm tho Chnir
Mr.. Scott, Mr.. Green and Mr.. Moore, made a few
remarks in explanation and roply 10 observations in
which they lad been misunderstood.
The question being then about to be nut
Mr. Logh moved that the Committee riso in or
der to give mn opportunity of addressing The Commit
tee his colleague, Governor (;ilcs who wished in
express views, but prevented from doing it
at this time by indisposition, aggravated by the state
Of the her. lilo expressed his readiness TO with
draw the motion il any gentleman desired TO address
tho Committee.
Anor n few romarks from Mr., Doddridge, who OK
pressed belief that other gentlemen intended to OK
plain their views und II so, the hope that they would
occupy the floor, without suffering the day TO be lost
Phe motion that the Committee rise was carried in
the affirmative.
The Committee then rose and reported progress
Fhe Convention thcn adjourned till Monday at
e'c'oct,