Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-05-12
To The Editors Of the Enquirer.

had been apprised, before your paper of the
24th ultimo came to hand, that it was the iriten-
ton OF number OF my friends in Essex and King
& Queen to have me announced, az one of the
persons TO represent this District in the Virginia
Conventon-and that they wished me to give
public expression of my opinions in relation to the
contemplated reforms to be made in the present
Constitution. must acknowledge, | have expe-
rienced great difficulty in deciding upon the
course ought 20 pursue in regard TO this fiatter-
ing nomination. The lateness of the period thai
am presented to the District-the fact, that to
two OF the largest counties in the District I am.
personally almost unknown--with other circun.-
stances unfrendly to my elevation to seat in this
august Assembly, when my humble claims shall
be brought into comparison with those of the pro-
miDeDt ana distinguished men, who have besn
heretofore nominated, consider atoms that have
nearly induced me to advise those, who design ia
promote my election to decline their kind efforts in
my behalf Influenced less by any solici,ude for
the result, than by sincere and grateful HOMAGE.
hope ever TO feel, and to shew TO the wishes of
those who confide in, and demand my services, I
havs determined TO give 10 the District brief ex-
position OF my opinions the subject Of the pro-
posed reformation of the Government.
forbear to offer many preliminary remarks.
with regard TO the several important questions
which must necessarily arise in The Convention
and shall be the more readily excused the per-
Torrance OF this task, when il is considered, that
am anticipated in all commentary upon these to-
pics, by the views and arguments Of those in eve
~ quarter OF the State, who have preceded me,
in furnishing text Of their political creed, with
various explanations upon it, connected with
changes that ought to be made in the Funda-
menta! Law.
With regard to my own conduct as FrsehoIder.
am unwilling to say any thing which might have
the least appearance OF an effort on my part to-
render myself the more acceptable TO the District
But il is a mark of respect due 10 MANY Free.
holders" in Hanover, Ito whom il is my fortune to
be straDger) TO reply to one of the queries pro-
posed by tlen-and TO assure them that at no Pc
Rod of my life, since enjoyed the right of suf-
frags have faiied,ss far recoect, to exercise
II with reference to the power Of selection af-
forded me inpronoop of the men, and in support
of the principles that thought best calculated to
conduce to the lasting welfare of my country.
exercised my right of suffrage in the Presidential
Election in favor Of the present President of the
United States
have neither time nor inclination TO prepare all
elaborate essay upon the defects OF the present.
Constitution, and formation of I" more perfectN
system OF Government'-nor il had, could ba(
vain to believe, that could submit for conaia
dersiion any important, ncW ideas--to add to tn
lights that now burn with such intensity apdJ
splendor from different points of thesCommon-
wealth.
Isgree with those who have already furnished
their views TO the pubic, that the new fabric of
Government should be buiIt up, in the spirit Of
reciprocal kindness, Cancellation, and friendship
aud that, by reason Of the sanclity Of the Temple
about to demolish, erected by our Fathers,
and where we have enjoyed so many Of the Offer
ings to Liberty--wc should never abandon The
ground work on which it has been reared--but
eDdeavor to preserve, for present purpose, its
most valuable material, from its ruins.
temper Of manly forbearance spirit of rs.
neroas disinteresteGness in relation 10 questions
involving conhict ofin,erestsi in different portions
Of the state--uDied, at the same time, Nth the
most inferible fTnlness Of character and of purs
pose tcAen FIRST principles and just exercise of
pocer are in do1geT. ought TO distinguish the
duct Of every menIber Of the Convention. Furs
Their, permit nae t. add, that we should not display
the rasbness Of youth in overiurning and passing
by tbospresent structure OF Government,and press.
ms on into an untred Geld Of experiment and
innovation, imrelled by disconteD spirit--the
aluremen,s Of novelty, and an iDordinate love Of
change--nor, on the other hand, since the major
" ofthe Freehoders Of the state have decided up
on rsform-should display that species Of mo-
raj timidlty which is an enemy to all improve.
ment
But. looking into the records our own expert
enee--snd into tie History Of the other Common
wealths Of the Uuiou--under the guidance Of their
auspices, aided by the collected wisdom ard ssl-nts
Of the Assembly and Of the Republic, devise, il