Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1831-12-24

Bay, 1897 produced an excitement, only in yi-
gina but hroug the United States that seemed like
y for time, kindlc into In the expectation Of
such result Mr.. Writ, in conjunction with several other
gentlemen in Virginia, determined TO raise corps for the
occasion, and offered their services TO President Jefferson
Theydd and their offer accepted, in the Of
This explains the allusion in the of
Mr. Jciiersons letter, which, with the omission Of few
irrelevant sentences, is as follows:
E" WAsnINoroS, Jan. 10, 'Os.
Dear Sr,-i suspected from Your desire TO go into
the army that you disled your profession notwstand-
ing that your prospects in It. inferior none in
The State. Still, know that profession is open TO
stronger anpathies than that of the law. The object Of
this letter then, is 10 propose TO you TO into Con-
gross. That is the great commanding theatre of this ma
ton, and the threshold 20 whatever department. of Office
man Is qualified TO eater Win your reputation talents,
and correct views used with the necessary prudence
will at ouce be placed at the head of the republican body
in the House of Representatives and after obtaining the
standing which atle time will insure NAV look.
at your will, into the military the judiciary dipo-
matte or other civil departments with certainty of being
in either whatever you please and in the present state
OF what may be called the eminent talents of country
you may be assured of being engaged through life in the
most honorable empoyments. II YOU come in the next
election, you will begin your With new admins
iraon, by supporting which, you will lay for yourself
broad foundation in the public confidence, and indeed YOU
wlbccome the colossus of the republican government
your country will no; say that public life is the line
Tor making fortune but furnishes decent and honor
able support and places children on good ground for
public favor. The family of beloved father will stand
with the public the favorable ground OF COMPETE
ton. Had Gen. Washington left children, what would
have been denied TO them?
communication. Ii proceeds from ardent zeal to see
this government, hc idol of my souD continue in good
hands, and from sincere desire to see you whatever YOU
wish to be- To this apology shall only add my friendly
5auaons and assurances of sincere esteem and respect
49, TIL. JEFFERSON.
WILLIAM WRIT, Esq. Richmond.
To the foregoing Mr., Writ replied follows.
RIcHdoND, Jan. II, 1905.
Dear Sir,-I fear you have forgotten my disposition,
since you seem to think favor of the 10Th might
quirc apology 1t is o5gng and grateful beyond
expression cannot better deserve your good opinion
than by answering Your proposition in the same shirt of
trankness in which is made.
My desire 10 so into the army proceeded from dis
IKE TO my profession: it from the impulse which
electrified the continent In acting under it, overlooked
domestic Inconvenience, which in this caner proposal
gong INTO Congress, present themselves with irresistible
force | have a wife and children entirely unproyided
Tor; they subss on the running profits of my practice
the instant this ceases, they either sarve or be
thrown on the charity of their relatives This latter
would be the effect of my going into the army. But
s'ae oil war demands many sacIiices which never
be necessary in time of peace. The war; too calculated
would not last more than two three campaigns least
upon land alter which might return TO my practice
whereas the political fixes my destiny for life In
entering 1t, although should have the good fortune
reap the high honos and advantages which your obeng
good opinion has suggested, yet old age will come upon
me, and nd my wife and children destitute of prov-
sion as they l think it my duty cndcayour
to guard against this; and can, place them
IN suauon in which my death would not bcggar them
1t Is then that might enter with advantage public life
should be better informed and better known and in
dePencehce OF fortune might save me from those cruel
and diabolca insinuations, which have sometimes seen
IN the debates OF Congress- and in the public prints The
situation of our amObc and beloved countryman who has
just returned from foreign mission, the most per
picking endorsements of private nature home
awful lesson the subie of evotng ones self 10
ms country before he shall have secured independent
retreat Tor Old age Nothing indeed, be endear-
ing than the spirit of that devoon yet fear that the un-
feeling Importantly Of his creditors may make him aImos;
repent of his patriotism.
may add that my fortune other than il is there
IS not in life, course which would with
spirit and ardor than that 10 which you invite me- The
government most dear my affections its prac,cabty
ITS energy It's dignity, the protection prosperity and hap
piness which 1t ensures, demonstrated.
ter your refinement the pure and enlightened man to
whom wc look your successor, will, in my opinion
have no equal on the theatre of public life. ct notwh-
standing this, situated am, that you will APP
prove OF my motive in adhering the practice of the law
am, dear sir, most respectfully your ob't servt
VIM WRIT