Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1838-04-20
COMMUNICATED.
WASHINGTON, April, 1888
To the People Of the counties Of Orange SPonsylUanta

To the People Of the counties of Orange, Spottsyuana,
Cuipeper, .Madison, RappahannOek and Greene.
FELLOW. CITIzESs The relation which has existed
for the last eight sessions Of Congress between you and
myself constituent and representative, has been dis.
solved by the resignation of seat in the House OF Re-
representatives.. The claims upon Of large family,
and nv experience of the utter inadequacy OF the COM
pensa,ion Of member Of Congress to remrnerae any
man dependent his labor for q vehood-for the Sd
crces Of private business he has 10 encounte-had de-
termned me last Fall to resign my seat in the House of
Representatives at the close Of the present session The
offer by the Legislature Of the Office Of State Councillor,
furnishes additional inducements 10 retire. still de.
signed remain here until the end Of the session, for
reasons which fully stated 10 the General Assembly in
q letter recently published In it indicated wish
that the Legislature, they preferred that should pur-
sue different course, would express their wishes, 10
which in respect to this matter felt bound implicitly
10 submit. | could not understand their resolution,
adopted after receiving my letter, in any other way than
as an expression of their desire that should, soon
could possibly do so, vacate my seat in the House.
have therefore, sent in my resi- gnaon.
cannot reconcile it to my feelings OF gratitude toyou
for the many kind and signal favors you have bestowed
on me- abruptly, and without apology explanation, 10
Quit your service Nothing could have induced me to
do So as long believed my services acceptable but
the indispensable duty of providing for the support and
education of my family. may truly say, in the Ian
guage of the Apoecary in Shakespeare, "Nly poverty
and not my will, consents" Yours has been TO me
service of perfect freedom During the time have
been here have had the most desperate struggles of
political ares contending for the mastery with all the
eagerness and something Of the bitterness and violence
of emba,ted hosts In these conflicts, all the great
questions of constitutional law and practical expedency
which have distracted and divided the people Of this
country since the foundation Of the Government, have
been brought into controversy. Very many questions OF
inferior Importance, but equal interest in regard 10 their
influence upon the success or defeat OF parties, have
arisen. Coming into public life pledged 10 maintain
certain great and fundamental doctrines and disavow.
ing all party influences or associa,ions-udging as
have always proessed and endeavoed 10 do every
ton, great small, upon its merits and approving and
condemning each proposition without the slightest
gard its influence upon the prospects Of this or that
PARTY have been necessarily found voting upon great
and interesting Subjects well upon those of ne
ror moment, sometimes with party and at others
with some other party. have consequently been from
time to time the object Of the most incorporate and I'LL.
beral abuse and obiurgaonnow from the Parilzans on
one side, and then from another, and not unfrequent
from both sides have pursued "the even tenor
of my way, rarely turning aside to correct msrePre-
sentation or repe caumny To each and all OF my con-
suents have been ever ready to give explanations,
and 10 yndicate my course-and it the most cheering
reflection of my life, that have never ceased 10 nave
the confidence of the large body of my constituents OF
all parties Ultra parzans and bigots there have been
amongst them, as there amongst every peope-ano
it gave me not the least regret as never occasoneo
the least SURPRISE that did not enjoy their favor NO
in my opinion be representative OF Tree Peo
pie, who consent be the mere tool and echo OF
party, who will consent to come here pledged IN ad'
vance 10 the support of the OF any admnlsta
ton any party Infinitely better than having any such
representatives would it be, 10 establish an elective oes-
po,ism, ] look back upon my humble career IN your
SERVICE with proud consciousness that nave never