The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-04-07

This gentleman having been recently elected
Councillor of the State of Virginia. and some init
nations Of dissatisfaction having been evnced by his
enemies at the course he has deemed proper to pur
sue in regard to it, he addressed the following letter
to his Excelency Gov. Campbell
Washington, LIST April, 1888.
Gen. DAVID CAMPBELL, Governor of Virginia:
Sri have learned through the newspapers and
by private communications, that was elected by the
Legislature of Virginia Councillor of State for the
term Of three years, beginning on this day
have been in daily expectation of having this
fact officially announced TO me. ..-.".
A letter received BY me this morning from friend
in Richmond, informs me that it has not been
tomary to make any official communication Of such
an election. In this state Of things, feel myself
called on to do what until now supposed il would
have been premature and indecate for me to have
done-that is, to say to you, and through you to the
Legislature of Virginia, that it is my intention TO
accept The Office which they have done me the honor
to confer upon me For that purpose, shall resign
my seat in the House Of Representatives at the end
of the session, if not sooner
So soon as ii was asccrtained Qhough informally
that had been elected thought il proper to deter
mine whether it was necessary, in point Of legal
obligation, or requisite in reference TO the nature
and urgency of the duties Of Councillor that
should resign my seat in the House of Representa-
tiveS in time TO qualify as Councillor, and enter
upon the discharge Of the duties of that Office by the
day on which the term commenced.
After the most deliberate reflection, aided by the
opinion of others, was satisfied there was such
legal obligation. understand moreover that ii has
been by no means unusual for those appointed to fill
the Office Of Councillor, to postpone their actual
cepance and qualification for longer or shorter peri
DDS after the commencement of the term, according
to the circumstance of personal convenience pub
lie duty which caused the delay. remembered
too that in some instances, fresh in the recollection
of us all in Virginia gentlemen elected to fill high
judicial stations, while they were serving the people
or the State in Congress, intending to accept the
appointments, thought it not incompatible with such
intention to remain in the discharge of their duties
in Congress until the duties Of their stations
quired them to resign. l am not aware that their
doing SO considered as conflicting with either
the letter or spirit of our laws, or exposed them 10
any serious or formal censure.
| obtained from satisfactory source, information
that the business of the Executive Council was not
such Ito make il matter of much importance or
any urgency, that should present myself immedi-
atelv the Council board and that il was not likely
to be so for a month or two to consequently as
there we're already two Councillors qualified and
acting, either of whom alone was constitutionally
competent to act.
reflected also that we were in the midst of a scs-
sion Of Congress, before which depending very
many questions of the utmost magnitude, with some
of which the State of Virginia is connected only in
common with all the States-sone in which that
State is peculiarly concerned-besides many OF n To-
cal and private nature in which my immediate con-
stituents are interested, thought il incumbent upon
me, not lightly TO be induced to abandon my post
here-at such time, and when my constituents
would be necessarily left without any representative
for some weeks. Those constituents who have so
often and so long manifested toward me the most
generous kindness and liberal confidence, and who
have every reason to believe desire me TO continue
in their service during the present session OF Con-
gresS, with nearer approach to unanimity than on
any former occasion.
Induced by these considerations, came to the con-
clusion that there would be no improperly in my
remaining here for the present and during this ses
sion if necessary, and Withholding the resignation
of my seat in the House, and my qualification as
Councillor, fol time. ! have SO said and written
to many in Richmond and elsewhere, who inquired
Of me on the subject, | have battered myself that
this would be approved Of by the Legislature.
If had not waitedfor official information as to my
election, | would long before this have communi-
Gated to that body my wishes and opinions in this re-
gard, as well the sentiments of gratitude feel
for their favorable consideration in elecng me TO
the trust they have conferred upon me. ] should
promptly have submitted these views-as now do
to the candid and dispassonate Judgment OF the
Legislature, and assured them that SHALL with the
utmost readiness, yield my own impressions on this
point of duty, to their pleasure in whatever form
they may think it expedient to apprise me OF their
wishes | have no other desire in regard this mat
ter, than 10 pursue that course which will be most
acceptable To the State in whose service am aud
whose honor and interest ii is of the first wishes
Of my hear, to b, able to maintain and promote