Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1839-10-08
To the Hon. WM. II. RoAsE.
TREE Hill. near Richmond SEPT Il. ]

TREE Hill near Richmond SEPT II. 1899.
Genlemen-hly irregular intercourse with the Post
Office and temp ,rary absence from home have put II
out of my power TILL the present moment, 10 acknowledge
your kind favor of the III, inst rendering TO me, in
behalf of large number of the Democratic citizens Of
Louisa public dinner at their Court house, the 2G
OF the present month, some other day more convent
ent or agreeable TO myself
Throughout my whole public life and the many trying
difficulties 10 which has objected me, il has ever been
my stendy purpose TO uct TO command the approba
ii Sfmy conscience and TO dfscree the approval Of
those in whose service was engaged cannot, there
fore be nsensbl to he attering testimonial your letter
Affords the feelings of the Democratic CITIZENS of
Louisa. in regard TO my conduct one OF the Repre-
sentutives of Virginia in The Senate of the U S.
No man approves more highly than do, Of public ho
conferred the and agents Of the people,
for conduct marked by the exercise OF virtue, dis
interested patriotism, distinguished valor They are
The time the richest reward, and The highest in
element which can be offered 10 patriot ! must. how
ever be PERMITTED 10 say, that every day. observation
Of what is passing in our country confirms my belief
that these manifestations much more frequent than
these occasions justify, and growing into custom
ignore bUnOrrt in the breach han The observance =
thorough conviction that you attach more Importance
to my humble services than they deserve and that |
have only discharged duty too plain and easy to have
been neglected. without suhectng 10 the just
of every Republican in the State; added he fact,
that almost every moment oil my lime, until the meeting
Of Congress, will be occupied about my private affairs
10 foego The pleasure you Offer and which
should greatly enjoy, OF forming personal acquaint
with the Democratic citizens of Louisa beg you
10 assure hem that in declining, as most respectfully
do the honor they propose TO confer upon me- this test
mona Of their approval of my pns conduct, has bren
most gratefully received, and will not fail TO stimulate
and encourage to regulate my future that they
shall have no cause TO complain of misplaced conf
dence
You advert, gentlemen, to my opinions in regard
the charter Of Union and The Rights Of the States
not sensible that they have undergone The slight.
es, change since my advent into political life. have
especially Of those charged with The public affairs, TO
preserve nvolae the bonds Of our Federal unon and
The only means 10 accomplish that grea, end, is
guard with censeiecs vigilance and jealousy the Reserued
Rights of the States have, therefore, ut oil times,
and under all circumstances. opposed The exercise OF
all lhuse powers csimrd for the Federal Government
through construction Of the Constitution. not warrant
ed by lis letter. lis context its obvious meaning; and
about which. IN all time since lis ADOPTION large and re-
spectacle portion, and for the greater time large ma.
jority of the people of the United Staes have had
,nuineiGie doubts. Among the doubtful powers urged
with pertinocty heretofore fatal TO our political tran
quIlly, may be mentioned those-to establish Ma.
tonal Bank-to cut roads and dig canals through the
indcncndent StateS-and lay heavy tax The pro-
ducve labor of section of the Confederacy with The
avowed purpose Of forcing fostering and maturing the
products % another section These three great master
powers have bren heretofore exercised in nv humble
iudyme n to the ncacuable injury of the virtue and
ha ppiness of the people, and 10 the imminent hazard of
The Union Is not time then take warning from The
past and abandon The exercise Of doubtful Of such