Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1843-01-26
FOR TIE ENQUIRER
tn he Ctti:cns Of Wuthe and PuLaski.

To the Citizens Of Hythe and PULASKI.
The time is approaching, when you will naturally
incline TO know whether will again be candidate for
the high and distinguished trust, which has been, under
such aterng circumstances, twice conferred upon me-
The feelings Of gratitude Which they inspire must, and
w ever be, cherished by me III grateful remembrance,
wholly incapable OF description.
regret to say, that whilst all my energy, and what
little talent may possess, have ut all times, been III
dustriously engaged in attempting 10 anelio'ute the
PROSTATE condition of the people, whose interests nave
been committed TO my charge, have, nevertheless,
been able to effect but little that will essentially change
for the better their present distressed condition
might suy, with truth, that it is without the Legitimate
sphere of legislation, either State or national, to per-
manen,ly efTec,uatc that purpose
II is TO be regretted, that the exgences OF The times
should ever require at the hands of the Legislature
any mid by changing the relative position Of debtor and
creditor, the time of the orig NAL contract-and II
may well be doubted whether upon policy can be sus
taned. Doubts upon constitutional rrinc Piles upon
this subject prevailed, which, however, have long
since hcen senced by all adjudcaed decision vi The
highest judicial tribunal OF the country Therefore, II
may be regarded nov defntively settled-that any
change by legislative authority, tue operation OF which
is confined exclusively to the enforcement OF the re.
NEEDY in the collection of debts does not, in the slight
degree, impair the obligation upon which the con.
sderaon originally based.
full knowledge the part Of the contracting pnr.
ties that is within the legitimate power OF the eels-
latve department OF the Government, al all tes 70
modify, restrict, enlarge the remedy IN relation TO
the collection Of debts, supposed necessarily to enter
into The spirit end forms one Of The many consIcera-
tons which induce is contamination II We were
without precedent upon this important subject, night
be justified, it is believed, in reference 10 the extraor
binary state OF things that exists 1t tere ever
was time WHEN the inrbearsnce of the community
should be invoked in aid OF sue ring people, that time
has arrived. But the wisdom and patriotism o
those who have preceded us, and 10 whose example We
ght loo. with vencra,ion and respect have found
in times less embarrassing than the present. jus'hca
ton in such measure, and have gwen Us preceden!s
upon this subject, well worthy OF our respectful con
side ration
There is bill now before the Legislature intended
10 eiectuae this object which shall receive, whatever
my private opinions may be Us 10 its policy, my best
exer,ions for lis passass-knowing as do the wishes
of those who have the power to command me, and
whose will it will 4. all times be my pride and my plea
sure to enforce and express
If under any circumstances could believe cont
nuation of nv services would be Of advantage TO The
people who have honored with their confidence, the
very great sacrifice which have hitherto pecuniary
incurred and which 10 future should neN ssarly have
TO incur, would not induce NE to withhold them. But
believing, as honestly do, that my place can be sup
piled with ADLER materials for the prosecution and de-
fence Of your rights forms Of the strongest reasons
why it il nv wish 10 retire. And, in doing 30, permit
me- to tender 10 you, individually and collectively, the
sincere regard with which beg leave TO subscribe my
self,
Your obedcnt and humble servant,
ISAAC J. LETTWICH.