Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1845-04-18
MATHEWS COUNTY.
TO the Editors Of The Enquire


Gentlemen: had the pleasure OF hearing the
A. X Shepard (Democrat) at Mathews Court
House on Monday last. ! call il pleasure,
although these discussions are not considered in
that light, because myself being Democrat,
and one OF the Spartan Band, found in MIR.
Shepard an intelligent, high-mindcd, well-iniorm-
ed advocate Of our glorious principles while his
opponent is below mediocrily in point Of Talent,
and worse than jpa,ggiM in his politics. What
Biliups depends upon for his election | cannot
readily perceive, unless il be that reckless, John
FL. Pleasanis kind Of devotion for mere party,
which is 10 carry him through Mr.. Shepard
while in the discussion, did our noble cause full
justice, won for himself high applause and he
made Biilups redden and wIiihe under the Just
scoring lie gave him for mis- reckless principles,
and though short, yet; rerrehensible, course in
political life. We here al The city, know how
Billups lodged last winter: being always as un-
easy in his seat as ii he were sitting on hot
embeis. There was not in his course, that man
illness oil spirit which should characterize man
devoted 10 the interests and wishes of his con-
stiluenrs MIR. BilIups virtually denies the right
OF instruction; and Notwithstanding his lame at
Temps 10 satisfy the people, that he is in favor Of
the fright of instruction" yet he is merely de-
ceiving Them as his course in The Legislature
last wner clearly proves. This Mr.. Shepard
demonstrated and Billups was completely silenced.
Shepard called upon him 10 answer the following
queries;
/. 1.-THE election Of United States Senator had
taken place last Winter, would you, with the in.
structions of large majority OF the legal voters
OF this county and Middlesex in your pocket,
have voted for Mr. Hunter or Mr. Rives2
2 If you are elected this Spring, and the cleo
ton comes on between those gentlemen, which OF
the two will you vote for?
3. IL you are elected this Spring, and We in
slruct you upon any question whatsoever, viii
you obey?
Now, Messrs Editors what answer did The
gentleman (Mr. Billups) give to these queries?-
In the language of my friend, (Mr. Shepard,) ne,
in the presence of large number OF The people OF
Matthews, when thus called on to answer, "cds
silent as DEATH His face redeemed, and he was
dumb! Poor fellow! And this is The man who
dares call upon an intelligent people 10 elect him
their representative. Ii is true some Wings will
vote for him; such as one, residing al The Court
house, who, am informed, said that he would IA
Their see Mr.. Clay absolute dictator this country
than MIR. Polk The President. Such Wing might
vote for Mr. Billups-bul Wings, who regard
their country more than pary-Whigs who re-
qard their own rights, will not vote for him; tor, II
he will not pledge himselfto obey the instructions
Of his constituents, or resign he is not worthy 10
be made county constable.
Butthe people Of Mathews ard Mddlesex have
in the person of MIR. Shepard, whom | never saw
until short time past, young man OF excellent
talents, good speaker, sound reasoner, and
firm and true man TO his principles which ne
plainly avows With him there is no conceal
menl, no dodgng and he has given solemn
pledge 10 obey his constituents or resign. He is
a warm friend Of Texas, while his opponent is net.
Ir The people of these counties wish the peace OF
their country and families invaded, their Liberty
and safely endangered, lei Them vote Tor Biln1Ps,
who will vote for some Wing who IS opposed 10
Texas; bu, itthey wish their Liberties safety ana
happiness secured. 50 far as their ability can go
10 effect it, let them vote for that sterling, though
Young Republican, A. X. Shepard. He will be
an ornament 10 the House OF Delegates, and !
hope that il will be the pleasure OF the people OF
Mathews and Middlesex 10 elect him W.