Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1845-05-09
MOND, VA.
tn THE PEOPLE OF VIRGINIA,

IN StHtfuI
On This day fnrly-one years ago. i?lh May
1904, " appeared before my country as The f"''o'
of the Richmond Enquirer. The same day OF ''e
month, which brought US together, IS about 10 se-
parale us--nvl in ms affections, no, in my pfhci-
Piles, but in my person and in the press. MY iol
is now rast on different theatre. The sar oi
my destiny seems 10 point al least Tor liihe, ~
a different directon-hni can never forget 'ir-
sinia, or her Principles. Sooner would my "riSh
hand forget lis cunning; j. sooner would my heart
forget 10 beat, than cease 20 honor The ilme-iio
norel Coinmonwealih-lo love The SOIL where
my cradle was rocked, and my coffin will be de-
posited She has cherished me in her BOSOM
trusted me beyond my deserts--and made me
what am. | should indeed he unworthy oil oeaI-
Ing The proud name Of a Firsiaian, II dM not
carry with me heart filled with gratitude ana
Overlooking with affection.
should have remained with you, altogether IL
the interests OF those, who dearer 10 me than
life itself, did MOI call me away from yon bu',
though The sacrifice is bitter enoush-lhongh 10
part with those friends who have been endeared
10 me iul 50 many years, be one oil The berest
sacrifices which man car make, yet Ill imposed
upon me by sense OF duty which cannot con-
troll. shall lry not 10 add 10 it the sacrifice OF
the principles which mhibei almost with my
mother milk.
|, would have given Inc pain which have
mol words 10 describe, if had left my political
friends amid disaster AMI deieat-it the sun OF
Virginas glory were II all eclpsed-il, in any
respect the Old Duminion had been wrapped IN
sackc!o,h ard ashes Far different, however is
her condition | leave her in The midst OF her tri-
urphS In November last. she carried out her
.real principles, in the election ot Republican
President by :; majority ot near sir thonsand-
During Inc ast month, she has followed up ihls
victory BIZ another and ono oi the most brilliant
achievements, which has ever araced her annals.
The laurel is sill green upon her venerable brow
and | can leave her without the slightest suspI-
, cion OF lreachery, or any laint OF disgrace
Younger. hul not more jealous, hear,s-s!rongcr,
hut not more eager arms are ready 10 support
her banner. To their prudence, and 10 their firm
ness, commit that portion OF the responsibility
which has hitherto fallen upon ny shoulders
leave the old "EnGuircI' with feelings SINH
lar 10 those with which The veteran soldier sid
renders his arms; but have the consolation Of re-
| lecting thai not only leave my political asso-
cia,es in the proud possession Of The field OF bat
lie, hut that transfer ms sword 10 my own sons.
! | give il 10 them, in charge 10 defend The post
which their father has attempted 10 guard Tor
loly-one years--to maintain your principles and
Ia uphold the character Of Virginia. On my own
account, as well as IN theirs, ask Of YOU 10 ex
lend 10 lllpm line same confidence and Kindness
which you have uniformly given 10 ln-. know
they are deeply dyed in the wool of The RePnh-
can Authorizations 10 serve their country, and
hope competent 10 discharge the commission
which now en,ruS TO their hands. More could
not ask OF you, than TO treat them as you have
treated me. Ina political life Of toly-one years
| have probably made some few personal enc
mies-lew, | lrusl, they arc-perhaps as few a'
most men NAV have made have brought, per
haps, some prejudces around the Enquirer; but
[ ask, in the name Of charity and Of justice visil
not my political SINS upoE niy sons.
Il l. mol necessary lor Ia recapiinlaIr Al hi,
lime The articles oil my faith. They are yonf
own. They are The same ! have proessed f"f
50 many years They are the same with those Of
the present Editors Of the Enquirer, and II u
therefore with some confidence that invoke on
their behalf The support OF The people.
Were 10 venture 10 leave with Won one
piece Of advice, Of more Importance than The
resi-, il would lie 10 guard with more than vesial
vigilance The purify Of the right OF suffrage Il
is the right conservative OF all The other rights.
Let this precious privilege he corrupted, and you
poison Liberty ii her very iountain. Destroy
This cornerstone oil The building, and The whole
structure Of your political institutions is in dan
ger OF falling into ruins.
Hencelorth my own name will be stricken
from the firm Of the Enquirer. and leave il 10
my sons, 10 make the best arrangements for your
interests, as well asiher own.
Eight hours only sepala me from my late
abode; but know not how long il will lie before
my pressing engagements will enable me 10
breathe, even Tor d day, The air Of Vrginia.--
Yet am happy 10 say, lhal lind warm hearts
on ms side the Potomac as on M0i-no, as many
of them, perhaps. have met with kindness and
confidence in the few days during which | have
solourned in this Metropolis. There is full scope
and verge enough for any man who wishes
10 serve his couniry-sreat interests 10 main
tain in opposition 10 The claims OF Foreign
naionS--and great power invested in The Federal
Government, for veal or for woe. find men
here willing, | honestly believe, and able, know,
10 maintain your rights and your in,eresls-ln
"put The Government on The Republican tack,
and 10 administer The Executive powers under
The Constitution, according 10 The Jefeisonian
standard. | come here, prepared 10 cooperate
with such men in the support Of such principles
and / trust, when the time oil settling up their
lruslecship shall arrive, you will not repent OF
bringing them into power nor OF exchanging
Richmond for Washington. have political du
lies 10 discharge here, that may require all my
energies, and almost all my time Besides do
moi mean 10 conine THE Union" altogether
to Politics should not properly employ the IA
cili,ies which my position may give 10 me, il !
did not al least attempt 10 call around me, for The
benefit Of the Union, most of the lights which
may be in possession OF the Government, or
which NAV I've obtained through its enlightened
agents in foreign parts. II will become the duty
oil the press 10 bring The peop'c Of the States 10
whom this Government bclonss) well acquainted
with its transactions, as well as with The events,
prospects and views OF other countries. How far
j may be able to succeed in making The Press
here a "brief abstract and chronicle OF The lines"
will depend upon circumstances, which | may
moi vel be able 10 understand or 10 calculate. !
will allemp, however 10 do my duly And one
thing more will altemp. 10 do, which is, il do
no, elevate, will not debase The dignity OF the
Press-ihat miraculous organ" to which tree
Government, on an extended scale Of empire, is 50
much indebted for its creation aud preservation.
canpot close this hasly Valedclory, without
again expressing the sentiments OF gratitude and
affection, with which am so profoundly pene-
iraled. Yours, faithfully,
THOMAS RICHIE.
Washington, D. c.