Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1848-10-13
tn the Editors of the ENQUIRER :

10 The EuUOTS o. Mc enquirer
perceive by your paper, as well as others
that the public attention has been called 10 the
election of Governor, which is to take place al
the approaching session of the Legislature.
consider this course q proper one. In a free
State public sentiment ought TO be consulted
and the appointment of Chief Magistrate
ought to be the result of reflection, and an exa-
mination of the qualifications Of the most pro-
minent citizens, taking the whole range Of the
State in the selection. | approve, too, of this
mode Of appointment, not only because the field
| of choice will be more extensive, but because il
is more probable, that men the most competent
| will be preferred when they will be thus called
TO serve, than in the ordinary way OF appoint
| ment, when the choice is made between two or
three, brought forward under the pressure OF
excitement, and pressed, as they may some
times be, BY personal considerations, or inter
esled motives. 10 the best period OF the Roman
State, and especially in great emergencies, The
public mind was always directed in the selection
of their Chief Magistrates 10 the citizens who
could best serve the State, and they were often
called from their ploughs, or from the culIlva-
lion OF their gardens, and invested with the in
sigma of Office Every friend TO the State,
every true-hearted Firginian, should be disposed
to preserve and advance her reputation, by
con,erring Office on men whose weight OF
character and talents will place her on that
elevated standing which her principles and an
cient renown enttle her to occupy.
With this explanation of the motives which
have induced me 10 address you, will proceed
to bring 10 the public attention citizen, whom
believe to be eminently qualified TO discharge
the duties Of Governor with honor to himself,
aud with great advantage TO our beloved Cuu-
monwealth.
In speaking of this person, shall not use the
language of hyperbole or emigration, but the
plain language oil soberness and truth The
person mean to bring before the public is John
peterborough, Esq, of tho county OF Bath.
| beg leave to add, that the step | now take
springs purely from myself is actuated by no
motive but 10 serve the interests of my own, my
native State, and that | have not consulted DR..
peterborough, and am totally unacquainted
with his wishes, and have no reason to believe
he has any political aspirations whatsoever.
But this is with me Recommendation.
For The Office in question no man should be
candidate. He should be selected By the unsolicit-
ed and unbiased voice OF his county. To use the
language of the patriotic and high minded
Lowndes, il is kind of office which ought not 20
be solicited or refused.
The writer OF this address has been acquaint-
ed with Dr.. peterborough Tor long series OF
years. He knows him 10 be man OF discriml-
mating mind and sound judgment, we'll acqualnl-
cd win The affairs and interests both OF the U.
SlaleS and OF this SIale-an accurate observer OF
the history and progress OF both. he IS man ol
literature and few men equal him in elegance and
correctness OF composition either on public or
private subjects. Political economy has been
with him favorite study and there are moi many
who are as we'll versed in its principles or their
application 10 our peculiar institutions Besides
this Dr.. Brockenbruugh has devoted many
years as member OF the 30 srd OF Public Works,
to the acquisition OF an intimate knowledge CT the
public Improvements either in progress or con-
temptation ia this Stale On that subject he can,
by his excellenr judgment and enlarged experience,
render essential service To the Sale.
10 regard to his political principles, this gen
lleman from early youth has been consistent
unvarying Republican. His opinions have ne
yer been concealed; firm and decided in his
sentiments he has never been inocran, and
his wisdom and sound sense are well calcula.
ted 10 bring others into the told OF truth. |
have said | did not mean 10 exagserat..
appeal with confidence 10 DR.. Brockenbrough's
very numerous acquaintance 10 say whether
the porraiture which have drawn has been loo
highly coiored. make the same appeal when
state that this gentleman unites 10 the more solid
qualities which have attributed TO him. manners
polished without ostenlation and amable without
weakness. With such chief magistrate the al
fairs Of Inc State, so lar as depends on him. would
be conducted so "a 10 promote her best interests,
and every citizen OF Virginia might point 10 him
with pleasure, as fit representative oil her high
character and we'll acquired tame.
PUBLIUS.