Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1859-05-24

AL UlSIhlCl.
Once more ask of YOU moments attention.
:, consequence likely it seems to en>ue from
opening poll for me at your approaching con-
grcssional election. not altogether anticipated
By inc as perhaps it should have been. induces
me to recall the offer OF my services. owe
you al explanation.
My friends very generally dlsapprovcd my
determination not to make 4 tour of the Dis
trct with the view of addressing YOU personal
". Many expressed the opinion that a person
al canvass would secure my election. but that
otherwise all their cXertonS would be unavail-
ng. How far the former opinion may have been
well founded, am unable to judge; the latter,
it now seems probable, from all learn would,
if brought to the test, he most probably vcil-
fled. The late hour Of my annunc!ation, the
prc-occupaton of the field by others, one Of
them in the strong and commanding position
of ''nomincc;" the powerful influence Of edito-
rial dictation and party discipline, against which
stood up in open defiance; were disadvantages
not readily to bc overcome by opposing to
them (all that offered the mere general csti-
mate of nv character, whatever that might bc,
in an extensive district, to large portion oi
whose inhabitants was personally unknown.
Of all this was fully aware from the first, ami
90 far rs concerns myself alone, would not now
shrink from meeting all the consequences.
But, added to all this, and far wcightier than
all. is the fact now. understand, almost uni
vcrSally credited, that previous to the prcscn-
tation ofmy name. pledges Of support had been
given to the gentlemen who preceded NE. to
an extent of which | certainly had not the
most distant idea-an extent, indeed, decisive
Of the issue. To pcrscvcrc under such circum-
stances, would not only exhibit INC in false
position, but would deprive all those who
should cast their votes on me, OF an opportu-
nifty of choosing between the candidates more
!:,vorably situated. Ii is not too late to
retrieve my friends and myself, without
inconvenience. trust TO Others. There Is
but one means-the withdrawal Of my name
and that cheerruly adopt. In doing this |
make no personal sacrifice, even upon the I'M
probable suppositon that could be elected -
Were my prospects more tlattcring than they
are. still | would not hesitate to relieve all
among you friendly to my election, from any
anticipated embarrassment on my account.
trust it will not be thought that act under
the influence of wounded feelings. have no
cause for any SUCH On the contrary, have
found support and encouragement, if less ex-
tcnsiye. far more cordial at least than had rea-
son to expect. | am free to acknowledge that
there has not been, so far as ] am informed,
that general approval Of my voluntary oller
which had hoped-hoped, not because oi any
popularity or merit Of NV own, but for the
sake of the cause in which was ready to enlist
was prepared to unite with you in throw
ing of the yoke which malignant influences
have fastened around our necks and to vow
eternal opposition to the corruptions and usur.
pations of our Federal masters. Ny appeal
was not to the spirit Of party. which, IN ITS
excess, is the worst foe Of liberty, justice and
truth, but to the spirit Of patriotism, which
is confined to no party--not to sclf.constituted
managers, but directly to yourselves Will
not believe you doubted the sincerity OF my
zeal; and trusted that the voice Of friend,
however humble. might rouse you to reflect Oh
the dangers which threaten our ycnerated III.
stitutions from those who stand pledged, by
oath. to defend and preserve them:-inlght re-
mind you that the best safeguard against uSur-
patton, the sole cure for corruption, Is to bc
looked for from the people; and from them
through no other means but the unshacklcd, III
dependent exercise Of the elective franchise
If TO this appeal You may not nave made
so iull Il response us couli Iia'o hope'' .'@'S
arc reasons, some Of which | have already as
signed quite sufficient to vindicate the great
body Of the District from any mputatIon OF the
want Of patriotic spirit; and will never cease
to hope that the day will come, ere II be too
late, when those who rishtfully WELD the sovc-
reynty Of the land will remind their public
men that they are hut trustees and servants
amcnablc to them" and keep them riGidly
within the bounds Of their duty.
will only add, that sec nothing to regret
in having made the offer now withdraw; and,
in withdrawing it under existing circumstances
| do but pursue the course, which, IN my
own judgment, honor prcscribes as due to my
hest and warmcst friends, to the District, anf
to myself With due respect,
Your fellow citizen.
JOHN ROBERTSON,