Richmond Enquirer

INSTRUCTIONS.

The Jefferson Free Press is evidently panic-struck at the progress of Instructions. It says, that they 'have but a majority of 18 on joint ballot; and if (they) permit, through apathy, 10 of these to be instructed, no matter whether it be accomplished by artifice or otherwise, the result will be equally fatal.' It calls upon its friends to the rescue; and to fight the 'Devil with fire.' We suspect the estimate of the Free Press of 18 is too high—besides the Instructed, it is known that an Opposition Delegate has run away—and his place will be supplied by a friend of the Administration. The fire is certainly spreading. The articles in this paper, show that Surry has been carried, and Frederick with her two Anties out of her three Delegates, are instructed by more than 1,100 signers.—We can count up at least 13 counties and districts, which we are assured have been carried—besides 4 or 5 others which are doubtful. We understand that the Opposition claim Powhatan as carried on their side. It may be so; though we received a letter from that county, on Saturday, which says:

Our opponents, by the helping aid of foreign force, will push us tolerably hard in Powhatan; but we feel pretty certain of success. I presume no man can doubt, that of resident voters we have a most decided majority in favor of the Administration. And I shall be greatly deceived, if, with their 20 from Richmond and Manchester, and their recruits from the surrounding counties, amounting to perhaps as many more, we do not triumphantly instruct Mr. Old, and prevent their instructing Mr. Nash.'

The opposition are now beginning to persuade the Instructed Delegates, that they are not bound by such Instructions as will be presented to them—that is, Instructions signed by a majority of the People. We see the game that is to be played. Every effort will be made during the winter, to persuade the Instructed Agents to sacrifice themselves for Mr. Leigh, and with them, the rights of their constituents, the doctrines of Virginia, and a cardinal principle of Republican Government itself.—If the People have a right to instruct, they also have a right to say how they will instruct. To deny that right, is at once to say, that the People are too great fools to govern themselves.

The Danville Reporter states that Dr. Atkinson addressed the People of Halifax, yesterday week, and declared 'his determination not to obey the Instructions; but if driven to the alternative of obedience to Instructions, violative of his principles, and at war with the interest of the State, or resignation, he will unhesitatingly resign.'