The Virginian

FOR THE VIRGINIAN.

TO THE PEOPLE OF BEDFORD.

One who feels deeply interested in the result of your congressional election, begs leave to say to you a few words before you seal by your voice the political character of your district for the next two years, and mayhap the political destiny of this nation for the succeeding presidential term. You have to decide between Claiborne and Adams, and Leftwich and Crawford. It is needless to conceal the fact--it should, indeed, be proclaimed from your house-tops--that, NOW, you are not selecting a servant, to guard and protect your local interests in the legislative hall, but a master, who will dictate to you, in a congressional caucus, who shall be your next president! This is a revolting picture, and a severe satire on the majesty of the people; but it is nevertheless a true one. Personally unknown to both of the candidates for your suffrages, I have neither private animosity nor private partiality to gratify. I act on the broad basis of the public weal. You have been called upon to support Col. Leftwich because he has taken up arms in defence of his country, when hostile troops lined her shores. But did not some of you, too, fellow citizens, gird on your armor in the hour of danger? You did. Col. L. has already been rewarded by public honors, while you have been permitted to retire from the tented field into the comparative obscurity from which, but for the din of arms, you had never emerged, unrewarded by public honors, and happy only in the reflection that you did your duty. But he has, too, we are told, neglected his private affairs, to watch over the public interests. Strange! that he still continues to crave your suffrages, when it thus severely taxes his private advancement. Such patriotism was seen in Greece and Rome--aye, such patriotism was seen in the earlier days of our republic; but, since the storm of the revolution has passed by--the patriarchal age of our country--we look in vain for this phenomenon. it is as rare as a comet; and when it shall be discovered, its bright and exhilarating blaze will, like the comet's tail, be seen afar off, wondered at and, Indian-like, adored! Citizens of Bedford, let me beseech you to sacrifice sectional feelings, and, if possible, personal considerations, on this occasion.-- I say again, for I would impress it on you, that the paramount business of the next Congress will be to select, and perhaps elect your next president. Will you suffer your sentiments on this ALL-IMPORTANT NATIONAL QUESTION to be smothered by local feelings and individual friendships? There was a time, in Virginia too, when it needed only the sound of the tocsin to level these feelings with the dust--when questions of high national import would arm brother against brother in the holy war of political regeneration. Let this noble spirit be once more revived amongst you, and throughout the state, and we shall see Nathaniel H. Claiborne your next representative in Congress; and our next President may be

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.