Richmond Enquirer

VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE.

HOUSE OF DELEGATES.

Wednesday, December 10.

The House of Delegates acted on a variety of Bills and Reports: none of them of material importance.

At 12 o'clock, the orders of the Day were taken up.

The House proceeded, jointly with the Senate, to supply the vacancy in the Senate of the United States, which will be occasioned by the expiration of the term of service of Armistead T. Mason, Esq.

Mr. Maury nominated Col. John Mercer, of Fredericksburg--in which he was supported by Messrs. Smyth, Thompson (of Tazewell,) and Mallory.

Mr. Taylor (of Chesterfield,) nominated John W. Eppes, Esq.--in which he was supported by Messrs. Chamberlayne, Robertson (of Petersburg,) and Austin.

After the ballots were collected, and the committee had retired with a joint committee from the Senate to count them--Mr. Maury returned, and informed the House, that they had counted the ballots, and found them to stand thus:

The majority being for Mr. Eppes, he was declared duly elected a Senator of the U. States for six years from the 4th of March next.

The House then proceeded, by a joint ballot with the Senate, to elect a Governor or Chief Magistrate of this Commonwealth, for the term from the 11th instant.

Mr. Banks nominated Col. James P. Preston, (one of the gallant heroes of the late war, who was wounded at Chrystler's Field, on the descent of the St. Lawrence, and who is at present a member of the House of Delegates from the County of Montgomery)--This nomination was supported by Messrs. Chamberlayne, Thornton, Scott, and Hay.

Mr. Bower nominated Col. William L. Lewis, (one of the zealous members of the Board of Public Works, an ardent and enlightened friend of Internal Improvement: and at present a member of the House of Delegates from the county of Campbell)--This nomination was supported by Messrs. Anthony, Black Burn, and Mercer (of Powhatan.)

Mr. Stokely nominated Littleton Minor, Esq. the Lieutenant-Governor of this Commonwealth.

On counting the ballots, Mr. Banks reported that the votes stood thus:

For James P. Preston 104

William L. Lewis 13

L. Minims 9

Scattering 1

So that Col. Preston had a majority of votes, and was accordingly duly elected.

On motion of Mr. Scott, a resolution was entered into to appoint a Committee to act jointly with a committee on the part of the Senate to wait upon Col. Preston, and inform him of his election.

And Messrs. Scott, Banks, Chamberlayne, Hay, Baker, Tucker, Mercer, Thornton, and Maury, were named a committee for this purpose.

The House then adjourned.

The H. of D. were yesterday engaged on a variety of Reports and Petitions--generally of a local or personal description--Several bills passed their 1st or 2d stage.

-Mr. Bernard presented a petition for a bank at Port-Royal, (county of Caroline.)

-Mr. Maury, one from Albemarle, for a Convention--Mr. Colston one for a canal from the head of Seneca Falls to Alexandria--On Mr. M'Henry's motion, a new writ of election was issued to Montgomery, to supply the place of Col. Preston.

Mr. Scott from the Committee to wait on that gentleman, presented the following address with his reply:

Sir--We have been appointed, on the part of the Senate and House of Delegates, to announce to you your election to the office of Chief Magistrate of this Commonwealth.

In discharging this duty, it affords us a high gratification to communicate this spontaneous offering of a country's gratitude to a citizen, who has given higher value to his civic virtues, by nobly distinguishing himself in defence of the soil and the rights of his country.

This proof of the confidence of your native State will, we confidently hope, yield you an additional solace for your many sacrifices for the public good.

In your administration of the government, we anticipate many advantages, from your experience and constant devotion to the best and dearest interests of our common country.

Accept assurances of our high personal respect and esteem.

Gentlemen--Through you, the organ of the representatives of the people, it is announced to me, that I have been elected to the Chief Magistracy of the Commonwealth. In obedience to that will, I advance with dutiful alacrity to that distinguished post, but not without entertaining a fearful conviction that it will not be maintained with an ability equal to the indulgent opinion which assigned it to me, or with talents commensurate with its importance. I feel that the spontaneous offering of a country's gratitude, which has thus elevated me, must often be my only resort and shield from unintentional error.

The confidence of my country, and the approbation of good men, are the only rewards that I ever hoped or desired to attain for my humble efforts. To merit this, I have honestly endeavored to perform my duty. I feel that which you now offer, as an "additional solace" so far surpasses my poor claims upon my country, that I must accept it in anticipation, as a sure guarantee to my patriotism--not only while I have the honor to preside in the administration, but through my whole life.

I tender diligence, integrity and fidelity in lieu of your favorable anticipations on the score of experience: and I do not hesitate to declare that you shall not be disappointed in the continuance of my constant devotion to the best and dearest interests of our common country.

To you, gentlemen, my acknowledgments are particularly due, for the polite manner in which you have made the communication.

JAMES P. PRESTON.