The Enquirer

To the Freeholders of Essex, Caroline, King & Queen and King William.

FELLOW CITIZENS,

In consequence of many applications made to me, from respectable quarters, I take the liberty of submitting myself to you as a candidate for your congressional district, altho it is not perfectly consistent with my domestic interests or with my state of health. Permit me in the most earnest manner to impress upon your minds the necessity of exercising your rights of suffrage on general principles—such as in your judgements your duties as freemen demand. There are three highly essential traits to be looked for in a representative; Political principles, integrity, and talents. You will draw a comparison in these respects between myself and any other candidate who may be opposed to me, and I have no doubt but your ultimate decision will be correct.

To such of my fellow-citizens as are unacquainted with me, I offer my past as a pledge for my future conduct. I trust that nearly thirty years of service rendered to the public, with the most jealous attachment to, and support of those principles which carried us through our revolutionary struggles, will afford a certain security that my future will be congenial with my past conduct.

When I take a view of the present government of the union, I cannot hesitate to declare to you, Fellow-citizens, that the Patriotism, virtue and splendid talents which have been exhibited to the world by the characters who direct the federal government, deserve the confidence, respect and gratitude of the people of the United States. No part of their conduct do I more highly approve, than that exhibited during the last session respecting, our political relations with England and Spain. I think it founded in wisdom and supported by the best policy. It was calculated to maintain the true interests of our citizens, by preserving peace, and at the same time pushing with all necessary energy the just claims of our country.

No person, fellow-citizens, can be more opposed to that mode of canvassing, which savors of corruption than myself; no person can be less anxious to employ any undue influence on the minds of the electors of this district; they should be left to the free exercise of their own judgement. I think it essential, however, that every candidate should be known, either personally or by such representations as can be confided in. to those whose suffrages he asks. My delicate state of health will prevent my being so much in public as I could wish; but I will endeavour so far as circumstances will permit me, to make myself acquainted with my fellow-citizens of the district, that they may judge of the propriety of reposing their confidence in me.

I am your Fellow-Citizen,

LARKIN SMITH.

Dec. 16.