Martinsburgh Gazette

To the Freeholders of the District composed of the Counties of Berkeley, Hampshire, Hardy and Jefferson.

FELLOW CITIZENS,

I offer myself to your consideration as a candidate to represent you in the next Congress of the United States. It is possible the curious may be disposed to inquire, why I have become a candidate without the sanction of a committee? To this interrogatory, I answer, that the recent method of nominating candidates by committees, however highly I may incline to appreciate the practice, is, nevertheless, as it seems to me, no way preferable to the ancient custom, which every one understands. Again, I have been induced to declare myself at this time, and in this way, by request of my friends, who think with me, it is the wish of a majority of the Freeholders of the District. If, however, we should be mistaken in this particular, whatever the result may be, I will cheerfully submit to, when fairly ascertained on the day of the Election. All I desire is to give the people an opportunity of making a selection, and all I ask is an unbiassed expression of public opinion. This manner of proceeding appears perfectly congenial with the first principles of our government, with all our political institutions, and consequently can be liable to no rational objection. Here, perhaps, it may not be improper to premise, that I trust my deportment on this occasion, will be found fair and manly; and that if I should meet with an opponent, he shall receive from me, all the politeness and decorum, due from one gentleman to another.

To those gentlemen in the upper parts of the district, with whom I have not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance, I am persuaded I shall be exonerated from the charge of egotism and of complimenting myself, when they are informed, that I am a Farmer in the middle walks of life, and that if honored with their suffrages, my circumstances are such, that I will neither be driven from the path leading to the prosperity of our country, by want or poverty, nor allured from it by avarice or ambition.

Citizens of the District, if an ardent attachment to my native soil; if many friends and relatives, whom I esteem and venerate; if a numerous progeny intertwined with every moral perception of my heart; if either, or all these considerations combined, can rivet a man to his country and to liberty--These motives, these inducements, which, in my estimation, are the most powerful that can operate on the human mind shall be left by me, as pledges in your hands, that I will stedfastly adhere to your interest, and the honor of the nation.

I am, gentlemen, your humble servant,

MAGNUS TATE.

Berkeley County, January 19, 1815.