The New Era

For the New Era.

THE FIRST DISTRICT.

Mr. Editor:—When an article relating to public matters makes its appearance in a newspaper, or public journal, above the signature of a private individual, it matters not what motive may have impelled the act, its author, nine times out of ten, will be considered vain, or as being desirous of bringing himself into public notice.

I am not to be deterred from my present purpose, which is merely to allude to matters relating to this Congressional District, notwithstanding I incur the risk of being considered vain.

It is known to you, Mr. Editor, and to others, that it was distinctly understood in Portsmouth, when the convention met that nominated Mr. Atkinson for Congress, that if Mr. A. received the nomination then, he would be 'satisfied,' and that he would not again be a candidate. I am willing to affirm that a member of the convention said to me, repeatedly, that I must vote in convention for Atkinson, as that would be the last time that his claims would be pressed—that he would not again be a candidate, &c., &c. I do not ask that the pledge which was made to me be redeemed, as I was not influenced in casting my vote by it; I believed then, as I do now, that Mr. Atkinson would prove a tough customer.

Cannot you wake up that intelligent correspondent of yours, who uttered the sentiment 'that small arms will not answer to storm a fort or defend a citadel, that we require a man of cannon calibre?' &c. If there ever was an occasion for the laying aside small arms, the present is the one; then let your intelligent correspondent go to work in good earnest, and he may be instrumental in causing the democracy to lay aside pocket pistols of the smallest order, at least, for the present time.

Yours, very respectfully,

R. M. BOYKIN.

Nansemond Co., Jan 2, 1847.