Richmond Enquirer

RICHMOND, NOV. 30.

FOR THE ENQUIRER.

Messrs. Editors:-

I am an old man. In this communication, however, I will endeavour not to be chargeable with garrulity. Let it suffice, for my present purpose, to state, that I participated in the revolutionary struggle, when men set their teeth, and held their breath, and tugged, and fought for the independence and happiness which the country now enjoys. I was a republican then, and I am a republican now. I loved my country then, and I love it still. And loving it, I cannot but feel alarm at the present situation of its affairs. I refer more particularly to the bitterness of party-feeling manifested by the opposing parties, on the presidential question.- Both parties lose sight of their country in their eagerness for the success of their favourite candidate. This is not patriotism, but party madness. The Union of the States is perilled by this violence, and the last hope of the world, for a popular government, is hazarded, for the sake of making either Jackson, or Adams, President for four years. Oh! my Countrymen, be not guilty of this suicidal act. Cast them both aside, and select some third candidate, who will unite the more considerate and moderate of both parties, and let his election heal the divisions of the Country. "The American System" is at its tide of flood, and whoever will administer the government it will sweep forward. Let Virginia reap the benefit of it. No State in the Union, (and I have visited thirteen of them with some little attention possesses greater natural advantages to profit by it, than herself. Permit an old man to advise Drop Jackson and Adams, and end the strife. Take up DeWitt Clinton of New York, or, which I should rather prefer, our own beloved and venerated Marshall, and thus reward his long life of virtue and usefulness with the first station in the world.

SENEX.