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The Patowmac Guardian, And Berkeley Advertiser
Martinsburg, Shepherdstown, Berkeley County, Jefferson County, West Virginia
What is this article about?
In a 1791 letter from Berkeley County, R. Rutherford, after 25 years of service including 14 as Senator, thanks the people of Frederick, Berkeley, Hampshire, and Hardy counties for their support and urges them to wisely elect his successor, affirming faith in the republican union and retained popular sovereignty.
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BERKELEY, HAMPSHIRE, and
HARDY.
Esteemed Friends,
THE season is approaching, when you will be
called upon to elect a Senator for this Dis-
trict, and if life could last, I should continue to
serve you with cheerfulness--but your prudence
and attention is now necessary in making another
choice. More than twenty-five years, the prime
of life, have I devoted to your service, stimulated
as I was, by a zeal for my country second to none,
together with the uncommon marks of esteem con-
ferred on me by the unanimous voice of these nu-
merous and opulent Counties. More than fourteen
years, added to the generous manner in which I
had, preceding that period, been uniformly elected
to the former legislature. A disposition thus af-
fectionate, with a circumstance so peculiarly rare,
demand my warmest thanks, which I offer with
pleasure, and with a heartfelt consciousness that
the rights of the people have at all times been very
dear to me, whilst I now rejoice with them in the
full enjoyment of a free constitution, and equal
laws, which secure these rights, religious and civil.
They, the People, have indeed delegated some pow-
ers very properly to Congress, which that honoura-
ble Body will no doubt exercise with great wisdom,
prudence, and moderation, for the honour and real
interest of the union; but all the members of the
Federal Assembly being elective, the primary pow-
ers of government, the Majesty of the People, are
by them retained, as they ought, and as sacred de-
posits, transmitted inviolate to latest posterity.--
Our country, as a tender parent, claims the pious
attention of every man of genius, as well as the
people at large. May she continue to be revered
with deepest regard, by her numerous patriot sons,
and may they remain, as now, the most free and
happy people, is the wish of their sincere friend,
R. RUTHERFORD.
Berkeley County, February 15, 1791.
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Letter to Editor Details
Author
R. Rutherford
Recipient
To The Good People Of Frederick, Berkeley, Hampshire, And Hardy
Main Argument
after over 25 years of devoted service to the district, including 14 years as senator, r. rutherford announces he cannot continue due to age and urges the people to prudently elect a successor, while expressing gratitude for their support and rejoicing in the free constitution and equal laws that secure rights.
Notable Details