"I Consider it Unnecessary for Me to Dilate on Political Minutia"- 1810

TO THE FREEHOLDERS OF NEW KENT

-Follow-Citizens,
I beg leave to inform you, that, in consequence of the suggestions of some of my friends, whose opinions I respect, I shall be a Candidate for your suffrages at the ensuing election of Representatives to the General Assembly: I flatter myself that I shall obtain the approbation of those who are acquainted with my political principles; but to those with wham I have not the honor of an acquaintance, I wish to introduce myself as one, the most cherished object of whose heart is the support of the present Republican form of government in it’s pristine purity; conscious as I am that an intimate Knowledge of the principles of that government has widely diffused itself among you, I consider it unnecessary for me to dilate on political minutia; while at the same time l feel it a duty incumbent on me to declare without reserve those principles which shall mark, the rule of my conduct, I am fearful, however, that in so doing in a manner the most efficacious to place my pretensions in a fair point of view, I shall descend into that kind of prolixity which tires rather by the introduction of familiar topics: but I trust, my Fellow-Citizens, that you would duly appreciate the circumstances under which I come forward, that you will make allowance for my youth and unacquaintance(sic) with some of you, and see the necessity of my entering somewhat into detail.

 I shall premise by observing that as in the ratification of the Federal constitution some of the most important powers of government were given up to the United States, I shall refrain from saying any thing on those powers, as should I obtain the honor of your suffrages, they will exceed the limits of my public duties ; but I hope that the opinions which I am about to express will sufficiently develop my ideas on the leading principles of the Federal Government. Government is the grandest subject on which the human mid has ever been employed, to direct man to a discovery of the real springs of his happiness, deserves the highest commendations which man can bestow, it will then by no means form an objection to me, that I declare my coincidence of opinion with the patriot whose labors produced the mild and equitable government, which under indulgent Providence we now enjoy; One of the most important among the powers reserved to the state is the regulation of the elective franchise- regulation which depends on principles variant as circumstances, since that standard which, when population is thinly scattered, equitably limits the exercise of that inestimable franchise, would after the encrease(sic) of population, and when the price of property has advanced require extension; the next in point of magnitude is the power of taxation— a power in itself highly necessary, but from which may result the most awful consequences, it therefore becomes the duty of the Representatives of the people so to exercise this power as not to exceed the legitimate defied objects of Government. The judiciary system, in its organization tending to perfection, possesses defects which have hitherto eluded the grasp of each successive law passed on the subject, and have in a manner clogged the wheels of justice, on the speedy and uniform administration of which depend the life, reputation and property of the citizen —in the distribution of the offices of Government, we see placed in the hands of the Legislature a power of rewarding meritorious services, which to reward is sound policy, encouraging the citizens to exert his every energy in deference of his country and its liberties.

               I remain, -Fellow Citizens,
               your humble servant.
                   JOHN P. CLOPTON
            ROSLIN, NEW KENT
           
                 February 20, 1810


-Virginia Argus, 27 February 1810

I assume this is John Bacon Clopton, son of John Clopton who was then New Kent's representative to Congress and who would have been only 21 at the time of this election (Virginia legislative elections were held in April). John Bacon Clopton, later Judge Clopton, according to an historical address after his death, "After an unsuccessful candidacy for the State Senate he was elected to that body, in which he served until the end of of the session of 1829-30, when he declined re-election." The Senate district was composed of New Kent, Charles City, and James City in 1810. William Chamberlayne, of Poplar Grove, was the Senator at the time and would represent the district from 1805 until 1818.

However he does refer to the "ensuing election of Representatives to the General Assembly." At that time every county had two members of the House of Delegates irrespective of size who were elected every year. So this may have been an earlier unsuccessful run for the House.