The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-12-27
WITHDRAWAL OF MR.. BUCHANAN.


We copy from the Lancaster (Pa.) Intelligent
| Ger the subjoined formal withdrawal of the Hon.
JAMES BUCHANAN from the Presidential 6eld.-
The Globe will rejoice exceedingly.
Mr.. Buchanan pledges himself to support the
nominee OF the Convention-if he means the
packed Convenlion-but we trust not-so be
il!
TO THE DEMOCRATS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Fellow CITIZENS
After long and serious reflection, have resolved
to withdraw my name from the list of Presidential
candidates to be presented before the Democratic
National Convention. This resolution has been die
tated by anxious desire to drive discord from the
ranks OF the party, and the ascendency of De-
mocrac principles both in the State and throughout
| the Union. In arriving at this conclusion have
consulted no human being. 1t is entirely my own
spontaneous act, and proceeds from the cearest and
strongest conviction OF duty
| Whilst thus taking my leave, your candidate
for the Presidential office, animated by sense
of profound gratitude for the unanimy and enthusi-
with which you have urged my elevation to the
highest Office earth. This feeling shall remain en-
craven on my heart until time for me shall be no Ion
ger.
When, in January last, the Democratic member.
of State Legislature, their letter addressed TO
me, presented my name 10 the Union as PennSyva-
MAS favorite candidate for the Presidency" | made
some observations in my answer TO which desire to
recall your attention. then stated that if the De-
mocracy of Pennsylvani should resolve to offer nv
name to the National Convention as candidate for
the Presidency with that degree of unanimlty which
could alone give moral force to their recommended
ton, felt that ought not to their wish
es" This, | am proud to believe, they would do
with unexampled unanimity yet every unpre-
JUDGED man, who has observed the current Of
political events since that period, must be
vinced that even the great moral influence
! of Pennsylvania with her sister States would be
| exerted in vain 10 secure my nomination. Under
such circumstances ought l. for any personal consid-
erations, to suffer the great State which has besow-
ed so many honors upon me- to ask the first time in
her history for Presidential candidate of her own
with certain conviction, my part that the request
would not be granted? Should | be the means of
placing her Democracy in false position which
yet their high of honor and the noble
ance of their character might forbid them to aban-
don? To ask these questions. my heart tells me, is
TO answer them in the negative. Every feeling Of
gratitude and of duty dictates that should lead them
I TO decide in the National Convention, among the
candidates whose prospects more promising.
But still higher obligation rests upon In my
letter, TO which have already referred, | declare
that the principles and the of the Democra-
tic party immessuraby transcend in Importance
the elevation OF any individual that they ought to
be leoparded, IN the slightest degree, by personal
[
"If | know my own heart, should most freely re-
sign any pretensons which the partiaty of friends
has set up for me- if by this could purchase harmo-
ny and unanmity in the selection of a Democratic
candidate
The time has now arrived when feel myself con-
strained to apply these principles TO nay own practice.
II is true that may not be able TO secure entire
nimty in the party by Withdrawing my name from
the list of candidates; but yet shall reduce their
number, and thus diminish the elements ofdiscord -
The great moral and numerical strength of Pennsyl-
vania, TO which her uniform self-sacrl6cng patriot
ism adds double lustre, will then be felt in all IFS
power, and will decide the contest in manner salts
factory to the entire Democracy of the Usion.
| can proudly say that since have occupied the
position Of your candidate before the country to
which was assigned by your unsolicited kindness
have done nothing to tarnlsh your fair fame. Enter
tanning the conviction that the glory and perpetuity
of institutions require that the highest Office I'M
der Heaven should be the voluntary gift of the only
free people upon earth ] have totally abstaned from
all personal efforts TO promote my own success.
After what have already said, | need scarcely
again to repeat the pledge have often given, that
shall firmly support the nominee Of the Democratic
National Convention
To my friends in other States who have deemed
me worthy of their support, tender my most CRATE
ful thanks believing that shall best promote their
wishes for the union and strength Of the Democratic
party, by Withdrawing from what they must now be
satisfied would be hopeless contest for the nomina
ton.
In conclusion, can soemnly declare, that the
only solctude which personally feel upon the subject
Of this letter is, that you shall be satisfied with my
conduct; for next TO the appreciation Of nv God,
value your continued favor far above all other con-
siderations. JAMES BUCHANAN.
Washington, l4th December, lS43