Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1843-03-07
v".snrya-oS CRY, Feb. ,, 1913.

GEsrLr3Ty-Your letter of congrotula;on, on my
recent re election to tic Senate ct United States,
has inspired With feelings OF p-oJ ind gratitude -
To have been thrice ctc;ej - THIS euinea: station %"
the Democratic Senator's and Representatives Of ny
native State 1u honor wlch ought 10 satisfy he am
bton OF any man. and lis value Is greatly enhanced
by your assurance that IN selecting Gie ios another
term you bu acted III accordance with !e united VOICE
of the Democratic party ct Pennsylvania. 80 tGhly
do prize their coed opinion, that can declare with
heart felt sincerity, would not forfeit tins for ali the
political honors winch my country could hcsow -
Their unsolicited and continued support nave conere d
upon me whatever q: distinction public lie may
enioy and If possible for To desert their
principles should feel that deserved traitor doom.
Instead of being eated anl kumbed lay tie conscious
ness of how lte have ever done 10 merit ali their
unexamped kindness.
OF ali political parties which have ever existed, the
Democratic party are the most uGulgeut and con;.,1z
masters. All they demand of any public servant -
honestly and faithfully TO represent their principles IN
the station where they have placed him; and this fee!
proudly CONSCIOUS that have done the Senate Of
the United States according 10 my best ability.
therefore, offer pledge for my future condcct,
except the guarantee Of the past
You have been further pleased 10 say, that "a Penn
sylyanicns YOU desire TO sec me "elevatcd TO the
highest office the gift of the people, and you tender
me ao the Union Pennsy wanna iavorite candidate
for the next Presidency | can soemny declare that
] was wholly unprepared for such an annunc'aIon
from the Democratic members Of the Legislature, hav
received the sllpteSt lfitIQtloN ui tltT
ten,on until after their letter had been actually signed
Both principle, and becoming sense OF the merit
Of Others have hitherto prevented me from taxing any,
the least part, IN promoting my o"n elevation TO
the Presidency. have 10 umoious ongings to eIa
tfy, conscious, | am, that have already received
more of the offices and hornrs Of country than
have ever deserved. Ii know my own heart, should
freely resign any pretensons which the paria'ty
of friends has set up for me- It by THIS ! could pnr-
chase harmony and unan,mi'y IN the selection OF o
Democratic candidate. Besides, however proper IL
NAV be- that candidates tor inferior Offices should make
personal efforts success, am deeply con-
vinced that The highest Office under Heaven, ought TO
be the voluntary GIT OF the o0ly fee people upon
earth No justly claim !, frc'n The reop" as
matter Of right II ought to te heir sp0niane-
Gus gift 10 the worthy, and this airne can rendr
it the GROWING glory OF we!l.sPent public lie ih's
alone can prevent the danger 10 our institutions, "dc
must result from the violent struggles of persona! and
interested parzans The principles oil the v!.oa,
the people may thus delight 20 honor ought TO ha"
borne the of long and severe service, and ought
TO stand out such bold relic. before hs country, as
TO place all doubt regard 10 them al defiance In my
opinion the candidate who would either intrigue, or
nersonally electloncer for the Presidency, raises
strong presumption that he unworthy OF 1t. Whe-
Their il be probable, that resolved under The bes
sings Of Providence, TO act upon these principles, VIII
ever reach the Presidency, you can Judge better than
myself | ought, however, in justice 10 myself, 10 OBJ
serve that whilst this is my fixed purpose do not
feel the less grateful those kind aad partial trends
who have deemed me worthy Of the highest Office, be-
cause have never attempted to enlist them in my sup
port r.
mocracy Of Pennsylvania, II they should resolve 10
offer my name TO the National Convention as candi.
date for the Presidency with that degree of unanniy
which can alone give moral fierce TO their recommends
tion feel that ought not TO coun'e7act Their wishes
Should they determine differently, this vii! not be TO
me cause of the slightest modification.
One remark | am mPelcd 10 make before closing
this letter The principles and the success OF The De-
mocra,ic party imeasurably transcend in import
ance the elevation Of any indvdna that they ought
not to be ieopardcd in TIE slightest degree b. personal
partiaty for either Of the candidates. Every candi
date who has been named, and hundreds OF Individuals
whose nance have not been mentioned would ably and
faithfully administer the Government, according 10
these principles No good Democrat therefore, spGht 10
snar his feelings become enlisted IN favor OF any
one candidate ,ha, he could yield his cheerful and
cordial support to any other who may be nominated by
the National Convention
With sentiments of grateful respect
remain yours, sincerely,
JAMES BUCHANAN.
=. Crispin. and H. B. Wright Esqrs, and other Demo
cratic Members Of the Legislature Of Pennsy lyana