Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1843-12-27
TO TIE DEMOCRATS OF PENNSYLVANIA.

Fellow Citizens After long and serious reflection,
have resolved ID Withdraw my name from the list OF
Presidential candidates, 20 be presented before the De
mocra,ic National Convention This resolution has
been die ta,ed, by anxious desire 10 drive dscord
from the ranks Of the party and the ascendancy
of Democratic prime pies, both in the State and
throughout the Union In arriving at this conclusion,
have consulted 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 am animated, by sense OF pro-
found gratitude FOR the unaDim,ty and en usasm with
which you have urged my elevation to the highest Office
on earth. This feeling shall remain engraven my
heart, until time for me shall be no longer
When in January last, the Democratic members Of
our State Legislature, their letter addressed TO me,
''presented my name to the Union Us Pennsylvania .
ravort. candidate for the Presidency, | made some
observations in my answer, 10 which desire to recall
your attention then stated, that it the Democracy
of Pennsylvania q should resolve To otic. my name 10
the National Convention II candidate for the Pres
dency with that degree of unanimy which could alone
give moral force their recommendation felt that
ought not to counteract their wishes. This, ! au
proud to believe they would do with unexamPied una
nmily; yet every unprecedented man, who has observed
the current Of political events that period, must
be convinced, that the great moral influence OF
Pennsy with her sister States, would be exerted
in VAN 10 secure my nomination. Under such cir
cumstances, ought for any personal considerations,
10 suffer the great State, which has bestowed so
HonorS upon me, To ask, the nrSt Time IN llfr
history, for Presidential cand dat. OF her own with
certain conviction, on my part, that the request
would no, bc granted Should | be the means oil
placing her Democracy IN false posltion which
vet their high Of honor and the noble persevc
rance of their character, might fofbd them 10 aban-
don To ask these questlons my heart tells me IS 10
answer them in the negative. Every feeling OF graft
tuds and Of duty Dictates that should leave them To
decide in the National Conventions among the candi-
dates whose prospects are more promising.
II Il, all In r,v
ett,r to which have already referred, declare, that
he principles and the success Of the Democratic par
~ SO lmmeasurably transcend in importance The els-
walton of any individual that they ought not TO be eo
parded, id the slightest degree, by personal para'y
for either of the candidates" And again ''lf know
my own heart, should most freely resign any pre,en-
sions which the partially of friends has set up Tor me,
if by this could purchase harmony and unanm'ty IN
the selection OF Democratic candidate.
The time has now arrived when feel myself con-
strained apply these principles 10 my own practice
1t is true that may not be able TO secure entire una
nimty in the party by Withdrawing my name from the
list of candidates. but yet shall reduce their NUMBER
and thus diminish the elements Of dscoFd The great
moral and numerical strength of Pennsylvania 10 winch
her Uniform, sefsacrifcng patriotism adds double
force will then be felt in all its power, and mag decide
the contest in satisfactory to the entire De-
mocrecy Of the Union
| can proudly say that stree have occupied The
position of -FOUR candidate before The country TO which
vas assigned ny your uhsclc'l'u MIN, - -" -
done nothing 10 tarnsh your fair tnme Entertaining
the conviction that the glory and perPe'u'y OF our IN
s,tutors require that the highest Office nnd'r Hca'
ven should be the voluntary gift of the only free people
upon EARTH have totally abstlined from all personal
/ efforts TO promote my success.
After what | have clreaty sa'd need scarcely
again repeat the pledge | have Often gwen, that
shall firmly support the nominee Of the Democratic
National Convention.
To nv friends in other States uh9 have deemed me
worthy Of their support, tender my most graiefu'
franks believing that shall best promote their wishes
for the union and strength OF the Democratic party By
withdrawing from wha. they must now be satisfied
would be hopeless contest for The nomination.
In conclusion, solem!y declare, that the only
solicuda which personally feel upon tie sue)ect o.
duct foI next to The appreciation of my God value
your continued favor far above all other
'''' JAMES BUCHANAN
| WAsmisSToS, lith December, 1913