Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1843-10-13
LETTER FROM JUDGE McIEAN-


ter rom Judge MCLEAN in the Charlottesville
Advocate to which il was contributed by the gen
tcmen TO whom ii was written. Il breaches a
sprIl oi probhy and high -souled patriotism which
must commend il 10 every American heart 1t
waD not written for the press, bur is published for
The purpose OF placing its author in proper posi-
ton with regard TO the mention that has been
made OF his name as candidate for the Presiden-
cy:-Iribune.
The Office of President in my opinion has
been lowered, aud also the character of the Coun-
try, at home and abroad, by the means used to
secure that office. High as the Presidency of
this great nation Is, it may be reached too great
price. 1t sinks below the ambition Of an hon
orable mind, when it is attainube only by sacri-
flee OF The loflest rUriotism Not TO name 9th
ers, we have in the elevation of Jefferson, Madi-
son, ana Monroe, examples Of high and honora.
Die ambition which is worthy Of imitation These
eminent men when named for the of1ice of Presi-
dcnt, reposlug on what they had done and what
thelr known capacities enabled them to do i'm the
h'speSl puD'Ic posts, neither took nor seemed to
take any agency in their own advancement
"For many years have been deeply imptrs
sed with the injustice the corrupng and rilinous
effects OF political partizanshp Its introduction
mo the Federal Government, has well nigh ruin
ed our beloved Country. Before this bane had
perverted our moral sense, our love of country
and, SO far as politics concerned, almost every
people IN the enjoyment of great and uninterru, -
tel prosperity. Aud Whatever may be said to the
CONTRARY this terrible evil lies at the foundation of
all enlbarrassnenIs. Ii has heen mainly nstru.
mental in the commercial revulsions we have
Witnessed, aud it lias Frustrated our political NOR
ali'y. Our pecuniary losses, within a few years,
ale Almost beyond the power OF computation ;but
those are scarcely worthy OF Reconsideration in COM
parlson with the loss, it may be the r reparabe loss
VI moral iorce in our Institutions. The man must
oe ohhu TO The admonitions of history who sup.
poses mat free government he long sustain
cd, which addresses ITSELF with all its influence TO
the baser passions Of our nature. Such q course
leads 10 widely diffu>ed corruption and conse-
queni ruin. la my judgment, nothing can res
cue our Government from this the common fate
Of Republics hui Il change in its political action.
THIS action must he elevated. Ii must reach and
rouse the moral tone OF the nation Instead of
administering TO the proslGted appelites OF dema-
Sogues, il must rest on vrluous aud Enlightened
public opinion. Ii must gather strength hy lis
acts-moral strength. lis aim should he the gen.
eral good. The chief of the Government in ma
king appointments TO Office should carry out the
principles OF the yirtuous Monroe, who on Ger.
tam person being recommended 10 him for an
office, as a personal friend with GOOD qualitica-
tons, remarked with eanestness, mo man can
Eel more grateful than do for personal kindness,
but in making this appointment | have n high
public duty to perform, and | must look 10 the
public interest"
"a departure from these principles drove me,
reluctantly, from political lie and in all siucery
| assure you That here is no political Office Hot
even the Presidency, which could tempt Inc again
INTO politics, on principles opposed TO those winch
approve and on which ehdenvor to act.
"Pledges when gwen by candidate for public
iavor should be received with suspicion, as they
are generally made 10 answer particular pur.
pose and are seldom redeemed. No one perhaps,
should be named for the Presidency whose upln-
ions, on the Leading topics Of the day, are I'M
known to the public Until within a few years
past, pledges were not required from the candi-
daIes for the Chief Magslracy And may ask
what good has resulted from this innovation.
Has it nude our Chief Magistrates more faithful
to the Constitution and their general duties ? lie,
q comparison OF our late history with The past,
answer This question: Who thought Of asking Il
pledge from The yeneraled fathers of the Republic
above named? sound head and an honest
heart, think, are the best pledges These will
rarely fail whilst experience shows that pledges
Ssre fiude to he broken.
"No one who is named for the Chief Magslra-
cy, rom Respectable source, should feel himself
al liberty 10 say that lie would decline nomina-
lion tor that Office. But | beg you TO believe, my
dear Sir, thar this remark is not prompted by q
vaniiy which leads me to suppose, that my name
could he iavorabIy considered by the conIempa
ted wing Convention. The friends of MIR. Clay,
~ consideration OF his eminent qualifications and
long public services, are looking with no ordinary
solcude TO his nomination. And | assure you,
that have no WISH by the obnusion Of my name
TO separate my friends, il have any, from their
present associations do not desire and would
not receive the Presidency, if within my reach,
as the Instrument of party. Indeed ! should
count It no honor, to have my name associated
with he downward course Of our Government
and such course is accelerated, and only accel-
Grated by ultra partyism. To bring back the
government TO its old foundations, 10 restore its
lost Character, It's former purity, energy and eeya-
lon, woufd achievement second Only TO that
oil Wasbington's SAN achievement TNsi..sish would
make any individual The favored son of his coun-
Try. Of this who would not be proudI ani short
OF this object no honest man can desire the Pres-
dency.
With the greatest respect am
Your grateful and obedent servant,
JOHN MLEAN"