New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1843-10-04
Letter from Judge McLean.

We find the following excellent extract Oh
letter from Judge MCLEAN in the Charlottesville
Advocate, to which it was contributed By the
gentleman to whom it was written. 1t breathes
spirit of probity and high-souled patriotism
which must commend it toevery American heart
1t was not written for the press, but is published
for the purpose Of placing Its author in proper
position with regard TO the mention that has been
made OF his name as candidate for the Press
dency:
"The Office OF President, my opinion has been lowered
aud also the character of the Couny al hoi aud abroad
By the means used that Office High the Ffes
d-ncY Of this nation IS ay be reached a. 100 @
price Il sinks below The ambition Of honorable mind
when it a,tainabe ou By sacrifice OF the Hottest patriot
ism. Not Others, have the elevation Of JET
ferson Madison and Monroe of high and honeTa
BILE ambition which wotthy Of imitation These eminent
men when named for the yiee of President reposng on
what they had done and what their known capacities enabled
hem do the highest pubic fruits neithe- took nor
seemed 10 take any agency their advancement.
For many years have been deeply impressed with the
injustice the corruptlng and unous effects OF political Pat
tizarship rs introduction the Federal Government
has we'll nigh ruined beloved County Befoss this baue
had perverted moral lov. of country and
Tar as potcs Concerned almost every noble feeling OF
the heart, happy people. N the enjoyment OF
grea and irupted opery And whatever may be
SAID 10 the contrary this terrible evil lies the foundao
of all our endorsements II has been mainly Instrumental
IN III.
prostrated cur political morality. Our pecunary losses,
within few past years ar-amos beyond the power Of COM
putation but those scarcely wouhy OF Consideration
comparison with loss may BE- the epaab- loss OF
moral force In The be blind 20
the adnonitrons OF history who supposes hat free
ment can be loug SUSTAINED which addresses ITSELF with ali
It's influence, the base passions Of nature Such
course leads widely dlfused corruption and consequent
ruin Ia judgement, nothing Government
from TINS the fate Of Republics but change IN lis
political action. This action must be elevated IL must
reach aud the moral Of the Instead OF
administering 10 The prostnted apPrtes OF denaSoge II
vi-uous ard enlightened public opinion Il
gather strength by MS actsnoral strength Is am
should be the general good The Chief OF The Government
making appointment, office should carry the primer
plss Of Monroe, who certain person being
recommended him for Office, personal triend With
good odal aoDs, remarked with earuesnes No rll0
feel grateful ha. do for personal kindness but ~
making this appo taent have high public duty to per.
form, aud mus look u the public interest"
A departure from these prnclp drove me- reluctantly
from political life; AID in all sincerity you tha'
there no political Office the Presidency which
could tempt again into politics. on priYcP.s opposed
70 those which approve aud on which endeavor 10
Pledges when gwen by candidate for public favor,
should be received with suspicion, as they are generally
made TO answer particular purpose and are seldom re-
deemed No perhaps should be named for the Pr=si
dency whose opinions the leading topics OF The day.
unknown to the public. Until wthia few years past,
pledges required from the candidates for the Chei
Magistracy And may ask what good has resulted from
this innovations Has made orr Chief Magistrates more
faithful to the Constitution aud their general duties Lete
comparison Of late history with the past answer this
question. Who Thought Of asking pledge from the vene.
rated fathers of the Republic above named sound head
and al honest heart, think, the best pledges These
will rarely fall whilst experience shows that pledges are
made TO be broken.
No one who i. named for the Chief Nagisrrac! from
respectable source should feel himself liberty that
he would decline nomination for that Office But BEG
you to believe dear Sir that this remark not prompted
By vanity which leads suppose, that name could
be avorably considered by the contemplated Wing Convex.
The friends Of Mr.. Clay in consideration Of his emit
qualifications and long public services looking with
no ordinary socude his nomination And assure you,
that have wish by the obtrusoa Of separate
my friends if have any from their present associations
do not desire and would receive the Presidency,
within my reach, as the instrument Of party Indeed
should it honor, have lated with
the downward of Government; and such
accelerated, and only accelerated by ultra partysm To
bring back the government old foundations
its lost character its former purity energy and elevation
would be achievement second only that Of Washing
tons-an achievement which would make any individual
the favored of his country Ofhis who would be
proud and sholt Of this object honest desire
the Presidency.
With the greatest respect, am
Your grateful and obedent servant,
~