Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1844-05-24
TO Ms Editors of the National InlsIli-
WAsHINeToN, May 8, ls44

IL
WASHINGTON, May 8, lS44
Gentlemen Prior 10 the commence
nenl, and during the progress Of the
journey which ! have recently made to
some OF the Southern States, received
numerous invitations to visit my fellow
citizens at various points Of the Union.
] was compelled 10 decline accepting
the greater number OF them, and IN
most instances, transmitted answers &C
cordugty; but, as | may have omitted
TO reply TO some of them, and as others
addressed to me may not have reached
me, to ell such request to be allowed
through the National luteIIgcncer, to
communicate general and respectful
answer, and to state the ground on
which shall feel constrained TO place
any similar invitations with which ! may
be in future honOred
These popular demonstrations OF
friendship, attachment, and confidence
towards me, are highly gratifying to
my feelings, and are entitled TO an eX .
preston Of my profound and grateful
Acknowledgements. II it were suitable
and proper, in my judgment, TO meet as
sembages OF my follow citizens on the
occasions proposed, / would embrace
the opportunity with pleasure & should
exchange friendly salulaiions them
with warmth and enthusiasm on my
part not exceeded by their own. Bot
On event Of importance took placs on the
first instant in Baltimore. A Conven
ii0n oI Delegates from the Wing party,
coming from oil parts Of tho u. States,
acting in conformity with tho well as
certaiDsd wishes and sentiments Of The
Wings Of the United States, has formal
ly announced my nsme ss candidate
for the Office OF President Of tho United
States, end from a high sense OF duty,
have accepted the nomination Il has
been, moreover, ratified by another Con
Vontion, composed OF Delegates from
every part Of tho Unred States, who
assembled on the Cd instant in Baltimore.
Being thus placed, with my owu con-
sent, in the attitude OF q candidate for
that high Office, feel myself hound to
respect and perform all tho duties and
obligations which aPpeHGin to me in
that character.
The election ofa Chief Magistrate Of
q free, great anG enlightened nation, is
one Of the gravest and moSt momenlous
functions which The people can exercise
1T is emphaticAlIy, and ought 10 be cx-
cIUsively, their own business. Upon
the wisdom Of their choice depends the
preservation and soundness of free in.
stitu,ions, and the welfare and prosperi
~ Of themselves. In making it they
should he free, impartial and wholly
unbiased by the conduct Of candidate
himself, Not only, in my opinion, ia it
his duty 10 abstain from all solicitation,
direct or indirect, Of their suflrSges, but
ho should avoid being voluntarily plac-
ed in situations 10 seek, or in which he
might be supposed to seek, TO influence
their Judgment.
Entertaining those vioWs OF what be-
comes candidate for tho exalted oflico
OF President Of the United States. | shall
act in strict conformity with them. -
Hereafter, and until tho pending Pfesi-
dsnllsI election is dOcidrd cannot ac-
cept nor attend any public meeting OF
my fellow citizens, assembled In refer
eence TO that object, 10 which may have
been or shall be invited. II is my wish
aud intention, when ! leave this city, to
return home as quietly and quickly as
possible, and employing myself in my
private business and Ohars, there to
await the decision Of the Presidential
election, Ocquioscing in il, whatever it |
may DO, with the most perfect submis-
zion.
hope those who have honored me
with invitations 10 which have not yet
replied, and those who may have intend
ed mo the honor Of transmitting others,
will accept without dinpprobalion, this
exposition Of tho motive by which | am
governed.
am, gentlemen, your friend and
'obedient servant,
II. CLAY.