Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1844-02-15
A LETTER FROM ~. r. N. JOHNSON
~ Il. ckta. "A a.. fsfaI.

| 40 Lhs Edtt0E on me Cslohe
SIR: From "a great number Of letters
received BY me, from various sections Of
our country, Istind difference OF opinion
exists as 10 The ground occupy relative
70 the canvass for the ofhcas Of President
and Vice President Of The United States.
And find as crest diversity Of opinion.
arnong ms ftiends as To- the course |
should adopl-some advising that. under
no circumstances, should ] permit NV
name 10 be used for the Vice Presidency
Others advising that | should not sub
NIT my name 70 the decision Of National
Convention and the most numerous ex.
pressing wish that should accept The no
Emination for The office of Vice President,
provided a majority Of the Delegates TO
the National Convention should think
proper 10 select me as candidate for the
\ Vice Presidency, after preferriug another
for the office OF President.
| In January, 1912, was ndminated at
Frankfort, Kentucky, for the Presidency,
by mass meeting, posed Of the de-:
fmocraii9 members Of the Legislature aud
citizens Of that State subject 10 decision
of the National Convention. In January.
1913, | was nominated for the same Office
by State Democratic Convention at
Frankfort. Kentucky. composed Of five
hundred delegates, subject TO a decision
LOT National Convention. | was after
wards again noninated BY a subsequent
State Democratic Convention, composed
of more than five hundred delegates, for
the same office, subject 10 the same con.
dilion. Each Of these nominations " as
unanimous In January, 1913, HE De-
mocratic State Convention OF Indiana CALI
ED upon me, in common with Others, 10
know il ! were willing to abide BY The
decision Of d National Convention and,
further, il ! would sustain the nomina-
lions ofthat Convention for the Offices Of
President aud Vice President Of the Unit
4 ed States. s
/ My answer TO thes4 interrogatories was
withou; eqn;vocationA; which was, that
II would support the nominees. have
no reason 10 change that determination :
but, on the contrary, have good reasons
for being confirmed in my opinion as to
the necessity OF adheIing to my resolu-
ton, 10 ensure the triumph Of the demo
cratic party, ! Intend to redeem nv
pledge faithfully, without respect to per-
sons. y
Subject 70 fhe foregoing conditions, /
have permitted my name to be placed
before the PupIic, and the National Con-
vention 10 be held at Baltimore on the
fourth Monday offMay next for the office
I nf praeidspA tnaaJ rsot
in referring 10 my nomination for the Of
fee Of PresidenA- by friends in other States
than Kentucky. Nomatter how lattering
these DEMONSTRATION Of public confidence,
! (dfl OF which is duly appreciated my as
sentiDg to their wishes was not predcat-
ed upon the consideration that / was
nominated for the first office my assent
TO their permission Of the use Of my name
would have been equally as sincere and
cordial for the office oil Vice President.
am now, ssf ever have been, identi-
fed with the democratic party. i never ex.
pect 70 change that identity. The success
of the measures Of that party are too dear
TO me to be ieoparded by any selfish con :.
siderations on my part and, therefore /
ask nothi-g, and expect nothing. at the
hands Of the Convention. thst will in any
manner injure or hazard the success Of
the commoE case. II the Convention,
in their wisdom. should consider the use
OF nv name for the first OF second office.
or for neither, as, advisable, my acquies.
cence is heartily given,
To such Of my fellow, citizens as are
nominating me for the office of Vice Pre-.
Isidency in advance Of ths-meeting oil the
Baltlm orei Convention, my thanks are due,
and cheerlully given. Il doesInot become
me TO condemn an honest differences Of
opinion, among my friends, Ito take part
in favor Of the one side against The other
in their friendly. efforts 10 procure nv
nomination for life office Of President Of
Vice President, \ And as could do moth.
ing, consistent with my public pledges, in
this respect, Without giving dissatisfaction
70 some Of them, the National Conven-
tron. where majority will rule, must dis,
pose Of me, and, decide the controversy
between them.
In the mean tire, let every one be full
ly persuaded 10 bis own mind, and act
accordingly and 40 complaint can exist
with any, or against any. j wish, Of
|coursef 10 give no cause Of offence to nv
friends, whether they prefer me for The
first office or the second. | hope they
will readily yield up their preferences 10
a majority in the. Convention, no matte
how adverse to their views or lwie.tas
shall pursue this course, and y xhort eve,v
friend hsve 10 do l...sewise, in order 70
preserve hArmo.Iy and secureIthe united
enorl q 40 party. repeat, between my
..snds, my position Is that Of neutrality,
until the Convention shall act and. dis.
pose Of me in the mean time, / am In
the hands Of The people. Should Il be
the pleasure or The Convention 10 norni.
nate me for The 6rst office, j should ACCEPT
the horror with gratitude and reluctance.
| should accept Of the second with thanks
and With pleasure; and am willing is
take my position among The rank and file,
II snch be the pleasure ofihe Convention.
without . lnurmnf. Wherever NAV BE-
placed, | shall Try to animate nv asso.
ciates to do what CONSIDER our duty %
our country and. having thus dischsrg.
ed il, according 70 onr consciences, We
will hope for victory.
4 M. JOHNSON
JANUARY %. 1874.
i The Secretary Of The Treasury &C.
kn0wledgess the receipt ar ff1R dolL,re