The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1847-09-03
CAMr WEAR MONTEREY, Mcrico, !
JunC Mh. 1871.


1. Dear Sir. Your letter of the 10Th ult..
from Clinton, La, has just reached me, in
which you are pleased to say, ''the signs Of
the times iii relation to the next presidency
and the prominent position of your name in
connection with il, is n sufficient excuse for
this letter" That sit is happy feature in
our government that official iunCtionaIics
under it, from the lowest to the highest sta
ton, are not beyond the reach and partial
supervision of the humbleSt citizen, and that
1t Is a right inherent in every freeman TO
possess himself of the political principles
and opinions Of those into whose hands the
administration of the go;crnmcnt may be
placed" Sc, TO all Of which fully coincide
with you in opinion.
Asking my views on several subjects.
"First. As to the justice and the necessity
OF tins war with Mexico ON our part. Sec
ond. As to the necessity ola National Bank.
and the power Of congress for creating such
an institution. Third. As to the effects Of a
high protective tariff, and the night Of con-
grcNS under the constitution to create such
"A system of revenue"
As regards the first ntcrrugatory my du-
ty and the position | occupy, do not con-
slider It would be proper in me TO give any
opinion in regard to the same: MS a citizen.
and particularly rs a soldier. il is sufficient
for me 10 know that our country is at war
with foreign nation. to do all in my power
TO bring 1t to speedy and honorable tcrmin-
alton, by the most vigorous and energetic
operations, without inquiring about its lust
ice or anything else connected with it: be-
lievng, as do, it is our wiSc,t policy TO be
at peace with all the world. as long as it can
be done without endangcring the honor and
interests ofthc country.
As regards the second anu third inquiries.
| am not prepared to answer them: could
only do SO after duly investigating those
subjects, which cannot no!N do my whole
time being occupied in attending to my pro-
per official duties, which must not be neg
lectcd under any circumstances and |
must say to you in substance what have
said a. others in regard to similar matters,
that am no politician. Near forty year,
of my life have been passed in the public
service. in the army, most Of which in the
field. the camp, on our western frontier. or
the Indian country; and for nearly the two
last, in this country or Texas, during which
time have not passed one night under the
roof Of n house.
As regards being n candidate for the pre-
Sideucy nj the coming election. | have no
aspirations in that way, and regret the sub
Ject has been agltated at this early day, and
that It had not been deferred until the close
oI this war, or until the end of the next Scs-
sion of congress, especially if | am to be
mixed up with it, rs it is possible it may
lead to the injury of the public service ia
this quarter, by my operations being embar-
raised, as well as to produce much excite.
mcnt IN the country growing ont of the dis
cuSSon of the merits. &c, of the different
aSpirants for that high office. which nigh,
have been very much allaycd. if not pre-
vented, had the subject been deferred. as
suggested; besides, very many changes
may take place between now and 1918, so
much so. as TO make it desirable for the in
tercSt of the country. that some other ind-
vldnal than myself, better qualified for the
station. should be selected and could he be
elected, | would not only acquiescc in such
an arrangement, but would rejoice that the
republic had one citizen. and no doubt there
are thousands, more deserving than | am.
and better qualified to discharge the duties
of said Office.
II have been named by others and con-
sidercd a candidate for the presidency, il
has been by no agency of mine in the mat
ter; and il the good people think my scrvi.
ceS important in that station and elect me.
will feel bound TO serve them, and all the
pledges and explanations | can enter into
and make, as regards this or that policy, is,
that will do so honestly and faithfully u
the best of my abilities, strictly in compli.
ancc with the constitution. Should | ever
occupy the White House. il must be by the
spontaneous move of the people. and by no
act of mine. so that | could go into the office
untrammcllcd, and be the chief magistrate
of the nation, aud not of party.
But should they, the people, change theh
views and opinions between this and the
time of holding the election, and cast Their
vote for the presidency for some one else
| will not complain. With considerations
OF respect remain your ob't serv't,
Il. TAYLOR.
Mr.. EDWARD DELoSY.
r. s. write in great haste and under
constant Interruptions.
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