Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1847-11-18

Producing it 10 its readers, the Washington Union re-
marks, that, "like all the other productions of Mr.
Van Burens pen, it is worthy of the public atten-
tion'
sThe first part Of MIR. Van Buren's letter relates
to his being for the Presidency. He wishes to
remain IN retirement He decidedly declines, on his
own account any support which may be offered him :;
and lac deems In the last degree improbable that any
state of things can occur which can call upon him to
abandon his own predictions for private life.
The Ohio Statesman deems the letter "a most odmi
rabe one," and says
sThis letter shows Mr. Van Buren, in that disinier-
ested, patriotic light, worthy American states
man and we commcid its admirable spirit and patri-
otto precepts every lover of American honor aud
the success and triumph of republican government.
Never was there time that required democrats,
thy of the name of statesmen, to throw away ambi-
tion and personal chickering's the present. Every
lover Of his country should be on the alert that the
coming federal Congress may not disgrace the time
honored of the republic, and cast reproach up
on the noble triumphs of American valor, by so
much daring and blood. 1t is a fearful moment-and
every day brings the important crisis nearer TO ter
mnation Shall MIR. Polk and his administration be
abandoned, Shall our army, and the noble souls
which compose it, In Mexico, be cowardly and dis
gracefully withdrawn Shall Mexico, after so many
defeats on the field blood, be triumphant Amer
lean Congress, at Washington! While the stars and
stripes float in proud triumph the capital OF Mex
ico defended by handful of our daring countrymen,
shall the black flag of Mexico be raised from the dome
of the capitol at Washington! Patriotism fOrbids
the thought; vet daily and hourly, is such dishon-
threatened by those who now, accidentally. or
by fraud. hold the power In one house, and hope tor
efficient majority in the other, from the dsreputa-
BILE schisms and ealousies famed by designing or dis
appointing men In our ranks"
The Letter.
LISDENwALD, Oct. 30, 1S47.
My DEAR SIR: had the honor a few days since to
ceve your friendly letter, apprsing OF your desire to
place my name after the close of the then approaching
Pennsy the head Of your paper the
choice of the sterling democracy Of your district for the
presidency and also informing me Of similar disposition
among the democrats of the surrounding districts.
The frankness of your Communications, and the dsn
teresed motives by which has obviously been Dictated
command my respect and confidence Instead, therefore,
Of replying to IT through my old and fast friend in your vi
cniiy, you suggest address myself directly 10 you,
and shall express my feelings and opinions with the free
dom and sincerity which due to the subject TO my po
son regard and the respect and gratitude with
which your conduct has inspired me.
cannot apprehend that what am about to say will
induce any suppose that undervalue the honor oil
the office with which your favorable estimate OF my
pacy and principles has inclined you TO
meet my name. Every nght-minded American citizen
must regard incumbent of the presidential office, pos
sessng the confidence aud esteem oil those who raised him
honest wise and manly administration of his trust
joyng the highest distinction known to the political nst
lulions OF mankind. Nevertheless assure you that,
whatever may have been aspirations at other periods
OF my life, have desire TO re-occupy that most eleva-
ted public station have already by the partiaty Of my
partaken very largely of the enoyments of
public life, whilst have Stunned It's labors, or been
exempt from Its nqueludes. The vors and honors which
have been profusely bestowed by the democracy
of the Union are and will be, TO my
mind, and gratefully impressed on my heart Every day
more and more confirmed in the soundness OF the pol
cal opinions which have adhered conscious OF always
having done duty to the people TO the best OF my ab
y having hearbunngs TO be allayed and no resent
ments be graied by restoration 10 power, and Ind
ing present position entirely adapted TO my taste and
disposition, sincerely and heartily DESTROYS TO wear
the honors and enjoymenls of private life uninteuptedy
TO the end
IT, therefore, the support which you, with whom have
the pleasure of a personal acquaintance, have
frankly and honorably rendered me- included that not
only of the inexbe and victorious democracy of your
congressional district, but also OF the democratic party
throughout the Union and the consequent assurance OF
success could not consulting only own feelings and
Wishes hesitate respectfully aud gratefully but decided
ly, to decline it, That any state of things will hereafter
exist in which this indulgence of my preferences
would, in the opinion OF true and faithful friends con-
ct with my duty the political party 10 which my whole
life has been devoted aud which owe any personal
sacrifice, is in the last degree improbable
appreciate and honor your anxious desire TO see The
integrity and frmness OF the democratic party OF the
Union fully vindcated As far as the temperate but
steady action Of who is by his posoa and Just OBJ
of propreiies debarred from active partcipa
ton in partisan conflicts, aid restoring its former
efficiency, in reminding waning zeal, and IN preserving
the high and pure character for which 1t has been long
and rightulIy distinguished, you may confidently rely
my cooperation Whether these desirable objects can be
accomplished manly depends upon the course which Is
pursued by the respective friends of those prominent c
among who made candidates for the presden
cy Should the capital Of the Union during the approach
ing of Congress- become the ralyng point OF the
pasans, and not only their attention. but the time and
Of those who charged with the direction o
public affairs, be devoted presidentmakng instead o.
their appropriate duties shall have little to hope in this
regard.
But it mere political schemes and intrigues, however
cunningy devised and however profitable they may have
heretofore appeared shall IN the present emergency give
place the unceasng and vigorous efforts of all to pre-
serve and protect the bleeding and perled hon
of counry-eorts which alone attract the
dence and support of the democratic massesthe result
| will prove far more suspicious.
Scarcely has the essential welfare Of the coantr,
been in a critical condition, or its administration II
need of the energetic support of those who raised
IL 10 power. With probable majority against II IN thu
popular branch the legislature and but small
and il be regretted not very harmonious maJorii,
in its favor in the Senate may be called upon to vhdi
cate The past and will be obliged TO support possibly 10
an Indefinite PERIOD distant and difficult foreign war
The existence of that has received The official
ton Of every department Of the government which Is re
quired by the constitution and is due 10 the iuure lame
as we'll as the present prosperity vi TINS great naon una
it be riumphantly sustained Whatever may hereae
be the propnety of insutIng inquiries into the necessity
Of its occurrence with the Just responsibility 4
public opinion of public such lnvestga
ton may, this me and under existing circumstances
Us well upon principles of sound political morality as
national expediency, be we'll regarded as cut oil season
The war cannot now be concluded with honor unless W
receive ssom Mexico just indemnity for the past an
reasonable security for the future II these be not obtain
ed the survivors of gallant army who have by thei
deeds Of valor confirmed the respect and compelled tn
admiration Of the world, be brought home wihou
Il - ta.hlu