Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-08-25
From tho N. o. National.
IMPORTANT LETTER FROM GEN. TAY.


Below we give tho most important letter wo
have yet from tho clear headed and hard to be-
headed General II. Taylor. 1t is published in the
Clinton FiOridian 1t is addressed to a Democrat.
and wo hope he and his party are perfectly salts
fled with it. The letter contains Just what we
have always wished Gen. Taylor to say, and that
is that Jhe is candidate, hc ,cM make no pledges
,''atcrer 1t the people have not enough confidence
to elect him and trust to his honesty Of purpose he
is perfectly willing to stay at home. This is talk
ing right up to the point, just we knew old lack
would But to the letter
CAMP NEAR MONTEREY, MEXICO,
June, 9th, IS47.
Dear Sir-Your letter OF the 18th uIt, from
Clinton, Louisiana has just reached me. in which
you are pleased TO say, 1.-THE signs of the times in
relation to the next Presidency and tho prominent
position OF your name in connection with it, is
sufficient excuse for this letter." That it is hap
py feature in Government that official function
aries under 1t, from the lowest to the highest sta
ton, Is not beyond the reach and partial supcryi-
sion oil the hunbles citizen, and that is right in
every freeman to possess himself of the political
principles and opinions of those into whusc hands
the administration of the Government NAV he
placed" &c, TO all of which fully coincide with
you IN opinion. Asking my views on several sub
Jecs, Flrst. AS To the Justice and necessity of this
war with Mexico, on our part. Second. AS To the
necessity ola national bank, and the power of Con
gress for creating such institution Third As
to the effects of 4 high protective tariff and the
right of Congress, under the Constitutions to create
such system of revenue.
AS regards the first interrogatory nv duties and
the position occupy, | do not consider it would
be proper In me To give any opinion in regard
TO the same; as citizen, and particularly as
soldier, it is sufficient for me TO know that
our country is at war with foreign nation, to do
all In my power 10 bring it to speedy and honora-
nm nafl hx-f
operation. without inquring about its justice, or
anything else connected with it; believing as do,
1t Is our wisest policy 10 be ut peace with all the
world, as long as 1t can be done without endanuer-
ing the honor and interest of the country As re-
CARDS the second and third inquiries am not pre-
pared to answer them; could only do SO after in
vestlgating those subjects, which | cannot now do ;
my whole time being fully occupied in attending to
my proper official duties, which must not be neg
lected under any circumstances and must say TO
you in substance what have said TO others in regard
to similar Matters that am politician Near for
ty years of my life have been passed i'm public ser
vice, In the army, most OF which in the field, the
camp, on our western frontier, or in the Indian
country and for nearly the two last, in this or
Texas, during which time have not passed one
night under the roof ofa house.
As regards being a candidate for the Presidency
at the coming election have no aspirations in that
way, and regret the subject has been ag,ated at
n
til the close Of this war, or until the end of the
next session of Congress, especially, fI am to be
mixed up with It, as 1t is possible it may lead to the
injury OF tho public service in this quarter, by my
operations being embarrassed, as well as to produce
much excitement in the country growing out of the
discussion OF the merits, Sc, Of the different aspi
rants Tor that high office, which might have been We
ry much allayed, if not prevented, had the subject
been deferred as suggested: besdesvery many chan
ges may take place between now and lS4S, so much
so as to make it desirable for the interest of thecoun-
try, that some other Individual than myself better
qualified for the situation should be selected and
could he be elected would not only acIuiesce 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.
If have been named by others and considered
candidate for the Presidency, it has been by no a
gency OF mlne In the matter-and if the good peo-
pie think my services 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 to the best of my a.
bllltles, strictly in compliance with the constitution
Should ever occupy the White House, it must be
by the spontaneous move of the people. and by no
act Of mine, that could go into the office untram
melled and be the Chief Magistrate of the nation.
and not of party.
But should they--the people-change their
views and opinions between this and the time of
holding the election, and cast their votes for the
Presidency for some one else, I will not complain
With considerations of respect,
remain, your obedient servant,
H. TAYLOR.
Mr.. EDWARD DULUNY
p. 81 write in great haste, and under con-
slant interruption.