The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1847-08-31
Camp near Monterey, Werico,
June 9, 1S47.

DLAR SIR: Your letter of the 18th ult.
from Clinton, Louisiana, has just reached
me, in which you are pleased to say
"The signs of the times in relation to the
next Presidency, and the prominent posi-
tiun of your name in connexion with it,
is sufficient excuse for this letter. that
SIT is happy feature in our Government
that official lunctionaries under it, from
the lowest 10 the highest station, are not
beyond the reach and partial supervision
of the humblest citizen, and that il is
right in every freeman to possess himself
of the political principles and opinions of
those into whose hands the administration
Of the Government may be placed" &c;
lin all of which fully coincide with you
in apinion;) and asking my views on sew
eral subjects: First, as 10 the Justice and
necessity of this War with Mexico, on
our part; second, as TO the necessity of a
National Bank, and the power OF Con-
gress for rcreaii::g such institution; third;
as TO the effects OF a high Protective Tar
if, and the right Of Congress, under the
Constitution, 10 create such system of
revenue"
As regards the first interrogatory. my
duties and the position occupy. do not
consider it would be proper in me 10 give
any opinion in regard to the same. As a
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 to bring it to speedy and
honorable termination, by the most vigor-
Gus and energetic operations, without in
quirlng about lis justice or any thing else
connected with it; believing, as do, it is
our wisest policy 10 be at peace with all
the world, as long as it can be done with
out endangering the honor and interests
Of the country.
As regards the second and third inqui-
ries, am not prepared to answer them.
| could only do SO after investigating those
subjects, which / cannot now do, my
whole time being fully occupied in at
tending to my proper official duties, which
must not be neglected under any circrm-
stances. And must say to you, in SUBJ
stance, what have said TO others IN re-
gard TO similar matters, that am no poll
tician. Near forty years of my lie have
been passed in the public service-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 of a
house.
As regards being candidate for the
Presidency at the coming election, have
no aspirations in that way, and regret the
subject has been agitaletl at this early day
and that it had not been deferred until the
close Of this war, or until the end Of the
next session of Congress, especially i'll
am TO be mixed up with ii, as it is pessi-
bic il may lead to the injury OF the 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, &c. oil
the different aspirants for that high office,
which might have been very much Ut
layed, if not prevented, bad the subject
been deferred as suggested. Besides.
very many changes may take place be-
tween now and 1918, SO much so as to
make il desirable, for the interest OF the
country, that some other individual than
myself, better qualified for the situation,
should be selected; and could he be e.
lected, would not only acquiesce in such
an arrangement, but would rejoice that
the Republic had one ciiizen-and no
doubt there are thousands--more desery-
ing than am, and better qualified TO dis
charge the duties of said Office.
Ii have been named by others, and
considered candidate for the Presidency
it has been by no agency Of mine in the
matter; and if the good people think my
services important in that station, and E.
lect 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 abilities,