The Mississippi Creole. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1841-1851, 1847-08-21
Eropn n o. National.
Letter from Gen. Taylor.
CAMP NEAR MONTEREY, MEXICO
June 9th 1877.

Clinton, Louisiana, has just reached M, in
which you are pleased to say, "the signs Of the
times in relation 10 the next Presidency and
the Prominent position of your name in con-
nectlon with it, is a sufficient excuse for this
letter" That it is a happy f%caturein our Gov
eminent that official functionaries under it,
from the lowest to the highest station, is not
beyond the reach and partial supervision ofthe
humblest citizen, and that it is right in every
freeman to possess himself Of the political prin-
ciples and opinions Of those into whose hands
the administration of the Government may be
placed, &C., in all Of which | fully coincide
with YOU in opinion. Asking my views on
several subjects, "First, AS to the justice and
necessity Of this war with Mexico on our part.
Second. As to the necessity Of a National
Bank, & the Powero of congress for creating such
an institution. Third, AS to the effects of a
high protective tariff, and the right ofCongress
under the Constitution, to create such a system
Of revenue. AS regards the first interrogatory,
my duties and the position | occupy, | do not
consider it would be proper in me to give any
opinion in regard to the same; as a citizen and
particularly as a soldier, it is sufficient for nc
to know that our country is at war with a for
eign'nation, to do all in my power to bring to a
speedy and honorable by the most vigorous and
energetic operations, without inquiring about
its justice or any thing else connected with
it, believing as | do, it is one of the wisest
policies to be at peace with all the world, as
long as it can be done without endangering the
honor and interests Of the country AS re-
CARDS the second and third enquiries, l am not
prepared to answer them; l could only do SO
after investigating those subjects, which l can
not now do; my whole time being fully occu-
pied in attending to my proper official duties,
which must not be neglected under any cir
cumstances; and ! must say to you in substance
what J have said to others in regard to similar
matters, that | am no politician. Near forty
years of my life have been passed in the pub
lie 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 a candidate for the Presi-
dency at the ensuing election, | have no aspi-
r%ations that way, and regret the subject has
been agitated at this early day, and that it had
not been deferred until the close of this wal
or until the end of the next session of Congress,
especially, if am to be mixed with it, as il
is possible it may lead to the injury of the pub.
lie service in this quarter, by my operations
being embarrassed, as well to produce much
excitement in the country growing out of the
disc ussion of the merits,& &c ,of the different aspi
ants for that high office, which might have beer
very much ~allayed, if not prevented, had the sub
ject been deferred as suggested; besides, very
many changes may take place between now
and l848, SO much so as TO render it desirable
for the interest of the country, that some othel
individual than myself, better qualified for the
situation should be selected | would not only
acouiesce in such an arrangement, but would
rejoice that the republic had one citizen, and
r 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 consid
cred a candidate for the Presidency it has beer
by no agency Of mine in the matter-and fifth,
good people think my services important ii
that station, and elect me, l will feel bound tt
serve them, and all the pledges and explana
tons | can enter into and make, as regards THU
or that policy is, that l will do so honestly anC
faithfully to the best of my abilities, strict,
in compliance with the CONSTITUTION. Should
| ever occupy the White House, thrust be b,
= the spontaneous move of the people, and by IL,
" act Of mine, so that l could go into the ofic.
=, untramelled, and be the Chief Magistrate o
g, the nation and not ola party.
70 But should they, the people, change thei
own views and opinions between this and III
g election and cast their votes for the Presiden
y cy for some one else, l will not complair
With considerations of respect, | remain you
4 e6edient servant, q. TAYLOR.
Mr., EDWARD DELUNY.
= Psi write in great haste, and under cor
n slant interruptions.
a