Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1847-08-20
From the New Orleans National
IMPORTANT LETTER FROM GENERAL
TAVJOD

Below we give the most important letter we
have yet seen from the clear headed and hard
to be headed Gen. z. Taylor. 1t is published
in the Clinton Flordian. 1t is addressed to a
Democrat, and we hope he and his party are
perfectly satisfied with it. The letter contains
Just what we have always wished Gen. Tay-
lor to say, and that is THAT IF HE Is CANDI-
DATE, HE WILL MAKE NO PLEDGES WHATEVER.
If the people have not got enough confidence
to elect him and trust to his honesty of pur-
pose, he is perfectly willing to stay at home.
This is talking right up to the point, just as
we knew old Zach would. But to the letter:
CAMP NEAR MONTEREY, MEx1co,
June 9th, 1S47.
Dear 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 position of your name in
connection with it, is a sufficient excuse for
this letter. That it is a happy feature in our
government that official functionaries under it,
from the lowest to the highest station, is not
beyond the reach and partial supervision of
the humblest citizen, and that it is right in
every freeman TO possess himself Of the poll
teal principles and opinions of those into
whose hands the administration of the Gov
eminent may be placed, &c. to all of which
fully coincide with you in opinion. Asking
my views on several subjects, First. AS to
tine Justice and necessity of this war with Mex
leo, on our part Second. AS TO the neces-
sty of national bank, and the power of
Congress for creating such an institution
Third AS to the effects of high protective
tariff, and the right of Congress-, under the
Constitution, to create such system Of reven-
ue'
| 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 citizen, and particu-
larry as soldier, it is sufficient for me to
know that our country is at war with a for
eign nation, to do all in my power to bring it
to a speedy and honorable termination, by the
most vigorous and energetic operations, with
out inquiring about its justice, or anything
else connected with ii believing, as do. it is
our wisest policy to be at peace with all the
world, as long as it can be done without en-
dangering the honor and interests of the coun-
try. AS regards the second and third inquiries,
[ am not predared to answer them: | could
only do SO after investigating those subjects,
which cannot now do, my whole time being
fully occupied in attending to my proper Off
cial duties, which must not be neglected un-
der any circumstances and must say to you
in substance what have said to others in re-
gard to similar matters, that am no politician.
Near forty years 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 in the Indian country; and fol
nearly the two last, in this or Texas, during
which time | have not passed one night under
the roof of house.
AS regards being candidate for the Presi'
dency at the coming election, have no aspi.
rations in that way, and regret the subject ha.
been agltated at this early day, and that it haC
not been deferred until the close of this war
or until the end of the next session of Con
gress, especially, if | am to be mixed up witt
it, as it IS possible it may lead to the injury O.
the public service in this quarter, by my ope
ratlons being embarrassed, as we'll as to pro
duce much excitement in the country growing
out of the discussion of the merits, &C., of tn
different aspirants for that high office, which
might have been very much allayed, if no
, prevented. had the sub ect been deferred a
suggested; besides very many changes ma,
, take place between now and 1913, SO muc
so as to make it desirable for the interest O
the country, that some other individual tina
myself, better qualified for the situation, shout
be selected and could he be elected, woul
, not only acquiesce in such an arrangement
4 but would rejoice that the republic had on
citizen, and no doubt there are thousands, NOR
!. deserving than am, and better qualified t
discharge the duties of said Office.
If have been named by others and consid
cred candidate for the Presidency, it ha
been by no agency of mine in the matter-an
, if the good people think my services importar
in that station, and elect me, will feel boun
to serve them. and all the pledges and expla
/ nations can enter into and make, as regard
this or that policy, is, that l will do so homes
= y and faithfully to the best of my abilities
Il strictly in compliance with the constitution
Should ever occupy the White House,
: must be by the spontaneous move of the pee
=, pie, and by no act of mine, so that ! could e
u into the office untrammeled, and be the chi,
{ magistrate of the nation, and not of party
s But should they, the people, change the
u views and opinions between this and the tin
{ of holding the election, and cast their vot,
!, for the Presidency for some one else, wi
} not complain.
{ With considerations of respect,
,. remain, your ob't serv't,
Il z. TAYLOR.
Mr. EDWARD DELUNY.
P. ST write in great haste, and under col
slant interruption"