Wisconsin herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1846-1849, 1848-03-18
VAR Y.
General Taylor's Letter


The following letter, which has never be-
fore been published, was read at the buena
Vista Festival in Philadelphia.
Ii settles forever the question, whether
General TAYLOR is, or is not, WING;
HrAp cUARTERs-ARMy or OccuPA-
.rtoy. CAMP NEAR MONTEREY, MEX.
August Sd, lS47. }
DEAR SrR:-I have the pleasure to ac-
knowledge the receipt of your esteemed let,
ter of the eth ult., which has just reached
me, in which you say:
81 had the honor Of being called upon
last evening to address mass meeting OF
the Wings Of the city and county OF fhiia-
delpbia. At that meeting, your name was
frequently mentioned in connection with the
Office of chief maglstracy. ! stated 10 ttat
meeting. as had before stated in my place
in the House of Representatives at Wash
ineton. THAT you WE'RE WING, not IN
deed an ultra partisan Wing, but Wing IN
principle"
Ali OF WHICH is ENTIRELY CORRECT;
and after the discussion which occurred IN
both houses of Congress, at the last session,
growing out OF the capitulation OF Monte
rev. in which discussion you thought prop
err 10 defend nv conduct in regard to that
transaction. when assailed somewhat, II not
entirely. on party grounds, can hardly I'M
ariae ho,p anu one ohO ,cas present and
heard The speeches on that occasion, or read
them after fhey were published, COULD WELL
MISTAKE THE coMPLEXIoS or NY POLITICS.
Az the last Presidential canvass, IL was well
known 10 all with whom ! mixed, Wings
and Democrats--fo had no coticcalments
in the matter--that ! WAS DECIDEDLY IN "a
voR OF Mn. CLAY's ELECTION, AND WOULD
NOW PREFER SEEING HIN IN THAT OFFICE
TO ANY ITDrvIDuAL IN THE UNION.
| must say have no wish for the PresI-
dency, and cannot consent 10 be exclusively
the candidate of party; aud IT am one NJ
all, or to be made SO at the coming clection,
il must be borne IN mind that have been,
or will be, made so by others, without any
agency of mine in the matter. Independent
of nv wishes, | greatly doubt my quallilca-
tions 10 discharge the duties properly, OF nm
office which was filed and adorned by a
Washington, a jefferson, as well as several
others OF the pnrcst, wisest and most ac-
complished statesmen and patriots, OF this
or any other age or country. almost trem-
BILE al the thoughts of the undertaking. Yet
if the good people think proper 10 elevate
me. az the proper time, To the highest offce
in their aiff, | will feel bound 10 serve them,
If not from inclination, from n principle OF
duty; and will do 80 honestly and faithfully
to the best of my ability, IN accordance with
the principles OF the constitution, rs near AS
| can do so, as il was construed and acted
ON by our first Presidents, two of whom, ut
"a
IN completing that instrument, MS well as IN
putting IL in operation.
But very many important changes may
take ulace al home and abroad, between
now aud the time for holding the election
for our uext Chief Magistrate--so much so,
as TO make. il desirable for the general good
that some one with more experience IN
State afiai- :, should be selected as a eandl-
date, than myself. And could he be elect
ed, | would not say ! would yield my pre-
tensions, for have not the vanity TO believe
| have any fer that distinguished station;
but would aequ esce not only with pleasure
in such an arran, cement, but would rejoice
that tho republic h ID one citizen more wor-
thy and better qualities than ! am, 10 dis
charge the iinporian, luiios appertaining TO
thar position, aud no do,'bi there are thou
sands BE this a. II may, u ever occupy
the White House, il must be by The srcsta-
neous movement Of the people, without any
action of mine in relation TO i; without
pledges other than have previously stated;
a strict adherence 10 the provisions of the
Constitution, SO that | could enter on the
arduous and responsible duties opperiaining
10 said office, untraincllcd; so that could
be the parsIpnSr of the CouSrRY and NOT
of n Party,
With considerations of great respect and
esteem, am your ohedicni servant,
(Signed) II. TAYLOR.