Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1848-03-17

INV LI.seSS 1pr the uGSt CIVIL once III our
country-w'hich consider, should reach
ii, is rather too much ofan experiment-l
am truly grateful for your aid in bringing
me so prominently before the nation for
the Office in question; yet [ cannot per-
NIT the present opportunity TO pass dy
without repeating 10 you what | have
said to others 10 connexion with the sub
Ject-that am no politician. Near forty
years OF my life have been passed in the
military service of the republic--nearly
the whole OF which. IN the field, or camp,
on our western frontier, and IN the Indian
country-I may well say constantly on
duty-the two last in Mexico, or the in
termediate border, during which time |
have not passed one night under the roof
of a house. You may, therefore, very
readily suppose, under such circumstan-
ces, have had but little time to devote
to the consideration or investigation of
great questions Or subjects, or to their
discussion; nor have | attempted to do so,
or to be mixed up with political men or
measures IN any way, not even having
voted for one OF our chief magistrates since
| joined the army, having for the most
part, been serving or stationed beyond the
limits ofthe States.
| must say have no wish for the Pres
Idency, and cannot consent to be exclu-
slvely the candidate of party; and if
am one at all, or to be made so at the COM
ing election, 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 my wishes, |
greatly doubt my want of the necessary
qualifications to discharge The duties prop
erly of an office which was filed and a
dorned by a Washington, and Jefferson,
as well as several others Of the purest
wiseSt, and most accomplished statesmen
and patriots OF this or any other county.
| almost tremble at the thought of the
undertaking, yet, if the good people think
proper to elevate me, at the proper time,
TO the highest Office IN their gift, | must
feel bound TO serve them, if not from in
clinatlon, from principal of duty and
must do, SO honestly and faithfully to the
best of my ability, in accordance with the
| can do so, as 1t was constructed and
acted on by our first Presidents. two OF
whom acted SO conspicuous part in aid
ing and completing that instrument, as
well as putting 1t IN operation. But very
| many important changes may, take place
at home and abroad, between now and
the time of holding the election for our
| iNb1af Nj -
make It desirable for the general good
| that some one with more experience In
| State affairs should be selected as can
didate than myself, and could be elected.
| will not say | would yield my preten-
slOns-tOr | have not the vanity 10 believe
have any-tor that distinguished States
man, bur would acqulece, not only with
pleasure IN the arrangement, bur would re-
Jolce that the republic had one citizen
more worthy and better qualified than
am, to discharge the important duties APP
! pertaining TO that position; and no doubt
there are thousands.
Be this as it may, if ever | occupy the
White Hous, it must be by the spontane-
Gus movement OF the people-without an Y
dCtlou VI l4llLC III lCidtiOi ~ II" itI!pui
! pledges, other than | have previouily sta
ted, strict adherence to The provisions
| OF the constitution so that | could enter
on the arduous and responsible duties APP
pertaining t. sad office untrammeed--so
that / could be The President OF the coun-
try, and not Of a party.
Win considerations Of greatrespect and
esteem, | am your obedIont servant,
-, - ioI3