Democratic banner., 1848-03-27

~ ~ 5aiJi GU liza ia W dIb 1tLf 70
Iy imagined oO any whO was present,
and heard the speeches on that OCCASION,
and rcod Mcm after they acre PuJhshed,
'couH wcN mistahe the complexion Of myI
politics.
At the last Presidential canvass, without
interfering in any way with the same, it
was we'll known TO all with whom | mixed,
wings and Democrats for l had no CON-
cealment in the matter, thatI was decided
ily.in favor Of MIR. Clay's election to the
Presidency; and l would now prefer seeing
him in that office to any individual in the
fundamentally much more so, at any
time, than myself. Independent Of his great
talents and long experience in Government
affairs, | consider his views were those of
the Wings: for the most part, more nearly
assimilated, as regards political matters, to
those of Mr.. Jefferson, than their oppo-
nents, in whose political creed l was rear
ed, and whose opinions in matters of State
l have never lost sigl;e of, as we'll as en-
deavorcd to conform to them as near as my
circumstances would permit. My commits
sion as a Lieutenant in the army was con-
ferred by him a short time before he retir-
ed from public life.
Although none can appreciate more high
ly than do, the too favorable opinions |
hear you have formed as regards my fitness
for the first civil office in our country
Which | consider, should reach it, is rath-
or too much of an experimental am truly
grateful for your aid in bringing me SO
prominently before the nation for the office
in question; yet | cannot permit the pres
ent opportunity to pass by without repeat
ing to you what | have said to others in
connection with the S~ubject-that l am no
politician. Near forty years Of my life
have been passed in the military service of
the republic-ncarly the whole Of which,
in the field, or camp, on our western from
tier, and in the Indian country may well
say constantly on duty-the two last in
Mexico, or the intermediate border, during
which time | have not passed one night un-
der the roof of u house. You may, there
fore, very readily suppose, under such Cir
cumstanccS, | 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 of
measures in any way, not even having vo-
ted for one of our chief magistrates since
| joined the army, having for the most part,
been serving or stationed beyond the lin
its Of the States.
l must say I have no wish for the Presi-
dency, and cannot consent to be exclusive
Iy the candidate of a party; and if am one
at all, or to be made SO at the coming cleo
ton, it must be borne in mind that | have
been, or willbe made so, by others, with
out any agency of. mine in the matter, in
dependent of my wishes. greatly doubt
my want of the necessary qualifications to
discharge the duties properly of an Office
which was filled and adorned by a Wash
ington, and a Jefferson, as we'll as several
others of the purest, wisest, and most &C
complishcd statesmen and patriots Of this
or any other country.
l 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
clination, from a principle of duty; and
must do so honestly and faithfully to the
best of my ability, in accordance with the
principles of the Constitution, as near as
can do so, as it was constructed and acted
on by our first Presidents, two of whom &C
ted so conspicuous a part in aiding and
completing that instrument, as well as in
putting it in operation. But very many
important changes may take place, athome
and abroad, between now and the time OF
holding the election for our mex Chief