The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1848-06-10
REPLY OF GEN. CAss.
WASHINGTON, Nav 80, l81

| nEFhx Or uENs NASSs
WASHINGTON, May 80, l848.
Gentlemen:-l have the honor to ac
knowledge the receipt Of your letter o
the 28th instant, announcing to me thai
had been nominated by the conven.
ton of the democratic party its can
didate for the office OF President Of the
United States, at the approaching cleo
ton.
While | except, with deep gratitude,
this distinguished honor--and distin.
guished indeed it isl do so, with Il
fearful apprehension Of the responsible,
ity i; may eventually bring with it, and
will, profound conviction that it is
the kind confidence of my fellow citi-
zens, far more than any merit Of my
own, which has placed me thus promi-
nenhy before The American people. -
And fortunate shall be, j: this conf.
dence should find, in the events of the
future, better justification than is lurn.
ished by those Of the past.
have carefully read the resolutions
of the Democratic National Convention,
laying down the platform of our poit-
cal faith, and adhere 10 them as firmly,
as | approve them cordially. And
while thus adhering to them, shall do
so with sacred regard to "the princi.
Piles and compromises Of the coastitu.
tion," and with an earnest desire for
their maintenance ''in spirit Of mode
ration and brotherly love, so vitality es-
sential TO the perpetuity Of the Union.
and the prosperity and happiness Of our
common country;"-a feeling which
has made us what we are, and which, in
humble reliance upon Providence, we
may hope is but the beginning OF what
we are to be. II called upon hereafter
10 render an account ofmy stewardship,
in the great trust you desire to commit
to me, should | be able 10 show tina, !
had truly redeemed the pledge thus pub.
Iicly given, and had adhered TO the prin-
plies OF the democratic party with as
much fidelity and success as have gen.
orally marked the administration OF the
eminent men to whom that party has
hitherto confided the chief executive au-
lhori,y Of the government, could pre-.
fer no higher claim TO the favorable con-
sideration of the country, nor TO the
impartial commentator of history.
This letter, gentlemen, closes my pro.
fession Of political faith. Receivingmy
first appointment, from that pure patri
OF and great expounder Of American
democracy, Mr.. Jefferson. more than
forty years ago, the intervening period
of my life has been almost wholly pass
ed in the service of my country. and
has been marked by many vicssitudes,
and attended with many trying circum-
stances, both in peace and war. If my
conduct in these situations and the O.
pinions have been called upon to form
and express, from time TO time, in rela.
ton to all the great party topics Of the
day, do not furnish clear exposition Of
my views respecting them. and at the
same time sufficient pledge Of my
faithful adherance 10 their p, actical ap. |
whenever and whereverol
may be required to act, anything fur.
.her | might now say, would be mere
delusion, unworthy Of myself, and just
|y offensive to the great party in whose
name you are now acting. i
Ny immediate predecessor in the
by the democratic party
who has since established 30 many
claims to the regard and confidence OF
MS country, when announcing, four
years ago, his acceptance ofa similar
,onor, announced also his determina-
ion not to be candidate for re-elec
ion. Coinciding with him 10 his views
10 we'll expressed, and SO faithfully car
ried OUT, beg leave to say. that no
circumstances can possibly arise which
induce me again to permit my
name to be brought forward IN connec.
lion with the chief magistracy Of our
Myinclination and my sense
5fduty equally dictate this course.
No party, gentlemen, had ever high
or motives for exer:ion, than has the
-5fit1S a9 paJ UIe 3fsl3 f5i5I faH gDs