The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-06-21
Major Gen. ZACHARY TAYLOR, Mexico
HEADQUARTERS Army OF OCCUPATION,

N,
J. F. BARNS, Secretary.
Major Gen, ZACHARY TAYLOR, Mexico
HEADQUARTERS Army OF OCCUPATION
Camp, near Monterey, Mexico, July 20, 1917.
DEAR SIR have the honor TO acknowledge the receipt
of your esteemed letter of the l6h which has reached
accompanied by certain resolutions entered into by
democratic meeting of my felowcltizens of GAINESVILLE,
Tennessee the 7h of June last relation certain
important matters and principles connected with the man
of our national affairs desiring know my views
and opinions In regard TO the sane as they might have an
Important bearing their course, should name be be-
fore the country candidate for the presidency at the
coming election, which must beg leave to decline doing
for if disposed to do spare the time from
my official duties to devote TO the investigation of those sub
ects, which their importance seem to require, to enable
me to reply them in a way that would be satisfactory
myself much less to your honorable committee must
therefore say this instance what have stated to others
on like occasions which is that am politician, near
forty years OF my lite having been passed in the military
service of the republic most of which in the field the
camp, western frontier in the Indian territory ;
and may say, with great popriey for the most part CON
slanty on duty; the last two in Mexico, on its imme
date borders, during which have not passed one night
under the root of house may, therefore, readily sup
pose under such circumstances, have had but little time
devote the consideration investigation of important
political matters their discussion have attempt
ed TO do been mixed with political men or matters
in any way, having voted for of chief
magistrates any one else since have been in the pub
lie service having been stationed or serving for the most
part, beyond the limits OF the States.
can say in all sincerity have no aspirations for the
presidency and if a candidate, be one, it
be recolected will be made by Others and by
agency of mine in the matter Under this state OF things
proper to elevate me to the first office in their gor
say the in the wohd-I will feel bound them
and will do honestly and faithfully to the best OF my
Abilities cty in conformity the provisions of the
stimton, possible in the way it acted on
and construed by Presidents, of whom least
participated in creating and putting operation that glor
instrument. But many important changes in at
fairs home and abroad may take place between this and
the for holding the election for filling said office
much make desirable Tor the general good that
individual other than myself should be selected
candidate for that staon and could he be elected will not
say that would yield my petensons to that distinguish
ed poson-for | have not the vanity to believe | have
anybut would not only acquesce with pleasure in such
but would eoice that the republic had
citizen worthy and better qualified than am, and
doubt there thousands 10 discharge the arduous and
important duties apperaining to that high office. BE
this it may should | occupy the White House,
be by the spontaneous OF the people, and by
tanning the Chief Magistrate country untrameled
and unpedged beyond what have previously stated as
regards the constitution that could and would be Pres
dent of the nation, and not OF Il party
For the interest you and other kind friends OF the commit
and those and they represent take continued
against the enemy while this continues, which
sincerely hope will be brought an honorable close
well fear for the faering manner you have beer
pleased my with the distinguished office
in question: and especially for the handsome and compli
menary in which they have been communicated
YOU and through you the gentlemen of the committee
collectively and individually, my most cordial thanks to
the
With considerations of the highest respect and esteem
remain gentlemen, your obedient and devoted servant
| Z. TAYLOR,
Major General u S. Army.
| To DR.. c. L. Wilcox, and others of committee.