Weekly national intelligencer., 1848-05-06
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER.
LETTERS FROM GEN. TAYLOR.

As matter of general interest at the present mo-
ment we make room for the suboined Letters from
Gen. TAYLOR. That which is of the earliest date
was written in answer to inquiries propounded to
Gen. TAYLOR by the Editors of the Richmond Re-
publican, as follows:
It has been stated ia Of the papers, in most posi-
tive MANNER that you have said if HEsRr CLAY be the no.
mnee of the Wing National Convention you will not suffer
your name to be used a candidate.
m has bsen also stated lately that recent
you have declared that you IN favor OF the Taf OF lS4o
of the Subtreasuy, Of the Wars that in fact the responsible
ty the belongs you also that il elected President
you will choose your Cabinet from both parties
"We respectfully solicit to the following ques-
tions
"l Will you refuse the nomination of Wing National
Convention
s2 Do you design withdraw if Henry Clay any other
shall be the candidate
"s Have you stated that you in favor of the tariff Of
S46 the subtreauy that you originated the war; and should
select your cabinet from both parties 7!
The following is Gen. TAyLoR's reply:
BAros RousE, (LA.) ApRIL 20, ls4s.
DEAR SIR Your letter Of the 10Th instant which ahudes
that have recently been made in some of
the papers the North and which submits several inquiries
for my consideration, has been received
To your inquiries have respectfully to reply:
First. That if nominated by the Wing National Conven-
on shall refuse acceptance, provided am left free OF
all pledges and permitted to maintain the position OF ndepen
duty have placed otherwise, shall refuse the nomna
ton of any convention party.
Secondly do not design to withdraw my name if Mr..
Clay be the nominee Of the Wing National Convention and,
this connexon beg permission to remark that the state
ments which have been positively made in some of the
Northern prints the effect that should Mr. Clay be the
nominee Of the Wing National Convention had stated
that would not suffer my be used not
rect and have foundation in any oral written remark Of
NINE 1t has not been my ntention at any moment to
change my position, withdraw my from the
vass whoever may be the nominee of the National Conven
ton, either Of the Whig Democratic party
Thirdly have stated any that in favor
OF the tariff of 1916, of the subtreasuy that originated
the with Mexico; nor finally that should, if elected
select my cabinet from both parties. No such admissions
statements made by at any time or to any person
Permit me, however, add that should such high distnc-
ton be conferred upon that of elevation to the Execu
tive Office, the constitution, in strict and honest nterprea
ton and in the spirit and mode in which acted upon by
earlier Presidents would be my chief guide. In this
conceive to be all that necessary in the way pledges
The election of another candidate would occasion mor-
fcaton me, but to such result the will of the people,
should willingly and calmly submit. As have had
bon but in the desire the country would
bring to me disappointment.
With sentiments of high respect and regard remain your
most obedent servant, T. TAYLOR.
o. P. BALDwIs, Esq. or Ro. H. GaILAHER, Esq
Editors of the Richmond Republican, Richmond, Va.
The second letter appears in the New Orleans
Picayune Of the 25th ultimo 1t is addressed to a
relative of Gen. TAYLOR, and has been written, as
the Picayune states, with view to correct "the nu-
merous misrepresentation of Gen TAYLoR's opin-
ions upon questions Of public policy which have
been put in circulation by persons who assumed to
speak from authority"
BAToN RoUGE APRIL %, Is4s.
DEAR SIn: My opinions have recently been often mis-
conceived and msrepesenled that deem il due to myse If
friends make a If
the topics to which you have called my attention.
have consented to the of my a candidate for
the Presidency have frankly avowed my dstrust
my fitness for that high station but having, the soca-
ton OF many Of my countymen taken my position can
ddae do not feel liberty surrender that position until
my friends manifest wish that should retire from il. will
then most gladly do So have private purposes to
plishno party projects to build upno enemies punish
nothing to serve but my country.
have been very often addressed by letter. and my opinions
have been asked upon almost every question that might
the writers affecting the interests Of their country
their party have not always responded these inquiries
for various reasons.
confess whilst have great cardinal principles which will
regulate my political life sufficiently familiar with
all the minute details OF political Legislation give solemn
pledges to exert my influence if were President to carry
out this or defeat that haye concealment.
hold opinion which would readily proclaim my
sembed counymen but crude impressions upon matters Of
policy which may be right to-day and wrong tomorrow are
perhaps, not the best of fitness for Office One who can
be trusted without pledges cannot be con6ded in merely
account Of them.
will proceed, however, respond your inquiries
First reerate what have often sad-I am Wing,
but not ultra Wing. II elected would not be the mere
President Of party. would endeavor to act Independent
of party domination should feel bound 10 administer the
Government untrammeled by party schemes
Second The Veto power The power given by the con-
suion to the Executive to nterpoe his high
servauve power but in my opinion should be
csed except in cases Of clear violation Of the constitution
manifest haste and want Of consideration by Congress. In
Decd have thought that for many years past, the known
opinions and wishes Of the Executive have exercised undue
and injurious influence upon the Legislative department of the
Government and for this have thought our system
was IN danger OF undergoing great change from its
theory The personal opinions Of The individual who may
happen TO occupy the Erecutipe chair ought not TO control
the action Of Congress upon questions Of domestic policy;
ought his objections to be infvpoed tchere quesions of
constitutional pocer hare bec settled by the parios depart
naeats Of Government and acquiesced in By the people
Third Upon the subject of the tariff the currency the i'm
provemen Of great highways rivers lakes and habos
the will of the people, expressed through their representa-
ves in Congress- ought be respected and carried by
Executive.
Fourth The Mexican sincerely rejoice at the pros
pect Of peace My life has been devoted arms yet look
upon at a times and under all circumstances national
calamity to be avoided il compatible with national honor
The principles Of Government well as its true pocy
opposed 10 the suogaton OF other nsons and the dis
membermen Of other countries by conquest In the language
of the great Washington, Why should quit our own to
stand foreign ground In the Mexican war our national
honor has been Enthusiastically yndcated and in dicat