The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-09-17
From the New Orleans Bulletin, Sept l.
Gen. Txyior's last Letter.

matters of public policy lest nv fellow citizens might be
msled oy The many contradictory and conflicting state
nents IN respect TO them which appeared in the journals
VI the day, and were circulated throughout the country
now find myself mrepesened and misunderstood upon
another ponl OF sneh Importance to myself personality
not to the country at large as to claim from candid
and connected exposition OF my relations the public in
regard to the pending presidential canvass.
The utmost ingenuity has been expended upon several
eers and detached sentences OF letters which have
Gently appeared my signature to show that
py an equivoca attitude towards the various parties
which the people are divided and especially towards the
wing party represented by the National Convection
which assembled in Philadelphia In June last Had these
letters and scraps of letters been published or construed
in connexon with what | have heretofore SAID upon
this subject ! should not now have to complain oil
the speed with which my answers 10 isolated questions
have been up TO the caphous criticism OF those VINO
have been made my enemies by nomination whch has
been rendered without solicitation arrangement OF
mine, of the in which selected passages IN
of my letters, written IN the freedom and careless
ness of confidential correspondence, have been com
muncated to the public press But rven from the con
text and separated from series OF explanatory facts and
which IN so lar as this canvass is
concerned, historical, they as deceptive as though
they positive fabricatons address you this letter
correct the injustice that has been done and the
public to the extent that an object OF interest to
them, by this beral process
shall not weary you by elaborate recital of every
incident connected with the first presentation of my
as candidate for the presidency. | was then at the
head OF the American army IN the valley OF the Rio
Grande | was surrounded by wings and democrats who
my destiny conduct through OF still greater
trial My duty to that army and to the republic whose
of seeming hostility to any portion of the brave
der my command-all OF whom knew was a wing IN
principle, for made concealment OF my political sem
timents or predictions.
Such had been the violence OF party struggles during
late presidential elections, that the acceptance of
nomination under the rigorous interpretations given to
the obligations OF candidate presented to the public
with formuary of political principles, equivalent
almost to declaration of Incorporating enmity TO- all
who did not subscribe to its tenes was unwilling to
hazard the effect of such laonshp towards any OF the
soldiers under my command. when in front OF an enemy
common to all. 1t would have been unjust in itself,
and It was as repugnant to my own feelings as was to
my duty | wanted unity III the army, and forbore any
act that might the seeds OF disrust and discod IN
its ranks. have not my letters written at the time be-
fore me- but they all of import, and in conform y
with the views herein expressed
by strangers by wings and democrats TO consent to be-
come candidate. was nominated by the people in
primary assembliesby wings, democrats, and natives
in separate and mixed meetings ] resisted them all
and continued 10 do till led to believe that my OPP
position assuming the aspect of defiance OF the
popular wishes. yielded only when 1t looked like pre-
done had the nomination been presented to me in
form unlikely awaken acrimony reproduce the bitter
ness of feeling which attends popular elections say
sincerity and truth that part OF the nducemen to my
consent the hope that by going into the canvass il
would be conducted with candor if not with kindness 1t
has been fault of mine that this anticipation has proved
a vain
After | permitted myself to be announced for the
Presidency, under the circumstances above noticed,
accepted nomination after nomination in the spirit IN
which they were rendered They were made ire
spective OF parties, and acknowledged No one
who joined in those nominations could have been de-
ceived as to my political views. From the beginning
till now ! have declared myself to be wing all
proper occasions With this distinct avowa published TO
the world did not think that had right to epel nomi
nations from political opponents any more than had
right to refuse the vote OF democrat al the polls and
proclaimed it abroad that should reject the proered
support of any body of fellow citizens This my
position when in November last returned to the United
people had held national conventions and when it was
thought doubtful if one of them would hold any.
Matters stood in this attitude till spring, when there
were many statements in circulation concerning my
views upon questions of national policy, that felt
strained correct the into which the public mind
was falling by more explicit enunciaon OF principles,
which did in my letter 10 you April last. That let
ter, and the facts which have detailed as briefly as
proper understanding of them would permit, developed
my whole position in relation to the presidency at the
time.
The Democratic Convention met in May, and composed
their ticket to suit them This they had right to do.
The National Wing Convention met in June and Sc
with gratitude and with pride was proud of the con-
hdence OF such body OF men, representing such con-
stuency the wing party of the United States mani
festaon the more grateful because was not numbered
ofce and the responsibilities OF its incum
bent to the whole people of the nation. And may add
that these emOuOns were increased by aSS0claung my
with that of the distinguished citizen of New York.
whose acknowledged abilities and sound conservative
opinions might have Justly entitled him to the first place
on the ticket.
The convention adopted me as it found me--a whig-
decided, but not ultra in my opinions; andl should be
without excuse if were to shift the relationships which
subsisted at the time They took with the decara.
ton of principles had published 20 the world, and
should be without defence if | were to say or do any
thing 10 impair the force of that declaration.
| have said that would accept a nomination from
huf | ohufo ,of
ton indicating coincidence OF opinion the part OF
those making it, should not be regarded with dstavor by
those who think with me; compliment personal to
myself, it should not be expected that would repulse
them with insult. shall not modify my views to entce
them to my side shall not reject their aid when they
join my friends voluntarily.
have SAID was not party candidate, nor am |, In
that straened and sectarian which would prevent
my being the President of the whole people, in
of my election. | did not regard myself one be-
fore the convention met, and that body did not seek
TO make me different from what was. They did
not fetter me down TO OF pledges which were
to be an iron rule of action all and in despite of all the
contingencies that might in the of presden
crminaely upon public officers, good or bad who may
differ in opinion with me. ! am not expected to force
Congress- by the coercion of the veto, pass laws
suit me or pass none. This is what mean by not being
party candidate; and understand this is good wing
doctrine. would not be partisan President and hence
should not be party candidate in the that would
make one. This is the sum and substance of my mean
ing, and this is the pupo of the facts and circumstances
attending my nomination, when considered in their con-
nexlon with and dependence upon another.
refer all persons who anxious upon this subject
this statement for the proper understanding of my po
stion towards the presidency and the people. If IS
not ineligible, cannot make it and shall cease to
attempt it. ~