The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-17

thorough a student of it as was, am very sure
that my friend would have made much more just
and faithful exhibition Of this entire matter than he
has done.
Now, sir, before proceed to recur to this subject
in detail, wish to make some preliminary re-
marks. In the first place, would observe, that
there is no sort OF doubt but that when the idea was
first suggested to President Taylor that he could by
any possibility be elected President of the United
States he received that suggestion with the utmost
repugnance. believe he Is not the first in
the history Of the country, rather the first man
who has held the Presidential office, who felt and
expressed similar repugnance. l have always
understood that General jackson, when the idea
was first communicated to him of his being can
didate for the Presidency, received ii not only with
incredulity, but almost with contempt and ridicnle
Every one knowing any thing Of the character OF
the President must be convinced that he felt sin
cere aversion to having his name brought before
the public in connexion with the Presidential office
in any form. At this period, sir, he was at the
head of our army in Mexico, and he believed that it
was improper for him. occupying the position he did,
commanding Wings and Democrats, to consent to
become party candidate for the Presidency. And
this he explains in letter addressed to Capt Al-
son, dated at East Pascagoula, September 4, ls4S,
as follows:
81 was surrounded by Wings and Democrats,
who had stood by me in the trying hours of my
life, and whom it was my destiny to conduct
through scenes of greater trial. My duty to that
army, and to the republic whose battles we were
waging, forbade my assuming position OF SEEM
my command-all Of whom knew was Whig in
principle, for made concealment ofmy political
sentiments predictions. Such had been the vio-
lcnce of our party struggles during late Presi-
Dental elections that the acceptance of a nomina-
tion, under the rigorous interpretations given to
the obligations of candidate presented to the pub
lie with formuary of political principles, was
equivalent almost to declaration of uncompro-
missing enmity TO all who did not subscribe to its
tenets. was unwilling to hazard the effects of
such relationship towards any of the soldiers un
der my command, when in front of an enemy com
mon to US all. 1t would have been Unjust in itself,
and it was repugnant to my own feelings as it was
to my duty. wanted unity in the army, and fore
bore any act that might SOW the seeds of distrust
and discord in the ranks"
There can be no doubt, Mr.. President, that Gen.
eral Taylor thus situated, and having very strong
repugnance to having his name brought into the
canvass for the Presidency, did write letters and
many letters, containing expressions like those
produced by the honorable Senator from Maine,
But many of these letters were never intended for
publication; they were private letters, but were
very indiscreetly thrown before the public by the
persons to whom they were addressed. Referring
to this very subject the President in the letter last
quoted, says:
"Had these letters and scraps of letters been pub
lished, or construed in connexion with what have
heretofore said on this subject, / should not now
have to complain of the speed with which my
swers TO isolated questions have been given up to
the captious criticism OF those who have been made
my enemies by nomination which has been ten
dercu 10 me without soncltatOn or arrangement Oh
mine, or of the manner in which selected passages
in some of my letters written in the freedom and
carelessness of a confidential correspondence, have
been communicated to the public press"
Yes, sir, many men wrote letters to General
Taylor, and he responded to them with the frank
ness of a soldier and of an honest man and, wish
ing to obtain some notoriety in their respective
neighborhoods, they very improperly threw those
answers into the public press giving them over to
the captous criticism of those who had become his
political enemies, simply because his name had
been brought before the country in connexion with
the Presidential office. The President, in the let
ter last referred to, adds
"But, riven from the context, and separated
from series of explanatory facts and circum-
stances which are, in far this canvass is con-
cerned, historical, they are as deceptive as though
they were positive fabricatons."
Now, do not say that the honorable Senator in
grouping together, as he has done, few isolated
passages, intended to mislead and deceive the pub
lie. l know nothing of that honorable Senator but
what is adapted to inspire me with confidence and
respect; but, in the language of the President do
say that this collection Of extracts brought together
in the manner they have been, just as deceptive
and as well calculated 10 mislead IL they had
been positive fabricaiions.
In order 10 do justice to this subject, il is neces
sary Tor every man TO draw broad line of distnc-
ton between the earlier and the later correspond
of the President. In the fret instance, II was
his purpose not to be brought before the country
the candidate of any party, and he said over and
over again. He wrote many letters undoubtedly
when such was his purpose, and will directly pro-
duce extracts and submit them to the Senate. But,
after a considerable period Of time, he became
vinced that, If his name 10 be used in connex-
ion with that Office at ALL with success, il must be
on nomination by one OF the great parties of this
country IL is obvious that the idea which many of
his friends entertained, that he or any other man,
no matter how distinguished, could be brought for
ward and elected President of the United States as
an Independent candidate, was utterly preposter-
Gus.
repeat, il is undoubtedly true that, being utter
ly averse TO having his name used in that connex
ion; feeling sincere doubt to his qualifications
10 discharge the duties of that high office, taking
into consideration his position, then at the head Of
the army, he did take the ground and did and
over again, that he would not become a mere party
candidates that he did not desire the Office but pre-
erred that some of the eminent civilians of the
country should be raised to that exalted postion
and more than once indicated gentleman, now
member Of this body, (Mr. CLAY,) as being his
choice in preference TO all others. he certainly
was, on the score Of experience, abilities and
long life of devotion 10 hls country, my choice. For
] say here that have preferred trained
statesman for the Presidency 10 any who has
been brought up TO the profession Of arms. ] do
not say that prefer any civilian TO any military
character by any means. prefer President Tay
lor TO many of the civilians Of this country. for
whom have generally high respect
Now, sir, ask the indulgence of this body in re-
curing TO this earlier correspondence, with view
ofpresentng t TO the Senate and TO the country in
ts true light, and to show that in that correspond
ence the President assumed obligation such as
the Senator from Maine insists.
In the first place, call the attention of the Senate
TO passages in this earlier correspondence in which
he declared that he ,cossid gipe no pledge tohafep
and ,couid reach the Presideney, u at all, untram
,need by obligations Of this kind.
l. In letter dated at Monterey, July 6, lS47, he
says:
81 can only say, with all candor, that If elected
10 that Office (the Presidency il must be by the
spontaneous will Of the people at large, and with
out agency pledge my part ~ any particular -
2. In letter dated at Monterey, August 3, lsl7,
he says
"If am 10 occupy the White House, il must be
by the spontaneous movement Of the people, with
out any action Of mine in relation TO it-,ciLhou
pledges other than have previously stateda strict
adherence to the provisions of the Constitution, so
could enter the arduous and responsible duties
appertaining 70 said office untranimeed; so that
could be the President Of the country, and not Of
party"
3. In letter dated at Monterey, August TO- ls47
he uses language 10 the same effect
"That he would not submit to the exaction OF
any other pledge to his than that of dis
charging his functions according 10 his ability,
and strictly in accordance with the requirements
of the Constitution -