Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1852-07-08
Letter Of Acceptance from
General Scott.
WASHINGTON, June "a, 1885,

WAshihoToN, June 20, 1907.
SiR:-I have had the honor to receive
from your hands the official notice of my
unanimous nomination as the Wing can
didate Tor the office Of President Of the
United States, together with copy Of
the resolutions 7 assed by the Conven-
tion, expressing their opinions upon some
oil the most prominent questions Of na-
iionai policy.
The great istinction-conferred by a
numerous, intelligent and patriotic body,
representing millions Of my countrymen
sinks deep into my heart Remem.
bering the very eminent names which
were before the Convention in amIcable
competition with my own, | am made to
feel, oppressively, the weight OF rcspon-
sibility belonging to my new position.-
Not having written word to procure
this distinction, lost not moment af-
ter il had been conferred in addressing
a letter to one OF your members, to sig-
nifty what would be, at the proper time,
the substance Of my reply to the Con-
vention and now have the honor to
repeat, n a more formal manner, as the
occasion Justly demands, that | accept
the nomination with the resolutions
annexed. The political principles
and resolutions laid down in the
resolutions are 80 broad that there ~
little left :or me to add. /, therefore,
barely suggest III this place, that should
|, by the partialty Of my countrymen,
be elevated TO the chief magi,tracy OF
the Union, I shall be ready. in my con-
necti n with Congress, to recommend or
approve Of measures in regard to the
management OF the public domain, so as
to secure an early settlement OF tie same
favorable to actual settlers, but consist
eni nevertheless, with n due regard to
the eC, ual rights OF the whole American
people in that vast national inheritance,
and also to recommend or approve OF
single alteration in our navigation laws,
suggested by my military experience,
viz z:-Giving all foreigners the right Of
citizenship, who shall faithfully serve, IN
time Of war, one year on board OF our
public ships, or in our land iorces-reg-
ular or volunteer-on their receiving an
honorable discharge from the service
In regard to the general policy Of the
administration, if elected, should, OF
course, look among those who may ap-
prove that policy Tor the agents 10 carry
II into execution; and should seek To
cultivate harmony and fratcrnal senti-
ments throughout the Wing party, wi H.
out attempting to reduce its members by
prescription, to exact uniformity TO my
views. But should, at the same time,
be rigorous in regard TO qualifications
Tor office, retaining and appointing no
one either deficient in capacity or integ-
rity, or in devotion to liberty, 10 the Con
slitution and the Unlon. Convinced
that harmony or good will between the
different quarters OF our broad country
is essential 10 the present and iuture i'll
terests Of the Republic, and with de-
votion to those interests that can know
no South and no North, should neith-
or countcnancc nor tolerate any sedtion,
disorder, faction, or resistance to the
law or the Union, on any pretext, in any
part OF the land and | should carry in
TO the civil administration this one prin-
ciple Of military conduct-obedience TO
the legislative and judicial depar tments
OF Government, each in its Constitution
al sphere, saving only in respect to The
Legislature the possible resort TO the
veto power always TO be most cautious
ly exercised. and under the slrciest req
traints and necessities. Finally, for my
strict adherence TO the principles Of the
Whig party, as expressed IN the reso.
lutions OF the Convention, and herein
suggested, with a sincere and earnest
purpose 10 advance the greatness and
happiness of the Republic, and thus to
cherish and encourage the cause OF con-
stitutional liberty throughout the world,
avoiding every acs and thought that
might involve our country In an unjust
or unnecessary war, or impair the faith
Of treaties, or discountenancing all po-
liiicaI agitation injurious to the interests
OF society. and dangerous to the Union.
| can offer no other pledge or guarantee
than the known incidents OF "A long pub
lie life, now undergoing the severest ex-
animation. Feeling myself highly for
tunate in my associate on the ticket,
and with lively sense Of my obliga-
tions to the Convention, and TO your per-
sonal courtesies, have the honor TO re-
main, Sir, with great esteem, your most
obedient servant,
WINFIELD SCOTT.
To Hon. J. G. CHArMAN, President Of
the Wing National Convention.