, 1852-09-18

L.
W4sHINGroS, June %, 1852.
To the Honorable ]. G.. CHAPMAN.
PresideHtefhe Wig NstionH Conreriicn:
SIR have had the, honor to receive
from your hands the official notice Of nv
"unanimous nomination as the Wing candi.
date for the Office Of President Of The Uni.
ted States" together with ga copy of The
Resolutions passed by the Convention ex-
pressing their opinions upon some of the
most prominent questions of National poll
cy."
This great distinction, conferred by a
numerous, intelligent, and patriotic body,
representing millions of my counlrymen,
sinks deep into my heart and, remembering
the very eminent names which were before
the Convention in amicable competition
with my own, am made 10 feel oppres-
sively the weight of responsibility belong
ing 10 my new position.
Not having written word 10 procure this
distinction lest not a moment, after it had
been conferred, in addressing a letter 10 one
Of your members to signify what would be,
by the proper time, the substance ofmy re-
ply 10 the Convention, and now have the
honor to repeat, in a more formal manner,
as the occasion justly demands, that accept
the Nomination with the Resolutions an.
nexed.
The political principles and measures laid
down in those resolutions are so broad that
but little is left for me to add. therefore
barely suggest, in this place, that should l,
by the partially Of my counlrymen, be ele-
vated toihe Chief Magislracy Of the Union,
shall be ready, in my connection with
Congress, 10 recommend or TO approve Of
measures in regard 10 the management Of
The public domain, so as 10 secure an early
settlement Of the same 10 favorable 10 actual
settlers, but consistent, nevertheless, with
due regard 10 the equal rights Of the whole
American people in that vast national in
heritance and also to recommend or ap-
prove a single alteration in our naturaliza
tion laws, suggested by my military expe-
rience, viz givingto all foreigners the right
fof citizenship who shall faithfully serve, in
time ofwar, one year on board ol our pub
he ships, or in our land forces, regular 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 approve
that policy for the agents 10 carry il into
execution, and ! should seek TO cultivate
harmony and fratcrnal sentiments through
out the Wing party, without attempting 10
reduce its members, by prescription, 10 ex-
act conformity TO my own views. But
should, at the same time, be vigorous in
regard to qualifications for offce-relaining
and appointing no one, either deficient ia
capacity or integrity, or in devotion 10 lib
eriy, or to the Constitution, and the Union.
Convinced that harmony aud good will
between the different quarters Of our broad
country is essential to the present and future
interests Of the Republic, and with devo.
ton to those interests that can know no
South and no North, should neither coun-
tenance nor tolerate any selition, disorder,
fiction, or resistance to the Law or the I'm
ion, on any pre,ext, in any part Of the lsndi
aRd should carry iato she civil admiais.
lration this one principle Of military con
ducl-obeiirnce 10 the Legislative onI Ja.
licial departments Of Government, esch in
its constitutional sphere, saving only in re-
spect 10 the Legislature, the possible resort
to the veto power, always to be most eau
liously exercised, and under the sisictest re-
strants and necessities.
Finally, for my adherence 10 the princi-
pies Of lhe Whig party, as expressed in the
resolutions of toe Convention and therein
suggested, wih a sincere aud earnest pur-
pose to advance the greatness and happiness
Of the Republic, and thus to cherish and
encourage the cause,ol constitutional liber
ty throughout the world-avoiding every
act and thought that might involve our
country in an unjust or unnecessary war,
or impair the faith Of treaties, and discount
cuancing all political agitation injurious to
the interests Of society and dangerous TO the
Union, can offer no other pledse or guar
anly than the known incidents OF q public
life, now undergoing the scveresl examina-
ton.
Feeling myself highly fortunate in my
assoeiale on the ticket, and with lively
srnse 0. ms obligations TO the convention,
aud to your pcrsond couricsics, ! have the