The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-06-15
ssptancs, which the convention viii pardon me

III o.,
|. My DEAR Your letter Of the 9th was received
week since, Nothing could have been more unexpecedi
great variety Of aspects trust you viii moi think there
been an unreasonable delay IN arriving at decision
With my pursuits for the last few years. and my present
tastes no position Il were in situation the whole 10
desire public employment could DO acceptable as hs
one which your partially has profeTed.
ought not, perhaps in justice TO the hi GA motives bv
which know you are governed to attribute your selection
aa in the mas has been somewhat sI yUg' Judy
feelings When saw the in which YOU had cast
range OF my acquaintance formed at Washington Won
could not have called around you with whom was
tanned more delightful recolGctio than Mr. Buchanan
Mr. Walker, Mr. Mason, and Ms. Johnson, A place in
your cabinet therefore, far personal association con-
cened, could be agreeable had the whole been
the subject Of my own choice,
When add, your important measures in the foreign and
home administration of the government have commanded
not merely the appreciation my Judgment bur my CRATE.
nl acknowledgements American ciuzen, you viii ~,
how desirable, on every ground connected with your adj
ministraton the office rendered would be and vel
after mature consideration, | constrained TO decline
Although the early years OF my manhood devoted 10
public liie it was really suited TO my taste. |
onged as you have done, Tor the quiet
and Independence that belong only the private citizen
and now, at orty feel that desire stronger than ever
Coming xpecedy, this offer does, il would be diff
cult not impossible, The business OF
manner at all satisfactory myself to those who
have committed their interests my and who rely
health while at Washington very delicate il is fear
even more SO now, and the responsibilities which the pro-
posed change would necessarily impose upon her ought
probably in themselves constitute nsnrmo untaGe
objection to leaving our quiet home Tor public station
When resigned my in the Senate in 1872 did il
with the fixed purpose never again to be voluntarily epa
rated from my family for any considerable length time
except at the call OF my country in time OF and yet
this consequence for the reason before stated and
count OF climate, would be very likely to result from my
acceptance.
These Of the considerations which have inau
enced my decision You will, am sure, appreciate my
motives. You will not believe that have weighed my
personal convenience and against the public interest
especially the office is which. il sought would
be readily accepted by gentlemen who could bring your
Accept my grateful Acknowledgements, and believe me-
FRANK. PIERCE.
For The reasons given in this letter. General Pierce
was constrained, to decline the acceptance of position
in the cabinet, thus most gracefully and unsoIicedly
rendered TO him by the President. Mr.. Polk had known
General Pierce long and intimately. They through
out their congressional of the strongest
personal friendship. No one better knew General
Pierces qualities Of head and heart than Mr.. Polk, and
one had higher appreciation OF his brilliant genius
his sound craftsmanship, and his great administrative
ability. The following extract from the letter of Mr.
Polk rendering the appointment shows his high estimate
OF General Perces character and reflects upon him the
highest honor
gives sincere pleasure to invite you to accept
place in cabinet, by rendering 10 you the office of At
omey General of the United States. have selected you
for this important Office from my personal knowledge Of
you, and without the solicitation suggestion OF any
have doe so because have no doubt your personal
sccation with me would be pleasant and from the consd
Grafton that Ia the discharge OF the duties OF the office
you could render me important aid 10 conducting my adj
ministraion. In this instance at least the office has
sought the man. and not the man the Office, and hope
you may accept it,"
This appointment, so natteringly profered, was de-
clned; but the which induced Gen Pierce to the
adoption OF the course he pursued with regard TO this
office had force to resist the ca OF the country in
time OF war" made upon him soon after. The endear
mems II home, the most important professional duties
pessngly claiming his attention. and the heavy pecuniary
loss TO which he must be subjected, OF tle avail
the dust in the balance TO prevent his instant response
the call upon New England for volunteers fight the
battles OF their country His ardent enthusiasm and un-
firing energy in raising the noble ninth regiment which
so gallantly poured out its life blood upon The battle
fields OF Mexico and returned TO New England but the
shadow OF the brave band TO whom New Engands honor
had been well intrusted, but the prelude 10 The
patriotic devotion which characterized his every act
while gionouslY assisting in planting his counys haS
Go ask any OF the brave officers or privaes, whose
tolls and dangers General Pierce shared in the Mexican
campaign, aud they will tell you that gallant Off
cer-a man OF more undoubed and chivalric courage-
one more devoedy beloved by every individual OF his
command or with whom he was acknowledgements drew
bis swoid in defence OF his country's rights No breath
of asperson beahed against General Pierce by
any gallant man who had with him perilled hIs life for
his country 1t reserved for towards home
to basely endeayor 10 blot the fair fame gaany
eanedan endeavor as malignant and futile as was ever
the offspring OF an imbecle head and coward heart.
With regard TO the conduct OF General Pierce in Mexico
let the dispatches OF General Scouhs universal popu
arty throughout the army with those OF every rank and
grade-his complimentary appointment as one OF the
commissioners 10 arrange the amisce Immediately after
those tecisive battles in which he had acted prom
nen part-the universal testimony OF all the brave
men with whom he was asseciated-te their "pain IN.
vanished tale" and the tale they tell shall make glad
every American heartfor the response shall be- "no
Drawer man liyes-no better deserves well OF bis
county,
Let the ardent Geographic congratulations from bis OLD
companions n-arms from all sections oil land answer
whether our counrys honor utrusted to salcf
hands. The despatch from Governor Seymour OF Con.
necticut-" General congratulate you; forward the
Ninth Pts but indicative OF the universal delight with
which bis nomination has been received by his associates
10 Mexico November will show The practical expires.
sion OF their Joy the country over OF General Pieces
qualifications for the presidency need not speak His
genius, his learning, bis political sagacythe pride Of
the Satehaye too long placed him in the front ranks OF
the prominent OF the country to need aIlusioH here
Who but admire the talent, the industry, the native
and acquired ability, by which be has placed himself al
the head of the New Hampshire bar-a bar in which the
standard OF eminence will not suffer by comparison with
that in any State in this Union! Who has not observed
that wonderful versatility Of talent which has ador
ed each and all OF the various stations he has oc
cupied Who has not remarked that keen, FAR
reaching foresight, that broad nationality that udcous
and patriotic energy which have sgnalized bis polIt
cal careerl Who has not looked with astonishment
upon bis entire familiarity with all political subjects IN
the midst OF his cesseess and most important professional
engagements Who has not noticed his fidelity and
stern adherence 10 the principles OF the democratic party
AT all times and under all circumstances, his total abbor
OF seconasn in all its FORMS and bis bold fear.
essness OF political action Who does know bis IN
tegrty OF character his kindness OF heart his generosity
and ruthfulness OF purpose The history OF no man for.
nshes conclusive evidence OF qualifications fitted 10
adon the station he ia destined TO ill But gentlemen,
have already detained you too long know il is your
opinont believe IL to be the opinion of the democracy
everywhere-that in Gen. Pierce the country will have
President wise patriotic and most worthy to guide The
councils OF this great republic.
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