Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1852-07-15
oTTUMWA, IOWA, THURSDAY, JULY Is, 1852.
Gen. SCOTS Letter Of Acceptance


Gen. SCOTS Letter Of Acceptance
WASHINGTON, June "a, 1852.
SIR:-l had the honor to receive from
your haEds the official notice of my IT,
unanimous nomination as the Wing candi.
date for the Office of the President of the
U S.,toge,her with copy of the resolu-
tions passed by the Convention, e * pressing
their opinions upon some of the most
prominent questions of national policy.
This great distinction conferred by a
numerous, Intelligent, patriotic body rep
resenting millions of my eountrymen-
sinks deep into my heart-remembering
the many eminent names which were be-
fore the convention in amicable competi-
ilon OF my own, am made to feel op-
presslvely the weight of responsibility
belonging to my new position. Not
having written a word 10 procure this
distinction, lost not moment after it
had been conferred. in addressing a letter
to one OF your members TO signify what
would be at proper time the substance
of my reply to the conven,ion-and now
have the honor TO repeat in a more for
NAL manner, as the occasion Justly de-
mands, that ! accept the nomination with
the Resolutions annexed.
The political principles and measures
laid down in the resolutions are so broad
that there is little left for me TO add.
therefore barely sngges, in this place,
should |, by the partlalily of my coun-
trymen. be elevated to the Chief Magis-
tracy of the Union, shall be ready in
my connection with Congress, 10 recon-
mend or approve of measures in regard
to the managemet of the public domain
so as to secure as early settlement of
the same TO actual settlers as possible,
but consistent, nevertheless, with due
regard to he equal rights of the whole
AmericaL people in that vast National in
haritaRce.
Also TO recommend or approve of sin
gle alteration in our navigation laws sug-
gested by my military experience, giving
all foreigners the right Of citizenship who
shall faithfully serve in time OF war one
year on board our public ships, or in
our land forces, regular or volunteer, or
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 for the agents to carry
| il into execution, and should seek TO
cultivate perfect harmony and fraternal
sentiments throughout the Wing party,
without attempting TO reduce its members
by prescription TO xactuniformily TO my
views; but should at the same time be
rigorous as to qualifications for office. re-
tanning nor appointing any one def
cient either in capacity or integrity, or
devotion to the Constitution and the u.
nion.
Convinced that harmony and good will
between the difiereuI quarters of our
broad country is essential to the present
and future interests OF the Republic, and
with devotion 10 those interests that can
know no South or no North, should
neither countenance or tolerate any sedi-
ton, disorder, faction or resistance to
the law of the Union on any pretext--in
any part Of the land, and | should carry
inio the civil administrator this one
principle of military conduct-obedlenc
10 the Legislative and Judicial depart
ments of government, each in its consti.
tulional sphere, saving only in respect to
the Legislature the possible resort to the
] veto power, always to be most eau
tiously executed, and under the sttictest
restraints and necessities.
| Finally for my strict adherence to the
principles of the Wing party enacted in
! the Resolutions of the Convention and
herein suggested with sincere and earn
est purpose to advance the greatness and
happiness of the Republic, and thus to
cherish and encourage the cause of
constitutional liberty, throughout the
world. avoiding every act or thought that
might involve our country in an unjust
or an unnecessary war, or impair the
faith or discountenance all political agita-
ton injurious to the interests of society
and dangerous to the Union.
lean offer no other pledge or guaran-
tee than the known incidents of long
public life--now undergoing the severest
examination. consider myself highly
fortunate in nv associate on the ticket,
and with lively sense ofmy obligation 10
the Convention and to your personal
courtesies, have the honor to remain,
sir, with great esteem your ob't servant.
WINFIELD SCOTT.
To Hon. J. G. CHAPMAN.