The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-04
PITTsFIELD, Sept. IS, 1855.

PITrsFIELD, Sept. 25, 1855.
GENTLEMEN: l received, last evening, your
letter. bearing date of Goth inst, which informs
me that in the Republican State Convention,
held on that day in Worcester, l was nominated
as the candidate of the Republican party for
the Office of Governor of this Commonwealth
for the ensuing political year.
Your letter enclosed copies of the address
ard resolutions which you state were unani-
mously adopted by the Convention.
| accept the nomination of the Republican
party, thus made.
On the 18th instant, attended political
meeting of citizens of this town, called for the
purpose of appointing delegates to the Conven-
ton at Worcester. l had carefully considered
the subject in ali its bearings, keeping my mind
open to every argument and suggestion, and my
position was then publicly avowed.
That position requires me to change no
opinion upon the public questions before the
country. While in the House of Representa-
tives, the opinions and arguments put forth in
my place there, and which are on record, lead
directly, in the light of the circumstances now
surrounding US, to the principles set forth in
the address and resolutions of the Worcester
Convention.
During the past year, in the Senate, petition
for the repeal of the Fugitive Slave Law, SUBJ
scribed by some eight thousand men of Massa-
chusetts, principally of Boston and its vicinity,
was intrusted to my care. A discussion en-
sued. At that time, as at others, the fact was
announced by Senators who had been elected
as Wings, and other events have furnished in
dubitable evidence of its truth, that the Wing
party had ceased to exist as a National party.
We have watched with great interest the eff
feet of the revival of the prospects Of the Dem
20 xhar .ko<.
Of that party, upon so distinct Pro-Slavery
ground, would not revive, as National party,
its former antagonists, and establish it upon
the basis of Freedom, and thus enable it to &C.
quire such new strength as would make it sue
cessful. 1t seems no longer possible to enter
tain such an idea; and yet it cannot be deemed
impossible that in some way the great majority
of the people Of the country may unite in resist
ing effectually the aggressions of the Slavery
Interest.
Recognising, therefore, the paramount is
sue" | recognise as the only practicable means
of sustaining our position upon that issue, our
co operation with the masses of our friends in
other States, in the formation of the Republican
Party of the Union.
No history and no experience justify despair
of its becoming National party. Give it the
best energies of the People of the free States !;
give IL the dlU OF the WISDOM, talent, anu elO-
quence, which are now greatly wasted in minor
contests give it the prospect of success, and
it Will become National party. The struggle,
whether brief or protracted, will not break up
the Union of these States; the more earnest
and brief it may be, the less will be the danger
of that. But its result, if it be to establish do
mestic Slavery as a National institution, will
plant the seeds of decay and dissolution. And
without such determined struggle, the same
effect is inevitable.
United action will give strength and mutual
confidence, and will enable us from time to
time to take sound positions, which can be
everywhere defended and maintained.
In connection with this brief statement of
some of the public considerations which govern
my course at this time, will not speak at all
of personal wishes or feelings.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant
julius ROCKWELL.
Messrs. N. p Banks, JIM, and Seth
Webb, jim, President and Secretary
Of COnUention.