Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1856-06-20


Mn. FILLMORE AccEprs.-1n lester dated, Paris
Nav a1st 1885, Mr. Fillmore replies to the letter of
A.. H. Stuart and others, of Feb. goth, apprizing
him of his nomination. Mr. Fillmore approves the
general objects of the party which has nominated him,
and cheerfully accepts its nomination, OF course
pledging himself if elected, to do the best he can as
President The following is his letter, in which but
one thing is apparent THAT he talks as member OF
the order, and says nothing of the great issues
which divide this country
PARIS, MAY 21st, 1856.
Gentlemen have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter informing that the National
Convention of the American party which had just
closed its session at Philadelphia, had unanimously
presented my name for the Presidency of the United
States and associated with it that of Andrew Jack
son Donelson for the Vlce-Presldency: This unex-
pected communication met me at Venice on my re.
turn from Italy, and the duplicate, mailed thirteen
DAYS later, was received on my arrival In this city
last evening This must account for my apparent
| neglect in giving mere prompt reply.
You will pardon me for saying that when my ad.
ministration closed in 1858, considered my political
life as public man at end, and thenceforth was
only anxious to discharge my duty as private Gill
zen Hence have taken no active part in politics.
But have by means been an indifferent spectator
of passing events, have hesltated 10 express my
opinion on all political subjects when asked, to
give my vote and private influence for those men
and measures thought best calculated 10 promote
the prosperity and glory of our common county,
Beyond this deemed it improper for me to Interfere.
But this unsolicited and unexpected nomination has
imposed upon me new duty from which i cannot
shrink and therefore, approving as do, OF the gen
eraI objects of the party which has honored me with
lis confidence, cheerfully accept its nomination
without waiting to enquire of its prospects OF sue
cess or defeat 1t is sufficient for to know that
by so doing yield to the wishes of large portion
of my fellow citizens in every part of the Union who,
like myself, sncerey anxious to see the admin
stratlon of our government restored TO that gnal
simplicity and purity which marked the first years of
its existence and, if possible, to quiet that alarmn
sectional agitation, which, while it delights the Mon
archiss of Europe, causes every true friend of our
own country to mourn.
Having the experience IF past service in the ad-
ministration of the Government, may be permitted
TO refer to that the exponent of the future, and to
say, should the choice of the Convention be sane,
toned by the people, shall, with the same scrupu-
lous regard for the ghts of every section of the Uni
on which then influenced my conduct, endeavor to
perform every duty confded by the Constitution and
laws to the Executive.
AS the proceedings of this Convention have marked
new era in the history of the country by bringing
a new political organization into the approaching
Presidential canvass, take the occasion 10 re-atfrm
my full confidence in the patriotic purposes of that
organization, which | regard as sprnging out of a
public necessity, forced upon the country to large
extent, by unfortunate sectional divisions, and the
dangerous tendency Of those divisions towards dis
union 1t alone, in my opinion, of all the political
agencies now existing, is possessed of the power to
silence this violent and disastrous agitation and to
restore harmony by its own example of moderation
and tOrbearance. 1t has claim, therefore, in my
judgment, upon every friend of the integrity
of the Union.
So estimating this party, both in it's present posi-
ton and future destiny, freely adopt its great lead
ing principles as announced in the recent declaration
OF the National Council at Philadelphia, copy of
which you SO kind enclose me, holding
them to be just and liberal to every interest of
the country and wisely adapted to the establishment
and support of enlightened safe and effective
American policy, in full accord with The ideas and
the hopes of the fathers of Republic
| expect shortly to sail for America, anl with the
blessings of Divine Providence, hope soon to tread
my native soil. My opportunity of comparing my
own country and the condition of its people with
those Of Europe, has only served to increase my ad
miration and love for blessed land of liberty
and shall return to it without desire tc
cross the Atlantic again.
beg of you, gentlemen, to accept my thanks fol-
pleased TO communicate the results of the action O
that enlightened and patriotic body of men who com
posed the late Convention, and t. be assured that,
am, with profound respect and esteem,
Your friend and fellow citizen,
WILLARD FILLMORE
| Messrs. Alex H. H. Stuart, Andrew Stewart, Eras
tus Brooks, E. B. Bartlett VIM J Eames Ephrain
Marsh, Committee.