Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1856-06-13
PARIS, May 2lst, 1856.

PARIS, May 2lst, 1856.
Gentlemen Il have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter informing me 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 jackson Donelson for the
Vice Presidency. This unexpected commun-
cation met me at Venice my return from TIA
ly, and the duplicate mailed thirteen days later.
received on my arrival in this city last even
ing. This must account for my apparent neglect
in giving more prompt reply.
You will pardon me for saying that when my
administration closed in 1853, | considered my
political life public man at an end, and
thencef)rth | was only anxious to discharge my
duty as private citizen. Hence l have taken
no active part in politics. But have by no
means been an Indifferent spectator of passing
events nor have hestated to express my opin-
ion on all political subjects when asked, nor to
give my vote and private influence for those men
and measures thought best calculated TO pro-
mote the prosperity and glory of our common
country. Beyond this deemed it improper for
Inc to interfere. But this unsolicited and unex-
peeted nomination has imposed upon me new
daty from which | cannot shrink and therefore,
approving, as do of the general objects of the
party which has honored me with its confidence,
/ cheerfully acceptits nomination without waiting
to enquire of its prospects of success or defeat
1t is sufficient for me to know that by so doing
yield to the wishes OF large portion of my fell
low citizens in every part of the Union who, like
myself, are sincerely anxious to the admin
istraion of our government restored to that origi
nal simplicity and purity which marked the first
years Gifts existence; and if possible to quiet
that alarming sectional agitation, which, while it
delights the Monarchists of Europe causes every
true friend of our country to mourn.
Having the experience of past service in the
administration of the Government, may be per-
mitted to refer to that as the exponent of the flu
ture, and to say should the choice of the Con-
ventlon be sanctioned by the people, shall, with
the same scrupulous regard for the rights of ev
cry section of the Union which then influenced
my conduct, endeayor TO perform every duty con-
fded by the Constitution and laws to the Execu
tive.
AS the proceedings of this Convention have
marked new era in tne history of the country,
by bringing new political organization into the
approaching Presidential canvass. take the
occasion to re-aflirm my full confidence in the
patriotic purposes of that organization, which /
regard as springing out of public necessity,
forced upon the country, to large extent.by IN
fortunate sectional divisions, and the dangerous
tendency of those divisions towards disunion.-
1t Alone in my opinion, of all the political agen-
cies now existing. is possessed OF the power to
silence this violent and disastrous agitation and
to restore harmony by its own example OF mod
Grafton and forbearance. 1t has a claim, there
fore. in my judgment, upon every earnest friend
of the integrity of the Union.
SO estimating this party, both in its present
position. and future destiny, l freely adopt its
great leading principles as announced in the re-
cent declaration of the National Council at Phil
adelphia, a copy of which you we're so kind as to
enclose me, holding them to be just and liberal
to every true interest of the country, and wisely
adapted TO the establishment aud support of IN
enlightened, safe and effective American policy,
in full accord with the ideas and the hopes of the
fathers of our Republic.
Iexpect shortly to sail for America and with
the blessings of Divine Providence, hope soon to
tread my native soil. My opportunity of compa-
ring my own country and the condition OF its peo
Pile with those of Europe, has only served to in
crease my admiration and love for our own bles-
sed land of liberty. and shall return to it with
out even desire ever to cross the Atlantic
again.
| beg of you, gentlemen, to accept my thanks
for the very fattering manner in which you have
been pleased to communicate the results of tho
action of that enlightened and patriotic body of
men who composed the late Convention and to
be assured that
am, with profound respect and esteem,
Your friend and fellow citizen.
WILLARD FILLMORE.
Messrs Alex. II, II. Stuart, Andrew Stewart.
Eraslus Brooks, L. B. Bartlett VIM. j. Eames.
Ephram Marsh, Committee.