Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-06-25
LETTER FROM MR. FILLMORE.

/ GENTLEMEN IL have the honor to acknow-
ledge 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
Doneison for the Vice Presidency. This un-
expected communication met me at Venice,
on my return 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 not giving
a more prompt reply.
You will pardon me for saying that when
my administration closed in 1858, / consider
ed my political life public man at an end,
and thenceforth was only anxious to dis
charge my duty as private citizen. Hence
have taken active part in politics. But
have by no means been an Indifferent specta-
tor Of passing events, nor have besitated to
express my opinion on all political subjects
| when asked, nor to give my vote and private
influence for those men and measures thought
| best calculated to promote the prosperity and
glory of the common country. Beyond this,
Ideemed it improper for me to interfere. But
this unsolicited and unexpected nomination
has imposed upon me new duty, from which
cannot shrink and therefore, approving, as
do, ofthe general objects of the party which
has honored me with its confidence, / cheer
fully accept the nomination, without waiting
to inquire of its prospects Of success or defeat.
II is sufficient for me to know that by so do
e
my fellowcitizens in every part Of the Union,
who, like myself, are sincerely anxious to see
the administration of our government restor-
ed TO that original simplicity which marked
the first years of its existence, and, If posi-
bic, to quiet that alarming sectional agitation
which, while it delights the monarchs of Eu-
rope, causes every true friend of our own coun-
try TO mourn.
Having the experience Of past service in
the administration of the government, may
be permitted to refer to that as the exponent
of the future, and to say, should the choice of
the Convention be sanctioned by the people,
shall, with the same scrupulous regard for
the rights of every section of the Union which
then influenced my condnct, cndeayor to per-
form every duty confided by the Constitution
and laws to the Executive.
As the proceedings of this Convention have
marked new era in the history of the coun-
try, by bringing a new political organization
into the approaching Presidential canvass,
take the occasion to rcaffirm my full conf
dence in the patriotic purposes of that organi-
cation, which l regard springing out of
public necessity, forced upon the country, to
large extent, by unfortunate sectional diyi-
sions, and the dangerous tendency of those
divisions towards disunion. 1t alone, in my
opinion, of all the political agencies now ex-
listing, is possessed Of the power to silence
this violent and disastrous agitation, and to
restore harmony by its own example of mode
ration and forbearance. 1t has claim, there
fore in my judgement, upon every earnest
friend of the integrity of the Union.
So estimating this party, both in its present
position and future destin, / freely adopt its
great leading principles as announced in the
recent declaration of the National Council at
Philadelphia, copyof which you were 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 establish
ment and support of an enlightened, safe and
effective American policy, in full accordance
with the hopes of the fathers of our republic. |
expect shortly to sail for America, and
with the blessings Of Divine Providence hope
soon to tread my native soil. My opportunity
of-conparing my own country and the condi-
tion of its people with those of Europe, has
only served to increase my admiration and
love for our own blessed land of liberty, and
| shall return to it without even desire to
cross the Atlantic again.
beg you, gentlemen, to accept my thanks
for the very hattering manner in which you
have been pleased to communicate the results |
of the action of that enlightened and patriotic |
body of men who composed the late Conven-
tion, and to be assured that
am, with profound respect and esteem, |
your friend and fellow citizen,
WILLARD FILLMORE. |
The Independent Democrat, Concord, IN .H.) |
whose editor, George G.. Fogg, Esq, was the |
1,aAS