The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-08-01
WASHINGTON, July 10, 1856

WASHINGTON, July ~, 1896.
DEAR SIR Your favor Of the 9th inst,
informing me, officially, that I have been
nominated as candidate for the Office Of
Governor of Maine, by Convention which
assembled ut Portland on the 9Th INST, in
pursuance to call ~ call citizens Of Maine,
without distinction Of party, and regardless
of former differences Of opinion; who are
opposed to the repeal Of the Missouri Com
promise, to the anarcllical and dangerous
doctrines of the Cincinnati Platform, 10 tho
extension Of Slavery into the Territories Of
the United States, in favor Of Freedom In
Kansas, Of the preservation Of the Union,
and of restoring tho government to the prin.
ciplcs and policy Of Washington and JEFF.
ferson," was duly received.
You say truly, that it was my desire to
avoid the post assigned me. Such was the
fact Us you we'll know. believed l might
render the cause moro efficient scrvicc,-a
cause, which, in my Judgment, involves tho
best interests Of the whole country, rs well
rs its ultimate pcrmanency and prosperity,
by having my name entirely disconnected
with the Office Of Governor. sought to
cvade no labor or responsibility, but simply
10 occupy that position In which j could ac-
complish tho greatest good. But my nomi.
nation having been made by q Convention
80 numerous, and embracing men of no
much moral worth and intelligence, and who
have acted, doubt not, Ms they believed
best, ! do not feel at liberty now to be gov
erncd by my own wishes, but must consent
10 the Judgment and action Of the Con-
vention. With full sense Of, and proper
acknowledgement for, the confidence reposed
in me, accept the position assigned to me.
The Resolutions reported to, and adopted
by the Convention, and TO which you invite
my attention. have been carefully read, and
meet my cordial approval and support. They
lare, in fact, not only in harmony with my
Judgment, but are in conformity with my
acts in public lifs. will not now enter
into discussion or examination Of them, az
propose, In compliance with request from
the State Committee, TO address the 20 pie
Of Maine in each and every county In the
State before the day Of election. There,
design to express my opinions fully upon
THE ISSUE Of the times, and what, In my
judgment, is the duty Of every citizen who
would preserve and perpctuate the union OF
the States and the blessings Of liberty. The
party now in power. State and National,
has done much to jcopardise tho one and to
sacrifice tho other. Both must be pre-.
served. %
It was my desire and intention to resign
the Office Of Senator in Congress. when
should accept the nomination for Governor.
But at the request Of the Convention which
nominated me asa candidate for tho Office
Of Governor, rs well us ut the earnest solic.
itation Of numerous friends, have conciud.
ed to await the result Of tho September cleo
ton. The issue will have bees presented to
the people Of Maine, and if they shall APP
prove Of the doctrines of Slavery extension,
rs now advocated by the democatic party.
and shall rc-clect Gov. Wells, shall then
promptly resign my seat in tho Senate.
Very Respectfully, you,s,
Hon. F. II. MoRsr.
Bath, Me.