Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-06-18

Gentlemen Il have the honor to acknowl
edge the receipt of your letter informing me
that the National Convention of the American
party which had Just closed its session at Phila
delphia, had unanimously presented my name
for the Presidency of the United States, and as
sociated with it that of Andrew Jackson Don
elson for the Vice Presidency. This unexpect
ed communication met me at Venice on my re-
turn from Italy, and the duplicate mailed thir.
teen DAYS later was received on my arrival il
this CITY last evening This must account fol
my apparent neglect in givinga moro prompt
reply. - -. -. -.
administration closed in 1858, considered my
political life as public man at an end and
thenceforth was only anxious to discharge my
duty as private citizen. Hence have taker
no active part in politics. But | have by nc
means been an Indifferent spectator OF passing e.
vents, nor have hesitated to express my opin-
ion on all political subjects when asked, nor tt
give my vote and private influence for those
men and measures l thought best calculated te
promote the prosperity and glory of our common
country. Beyond this deemed it improper fol
me to interfere. But this unsolicited and unex
pected nomination has imposed upon me new
duty, from which cannot shrink and therefore
approving, Us do, of the general objects the par
ty which has hon ored Inc with its confidence,
cheerfully accept its nomination without waiting
to enquire of itsprOspects success or defeat 1t
sufficient for me to know that by so doing lyieldto
the wishes of large portion fmy fellow citizens
in every part of the Union who like myself, are
sincerely anxious to see the administration o.
our government restored to that original sim.
plicity and purity which marked the first years
of its existence; and if possible to quiet that a.
farming sectional agitation, which, while it de-
lights the Monarchists of Europe, causes every
true friend of our own country 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 Con.
vention be sanctioned by the people, shall with
the same scrupulous regard for the rights of ev.
cry section of the Union which then influenced
nv conduct, endeavor to perform every duty
confded by the Constitution and laws to the Elk
ecutive.
AS the proceedings of this Convention have
marked a new era in the history of the country
by bringing new political organization into
the approaching Presidential canvass, take the
occasion to re-at'rm my full confidence in the
patriotic purposes of that organization, which
regard rs springing out of a public necessity,
forced upon the country to q large extent, by
unfortunate sectional divisions, and the danger
Gus tendency of those divisions towards disun,
ion. 1t alone, in my opinion, of all the politi
cal agencies now existing, is possessed of the
power to silence this violent and disastrous agi'
tation and to restore harmony by its own exam
pie of moderation and forbearance. 1t has {
claim, therefore: 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, freely adopt it:
great leading principles as announced in the re-
cent declaration of the National Council at Phil
delphia, copy of which you were so kind as te
enclose me, holding them to be just and liberia
to every true interest of the country, and wisely
adapted to the establishment and support OF al
enlightened, safe and effective American policy
in full accord with the ideas and hopes OF thu
fathers of our Republic.
| expect shortly to sail for America, and, will
the blessing of Divine Providence hope soon II
tread my native SOIL My opportunity of com
pairing my own country and the condition Of it
people with those of Europe, has only served
to increase my admiration and love for our owl
blessed land of liberty, and shall return to !
without even a desire ever to cross the Atlantic
again. Us
l beg of you, gentlemen, to accepts my thank
for the very fattering manner in which yol
have been pleased to communicate the result
of the action Of that enlightened and patriots
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. H. Stuart, Andrew Stewart
Erastus Brooks, E. B. Bartlett, VIM. J. Eames
I.L.o;,,, Mo,ob no,n,o5ffeo s......