The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-07-17
ANOTHER LETTER FROM MR.. SARGENT.
Communicated to tho New York Express]

WAsnINoroS, July IL, 1858.
My DEAR SIR Herewith you will receive printed
letter which would have been private had it not
already, by fair means FOUL appeared in the Onion
1t speaks for ITSELF and respectfully call your attention
to and request your ideas in regard to the suggestions
therein made and the views expressed You are at lib
erty to show 1t to friends with view to consult them in
regard to forming union of all the clements of oppo
son to the corrupt and demoralized party In pos
session of the federal make any other
use Of it you may think proper
You will observe that have said nothing about any
individual the candidate of the opposition in 1860.
have only indicated what sort of he ought to be-
We have many among us whose experience and marked
abilities statesmen eninently fit them for office of
President and in whose integrity and patriotism the peo
ple have entire confidence but at this early day who Is
to be the candidate is an inquiry secondary to the
question: ''can the opposition so unite to act with
efficiency and power in l860P II they can, and shall
act judcously in selecting candidates for President and
Vice President they will be elected by triumphant
ority But If the various opposition organizations
determined to keep up angry warfare upon each other
like the ancient clans of Scotland the benefit of their
enemy there thousands, and tens of thou
sands whoseeing hope of success and disgusted by
such folly, will retire from the field and take further
part the political conflicts Of the country guided and
controlled they then would be by of inadequate
abilities and ambitious designs.
Good men, actuated by high and disinterested mo-
tives whose ambition it is TO render service to their
country by promoting her welfare ready to
unite for the accomplishment of such praseworthy pur
poses 1t is not they who throw obstacles In the way
when great ODectS IN NO, Sir IL is not The
opposition of such conservative that apJne
hencd but the jealouses and hosttes of those who
think they have attained positions in their respective
ganzations which may be jcoparded lost should
their party lose its distinctive character and identity by
being merged in, united to. any other The motives
Of such transparent they influenced by no
other than groveing and demeaning selhshness.
But the great body of the people animated by such
debased feeling and we have good reason to believe,
therefore, that they will unhesatingy encourage any
movement having for its object reform in the admins
traton of our national government change of admin
tton and of the commercial and industrial policy Of the
country-a change, in short, of and
Were speaking in this matter Gu the printed etter)
in my name and behalf alone, should be Justly
chargeable with arrogance and presumption. am how
ever but the organ of number of gentlemen whose po
stons, reputation, public services, and unselfsh
ves entitlc them to the respect and influence they
doubtedly enjoy but whose shall not pres
ent at least make known. When 1t becomes ncces-
sary they will justify, as they have already approved,
my doings in the premises.
Very truly and respectfully, your friend and obedient
servant, N. SARGENT.