Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1860-06-15
MR.. EVERETT TO HON. WASHINGTON HUNT.

My DEAR SIR II have duly received your letter
of the llth, in which you inform me officially that
the National Union Convention, recently in session
at Baltimore, had done me the honor to nominate
me as its candidate for the Office of yce-Presdent
of the United States.
| am deeply impressed with this manifestation of
the favorable opinion of the Convention, compris-
ing as IL did among its members so many persons
distinguished for public service, patriotism and in
tellgence; and fairly representing considerable
portion of the conservative feeling of the country.
For the great cordiality with which, as you inform
me, my name was proposed and received, my warm
est thanks are due.
The grateful acceptance of such nomination
would, under ordinary circumstances, be matter
OF course; but it has unavodably been with me
the subject of long and ANXIOUS hesitation. The
grounds of this hesitation, owe IL to the Conven-
ton, which has honorcd me with this mark of it's
confidence, and to myself TO explain loath as
am to dwell on matters of personal interest of no
Importance to the public.
II is generally known that | have for some years
past retired from active participation in political
life, not, as | hope have shown, from Incidence
or want ofsympathy with my fellow citizens in the
pursuit of the great objects of social life The rea-
sons Ofmy retirement have been more than once
publicly stated and beg to repeat them here from
my speech at the Union meeting Faneuil Hall; last
December:
81 did not suppose that anything could occur
which would make me think it my duty to appear
again on this platform, on any occasion of politi-
cal character; and had this meeting been of party
nature, or designed to promote any party purposes
should not have been here. When compelled by
the prostraton of my health, five years ago to re-
sign the distinguished place which then filed in
the public service, it was with expectation no
wish, and no intention of ever again mingling in
the scenes of public life. l have accordingly with
the partial restoration ofmy health abstaincd from
all participation in political action of any kind
partly because have found more congenal and
as | venture 10 think, more useful occupation in
seeking TO rally the affections of my countrvmen
North and South, to that great name and precious
memory which are left almost alone ofal the num-
erous kindly associations, which once bound the
different sections of the country together and also
because between the extremes of opinion that have
long distracted and now threaten to convulse the
country, find no middle ground of practical use
fulness, on which a friend of moderate counsels
can stand.'
1t having been suggested to me, notwithstanding
these avowals, that might be thought Of at the
Union Convention, a candidate for the Presidency
! requested by telegTaphc message and by letter,
that my name, if brought forward might be with
drawn 1t is true that in these communications
had only in view nomination to the Presidency.
none other having been suggested to me but all
the reasons above Indicated which led me in ad-
equal force to the Vice Presidency. These reasons
of course, still exist in unimpaired force and can
not now take an active part in politics without
abandoning deliberately formed purpose, and even
exposing myself TO the suspicion Of nsincerty in its
persistent ayowal.
Without dwelling upon these considerations, of
which, however, am sure the weight will he ad-
mitted, beg leave to advert for moment to my
connection will the movement for the purchase Of
Mount Vernon, TO which your letter aludes in such
oblging terms. The favor which has attended my
eXertOns in that cause (fI may without indelicacy
say any thing that subject) has been mainly the
result of my known and recognized dsconnection
from party politics. IL it could have been even
plaLsiby insinuated that was, or intended To be-
come candidate for high political honors, should
in my various excursions in aid of that fund have
laid myself open 10 Ie imputation of speaking one
word for Mount Vernon and two for myself As il
is, the people throughout the Union have generous
ly given me credit for having single eye to that
meritorious object. As far rs the purchase of Mt
Vernon is concerned, that object has been effected
under the judicous and efficient management of the
Regent and Vice Regents of the Association, with
the aid Of their intelligent and active assistants
throughout the Union. but a sum Of money equal
to that already raised is still wanting for the repair
Of the Mansion the enclosure of the land purchased
the restoration Of the house and grounds, far
practicable, to their condition in 1900, aud the
Ns'f''ehAiNhN VI u lNtuithtul luuu lOf lutlI fOu-
servation. ! own that am desirous still TO enjoy
the privilege of cooperating in this noble work,
which, however, it will be impossible for me to do
To any advantage, whatever may be the result Of
the present canvass, If am now drawn into the
vortex OF a strenuously contested election. There
are many parts of the country which have not yet
visited. had promised myself rich harvest from
the patriotic ibeaty of the States on the Gulf of
Mexico and of those on the Mississippi river (which
have not yet been able TO visit, with the eXcep-
ton of Missouri though often kindly inyited) and
confess that IL is very painful To me to withdraw
nom that broad field of congenial labor, to tread
the thorny aud hankiess paths of politics
Apart from the pecuniary aspects Of the case,
which, however, are Of considerable importance,
will eandidly say, that IN holding up to the admirnE
yeneiaton Of the American people the peerless
name of Washington, (almost the only bond of fra
ternal sentiment which the bitterness OF sectional
controversies has len u.s. feel As if | was doing