The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-06-01
Letter from Mr.. Seward.

The following letter has been addressed by
Mr.. Seward to the gentlemen Of the Republican
Central Committee, who invited him to attend
a meeting to be held for the ratification Of the
proceedings Of the National Convention
AuBuRS. May 81, 1860.
GENTLEMEN IL will not affect to conceal the
sensibiity with which have received the let
tiers In which You and 30 many other respected
friends have rendered to me expressions OF re-
newed and enduring confidence These letters
will remain with me rs assurances IN future
years, that although I was not unwilling TO
await, even for another age, the yindication OF
my political principles. yet that they did new.
crtheless receive the generous support OF many
good, wise, and patriotic men OF my own
time.
Such assurances, however made, under the
circumstances now existing, derive their price.
less value largely from the fact that they steal
upon me through the channels OF private cor
respondence, and altogether unknown to the
world. You will at once perceive that such eK;
pressions would become painful to me, and
Justly offensive to the community, II they should
be allowed to take on any public or convention.
nj form OF manifestation. For this reason, II
IL were respectful and consistent with your
own public purposes, would have delayed my
reply 10 you until could have had IN oppor-
tunity of making II verbally next week on my
way to Washington, AFTER completing the ar
RAM ements for the repairs upon my dwelling
here, rendered necessary by recent hre.
The same reason determines me also ID de-
cline your kind invitation to attend the meeting
Id which you propose some demonstrations OF
respect to myself while so justly considering
the nominations which have been made by the
recent National Convention at Chicago.
A. s,n,a In
frank and candid exposition Of my own opin-
ions and sentiments on that impoi tant subject.
My friends know very well that while they
have always generously made my promotion to
public trust their own exclusive care. mine has
only been to execute them faithfully. 30 as to
be able at the close Of their assigned terms to
resign them into the hands Of the people with
out forfeiture Of the public confidence. The
presentation OF my name to the Chicago Con-
yention was thus their act, not mine, The dis
appointment, therefore, Is their disappoint-
prepared On the other hand have no senti-
ment either Of disappointment or discomfort;
tor who In any possible case could, without pre-
sumption, claim that great national party
ought to choose him for It's candidate for the
irst Office In the gin Of the American people !
find In the resolutions of the convention o
platform rs satisfactory to me rs u II had been
Framed with my own hands. and In the candi-
dates adopted by II eminent and able hcpubli,
cans, with whom I have, cordially co-operated
In maintaining the principles embodied In that
excellent creed. I cheerfully give them sim
cere and earnest support.
I trust, moreover, that those with whom
have labored SO long that common service In
noble cause has created between them and my
self relations Of personal friendship unsurpass-
ell In the experience Of political men, will In.
dulge me in common belief that no sense OF
disappointment will be allowed by them to him
der or delay, or In any way enibarrass the pro-
gress of that cause to the consummation which
Is demanded by patriotic regard to the safety
and welfare Of the country and the best inter-
ests Of mankind.
I am. sincerely and respectfully,
Your friend and obedient servant,
WILLIAM II. SEWARD.
To liessrs. Chas. C Mott, VIM. II. Bull, A.
J. Williamson, C. 8. Spencer and Z. W. Shep'
herd--for the Republican Central Committee.