Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-09-18
wOOpBrnr, September 9Th, 1860.

WOODBURY., September 9Th, 1860
GEy WM B. BATE. Gallatin, Tenn: Dear Sir
Yours Of the first of this instant has been received
and contents duly noticed. You say, as my name
has been used in connection with the DOUGLAS ticket
it is important that my position should be known.
In response, win say sir, to know my position
opinions would be Of any service, either shall be
| freely given It is well known have been and am
stllI an admirer of STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS The faith
full services he has rendered the country in sustain
ing the doctrines of the Democratic party, his able
efforts in Congress- and his manly exertions in giving
life and vigor to Democratic movements in warning
against Black Republicanism, should entitle him to
the highest position within the gift of the people,
though his party may differ with him upon ques-
tons of minor Importance 1t should not be expect
ed that any man can frame his opinions so as to
meet the appreciation of all parties and sections in
every particular in relation to matters of policy
/ While thus admire Mr.. DOUGLAS for his talent
and services, am at the same time an admirer of
| JOHN c. BRECENRIDGE and JOSEPH LANE whose pa
triotic services entitle them to an equal share of
public confidence. Then permit me to say that none
deeply regret the present state of things than
l d. Evils that are upon us, however must of
necessity exhaust their strength in destroying what
ever virtue they may DouGLAs was my first choice,
BRECKENRIDGE and LANE my second. We're l living
in State where there is a chance for Mr.. DOUGLAS
Iwould certainly give him hearty support. All
are acquainted with the state of facts IN Tennessee
there is ardent for Mr.. DOUGLAS as to say
ne has the shadow of chance in Tennessee or that
he will be benefited by having a ticket here, not
withstanding he is the favorite of many. In Ten
Dessee the contest is wholly between BREoKINR1DGE
and BELL; that being the case those who prefer Mr.
BELL to Mr.. BRECKNRIDGE can with consistency vote
for Mr.. DoUGLAs-thus throw away their votes ex-
cept so far as it assists BELL. As for me- prefer
BRECKENRIDGE and LANE to BELL and EvERETT. Every
two votes cast for Mr. DOUGLAS are equivalent to
one for Mr.. BELL, this no can eontrovert There
is another reason why we DOUGLAS men should aban
don our favorte: 1t is evidently uncertain to the
election of any one of the candidates before the
people-the election then in that event goes the
House of Representatives. The struggle then i:
first before the people, secondly to get into the
House-it is admitted by all that in that even
ABRAHAM LINCOLN will get there, and BRECDNRIDGI
will get there, then the fight is between Mr. DoUG
LAS and BELL to which shall get in the House al
the third Then the vote of the State must al
. /
LAS men to give this State to BRECENRIDGE and thu
weaken Mr.. BELLS chances to get into the House
These and other reasons caused me to refuse to @,
upon the DOUGLAS ticket. 1 do not feel willing Il
give laid and comfort" to a man who has eve
warred against the party to which beoDg-at tn
same time knowing 1 could not benefit Mr.. DOUGLAS
and perhaps might njure his chances to get into tn
: House The active part Mr.. BELL has played upol
the political stage in trying to defeat the action o
the Democratic party, in opposing its measures,
abusing its leaders, is enough to arouse to action
spirit of opposition to him in the breast of ever,
true Democrat.
will say, IN relation to my name in connection
with the DUoGLAs ticket that it much unexpect
ed to me, that would be thus honored. During tn
last three years have devoted my time exclusively
to the study and practice of the law, and have playe
an inactive part upon the political arena.
highly appreciate the hOnOrs conferred upon mi
by the convention bringing my name before tn
public in the capacity of an electOr upon a Presi
Dental ticket, and ready to acknowledge mysel
unworthy the compliment.
l have not time to enlarge further.
Yours respectfully, H. ]. ST. JOIN.