Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1860-06-09
Acceptance of the Hon. John Bell.


Washington Hunt, accepting the nomina-
ticn for the Presidency, rendered by the
Constitutional Union Convention:
NASHVILLE May 81, 1860.
DEAR SIR:-Olfcal information of my
nomination to the Presidency by the Ma
tional Union Convention, of which you were
the presiding officer, was communicated to
me by your letter of the 18th instant, at
Philadelphia on the eve of my departure
with my family for my place of residence in
Tennessee, and difident, as | was, of my
worthiness, | did not hesitate to signify my
intention to accept the position assigned to
me by that distinguished and patriotic body.
But for convenience, and under a sense OF
prcpriety Of acting in so grave matter with
greater deliberation, | concluded, us | in
formed yon at the time, by IL private note, to
defer a formal acceptance until after my ar
rival at home.
Now, that have had ali the leisure
could desire for reflection upon the circum-
stances under which the nomination was
made, the purity of the motives, and the lof-
ty spirit Of patriotism by which the conven-
ton was animated, as cvinced in all its pro
cecdings, | can appreciate more justly the
honor done me by the nominations; and
though it might have been more fortunate
for the country had it fallen upon some one
of the many distinguished statesmen whose
names were brought TO the notice Of the con-
vention, rather than myself, accept it, with
all its possible responsibilities. Whatever
may be the issue OF the ensuing canvass, as
for myself | shall ever regard it rs Il proud
distinction, Zone worth life long effort
to attain to be pronounced worthy to re-
ceiye the highest Office in the government at
such Il time the present, and by such 4
convention as that which recently met IN
Baltimore-u convention far less imposing
by the number Of its members, large as 1t
was, than by their high character.
In it were men venerable alike Tor their
age and their public services, who would
not have been called from their voluntary
retirement from public life, but by the strong
est sense OF patriotic duty; others though
still in the prime Of life, ranking with the
first men Of the country by E0nors and dis
tinctons already acquired lii high official
pos;t!ons State and National many Of them
statesmen worthy to fill the highest Office III
the government; a still greater number occu-
pyiug the highest rank in their respective
professional pursuits: others distinguished
ence in various walks Of private life; and all
animated and united by one spirit, and enc
purpose, the result OF a strong conviction that
our political system, under the operation Of
complication Of disorders, is rapidly APP
preaching q crisis when Il speedy change
must take place, indicating, as III diseases
of the physical body. recovery az death.
Tn" convention, in describing the use Of
platforms, cxacts 10 pledge from those whom
they deem worthy Of the highest trust under
the government, wisely considering that Ac
surest guaranty Of Il mans future usefulness
and fidelity to the great Interests Of the coun-
try, in any official station to which he may
be chosen, is to be found in his past history
connected with the public service. The
pledge implied in my acceptance of the nom
nation of the National Union Convention, IS,
that, should be elected, | will not depart
from the spirit and tenor of my past course;
and the obligation to keep this pledge, de-
rivcs Il double force from the consideration
that none is required from me.
You, sir. in your letter containing the o1ii-
cial announcement Of my nomination, have
been released to ascribe to me the merit Of
moderation and justice in my past public
career. You have likewise given me credit
for uniform support Of ail wise and bene-
ticent measures of legislation, for Il firm re-
sstance to all measures calculated 10 engcn-
der sectional discord, and for a lifelong de-
vution to the union, harmony and prosper!-
ty Of these States. Whether your personal
partiality has led you to ovcrStatc my mer..
its as Il public man or not, in your ciIutncra-
ton Of them, you have presented sumIna-
ry--a basis of all sound American states
manshir. Ii may be objected that nothing
is said in this summary, in express terms, OF
the obligations imposed by the constitution,
but the duty to respect and observe them Is
clearly implied, for without the due obSeG-
vance, in the conduct Of the government, "t
the constitution, its restrictions and require
mcnts, fairly interpreted in accordance with
lis spirit and objects, there can be no end to
sectional discord-no security for the harmo-
ny of the Union.
have not the vanity to assume that in
my past connection with the public service,
| have exemplted the course of Il sound
American statesman; but if have deserved
the favorable view taken OF 1t, in YOU: letter,
NAV hope by faithful adherence to the
maxims by which | have heretofore been
guided. not altogether to dlsappOint the con
idcncc and expectations OF those who have
placed me in my present relation TO the pub
lie: and If, under Providence, should be
called TO preside over the affairs Of this great
country as the Executive chief o! the gov
ernment, the only further pledge feel call
ed upon to make, is, that to the utmost Of
my ability, and with whatever strength Of
will can command, all the powers and in
iuencc belonging to my oiiicla! station shall
be employed and directed ior the promotion
Of ali the great objects fer which tAc govern
ment was instituted; but more especially for
the maintenance uf the constitution and the
Union, against all opposing Influences and
tendencies.
cannot conclude this letter without cx-
pressing ny high qualification at the no'oI-
nation 70 the second Office under the govern
ment Of that emment!y gifted and diStln-
guiShed statesman Of Massachusetts,, Ed
ward Everett Il gentleman held by gcner-
al consent 10 he altogether worthy Of the
first
rendering my grateful acknowledgements
for the kind and complimentary remarks
with which ycu were pleased to accompany
the communication Of my nomination, am,
dear sir, with the highest respect your ODE
dent servant. Jui'N BELL.
- nova ,.la,, ~ nf