Gazette and sentinel., 1860-09-15
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
John c. Breckinridge o.
OF KENTUCKY.
ICoNCLUpEp.1

am sure every generous spirit Will par
don me for referring to som vague ru-
mors which have reached my ears, trace
able to no distinct source, and appa.
rently owning no respectable parentage,
to the effect that my election was the
result of some understanding or ar
rangement between certain distinguish
ed gentlemen and myself, or between
their friends and mine. Nothing could
be more unjust aud insulting to yOu,
and 10 all embraced by the imputation.
Standing in the presence of the men
who elected me, | pronounce these ru-
mors to be wholly unfounded and false,
and for myself publicly declare that
| have not, in connection with these
proceedings, said, written or done any
thing which | am unwilling should be
known to the whole Legislature. This
trust was your free gift, and when it
came TO my hands ! received it unstain-
ed by the slightest faint of bargain or
intrigue. | accept it, proudly, CRATE
fully, happy to be associated in the pub
lie service with your admirable dclega-
ton in the House Of Representatives,
and the able and true-hearted gentle
man who will be my colleague in the
Senate, and with a loyal purpose to de-
serve your confidence"
4 breathless silence pcrvaded the
immense auditory Of Representatives
and citizens, as they listened with the
deepest attention to this mastery effort.
With his eye beaming and his heart
glowing with patriotic devotion to the
Constitution and Union, Mr.. Breckin-
ridge closed with a soul-stirring appeal
to the national and conservative men Of
all creeds to unite in the overthrow Of
the Republican organization, whose
doctrines. if carried out, will sap the
very foundations Of our Government.
He said:
The first duty of all those who love
their country is TO overthrow the Re-
publican party, and with this conviction
| should be untrue to Kentucky if | did
not plead for the union of all opposed
to that dangerous organization and to
fall to pieces on questions of less mag,
nitude than its defeat, is to surrender
to its domination and all the fatal con-
sequences that may ensue.
There is another element at the
North, not large, but noble and true.
1t consists of the scattered cohorts OF
the old Wing party, of men like Ever
EFT. Choate, and their associates, whose
conversation, culture and patriotism
rebelled against the Republican al
lance. Besides. there are many thou
sands in the Northern States who sci
dom attend the polls, and whose voices
have not been heard amidst the clamorS
that surround them. To all these le'
us appeal, let US solemnly demand
general revolt of the virtue and loyalt.
of the country against the perniclou'
principles that threaten its safety, an'
when all the forces are arrayed in thei
proper ranks, we shall be able to SCI
what remains to hope or fear.
For myself, l cherish a buoyan
hope in the destiny Of our common
country. 1t is not well To doubt tina
the good Providence which has protect
ed us in the past will take care of us /
the future, and out of these commotlon
will lead us to an era of tranquility an
!, peace"
The tried, trusty and successful lea
= der, in many a hard-fought battle, tn
t Democracy at Baltimore, with a UNI
!, nimity as 1attcring as it was just, 81
> lected Major Breckenridge as thei
! standard-bearer in the approaching
9 Presidential contest. Shrinking iror
no responsibilities which his countr,
: would impose upon him, he nobIy az
e cepts the post. In his letter OF acceE
5 lance of the nomination for the pres
dency. which so forcibly elucldates tn
0 true principles upon which this Govern
ment should be administered, he trutl
fully says: ,
81 have not sought or desired to b
, nlaced before the country for the ONO
a IF President. When my name wa
presented to the Convention at Charles
ton. il was withdrawn by a friend !
obedience to my wishes. My view
had not changed when the Conventio
reassembled at Baltimore, and when
: heard of the differences which occur
|, there, my indisposition to be connecte
= prominently with the anvass was co
= tirmed and expressed to many friend
or "Without discussing the occurrence
rs; which preceded the nominations, al
M n which are, or soon will be, well unde
stood by the country, | have only to S;
or that | approved as just and necessary
r A. oo1;ono1 ornapi,